Obituaries 11/14/2024
Bobby Lynn Adams
WATER VALLEY – Bobby Lynn Adams passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Water Valley. He was 87.
Bobby was born in Water Valley on December 10, 1936, to Joseph Winfred Adams and Lela Lestine Laughlin. He graduated from Water Valley High School in 1955. Bobby started delivering milk in Water Valley at a young age and eventually ended up at NAPA where he had a long successful career. He even had his own service station for a few years.
After being approached by Fred Eakes, he went on to work at Mechanics Bank, then across the street to The Bank of Water Valley also known as The Peoples Bank & Trust and Renasant. He eventually returned to Mechanics Bank, where he finally retired at the age of 82.
Bobby married Cynthia Marie Pipkin of Coffeeville on May 30, 1960. Together they had three children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren during their 64 beautiful years of marriage. As everyone knows, Bobby loved working on old cars and trucks and even built a few houses in his lifetime. More than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his family. The old cars, the houses, and the delivering groceries to family were just an excuse for him to spend time with those he loved.
Bobby and his family were members of North Main Methodist Church and later became part of the First United Methodist Church of Water Valley. As he grew older, Bobby attended services at Elam Baptist Church whenever his health allowed. Bobby’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and comfort throughout the years. His deep-rooted spirituality was evident in the way he treated others with kindness, generosity and love.
Bobby was a selfless individual who dedicated his life and work to the well-being of his family, ensuring that none of them faced hardship.
Bobby’s legacy of service and devotion extends beyond his relatives and into the community. He remained humble about the assistance he provided and never sought recognition for his deeds. His compassionate actions were guided by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was known for his warm smile and gentle presence, always ready with a kind word or helping hand.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Marie Pipkin Adams; three children Dawn (Randy) Walker, Greg (Ashley) Adams and Joseph (Lindsay) Adams; 11 grandchildren, Lindsay (Chance) Davis, Jessica (Jason) Tatum, Candi (Patrick) Stone, Anne Marie (Walt) Williamson, Ali (Wes) Sneed, Kay Lee (Tyler) Gore, Zarabeth Adams, Mallory Adams, Cooper Adams, Mack Adams and Mary Laughlin Adams; great-grandchildren, Brennan (Autumn) Allen, Lane Potts, Tristan Glick, Addi Claire Austin, Liam Sneed, Hadley Grace Sneed, Miles Sneed, Emerie Murphy, Madilynn James Sneed, Ridge McCullough, and Jack Gore; and two great-great-grandsons, Taylor Allen and Wayland Allen; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayland Adams. Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 12 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until noon with the funeral service following at noon. Bro. Raymond Aven and Bro. Milton Whatley officiated.
Ronald Edward Defer
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WATER VALLEY – Ronald Edward Defer passed away on November 6, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Oxford. Known as Bubba to his family and friends, he was born November 2, 1959 in Water Valley to Lloyd and Shirley Defer. Bubba was part of the Water Valley business community as the owner of Defer’s Auto, which he operated for more than 40 years.
Bubba loved the outdoors, spending much of his leisure time hunting and fishing. He and his son Skyler could often be found participating in bass tournaments across north Mississippi.
Bubba is survived by his wife, Stephanie Defer; and his son, Skyler Defer. He is also survived by his two bothers, Michael and Tommy Defer, and their families.
Bubba is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Shirley Defer; and his father and mother-in-law, Earl and Nancy McClellan.
A graveside service to celebrate Bubba’s life was held at the Coffeeville Cemetery on Monday, November 11, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Hal Clark officiating. Randy Simmons, Les Darby, Michael Redwine, Billy Jones, Taylor Trusty, and Jimmy Yancy honored Bubba by serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Junior Auxiliary of Water Valley. Arrangements were entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service.
Roy Wayne Hopper
WATER VALLEY – Roy Wayne Hopper, a beloved husband, father, and proud Marine Corps veteran, passed away on November 11, 2024, at the age of 75. Born in Shelby on May 30, 1949, Roy cherished his family, had a great sense of humor, and was known for his kindness towards others.
Roy is survived by his loving spouse Charlotte Hopper; four children, Rebecca (Chris) Horton of Boyle, Jessica (Renee) Visher of Lucedale, Crystal Terry of Water Valley and Peyton Hopper of Cleveland; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered fondly by his siblings, Chad Hopper, Robert Hopper, Buddy Hopper, Gary Hopper, Charlie Hopper, Ann Griffin, Theresa Woljevach, and Rhonda Price.
Having proudly served his country in the Marines during Vietnam, Roy attained the rank of corporal and was honored with a Purple Heart for his sacrifice. After his military service, Roy pursued education at Mississippi Delta Community College. Afterwards, Roy worked in the mechanical and maintenance fields for a number of different companies until his retirement.
When not working or spending time with his grandchildren, Roy found joy in hobbies like deer hunting and fishing. His friendly nature and devotion to his family will forever be cherished by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the family viewing at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Thursday, November 14, at 1 p.m., followed by a visitation at 1:30 pm, and the funeral service at 3 p.m.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret Hopper; and one brother, Bobby Joe Hopper.
John Edward Perkins
WATER VALLEY – John Edward Perkins, 83, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was born to Ed Ray and Evelyn Tucker Perkins on May 24, 1941. John attended Northwest Mississippi Community College and was a United States veteran of the Vietnam War.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Water Valley, the Eastern Star and was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite and York Rite, having membership over the years in the Greenville Lodge, Clarksdale Lodge and Banner Lodge, and most recently serving in the Water Valley Masonic Lodge #402.
Funeral services were be held at noon on Saturday, November 9, in the Oliver Funeral Home chapel with Masonic rights. Burial followed in Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery in Kilmichael. Rev. Randy Bridges officiated. Pallbearers were Hunter Moore, Grayson Moore, Brian Perkins, Zachary Baker, Jackson Alvarez, Michael Richardson and Brandon Richardson. Honorary pallbearers were Riley Gray and Ethan Gray.
John is survived by his wife, Ruth Taylor Perkins of Water Valley; a daughter, Jessica Denise (Vince) Ware of Tunica; a sister, Betty (Al) Davis of Water Valley; a brother, Van (Linda) Perkins of Brandon; and two grandchildren, Veronica Baker of Nashville and Zachary Baker of Memphis. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Martha P. Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery Fund at 488 Highway 413, Kilmichael, MS 39747.