Obituaries 06/19/2025
Estes Caldwell
WATER VALLEY – Estes “ST” Caldwell departed this life peacefully in his home with his loving children by his side on June 10, 2025. Estes was born March 3, 1967, in Water Valley to the late Estes Caldwell, Sr. and Cora Lee Jones. He was raised by his grandparents, Rogers and Lola Caldwell, with help from his Aunt Polly and Uncle Cookie.
Estes gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined Green Goshen C.M.E. Church. He was united in holy matrimony to Tammy Rae Moody and to this union three children were born. Estes loved to cook and surround himself with family and friends.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Green Goshen C.M.E. Church with Pastor Christy Rubin Fuzz officiating. Viewing starts one hour before the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Melvin Woodard, Willie Caldwell, Mario Caldwell, Tyrone Folson, Kenneth Mayes and Jake Pritchard serving as pallbearers. Walker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Estes is survived by his loving children, Marquise Aguella, Tylaen Caldwell of Coffeeville and Kennedy Grace Caldwell of Vardaman; three brothers, Raymond Hodges of Milwaukee, Wis., Rodney Hodges of Southaven and Kevin Jones of Orlando, Fla.; one sister, Mary Hodges of Clarksdale; bonus siblings, two sisters, Melba (Larry) Stokes and Barbara Mayes, and nine brothers, Jeffrey Mayes, Bobby Mayes, Rogers Mayes, Kenneth Mayes, Gregory (Lenora) Woodard, Melvin Woodard, Willie Caldwell, Rogers Caldwell and Mario Caldwell, all of Water Valley; four aunts, Edna Neely of Jackson, Rosie Lee Hodges of Abbeville, Clinton Mae Brown of Milwaukee, Wis. and Clister Fay Benson of Clarksdale.
Estes is preceded in parents by his parents and grandparents; his wife, Tammy; his uncle, Rogers Caldwell; his aunt, Edna “Polly” Morgan; and his uncle, Willie “Cookie” Caldwell.
James Watson Campbell
WATER VALLEY – James Watson Campbell passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born in Water Valley to the late George Watson Campbell and Margarette Rogers Campbell.
James graduated from Davidson High in Water Valley and was a Magnolia State Basketball Champion in 1966. James began his employment at the City of Water Valley, working in the water department for over 25 years before retiring. He was a longtime member of Greater Sanders Chapel, where he served diligently. He was well known for his delightful sense of humor, which will be greatly missed. In his spare time, James enjoyed mowing and watering his lawn.
James was a loving husband, brother, son and friend. Spending time with his wife was his greatest joy. He will be remembered for the love, care, and devotion he shared with his wife, Lottie.
A wake will be held Saturday, June 21, from 9 until 11 a.m., with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. All services to be held at Greater Sanders Chapel with Pastor Mitchell Steen officiating. The interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Water Valley. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James is survived by his wife, Lottie Campbell; his step-daughters, Cherineeka (Malcolm) Collins and Marilyn Hervey; a step-son, Fredrick (Jessica) Hervey; a brother, Harry Lee Campbell; sisters Mattie Louise (Eli) Moore of Lexa Ark., Brenda Kay Campbell, Linda Carol Campbell, Ruby Joyce Campbell, Patricia Ann Campbell of Water Valley and Janeth Kay Neely of Oxford; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and friends.
Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Lee Campbell and Bobby Lee Campbell; and his sisters, Shirley Corin Rogers, Virgie Mae Suggs, and Juanita Fondon.
Sonja Louise Campbell
WATER VALLEY – Sonja Louise Campbell, 57, transitioned on June 7, 2025. Born March 27, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, Sonja was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and joyful gatherings.
A proud member of Sanders Chapel Church, Sonja was baptized in 2001 under the loving leadership of Rev. Lee Virgil Matthews. As a stay-at-home mother, she dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating countless memories filled with love, through music, irresistible barbecue burgers, or sunlit beach days with her children.
The wake for Sonja was held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Friday, June 13. A formal funeral service followed at 2 p.m. as friends and family joined to celebrate her remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Sonja is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Campbell; her cherished children, Sophia Kurtz and Deshaun Kurtz; a step-son, Jeremiah Campbell; her daughter-in-law, Brittany Wesley-Kurtz; and her treasured grandchildren, Kamariyunna Telford, Deasia Kurtz, Johnterrius Kurtz, Deshunden Strong, Keshun Kurtz, Rashad Kurtz, Major Strong and Kyrie Kurtz. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who remember her warmth, spirit, and the joyful moments spent together.
Sonja is preceded in death by her parents, Peter Kurtz and Annette (Daniels) Kurtz.