Obituaries 11/28/2024
Betty Jean Mize
PARIS – At the age of 84, Betty Jean Lee Mize was received into the arms of God Almighty on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, and is presently walking the beautiful, celestial streets of heaven arm-in-arm with her Savior and celebrating her reunion with all who have gone on before.
Her earthly life began on August 29, 1940, in Arkansas when she was born to Mae Lacey Lee. However, due to circumstances beyond her mother’s control, she later came to live with her mother’s sister, Bertha Harmon, and her husband, Elvis Harlow “Billy” Harmon, in Paris, Mississippi where she would live the remainder of her earthly life. Her aunt and uncle eventually became mother and father to her. Consequently, she always said she was blessed by God to have two mothers.
Betty’s surrender to God Almighty as her Savior at Paris Baptist Church in 1952 started her down a path of service that would mold her and make her into the woman of God that she became. At the time of her death, she was the longest living active member of Paris Baptist Church, where she served for 72 years.
On March 9, 1963, Betty married the love of her life, Billie Glen Mize, who also lived in Paris. They made their home in Paris where they lived with their daughter who was born three years after their marriage.
Over the course of her work history, Betty came to know many people. She made lifetime friends while working at Mott’s and Big Yank in Water Valley as well as through her last job with the University of Mississippi as textbook manager at the Ole Miss Bookstore. It was 20-plus years ago that she retired from the bookstore to stay at home and care for her husband when his health began to decline. However, she continued to be a Rebel at heart and always enjoyed “tailgating” with her family on Saturdays during football season. The last game she enjoyed watching with her family she was able to see Ole Miss’ big win over the Georgia Bulldogs. What a great last game to enjoy with family!
At the time of her death, Betty leaves behind one daughter, Janet (Lee) Pruett of Paris; two sisters, Annie Mae (Larry) White of Adona, Ark. and Kathie Mariah (Danny) Copes of Berkeley Springs, WV; three brothers, William Elvis “Kooter” (Kay) Harmon of Batesville, James Wayne (Theresa) Fikes of McRae, Ark. and Stanley Freeman Fikes of Houston, Ark.; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Betty is survived by her husband, Billie Glen Mize of Paris; her mothers, Mae Richards of Adona, Ark. and Bertha Harmon of Paris; her father, Elvis Harlow “Billy” Harmon of Paris; one sister, Audrey Faye Joslin of Tula; and one brother, Ernest Harlow “Lester” Harmon of Paris.
A celebration of her life and faithful service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 23, at Paris Baptist Church. Her burial at Paris Memorial Cemetery followed the service.
Memorials may be sent to Paris Cemetery Fund, c/o Jane Michelletti, 24 CR 479, Paris, MS 38949.
Vicki Diane Nelson
WATER VALLEY – Vicki Diane Nelson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 20, 2024, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. Born in Muskegon, Mich., on February 18, 1962, Vicki touched the lives of all who knew her in profound ways. She will be dearly missed by her family and community.
Vicki was a loving homemaker who found purpose and joy in caring for her family. She married Wesley Nelson in 1982. During their 42 years together, they raised two daughters, Brandy McCall and Danielle Holland. She adored her three grandchildren, Wesley Stokes, Madison McCall, and Gage Nelson. Vicki had a special bond with her siblings, Eddie Moore, Jeff Moore, and Pam Downs, who shared many cherished memories with her.
A graduate of Southaven High School, Vicki was a woman of many talents. She found solace in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals like her famous cornbread dressing. Not just a cook, Vicki was also an avid reader of the Bible and found peace in its teachings. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and spending time in her pool. Vicki had a deep love for animals and found joy in their companionship.
In honoring Vicki’s life, a funeral service will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Saturday, November 30, at 1 p.m., following a visitation at 11 a.m.
Marjorie Edwards Reid
WATER VALLEY – Marjorie Edwards Reid passed away on November 23, 2024, at age 99 in the Magnolia at Oxford Commons in Oxford after a long and fulfilling life. She was born in Water Valley to the late Otis G. and Cordie Lewelling Edwards on November 1, 1925.
Majorie lived in Water Valley her entire life, except for her senior year in high school when she attended and graduated from John Rundle High School in Grenada in 1944. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Water Valley and a member of the Irene Sunday School Class.
Marjorie married Julius Linson (“Pete”) Reid, Jr. in 1948, and they had one daughter, Becky (Reid) Jones. Marjorie worked for 25 years as an administrative secretary at Big Yank in Water Valley and then retired from the Mississippi Department of Human Services in 1980.
She and her husband, Julius, operated their family farm in Water Valley. She was actively involved in the Garden Club of Water Valley, American Legion Auxiliary, Soil Conservation, and Farm Bureau.
Marjorie loved spending time with her family. She was a loving, kind, thoughtful, and serving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Marjorie is predeceased by her husband of 53 years; her parents; her sisters, Ruby Woods, Marie Edwards, Lucille Horn and Catherine Myers; and her brothers, Clinton Edwards and an infant brother.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Andy and Becky Jones; her granddaughters, Jennifer Jones and Julie Jones Wells (Evans); and her great-grandchildren, Reid and Elizabeth Wells.
Visitation was held Tuesday, November 26, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The service followed at 11 a.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Dr. Randy Bain officiating. The committal service was held in Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 800 Main St, Water Valley, MS 38965.
Brenda Jane Smith
WATER VALLEY – Brenda Jane Smith, 76, of Water Valley peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Yalobusha General Nursing Home. She was born on September 21, 1948, to the late Alton Walls and Mary Norma Dismuke Walls. In her youth, Brenda enjoyed modeling and horseback riding. She dedicated many years to her career as a seamstress and a line worker before retiring from Borg Warner in Water Valley. In her later years, Brenda found joy in woodburning and caring for animals.
Brenda is survived by her children, Michael L. Smith Jr., Danny Smith (Keesha), Melinda Smith (Austin Hart), and Kathy Smith (Wes Avent); grandchildren, Danny Smith (Amanda), Brandon Smith (Rachel), Max Smith, and Rocket Warren; one brother, Malcolm “Bunky” Walls; and four nieces, three nephews and many great-nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton Walls Sr. and Mary Norma Dismuke Walls; her brother, Alton “Sonny” Walls Jr.; and three sisters Peggy Tate, Ruthie Wilkins, and Beverly Walls.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Bro. Brennan Allen will officiate.
Loretta Kaye Hanks Smith
OAKLAND – Loretta Kaye Hanks Smith, age 70, passed away November 23, 2024 in Water Valley. Her kind heart and giving spirit will be missed by her family and friends.
Loretta was born on November 30, 1953 in Batesville. She attended South Panola High School. She met and married her husband in 1973 and moved to Oakland. She worked at Big Yank (later known as Water Valley Manufacturing), Yalobusha County Hospital and the Water Valley School District.
Her love language was cooking. Every year at Christmas she would bake an assortment of Christmas candy and baked goods and friends would drop by for “some of Ms. Loretta’s Christmas goodies.” She was the epitome of a doting grandmother and loved her grandchildren beyond measure.
She is preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Esther Hanks of Batesville; and a sister, Bettye Sue Thornton of Sardis.
Her husband of 51 years, Thomas Smith, passed away alongside her.
Loretta is survived by two children, Bettye (Saxon) Durham of Bartlett, Tenn. and James “Jamie” (Joyce) Smith of Pontotoc; eight grandchildren, Chander Durham and Gabriel Durham of Bartlett, Tenn., Matthew Smith and Madison Smith of Booneville, Hunter Smith of Coffeeville, and Wilbur Rodgers, Tabatha Rodgers, and Salena Hollinger, all of Pontotoc; one great grandchild, Liam Durham of Cordova, Tenn.; and two brothers, William (Lelia) Hanks of Vicksburg and James Hanks of Courtland.
Visitation will be December 2, 2024 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family has designated the Junior Auxiliary of Water Valley—Bundles of Love as the benefactor of any memorials. Loretta would save leftovers in the school cafeteria and make them available for children that may not have food resources at home. This fund provides nourishment to Yalobusha County children with food insecurities. The family feels that this is the perfect fit to honor Loretta’s memory. Checks can be sent to Water Valley Junior Auxiliary, PO Box 92, Water Valley, MS 38965 in memory of Loretta K Smith.
Thomas Gordon Smith
OAKLAND – Thomas Gordon Smith, aged 70, passed away on November 23, 2024 in Water Valley. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tommy is survived two children, Bettye (Saxon) Durham of Bartlett, Tenn. and James “Jamie” (Joyce) Smith of Pontotoc; eight grandchildren, Chander Durham and Gabriel Durham of Bartlett, Tenn., Matthew Smith and Madison Smith of Booneville, Hunter Smith of Coffeeville, and Wilbur Rodgers, Tabatha Rodgers, and Salena Hollinger, all of Pontotoc,; and one great grandchild, Liam Durham of Cordova, Tenn. He also leaves his father, Aaron Smith, and two brothers, Joe (Carol) and Gene Smith – all of Oakland.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Marion Smith of Oakland. His wife of 51 years, Loretta Hanks Smith, passed away alongside him.
Tommy, or “Big O,” was born on December 30, 1953 in Water Valley. He attended Coffeeville High School and later went on to work at Holly Carburetor (later known as Borg Warner) in Water Valley. During his younger years, he played on several community baseball teams, including one in Oakland—from which his nickname “Big O” was born.
He was an avid sports fan and would be often seen at cheering on the Water Valley Blue Devils, the Coffeeville Pirates, and the New Orleans Saints. He loved fishing and hunting and would often share the fruits of that labor with neighbors and friends.
Visitation will be December 2, 2024 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. at with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family has designated West Cancer Foundation as the benefactor of any memorials.
As many know, Tommy was diagnosed with Stage 3B squamous cell carcinoma in 2017, shortly after his retirement. West Cancer Center provided the most compassionate care, not only for Tommy, but also ensured that his family was informed of everything and resources for that support had been made available through generous donations.
Tommy always said that he wished he could give back to West Cancer Center for the care he received. The family could think of no better way of honoring this request. Donations can be made to West Cancer Foundation at www.westcancerfoundation.org. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 382638 Germantown, Tenn. 38183-2638 in memory of Thomas G Smith.