Obituaries 09/11/2025
James Aubrey “Sonny” Brown
OAKLAND – James Aubrey “Sonny” Brown, age 58, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025 at his residence in Oakland.
A memorial gathering to celebrate and remember Sonny’s life was held on Tuesday, September 9 at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville.
Sonny was born on December 31, 1966 to the late James Willie Brown and Mary Florence Grace Brown in Batesville. He was committed and dedicated to his career as a Pipeline Inspector, a role in which he took great pride.
Sonny had a vibrant personality and a unique ability to connect with others; he loved meeting new people and effortlessly formed friendships with everyone he encountered.
As an outdoors man, Sonny found joy in being on the lake and participating in various water sports. His passion for sports extended beyond the water, as he was an avid supporter of all Ole Miss sporting events. Traveling also brought Sonny great joy, allowing him to explore new places and create cherished memories. In addition to his adventurous spirit, Sonny was known for his culinary skills and was considered an excellent cook by those close to him.
The family Sonny leaves behind includes his son, Denver Brown of Batesville; three siblings, Teresa Livingston of Perth, Australia; Natalie Ivey of Water Valley, and Amber Leigh Willis of Memphis.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by two sisters, Machelle Pitcock, Kimberly Williams; and his grandparents, Wilma and Fay Brown.
Jean Marie Walker Craven
WATER VALLEY – Jean Marie Walker Craven, 98, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. She was born on April 30, 1926, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. After high school, she went to work for the Civil Service as an operator with the United States government, which caused her to relocate to the Florida Everglades.
As fate and good timing would have it, this was also near the end of World War II, resulting in Jean crossing paths with a dashing young sailor who would quickly become the love of her life.
With a little faith and a lot of love, Jack persuaded Jean to return to his southern hometown of Water Valley, where they quickly married. Over the course of their marriage, they were blessed with seven children which, in time, blossomed to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their grands and great-grands were their pride and joy.
Jean was a fiercely independent woman and took great pride in everything she did. She kept one of the most beautifully landscaped yards in Yalobusha County. She had flowers for every season. Jean was a very competitive bridge player and enjoyed golf as well.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Elizabeth Walker; three brothers, Chet, Brucie, and James; three sisters, Edna, Mildred and Mary Alice; her husband, Jack Craven; and two daughters, Terry Craven and Kitty Craven (Bill) Binford.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Patricia Craven; her sons, John (Cathy) Craven, Cliff (Luanne) Craven, Richard (Cherry) Craven, and James Craven. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with another on the way.
A service celebrating her life was held Saturday, Sept. 6, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks. At the conclusion of the service, interment took place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Water Valley.
Teresia Bagguley Edgar
WATER VALLEY – Teresia Bagguley Edgar, 94, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at North Mississippi Regional Medical Center in Tupelo,
Born October 12, 1930, in Water Valley to Felix Bagguley and Ovie Pass Bagguley, she was a lifelong resident of Water Valley and a graduate of Water Valley High School. She was also a graduate of the Miller-Hawkins Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. After graduation, she worked for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, then moved to Water Valley, where she worked at the Bank of Water Valley. She joined her husband, Dr. Rayford N. Edgar, in his optometric practice as his assistant and office manager in Water Valley until his retirement in 1990. Rayford and Teresia shared 67 wonderful years of marriage and became pillars of the community through their dedication to their church, his practice and their family.
Teresia was a member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley and taught Sunday School for 38 years. She was also a faithful member of the choir. Teresia was a charter member of both the Water Valley Jaycettes and the Town and Country Garden Club, which awarded her the Luella Fair Community Enrichment Award in 2007. Most recently, she was honored as a 50-year Life Member of the Water Valley Junior Auxiliary. She was an excellent bridge player and an original member of the Grand Slam Bridge Club.
Teresia loved flowers and gardening, always having beautiful ferns adorning the entrance to her home, including hanging baskets and planters filled with annuals. She found joy in tending to her flowers with the same love and care that she gave to her family. She was a doting and loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always having a gift for the children or a delicious caramel cake on hand.
In addition to her parents and husband, Teresia was preceded in death by her brothers Felix Jewett and Thomas Elmo Bagguley (Elizabeth), and sister Elizabeth B. Ward (Philip). She is survived by her daughter, Jayne River (Keith), her granddaughters, Heather McLellan (Reese) and Steffi Larson (Barrett), and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two special nephews, Tom and Bob Ward.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 8, at First Baptist Church in Water Valley with Dr. Randy Bain officiating and Seven Oaks Funeral Home handling the arrangements. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.