Obituaries 10/20/2022
Leah Elisabeth Fielder
DUCK HILL – Leah Elisabeth Fielder, 17, of Duck Hill, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022. She was born March 18, 2005 in Grenada to Mark and Beth Marter Fielder.
Leah was a rising senior at Kirk Academy where she excelled in academics and was honored to have been inducted into the National Honor Society. She was also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and had served on the student council and as a class officer. Leah loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing at every opportunity. She was a member of Elliott Baptist Church where she sang in the youth choir and was an active member of the Daughters of the Kingdom Bible Study class.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 10, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada with Pastor Michael Payton officiating. Interment followed in the Elliott Baptist Church Cemetery.
Survivors include her parents, Mark and Beth Fielder of Duck Hill; a brother, Lance Fielder of Duck Hill and grandparents, Steve and Mary Jo Marter of Duck Hill and Billy Dean and Christine Fielder of Coffeeville.
Marva Lynn Paul Harmon
WATER VALLEY – Marva Lynn Cummings Paul Harmon, age 61, of Water Valley went to her forever home Friday, October 14, 2022 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an extended illness. She was born September 5, 1961, in New Jersey to Hassell and Peggy (Green) Cummings.
After graduating from Water Valley High School, Marva continued her education at Northwest Mississippi Junior College and ultimately graduated from the University of Mississippi with both a bachelor and a master’s degree. She was certified in sign language and worked with the hearing impaired through the State of Mississippi’s Vocational Rehabilitation program – a job she would retire from in 2012 after 30-plus years of service. Marva is described by her family as a loving, caring, passionate, forgiving and devoted person. And her devotion was not only to her family, but extended to all areas of her life as she made it her mission to help others. When not working, she loved to cook, especially her turkey and dressin’, which was a family favorite. She also enjoyed gardening, shopping and traveling. The family always knew when she said, “we’re going on an adventure” to be prepared to find themselves in unknown areas of the countryside. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation was Tuesday, October 18, at Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from noon until 2 p.m. A funeral service honoring her life followed at 2 p.m. with Dr. Randy Bain officiating. Burial was in Camp Ground Cemetery with Andy Paul, Jeremy Patterson, Josh Thweatt, Kever Lewis, Joe Lewis and Keith Brown serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Joey Paul, Ryan Paul, Dean Cummings and Hank Cummings.
Marva is survived by her husband Kenny Harmon; three sons, Andy Paul, Joey Paul and Ryan Paul; four step-children, Mandy Harmon, Chris Harmon, Valerie Lovett and Beverly Wing; one sister, Susan Lewis (Joe); two brothers, Dean Cummings and Hank Cummings (Susan Diane); seven grandchildren, Whitt Paul, Mary Kate Newman, Adam Paul, Dillon Paul, Allison Paul, Savannah Paul and Emily Paul; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Marva was preceded in death by both of her parents.
Robert James Mackey
WATER VALLEY – Robert James Mackey, age 69, passed away Monday, October 10, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was born November 10, 1952, in Coral Gables, Fla., to Robert and Quanita (Hogan) Mackey.
Robert is described by his family as being a very loving, easy going, and humorous man who always had the best attitude. He thoroughly enjoyed playing his guitar, horse shoes and watching football with his family. He was also an avid reader and hard worker who very much enjoyed his job. But most importantly, he was a follower of Christ. He loved the Lord and often told his children that they needn’t worry or stress, but give it all to God and it would be taken care of. He will be dearly missed by all those that loved and cherished him.
Robert is survived by his children, Stephanie (Eric) Stacy and Robert Mackey; 12 grandchildren, Heather Woods, Chris Hays, Kaitlyn Hays, Kelton Stacks, Austin Stacks, Makayla Selph, Trevor McPeak, Travis Gilbert, Kiersten Gilbert, Haley Gilbert, Alliyah Mackey, Caleb Owen; and seven great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Sharon Mackey; a daughter, Shana Mackey; and his parents, Robert and Quanita Mackey.
James Lynn McMinn
MATHISTON – James “Jim” McMinn left his earthly life on October 16, 2022. Jim was born to Clyde McMinn and Faye Ward McMinn in Water Valley on May 29, 1938. The youngest of three sons, Jim learned the value of an honest day’s work early in life from his father. In 1957, Jim graduated from Water Valley High School and began what would be his life long career in the construction industry. His first job was mixing mortar for bricks that would be laid by his brother Bill.
In the mid 1960s through the mid 1980s he owned and operated McMinn Construction in Water Valley, specializing in new home construction and remodeling. In the early 1970s, he was elected to the City of Water Valley’s Board of Alderman. Following his job as alderman, he worked as the Administrator of a Federal HUD program that focused on revitalizing blighted neighborhoods with new streets, infrastructure, and housing in the City of Water Valley.
In the mid 1980s through his retirement in 2011, Jim worked as job superintendent for several large construction companies across the south. He oversaw the building of many factories, hotels, schools, retail spaces, and more throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Jim took great pride in his work and influenced many people over the years to be their best at their jobs.
Upon retirement, Jim was elected as a town alderman in Mathiston. As an alderman, he often donated his time to the town for projects and maintenance. He often could be found operating the town’s trackhoe or as he called it “his therapy.” He also found time to support the East Webster County School system by helping to maintain the school property. An avid fan of the school’s athletic programs, Jim was a fixture at most outdoor games. He was given his own championship ring for his support of the girl’s softball program over several years.
Jim leaves three children, Kevin McMinn of Saltillo; Brittany Crosby (Matthew) of Ellisville and Jeremy McMinn (Morgan Sanford) of Starkville. He also leaves three grandchildren, Conner Crosby, Aubree Crosby, and Jack Crosby. He is survived by one brother. Bill McMinn. and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his extended family, Mike Gilliland, Tina Gilliland, Michael Gilliland, and Steffanie Ellis.
Visitation will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20. A private family graveside service will be held at the cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Mathiston Baptist Church at 2:30 Thursday, October 20.
James Terry McMinn
WATER VALLEY – James Terry “Jimmy” McMinn, age 69, of Water Valley, passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 11, in Water Valley. He was born July 20, 1953, in Water Valley to Marion and Marie (Carr) McMinn Lowe.
Jimmy is described by his family as being a hardworking and determined man who lived a very frugal life. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and growing just about any type of plant. When he wasn’t gardening, you could find Jimmy working on cars and ATVs or riding his four wheeler, which was his favorite passtime. Jimmy was also known to help anyone in need when he was able. He will be dearly missed by all those who loved and cherished him.
Visitation was held Friday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Gardiner Room. The funeral service immediately followed at noon in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with interment was at Jumpers Chapel Cemetery in Water Valley. Bro. Randy Bain officiated.
Jimmy is survived by his sister, Joan (Danny) Vaughn, of Oxford; two nephews, Chad (Debbie) Ramsey and Tony (Blair) Vaughn; one niece, Jennifer (Tom) Schafer; five great-nephews; and two great-nieces.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Marion McMinn and Marie Carr McMinn Lowe; and his brother, Eddie McMinn.
Hilda Elizabeth Minton Newsom
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Hilda Elizabeth Minton Newsom was born in Gadsden, AL February 21, 1920, the daughter of Clarence Shuford (Painter) and Juanita Victoria (Henson) Minton, natives of East Ellijay, Ga. Hilda died October 11, 2022 in Pensacola, Fla.
Hilda grew up in Laurel during the Depression, graduating from George S. Gardiner High School in 1937. She graduated from Jones County Junior College in Ellisville. She served as President of the Dunahoo Literary Society and was the News Editor of The Radionian. Following graduation in 1939, Hilda worked as Mail Circulation Manager at the Laurel Leader Call Newspaper. In September 1941, she became Assistant Manager of the Office Supply Company.
On March 15, 1943, Hilda became the first woman in Mississippi who enlisted in the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES), a branch of the Navy created to free men for active sea duty. Following boot camp, Hilda covered Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida as a recruiter, and was commended by the Chief of Naval Personnel for her work in Navy Nurse Procurement. She was given an Honorable Discharge on November 14, 1945, with the rating of Specialist Recruiter First Class.
While stationed in New Orleans, Hilda became reacquainted with Navy Lieutenant Walter Decell Newsom, a native of Wayne County, and son of Louis Rowan and Annie Coral (Gray) Newsom. They married on June 2, 1946 in Laurel. That fall, the newly established G. I. Bill of Rights allowed her to enter the University of Chicago, where she graduated on March 19, 1948 with a degree in Biological Sciences, and Decell graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry Accelerated Program.
The Newsoms returned to Mississippi, with Dr. Newsom beginning his optometric practice in December 1948 in Waynesboro. By 1950, Hilda was the proprietor of the Sunny Flower Shop, and then later, of the Spot Coffee Shop. She and Decell were co-owners of many area businesses, such as the Triple Treat, the Humdinger, the Fiesta Restaurant, and several curb stores, as well as the Twin Cinema II, and Serenity Gardens Perpetual Care Cemetery. Hilda and Decell were instrumental in bringing Malbis Bread Company and Borden’s Wayne Maid Dairy Products into Wayne County. Hilda taught English at Waynesboro-Central High School and participated in Adult Literacy Programs. She had several articles published in national magazines, and enjoyed reading, studying foreign languages, swimming, painting, pottery making, traveling, and playing (and winning) a mean Scrabble game!
Since 1949, Hilda and Decell, and their five children participated in activities of her beloved Waynesboro First United Methodist Church. Her most rewarding activity was teaching the Pre-School Sunday School Class.
Decell died August 20, 2003 in Hattiesburg. After his death, Hilda thrived in Azalea Trace, a retirement community in Pensacola, Fla. She will be remembered as a faithful Christian, beloved wife and mother, and close friend.
Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Juanita Minton, her husband of 57 years, Dr. Walter Decell Newsom, and daughter, Donna L. Newsom Everitt.
She is survived by her two sons, David L. “Larry” (Martha) Newsom of Waynesboro and Richard L. (Renee) Newsom of Laurel; two daughters, Anita L. Newsom (Steven) Nail of Greenville and Karena L. Newsom (Raad) Cawthon of Oaxaca, Mexico; a sister, Oleta I. Minton Montgomery of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, W. Lance (Sommer) Newsom, William G. Newsom, Linda D. (Tiebauer) Forrest, Eric A. Tiebauer, Lisa A. Tiebauer, Zachary L. Newsom, Jodie L. Newsom (Mason) Walters, A. Courtney Cox, Lauren E. Nail (Emile) Swindol and T. Jacob (Tessa) Cawthon; great-grandchildren, Bailey Newsom, Britton Newsom, Ryleigh Newsom, Olivia Newsom, Austin Newsom, Amelia Cox, Charles Abston, Victoria Warren, Britain Hart, Paron Forrest, Rachel Tiebauer, Forress McRae, Jairus McRae, Tucker Cawthon, Esme Cawthon and Otto Cawthon.
Visitation for Mrs. Newsom will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 22, at Waynesboro First United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Waynesboro First United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, MS with Dr. Steven Bruns officiating.
Interment will be in Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Waynesboro. Pallbearers are Lance Newsom, Zachary Newsom, Eric Tiebauer, Emile Swindol, Mason Walters, and Terry Clanton. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom Becton, Jacob Cawthon, Bob Cooley, Doug Everitt, Ennis King, Alan McAdams, Will Newsom, Ken Rhinehart, Gary Sigler, Bill Walker, and Bobby Watkins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 701 Turner Street, Waynesboro, MS 39367.
Sammie Lee Rucker
WATER VALLEY – Sammie Lee Rucker departed this earth on Friday, October 14, 2022. He was born to Willie and Francis Rucker on July 22, 1956 in Independence, one of 16 children.
Sammie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Hopewell Church in Independence. He later in life joined Pleasant Green M B Church and remained a member until his death. He was joined in holy matrimony to Cathy (Hervey) Rucker, April 1, 1975. She remained the “apple of his eye” for 47 years.
“Paw Paw” as his children and called him, was a kind and loving father. He was a very hard working man who loved helping others. He would work from “sun up to sun down”. When he wasn’t working, Sammie, also known as “slick”, enjoyed spending time with his family. He would travel frequently with his wife, children, and grandchildren, which gave him the utmost joy.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he was theirs as well.
Visitation is scheduled Friday, October 21, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 4 until 6 p.m. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sammie was loved by his family and friends. He will forever be remembered by his loving wife, Cathy Rucker; children, Oscar Campbell of Davenport, Iowa, Sholunda (Chad) Hall of Promfret, Md., Brandy Rucker of Atlanta, Ga., Bridgett (Lakenya) Harris of Memphis, Devontae Rucker of Atlanta Ga., and Kedrick Booker of Coffeville; grandchildren, Brandon, Kirsten, Jabriel, Gabrielle, Cameron, Paxton, Savannah, Ajaha, Jayceon, and Bre’Asia; two god children whom he helped raise, Candice Neely and Marlando Buford; siblings, Army Jean (West) Bradford of Memphis, Connie (Rodney) Irby of Coldwater, Vonnis Rucker Benson of Memphis, Mary Pace of Peoria Ill., Marthra Snipes of Memphis, Jack Rucker of Coldwater, Willie B. Rucker of Marshall County, Sherman Rucker of Coldwater, Willie Rucker, Jr. of Memphis, Curtis Rucker of Coldwater and Clarence Willis of Detroit, Mich.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Sammie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Francis Rucker, his brothers, Albert, Elbert and Jerry Rucker; and his mother-in-law, Macie Lee Herveyonnis Rucker Benson of Memphis, Mary Pace of Peoria Ill., Marthra Snipes of Memphis, Jack Rucker of Coldwater, Willie B. Rucker of Marshall County, Sherman Rucker of Coldwater, Willie Rucker, Jr. of Memphis, Curtis Rucker of Coldwater and Clarence Willis of Detroit, Mich.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Sammie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Francis Rucker, his brothers, Albert, Elbert and Jerry Rucker; and his mother-in-law, Macie Lee Hervey.
Patsy Lou Bell Walls
OXFORD – Mrs. Patsy Lou Bell Walls, 80, died Monday, October 10, 2022, at Oxford Health and Rehab. The funeral was held Friday, October 14 in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Dickerson officiating.
Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.
Mrs. Walls was born on September 19, 1942, in Water Valley. She was a beloved member of College Hill Heights Baptist Church and loved spending time with her beloved beagles, Jetta Bell and Socie Lou.
Mrs. Walls was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Stella M. Bell, and one grandchild, Zachary S. Walls.
Mrs. Walls is survived by her husband, Jettie Walls, Jr. of Oxford; two sons, Charles “Chuck” Henderson (Nikki Smith) of Oxford and Jettie “Tony” Walls (Dee-Dee Bell) of Oxford; a brother, Charles King of St. Charles, Mo.; as well as three grandchildren, Blake Henderson of Oxford, Paul Walls of San Diego, Calif. and Chris Walls of Denver, Colo.