Obituaries 01/09/2025

Beverly Blanton Adams

COFFEEVILLE – Mrs. Beverly Blanton Adams, 80, of Coffeeville, a long-time resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the Yalobusha General Nursing Home in Water Valley. She was born July 22, 1944 in Kosciusko to Frank and Myrtis Jennings Blanton. Beverly was a retired music teacher, corporate administrator and business owner.

Beverly was laid to rest in the Jennings family plot in the Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko.
Survivors include her husband, Jim Adams; two sons, David Wells (Sherry) of Warsaw, Va. and Scott Wells of Port St. John, Fla.; three step-daughters, Julie Glynn (Sean) of Inverness, Fla., Lisa Tyner of New Roads, La. and Jolie Adams of New Roads, La.; three grandchildren, Travis Wells (Megan) of Palmyra, Va., Zachary Wells of Dothan, Ala. and Chelsea Wells of Palmyra, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Ava and Chloe Taylor of Palmyra, Va.; a step-sister, Bobbi Hamilton of Coffeeville and a special almost daughter, Wendy Apollonio of D’Iberville.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Willi and Cadda Oden Blanton and Thad and Annie King Jennings; and step-mothers, Katherine Blanton and Frances Blanton.
Arrangements were entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).

Larry Kenneth Davis

WATER VALLEY – Larry Kenneth Davis passed away on December 30,2024 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Born July 23, 1940 in Water Valley, he graduated from Water Valley High School in 1958.

Larry loved the Lord, his family, and the Ole Miss Rebels. He was a true lover of life. He was a humorous storyteller, collector of Coco-Cola memorabilia along with anything vintage, enjoyed working puzzles and listening and dancing to Rock and Roll music (especially Elvis Presley). He enjoyed taking road trips (always ignoring GPS) and using his own direction. At any gathering when food was involved, everyone looked forward to his delicious offerings and cheers went up when he brought his famous Phillips’ Burgers.

He owned and operated Coiffures by Larry in Water Valley for 15 years and became fondly known as “Hairman” to his many friends. In 1984, the business became The Family Hairloom with his daughter and sister as partners. Since 1989, Larry has been the owner/operator of Phillips Grocery in Holly Springs, which has been featured on numerous media outlets.

He was active at First Christian Church in Water Valley.

Visitation was held Friday, January 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 1 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. The service was officiated by Bro. Brandon Winters.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Carnice Eugene Davis, and Martha Schmitz Davis.
Survivors include his special companion of 27 years, Cindy Ross of Water Valley; his children, Suzanne Davis Reed (Al) of Water Valley, Dena Davis Hardy (Steve) of Water Valley and Hailey Davis Taylor of Myrtle; his grandchildren, Chris Hardy (Ginger) of Tupelo, Alana Reed Harris (Josh) of Water Valley, Kelsey Reed Edwards (Tripp) of Pontotoc and Casen Taylor of Myrtle; his brothers, Charles Davis, Joe Davis, Terry Davis and Jerry Davis, all of Water Valley; his sisters, Linda Bass of Water Valley and Wanda Parker of New Hope, Ala.; and his great-grandchildren Will Hardy, Saylor Hardy, Leo Harris, Lyle Harris, Abram Edwards, Polly Kate Edwards, and Rosemary Edwards.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

James Kirby Gregg

BATESVILLE – James Kirby Gregg, age 66, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the North Mississippi Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

Kirby, a United States Army veteran, was born on December 1, 1958 to the late Jack and Ethel Gregg in Batesville. Along with honorably serving his country, he owned and operated a trucking company for most of his life.

The family he leaves behind to cherish his memory include his four siblings, Brenda Beard of Bruce, Ronald Gregg of Batesville, David Gregg of Water Valley, and Wayne Gregg of Enid.

There will be no services.

Marilyn Bowers Hoffman

OXFORD – Marilyn Bowers Hoffman, retired educator, 88, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at her home in Oxford. The funeral service will be Saturday, January 11, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Chris McAlilly officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Mrs. Hoffman, a life-long resident of Lafayette County, was born in Memphis. She was the eldest of three children born to the late Edna and Lewis Bowers of Taylor.

Mrs. Hoffman was a graduate of Taylor Vocational High School and the University of Mississippi where she earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Home Economics. Her 34 year teaching career included being a faculty member of Senatobia High School, Water Valley High School, Oxford High School and the University of Mississippi. During her career she was a member of the American Vocational Association, Mississippi Association of Educators and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also a member of Woman’s Forum in Oxford.

Mrs. Hoffman was a member of Oxford-University United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Harry Paul Hoffman; her brothers, James “Jim” Bowers and Jerry A. Bowers; and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Bowers Coleman. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Joyce Bowers, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for her faithful caregivers, Chris Alford, Ta’Kyla Frierson, Mary Tallie, Shanna Frierson, Bathshebia Jones, and Shirley Dennis.

Lavelle Hollowell Littlefield

OXFORD – Lavelle Hollowell Littlefield of Oxford passed away on the evening of December 27, 2024. She was 89.

Lavelle was a loving and dedicated mother to her four children, Vic Littlefield, Robert “Smitty” Littlefield, Becky Brown (Keith), and Janice Ragon (Bo). She grew up in the Pine Flat Community and graduated from Taylor High School in 1955. In 1956, she married Ottis Vance “Rusty” Littlefield, enjoying 24 years of marriage until his passing in 1980. Most of her adult life was spent in Oxford.

As a young mother, she was a homemaker who gardened and sewed for her family. Throughout her career, she worked at various establishments, including Blaylock’s Drug Store, Kelwood, Emerson Electric, Larson’s Big Star, and ultimately at WalMart, where she became well-known during her 29 years of service.

Lavelle enjoyed a variety of hobbies over the years – cultivating flowers, creating flower arrangements, making ceramics, decorating cakes, quilting, cooking and baking. A diligent worker, she often toiled from dawn until dusk and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need, generously sharing her time and talents.

Lavelle is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Lee Hollowell and Callie Jewel Seaton Hollowell; her brothers, Leslie “Bud,” Sam, Burlon, George and Gwen; and her sisters, Sallie Sledge and Wilma Bratton.

She is survived by her brother, Shirley Dewitt Hollowell (Debbie). In addition to her four children, Lavelle leaves behind nine grandchildren, Laura Guidry, Eddie Littlefield, Michael Brown, Jennifer Littlefield, Laura Varner, Allison Williams, Trey Ragon, Drew Ragon and Bret Ragon; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 4, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until noon. Services followed at noon in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Marty Guidry officiating. Burial followed at Eastover Cemetery.

Cynthia Dawn Ragon

WATER VALLEY – Cynthia Dawn Ragon, a beloved member of the Water Valley community, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at the age of 60. Born on August 18, 1964, in Water Valley, Cynthia brought light into the lives of those around her with her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness.

Cynthia graduated from Water Valley High School and spent her life nurturing a deep love for arts and crafts, often expressing her creativity through painting and other artistic endeavors. Her distinctive charm was evident in the personal touches she added to her creations, such as the beautiful angels she fashioned from hymn books. Cynthia had a profound appreciation for nature, particularly animals and flowers, and took joy in cooking for her family and friends.

A devoted member of the Springdale Worship Center, Cynthia served as a pillar of love and support within her community. Her innocent and generous heart touched the lives of many, and she was known for the warmth she exuded and her ability to care deeply for others.

Cynthia is survived by her beloved siblings, Mark Ragon (Christine), Saundra Lancaster (Jeff), Teresa Pass (Jeff), Sharon Valient and Holly Taylor (Timmy), as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Visitation was held Thursday, January 2, in the Gardner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until noon. The funeral service followed with Bro. Raymond Aven officiating.

In addition to her parents, Cynthia was preceded in death by one sister, Anita Newman, and her step-father, James Robert “Boot” Hill.

Adron S. Williams

Water Valley– Adron S. Williams, a beloved daughter, aunt, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 97. Born on October 26, 1927, in Lambert, she was the daughter of Edward and Addie (Sartin) Stone.

Adron was a woman with a servant’s heart, dedicating her life to helping others and brightening the lives of those around her. Her compassion and spirit were evident in her role as a member of the Yalobusha County Pink Ladies Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 253. Until her health began to fail, Adron was also an active member of Como Baptist Church, where she found great solace and fellowship.

Known for her culinary talents, Adron took immense joy in cooking, with a particular love for preparing delightful desserts that brought smiles to many faces. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet aromas of her creations.

Adron is survived by her beloved niece, Nancy (Ronny) Middlebrook of Bartlett, Tenn., and a number of nieces and nephews who hold dear the memories of their time together.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 6, at noon at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Prior to the service, a visitation was held from 11 a.m. to noon at the same location. Following the service, Adron was laid to rest in a burial ceremony in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Sardis.

In addition to her parents, Adron is preceded in death by her siblings, Edmond Stone, Addie Stone, Inez Shankle, Jimmie Stone, Doris Spain, Edward Stone and Edna Janikowski.