Obituaries 07/10/2025
Thomas Corrai
TILLATOBA – Thomas “Wahoo” Corrai, age 71, of Tillatoba passed away June 25, 2025. Tom was born Nov. 9, 1953, in Ohio to Anthony and Delores Corrai. He was best known by his nickname, “Wahoo,” and for his lifelong passion for motorcycles. The open road was where he felt most at home, and riding gave him a sense of freedom and identity that never wavered.
Tom found peace in the slower pace of life in the South and made Mississippi his home, drawn to its quiet charm and relaxed way of life. He had a deep love for nature – trees, flowers, mountains, rocks and animals all brought him joy. Whether traveling or exploring new places, he loved experiencing the world around him. He was equally content at home, enjoying classic television shows like Laramie and Leave It to Beaver and the comfort of familiar routines.
As outgoing as he once was, Tom became more selective with his time as he grew older. He treasured quieter moments with those closest to him, especially his loyal companion Denise Anglin, with whom he shared his later years. His bond with their beloved beagle, Biscuit, was strong—he took pride in teaching her to be a well-behaved and loving dog.
Charismatic and quick to spark a smile, Tom never met a stranger and had a natural ability to connect with others. Yet beneath his charm was a fiercely protective heart. He was deeply passionate about the people and causes he cared for—if someone he loved had a problem, he took it on as his own and did everything he could to help.
He is survived by his daughter, Summer (Jacob) Jude; his stepson, Russell Corrai; his sisters, Pamela (Thomas) Hakaim, Jennifer (Don) DiDomenico and Linda (Michael) Tusin; his grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Denise Anglin.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
John Russell Green
WATER VALLEY – John Russell Green, 60, of Water Valley passed away on Saturday July 5, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford Mississippi.
Born May 10, 1965 in Lambert to James Russell Green and Joann Hamby. John attended school in Quitman County. He moved to Water Valley in 1985. John played baseball and ran track at Quitman County High School, and was known for his deep love for baseball.
John worked many years for the City Of Water Valley Street Department. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by two sons, Justin Russell Green and Jason Kyle Green, both of Water Valley; his mother, Joann Hamby of Water Valley; two brothers, James Edward Green and Cecil Allen Austin, both of Water Valley; and one sister, Donna (Rickey) Ragon of Water Valley. He also leaves a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, his wife,and grandparents.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday July 9, at 1 p.m. at Palestine Cemetery located on County Road 25 outside of Water Valley.
Glenda Faye Hall Griffith
WATER VALLEY – Glenda Faye Hall Griffith, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 4, 2025. Glenda was born August 13, 1940, to Helen White Hall and Leslie Exelle Hall. She loved family with all her heart & was big sister to three brothers.
As a teen, she enjoyed being a majorette with the school band in Clarksdale. She was a loving mother to Roger Abernathy and Katherine Hardy. Later, Glenda went to work as a bank teller, a job she thrived in with her friendly smile, cheerful disposition and glamorous big hair. She married Henry Seavy Griffith, her love, and they enjoyed life together and traveling until his death. She was a precious Nana to four grandchildren, and blessed the lives of her 14 great-grandchildren.
Glenda is preceded in death by her children and husband. She is survived by her brother, Hayden Hall; grandchildren, Sherri (Shawn) McKinney, Mike (Melissa) Hardy, Samantha (Phillip) Moore and Ali Grace Allen; and many friends and relatives who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Monday, July 14, at 11 a.m. A memorial service will follow at noon. As a cancer survivor, Glenda had a heart for children suffering from cancer and supported St. Jude for many years. Donations in her memory may be made to 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 VA 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 sister, Charlotte Gray (Steven); her brother, Lance Clement (Andrea’); her nieces and nephews, Andrew Gray (Amber Lea), Courtney Small (Jeffrey), Caitlin Magnuson (Joe), Camron Gray (Whitney), Cooper Clement (Shelby), 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 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. A 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.
Kimberly Lynn Tatum
WATER VALLEY – Kimberly Lynn Tatum, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and grandmother, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 52, at Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, after bravely battling cancer. She was born August 2, 1972, in Oxford, to Dwight and Martha (McCullar) Tatum.
Kimberly graduated from Water Valley High School in 1990 and later attended Northeast Community College in Booneville. She found joy in reading, traveling to the mountains and cherishing her animals. Her love for her family was undeniable, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her career in retail sales, where she always brought her warmth and enthusiasm.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 1 until 3 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. with Bro. Shane Crawford officiating.
Kimberly leaves behind her bonus daughters, Hannah (William) Willis of Calhoun City and Makenzie Chandler of Water Valley; her loving sister, Debra (Thomas) West of Water Valley; her cherished grandchildren, Raelyn Dickey, Mabry Jane Dickey and Noelle Willis of Calhoun City, Emberlyn Gentry and Thomas Wade Gentry of Water Valley; her nephew, Henry West of Water Valley; her nieces, Ava Claire West of Water Valley; Cody (Karlie) Inman of Bruce; and her dear best friend ,Audie Chandler Ashford.
Kimberly is preceded in death by her father, Dwight Tatum; and her mother, Martha (McCullar) Tatum.