Obituaries 07/24/2025
Dean Callahan
LAFAYETTE – Jeanette Dean Callahan left this world peacefully at home on July 18, 2025. She was 82. Born on May 29, 1943, in Water Valley, Dean was a cherished member of her community, known for her unwavering faith, generosity, and nurturing spirit.
Dean was married for 59 years to her beloved husband, Robert Callahan, Sr. Together, they created a loving home where they thrived as partners, both in life and business.
For 50 years, they owned and operated Callahan’s Quick Print, a fixture in the community until its closing in 2022. Their commitment to one another was mirrored in their devotion to Campground Baptist Church and Anchor Baptist Church, where they were active members, enriching the lives of many through their faith and service.
A devoted mother, Dean is survived by her sons, Glen (Christy) Callahan and Stacy (Billie) Callahan; and a daughter, Stephanie (Scott) Mills; grandchildren, Leslie-Brooke Singletery, Jack-Tyler Singletery, Macon Allen Callahan, Jordan Leigh Callahanand Emilee Clare Callahan, Sadie Rowen Callahan; and two sisters, Clemmie Callahan and Jerleen Harris.
In addition to her parents, Carmon and Lucille Mathis, Dean is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Callahan, Sr.; one son, Robert Lee Callahan, Jr.; and one sister, Shirley Jones.
The family received friends at Anchor Baptist Church Tuesday, July 22, from 10 until 11 a.m. A graveside service followed at Camp Ground Cemetery at 11:30 p.m. where she will be laid to rest between her husband and son.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to the Camp Ground Cemetery Fund at Bank First in Water Valley.
Jimmy Dale Carroll
BRUCE – Jimmy Dale Carroll, age 87, of Bruce departed this life on July 15, 2025, in Boliver Medical Center. Born on July 8, 1938, in Yalobusha County, Jimmy was a cherished member of his community.
Jimmy dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the community through his career with the Calhoun County Maintenance District 3, where his dedication and hard work left a lasting impact. He was a man of many passions, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether he was bird hunting in the woods, fishing in the nearby streams, cutting firewood to keep his family warm, or nurturing his beloved garden,
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruthie Blaylock Carroll of Bruce; their son, Paul Carroll of Bruce; two nephews, Randy Hughes and Kenny “Bud” Hughes; and nieces, Ann Callaway, Linda Williamson, and Cathy Lee Henderson.
A public viewing was held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home on July 17, at 10 a.m. A graveside service followed at Bruce Cemetery at 11 a.m. with Bro. Kevin Chrestman and Bro. Darrell Logan officiating. Kyle Carter, Ronald Carter, Scott Collins, Randy Hughes, Ricky Odom, and Mike Scott served as pallbearers.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents William Howard Carroll and Ada Lee Hitchcock Carroll, sisters, Mary Katherine Hughes, Martha Seigal, brothers, Howard B. Carroll, and Sammy Carroll.
Alma Taylor Lovelady
WATER VALLEY – Alma Taylor Lovelady, 92, died Friday, July 18, 2025, at her home in Water Valley.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Eakes officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Flat Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Lovelady was born on October 31, 1932, in Calhoun County, to the late Jessie Ellis and Eliza Ethel Sheperd Howell. She was a longtime and faithful member of Pine Flat Methodist Church, where she took great care in beautifying the grave spaces of past church members and their families. She saw this as a calling from the Lord and she often placed flowers as a way to memorialize those who have gone before her. This act came natural to her as she found great joy in tending to her various flowers and sharing her knowledge on nature. Her grandchildren knew they could call on her to assist with school projects or simple curiosities as she could name every leaf that fell from a tree or identify any bird of nature that lived around her home. She was sure to keep her birdfeeders well stocked so she and her family could admire the many species. She also had a knack for crocheting and loved teaching others the art.
Spending time with her family brought her the most joy. Their times together were marked by roars of laughter and jokes and always good food. Whether they went out to eat or gathered to share her famous carrot cake, being together as a family was all that mattered. Along with her dear friend, Carolyn Adams, she enjoyed occasional girl’s days spending time together and shopping. Mrs. Lovelady was preceded in death by her first husband, James. L. Taylor and second husband, Harold Lovelady; five sisters, Uree Adams, L.C. Dunn, Opal Howell, Mae Dickey and Faye Jenkins; three brothers, J.D. Howell, Jessie Howell and Bud Howell and one grandchild, Andy Sigler.
Mrs. Lovelady is survived by a daughter, Brenda Sue Taylor of Water Valley; a son, Randy Taylor of Water Valley; four grandchildren, Andrea (Lee) Pullen, Kandice (Larry) Barcelona, Jennifer (John) Thompson, and Matthew Taylor; 10 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Lovelady’s memory may be made to Pine Flat Cemetery Fund, c/o Bill McGregor, 658 Highway 7 South, Oxford, MS 38655.
Mary Page
COFFEEVILLE – Mary Page, a Yalobusha County native, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital- North Mississippi in Oxford on Monday, July 14, 2025. Mary Page, 85, was comforted by the presence of her family at her passing.
Born on June 8, 1940, Mary Emma was the second of the five children of the late Mr. & Mrs. Whitfield Turner, Sr. of Coffeeville. She was a graduate of Central High, a lifelong member of the Bethlehem Church family, and a retiree of Pennaco Hosiery Mill, formerly located in Grenada.
Mary Emma is survived by her children, April Page, Victor Page and Sonja Page; her siblings, Whitfield Turner, Jr. and Betty Turner Lee; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
She is predeceased by her parents; her husband; and her son, Reginald “Toby” Page; her siblings, Savannah Turner and Annette Turner Hampton; and many other relatives and close friends.
A wake and visitation is scheduled Friday, July 25, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Coffeeville. The Celebration of Life Service will follow on
Saturday, July 26, at 1 p.m. at the same location. Pastor Larry W. Ware will officiate. Interment will be in the Coffeeville Cemetery immediately following the service.
Clifford Irving Phillips
WATER VALLEY – Clifford Irving Phillips, Jr., age 57, of Water Valley died unexpectedly on Friday, July 17, 2025. He was born April 22, 1968 to Clifford Irving Phillips, Sr. and Gladys Corrine Smith Phillips in Beloit, Wisc.
Cliff spent his formative years in Beloit, where he and his slightly younger brother, Charles, developed an inseparable bond that would last throughout their lives. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School and began his career working at a bakery, rising very early each morning to make donuts and pastries.
Cliff moved with his family to Water Valley in 2007. His various work experience included stints at Dunn’s Country Store in the Sylva Rena Community, the deli/bakery at Piggly Wiggly (Larson’s Cash Saver), and most recently at Second Chance Animal Alliance. His quiet and caring demeanor helped him foster a love for animals and he remarked that he often felt more comfortable around his pets than around people, perhaps recalling the time he spent with Eon, his beloved childhood dog.
Cliff had many hobbies. He loved watching videos and reels on his phone–especially watching the reactions of people who were encountering old shows and movies for the first time. He loved classic television shows and movies from his childhood. Cliff loved to read, listened to music, and enjoyed singing–he had a deep singing voice that resonated with his listeners. He loved to sing at his church, Sylva Rena Baptist Church, and was faithful in attendance.
Quiet, caring, and unassuming, Cliff never met a stranger. He loved people. Cliff enjoyed meeting people and swapping stories about their past experiences and sharing details of his own. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his brother, Charles Monroe Phillips of Water Valley. His parents, Clifford, Sr., and Gladys, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held at Sylva Rena Baptist Church on Thursday, July 24, at 5 p.m. The memorial service to celebrate Cliff’s life will follow at 5:30 p.m. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.