Obituaries 3/17/2022

Larry Wayne Hipps

UNION WEST –  Larry Wayne Hipps, age 77, of the Union West Community went to his forever home on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

He was born June 14, 1944, in Oxford to the late Homer and Altia (Tatum) Hipps. After graduating from high school, Larry continued his education at Northwest Community College where he received a degree in engineering. Larry put that knowledge to work when he started his 35 year career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). He enjoyed working, and after retirement from MDOT, he became a driver for Belk Ford in Oxford. He later worked security at Taylor Grocery. Larry also had a passion for serving his community including serving as volunteer for 20 years at the Taylor Fire Department and later as chief at the Union West Fire Department. Larry was also a beloved member of Union West Baptist Church. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Larry loved coon hunting, gardening, and animals in general, especially his pets, which included his pet cows. But nothing meant more to him than his family, with a special love for his grandchildren.

Visitation was held Friday, March 11, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home.  Services followed at 3 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Roger Howell officiating. Burial was in Browning Cemetery.

Larry is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sandra Hipps; two sons, Stewart Skelton (Jackie) of Red Banks and Steven Skelton (Jenni) of Ingomar; one daughter, Jennifer Westmoreland (Chris) of Water Valley; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. As well as his parents, Larry was preceded in death by one grandson, Noah Smith.

James Edward Lowe

COFFEEVILLE – Mr. James Edward Lowe, Sr. age 85, passed away early Sunday morning, March 13, 2022 at Providence Assisted Living Home. 

James was born in Bruce on September 30, 1936, to the late Jettie and Edward Lowe. He graduated from Coffeeville High School in 1954, attended Northwest Junior College for one year and served two years with the United States Army. James then attended Mississippi State University where he received a degree in Agriculture Education. He then taught Agriculture for three years at Redwood High School. He left teaching and was the manager of Onward Plantation for 2 years. He and Nelle moved to Grenada where worked for the Extension Service as the 4-H leader. He later became the Assistant County Agent for Grenada County. While working in this position he obtained his Master’s Degree from Mississippi State. James later worked for ICI Chemical Company in sales.

James retired early and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends. He also loved to ride horses. He especially enjoyed going to the National Futurity Show in Fort Worth, Texas every spring.

James is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nelle “Sister” Pittman Lowe; one son, Jim Lowe, of Collierville, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Katie Bailey (Andy) and Beth Bright (Dane), both of Grenada; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Libby Griffin (Hilly)  of Coffeeville. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Lisa Mann.

Visitation is scheduled Thursday, March 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Coffeeville First Baptist Church The service follows at 2 p.m. Interment will be at the Coffeeville Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Services in Grenada.

Martha ‘Mott’ Williamson

WATER VALLEY – The family of Martha Frances Langston Williamson, known to many as “Martha Jean” or “Mott,” celebrate the life of their beloved Mother and Nanny. Mott passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, March 08, 2022, at the Yalobusha County Nursing Home.  She was 89.

Mott came into this world May 25, 1932, delivered by her Uncle, Dr. John Martin in Oakland. She enjoyed spending summers with her Langston Cousins in the Ford’s Well Community where her grandfather, “Pa” Langston, led the singing at the Ford’s Well Church of Christ. She was a member of Ford’s Well Church of Christ  at the time of her death.

A graduate of Jeff Davis High School, Martha was actively involved in the FHA, Y-Teen, and the Commercial Club. She served as senior class secretary, annual editor, and was valedictorian of her senior class. Martha received a scholarship to play basketball for the Rangers of Northwest Mississippi Junior College.

She and her husband, Billy Bryce Williamson, began their married life in Starkville until Bill completed his education at Mississippi State University. They made their home in Water Valley where they lived together for 65 years. Mott possessed an incredible green thumb and found her passion in gardening. She enjoyed giving tours to friends and strangers who would drop by to see all of her latest flowers and plants. Many also remember her as a fantastic cook who relished providing food to friends and neighbors. She instilled her work ethic and love of serving others to her family, who witnessed her numerous hours spent visiting the sick and infirmed, both in their homes and in hospitals and nursing homes. You were always welcome at Mott’s house where you were sure to enjoy vegetables from her garden or a mouth watering dessert.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 10, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services followed in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home Friday, March 12, at 10 a.m. Bro. Billy Sasser officiated. Burial was in Pinecrest Cemetery.

Mott is survived by five children, Mike Williamson (Lorri) of Water Valley, Steve Williamson of Water Valley, Scott Williamson (Deborah) of Smyrna, Tenn., Pat Williamson (Angelina) of Water Valley, and Carolyn Dodson (Jason) of Madison, Ala.; 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Mott was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Bryce Williamson; her parents, Billie Crum and Ruth Pate Langston; siblings Virginia Strunk, Carolyn Fewell, Dorothy Smith, David Langston and Billy Langston; and two grandchildren; Kristen Williamson and Justin Williamson.

Jearl Wayne Zachery

COFFEEVILLE – Jearl Wayne Zachery, age 81, of Coffeeville went to his forever home Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was born February 12, 1941, in Leachville, Ark. to the late Clarence and Mattie (Rollins) Zachery.

Jearl was a man that enjoyed working and helping others. He left school to join the United States Navy, and served upon the USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier. After finishing his service to our nation, Jearl came home and began farming for a time. He then began a career at Sears, where he learned about working on appliances. Later he started his own business applying the knowledge he gained for 40 years until his retirement.

When not working or lending a helping hand, Jearl had a tremendous passion for hunting and fishing.

Visitation was held Saturday, March 12, at Oakland Baptist Church with services following at 2 p.m. Bro. Jimmy Hood officiated. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery.

Jearl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Zachery; one daughter, Teresa Wyatt of Coffeeville; one brother, Tommy Dearl Zachery of Mena, Ark.; four sisters, Dorothy Pearl Morris of Flint Mich., Frances Henry of Jonesboro, Ark., Marilyn Pinkerton of Ridgeland and Jackie Zachery of Swartz Creek, Mich.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Jearl was preceded in death by one brother, Clarence Earl Zachery; and one sister, Myrl Zachery.