Obituaries 2/20/2025
Hugh Junior Caldwell
WATER VALLEY – Hugh Junior Caldwell of Water Valley passed away on February 9, 2025 at Yalobusha General Nursing Home in Water Valley.
Hugh was born June 8, 1950, to Gordon Caldwell and Esteen Hall Caldwell. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Pine Grove East M.B. Church, where he was a faithful member until his health declined.
Hugh was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1968 and joined the armed forces as a United States Marine, serving until 1970. He was a Vietnam veteran. He was also a Grand Master Mason. Hugh enjoyed socializing with friends, the Pittsburgh Steelers and basketball.
Hugh was united in holy matrimony to Alma Fay Chapman in September 1977. To this union two children were born. He worked at Crown Cork & Seal until he retired.
The funeral service was held Sunday, February 16, at Pine Grove East M.B. Church with interment in the church cemetery. Serenity Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.
Hugh is survived by three sons, Hugh (Vickie) Caldwell, Jr. , Johnny B. Caldwell and Nathaniel Murphy; three daughters, Lula Hill of Chicago, Ill., Jennifer (Jabo) Sanford and Rolanda Ware, all of Water Valley; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, John Lee (Lula B.) Caldwell; four sisters; Barbara Ann (Charles) White, Shirley Faye (Charles) Wright, Bennie Faye (Wayne) Phillips all of Water Valley, and Alma Lee (Michael) Jones of Oxford; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Esteen Caldwell; his wife; Alma Fay Chapman Caldwell; and one sister; Gertrude.
Rebbie Hoskin Love Kerr
WATER VALLEY – Rebbie Hoskin Love Kerr entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Yalobusha County Nursing Home.
Born October 7, 1926, in Water Valley, she was a daughter of George McKinley and Maggie Ruth Hoskin. Rebbie received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and united with Springhill M.B. Church. She attended school in Yalobusha County.
Rebbie married R. B. Love on August 20, 1944, and nine children were born into this union. She spent her early years of marriage as a housewife caring for the home and her children. After all of the children were in school, she went to work as a domestic worker and continued after her husband passed away in 1961. She later went to work at the Big Yank Factory, working there for 20-plus years until her retirement.
Rebbie’s life centered around her children, parents, siblings, and other family members. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining her family. After all the children had grown up, she met and married Doyle Kerr and moved her church membership to Oak Grove CME Church. After he died, she transferred her membership to Miles Memorial CME Church and was a dedicated Women’s Missionary Society member.
The wake will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Friday, February 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. The service will follow at the funeral home at 11 a.m.
Rebbie is survived by two sons, Larry Love of Water Valley and Edward (Dortheia) L. Love of Waco, Texas; five daughters, Shirley Denson, Rubye (Joe) Carr, Ruthie Thompson of Chicago, Annie Tucker of Butler, Wis. and Carolyn (Larry) Hawkins of Locus Grove, Ga.; one sister, Hazel Hoskin Crowder of Chicago, Ill.; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; one honorary daughter, Merry Goode of Chicago, Ill.; one goddaughter, Kim Hervey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Dorothy Love; a son, Willie McKinley Love; one grandson, Kenneth A. Love; one great-grandson, Courtland Love; one great-great-granddaughter, Aliya Travis; two sisters, Chessie Conway and Louise Marion; and two brothers, Robert Hoskin and Earnest Hoskin.
Margaret O’Neta Maples Miller
OXFORD – Margaret O’Neta Maples Miller, 97, died Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at her home in Oxford. The funeral was held Sunday, February 16, in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Alan Drewry officiating. A graveside service followed on Monday, February 17, at in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.
Margaret was born April 10, 1927, to the late Mary Lula Chambless and John Elmer Maples. A lifelong native of Oxford, she was a devout member of Calvary Hill Church of Christ and a cook at Lafayette High School. In her spare time, Margaret loved to tend to her flower and vegetables gardens, devoting countless hours to harvesting and canning vegetables to share with family. Her favorite garden chore was running the tiller, carefully working the soil and ground to create the perfect condition for her plants.
Margaret was a caring mother and grandmother, who expressed her love in many ways, but most notably through food. A wonderful cook, she worked off memory alone, never consulting a recipe or cookbook. These meals passed down from generation to generation provided comfort and nourishment to her family through the years. Her grandchildren delighted most in her famous chocolate pies, always fighting over the last piece. When she was in need of a vacation, Margaret found great enjoyment traveling to Gatlinburg, Biloxi, and other coastal cities.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Howard Miller; son, Curtis Howard Miller, Jr.; daughter, Sammie O’Neta Miller Rogers; and two grandchildren, Ruby O’Neta Nolan and Bonnie Jean Figueroa.
Margaret is survived by her son, Bobby C. Miller of Oxford; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Linda Walker
WATER VALLEY – Linda Walker, age 84, affectionately known as “Nana,” of Water Valley passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025. Born on February 28, 1940, in New Albany, Linda lived a life rich with love, resilience, and cherished memories.
A proud graduate of W.P. Daniels High School, Linda’s spirit was as strong as her determination. She excelled in basketball during her school years, and her tenacity shone throughout her life. Linda moved to Memphis after high school, where she began her career at Sears, starting with mail-in orders. In 1973, she relocated to Water Valley, where she continued working at the local Sears store, further embedding herself into the community she loved.
Linda was a devoted mother to her two children, Debbie (Dalton) Rogers and Steve (Lynne) Walker; and a doting grandmother to Whitney (Eric) Allred and Brent (Lauren) Rogers. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Kizer Yount, Ally Wilbourn, Marshall (Hannah) Allred, and Mia Ruth Allred, who were the light of her later years. She took immense pride in her family, often sharing tales of their accomplishments and adventures.
She was an avid fan of Ole Miss Rebels sports and enjoyed spending time playing Skip-Bo and bingo with friends, especially during her visits to Steve and Lynne’s in Counce, Tenn. An accomplished seamstress, Linda found joy in sewing, quilting, and cross-stitching, creating beautiful pieces that her loved ones will treasure forever. Linda was a member of First Baptist Church and attended the “Gem” Sunday School Class.
Linda is preceded in death by her husband Bailey Walker; parents, Troy and Vera (Kizer) Smithey; three brothers and one sister, but her spirit will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
Funeral services were held in her honor, celebrating the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. A visitation providing an opportunity for everyone who knew and loved her to share their memories and celebrate her vibrant spirit was held Tuesday, February 18, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 11a.m. until 1 p,m., with a service immediately following. Dr. Randy Bain officiated. Burial was at Walker Cemetery in Water Valley.