Obituaries – Nov. 8, 2012
Martha Nell Tyler Edwards
WATER VALLEY—Martha Nell Tyler Edwards, 86, of Water Valley died peacefully at her home October 30, 2012.
Born in 1926 in Water Valley, she was a daughter of the late Rufus William and Sarah Elizabeth McCormick Tyler. She was devoted to her husband of 59 years, Tom Edwards, who preceded her in death. Her children tell that she masqueraded as a homemaker, while in fact she was a busy wedding planner, art teacher, crafter, and florist. She was a charter member of the Town and Country Garden Club, and enjoyed the long standing fellowship of her bridge pals for over 50 years. Mrs. Edwards was a die hard Blue Devil fan and rarely missed a game when her children and grandchildren played. She taught numerous Sunday School classes over the years at First Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member.
Visitation was held Thursday, November 1, from nine until eleven o’clock in Water Valley First Baptist Church. The service followed immediately, with Dr. Randy Bain officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Kevin Edwards, Ty Edward, Jason Edwards, Tripp Edwards, Hunter Edwards, Taylor Edwards, and Brad Jackson as pallbearers.
Mrs. Edwards is survived by one daughter, Nell Edwards Jobe of Water Valley; three sons, Tommy Edwards, Mike Edwards (Patsy), and Dr. Steve Edwards (Dawn), all of Water Valley; a sister, Bonnie Tyler Crosby of Indianola; eight grandchildren, Kevin Edwards, Ty Edwards, Jason Edwards, Tripp Edwards, Hunter Edwards, Taylor Edwards, Tabitha Jackson, and Rebecca Edgar; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Edwards, and two brothers, James Ray Tyler and Col. John Stanley Tyler.
Condolences may be offered at www.sevenoaksfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Tutor Harrison
WATER VALLEY—Barbara Tutor Harrison, age 75, died Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in Yalobusha General Hospital at Water Valley.
Born in 1937 in Oakland, Mrs. Harrison was a daughter of the late Roscoe Roosevelt and Alice Pauline Pendergrass Tutor. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Water Valley. Mrs. Harrison enjoyed her flowers and working in her garden and she dearly loved her family.
The funeral service was held at eleven o’clock in the morning Saturday, November 3, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home, with Bro. Danny Kelley officiating. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery, near Water Valley.
Survivors include her daughter, Elaine Harrison (finance Michael Crow) of Water Valley; a son, Mark Noah Harrison of Horn Lake; two sisters, Oneal Hillhouse of Banner and Bessie Methvin of Water Valley; a brother, John Tutor (Bonnie) of Hernando; three grandchildren, Lesley Mason, Zachary Kelsoe and Mark Noah Harrison, Jr.; and one great-grandson, Mark Noah Harrison, III.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milford Noah Harrison, and a brother, Louis Tutor.
Online condolences may be offered at www.sevenoaksfuneralhome.com.
Dorothy Daum Steele
MARRERO, LA—Dorothy Daum Steele of Marrero, Louisiana went to be with her precious Lord on September 11, 2012, at the age of 88.
She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Clifford Steele; mother of Kathryn Steele of Slidell, La, Michael Clifford Steele (Christine) of Marrero, Paula Steele Evans (David) of Slidell, and Kelly Ben Steele (Mona) of Harvey, La.
Her parents were the late Andrew Tracey Daum and Charley Kate Stewart, and she was a sister of Jane Blackburn of Tallahassee, Fla., Peggy Pohorence of Blairsville, Georgia, Jerry Daum of Water Valley, and the late Andrew Daum and Loretta Salyer. Her grandchildren are Myles, Kelly, Jr., Stephanie, Daphne, Kimberly, Michael, greatchildren are Allie, Ben, Hunter, Mia, Tori and Luke.
She so cherished the comfort, care and companionship from her granddaugher, Kimberly Bernard Tallman, during the months before her death.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 10, at 10 a.m., at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Ave., Gretna, La.
Gertie Avant Smith
RULEVILLE—Gertie Avant Smith, 97, of Ruleville passed away Friday, November 2, 2012, in Bolivar Medical Center.
Visitation was held from two until three o’clock in the afternoon Sunday, November 4, in Ray Funeral Home. Services were held immediately following visitation, with Bro. James Wilkerson officiating. Interment followed in the North Cleveland Cemetery, with Guy Little, Josh Little, John Lovett, Jamie Haynes, James Lunford, and Marvin Robinson as pallbearers.
Born October 24, 1915, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Joe S. and Sallie Wiltshire Avant. She was a member of the Drew Baptist Church and worked as a nurse for over 25 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star Clarksdale Chapter 115. Mrs. Smith enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, and gardening, and she was a homemaker and a member of the home demonstration club for 50 years. She was also a member of the Mississippi Heath System.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas A. Smith; brothers, Aubrey Avant and Alton Avant; and a sister, Verdie Avant Tyler.
Survivors include a daughter, Sally C. Miles of Ruleville; one sister, Gracie Odell Avant Farmer of Water Valley; and a host of nieces and nephews; and special nieces, Shelly Little of Boyle and Linda Lovette of Cleveland.
Katie Lou “Polly” Waller
COFFEEVILLE—Katie Lou “Polly” Waller, 80, died Friday, October 26, 2012, at her home in Coffeeville.
The funeral service was held at two o’clock in the afternoon, Monday, October 29, in the Chapel of National Funeral, with Bro. Bobby Murphree officiating. Burial followed in the Coffeeville Cemetery. National Funeral Home of Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
Born October 18, 1932, Mrs. Waller was a daughter of the late Robert and Katie Goad Ingram of Coffeeville. She was employed by McGregory Coat Factory as a seamstress and was a member of Elam Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Daniel E. “Buster” Waller of Coffeeville; five sons, George Wayne Morgan, Andy Doyle Morgan, Randy Paul Morgan, and Kenneth Powell Morgan, all of Charleston, and Kerry Louise Morgan of Parchman; one brother, Cecil Ingram of Batesville; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Waller was preceded in death by her first husband, George Powell “Bud” Morgan, and a son, James Edward Morgan.