Obituaries 03/26/2026

Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Poe Griffin

WATER VALLEY – Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Poe Griffin, a beloved mother and grandmother, and longtime member of the Water Valley community, passed away peacefully March 23, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. She was 78.

Born Jan. 7, 1948, to Robert and Mary Poe, Bobbie was known for the warmth and kindness she showed to everyone she met. Her love for others was rooted in her faith, and she served faithfully at Oakland Baptist Church.

Bobbie began her working life at the telephone company and later at Big Yank, but found her calling in education. She spent many years working as an assistant in kindergarten and elementary classrooms, where she became a steady and caring presence for generations of students.

She dedicated herself fully to her role, helping guide young learners and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Years later, former students would still greet her as “Mrs. Griffin,” a reflection of the lasting impression she made.

She later worked in medical billing before retiring.

Bobbie was a talented and creative person. She enjoyed crafts and crocheting and had a gift for art. She painted the original Water Valley Blue Devils logo that hung for years in the high school gymnasium. She was also known in her family for her cooking, especially her homemade biscuits and gravy, and she found joy in feeding and watching hummingbirds each year.

Family was at the center of Bobbie’s life. Known affectionately by her grandchildren as “Mamaw,” “Granny Griffin” and “Memaw,” she made each one feel special and deeply loved.

She is survived by her sons, Ron (Destiny) Griffin Jr. and Robbie (Marie) Griffin; her daughter, Shana (Chris) Bauer; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; along with extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Poe; her husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Griffin Sr.; a son, Chad Griffin; a grandson, Cody Haire; and a sister, Patsy Poe Elliott.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Visitation will be held from noon until service time in the Gardiner Room. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Verdia L. Haywood

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Verdia L. Haywood, a dedicated public servant whose leadership helped shape human services in Fairfax County, Virginia, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 77. His life and career stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents.

He was born in Water Valley to Percy and Luvean Haywood, the sixth of seven sons. Verdia’s early years instilled in him a deep sense of service and community. After graduating from Davidson High School, he pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois, which laid the foundation for a remarkable career in public service.

On December 28, 1974, Verdia married the love of his life, Billie Taylor, whom he met in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked at the County Government office. Not too long after they fell in love, they relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, where his greatest public service contributions began to take shape.

In 1978, Verdia joined Fairfax County Government as an Executive Assistant to the County Executive. His talent, compassion, and visionary leadership quickly became evident, and by 1981, he was appointed Deputy County Executive for Human Services — a role he would hold with distinction for more than three decades.

As Deputy County Executive, Verdia was widely recognized as the architect of Fairfax’s coordinated human services delivery system, guiding the expansion and improvement of programs in public health, housing, family services, behavioral and mental health, juvenile and domestic relations services, and more. His leadership helped Fairfax County respond to dramatic population growth and changing community needs, crafting innovative service delivery models that became both a regional and national example.

Throughout his career, Verdia was known for his soft-spoken yet inspiring leadership, his infectious optimism, and his ability to bring people from all sectors together. He forged strong partnerships among nonprofit organizations, government agencies, faith communities, schools, and businesses — partnerships that strengthened community support networks and expanded access to vital services.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Verdia received numerous accolades, including honors from community organizations and a Senate Joint Resolution from the Virginia General Assembly, which commended him for his service to the Northern Virginia community.

Verdia retired on January 19, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and public service that has touched countless lives and helped shape Fairfax County into a more inclusive, supportive community.

He is survived by his loving wife, Billie Haywood; his brothers, James (Dorothy) and Russell (Patrice) Haywood; Davis Haywood and Arlene Johnson, his cousin-in-law, Yvonne Paretzky (Ken); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a community forever shaped by his vision and care.

Charlie Michael “Mike” Shaw Sr. 

WATER VALLEY – Charlie Michael Shaw Sr., affectionately known as “Mike,” passed away March 18, 2026, at the age of 83.

Mike was born May 9, 1942, in Water Valley. His life was defined by his deep love for his family, his patience with children, his quick wit and his enduring spirit.

He attended Jeff Davis and later graduated from Coffeeville High School in 1960. As a young man, Mike was known for his adventurous nature. He often enjoyed slipping away from school to go fishing with his cousins, memories he carried with him throughout his life. He even once kept a pet skunk named Oscar, a reflection of his playful and free-spirited personality.

In 1961, he married the love of his life, Linda. Together, they built a strong and devoted marriage and raised a family that stood at the center of Mike’s life.

Mike began his career in farming before moving into road construction, where he became a skilled heavy equipment operator. He was a hard-working and determined man who took pride in his work.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing and deer hunting. He also loved playing poker and spending quiet time on his porch, watching birds and waving at neighbors as they passed by.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Susan Shaw Burts (Kerry); his grandchildren, Ashlynn Stark, Alaina Cardenas (Will) and Nathan Williamson; his great-grandchildren, Gracie, Mason, Zackary and Charlie; and his sister, Jeanne Evans (Steve).

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Jason Glen Willard

Jason Glen Willard, 49, passed away March 13, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Emmanuel Church of the Lord Jesus.

Jason was born July 7, 1976, in Batesville to Nina L. Connell and Jimmy G. Willard.

From an early age, he was known for his boundless energy and adventurous spirit. He loved the outdoors and was always eager to explore and try new things.

Jason had a lifelong passion for fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed deer hunting and often shared stories of coon hunting in his younger years. Over time, he fished in many places across Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, making lasting memories with friends and family.

Family meant everything to Jason. He found joy in being with his loved ones and had a way of making every gathering brighter. Around the house, he stayed busy, whether working in the yard or fixing whatever needed attention. He was always willing to lend a hand.

His faith was central to his life. Jason believed deeply in his Lord and Savior and lived out his faith with quiet strength and devotion.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and love for others.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristin D. Willard of Sardis; his son, Cameron Willard of Crenshaw; his granddaughter, Ava Russell of Sardis; his brother, Aaron P. Willard of Batesville; his mother, Nina L. Connell of Batesville; his father, Jimmy G. Willard (Shelia) of Water Valley; his step-sister, Angela Barley of Water Valley; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Taylor N. Willard; and his brother, Joseph A. Willard.