Obituaries 04/23/2026
Joey Lynn Joyner
WATER VALLEY – Joey Lynn Joyner, 61, passed away peacefully at his home on April 18, 2026. He was born Nov. 19, 1964, in Water Valley.
Joyner was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who was known for his ability to make others laugh. He had a gift for easing difficult moments with humor and could make almost any situation feel lighter. Even at a young age, he was known for making people laugh. He was the youngest child of the late Chester and Ruthie Joyner.
He attended First Baptist Church of Water Valley.
Growing up, Joyner was a member of the Water Valley High School Band, where he played the trumpet and developed a strong appreciation for music. He shared that love with his children, encouraging them to pursue singing, piano, guitar and trumpet.
He also enjoyed coaching baseball and softball through the Water Valley city league and took pride in being involved in his children’s activities and accomplishments.
After high school, Joyner began a career in sales, where he worked for many years and built lasting friendships. He took pride in his work and valued making the most of his time so he could enjoy time with his family.
He was known to many as “Pop Pop” and enjoyed traveling with his family and seeking out new adventures. He was always planning his next trip and lived life with an eagerness for what came next.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. April 23 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.
Survivors include his wife, Amy Joyner; his children, Chancie Brower (Nick), Chestin Leard (Robby), Logan Joyner (Kaytlyn), Braylee Joyner, Aubrin Joyner and Denver Joyner; his stepchildren, Sarah Davidson and Jamie Paige (Dustin); his sister, Beverly Davis (Jerry); his brother, Mike Joyner (Janice); and his grandchildren, Owen Brower, Oliver Brower, Laney Leard, Ava Brower, Joseph Paige, Millie Joyner and Levi Paige.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ruthie Joyner, and a special aunt, Thela Martin.
Mary Frances Rippee
WATER VALLEY – Mary Frances Rippee, a beloved mother, friend, and dedicated bookkeeper, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at the age of 80.
Mary spent her life nurturing her family, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mary’s journey began in Stewart, Miss., where she was born, before she made her home in Water Valley.
In 1963, she married Walter Allen Langham after a serendipitous meeting in Ridgeland. Their union exemplified love and companionship, creating a nurturing environment for their three daughters, Janice Levy, Brenda Vance and Beverly Goolsby, whom she cherished deeply. Mary was not only a devoted mother but also a skilled professional.
After attending cosmetology school in Jackson, she transitioned into the finance sector, where she proudly served as the accountant for Goolsby Mobile Homes for over three decades until her retirement in 2014. Her attention to detail and dedication were admired by colleagues and clients alike.
Outside of work, Mary had many passions that colored her life, including an abiding love for flower gardening and her seven beloved dogs, who brought her immense joy. She found peace in simple pleasures, often seen enjoying quiet mornings on her porch with a warm cup of coffee in hand and engaging in puzzles that challenged her mind. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, resilience and the unconditional love she offered her family. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.
Mary is survived by her three daughters, Janice Levy (John) of Banner, Brenda Vance (Danny) of Columbus and Beverly Goolsby (Kenny) of Pontotoc; seven grandchildren, Erik Valentine (Lane), Amber Richmond (William), Kyle Levy, Mallory Atkinson (Adam), Jessica Boyles (C.J.), Kegan Fisk and Kenny Goolsby Jr.; 10 great-grandchildren; and her seven puppies; one brother, Dale Mann; one sister, Gloria Bell Harrell.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edley and Hattie Bell Mann; her husband Gerald Rippee; her previous husband, Walter Allen Langham; one son, William Allen Langham; as well as two brothers and one sister.
Carol Ann Smith
BATESVILLE – Carol Ann Smith, 82, passed away on April 10, 2026, at her residence in Batesville, Mississippi.
The family will celebrate her life privately.
Carol was born on September 12, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Julius and Caroline Wierzchowski Jakubowski.
Carol loved to read. Spending hours with her nose in a book or working on crossword puzzles brought her quiet joy.
Carol found happiness in the laughter and companionship of her friends. Sharing stories with each other brought a smile to her face. Her love of movies became a great pastime of hers.
Carol’s appreciation for her Polish heritage shone through in her love of traditional Polish foods. The comforting presence of her loyal dog and loving cat brought her immeasurable joy and companionship.
All who knew her will miss her deeply. Her enduring legacy is one of warmth, friendship, laughter, and the gentle reminder to cherish each moment—whether found in the pages of an enjoyable book, the company of dear friends, or the loving embrace of a cherished pet. Carol’s memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to find joy in life’s simple pleasures and to care deeply for one another.
She was the loving mother to James Smith of IL, Brenda (Cliff) Pratt of SD, Dawn (Thomas) Scianna of IL, Chad Smith of MS, and Misty Smith of IL; dear grandmother of Melissa (Brian) Donbroski, Thomas M. (Amanda), Anthony, Nicholas Scianna; Ericka (Dre), Austin (Makayla) Smith, and Joshua Stark; great-grandmother of Trevor, Benjamin, Jonathon, Arabella, and Scarlett Donbroski; and Carter and Waylon Smith.
She was the beloved wife of the late James C. Smith; daughter of the late Julius and Caroline Wierzchowski Jakubowski; and the dear sister to the late Julius (Patricia) and Donald Jakubowski.
Stephanie Renee Mackey Stacy
PARIS – Stephanie Renee Mackey Stacy, 46, passed away April 14, 2026. She was born Feb. 21, 1980.
Stacy was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. Her life was deeply rooted in her faith as she worshiped Jesus with a sincere and steadfast heart. She found joy in simple moments, whether tending to her plants, watching the Cowboys play, riding four-wheelers, floating on the river or horseback riding.
Above all, she loved her family. She treasured time spent with them, especially her grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Her love also extended to her friends, who knew her as kind, genuine and warm. She also had a special place in her heart for her dogs.
Visitation was held Friday, April 17, followed by a funeral service at Grace Fellowship in Calhoun City. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley. Pallbearers were Kelton Stacks, Austin Stacks, Bryan Mackey, Kameron Stacy, Jacob Stacy and Eric Stacy Jr. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her husband, Eric Stacy Sr.; her children, Trevor McPeak, Aaliyah Mackey, Alexis Stacy, Emalee Stacy, Eric Stacy Jr., Kameron Stacy, Jacob Stacy, Travis, Haley and Kiersten; her grandchildren, Jax Stacy, Princeton Stacy, Asher Pritchard, Royal Pritchard, Harmony Pritchard and Wilder Reid; her stepfather, Frank Owens; and her brothers, Bryan Mackey and Caleb Owens.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Mackey; her father, Robert Mackey; and her sister, Shana Hayes.
Ruby Inez Tutor
WATER VALLEY — Ruby Inez Tutor, a beloved member of the Water Valley community, passed away peacefully April 16, 2026, at the Water Valley Nursing Home. She was 90.
Born June 26, 1935, Tutor dedicated her life to her family and her community. She worked as a teaching assistant at the North Mississippi Regional Center, where her kindness and commitment touched many lives until her retirement in 2006.
She was known for her love of children, often babysitting for families in the neighborhood and treating each child as her own. A member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church, she found joy in her church family and fellowship.
Tutor enjoyed simple pleasures such as reading, working puzzles and tending to her vegetable garden. Her nurturing spirit was evident in all aspects of her life.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Turkey Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
She is survived by one sister, Shirley Smith of Madison, Ala.; two sons, David Huckaby (Melanie) of Banner and Brent Huckaby (Jennifer) of Memphis; two daughters, Dianne Webb (David) of Jackson and Barbara Adams of Ripley, Tenn.; nine grandchildren, Val Webb, Janice Webb Fulton (Bradley) of Jackson, Terry Crow Jr. (Heather) of Lucedale, Andy Crow of Water Valley, Jennifer Perry (Mike) of Vancleave, David Huckaby Jr. (Tori) of Oxford, Daniel Huckaby (Kelly) of Oxford, Bobby Huckaby of Dublin, Ga., and Angela Newman (Chad) of Water Valley; nine great-grandchildren, Lindsay Crow, Andrew Crow, Michael Crow, Kristal Stuckey, Landyn Perry, Ethan Crow, Zella Fulton, Annie Fulton, Alex Beck and Jacob Beck; and a dear friend, Donna Wade of Oxford.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Lambert, Evelyn Ivy and Mary Cother; three brothers, Jerry Lambert, George Lambert and Lee Lambert; and two sons, James Huckaby Jr. and Johnny Wayne Huckaby.
Tommy Lynn White
DETROIT – Tommy (Tony) Lynn White, born Nov. 5, 1964, lived a life defined by style, warmth, precision, laughter and a deep love for family.
He was born to George Leslie White and Martha Louise White, both of whom preceded him in death. A native of Water Valley, he gave his life to Christ at Bayson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and graduated from Water Valley High School in 1982.
Shortly after graduation, he moved to Detroit, where he built the life, relationships and legacy that would come to define him.
White built a career in the automotive industry, beginning as a car porter and working his way up to become a respected car salesman. He spent 20 years with Snethkamp Jeep/Chrysler before ending his career at Royal Oak Ford. He took pride in his work and in doing things the right way.
He was known for being intentional, detailed and polished, carrying himself with quiet confidence. His routine and sense of style reflected a man who valued presentation and self-pride.
He enjoyed trucks, movies and music, especially artists such as Anita Baker, Al Green and Lee Williams. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, cigars, running, conversation and spending time with family and friends.
White shared an important chapter of his life as a husband to Stefanie Worth. Together, they raised Denmark Gibbs, Thomas White and Elissa White.
Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his children. His daughter, Elissa, recalled that at the end of time spent together, he would pull his ear and say, “I’m so glad we had this time together,” and she always believed him.
To his siblings, he was a loving and loyal brother. To his nieces and nephews, he was the “cool uncle.” To his friends, he was witty, humble and kind.
The loss of his son, Thomas, left a deep impact on his life but also drew him closer to his faith.
He passed away March 18, 2026, after battling an illness.
He is survived by his daughter, Elissa White; his son, Denmark Gibbs; his brothers, Morris White (Katherine Walker), Bernard White, Horace Jones, George Woodard and Harry Phillips; his sisters, Rozella Everett-Tyler, Rosie Ann Minor (Bernard), Jackie Dixson (Todd), Martha Faye Sims (Clarence) and Marlene Ragland (Charles); his aunts, Katherine Harvard and Janie Tyler; his uncle, Shelby White; and a host of nieces, nephews, coworkers and friends.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to James H. Cole Home for Funerals.
Services were held Wednesday, March 25, at Triumph Church in Southfield, Michigan.