Obituaries 12/04/2025
Christopher Daniel Melton
WATER VALLEY – Christopher Daniel Melton, 37, of Water Valley, died on November 30, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1988, in Grenada, and is remembered by family and friends for his kindness, humor and the joy he brought to those around him.
Daniel grew up in Water Valley, where he attended Water Valley High School, played saxophone in the Blue Devil Band and graduated in 2005. His passion for music was just one reflection of the vibrant spirit he carried throughout his life. After high school, he dedicated his career to healthcare, working as a hospital clerk and touching the lives of many through his caring nature.
Outside of work, Daniel enjoyed gaming, hunting and fishing. He was known for his playful sense of humor, an infectious laugh and the light-hearted jokes that could brighten even the hardest days.
Visitation will be held at First United Pentecostal Church on Thursday, December 4, 2025, beginning at noon, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Friends and family are invited to share memories and honor a life that, while far too brief, was marked by love, laughter and compassion.
Daniel is survived by his parents, Christopher and Shelly Melton; brothers, Phillip Drake Melton and Jonathan Andrew (Kristin) Melton; honorary brother, Justin (Kristy) Colvin; honorary sisters, Caramia Colvin and Elizabeth Davis Yopp; nieces and nephews, Stateum Melton, Maddox Melton, Colton Robbins, Elodie Melton, Aurora Campbell, Brooklyn Hollinger, Lacy Hollinger and Justin Bryce Colvin; grandparents, John Prince, Lillian Prince, Ann Pittman and Lynette Pryor; uncles, Bo Prince and Gerald Melton; and a cousin, Tyler Melton.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, John and Mary Landreth; and grandparents, Larry Pryor, Buddy Pittman, Roy Melton and Ed Prince.
Martha Jean Orr Shannon
COFFEEVILLE – Martha Jean Orr Shannon, 95, of Coffeeville, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Tallahatchie General Hospital Extended Care Facility in Charleston. She was born March 10, 1930, in Webster County to John and Alma Williams Orr.
Mrs. Shannon retired from Kellwood in Coffeeville and was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church. She found joy in the simple, meaningful things of life—gardening, tending to her flowers, sewing, and quilting. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother whose greatest happiness came from the time she spent with her family. Her gentle spirit, steadfast love, and quiet strength will be cherished always by those who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 29, at New Hope Baptist Church near Coffeeville with Rev. Billy Hill officiating and her grandson, Brian Barton, delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Montevista Cemetery in Webster County. Justin Ayers, Steven Ayers, Danny Dorris, Dennis Dorris, Nick Foster, Nick Greer, Scottie Jones and Ray Schmitz, III will honor Mrs. Shannon by serving as pallbearers.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann Barton(Terry) of Grenada and Charlotte Shannon Pierce of Kenton, TN; two sons, Wayne Smith of Coffeeville and Tommy Shannon(Ruth) of Nesbit; one sister, Sarah Ruth Patridge of Gulfport; daughter-in-law, Judy Dorris Harwell; son-in-law, Polk Pierce; eleven grandchildren, Jodie Denley, Brian Barton, Andrea Barton, Mara Greer, Ashley Foster, Rita Cooper, Sherry Page, Keith Pierce, Tim Pierce, Stefanie Carter and Akesha Calder; and nine great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Shannon is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Henry Smith and Rex Shannon; daughter, Joan Shannon Pierce; son, Elvin Smith and 14 siblings.
Patricia Ann Welch
WATER VALLEY — Patricia Ann “Pat” Welch, 83, passed away surrounded by family after a lifetime of love, hard work and devotion. She was born in Water Valley on Nov. 5, 1942, and was a beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend to many.
Pat worked more than 28 years as a seamstress at Big Yank, later spending 18 years at the Downtown Inn. She finished her career at Larson’s Cash Saver, where her gift for cooking became well known. Her pepper steak and beef stew were favorites that filled her family’s homes with warmth.
She enjoyed shopping, visiting flea markets and reading, but her greatest joy was always her family. Pat embraced every moment with those she loved and created memories that will be cherished for generations.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Louise (Tidwell) Moore; stepfather, Joseph McDonald; her husband and soulmate of 63 years, Jack Welch; and one son, Billy Jack Welch.
Pat is survived by two sons, Scott (Lori) Welch of Pontotoc, and Jeff (Denise) Welch of Water Valley; twelve grandchildren, Dustin (Nikki) Welch, Josh Welch, Savanna Welch (Justin Morris), Eric (Sabrina) Welch, Joy Welch (Jake Moorhead), Addey (Brady) Dickey, Jacob Welch, Eric (Ja’ Reba) Schmitz, Andy Hood, Tyler Barton, Luke (Bailey) Littlejohn; thirteen great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Anita Tidwell; close friend of over 70 years, Jeanette Dickey; and special mention of her nurses while in the hospital, Leslie, Megan, and Chance.