Obituaries 09/18/2025

Leodis Benson, Jr.

WATER VALLEY – Minister Leodis Benson Jr., 50, died September 12, 2025. He was born August 10, 1975, to Stella and Leodis Benson Sr. in Water Valley.

He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Everdale M.B. Church. After leaving Water Valley, he moved to Starkville, where he later joined Victory Apostolic Church and served as assistant pastor.

On April 23, 2010, he married the love of his life, Castella B. Benson. Minister Benson will be remembered for his kind spirit and love of cooking.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 15 years, Castella Benson; three children, Colin Benson, Kaylen Doss, and Skyler Tah, all of Starkville; his parents, Stella and Leodis Benson Sr. of Water Valley; one sister, Yolanda (Mickey) Poole of Batesville; two brothers, Anthony (Latriece) Benson and Chuncy Benson, both of Water Valley; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 17, at Everdale M.B. Church, 599 Wise Street, Water Valley, with viewing from 9 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Water Valley.

Brad Russell Sutherland

WATER VALLEY – Brad Russell Sutherland, age 41, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1984, to Dennis Sutherland and Laura Godwin Sutherland.

A graduate of the Water Valley High School Class of 2002, Brad was well known for his passion for four-wheelers. He thoroughly enjoyed everything related to them, including buying and selling, working on and customizing, and riding them.

An avid outdoorsman, Brad enjoyed riding, hunting, and fishing. He was also a dedicated sports fan, frequently watching baseball and football games.

For many years, he worked as a truck driver, which allowed him to fulfill his love for travel. This passion for exploring the roads began in his childhood, leading him to pursue a career where he could be paid to do what he loved. Brad truly cherished his journeys across the country.

Brad is survived by his parents, Dennis Sutherland and Laura Godwin Sutherland; one sister, Tracy (Eric) Summers; one brother, Michael Sutherland; one daughter, Jamie Carlson; and one nephew, Brady Summers.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Russell and Betty Jean (Henderson) Sutherland, and Luther and Ola Mae (Austin) Godwin; and by one uncle, Chris Sutherland.

Visitation was held Thursday, September 11, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Services immediately followed at 2 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Scott Mayhorn officiating. Burial was at Mt. Liberty Cemetery.