Obituaries 04/25/2024
John Mallory Lewis
WATER VALLEY – John Mallory Lewis, age 82, of Water Valley, Mississippi passed away April 19, 2024 in Oxford. He was born July 24, 1941 in Batesville to John See and Hazel Anderson Lewis.
John was a graduate of Batesville High School and continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His career consisted of 60 years of engineering with various companies, his last being with Hill, Lewis LLC.
John was an avid sports fan. He coached his son and daughters for many years in the Magnolia Youth League in Water Valley and was a member of the Water Valley Booster Club. John was a life-long supporter of the Ole Miss Rebels and attended Ole Miss baseball, basketball and football games. His favorite time of the year was fall when he tailgated for 50 years with his family and friends in Lyceum Circle.
John also had a love for everything outdoors. He spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren and great grandson, and he also taught his family the ins and outs of gardening.
John was a member of First United Methodist Church of Water Valley where he was involved for many years in the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF).
John is survived by children John Mallory (Jack) Lewis, Jr. of Oakland, Allison Lewis Larson of Oxford and Amanda Lewis (Larry) Wilder of Batesville; his grandchildren, Barrett (Steffi) Larson, Mallory Lewis, James (Breanna) Wilder, Avery Larson (Zach) Greenhalgh and Anderson Wilder; his great grandchildren, Arden John Larson, Delta Kate Bingle, Tatum James Greenhalgh and John Courson Wilder. He is also survived by a special friend, Kim Pullen.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ann Meurrier Lewis; and his son-in-law, Don Larson.
Visitation is scheduled Wednesday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Garden Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. The funeral service will follow at 1 with Reverend Fred Eakes officiating. A family interment will follow at Batesville Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Junior Auxiliary of Water Valley.
Luther Gilbert Varner
OXFORD – Luther Gilbert Varner passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, on April 18, 2024.
Born on April 6, 1942, in Oxford, he was the son of the late Christeen Nicholas and Jones Russell Varner. Gilbert was a cherished member of the Union West community where he lived his entire life. He attended Taylor School where he met the love of his life, Shirley Jenkins, who was by his side for 62 years. Together they raised three daughters, Teresa Hewlett (David McLaurin), Angie Trott (John), and Lisa El-Feraly (Samy).
After graduating high school, Gilbert attended Northwest Community College before beginning his employment of 27 years at Sears in Oxford. He then opened his own business, Varner Home Appliance Repair. Until his retirement, he spent countless hours making service calls and working on appliances for others in his shop. He enjoyed spending time on his place, raising cows, gardening, fishing, and being around his loved ones.
Gilbert served as a deacon of Union West Baptist Church for decades, where he has been a faithful member his whole life. He loved the Lord and set an example for others in many ways. Never one to complain, he rarely missed a church service, even as his illness progressed. His wisdom, humor, and Christian virtues made a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. He has touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all.
Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; children; eight grandchildren, Brooke Hewlett, Anna Claire (Jonathan) McBride, Chandler (Erika) Hewlett, Megan Drewrey (Will) Baker, Alex Drewrey (Ben) Logan, Alison El-Feraly (Hunter) Douglas, Sara Grace El-Feral and Isabella Trott; twelve great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Wilson Dean (Patty) Varner of Oxford, Donna Varner (Jackie) Dalton of Clinton and Glynda Varner (Luther) Gray of Oxford.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Union West Baptist Church. Gilbert was laid to rest at Browning Cemetery following the service.
In honor of Gilbert, the family asks that you make any donations to Union West Baptist Church or Browning Cemetery.