Obituaries 01/14/21
Jackie David Clayton
WATER VALLEY— Jackie David Clayton, age 89, of Water Valley, MS died Friday, January 8, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Known as “Rock” from an early age, he was born June 18, 1931 in South Carolina to the late Adam and Julia (Parler) Clayton. After graduating from high school, Rock served our country during the Korean war in the United States Navy . After his service, he attended college at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He worked at, and eventually retired from, Koppers Industries in Grenada, MS as plant manager. Rock had served as the president of the Moose Lodge, and was a member of VFW Post 4488 in Grenada, MS. He was a vital part of the restoration effort at the Pine Valley School House. Rock loved fishing, hunting, cooking out with his friends Billy Dorris and Jimbo Thompson, attending gospel singing, and Tabernacle Church. He also enjoyed traveling to Trinity Methodist Church in Givens South Carolina for the Clayton family reunions.
Due to family members that are currently quarantined, service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Rock is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joni Camp – Clayton; three sons, David Clayton of Charleston, SC, Kevin Clayton (Stephanie) of Moncks Corner, SC, Thomas Clayton; one brother, Johnny Clayton of Givhans, SC; one sister, Betty Freeman, of Savannah, SC; eight grandchildren, with one special grandchild, Corey Arbuckle (Roger); and five great grandchilden.
Melvin Ford
WATER VALLEY – Melvin Ford, age 87, of Water Valley finished his earthly journey Monday, January 11, 2021, in Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi at Oxford.
Born October 14, 1933, in Oakland, Melvin was a son of the late Roy and Mavourleen Badley Ford. After graduating high school, Melvin furthered his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Delta State, studying at the University of Mississippi and receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from the Memphis State University. He then started a 30-year career in teaching and administration. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Melvin was elected Yalobusha County Superintendent of Education and was Principal of Davidson Elementary.
After retiring from the education field, Melvin became a banker for 11 years, including being the branch manager at The Peoples Bank & Trust. Melvin was a very active member of First United Methodist Church in Water Valley where he served as a Sunday School teacher, was a member of the administrative board, and a member of the choir. He was also very active in the community that he loved. Melvin was the organizer, charter member, former president, and life member of the Water Valley Ambassadors. He also served in the Rotary Club, was past president of the Lions Club, and past president of the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Chamber’s Braswell Hatching Award for community service.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, January 14, from noon until 2 p.m. in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Reed McCaleb officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, with Patton Ford, Scott Young, Steele Ford, Lee Ford, Ben Ford, Robbie Parsons, Chris Ross, and Eddie Magee as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Larson, Binnie Turnage, Bennie Taylor, Eddie Ray, John Ingram. Bill Taylor, Jack Sartain, C. T. Hand, John Robbinson, Charles Thomas and Larry Carr.
Melvin is survived by a daughter, Margie Ford; one granddaughter, Hannah Cook; and his twin brother, Marvin Ford, all of Memphis.
In addition to his parents Melvin was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Cecil Ford; and five brothers, John Ford, Charles Ford, Roy Ford, James Ford and Raymond Ford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, 603 N. Main St., Water Valley, MS 38965.
Billy Thomas Johnson
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Billy Thomas Johnson, age 83, of Huntsville, Ala., died Friday, January 8, 2021, at his home with family by his side.
Born December 21, 1937, he was a son of the late Fate and Gertie Shepard Lawrence. Until his retirement, Billy delivered propane gas. His favorite thing to do when he wasn’t working was to travel back home to Mississippi to visit friends and family.
Visitation was held Sunday, January 10, from 2-3 p.m. in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Vance officiating. Burial was in Browning Cemetery in Lafayette County.
Billy is survived by one son, Dewayne Johnson of Starkville; a daughter, Sharon Clark (Randall) of Huntsville, Ala.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margie Darby of Water Valley.
Along with his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Emma Tatum Johnson.
Jimmy Lee Tutor
GULF COAST—Jimmy Lee Tutor, age 72, passed from this life into his Savior’s arms on December 2, 2020.
Born in Water Valley, he was a son of the late Hollis Lee and Lucille Summers Tutor. He was a 1966 graduate of Water Valley High school and attended Northwest Junior College at Senatobia. Jimmy served in the Mississippi National Guard for 12 years and had a 33-year career with UPS.
After his retirement from UPS, he and his wife enjoyed living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where they enjoyed participating in classic car activities and all things the coast had to offer. Jimmy was a kind and compassionate man, who was dearly loved by his family, friends and all animals.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny Tutor; a daughter, Rhonda Thompson; a son, Mark Tutor (Mary); a stepson, David Bates (Christina); three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and a sister, Venea Stark (Billy) of Water Valley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Patsy Ann Tutor.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, 1357 Wade Patrick Road, Brandon, MS 39642, or a charity of choice.
A memorial service will be held in Water Valley at a later date.
Doris Elaine McDaniel West
OAKLAND—Mrs. Doris Elaine McDaniel West, 60, of Oakland, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi at Oxford.
Born February 20,1960, in Lexington, Doris will be remembered as a devoted homemaker and loving wife and mother.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 9, in Magnolia Cemetery at Batesville with Rev. Joseph Sansing officiating. Pallbearers were Tommy Bowers, William Bowers, Christian Carmichael, Lance Ellis, William Taylor, and Larry Wiggins. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada had charge of arrangements.
Survivors include her husband, Terry West; a daughter, Crystal Ducker of Oakland; four sons,Phillip McDaniel of Grenada, Denver L. Bowers, II (Kristie) of Carrollton, Jason West (Angie) of Senatobia, and Timothy West (Brooke) of Marks; one sister Diane Goss (Mike) of Leflore; two brothers, Johnny McDaniel (Iona) of LaGrange, Ga. and Cleo McDaniel (Martha) of Grenada; 12 grandchildren, John Michael McDaniel, Austin Reid McDaniel, Cooper McDaniel, Dalton Lee Bowers, Sayler McDaniel, Austin Alex Mitchell, Caleb West, Hunter West, Bowen West, Christian Ann West, Cheyenne Massey, and Cherish Matthews; and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ida B. Reed Henry; father, Wilie Albert McDaniel; sister, Patricia Ann Wiggins; and three brothers, Larry, Jim and Michael McDaniel.