Obituaries 11/25/2021
John Henry Biggers, Jr.
OAKLAND – John (Jack) Henry Biggers, Jr., age 89, of Oakland passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Brookdale Oak Hollow Memory Care in Bedford, Texas Born September 4, 1932 in Webb, he was the second of three children of the late John Henry Biggers, Sr. and Vida Inez Biggers. Jack loved The Lord and was faithful to Sylva Rena Baptist Church in Water Valley.
There will be a celebration of life in the Spring of 2022 in the Oakland/Water Valley area. Details to be announced at a later date.
Jack is survived by one brother, Aaron Biggers of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister-in-law Mary Biggers of Bedford, Texas; four nieces, Claire Ulrich (Max) of Bedford, Texas, Lou Ann Scherer (Joe) of Bedford, Texas, Susan Biggers Horn of Bedford, Texas and Sarah Pittman (Paul) of Baton Rouge, La.; two nephews, John Biggers of Bedford, Texas, and Lewis Biggers (Cheryl) of Austin, Texas, as well as many great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Along with his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Lester Biggers and sister-in-law Ann Biggers.
Mattie F. Anthony Chrestman
SOUTHAVEN – Mattie F. Anthony Chrestman, 93, of Southaven died on September 3, 2021, at Yalobusha Nursing Home. The daughter of Eddie A. and Fannie Hall Anthony, Mattie was born in Water Valley on July 4, 1928.
The funeral service was held on September 7 at Carriage Hills Baptist Church in Southaven with Bro. Matt Bradley officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley. Her nephews, Steve Chrestman, Jerry W. Anthony, Richy J. Anthony, James D. Anthony, Anthony Whitehead and Dan Whitehead, were pallbearers. Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mattie is survived by her children, John Chrestman, tony (Charlotte) Chrestman, Debbie and Russ Evan; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a niece who lives in Water Valley, Jeannette Whitehead; and two nephews who live in Water Valley, Claude Anthony and Mark Anthony.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Floyd L. Chrestman; and five brothers, James, Russel, Robert, Billy J., and Gene Anthony.
Willie Ester Walton Folson
WATER VALLEY – Mrs. Willie Ester Walton Folson, 78, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 18, 2021, at Yalobusha Nursing Home. She was a wife, mother of five and longtime educator teaching 26 years at Coffeeville Elementary School.
The wake is scheduled Friday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Serenity-Daniels Funeral in Water Valley. The service is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 27, at Sanders Chapel Church at noon. Burial and repast will follow at the church cemetery.
Arline ‘Weenie’ Howard French
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Arline “Weenie” Howard French, 102, passed away Nov. 3, 2021. A former Water Valley resident, Weenie had lived in Hot Springs for 64 years. She was born March 29, 1919, in Durant to David Markham Howard Blanche Pinson.
French was a graduate of Durant High School and attended Holmes Junior College before graduating from Delta State University.
She was an elementary teacher for four years during World War II before marrying Dr. James H. French. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, a Sunday school teacher in various classes, a past member of the Board and a longtime member of the Alter Guild. She was also a member of Junior Auxiliary and a past member of Progressive Club, Medical Auxiliary and Women’s Tennis Association along with several Bible and exercise classes.
Weenie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Dr. James H. French; three sisters, Adelaide Ford, Isabel Yarborough and Peggy Howard; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her five sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. James French II (Kathy), Thomas H. French (Sally), David M. French (Melinda), Edward D. French and John C. French; seven grandchildren; Amy French Thornton (Jeff), Eryn French Coston (Luke), John French II, Sarah French Carpenter (Chris), Will French, James French, III, and Chandler French; and several grandchildren.
The memorial service was held Saturday, Nov. 6, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor David Wilson and Pastor JJ Galloway officiating. Memorials may be made to Garland County Historical Society or First United Methodist Church, Caring Place.
James “Jimmy” Richard Green
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – James “Jimmy” Richard Green, 64 of Cookeville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.
Jimmy was born Sunday, November 25, 1956, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and he was the son of the late Richard Simpson Green and the late Christine E. (Boyston) Green. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and PaPaw, and friend. He loved Atlanta Braves baseball, fixing things, and fishing. He was selfless, strong, and made a strong impact on everyone he met. Jimmy was loved by everyone he knew and he will be greatly missed.
Visitation is scheduled Saturday, November 27, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until noon. A celebration of life will immediately follow in the Henry Chapel at noon.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Charlene Green; three children, Michael Green, Amber Brady (Brandon) and Tyler Green (Kacey); three grandchildren, Ryder Green, Leiton Griffin and Landon Brady; one sister, Hazel Johnson; and one brother, Lewis Green; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by, two sisters, Peggy Cummings, and Pearl McCullough.