Obituaries 07/09/2026
Walter Larry Bell
WATER VALLEY – Walter Larry Bell, born November 27, 1941, entered his eternal heavenly home on June 29, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love for his family, friends and faith in God. Larry was born and lived the majority of his life in Water Valley, MS. He followed his father, older brother, and a passionate love for trains into a career at Illinois Central Railroad and Amtrak, where he worked and retired as a conductor.
A lifelong member of First Christian Church in Water Valley, Larry’s personal commitment to the Lord was a strong guiding force throughout his life.
An avid tinkerer and inventor, Larry loved to spend his time working on all types of machinery. He had special affinity for his beloved backhoe, multiple tractors and a multitude of vehicles, including some vintage models. Larry enjoyed making and sharing his homemade pecan brittle. He was also an accomplished squirrel hunter.
Above all, Larry was a loving family man. He was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished great-grandfather. His family was the center of his life, and he found great joy in the generations he helped guide, support, and love. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the care he showed to those closest to him.
Larry is survived by his wife, Rachel Kamke Bell; a son, Timothy Craig Bell (Marty); a stepdaughter, Mary Ann Griffin (Piet Goosen); three stepsons, Joe Wayne Walker Jr. (Jacqueline), Forrest Bryan (Sasha) and Marc Bryan (Ronda); a sister, Carol Louise Bell Brown (Breck); grandchildren, Miriam (Moe) Black (Brandon), Madison Tolbert (Will), Timothy Craig Bell Jr. (Nicole), Anna Maria Greene (Jeremy), Addison Walker, Tristan Bryan, Samuel Bryan, Charles Bryan, Ally Bryan, Julia Bryan, Jacob Walker and Samuel Walker; great-grandchildren, Aspen Reed, Harding Black, Madelyn Tolbert and Sadie Bell; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Donnell Bell Sr. and Aileen McCulley Bell; a son, Jeffrey Duane Bell; a stepson, Woody Walker (Regina); a sister, Lily Loyce Bell Horan (Ben); a brother, James Donnell “Ding Dong” Bell Jr. (Hazel); and a niece, Kim Horan Bruner.
Visitation was held July 3, 2026, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mid-South Christian College, First Christian Church of Water Valley, or any charity of choice.
John Boles
WATER VALLEY – John Boles, 61, died June 15, 2026. Born Dec. 26, 1964, John was known for his love of cars, drag racing and music. Whether he was working on a vehicle, watching a race or listening to his favorite songs, he embraced life with enthusiasm and determination. His love of speed, engines and music reflected his energetic spirit.
Family and friends will remember John for his kindness, unique personality and the memories he created with those he loved. His favorite colors, blue and purple, reflected the warmth and individuality that made him special to so many.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 2, at Spring Hill North Missionary Baptist Church, 600 Railroad St., Water Valley. Burial followed in the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Walker Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
John is survived by four brothers, J.W. Boles, Rickey Boles, Leroy Boles and Jerry Boles, all of Water Valley; two sisters, Linda Boles and Dorothy Boles, both of Water Valley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, G.W. and Minnie Boles; and three brothers, Donald L. Boles, Charles Boles and Standford Boles.
Martha “Mot” Pritchard
WATER VALLEY – Martha Faye Pritchard, 53, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026. Born October 30, 1972, she accepted Christ at an early age. Although Martha was born in Water Valley, she moved to Minnesota in her 20s and made it her home for many years.
Later in life, Martha entered the Break Free program to overcome alcohol and drug addiction. The experience transformed her life, and she often credited the program with helping her find a new beginning. She remained sober for 26 years before God called her home.
Martha treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life. Family members said she never met a stranger and considered everyone she encountered a friend. Her kindness, warmth and joyful spirit touched countless lives from Mississippi to Minnesota.
A memorial service for Martha Faye Pritchard will be held Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at House of Prayer Church of God in Christ, 801 Mills St., Water Valley. A repast will follow in the church fellowship hall. Walker Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her daughters, Alexandra Pritchard of Water Valley and Jalisa Pritchard of St. Paul, Minn.; brothers, Jerry Pritchard of Water Valley and Billy Pritchard of St. Paul, Minn.; sisters, Peggy Brassell, Chessie Pritchard and Bobbie Faye Adams, all of Water Valley, Ella Pritchard of Waterloo, Iowa, and Shirley Pritchard of St. Paul, Minn.; a special son, Tee Thomas of Iowa; aunts, Lucille Yates of Minneapolis, Minn., and Lilly Ray and Orene Coffey, both of Enid; uncles, Chancy Walton, the Rev. Lord Walton (Rosalie), Clay Walton (Florence) and George Pritchard, all of Water Valley, and Dallas Walton of Minneapolis, Minn.; special first cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend Sandy Rudd; and a host of relatives and friends.
Martha was preceded in death by her grandparents, the Rev. Lord and Louise Walton; her parents, Jerry and Mary Alice Walton Pritchard; brothers, Willie Lee Pritchard, Roland Pritchard and Jimmy Lee Pritchard; sister, Mary Daniels Pritchard; nephews Artrell and Dayonis Seals Caldwell; aunt and uncle Luther and Willie Esther Folson; aunts Sara Walton, Lucinda Taylor, Jesse Coffey, Inez Daniels, Betty Lighin and Minnie Owens; and uncles Charlie Frost and Willie Frost.