Obituaries 02/23/2023
Pearl Cox
WATER VALLEY – Pearl Cox, 96, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Water Valley. She was born to the late William Otha and Sula Mae Raper.
At 14, Pearl left home, moving to Memphis with her aunt, making her very independent and strong-willed at a young age. She made this move because she didn’t enjoy picking cotton; she wanted something better for herself. While working as a seamstress, she raised and provided for her four children alone. She retired at the age of 62 from Cameo Curtains.
Later in life, Pearl enjoyed working in her yard, which mainly consisted of “cutting” things down; she enjoyed the work but didn’t consider it “gardening.” She also liked reading, watching murder mysteries and sewing. She was not one to stay still and would often let that be known. She was always busy doing something. Pearl had a wonderful sense of humor and never met a stranger. Her character and spirit will be dearly missed.
A memorial service celebrating her life is scheduled Saturday, February 25 at noon at Adonai Church (44457 Highway 315, Water Valley, MS 38965). Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pearl is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Thomas) Pennington, of Pensacola, Fla.; her grandchildren, Pala (Clarke) Reeves of Water Valley, Dawn (Scott) Gray of Water Valley, Tiffany Potts and Jenni (Tres) James; her great-grandchildren, Chance (Whitney) Reeves, Carl (Hannah) Potts, Kara Gray, Lexi Pate, Kala Gray, Shawn Pate, Jada Mary James and Paige Gray Weaver; her great-great-grandchildren, Braxton Reeves, Elaina Reeves, Ezekiel Potts, Darby Potts and Kruze Myers; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Cox; three children, Elaine Wilson, Kathy Cox and Sherry Potts; her grandson, Frederick Potts; her great-grandson, Nathaniel Reeves; her parents, William Otha and Sula Mae Raper; and siblings, Ola Mae Lindsey, Jewell McCary, Lois Raper, Alfred Johnson, Clyde Raper, Jack Raper, Paul Raper, and Lee Raper.
Freddie Joe Helton
WATER VALLEY – Freddie Joe Helton, age 86, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Oxford. A family graveside service was held Sunday, February 19, at Anchor Baptist Church Cemetery in Water Valley.
As a man of the Lord, Mr. Helton is now resting peacefully in the arms of his Savior.
Freddie was born on July 14, 1936, to John and Odessa Helton of Harlan County, Ky. He served in the ministry for over 62 years. His last church home was Everton Southern Baptist Church in Connersville, Ind. Nothing brought Helton joy like serving the Lord with his church family.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Helton; one daughter Cathy Morris (Lonnie) of Harrodsburg, Ky.; three grandchildren, Dr. Brad Morris (Dr. Deanna) and children Nick and Anna; Dr. Brent Morris (Corrie) and children Miriam, Ben and Ivy; and Casey Unger (Dr. Zack) and children Owen, Kate and Jack. He is also survived by his stepson, Craig Kirkendall (Dr. Neeli) and children Katelynn, Caxton and Cannon.
Dennis Edward McMinn
WATER VALLEY – Dennis Edward McMinn, 91, passed away at the Yalobusha County Nursing Home on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Dennis was born on April 28, 1931, the only son of the late Dennis and Catherine McMinn. He considered himself a fortunate man with a wife and family whom he loved and a job that he enjoyed. He was a man of faith, which gave him an unwavering ground to stand upon. Like his parents before him, he was also a man of integrity.
Dennis graduated from Water Valley High School in 1950, and soon afterwards enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with pride. Dennis married the love of his life, Loy McCullar McMinn, in 1952. They moved to Memphis where he began a career in the railroad industry, first with Illinois Central Railroad and later for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Dennis and Loy raised four boys in Memphis. Dennis coached Little League baseball and was an active part of his children’s lives.
After over 30 years in Memphis, Dennis retired to his farm in Water Valley with his always smiling wife, Loy. He enjoyed working with his cows and spending life in the country. Dennis really loved bird hunting and fishing and usually hosted a dove hunt and a fish fry every September. He treasured being around his family and friends. At family events, Dennis was the drawing card, luring everyone in with his funny stories in a booming voice that often captivated those around him. To say the least, he was very outgoing.
Dennis was active in his community as a member of the Lion’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and a deacon and member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley. His character and spirit will be missed by all.
Visitation was held Sunday, February 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service immediately following at 2 p.m. in the Henry Chapel. Internment was at Jumper’s Chapel Cemetery. Bro. Randy Bain officiated and Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dennis is survived by his two sons, Allan and Scott McMinn; his sisters, Myra Edwards of Louisville, Kate (Benny) Butts of Water Valley and Mary John (Robert) Turnage of Water Valley; his grandchildren, Chastity (John) Simmons and Kirsten McMinn; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Loy McCullar McMinn; two sons, Tim and Gary McMinn; and one grandson, Zane McMinn.