Obituaries 05/16/2024
Larry Wayne Stephens
TILLATOBA – Mr. Larry Wayne Stephens, 70, of Tillatoba, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 10, 2024. He was born April 10, 1954 in Water Valley to Marvin and Eleanor Faye Moore Stephens.
Larry knew the value of hard work and instilled these same values in his children and grandchildren. He spent his working life in the construction business, first as a construction superintendent with G&W Steel Buildings in Grenada and later forming his own company, Stephens Construction. Larry enjoyed many years of serving the public constructing commercial buildings and houses as well as anything his customers could imagine. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Larry was a member of Tillatoba Baptist Church and treasured all the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 14, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Rev. Dan Dickerson officiating. Interment followed in the Scobey Cemetery. Coley Brooks, Taylor Brooks, Tyler Brooks, Trevor Brownlee, Tyler Dulin and Dustin Greer will honor Larry served as pallbearers.
Survivors include two daughters, Mandy (Christopher) Brooks of Grenada and Karen (Scottie) Stephens of Enid; two sisters, Gail (Randy) Hoop of Tillatoba and Sherri (Eddie) Hogg of Alabama; one brother, Roger Kendall of Tillatoba; five grandchildren, Coley Brooks, Taylor Brooks, Tyler Brooks, Dustin Greer and Abbie Stephens; four great-grandchildren, Kinsley Brooks, Braxton Brooks, Olivia Brooks and Bailey Greer; and the mother of his children, Diane Stephens.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Connie Stephens.
JoAnne Swearengen
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – JoAnne (Baker) Swearengen passed away May 1, 2024. She grew up in Oakland, where she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, John.
When John joined the Air Force, Jo took on the mantle of military spouse and officer’s wife. Over the course of many cross-country moves, Jo completed her college degree, taught elementary school, was a committed Red Cross volunteer, and raised four kids – none of whom are felons, draft dodgers or deadbeats. Her grandchildren are doing well, and things look promising for the great-grands. Throughout her life, JoAnne handled adversity, challenges, and changes with grace and kept her focus on caring for her family.
In her golden years, Jo enjoyed life in Universal City, Texas with her loving friends, caring neighbors, and Bible study group. She enjoyed keeping in touch with her Oakland High School classmates and was an avid quilter. In the summertime, she welcomed friends and family to Lake Martin, Ala. with their favorite dishes.
The service was held Tuesday, May 14, at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Interment followed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband, John Frost Swearengen, grandson, Justin Morgan, and brother, Tommy Hill (Vernice). She is survived by her children, Julia (Alan) Morgan, Mike (Patti) Swearengen, Willie (Nancy) Swearengen and Jennie Swearengen (better known as Boo); grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie) Morgan, Jessi (Scott) Poorman, Andrew Swearengen (Amanda Bender), and Allison Swearengen; great-grandchildren, Joei, Abby, Jordan, Erin, Jake and Will (due soon); brother Charlie Gaines Hill (Barbara), and her beloved nieces.
Lorene Holmes Taylor
WATER VALLEY – Lorene Holmes Taylor passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital, on May 4, 2024, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. She was born October 30, 1963, to Joe W. and Mable P. Holmes.
Lorene was married to Charles Taylor, 2021. No children were born to this union, but Lorene cared for her nieces and nephews as they were her own children. She was a member of Bayson Chapel. Church, serving on the usher board and the church choir. She was employed at Solero. In her free time, Lorene enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. Her warm and friendly personality touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Lorene’s life was a testament to the power of love, kindness and selflessness and she will always be remembered for the impact on those around her and the love she brought into this world.
Lorene’s parents, sister, brother, niece and two nephews preceded her in death.
The service is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Bayson Chapel M.B. Church outside of Water Valley with viewing from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Gerick Chapman, Eddie Horton, Willie McNeal, Jessie Holmes, Malcolm Horton and Jeff Phillips. Honorary pallbearers are John Holmes, Chester Holmes, Jimmy Tatum, Richard Tatum, Kevin Wise and Quincey Holmes. Walker Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.