Obituaries 02/12/2026
Landon Arbuckle
WATER VALLEY – Landon Arbuckle, 14, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, leaving behind a world made quieter by his absence.
Landon was a student at Water Valley Junior High School and the kind of kid you noticed immediately. He lived with energy, confidence and humor, often using quick wit and sarcasm to make others laugh. Known as the class clown, Landon had a way of lifting the mood in a room, especially when someone needed it most.
He poured his heart into athletics, playing football, competing in powerlifting and spending time on the Little League baseball field. He loved the challenge, the teamwork and the thrill of competition, always giving his best and cheering on his teammates.
Away from school, Landon felt most at home outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved mud riding and had an adventurous spirit that showed in everything he did. Many were surprised by his love for cooking, something he genuinely enjoyed, especially when it meant sharing with others. One role he proudly embraced was getting on his daddy’s nerves — a job he carried out with humor and persistence.
Landon left muddy footprints, loud memories and a lasting mark on the hearts of those who knew him. Though his time was far too short, the joy, laughter and love he shared will not be forgotten.
He is survived by his father, Jonathon Arbuckle (Cheyenne); his mother, Amber Cummings (Larkin); siblings, Hunter Arbuckle, Amelia Arbuckle, Paizlee Keenum, Easton Cummings and Sage Arbuckle; paternal grandparents, Chuck and Kim Arbuckle; and maternal grandparents, Kevin Wilbourn (Jewel).
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Amy “Meme” Wilbourn.
Family and friends will gather to honor Landon’s life with visitation Thursday, Feb. 12, from noon until 3 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 3 p.m.
Angela Deniece Fowler
WATER VALLEY – Angela Deniece Fowler, passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Oxford. She was born May 3, 1960, in Starkville.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Clois Vaughn; her father, Thomas Wofford Jr.; and her brother, Reggie Wofford. She is survived by her brothers, Randy Wofford, Ronnie Wofford and Joe Wofford, and her beloved daughter, Lexi Fowler, who was her pride and joy and will deeply cherish her memory. Deniece counted it as the greatest gift from God to be Lexi’s mother — not only her parent, but her best friend.
When Lexi began kindergarten at Davidson Elementary School in Water Valley, Deniece started working there as a teacher’s assistant. The school staff and students immediately gravitated to her warm, welcoming spirit. She later transferred to Water Valley High School, where she served as secretary. Though that was her title, she wore many hats — counselor, confidant, encourager, leader, mentor, friend and mother. She was truly an anchor for the school and the community.
Deniece poured her life into her church, First Christian Church of Water Valley, which was her heart and soul. She was deeply loved by the children of the church, whom she taught to know and love Jesus. She faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher, junior church leader, Vacation Bible School volunteer, Wednesday night teacher and after-school program leader. Her prayer was always that the children would serve and love others like Jesus.That passion led Deniece to begin the “A Prayer and a Meal” ministry, where she and the children visited, prayed over, sang with and delivered meals to members of the congregation and the community. She went above and beyond in her ministry, dressing as Bible characters, creating motions for worship songs and showing children that a life with Jesus is joyful and fun.
Though many may not have known it, Deniece faced significant health challenges for the past 10 years of her life. Time and again, she surpassed doctors’ expectations. Her joy never faded, and her faith never wavered. During her health journey, she experienced a closeness to Jesus deeper than ever before, and her heart was for others to not delay but choose Jesus today.
When Deniece learned she would need to begin dialysis, her response was simple and sincere: “There must be someone there who needs to know about Jesus.” Each day she arrived with a smile, a word of encouragement or a small goodie bag, bringing light into a place that could have felt heavy. When nurses and fellow patients asked where her joy came from, she delighted in sharing her answer — Jesus.
Deniece lived every day on a mission to love God and love people. She wanted everyone she met to know her Jesus. Her desire was not to be remembered by her own name, but for others to remember Him.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. until noon at Seven Oaks Funeral Home, with funeral services to follow at noon.
Robert John Kelly
Robert John Kelly, 84, of Batesville, Mississippi passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at Providence Assisted Living in Senatobia. Robert is survived by his son, Robert Brian Kelly of High Point, North Carolina, and his grandchildren, Robert Eamon Kelly of High Point, North Carolina and Kora Elise Kelly of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a host of friends.
Robert was born on September 15, 1941, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to William Farley and Helen (Weleck) Kelly. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1965 and headed to Mississippi to attend law school. Robert chose Ole Miss because (1) he wanted to come south; (2) Tulane wouldn’t waive out of state tuition; and (3) Charlie Connerly, Jimmy Patton, and Bookie Bowlin who were all former Ole Miss football players who also played for the New York Giants, Robert’s favorite team.
After graduating from Ole Miss Law School in 1968, Robert went to work for Legal Services Corp. in Oxford, representing criminal defendants, the underserved and underprivileged and handling some of the most significant and impactful desegregation cases of the time. In 1968, blacks and women were not allowed to serve on juries in Mississippi, and Robert Kelly helped to change that.
Robert left Legal Services in 1972, after which he established a private law practice in Oxford before moving to Hernando in 1977. In 1984, Robert was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney prosecuting felony cases in DeSoto, Tate, Panola, Yalobusha, and Tallahatchie Counties. Robert served under three different District Attorneys until his retirement in 2007. His legacy as a persistent, tough, and fair prosecutor lives on in the many young lawyers Robert mentored and in the many lives he touched during his career.
Robert was raised in the Catholic Church in Hackensack. In his later years, he faithfully attended the Batesville Presbyterian Church.
Robert traveled extensively in retirement, visiting all 50 states and all but 5 major league baseball stadiums. Robert loved traveling in Europe, especially Ireland. He loved following his favorite teams, the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, the St. Louis Cardinals, and his beloved Ole Miss Rebels.
There will be a celebration of Robert’s life on February 14th at 3:00 p.m. at the Ice House in Batesville, Mississippi. At Robert’s request, we will gather for a time of “telling tall tales and only the best lies”.
Minnie Karen Mitchell
WATER VALLEY – Minnie Karen Mitchell, 67, passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital–North Mississippi in Oxford.
Karen was born Jan. 31, 1959, in Batesville to the late James Calvin Mitchell and Melba Branton Mitchell. A graduate of South Panola High School, she spent her professional career as a program technician in the farming industry, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Above all else, Karen’s life centered on family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who found joy in everyday moments. Outside of work, she expressed her creativity through stained glass, creating pieces that reflected her artistic spirit. She loved flowers, enjoyed watching Days of Our Lives, and had a deep affection for animals, filling her home with warmth and companionship.
Karen is survived by her son, Josh Thweatt (Lesley) of Oxford; her daughter, Constance Griffin (Jeff) of Water Valley; sisters, Eva Dillard (Dick) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Kathryn Clark (Mike) of Rome, Georgia, and Deborah Bratton (Eddie) of Pensacola, Florida; four grandchildren, Bryson Thweatt, Aiden Thweatt and Ava Thweatt, all of Oxford, and Wylie Griffin of Water Valley; a host of nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Snuggles, Skeeter Brown and Bella.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Douglas Mitchell, and a sister, Martha Mitchell.
Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home.