Obituaries 05/29/2025
Sandra Catherine Hurley Beyer
WATER VALLEY – Sandra Catherine Hurley Beyer died May 24, 2025. She was born December 29, 1937 in Manhattan, New York, New York to Ethel Roberta Fisher Gintling Hurley and Edward Jerome Hurley.
Sandra grew up in Manhattan and the Bronx, New York. During her teen years the family moved to Bellmore, Nassau, New York. In Bellmore she met Wallace Howard Beyer. They married January 23, 1955.
Sandra and Wallace had two daughters, Pamela Catherine Beyer-Fant (Robert Eugene) and Vicki Patricia Beyer. They divorced October 10, 1968. Sandra went to work at D’Armagine, 1966-1970, a uniform factory that made Howard Johnson’s uniforms. She also began taking classes at Traphagen School of Fashion, 1968-1970. There she learned patternmaking.
In 1970 she took a job with Economy Industries, which made Laura Mae blouses. These blouses were sold through JC Penney and Sears. She moved her family to Harrisburg, Richie, West Virginia. They stayed 14 months.
Sandy took a position with Genesco Manufacturing, Rousers Division, 1971-1975 in Nashville, Davidson, Tenn.. While living in Nashville she also worked for Nova Inc. from1975-1977. Then she worked for Washington Manufacturing, 1977-1981, working on overalls and jeans. The last company, in Nashville, she worked for was W.E. Stephens, 1981-9994. This company made clothing for Walmart and other companies. Sandy traveled all over the south to visit factories to oversee the construction of clothing.
In 1994 Sandy began working for the conglomerate that owns Victoria’s Secret, The Limited and Abercrombie and Fitch, Rocky Apparel. She moved to Greenwood in Leflore County. Early 2000 the company closed all their USA factories and moved to Mexico. Sandy moved also to Tehuacon Mexico. She stayed six months.
After which she retired and moved to El Segundo California to live with Vicki.
In 2000, Vicki was assigned as Mississippi State’s ROTC Commander and Sandy and Vicki moved to Water Valley. Sandy joined the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, David Reese in Oxford. She also joined the Water Valley Literary Club. Sandy was an avid gardener and loved designing and landscaping her yard.
Sandy loved to travel. She traveled to Europe several times while Vicki was stationed there with the Air Force. She visited most of Europe, Great Britain and Ireland. She also took a cruise, with her daughters, to the Caribbean. Later, in her life, she traveled out west to South Dakota and saw the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument and Joshua Tree. During Sandy’s marriage to Wallace, in 1962, they traveled to Thousand Islands, Canada.
The youngest of seven children, Sandy was the last of her siblings to leave. Her father had two daughters from his first marriage, Genevieve Helen and Geralyn Gertrude. Her mother had two daughters from her first marriage, Mary Elizabeth and Roberta Margaret. Her parents had three children, Edward James, Patricia Grace and Sandra Catherine.
Sandy is survived by two daughters Pamela Catherine Beyer-Fant and her husband, Robert Eugene Fant, and Vicki Patricia Beyer (ret. Major USAF); her granddaughter Robin Catherine Fant, currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
Visitation is set for Thursday, May 29, from 1 until 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill cemetery at 2:30. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Nancy Chambers
TILLATOBA – Nancy Chambers, 64, of Tillatoba passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born August 26, 1960 in Clarksdale to Clarence Larry Barbian and Colleen Raines. Nancy will be remembered for her love for her family, especially her grandchildren. She also loved to shop, cook, and clean. She also enjoyed swimming.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 22, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada. Interment followed in Union Cemetery in Tillatoba. Sam Pullen, Will Murphey, Gary Chambers, Scotty Chambers, Adam Chambers, and Wayne Boxx served as pallbearers.
Survivors include her husband, Billy; daughter, Victoria Chambers of Tippo; brother, Larry Barbian of Cleveland; sister, Donna Boxx of Tillatoba; two grandchildren, Anna Pullen and Amber Jackson; and four great-grandchildren, Bradley Franklin, Logan Brown, Joanna Pullen and Andrew Pullen.
She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kristy Jackson; and her sister, Lorie Christian of Ripley.
Katherine Carol Watson
WATER VALLEY – Katherine (Katie) Carol Watson, affectionately known to many as the “WIC Chick,” passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. Katherine was a longtime employee of the WIC food center, where her kindness and dedication touched countless lives and earned her the nickname that so many remember her by with a smile.
A true lover of all God’s creatures, Katherine found joy in the simple wonders of the world-watching birds flutter in the trees, listening to the call of whippoorwills at dusk, and marveling at dolphins, her favorite animal. Her gentle spirit and warmth were evident in every life she touched.
Katherine found comfort and strength in her faith. A devoted Christian, she read her devotional daily and walked closely with the Lord throughout her life. She loved her family fiercely and was always happiest when surrounded by those she cherished. She enjoyed watching game shows, laughing along with the contestants, and never turned down a chance to rewatch her favorite movie, The Notebook.
She is survived by her two sons, Daniel Peterson and Mikey Watson, both of Water Valley; her cherished grandson, Ridge Watson of Water Valley; her loving sister, Lisa Thomas of Water Valley; her niece, Kayla (Kevin) West of Water Valley; her nephew, Justin Thomas of Water Valley; her great-niece, Amelia Thomas of Water Valley; and Trey Pullen of Water Valley, who she loved like he was one of her own.
Katherine is preceded in death by her parents, Carol and John Watson of Water Valley, and her brother, Eddie Watson.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eugene Woodard
BATESVILLE – Mr. Eugene Woodard, 63, formerly of Water Valley, passed away on May 22, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford. His parents are Maidie Carthon Barnes and Jesse Woodard II.
The funeral service will be held Thurday, May 29, at noon at Macedonia M.B. Church in Batesville. Pastor Zannie Leland will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Water Valley.
James Vernon Wright
WATER VALLEY – James Vernon Wright went to be with the Lord on May 16, 2025. The youngest of 11 siblings, James was born August 6, 1961, in Water Valley to the late Edd and Mattie Wright.
A graduate of the Water Valley School District Class of 1979, James embarked on a path of service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on February 14, 1979. Over 15 honorable years, he dedicated himself to his country, bravely serving in Operation Desert Storm as a member of the United States Marines, A Company, Platoon 1042.
After his military service, James obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi. He began his law enforcement career with the Water Valley Police Department, later continuing his commitment to public safety with Wackenhut Prison and joining the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, where he served many years until his untimely death.
James’ legacy extends his professional achievements. He was an unwavering champion for his community, dedicating his time to numerous causes, including the Yalobusha County Achievement Coalition. His passion for outreach and community service was matched only by his fervent faith in Jesus Christ, which he joyfully shared with all those around him.
James was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Valerie Lee, on July 16, 2005. He served as a faithful and active member of Bayson Chapel Church, where he held multiple roles, including deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, church bus driver, and kitchen committee member. His commitment extended to the Mt. Moriah Association.
James is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie Wright; his daughter Veronica (Darius) Wright-Craig; sons, James Harrison and Lanforth Lee, II; grandchildren Zikiya Wright, Jaliyah Reed, Germaine Reed, Lanforth Lee III, Landon Lee, Mariah, and Aaliyah Cotton; siblings, Mary Inez (James) Smith, Joan Gatson, Ed (Catherine) Wright Jr., Kenneth (Rochelle) Miller, Betty Jo Andrews, Martha Willingham, Dorothy Townsend, Mary (Calvin) Tallie, and Mildred Wright; and nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
A wake was held in honor of Major James Vernon Wright at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22. His funeral service was at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, May 23, followed by burial with full military honors. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.