Obituaries 11/19/20

Bessie Mae Hughes
WATER VALLEY—Bessie Mae Hughes, 90, of Water Valley departed her earthly home November 11, 2020, in the Yalobusha County Nursing Home.
Born February 17, 1930, in Water Valley, Bessie Mae was a daughter of the late Golie and Addie Bell Mize. Bessie was a life-long resident of Water Valley and a member of First Baptist Church. She also belonged to the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years. She dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker. She enjoyed the simple things in life, such as being an avid reader, playing scrabble and bridge. She also loved traveling, and she had camped in all 50 states and abroad.
A graveside service was held Monday, November 16, beginning at 2 p.m., in Oak Hill Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.
Bessie is survived by one daughter, Terry McQueen (Mike) of Houston, Texas; a sister, Mary Lou Jones of Water Valley; three grandsons, Cam McQueen, Tyler McQueen (Annie) and Matt McQueen (Catherine); four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo Hughes, and a brother, Golie Mize, Jr.

Nancy Sheffield-Edmundson
MEMPHIS – Nancy Person Sheffield-Edmundson, age 79, passed away November 6, 2020.
She was born August 16, 1941 in Velma, Mississippi to Nellie Gray Whalen and James Stewart Person. She was raised in Water Valley, Mississippi and loved playing basketball. Nancy received her master’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi. She was a second grade teacher and an educator in DeSoto County and Shelby County, Tenn. She was a former member of First United Methodist Church, Southaven, Mississippi. She enjoyed gardening and walking. She loved being Nana to her grandchildren.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Dyanna Randall (Cal); a son, David Sheffield (Molly); grandchildren, Dylan Randall, Dallas Randall, Dawson Sheffield, Reagan Sheffield, and Gavin Sheffield; siblings, Patricia Hawkins, James Person, and Joy Windham; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Johnny Person.
The family received friends on Wednesday, November 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 12 at 10 a.m., all in the Popular Chapel of Memphis Funeral Home. Entombment is in Memphis Memory Gardens.
The family requests any memorial donations to be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Elvis Vance Potts
BATESVILLE—Elvis Vance Potts, age 74, passed away Friday, November 13, in his home at Batesville.
The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 16, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home at Batesville, with interment following in the Mt. Liberty Cemetery, near Water Valley.
Elvis was born January 24, 1946 in Water Valley to the late Charlie Rufus and Willie Vance Potts. He retired from T.V.E.P.A. as a right-of-way tree trimer. He had a passion for old classic cars and attended many car shows. He also enjoyed  hunting. Most Friday evenings Elvis could usually be found at the V.F.W. in Water Valley singing karaoke.
Elvis leaves his son, Van Potts (Kellie) of Batesville; a brother, Jimmy Dale Potts of Batesville; a granddaughter, Jordan Potts; and two grandsons, Logan and Tyler Potts.

Lottie Mae Smith White
OXFORD—Mrs. Lottie Mae Smith Wood White, 89, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020, in Oxford.
Visitation was held Sunday, November 15, in Coleman Funeral Home at Oxford. A graveside service followed in Ford’s Well Cemetery, near Water Valley. Bro. David Floyd officiated Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Lottie was a person who had a caring, loving and gentle soul and who loved everyone, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, working in her puzzle books and collecting dolls. When she was able, she enjoyed gardening and then canning her harvest each fall. Her skills in crocheting were exceptional.
Survivors include three sons, Bobby Wood (Sarah) of Water Valley, Johnny Wood (Cindy) of Water Valley, and Larry Wood of Michigan; two daughters, Bonnie Lowery of Maryland and Karen McKay of Michigan; 25 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Lottie was preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas Smith, Jr. and Ruby Viola Norwood Smith.