Obituaries 09/16/21

Lettie Blackwood
WATER VALLEY – Lettie Redwine Blackwood age 78 passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at her home.
Lettie was born November 27, 1942 to the late Leonard Aubrey and Mary Catherine Murray Redwine. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Water Valley.
Lettie worked as a telephone operator at South Central Bell and also as a bookkeeper at Blackwood & Howell. A loving mother and grandmother, Lettie enjoyed hunting, fishing, boat riding in the summer and cooking for friends and family.
Lettie was known for her caramel cakes and her willingness to always help out friends, family and strangers.
Lettie is survived by her companion of 25 years, James T. True; one daughter, Bonnie Blackwood Hill; one son, Wess Blackwood; and two granddaughters, Peyton Hill Miller and Catherine Hill.
Along with her parents, Lettie was preceded in death by her brother Leonard Aubrey Redwine Jr.
Visitation was held Friday, September 10, at the First Presbyterian Church in Water Valley. Services followed at 1 p.m. with Bro. Harold Sprayberry officiating. Burial was in Hopewell Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Rickey Dean Britt, Sr.
OXFORD – Rickey Dean Britt, Sr., 67, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, in Oxford.
Rickey was passionate about his work and his family and made sure to instill these same values in his children and grandchildren. Rickey owned many businesses including Britt Mobile Homes, The Cedar Bucket, and Britt Trucking. Whatever the venture was, Rickey was sure to give it his all and never stopped until the job was finished.
He always wanted to put a smile on someone’s face, whether by telling a joke or making a sarcastic comment, all in good fun. Rickey enjoyed visiting with everyone he knew and was never known to cut a visit short. He truly never met a stranger! His family laughs recalling that he couldn’t go anywhere quickly. Rickey knew everyone, and was always striking up a conversation. He had a genuine interest in how you were doing,and truly enjoyed catching up with friends – new or old. Rickey kept family and friends at the center of his life.
Rickey is preceded in death by his parents, Hulen Dean and Guyola Gertrude Britt; a brother, David Anthony Britt; and great granddaughter, Presley.
Rickey is survived by his wife of 10 years, Midge Britt of Oxford; two daughters, Tracy Hannaford (Jim) of Batesville, and Kimberly Dawn Mason (Jeff); a step-daughter, Tonya Lee; a son, Rickey Dean (Dianna) Britt, Jr.; and a step-son, Bill Tidwell (Jeana) all of Oxford; a sister, Mickey Jane Douglas (Billy Wayne) of Hendersonville, Tenn.; two honorary brothers, Greg Dykes and Vic Wilson both of Oxford; 16 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was held Monday, September 13, 2021, at New Prospect Baptist Church with Rev. Buster Wilson and Mr. Greg Dykes officiating. Visitation was prior to the service. The graveside service followed at Old Union Cemetery in Tula.

James Scott Bumgardner
OXFORD – James Scott Bumgardner, 49, died on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in Oxford.
Scott was born on October 20, 1971, in Oxford. He was a member of the former Liberty Road Baptist Church in Bruce. He had nearly 30 years of experience as a surveyor, with 27 years at Elliott Britt Engineering. He was employed at Ste-Bill Grading, Inc. at the time of his death.
He was a passionate outdoorsman and enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing. He spent as much time as possible in nature where he found the most peace. He was a faithful fan of Ole Miss football. Above all, Scott cherished time with his son, J.B. He spent every free moment he could with him, sharing with him the passion he had for nature, hunting and sports.
Scott is preceded in death by his father, James Larry Bumgardner; and two sisters, Connie Renee Miller and Celia Devona Miller.
Scott is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jannie and Cecil Bowers of Oxford; his son, James “J.B.” Scott Bumgardner Jr. of Oxford; his fiancée, Ashli Brooke Pass of Water Valley; a sister, Tana Bumgardner of Houston; a stepbrother, Jeff Miller of Germantown, Tenn.; and two nephews, Zack Poteete and Brylee Poteete.
The funeral services were held Monday, September 13, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home. Rev. Wesley Hughes officiated. Visitation was held prior to the service. The graveside service was held Yocona Cemetery in Taylor.

Georgia Ann Hervey
WATER VALLEY – Georgia Ann Hervey, known as “Momma, Auntie, More, and Madea,” made her transition home on August 28, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born on July 23, 1929, in Water Valley to the late Lewis and Leona Riley.
Leaving to God’s eternal care are three daughters; Patricia Renee Isom (George) of Oxford, Floree Holmes of Water Valley and Ever Lee Hervey of Tupelo; a loving son, William Hervey, Jr. and a special son, Carey Stepter, Jr., both of New Orleans, La.; a special nephew, Michael Booker-Arnold; two special granddaughters, Qua’Shadra Hervey (TT) and Edith Woodall (Gook) all of Water Valley; two special great-grandchildren “Boosieman” (KC) and Sista Gal (Zy), of Water Valley; and a special great-great-granddaughter, Raniah, “that little fass girl” as she would say, of Aberdeen. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grand children and great, great, great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Hervey; a sister, Agness Edell Riley Booker; one son, Willie L. Hervey; two daughters, Georgiann Marie Hervey and JoAnn Woodall; and two grandsons, D’Anthony McCollins and Bobby Baker.
Visitation was Friday, September 3, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home Services were Saturday, September 4, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Rev. Gary Pomerlee officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery.