Obituaries 03/09/2023
Bobbie Jean Allbritton
OXFORD – Bobbie Jean Allbritton, 86, passed away in Oxford on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Bobbie was born to the late Bob and Fay Harwell Berryhill. She is described with having a wonderful sense of humor and a sweet nature. She often enjoyed canning, preparing jams and jellies. She also enjoyed working her puzzle and word search books and visiting with her family and friends. She was a member of Old Union Church. Her sweet spirit will be missed by all those that loved and cherished her.
Visitation was held Thursday, March 2, from 11 a.m. until noon at Old Union Church. The service immediately followed in the church with Bro. Brennan Allen officiating. Interment was at the Old Union Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Bobbie is survived by her children, Vicky Allen, Renee (Tommy) Miller and Ricky (Tammy) Allbritton; her grandchildren, Bridget Allen Trusty, Regina Ashford, Tina Tucker, Amanda Vaughn, Angel Dickey, David Mooneyham, Jamey Allen, and Chris Mooneyham; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husbands, Alton Naramore and Paul Allbritton; her daughter, Bonnie Mooneyham; her granddaughter, Becky Mooneyham; her parents, Bob and Fay Berryhill; and her son-in-law, Richard Allen.
Herlie Johnson, Sr.
WATERLOO, Iowa – Herlie Johnson, Sr., 88, of Waterloo, Iowa died Sunday, February 19, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital.
Herlie was born December 24, 1934, in Coffeeville, a son of Leroy Johnson and Clara Phillips. Herlie worked for Deere & Co. at Tractor Works for 36 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of UAW Local 838. Herlie was also a member of Corinthian Baptist Church for over 25 years, and served on the Deacon Board. He married Deborah Martin on November 21, 1985, in Waverly.
Services were held Monday, February 27, at Corinthian Baptist Church in Waterloo. Burial followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Locke Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
Herlie is survived by his wife, Deborah, of Waterloo; sister, Katie Lee; six sons, Derrick (Marilyn) Wortham of Waterloo, Andre (Marliss) Johnson of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Cornelius (Kim) Johnson of Waterloo, Kelly (Carrie) Martin of Waterloo, Steven (Paula) Johnson of Dallas, Texas, and Kevin (Vivian) Martin of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Sherry Johnson of Waterloo; special granddaughter/caretaker, Sharece Rucker; granddaughter of the heart, TaNeesa Martin; a host of grandchildren nieces and nephews; and his special friends, William “Bill” Judd and Debra “DaBoo” Woolsey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Rose Marie Johnson and in infancy, Stephanie Ann; four sons, Leroy Johnson, Herlie Johnson, Jr., William Robertson and Eugene “Buck” Rucker, Sr.; four brothers, Arthur, Leo, James “J.E.” and Leslie; and sister, Shirley “Faye” Johnson.
Joyce Claire Knudson
WATER VALLEY – Joyce Claire Knudson died peacefully from cancer at home with her mother and brother at her side on Monday, February 20, 2023. A private graveside service was held at Bethlehem Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joy was born in Gulfport on January 25, 1954, to Opal and the late James Barlow (Jimmy) Wright. She graduated from Grissom High School in Huntsville, Ala., where she lettered in gymnastics. She also graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., where she majored in English.
Joy is best remembered for the many roles she danced with The Huntsville Ballet Company, especially the two years she was soloist. Her hobbies included needle work and knitting. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville.
Joy is survived by her mother, Opal Williams Wright; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ben Wright and Dr. Elizabeth Wright; her nephews, Andy Cole Wright, James Robert Wright and Benson G. (Michaela) Wright, III; and one great nephew, Jacob Wright.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Benson and Hattie Barlow Wright and Arthur and Mabel Cole Williams.
Don Alan Larson
OXFORD – Don Alan Larson, age 59, of Oxford passed away on February 28, 2023, in Oxford. He was born October 30th, 1963, in Memphis to James Arden and Ann Carter Larson.
Don was a 1981 graduate of Water Valley High School. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1985. During his time at Ole Miss Don was a member of the Delta-Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma, serving a s Grand Treasurer in 1985. He was also a member of the Order of Omega. He was a member of the University of Mississippi Loyalty Foundation.
After graduating from Ole Miss, Don joined his family-owned grocery business. During his 38 years with Larson’s Groceries, Inc., Don was the managing partner of Larson’s Cash Saver in Water Valley and partner of Larson’s Cash Saver in Oxford.
Don was very involved in the Water Valley community, where he served as president for numerous organizations including the Yalobusha County Economic Development Foundation. He also served as president of the Board of Directors of Magnolia Youth League, coaching numerous teams. He served as president of the Water Valley High School football and baseball booster Clubs. He was a long-time member of the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Don was recipient of the Braswell Hatcher Service Award and the Junior Auxiliary Community Inspiration Award, and was named True Blue by the Water Valley School District athletics.
Don enjoyed attending Ole Miss sporting events, beach vacations with friends and family, golfing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He was a member of the Orchard in Oxford.
Don is survived by his wife of 33 years, Allison Lewis Larson; his children, Barrett (Steffi) Larson of Oxford and Avery (Zach) Greenhalgh of Gallatin Tenn.; a grandson, Arden Larson, and future grandson, Tatum James Greenhalgh, due in April; his mother, Ann Larson of Water Valley; and his brother, Keith (Dawn) Larson of Oxford.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Larson, and sister, Joy Larson.
Visitation was held Thursday, March 2, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m. Funeral services were held Friday, March 3, at First United Methodist Church Water Valley at noon with Bro. Eric George and Pat Ward officiating. Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, Junior Auxiliary or Compassion Ministries of Water Valley.
James Earl West
WATER VALLEY – James Earl West, age 86, of Water Valley went to be with his Jesus Friday, March 3, 2023. He was home in Water Valley at the time of his death, surrounded by his family.
James was born February 28, 1937, in Hickory Flat to the late Charlie and Merle (Kiddy) West. He graduated from Hickory Flat High School in 1955, and after a couple jobs, he joined the United States Air Force. It was during this time serving our country that James married the love of his life, Jean Bradford, and started a family.
James was a multi-faceted man who possessed many talents and passions. One of these passions was to follow his call into ministry, which he did after leaving the Air Force. He attended Blue Mountain College where he received a bachelor’s degree in ministry. From this point he and the family would serve the Lord in many different locations. After 50-plus years of ministry, he and Jean would finally moved to the Sylva Rena community to retire.
James was a loving, dedicated and patient man who had a great sense of humor that was readily on display. When he wasn’t studying or preaching, James found pleasure traveling, camping, painting, piddling with cars, and playing music on numerous instruments which he taught himself, including bagpipes. His presence will be missed by all that knew him.
Visitation was held Monday, March 6, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m. The funeral Service was held Tuesday March 7, at 10 a.m. with Bro. Truman Scarborough officiating. Burial was in Sylva Rena Cemetery.
James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean West; his children; Brenda (Billy) Coleman, Linda Parrish and Greg (Kay) West; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two brothers, Major West and Terry West.