Obituaries 03/13/2025
Jean Breedlove Fly
COFFEEVILLE – Jean Breedlove Fly, 88, of Coffeeville, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford. Born in Charleston to Christel and Maifred Upchurch Breedlove, she dedicated her life to education and music.
Jean earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Delta State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi. As a first-grade teacher, she inspired and enriched the lives of countless students over her remarkable 33-year career in the Yalobusha County School System.
An accomplished musician who cherished worship music, she shared her talent generously, teaching private piano lessons after her retirement. A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Grenada, and previously of First Baptist Church in Coffeeville, she actively participated in the choir and embraced various roles within the congregation.
Jean took great joy in reconnecting with former students and celebrating their achievements. Her enthusiasm for attending her grandchildren’s activities showcased her deep love for family. Her loving spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 9 at First Baptist Church – Coffeeville with Rev. Craig Baker officiating. Interment followed in the Coffeeville Cemetery. Troy Campbell, Mike Coleman, Triston Jones, Gage Mixon, Hunter Morgan and Tanner Powell served as pallbearers. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Renee (Russ) Meyer of Palm City, Fla. and Rachel (Heath) Mixon of Grenada; two sons, Jerry Fly and Jeff Fly (Lisa), both of Grenada; seven grandchildren, Kayleen Powell, Mary Jones, Katie Morgan, Katelyn Lane, Anna Grace Lane, Molly Lane and Gage Mixon; and four great-grandchildren.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Gerald Fly and two sisters, Maxine Cox and Christine Goering.
Frank Burl Brooks
SYLVA RENA – Frank Berle Brooks passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 near his home in Water Valley. He was born December 16, 1943 to Frank Emmett and Eva Jordan Brooks. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia Chatman Brooks and son, Bradford Chatman Brooks and siblings Eva Flutz, Bille Terrell, and Currie Brooks.
After the passing of his mother, Frank borrowed his teacher’s truck to drive downtown to the bank and requested a loan extension to keep the family farm. The banker advised him during a second visit that he was willing to give him a chance and don’t blow it. Within the next 10 years, Frank returned to pay off the loan and maintained operations of the farm until his retirement. He also was a partner of B and B International in Water Valley.
Over the next years, Frank served on the board of directors with the People’s Bank and Trust, Renasant Bank, Yalobusha County Economic Development Foundation, PICO, and Federal Land Bank. He also served as a member of the Water Valley School Board from 1977-1991. Alongside many Yalobusha Farmers, he was the manager and served as president of the Yalobusha County Gin from 1992-2018.
Frank was a 1961 graduate of Water Valley High School and named Yalobusha’s first Outstanding Young Farmer and competed in a state wide competition. He also won second place in a State Tractor Driving competition in 1962. He attended First Baptist Church of Water Valley for over 20 years, where he served as president of the Barry Weeks Sunday School class. He was a member of Sylva Rena Baptist Church.
Known by many names such as Big Daddy, BB, Leroy FBB, and Frank Berle, he was most honored to be called Peepaw to his family. His legacy lives on through the strong work ethics of his family and love for the land he worked so hard to keep as a young 16-year-old. Frank could be found daily on a tractor or helping his beloved wife in the yard.
Visitation is scheduled Wednesday, March 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Water Valley. The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 13, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Frank is survived by his wife, Raye Ledbetter Brooks; daughters, Angie Brooks Hodge and Sherry Tate Brown; grandchildren, Laci Brasher of Olive Branch, Justin (Suzanne) Brooks, Brandon (Madison) Brooks, Austin (Mary) Hodge, Jordan (Millie Fricker) Hodge, Brooks Hodge, and Eli (Lexi Trimble) Hodge, all of Water Valley; great-grandchildren, Tyler Brasher, Carter Buck, Andy Brooks, Emmett Brooks, Bailey Brooks, Joe Hodge, Selby Brooks, Jane Hodge, Huck Trimble, Lily Hodge, and Lena Brooks, brothers, Bob (Pat) Brooks and Travis (Amy) Brooks.
Charles L. Mays
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Bro. Charles L. Mays, age 80, died on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Hot Springs Village, Ark.
Charles was born on November 11, 1944, and grew up in Water Valley, the son of Edward Johnson Mays, Sr. and Daisy Lee Walker Mays. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Rose Marie Dooley Mays, and by his parents and siblings.
A graduate of Mid-America Theological Seminary, he was ordained to the ministry and faithfully served as a Southern Baptist pastor for almost 38 years. He was a veteran having served in the Army National Guard in Mississippi and Air Force Reserve in Arkansas.
He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Tammy (George) Hernandez and Kimberly (Chris) Hemund; grandchildren, Jacob Pate, Hannah Bernstein, Taylor Noles, Andrew Hemund, and Emily Hemund; great-grandchildren, Maddie Bernstein and Walker Bernstein; and extended family and friends.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14, 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at Village United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Chris Hemund and Bro. Tommy Stacy. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, March 17, at noon.
Memorials benefiting the Lottie Moon International Missions may be given through Village United Methodist Church, 200 Carmona Road, Hot Springs Village, Ark. 71909.
Channie Walker Winters
OAKLAND – Channie Walker Winters, 99, made her transition to her new home on Friday, March 7, 2025, and went to be the Lord. Born February 3, 1926, in Yalobusha County to Ivory and Pankie Greer Walker, she was the younger of two children. Pankie married Leroy Davidson and they raised Channie and her sister, Anna Walker Stokes.
Channie’s education was obtained in the Oakland Public School System. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and became a member of Philadelphia M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Vine Jones. She had a great love and respect for God’s business and His church. She was a faithful member and supporter of Philadelphia M. B. Church.
During her time at Philadelphia, she served as Sunday School Teacher, devoted member of the Usher Board, Mother’s Board, and Women’s Ministry. Channie was a member of Heroines of Jericho Court #283 and also a member of Victory Star Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a woman of great pride, principles and love for her family.
On January 2, 1945, Channie was united in holy matrimony to Bellamy Winters, Jr. To this union 10 children were born. While Channie was a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom, Bellamy was a World War II veteran, farmer and a school bus driver.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Clark Williams Funeral Home in Grenada. The funeral service will be held at Philadelphia M.B. Church on Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m.