Obituaries 04/02/2026
William Earl Butts
WATER VALLEY – William Earl Butts, affectionately known as Billy, left this world on March 25, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on August 12, 1957, in Water Valley, Billy spent his early years rooted in the community that he would call home for the rest of his life.
Billy’s journey in life began at the young age of 15 when he entered the automotive industry as a mechanic. His career spanned several decades and included working for Lloyd Defer, serving as a foreman at Motts, Inc, and honing his skills with Dexter Brown. Eventually, he proudly opened his own shop, earning the respect and admiration of many within the community.
Billy was known for his strong will and his love for a good joke, always managing to lighten up a room with his humor. In quieter moments, you could find him enjoying his downtime, often glued to Fox News, keeping himself informed and engaged with the world around him.
Visitation was held Tuesday, March 31, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Sylva Rena Cemetery officiated by Michael Phillips.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Sheila Butts; daughters Tiffanie (Eric) Eubanks and Stephanie (Tim) Banton; grandsons, Mason Eubanks, and Chance Dewberry; great-granddaughter Oakleigh Grace Whitten, who brought joy to his life. He also survived by, his brother, Tommy Butts and sister Carolyn Butts.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Newell and Emma Butts; grandson, Hunter Eubanks; and brothers, Frankie, Mikey, and Kenny Butts.
Ina “Jean” Mann
WATER VALLEY — Ina “Jean” Mann, 85, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 17, 2026. She was born Feb. 11, 1941, in Water Valley to the late Cullie Wilson and Opal Mae Blaker Mauldin.
Jean was a devoted mother with a strong work ethic. She taught the value of hard work, honesty and the importance of family and friends. She was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed crafts, crossword puzzles, word searches and shopping at Dollar Tree.
Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, April 2, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley with Rev. Michael Criner officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 a.m. until noon. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Jean loved her family fiercely and is survived by her son, David Lee Mann (fiancé Della Myers); her daughter, Susan Criner (William Jr.); her nephew, Shawn Mauldin (Priscilla); her grandchildren, Christa Criner, Cody Criner, Kathy Anderson (Montana), Mark Joyner (Lauren), Bethany Kilby (Steven), Marsha Neuens (Thomas), Hannah Myers (Caroline Cox) and Robi Myers (fiancé Michael Wyatt); and her great-grandchildren, Emily Robertson, Mia Criner, Evie Criner, Brandon Harmon, Tyler Harmon, Lacey Joyner, Noah Harmon, Remington Joyner, Barrett Joyner, Delaney Leonard, Alexis Anderson, Cassie Wyatt, Aurora Wyatt, Dylan Pearson, Kloee Kilby and Yara Kilby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jackie Mauldin, and her daughter-in-law, Judy Mann.
Bobbette Pigue
BARSTOW, Calif. – Bobbette Pigue passed away Feb. 13, 2026, at the age of 62. She was a Water Valley native, born Nov. 11, 1963, and had been a resident of Barstow, California.
Bobbette was known as an inspirational, beloved, compassionate, patient and loyal person. Her kind-hearted nature and resilient spirit made her a source of strength for those around her.
Throughout her life, she showed a strong work ethic and determination, facing challenges with bravery and resolve. That spirit helped shape her into a strong, independent woman. Her protective nature and wisdom beyond her years were evident to all who knew her.
A memorial service was held Friday, March 20, at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Road in Barstow, Calif., where family and friends gathered to celebrate her life and share memories.
Willie Mae Turner
WATER VALLEY – Willie Mae Turner transitioned from this life on March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A beloved mother, grandmother, and community pillar, she was born on August 15, 1937, in Water Valley.
Willie Mae graduated from Davidson High School and dedicated her professional life as a seamstress at Big Yank Manufacturing, where she devoted 29 years of her talent and skill. As an artist of fabric, she lovingly sewed countless clothes for her children, demonstrating her nurturing spirit through her craft.
Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active role at her church, where she served as a church mother, usher, choir member, and Sunday school instructor. Willie Mae was a co-founder of the church’s prayer ministry and devoted her heart and time to providing elder care in the community, embodying the very essence of service and compassion.
Willie Mae’s zest for life extended beyond her church and family; she enjoyed the beauty of flower gardening, scrapbooking, and traveling the world. Throughout her journeys, she experienced the rich cultures of Germany, France, Alaska, the Bahamas, and many historical sites across the United States, creating lasting memories along the way.
Willie Mae’s life will be celebrated during a wake on April 2, at 4 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on April 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Bayson Chapel.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her children from her marriage to Sherman White, Sr., Sherman (Wyanda) White, Jr., Leon White, Wesley “DeDe” White, and DeMarc (Debra) White; daughters, Brenda White, Sheila (Larry) McNeal, and Melonie (Rodney) Anthony; her stepchildren from her marriage to James Turner, James Turner, Jr., and Lucy Polk; siblings, Cordia Taliaferro and Fannie Brown; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Wesley Jefferson and Louella Phillips Jefferson; seven siblings, Sammie Jefferson, Hattie Heard, John Jefferson, Annie Lee Turner, A.T. Jefferson, Herman Jefferson, and James Heard; one grandchild, Natasha Nicole Woodard; one stepson, Raynard Turner; and one stepdaughter, Charlene Hervey.