Obituaries 10/09/2025
Randy William Evans
OAKLAND – Randy William Evans, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2025, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Batesville.
Randy was born on May 19, 1961, in Tallahatchie County to the late Polly Booth Evans and Joseph William Evans. He worked as a dedicated truck driver. Randy had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing.
He is survived by two brothers, Ricky (Darlene) Evans of Oakland, and Anthony Scott Evans of Oakland. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his wife, Kay Evans.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, October 1, at Magnolia Gardens in Paynes with Bro. Joe May officiated. Pallbearers were: Brad Smith, Jimbo Kendall, JJ Milam, Tony Aven, David Morgan, and Bryan Heafner.
Donna Lynn Morgan
COFFEEVILLE – Donna Lynn Morgan, 55, of Coffeeville passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at her residence. She was born November 22, 1969 in Brooksville, Fla. to the late Franklin James Morgan and Cheryl Doris Burdett. Donna was a scale house operator for Fly Timber in Grenada and previously worked in her family’s construction business. A skilled numismatist, Donna spent many years collecting and studying coins spanning over several decades. She also enjoyed fishing and crafting.
The family received friends Sunday, October 5, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service. She was laid to rest alongside her father in the Shelby Cemetery.
Survivors include her longtime companion, James Law of Coffeeville; mother, Cheryl Burdett of Franklin, N.C.; daughters, Jennifer Keel and Paula Keel, both of Cleveland, Tenn.; sisters, Cheryl Deana Morgan of Franklin, NC and Dale (Marvin) Hickman of Cleveland, Tenn.; her brother, Nakia James Paul Jarnigan of Coffeeville and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father.
Walter Vernon “Walt” Moore, III
OAKLAND – Mr. Walter Vernon “Walt” Moore, III, 70, of Oakland passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at his residence. He was born October 15, 1954, in Grenada to Walter Vernon Moore, Jr. and Mary Belle Forrest Moore.
Walt earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University and returned home to continue the proud tradition of the Moore Farm in Oakland, which has been in continuous operation since 1853. Walt married the former Jerilou James of Gore Springs, and together they shared over 51 years of devoted marriage.
An avid outdoorsman, Walt especially loved big game hunting and enjoyed traveling across the United States in pursuit of his passion.
The family received friends from 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada. Immediately following the visitation, a graveside service was at the Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Josh James, Cody James, Tripp James, Stan Green, Hayden Baker, Charlie Forrest and Rich Ross.
Honorary pallbearers will be Will Grant and Gene Standridge.
Walt is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Jerilou James Moore; one sister, Ruth Moore (Neill) Davis; one brother, Edward W. (Dawn) Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Moore Green; and two brothers, Lee F. Moore and Kevin P. Moore. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Helen Finn Standard
SARDIS – Helen Finn Standard, age 92, passed away October 4, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Sardis, Mississippi.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, Mississippi with Rev. Roger Howell officiating.
Helen was born on July 9, 1933 to the late Lydia May Finn and William Garfield Finn in Houston, Miss. She was a devote homemaker throughout her lifetime, affectionately raising five children, as well as being a loving and faithful wife. Helen also took great pride in her yard; gardening and tending to her flowers brought her great joy, along with her precious dogs, whom she loved very much.
Along with her parents, Helen is preceded in death by her husband, J.M. Standard, Jr.; one son, Chris Standard; one sister; and two brothers.
She leaves behind four children, Steve (Debbie) Standard of Water Valley, Sherry (Les) Wickwire of Delaware, Bonnie (Roger) Mitchell of Sardis, and Terri (Al) Bright of Batesville; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Helen was loved deeply and will be forever missed.
Barbara Green Theodore
WATER VALLEY – Barbara Green Theodore, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her life was a testament to love, kindness, and resilience, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew her.
Barbara was born on December 23, 1940, to Murry and Virginia Green. She grew up in the Sylva Rena Community. She completed her high school education at Water Valley High School, graduating in 1958. Following her graduation, Barbara pursued a career in nursing by enrolling at St. Joseph School of Nursing in Memphis, Tenn., where she successfully graduated in 1962. Her early life and education set the foundation for her future endeavors in the nursing profession.
Barbara led a fulfilling and impactful life, dedicating her 50-year career to caring for others as both a nursing aide and a registered nurse. She began her journey at Dr. George’s Hospital in Water Valley and went on to serve at various hospitals, including Christy Spohn Hospital in Kingsville, Texas; Prince George’s County Hospital in Cheverly, Md.; Yalobusha General Hospital in Water Valley; and finally retiring from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ms. Her commitment to healthcare touched countless lives.
For over 40 years, Barbara was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where her faith and community involvement were integral parts of her life. In her spare time, she enjoyed nurturing her creativity and passions—planting flowers, sewing, painting, and playing softball. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends. Barbara’s legacy as a loving mother, sister, and grandmother will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her life was a testament to service, faith,
A private family graveside service was held on Sept 26, 2025, at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville to honor the life and memory of our beloved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Murry and Virginia Green; and her sister, Carol Kay Green.
She is survived by her loving family, including her brother, Murry Green Jr. of Scottsdale, Ariz., her children, Jeanette Perkins (Todd) of Batesville, Sandra Theodore of Sacramento, Calif., and Ricky (Ruby) Theodore of Water Valley; and her grandchildren, Peyton Maples of Oxford and Brandon Theodore of Irvine, Calif.
Barbara’s warmth, wisdom, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. May she rest in eternal peace.