Obituaries 10/23/2025

Meri Jo Higdon

WATER VALLEY – Meri Jo Higdon, 61, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Born Sept. 5, 1964, in Big Spring, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Earl Miller Higdon and Barbara Jean Montgomery Higdon. Meri was a longtime resident of Water Valley and was known for her kind heart and gentle spirit. She devoted her life to caring for others and was a constant source of strength and comfort to her family and friends.

Meri was a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Though she had no children of her own, she helped raise many nieces and nephews and was a loving “Aunt Meri” to all. She enjoyed making crafts, cooking fun snacks and spending time with the children who adored her.

She was an avid reader, often finishing an entire John Grisham novel in a single day, and she loved trivia, music, cooking and arts and crafts. Meri cherished family gatherings and holidays, especially spending time with those she loved most.

Meri’s family described her as selfless, compassionate and wise. She was the one they turned to for advice, encouragement or a listening ear. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone she met, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include two brothers, Jeffery Higdon (Karen) of Rockford, Ill., and Gregory Higdon of Woodland, Miss.; two sisters, Carrie Livingston (Eddie) of Waterford, Miss., and Jana Higdon of Batesville, Miss.; one brother, Patrick Higdon of Water Valley, Miss.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Freddy Moorman officiating. Burial will be private.

Meri will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her gentle soul and the light she brought to everyone around her.

Charles King Jenkins

WATER VALLEY – Charles King “Rex” Jenkins, 56, of Water Valley, passed away on October 10, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

He was born on March 17, 1969, to Charles E. Jenkins and Jerry King Jenkins.
Rex is survived by his mother, Jerry K. Jenkins of Water Valley; and two brothers, Richard Clark Jenkins of Terry and Roger Morgan Jenkins of Oxford.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Robin Edward Jenkins of Orlando, Florida.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m. at Fords Well Cemetery with Bro. Jim Roberts officiating.

Billy Ray Stribling

SOUTHAVEN – Billy Ray Stribling, affectionately known as “Gabby,” passed away on October 10, 2025, in Southaven, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a vibrant spirit.

Born on March 5, 1946, in Water Valley, Billy attended Water Valley High School and cherished the lifelong friendships he made with the Class of 1964. He spent more than 40 years dedicated to his career with Otis, Dover, and Thyssenkrupp Elevator, where he forged lasting relationships and earned the respect of his colleagues.

Billy’s personality was larger than life. A natural jokester and storyteller, he brightened every room he entered. He had a heart overflowing with love for his family and friends and was always ready with an encouraging word or listening ear. Billy never met a stranger—he welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm smile. Deeply committed to his faith, he loved greeting others at church and serving the Lord in every aspect of his life.

Family meant everything to Billy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Stribling; two children, Billie Ann McKee and Jay (Casey) Stribling; and his cherished grandchildren, Samuel Kyle McKee and Thomas Avery McKee, who will always remember him for his love and laughter. He also held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews—Nita, Sandy, Joey, Heath, and Lauren—who will carry forward his stories and joy.

Billy’s favorite pastimes included cutting grass, spending peaceful moments rocking on the patio, and cheering at high school football games. He loved Ole Miss football and spur-of-the-moment vacations, and was known for turning a quick trip to the store into an hour-long visit that uplifted everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lovie Stribling; his son, Michael Stribling; siblings, Barbara Faye (Bob) Parker and Bobby Joe (Kathy) Stribling; and his nephew, Bubba.

Billy Ray Stribling will be lovingly remembered for his big heart, joyous laughter, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation was held Thursday, October 16, at the Carter Memorial Chapel at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will followed in Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens.

William Emmit Tharpe, Jr.

COFFEEVILLE – Mr. William Emmit “Will” Tharpe, Jr., 90, of Coffeeville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Yalobusha General Nursing Home in Water Valley.

Born March 1, 1935, in Yalobusha County, he was the son of the late William E. Tharpe, Sr. and Phenie Melissa Schmitz Tharpe. Will honorably served his country in the United States Military and later worked for a number of years at Holley Carburetor.

A member of Elam Baptist Church, William enjoyed studying the Bible and listening to audio recordings of scripture. An avid outdoorsman, he especially loved hunting with his grandsons.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at Elam Cemetery with Rev. Craig Baker officiating. Garrison Eatmon, Adam Shaw, Christopher Shaw, Hunter Shaw, Stuart Shaw, and Joshua Tharpe served as pallbearers. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include two daughters, Rene’ Shaw of Coffeeville and Tanya Tharpe of Wichita, Kan.; two sons, Steven Tharpe (Jean) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and William Tharpe III of Tupelo; 14 grandchildren, Jaimi Saylor, Laurie Tharpe, Jessica Tharpe, Meghan Blubaugh, Josh Tharpe, Adam Shaw, Cali Schmitt, Christopher Shaw, Matthew Sharkey, Tamara Tharpe, Hunter Shaw, Stuart Shaw, Jayson Gazaway Tharpe, and Justin Tharpe; 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anne Tharpe; a son, Phillip Wesley Tharpe; and seven sisters.