Obituaries 07/16/2026
Patricia Noaks Holliday
WATER VALLEY — Patricia Noaks Holliday, 78, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Born Aug. 10, 1947, in Schlater, she spent much of her life in Water Valley, where she proudly called home.
Holliday graduated from high school in Leflore County and worked as an account representative in the banking industry. She was also active in her community, serving as a reserve deputy and earning the respect of those who knew her through her kindness and willingness to help others.
She enjoyed traveling and taking to the open road, but she was equally content at home working crossword and word search puzzles. Family was the center of her life, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Stu Holliday; two daughters, Melanie Harmon (Dennis) of Brandon and Sissy Tollison (Randy Gammel) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Erin Johnston (Blair), Kyle Tollison, Catherine Prochaska (Matthew) and Lauren Harmon (Brye Foster); numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Hazel Noaks, and a sister, Sherri Dendy.
Visitation was held Friday, July 10, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home, followed by funeral services.
Vaiden Ann McCachren
WATER VALLEY — Vaiden Ann McCachren, 60, died Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Born June 4, 1966, in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late James Smith and Wanda Fike Smith.
McCachren devoted her life to caring for others as a nurse. She began her career at G raceland Nursing Home in Oxford while pursuing her nursing degree, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping those in need.
A graduate of Lafayette High School, she excelled in basketball and track. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially crappie and bass fishing and deer hunting. She also loved drawing and cooking and was well known among family and friends for her homemade yeast rolls.
She is survived by her husband, Alex McCachren; her children, Josh Smith, Charles “Chop” Bradley (Carol), Dillon McCachren and Carley Jane Myrick; her sisters, Phyllis Smith Haley (Tom), Ruth Katrina Smith, Wanda Faye Smith Littlejohn and Kandy Jane Smith; her brother, Joseph Mark Miles; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be from noon until service time.
John David Parks
WATER VALLEY — John David Parks, 53, died Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Born Jan. 23, 1973, in Oxford, he was the son of the late Wendell and Josephine Mei Parks.
After attending Oxford High School, Parks built a career as a carpenter. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling on a whim, building things with his hands and riding his motorcycle. He was known as a loyal friend whose love of life and concern for others left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
He is survived by two daughters, Madison Dianna Parks and Josie Mei Parks; one sister, Wendellyn “Wendy” Rose; two nieces; and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation was held July 11 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service in the Henry Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Prison Ministry, Kairos of Mississippi, P.O. Box 986, Biloxi, MS 39533.
Family members said the ministry held a special place in Parks’ heart, and he often spoke about its work in letters to his daughter and to friends and family.
