Obituaries 07/03/2025

Jimmy Glenn Cofer

WATER VALLEY – A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jimmy Glenn Cofer passed away peacefully at the age of 72. Born on May 31, 1953, Jimmy lived a life defined by strength, determination, service, and a love that touched everyone who knew him.

Though his early life brought great challenges, Jimmy rose above each challenge with resilience and grit. He put himself through school after dropping out, earned his college degree, and became a talented engineer with a mind that could read a schematic like poetry. He had a natural ability to understand how things worked, and there wasn’t a machine he couldn’t fix.

Jimmy proudly served his country in the United States Navy and spent much of his life in service to others. He was a man who did not just believe in his faith – he lived it. He served on mission trips to help build churches and bring Christ to the less fortunate, brought joy to children in group homes at Christmas time, served faithfully in jail ministry with the sheriff’s department, often transporting inmates from jail to church so that they could be baptized. His heart for others, especially the overlooked, hurting, and less fortunate, was immense and steady.

He found joy in life’s simple and profound pleasure riding his Harley-Davidson, watching trains roll by, exploring the beauty of nature, caring for animals, savoring a good Louis L’Amour book and losing himself in a classic John Wayne film. Jimmy married the love of his life, Reeda Faye Farmer, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, faith, and devotion.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home with Dr. Randy Bain officiating. The burial will be at Hopewell Cemetery.

He was the proud father of three daughters: Eva Christene (Timothy Joseph) Chavez, Reeda Suzanne Cofer (fiance Charles L. Lake) and Jamie Lynn (Matthew David) Stapleton; a joyful and loving grandfather to Jodie Nicole (Marc Anthony) Alberts, Timothy Joseph (Annabelle Elizabeth) Chavez, Stephen William Glenn (Mary Kathryn) Chavez and Reeda-Marie Christene Chavez. Jimmy is also survived by his brother, Carlis Cofer; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Delmer (Odell Peacock Cofer) and Eva Mae Jones (James Franklin Jones); as well as his siblings, Sue Ellen Cofer, Annie Mae Cofer Jones and Roy Dewayne Cofer.

Samuel Preston Marshall III

OXFORD – Reverend Samuel Preston Marshall III, a beloved minister, devoted husband, cherished father, and faithful friend, passed away on June 26, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was 76 years old.

Born on March 30, 1949, in Tupelo, Sam was raised in a home and community that instilled in him a love for learning, service, and faith. He attended local schools in Tupelo before graduating from Arlington High School in Texas in 1967. During his high school years, he worked at Six Flags in Arlington, where his role as a bellhop at the Inn, and a memorable encounter with John Wayne, instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hospitality and the quiet dignity of service and kindness.

Sam went on to attend Rhodes College, graduating in 1971 with a degree in psychology. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Nu, distinguishing himself both academically and socially. It was during his college years that he met and fell in love with Cecilia Miller, his beloved wife of 54 years. They were married in December, 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Answering a call to ministry, Sam pursued theological studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1974. While working as a hospital chaplain at Louisville General, he discovered the transformative power of a compassionate presence.

Sam began his pastoral ministry at Sumner Presbyterian Church in 1977, where he and his wife Cecilia were joyfully welcomed and supported as they began their ministry and family. It was there that he and Cecilia welcomed their first daughter, Anne Preston, in February, 1980.

In 1984, Sam accepted a call to serve at First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, a congregation that quickly became an extended family to the Marshalls. It was here that their second daughter, Hallie, was born in 1985. His decades of service in the church were marked by compassionate leadership, thoughtful preaching, and an unwavering commitment to community and faith.

In the early 2000s, Sam stepped into a broader leadership role as Executive Presbyter, serving the Memphis Presbytery, Western North Carolina Presbytery, and Salem Presbytery. He was known throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA) for his wisdom, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to unity and grace. In 2018, after decades of faithful ministry, Sam returned to Oxford with his beloved Cecilia where he enjoyed a well-earned retirement and a quieter chapter, surrounded by the people he loved, good books, fun cars, and their two loyal pets, Enzo and Larry.

Sam was known for his well-spoken wisdom, gentle spirit, and a steady sense of humor that delighted all. He had a gift for making people feel truly seen and loved. He found joy in the little things such as building Shaker furniture by hand, reading anything from theology to fiction, walking the beaches of the Gulf and winding through mountain roads in a sports car with the top down and music playing.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cecilia Miller Marshall; two daughters, Anne Preston Marshall of Oxford and Hallie Marshall (Jonathan Brett) Thomas of Water Valley; and his furry companions, Enzo and Larry. Sam was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Arnold of Virginia; and his parents, Samuel Preston Marshall Jr. and Edna Earle Waters Marshall of Mississippi.

Sam Marshall lived a life marked by grace, humility, laughter, and love – a life that bore faithful witness to the God he served so well.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 3, at Oxford University United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m.

Friends, family, and all those whose lives were touched by Sam’s ministry are warmly invited to attend.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Oxford-University United Methodist Church (OUUMC); The Pantry of Oxford and Lafayette County; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Denise Clement Tate

SOUTHAVEN – Denise Clement Tate, 56, of Southaven passed away on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born December 29, 1968, in Statesboro, Ga., Denise was the daughter of Travis and Norma Clement (Campbell).

Denise graduated from Water Valley High School in 1987 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. With a heart as big as her smile, Denise poured herself into her work. She began her career at The Med in Memphis and later served as a hospice nurse, offering comfort, dignity, and compassion to countless patients and families. Nursing wasn’t just her profession – it was her calling, and those who received her care were touched by her selfless, nurturing spirit.

Those who knew Denise knew her to be strong-willed and sweet, goofy and wise, dependable to the core with just the right dose of sass. She loved her people fiercely. Whether she was showing up with a thoughtful gift (that you never knew you needed), snapping the perfect candid photo, or staying up late to laugh over board games, Denise made everyone around her feel seen and loved.

She loved traveling, capturing moments with photos and videos, spending time at the beach, cheering for the Memphis Grizzlies, and making memories with her family. Denise shared a special bond with her dear best friend and caretaker, Ramona. Ramona was more than a friend, she was family, a constant presence by Denise’s side whose love, strength, and devotion never wavered. She deeply cherished spending time with her lifelong friends known as the “Musketeers,” a tight-knit group of women who stood by each other through many seasons of life, sharing laughter, love, and decades of memories. Her sense of humor was quirky, her presence unforgettable, and yes-she was fashionably late more often than not, earning her the endearing nickname “Pokey” from her daddy.

Denise leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Roman Tate and Lydia Brooke Tate; her brother, Lance (Andrea’) Clement; her sister, Charlotte (Steven) Gray; her nieces and nephews, Andrew (Amber Lea) Gray, Courtney (Jeffery) Small, Caitlin (Joe) Magnuson, Camron (Whitney) Gray, Cooper (Shelby) Clement, Coulter Clement and Chloe Clement; six great-nieces and nephews; and many other beloved family members and dear friends.

She was welcomed into the Kingdom of God by those who went before her: father, Travis Otis Clement; mother, Norma Jean Clement; and stepmother, Jeannie Ann Clement.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. A celebration of Denise’s life will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Amber Lea Gray officiating. Graveside service will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley following the service. Her family is encouraging guests to wear bright colors to celebrate her joyful spirit.

In honor of Denise’s generous heart and love for children, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

James Albert Tate

WATER VALLEY – James Albert “Jim” Tate, 86, passed away June 13, 2025, at his home in Water Valley. James was born in Water Valley to James Cecil and Annis (Brooks) Tate on April 15, 1939. He graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1957.

After graduation, he joined the Air Force. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

James is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginger); his children, Glenn (Buckwheat) Tate; and Michelle Mahaffey Georgia; and one brother, Jerry Wayne Tate; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by a son, James Michael Tate; and a daughter, Tammy Renee Crowder.
There will be a memorial service at Bethel Baptist Church at a later date.