Obituaries 05/24/2025
Harlan Dean Boyles
SARDIS – Harlan Dean Boyles passed away on May 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Harlan was born on April 13, 1947, in Batesville and he spent his early years running track at North Panola High School. After graduating, he joined the Army and bravely served three tours in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart for his courageous service.
After returning home, Harlan dedicated much of his working life to the Batesville Casket Company, where he was known for his hard work in the maintenance department. He was a man of simple pleasures, finding genuine joy in fishing, tending to his flower and vegetable garden, and watching the hummingbirds flit about his yard.
Harlan is survived by his loving children, Anya (Chris) Patton and Matthew Boyles; four grandchildren, John Patton, Brandon Patton of Coldwater, Brittany Miller of Fort Campbell, Ken. and Allison Leach of Iuka; and five great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his siblings, Mike Boyles, Sharon Jundi, and David Boyles. Harlan is preceded in death by his parents, John Boyles, Lillian Boyles; and his brother, Johnny Boyles.
A memorial service was held at the Encounter Worship Center in Sardis on Tuesday, May 20. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
The staff at Seven Oaks Funeral Home is honored to have served the Boyles family during this difficult time.
Isabella Renee Ford
OAKLAND – Isabella Renee Ford, age 17, of Oakland went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 15, 2025. She was born on November 1, 2007, A beloved daughter to Shayne and Holli Ford; cherished sister to Ava Claire Ford ;and granddaughter to Ruby Ford, Allen (Vickey) Meek, and Sandra (Walter) Stiles.
Isabella is preceded in death by her granddaddy, Harry Ford. Isabella was an adored niece to Joshua Ford, Tabiatha Ford, and Rebecca (Gordon) Lee. She was dearly loved by her first cousins, Layla Claire and Kade Ford, Jenah and Meah Ford and Olivia, Mabry and McKenzie Lee.
Isabella was baptized at Zion Grove Church of God of Prophecy where she attended from a young age. She was a junior at Grenada High School where she was recognized as Student of the Year in Culinary Arts, a diamond girl, and earned the highest average in Algebra II for the year in academics. Isabella will be fondly remembered by many dear friends.
Isabella will forever be missed. While the feelings of profound grief and loss weigh heavily on our hearts, we find comfort in remembering her bright smile and infectious laughter, which could light up any room, and for the countless acts of kindness she extended to others. Her generosity of spirit touched the lives of so many, leaving a lasting impression. Isabella made the world a better place.
The family received friends Sunday, May 18, and on Monday, May 19, at Newsom Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at Newsom Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Magnolia Cemetery.
Antonie Hilliard
WATER VALLEY – Antonie (Tony) Hilliard of Water Valley transitioned to Heaven unexpectedly on May 8, 2025. He was 42.
Tony was born August 6, 1982, with a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold, a big smile, and a beautiful light that brought joy and laughter to every room. He went on to graduate with honors from Water Valley High School and Ole Miss University. Tony served proudly for 11 years in the United States Army and was stationed in Africa and Europe. Tony lived a life on mission. He was the first in his family to attend a university, the first to serve in the military, and the first to travel and live overseas.
Tony’s life was an homage to Matthew 22:37-39, as he truly loved God and people. He was a proud, dedicated, and committed father, a military veteran, a community servant, a hard worker, and a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, colleague, and friend.
Tony was known for his gregarious charm, smooth talk, and hilariously funny disposition. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He never met a stranger and loved spending time with people from all walks of life. He would regularly meet new people playing blackjack or poker (where he fashioned himself a semi-professional) and develop lifelong friendships and relationships that remain today.
Balloons were released in honor of Tony on Friday, May 16, at Springhill North M.B. Church. The funeral service was held Saturday, May 17, at the Tallahatchie-Oxford Missionary Baptist Association Building at 2 p.m. Burial followed at the Philadelphia M.B. Church Cemetery in Oxford. L. Hodges Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Tony is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Rosie Lee Hilliard; and his uncle, Peter Hilliard.
He will always be remembered with unending love by his heartbroken daughters, Aniyha Riddle and Avery Hilliard; his parents, Jimmy (Barbie) Wright and Richard Buford; his sisters, Lakasa Lester, Brittany Woods and Felecia (John) Devault; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and loved ones.
Tony was also greatly loved and will be greatly missed by the many friends he made while serving in the Army.
James Wright
WATER VALLEY – James Wright, age 63, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 at his home in Water Valley.
A Wake is planned for Thursday, May 22, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 3 until 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Coffeeville starting at 11 a.m. Pastor Amos Sims will officiate.
A complete obituary will be published in next week’s Herald.