Obituaries 01/05/2023
Barbara “Bobbie” Bowie
WATER VALLEY – Barbara Ann Bowie, age 75, of Water Valley went to her forever home Monday, December 26, 2022, at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson with family by her side. She was born September 15, 1947, in Water Valley to the late Leonard and Georgia (Davis) Jenkins.
Barbara came from a generation that believed in taking care of family and working hard. After leaving school, Barbara went to work at a number of different careers. She worked at Big Yank Manufacturing as a seamstress before transitioning to a service-oriented career waiting tables at Shoney’s in Oxford, Taylor Grocery and the Early Bird Cafe in Water Valley, where she was part owner. In these endeavors, she was able to exhibit her giving and kind-hearted attributes. Barbara was very artistic and loved to draw when she found time. She also loved reading, especially romance and detective novels, and cooking, including her family favorite meatloaf and homemade rolls. She will be forever remembered by her family who adored her.
Visitation was held Thursday, December 29, 2022, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The service followed at 1 p.m. with Bro. Alvin Whitehead officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery with Ethan Stanford, Evan Sowell, Eli Sowell, Austin Harmon, Bailey Tatum, Garrett Tatum, Jack Tatum serving as pallbearers.
Barbara is survived by three sons, Mike (Cindy) Tatum, John Tatum and Tim Tatum; one daughter, Melissa (Steve) Whitehead, one step-daughter, Kas-Sondra Massey; two sisters, Shirley (Gilbert) Varner and Peggy Shepherd; four brothers, Larry (Ann) Jenkins, Jerry (Alice) Jenkins, James (Laura) Jenkins and Jeff (Candy) Jenkins; 15 grandchildren, Amber Mooney, Autumn Mooney, Presley Defer, Sam Bowie, Amelia Bowie, Amanda Sowell, Jennifer Emerson, Amy Alexander, Garrett Tatum, Gracie McGibney, Austin Harmon, Bailey Tatum, Lucy McBride, M.K. Tatum, and Jack Tatum; and ten great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, J.T. Bowie; and two sisters, Pat Jenkins, and Brenda Smith.
Shirley Mae Defer
WATER VALLEY – Shirley Mae Defer, age 84, of Water Valley passed from this life Friday, December 30, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Oxford in Oxford with her family by her side. Born September 24, 1938 in Water Valley, she was a daughter of Harry and Maggie (Nelson) Sartain.
After finishing school, Shirley moved to Memphis where she worked for a short time with the phone company. Then she met a person who was to become the love of her life, Lloyd Defer. They married and started a family that became the focus of her existence. She honored and served her family by becoming a homemaker. Shirley loved the Lord and served him at Camp Ground Baptist Church, not only as a dedicated member, but also as a Sunday School teacher and secretary. Shirley also loved taking in the splendor of God’s creation outdoors by fishing when she had time, and working with flowers. She enjoyed watching sports, especially Ole Miss football and baseball, as well as Cowboys football and Atlanta Braves baseball. It is said that nobody touched the TV when the Braves were playing. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, January 5 at Camp Ground Baptist Church from 10 until 11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Bro. Billy Childs officiating. Burial will be in Pinecrest Cemetery with Skyler Defer, Randy Simmons, Billy Jones, Ronald “Bubba” Jenkins, Jerry Miles, and Charles Jenkins serving as pallbearers. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley is survived by her three sons, Bubba (Stephanie) Defer, Michael (Gena) Defer and Tommy (Stacie) Defer, all of Water Valley; and two grandchildren, Skyler Defer, and Presley Defer.
As well as her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lloyd Defer; two brothers, Murray “Sony” Sartain and Harry “Buddy” Sartain Jr; and one sister, Patricia Jenkins.
Jesse Harold Hamby
WATER VALLEY – Jesse Harold Hamby, age 93, passed away in Oxford on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Harold is described by his family as a hard-working individual who loved nothing more than spending time with his family, often telling them how much he loved them. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, spoiling them as much as he could.
Harold worked at Panola Mills in Batesville for 22 and a half years. He then went to work for the City of Water Valley before finally retiring and enjoying life at home. He also proudly served in the United States Army as a private until being honorably discharged in 1950. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and cherished him.
Visitation was held Monday, January 2, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The service followed at 1 p.m. in Henry Chapel with Bro. Billy Childs will officiating. Internment was at Palestine Cemetery.
Harold is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jo Ann Hamby, of Water Valley; his son, James Hamby; his step-children, John Green, Donna (Rickey) Ragon, James “Buck” Green, and Cecil Austin; his grandchildren, Josh (Carli) Ragon, Jonathan (Bethany) Ragon, Tessa (Jason) Green, Justin Green, Matthew Childers, Jason Green and Brittany Austin; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Mark Steven Hollister
WATER VALLEY – Mark Steven Hollister, 65, of Water Valley passed away on December 29, 2022, at Oxford Health and Rehab. Mark was born January 9, 1957, in Rapid City, S.D. to Willard and Helen Hollister. He was able to travel the world while his father was active in the Air Force.
It was later in childhood when the family settled in Water Valley. Mark finished high school at Water Valley in 1976. He played football and loved all sports his entire life. One thing he especially loved was to cook. His parents owned a café in Water Valley, “Hollisters Café,” where he enjoyed working and cooking.
Mark made water skiing look easy. He loved being at the lake every chance he could and taught many people how to ski behind his boat over the years. When not skiing he also loved to hunt and fish.
Mark was married shortly after high school to Water Valley native Karen Sutherland. Their firstborn, Brent, came soon after in 1978, followed by their second son, Shane, in 1989. Mark loved and got along with everyone. He had many good friends in his corner all through life, and he could make you laugh at the drop of a hat just by being himself. Other’s well-being always came before his own and he loved his friends and family more than anything. He was truly a rich man when it came to those he loved and loved him back.
Mark worked for Georgia Pacific as an operator for years before having to retire early due to health issues. He spent the remaining years taking care of his family and his father towards the end of his life.
Mark is survived by his two sons, Brent and Shane Hollister; a granddaughter, Chandler Reid Hollister; and his brother, John Hollister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Helen Hollister; his brothers, Joe, Dave and Dan Hollister; and his granddaughter, Adeline Reid Hollister.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, January 3, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate his life followed in the Henry Chapel.
Iva Ann Hope Tharpe
COFFEEVILLE – Iva Ann Hope Tharpe, 86, of Coffeeville passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at her residence. She was born September 20, 1936, in Drew to Robert and Edna McGee Hope. Ann enjoyed watching hummingbirds, working in her flowers and fishing with a cane pole. She was a member of Elam Baptist Church. Ann will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife and a doting mother and grandmother.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, at Elam Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Sessum officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until service time Wednesday at the church.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Will Tharpe; two daughters, Rene’ Shaw of Coffeeville and Tanya Tharpe of Wichita, Ks.; two sons, Steven (Jean) Tharpe of Las Vegas, Nev. and William Tharpe, III of Tupelo; three sisters, June Moore of Memphis, Mary Presley of Pope and Martha Benson of Hattiesburg; 14 grandchildren, Jaimi Saylor, Laurie Tharpe, Jessica Tharpe, Meghan Blubaugh, Josh Tharpe, Adam Shaw, Cali Schmitt, Christopher Shaw, Matthew Sharkey, Tamara Tharpe, Hunter Shaw, Stuart Shaw, Jayson Gazaway Tharpe and Justin Tharpe; 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Philip Wesley Tharpe; a grandson, Jeremy Cole Tharpe; a sister, Barbara Hope; and two brothers, Bobby Gene Hope and Jimmy Hope.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Sharkey, Adam Shaw, Christopher Shaw, Hunter Shaw, Justin Tharpe and Josh Tharpe. Honorary Pallbearers will be Stuart Shaw and Jayson Gazaway Tharpe.
Jeffery Jerome White
OXFORD – Jeffery Jerome White, 53, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Oxford. Visitation was held Tuesday, January 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Gardiner room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 4, at Everdale M.B. Church, at 11 a.m. Internment will follow at Bayson Chapel Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jeffrey Jerome White, also known as Jeff was born in Water Valley on August 16, 1969 to Annie Joy White and the late Eugene White. He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at Bayson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He later became a member at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford. Jeff loved to sing one of his favorite songs, “Somebody Here,” and he always had bragging rights with his cooking. He also loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Jeff graduated from Water Valley High School in 1987. During his high school years, he hung with the “The Rude Boys,” Terry Hervey, James Flemings, Derek White, and Jerry Jenkins. After graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served four years. He also served as a member of the National Guard. He was a dedicated leader at Cooper Tire in Tupelo until health complications prohibited him from working.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Mary (Cook) White of Oxford; his mother, Annie Joy White of Oxford; three daughters, Brianna White and Megan White of Oxford and Jordin White of Southaven; three bonus children, Evonna (Chrishun) Johnson of Lebanon, Tenn., Derrick Gooch Jr. of Memphis and Brittany Gooch of Centerville, La.; two bonus grandchildren, Caleb and Alianna of Lebanon, Tenn.; two sisters, Jackqueline White of Oxford, and NaKeta (Derek) White Jones of Blacksburg, Va.; two brothers, Kenny White and Casey Adams of Water Valley; a bonus brother, Sheldon “Smitty” Smith of Killeen, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were all dear to him.