Obituaries 2/24/2022
Larry Lee Brassell
WATER VALLEY – Larry Lee Brassell of Water Valley passed away on February 15, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Serenity Daniels Chapel. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, February 26 at 11 a.m. in the Water Valley High School Gym. Burial will be at the Oak Grove CME Church Cemetery.
Larry was born on March 1, 1952, in Batesville to the late Lee Anderson Brassell and Mildred Hentz Brassell. He was married to the love of his life, Peggy Pritchard Brassell, for 21 years. Larry was a member of Oak Grove C.M.E. Church, where he was president of the usher board. He served in the United States Marine Corps in 1972 and was a prisoner of war during Vietnam.
Larry was a member of the Mason Lodge where he served as secretary. He worked at the Water Valley School district from 2005 until his death. He was also employed at Universal Steel for 10 years and K & D Marble for 10 years. He loved and took pride in his jobs.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Brassell; two daughters, Kim Brassell- Chapman (Gerick) and Asha Pomerlee; four step-children, Alfred Pritchard, Brandon Pritchard, Jason Pritchard and Jennifer Bass, all of Water Valley; two brothers, Robert Lee Brassell of Arkansas and George Booker (Ella Mae) of Water Valley; one sister, Essie Wright,of Batesville; a special niece, Mildred Brassell; eight grand-children; two goddaughters, Eliyah Neal and Theresa Neal; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Kathleen and Wanada.
John E. Artman, Jr.
OAKLAND – John E. Artman, Jr., 83, of Oakland, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Panola Medical Center in Batesville. He was born December 28, 1938 in Winona to John E. Sr. and Eleanor Ellard Artman. John spent most of his life serving in the United States Armed Forces. He began his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard for two and a half years. From there, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served for 22 years. His time in the Air Force began with the Eight Air Force (SAC). Next he served tours in Communications and Intelligence in Japan, the North American Air Defense (NORAD) and National Security Agency (NSA); three tours in Turkey; and the last four years at the Pentagon. Following his time in the Air Force, John spent 22 years working for the United States Postal Service.
Services were held February 19 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service with Rev. Bennie Vance officiating. Interment with full military honors followed at the Grenada Memorial Garden. His grandsons were pallbearers.
Survivors include his wife, Maxine L. Artman; two sons, John E. Artman, III and Kenneth L. Artman (Denine); one daughter, JoAnn L. Perry (Mike); one brother, Ted Artman (Pearl); seven grandchildren, Allison Artman, Hagan Artman, Mason Artman, Ryan Artman, Rylee Artman, Carson Perry and Jed Perry; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Artman and River Artman; and three step-daughters.
Walter Thomas Crafton Jr.
WATER VALLEY – Walter Thomas Crafton Jr. of Water Valley died Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the home of his brother Gary in Water Valley. He was 72.
Walter was born November 12, 1949, in Helena, Ark. to the late Walter and Jeanette (Logan) Crafton. After graduating from John Rundle High School in Grenada in 1967, he attended Delta State University. With a knack for numbers, he received a degree in mathematics. Walter applied his knowledge teaching in the Cleveland School system. While teaching, he returned to Delta State and received his second degree in accounting. He then went to work for Paul Broadhead and Associates for a number of years. Walter continued to apply his trade with Herring Marathon Group and other companies before retiring. His hobbies were as down to earth as he was – playing the guitar, golfing, fishing, shooting pool, and grilling outside.
The family will hold a service at a later date.
Walter is survived by one son, Reed Crafton of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Chelsea Crafton Brininstool, also of Dallas; one brother, Gary Crafton of Water Valley; one sister, Patricia Treloar (Jimmy) of Oxford; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Glen Crafton.
Lynnda Rains Logan
COFFEEVILLE – Mrs. Lynnda Rains Logan, 70, of Coffeeville, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022 at her residence. She was born January 22, 1952 in West Memphis, Ark. to William Harold and Ethel Tucker Rains.
Lynnda was a spit-fire from start to finish. From managing the snack bar at Wal-Mart, working as a beautician, making bubble gum in a factory in West Memphis, working with the Yalobusha County Civil Defense and owning her own business, Lynnda was a Jill of all trades. The fastest bingo dobber and best cornbread maker this side of the Mississippi, she never failed to surprise you. Of all the hats she wore, she was a wonderful mother and leaves behind love, laughter, recipes and dirty jokes.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, at the Broom Cemetery on County Road 82. Pallbearers will be Dusty Rains, Bobby Rains, Rocky Rains, Alan McCullar, Caleb Horton and John Beshears. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include a son, Jarred “Tadpole” Logan and his wife, Misty; and five brothers, Sidney Rains, Pat Rains, Harold Rains, Johnny Rains and Tommy Rains; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry “Frog” Logan; a sister, Martha Austin; and four brothers, Charles Rains, Robert Rains, J.R. Rains and Sonny Rains.
Lee Andrew Sigler, III
CORDOVA, Tenn. – Lee Andrew “Andy” Sigler of Cordova, Tenn. died Monday, February 14, 2022, in Water Valley. He was 48.
Andy was born June 13, 1973, in Biloxi to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Sigler, Jr. He was one of the best in his area of expertise in the HVAC field for many years. When he wasn’t working, he loved being outdoors fishing, camping with his family and target shooting. One of Andy’s biggest passions in life was creating wonderful meals for his family and friends to enjoy in the kitchen, especially outside grilling. Andy was an avid Memphis Tiger and Memphis Grizzlies basketball fan. Above all else, Andy was a good man and a hard worker who loved his family.
Andy is survived by three sons, Jeremy Mills, Colin Sigler and Landon Sigler; one daughter, Bella Sigler; two sisters, Andrea (Lee) Pullen and Kandice (Larry) Barcelona; two half-brothers, Tommy Sigler and Kenneth Sigler; two grandchildren; his mother, Brenda Taylor; and his grandmother, Alma Lovelady.
Andy was preceded in death by his father Lee Sigler Jr.; his grandparents, James L. Taylor, Lee Sigler Sr. and Ernestine Sigler. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Margaret Ann Standridge Tillman
TILLATOBA – On February 20, 2022, Margaret Ann Standridge Tillman, passed from this life, in the arms of her loved ones, to the comforting arms of her Lord and Savior. Her life began March 30, 1930.
Margaret Ann was born in Parkin, Ark. and moved from there to Holly Grove, Miss. She came to Tillatoba at the age of 18 having finished high school at Sardis. She was one of three children born to Marguerite Elizabeth Jenkins Standridge and Gilbert Dewitt Standridge. She had two brothers, Gene Trotter Standridge, who along with his wife Lillian, of Tillatoba, faithfully visited and ministered to Margaret Ann; and the late Gilbert Ray Standridge of Cascilla.
Margaret Ann was the wife of the late John Beldon Tillman. Their lives were blessed with four loving children; Connie Cockerel (Larry), John Gilbert Tillman (Tammy), Jeff Harris Tillman (Faith) and Lee Ann Howe (Bubba). Margaret Ann loved and was proud of seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
She achieved a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Mississippi. She taught chemistry and grade school until 1971. Margaret Ann became a member of Tillatoba Baptist Church in 1962. She served her church faithfully, teaching Sunday school and Bible school as well as serving in other capacities. For more than 30 years she taught the ladies Sunday School Class. She and John were blessed to see all four children finish high school and college and come to the knowledge of a saving relationship with Christ. She was a staunch patriot and supported her nation as well as her husband and other loved ones who served her country.
Margaret Ann grew up a farm girl and was very involved in raising crops and cattle along with her children on the farm which she and John made home. She was an excellent cook and all who put their feet under her table left overly satisfied every time!
She was an accomplished horsewoman and passed a love of riding on to her children. She enjoyed sports and competition, and even more so when her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved. She enjoyed following John as he bird hunted and loved watching him work his dogs.
Margaret Ann was an avid reader; and enjoyed learning. She shared her kindness, love and knowledge with all whom she came in contact. She set an example beyond measure for those who knew her. As Jeff wrote in an article entitled “privileged,” all of our blessings come from God, but He blessed this family through the medium of Christian parents.
The celebration of her life will begin with a visitation from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, February 25, at Tillatoba Baptist Church. The service will follow at 2 p.m.
Margaret Ann and family regularly decorated Union Cemetery for each patriotic holiday and the family requests that all donations be given to the Union Cemetery Fund in memory of Margaret Ann Standridge Tillman.
Bobby Wayne Wolfe
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Bobby Wayne Wolfe, 84, of Birmingham passed away on February 18, 2022 in Hanceville, Ala. He was born to Jesse Monroe Wolfe and Ethel Gertrude McAllister Wolfe in Oakland on January 2, 1938. He was a graduate of Oakland High School where he excelled in sports, participating in football, basketball, and track. After graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for 28 months.
Bob worked in retail management and started his own company, Birmingham Lumber and Building Supply in the early 1980s, where he worked until retirement. He traveled many places but truly enjoyed spending time at home with his family. Known for his generosity, Bob especially took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For over 40 years, Bob was an active member of Hillview Baptist Church in Forestdale, Ala., where he served as treasurer, taught Sunday school, and sang in the adult choir. He firmly believed in welcoming everyone into his church home.
Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ellen Wolfe of Birmingham, Ala. He is also survived by his daughter, Theiry Payne (Steve) of Adger, Ala., stepdaughter, Donna McGukin (Jeff) of Birmingham, Ala.; stepson Richard Bradford (Teresa) of Cullman, Ala.; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Wolfe of Oxford. He was preceded in death by his son, Wayne Hardy Wolfe of Oxford. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, Jenny Payne of Adger, Ala., Daniel Wolfe (Sarry-Ann) of Saltillo, John McGukin (Natalie) of Lafayette, Colo., Jared McGukin of Warner Robins, Ga., Joel McGukin (Anna) of Louisville, Colo., Bradlee Bradford (Kim) of Birmingham, Ala. and Emily Bradford of Cullman, Ala.. Additionally, Bob is survived by his great-grandchildren, Allyssa Smith, Parker Bradford, Trevor Bradford, Aidan McGukin, Savannah McGukin, and Solomon Wolfe.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 24, at Bell Funeral Home in Birmingham with visitation at 10 a.m. with the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Adamsville, Ala. There will be no graveside service, but friends and family are welcome to visit the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hillview Baptist Church, 800 Heflin Avenue East, Birmingham, Ala. 35214.