Obituaries 09/17/2026
Diann Quarles Crocker
WATER VALLEY – Diann Quarles Crocker, 75, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. She was born July 2, 1951, in Pontotoc and spent much of her life in the Randolph community, where she attended school. Known for her outspoken nature and strong-willed spirit, Diann’s warmth and love were felt by all who knew her.
In 1966, Diann married George L. Crocker, and they raised three children, Crystal McCoy (Shannon) of Oxford, George Crocker (Pam) and Donnie Crocker, both of Water Valley. A devoted mother, she filled her home with laughter, love and the aroma of her cooking, especially her famous cheese ball that became a holiday staple.
Diann dedicated nearly 40 years to Ram Tool, where she was a respected member of the production team. Away from work, she enjoyed gardening, tending to both flowers and vegetables, and reading romance novels. She also loved spending time outdoors, camping and fishing with family and friends.
She is survived by her children; grandchildren, Julie Posey (James Mathis), Brandon Crocker (Cindi), Lee Crocker (Chelsey), Clay McCoy (Celeste), Chevy Crocker, Sue Crocker (Aaron Turner), Tyler McCoy (Megan), Gloria Dawn Goodson (Jamie) and Brooke Crocker; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Nancy Kelly and Leonard Kilgore.
Along with her mother, Annie Carter Kilgore, Diann was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Crocker.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at Jumper’s Chapel Church, followed by the funeral service at noon.
Dorothy M. Dennis
WATER VALLEY – Dorothy M Dennis, age 76, of Water Valley went to her forever home Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Visitation is planned for Friday, September 18, 2026, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 12:30 until 2 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Bro Jerry King officiating.
A complete obituary will be posted in next week’s edition of the Herald.
Christopher Bryan Potts, Sr.
WATER VALLEY – Christopher Bryan Potts, Sr., age 54, of Water Valley, went to his forever home Thursday at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. He was born April 4, 1972, to Maxie and Ruth (Miller) Potts.
A visitation remembering Chris’ life was held on Tuesday, September 15, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home.
Wayne Hardy
TAYLOR – Harry Wayne Hardy, 70, passed away Monday, September 7, 2026, at his home in Taylor.
Wayne was born on June 21, 1956, in Memphis to the late Marion and Betty Hardy. He was a respected, self-employed drywall contractor and was married to the love of his life, Christi Kinney Hardy, for twenty-three years. Wayne was a longtime and faithful member of Taylor Methodist Church. With a unique appreciation for antique cars, he enjoyed attending Cruisin’ the Coast. He could easily be found hunting and crappie fishing or dirt racing. When not outdoors, he enjoyed NASCAR and watching his favorite college team, Mississippi State University.
His greatest love was his family. He looked forward to hosting family events in his shop- especially Thanksgiving, because that brought even more family together. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, whom he adored greatly.
The funeral service was held Friday, September 11, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Fish Robinson officiating. Burial followed at Oxford Memorial Cemetery.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Christi Kinney Hardy of Taylor; daughters, Andi Hardy Terry (Brad) of Water Valley and Kirsten Cole Bowen (Richard) of Oxford; his son, Carey Hardy (Susan) of Courtland; his sisters, Linda Greer of Southaven and Glinda Patterson of Oxford; brothers, Larry Hardy, Sr of D’Iberville and Steve Hardy of Water Valley; and his grandchildren, Addison, Easton, Hazel Ann, Fox, and Baby Bowen; and a host of nieces and nephews.