Obituaries 7/22/2026
Norma Louise Byford
COFFEEVILLE – Norma Louise Byford, 84, of Coffeeville, died peacefully Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Born Aug. 22, 1941, in Coffeeville, she was the daughter of Vardamen and Iris Jaco. She was a lifelong resident of the community and a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she maintained a perfect attendance record that reflected her steadfast faith and commitment to her church family.
Byford devoted much of her life to serving others. She volunteered with the hospital’s Pink Ladies, providing comfort and encouragement to patients and their families, and was known for her caring spirit and willingness to help those in need.
She and her husband, John Byford, owned and operated the local skating rink until the 1980s. For many area residents, the rink was a favorite gathering place where friendships were made and countless memories were created.
Her family said she took great pride in caring for her home and especially enjoyed cooking for family gatherings. Her sweet potato casserole became a favorite tradition around the dinner table.
She is survived by her husband, John Byford; one daughter, Carla (Phillip) Stark; one granddaughter, Andrea Stark; and one sister, Carolyn Byford.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vardamen and Iris Jaco; and two sisters, Kate Koonce and Ann Barton.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, from 9 until 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.
Sharon Lee Crenshaw
WATER VALLEY – Sharon Lee “Sherry” Crenshaw, 73, died Monday, July 13, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Crenshaw.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at Anchor Baptist Church, 1009 Highway 7 South, Water Valley, MS 38965, in her memory.
John Paul Keel
COURTLAND – John Paul Keel, 60, of Courtland passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, at his home.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until noon Saturday, July 25, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at noon with Bro. John Howell officiating. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Keel was known for his kind heart, gentle spirit and willingness to listen. Family members said he treated others with compassion and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he shared 36 years of marriage with his wife, Nancy. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cheering for his favorite football teams, watching NASCAR, listening to music, grilling for family gatherings and wearing his signature cowboy hats.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ard Keel of Courtland; a son, John Paul Keel Jr. of Houston; a daughter, Lauren Elizabeth “Lulu” Keel of Courtland; a grandson, Charles Bradley Thacker of Sardis; his mother, Patsy Ellis and husband Richard of Banner; brothers, Charles Mark Keel of Batesville and Timothy David Keel of Banner; a sister, Chrissi Keel Mills of Marks; and his stepmother, Patsy Keel of Batesville.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Monroe Keel, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.