Obituaries 07/17/2025
Melanie Faye Pruett
WATER VALLEY – Melanie Faye Pruett, 71, passed away on July 13, 2025 at her residence in Water Valley surrounded by her loved ones.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Coleman Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Sandhill Cemetery (2544-2996, CR 119 Water Valley, 38965).
Melanie was born on April 11, 1954 in Oxford to the late Winfred and Irene Woods Pruett. She loved to travel and explore new places, creating beautiful memories wherever she went. She cherished her family deeply and made it a point to call them every day, finding joy in each conversation and always looking forward to the time spent with them. Melanie found comfort and happiness in her favorite TV shows, like “Law and Order,” “Walker Texas Ranger,” and “Longmire.” These moments were a source of joy for her, a way to unwind and relax after a busy day.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she found great joy in attending her church and being surrounded by her beloved church family. The support and companionship she fostered there were incredibly meaningful to her. Melanie’s involvement in church activities was a significant aspect of her life.
For 25 wonderful years, Melanie dedicated herself to her work for the Circuit Clerk in Lafayette County. She was known for her kindness and hard work, always ready to lend a helping hand to others.
At the end of each day, Melanie found simple pleasure in her nightly treat—milkshakes. She delighted in enjoying those sweet moments alongside her favorite milkshake or ice cream, savoring the little joys in life.
Melanie is survived by her son, Bobby Wayne Huckaby of Water Valley; her daughter, Angela Hope (Chad) Newman of Water Valley; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat Wilson of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Margie Calvi of Horn Lake, Mississippi; and her childhood best friend and sister, Kay (Patton) Herbert of Coffeeville.
Melanie is preceded in death by her parents, Winfred and Irene Woods Pruett; her sister, Mary Russell; and her brother, John Pruett.
Konner Wayne Skelton
WATER VALLEY – Konner Wayne Skelton departed this world on July 6, 2025, leaving behind a tapestry of love and laughter woven through the lives he touched. Born June 8, 2000, in Southaven, Konner was a cherished son, brother and friend.
Konner graduated high school in 2018 and was known for his infectious spirit, sense of humor, and strong will, which never faltered despite the challenges he faced. His days were filled with laughter as he immersed himself in his passions— loving animals, exploring the worlds of Pokémon, gaming on his phone, and finding joy in singing in the choir. He had a unique ability to find beauty in the simplest of moments, often captured through the reels he enjoyed watching.
Konner is survived by his beloved siblings, Tyler, Jordan, Piper, Mia, Jayda, Kyliegh, and Charlie Faith; his parents, Steven (Jenni) Skelton and Mindy Clarkston; and his loving grandmothers, Sandra Hipps and Pam Hurdle; his grandfathers, Stanley Skelton and Tim Clarkston; along with his Uncle Stewart (Jackie) Skelton and Aunt Jennifer (Chris) Westmoreland. Konner is preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Hipps; and his cousin, Noah Smith.
Visitation was held Wednesday, July 9, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service, celebrating Konner’s life and the joy he shared, followed at 3 p.m. He was laid to rest at Browning Cemetery in Oxford.
Patty Jarrett Varner
OXFORD – Patty Jarrett Varner, 80, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, July 7, 2025, at her home in Oxford. The funeral service was Thursday, July 10, at Union West Baptist Church with Bro. Mark Gray officiating. Burial followed in Browning Cemetery. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Oxford to the late Glenn Russell Jarrett and Mildred Tidwell Jarrett, Patty was a longtime employee of Mechanics Bank, and a homemaker. She was a faithful member of Union West Baptist Church in Oxford. Patty was known for her kindness and her servant’s heart. She loved her husband of 62 years, her children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and spent every day showing them how much they meant to her. Her love for the Lord showed in everything she did. Her family will fondly remember her passion for Christ and the lessons she always taught them.
Patty is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Beverly Gail Varner; and her parents.
Patty is survived by her husband, Wilson Dean Varner of Oxford; three children, Greg (Elaine) Varner of Oxford, Julie Varner (John) Ingram of Water Valley and Karen Varner of Canton; her sisters, Imogene Brown, Yvonne Hughes, and Becky Moffett, all of Water Valley; five grandchildren, Ross (Madison) Ingram, Brittany (Joey) Williams, Julianna Ingram, Wilson Varner and Reese Ingram; and three great-grandchildren, Layla Burell, Bowen Williams, and Collier Jenkins.