Obituaries 06/04/2026
Rex Morgan Babb
PARIS – Rex Morgan Babb, 66, of Paris passed away at his home on May 25, 2026. He was born on Aug. 23, 1959, in Oxford, and grew up in Waterford and Paris.
He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Babb Byars of Water Valley, Georgia Robbin Sweeny of Gulf Breeze, Fla, and his brother, Glenn Branum of Coldwater.
Rex was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nelson and Diamond Morgan, and Hugh and Ada Babb, his mother, Luvenia Morgan Branum and stepfather George Branum, his father, Toy Dean Babb, and three brothers, Stanley “Arley” Babb, Robert Branum and Albert Branum.
No funeral services will be held, but those who wish to remember Rex may do so by making a donation to the Paris Baptist Church. Psalm 49:15: “But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.”
Donnie Gayle Pipkin
COFFEEVILLE – Mr. Donnie Gayle Pipkin, 74, of Coffeeville, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his residence. He was born January 7, 1952, in Tallahatchie County to Alexander Franklin Pipkin and Zara Mai Roberts Pipkin.
Donnie was the definition of a true outdoorsman who found great joy in the simple things of life. He especially loved deer and turkey hunting and cherished his time outdoors. He enjoyed life on the farm, caring for his livestock, feeding his cows, and riding horses and mules on trail rides. A logger by trade, Donnie spent his working life in the woods, where he took pride in his work and appreciated God’s creation each day. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of the land, and the quiet happiness he found in the outdoors.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Goshen Chapel with Rev. Ron Sessum officiating. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service had charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Josh Burroughs, B.J. Jackson, Troy LaCook, Eddie Pipkin, T.J. Pipkin and Ed Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Greg Adams, Joseph Adams, Daniel Burns, Edward Pipkin, Johnny Tate and Robbie Tolbert.
Survivors include his wife, Tammy Pipkin; son Alex Pipkin(Michelle) of Coffeeville; daughter, Michelle Ballinger(Jared) of Lucedale; sisters, Marie Adams and Dorothy LaCook, both of Water Valley; and three grandchildren, Kemper & Eli Horton and Kyson Ballinger.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Amanda Pipkin; brother, Weston Pipkin and a granddaughter, Krenlee Ballinger.
Doris Lee Helms Vance
GRENADA – Doris Lee Helms Vance, 93, of Grenada, peacefully passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026 at her residence with her family at her side. She was born January 10, 1933 in Calhoun County to Claude Lee Helms and Lois Mae Scarborough Helms.
Doris served alongside her husband, Elvis, as a model pastor’s wife for decades. Their ministry spanned far and wide as she served as a pianist and Bible teacher in the churches where they served. She also found great joy volunteering in local nursing homes and hospitals. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service with Rev. Bennie Vance officiating. Interment will follow in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening and one hour prior to the service Wednesday all at McKibben and Guinn.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Barrett, Chad Carpenter, Benji Vance, Jeffrey Vance, Jeremy Vance and Wade Vance. Larry Vance will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Survivors include her daughter, Sheila Barrett (Tommy) of Grenada; three sons, Harvey Vance (Diann) of Grenada, Roy Vance (Vicky) of Water Valley and Bennie Vance (Liz) of Grenada; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. William Elvis Vance; daughter, Sherra Carpenter and brothers, (twin) Horace Helms, Eugene Sutton, Hansel Sutton, Orville Helms and Grady Helms.