Obituaries 09/25/2025
Richard Booker
ERIE, PA – Richard Booker, age 64, passed away on September 11, 2025. He was born on May 24, 1961, in Tillatoba. Richard was a graduate of Academy High School. He had a lifelong passion for gymnastics, bodybuilding, and wrestling, and he worked as a laborer in a hammer mill along with holding various jobs throughout his life. Richard was known for his free spirit–-he truly walked to the beat of his own drum. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
Funeral services were held on September 20 at the House of Paradise Cremation and Funeral Services Inc in Erie, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mille Frost and Earnest Anderson; his brother, Sid Booker; and his nephews, Robert Daniels, John Silva and Johnny Booker. Richard is survived by his daughter, Teesha Weems-Booker; his grandsons, Daniel Mitchell and Apollo Weems; seven sisters, Annie L. Daniels, Diane Booker, and Rosie Booker, all of Erie, PA; Josephine (Ted) Martin of Coffeeville; Nettie (Anthony) Dye, Lurine Booker, and Mae Booker, all of Memphis; and three brothers, Sid Booker, John Booker, and James Booker.
He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many lifelong friends.
Richard Ford
COFFEEVILLE – Richard Ford, 70, of Coffeeville, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at his residence. He was born June 28, 1955 in Arcadia, Fla. Richard spent most of his working life working as a farmer. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Richard attended First Assembly of God in Water Valley.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 28 at the First Assembly of God in Water Valley with Rev. Keith Burney and Bro. Rodney Gray officiating. Interment will follow in the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery in Yalobusha County. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Sunday at the church. Ricky Carvan, Jarred Logan, Ricky Melton, Jr., Eddie Raymond, Michael Raymond and George Smith will serve as pallbearers. Jamie Arbuckle and Charles Calder will serve as honorary pallbearers. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Brenda Gray Ford; one son, Cody Ford of Coffeeville; a sister, Jeri (George) Roberloof Douglas, Ga.; and a granddaughter, Piper Boyd.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William Richard Ford, Sr. and Wilton Clyde Alderman Russell; a daughter, Brandy Boyd; a grandson, Zach Boyd; three sisters, Susie Gomez, Florence Utsey and Glenda Wells; and two brothers, Roy Alderman and James Ray Ford.
Ann Moorman Haynes
BATESVILLE – Ann Moorman Haynes, affectionately known as “Big Ann,” peacefully departed this life on September 19, 2025. She born on March 18, 1933.
Funeral services for Big Ann will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025 in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with family receiving friends two hours prior to the service. A private family burial will follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.
Big Ann left a remarkable legacy that echoes through the hearts of her community. She was a dedicated business owner throughout her life, managing beloved establishments such as the Shoe Center, Buckles & Bows, and Blossoms. Her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to her work made her a familiar and cherished figure in Batesville.
Big Ann was not only a businesswoman but also a pillar of the Batesville community. Her warm heart and generous nature endeared her to many. As an esteemed member of the First Baptist Church of Batesville, she contributed to the spiritual fabric of the community, providing support and fellowship to those around her. Big Ann was also active in various community organizations such as Batesville Lions Club and Batesville Rotary Club.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Big Ann had a wealth of interests and hobbies that reflected her vibrant personality. Sewing was a beloved passion, allowing her creativity to flourish. Her enthusiasm for basketball, whether as a player or a spectator, showcased her spirited nature. Known for her warmth and hospitality, she found joy in cooking for her family and sharing meals with friends. Gardening was another cherished interest of hers.
Big Ann also held a special place in her heart for her Bunko Group. This tight-knit circle of friends represented the camaraderie and connection she valued deeply, as they spent quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
She will be profoundly missed by all, but especially by her family she leaves behind which includes her three children, James Robert (Karen) Haynes, III of Little Rock, Ark., Wanda Carol (Lee) Robison and Kelly (Jeff) Magee both of Batesville; and her sister-in-law, Alma Moorman of Coffeeville.
She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Dr. Walker Robison (Dr. Shelby Claire), Walt Robison, Dr. Michael (Mary) Magee, Will (Shanda) Magee, Jason Haynes, Marc (Beth) Hirschfield, Alex (Kathleen) Hirschfield, and Gregory Hirschfield; as well as six great grandchildren and one on the way.
Big Ann is now reunited and rejoicing with her beloved husband, James Robert Haynes, Jr.; her parents, Albert Thomas Moorman and Ruth Wilbourn Moorman; and four siblings.
Jason Mooney
WATER VALLEY – Jason Mooney, 53, passed away September 16, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi surrounded by his family and friends. Services were handled by Seven Oaks Funeral Home and were held at Anchor Baptist Church on September 18.
Jason was born on April 8, 1972, to Clinton and Mary Katherine Mooney. Jason grew up in Water Valley and graduated from Hope Christian Academy in 1990. He recently retired from the City of Oxford after 18-and-a-half years.
He was a friend to many, and he was most known for his fun-loving personality. Never failing to crack a joke or “pick at” his loved ones, it was rare to be around him without smiling or laughing. Despite any hardship he may have been experiencing at the time, he would find a way to smile and to make others do so, as well. He loved his friends and family deeply. He found joy in riding his motorcycle with his group of friends and spending time with his family.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, Clinton Mooney; his paternal grandparents, Riley and Lillie Mooney; and his maternal grandparents, Ira “Bill” and Mary Ellen Potts.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Katherine Mooney of Water Valley; a brother, Rickey Mooney of Oxford; two children Drew (Jenn) Mooney and Lillie-Kate Mooney of Water Valley; granddaughters Everleigh Mooney and Alexandria and Lily Brock (and another granddaughter on the way); a niece, Sarah (Jeremy) Vance; a nephew, Taylor (Micah) Mooney; along with a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as many friends whom he considered family. He also leaves behind his wife, Jeannie Myers, with whom, though they had separated, he shared many memories.