Obituaries 06/06/2024
Dorris Nell Crawford
WATER VALLEY – Dorris Nell Crawford passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at her home in Water Valley. She was 91. She was born in Fannin County, Georgia, on October 15, 1932, the daughter of Iona and Audie Hemphill.
Dorris was preceded in death by her husband, Brownlow Jackson Crawford. She is survived by her children, Len (Carol) of Blue Ridge, Ga., Dr. Lorri C. (Mike) Williamson of Water Valley and Darrell of New York, New York; her grandchildren, Joeli (Benji) Link, Cory (Mckenzie) Williamson, Emily Crawford, Caroline (Taylor) Siegrist and Abby (Jack) Slagler; her great-grandchildren, Jackson and Sophie Siegrist; Wyatt, Weston, Wynn, and Whit Williamson; and Asher and Quinn Link; and her sister Joann Schonborn.
Dorris graduated from high school in Epworth, Georgia, as valedictorian of her class. She went to business school in Atlanta before beginning her career in accounting, first for the Tennessee Copper Company and then for Carothers Construction after the family moved to Mississippi. She was instrumental in the success of Crawford and Associates, working as accountant and administrator there for many years.
While she was more comfortable in a gown and robe, she could transform herself for a special occasion and look like a million dollars. She preached good manners to her grands and had a special affection for dogs and babies. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley. She lived out her faith in her concern for the needs of others and was actively involved with Save a Life and the local food pantry.
Dorris loved family gatherings, especially at Christmas, and took great joy in putting up extensive decorations every year to the excitement of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She rang the bell and collected donations for the Salvation Army during the Christmas holidays. She loved Christmas as it was the birth of her Lord and Savior, and she made sure her family knew the reason for this special time.
She and her husband, Brownie, donated the land for the Crawford Sports Complex in Water Valley. They helped to establish Reedy Acres, a satellite of the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village, where countless children have lived over the years. They were honored with the naming of one of the cottages, Crawford Cottage, where children from Mississippi still reside.
Together, Brownie and Dorris were the grand marshals of the Water Valley Christmas parade. They received the Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award from the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce for their service to the community. To honor Brownie after his death, Dorris worked with the Water Valley Town and Country Garden Club to commission a classic landmark clock in his memory that stands on Main Street. Dorris also received the Luella Fair Community Service Award from the Water Valley Town and Country Garden Club for her support.
Dorris had a positive impact on the community around her in many ways, mostly done anonymously. Her strength, intelligence and independence were an inspiration. She was a constant source of advice and practical wisdom for her children and grandchildren, whether they wanted it or not. She will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dorris may be made to the Water Valley Junior Auxiliary’s Bundles of Love that provides food for local school children on weekends. Donations may be sent to WVJA at PO Box 92, Water Valley, MS 38965.
At her request, the family will have a private graveside service. They want to express their thanks for your love and prayers during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was honored to handle arrangements for the Crawford Family.
Melvin Lee Dunn
WATER VALLEY – Melvin Lee Dunn (“Hambone“), age 70, passed from this earthly life on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born April 6, 1954, in Water Valley to Leon Courtney Dunn and Lucy Margaret Sprouse Dunn.
One of five boys, Melvin grew up to work many jobs. He worked as a paramedic in New Albany, joined his brothers in business for several years, worked as a table game floor supervisor in the casino industry, and finished his years of employment team-driving trucks with his brother, Mickell.
Melvin served in the United States Army and was proud to have been a veteran who defended the freedoms our country enjoys. During a portion of his military service, he served two-and-a-half years in Germany. As much as he loved his country, he also loved his family and enjoyed spending time his wife, Mollie, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Mollie Dunn; a daughter, Jennifer (Chad) Shempert; grandchildren, Cody Deaton, Blake (Jewel) Deaton, Tyler (Ginger) Dunn, Jonathan Dunn, Tanner Shempert, Austin Shempert and Braden Shempert; great-grandchildren, Caroline Dunn, Mickinley Deaton, Waylon Deaton, and Ava Kate Dunn; brothers, William (Susan) Dunn, Gene (Loretta) Dunn, Franklin (Shirley) Dunn and Mickell (Karen) Dunn; a special son-in-law, Larry Wayne Deaton; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Dunn; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Becky Deaton; and a son, Patrick John Dunn.
In honor of his life, Melvin’s family will receive visitors in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley,on Thursday, June 6, from noon until 2 p.m. His brother, Mickell Dunn will officiate the funeral service at 2:00 pm in the Henry Chapel at Seven Oaks. He will be laid to rest at Pinecrest Cemetery following the funeral service.
Jimmy H. Burk
CORINTH – Jimmy H. Burk, a dedicated employee of Holly Carburetor and a proud member of the Mississippi National Guard, peacefully passed away on May 17, 2024, in Corinth at the age of 84 due to natural causes.
Born in Indianola on December 10, 1939, Jimmy was raised in Drew by his late mother, Mabel Smith Kirksey, and his late stepfather, Arthur Franklin Kirksey. He spent his adult life in Water Valley where he devoted his time to working in automotive manufacturing at Holly Carburetor.
Jimmy will be fondly remembered by his surviving brothers, Don Kirksey of Norcross, Ga., and Randy Kirksey of Pascagoula; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service to honor Jimmy’s life and legacy was held Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at the First United Pentecostal Church in Water Valley. The service provided an opportunity for family and friends to come together and reflect on the memories they shared with Jimmy throughout his life.
In addition to his mother and step-father, Jimmy was preceded in death by his biological father, Belton Burk; one brother, William (Hoppy) Kirksey; and two wives, Jewel Turner Burk and Birdie Burk.
Richard Dale McClure
TILLATOBA – Richard Dale McClure, 65, of Tillatoba, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024, at his residence. He was born June 4, 1958 in Sacramento, Calif. Richard had spent his entire working life as an automobile mechanic,primarily in the Clarksdale area.
He also enjoyed the many friends from all over the world he had made through his CB radio. Richard proudly used the handle “Radio Man.” While Richard enjoyed his work and took pride in his ability to fix “anything,” what he treasured most was the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren.
A time of remembrance was held Sunday, June 2, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service. Friends and family were invited to come and share stories and special memories of Richard during this time.
Survivors include twin sons, Bret (Jessica) McClure and Brad McClure, both of Grenada; his mother, Rose Brown of Grenada; four sisters, Carolyn Blanco of California, Joyce Moore of Grenada, Yvonne Keenum of Oxford and Teresa Carpenter of Texas; and a host of grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, Oral Lewis McClure; his wife, Sandra Kay McClure; and a brother, David Allen McClure.
Bernice D. Ward
WATER VALLEY – In loving memory of Bernice Janet “Jan” Doublin Ward, her gentle spirit departed from this earth at the break of dawn on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Born on July 11, 1930, in the humble town of Obion, Tenn. to the late Odie Richard and Nora Lee Doublin, Jan was an only child. After graduating from Obion High School, she dedicated years of service to South Central Bell until her well-deserved retirement.
In the summer of 1949, Jan exchanged vows with her beloved James “Jim” Ward, embarking on a remarkable 74-year journey of deep love and unwavering commitment. Their union brought forth a cherished daughter, Janet Katherine “JK” Ward. A faithful couple, Jan and Jim found solace and community at Bethel Baptist Church, where their presence was a source of comfort and strength to many.
Jan was a woman of laughter and joy, with a heart that knew no bounds. She delighted in hosting gatherings, playing bridge, and being an active member of the Red Hat Club. A devoted partner, she stood by Jim’s side at countless Masonic events, their bond a testament to enduring love and loyalty. Despite life’s busyness, Jan always made time for quiet reflection, turning to prayer and devotionals each day.
Family, friends, and all whose lives Jan touched were able to pay their respects in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home for visitation on Friday, May 31. A reverent service in memory of Jan followed at 2 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks, led by Rev. Billy Childs.
As Jan journeys to her eternal resting place, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and grace. She will be dearly missed by her brother-in-law, Jere (Martha) Ward of Texas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who became family. Special gratitude is extended to the compassionate caregivers at Home Instead and Gentiva Hospice for their unwavering care and support.
Margie Claire Williamson
WATER VALLEY – Margie Claire Williamson, 93, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024. A graveside service is being planned for a later date. Once the service details are finalized, they will be made available at www.waller
funeralhome.com, or by calling Waller Funeral Home at 662-234-7971.
Margie was born in Nashville, Tenn. in 1930 to the late Lacy Monroe and Era Lee Wallace. She had two brothers, Pat and Sam. The Wallaces moved to Water Valley, where Margie met her future husband, Taylor Williamson. The two were married in 1949, when Taylor returned from serving in The Navy during World War II. They cherished 65 years of marriage together, raising their four children, Wally, David, Bill, and Kristi, in Water Valley.
Margie was a homemaker, devoting many years to caring for her children and creating a warm and welcoming home. She later worked as a telephone operator, a job that she loved. She loved to ride horses, read mystery novels, dance, and in her later years, she discovered a love for writing about her life. She was very proud of her Scottish Heritage. She was an avid Ole Miss Rebel fan! She watched every football game.
Margie was a devoted Christian and beloved member of The Church of Christ at Fords Well. She loved The Lord, which was evident in her joyful spirit.
Margie is proceeded in death by her parents, her brothers Pat and Sam, and her sweetheart, Taylor.
The family extends their gratitude for the many thoughts and prayers offered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margie’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.