Obituaries 06/05/2025
Xyla Daevy Baker
WATER VALLEY – Xyla Daevy Baker, a cherished daughter of Aijah Turner and Ladarrious Baker, was born on April 9, 2025, in Oxford. On May 20, Xyla’s journey on earth came to an end at NMMC Women’s Hospital in Tupelo. Though her time was brief, her memory will forever be held dear by her family.
A celebration of life was held in honor of Xyla on May 28, at 11 a.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Following the celebration, Xyla was laid to rest at Oak Ridge City Cemetery, with the burial service at noon. Services were officiated by Pastor Mitchell Steen.
Xyla’s life, though short, has left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered with love, acceptance, joy, and as a fighter to the very end.
She is preceded in death by her great-grandmother Annie Ruth Nicholson; great-great-grandmother, Ruthie Wright; great-great-grandmother Esteen Caldwell; and her great-uncle, Robert Turner Jr.
Along with her parents, Xyla is survived by her sister, Auri Baker; maternal grandparents, Tommie Turner and Carla Turner; paternal grandparents, Lashana Baker and Derrick Henderson; maternal great-grandparents, Shirley and Charles Wright and Robert Turner; paternal great-grandparents, Verlene (Mack) Noorwood; maternal uncle, Trey Gooch; maternal aunt, Shanterian Gaston; paternal uncle, Tradarrioun Baker; paternal aunt, Ashanti Baker; and cousins, Kingston Gooch and De’arius “Junior” Lamar.
Doris Cox
WATER VALLEY – Doris Cox, lovingly known as Mother, Aunt Dotty, or Grandmommy to those who knew her best, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at the age of 101 in Oxford.
Born in 1924, Doris lived a long and purpose-filled life rooted in faith, family, and service to her community. She was the beloved wife of the late E. Clyde (Pat) Cox and a cherished sister, cousin, and friend to many, whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.
Doris was a devoted mother to her three children, Gary (Barbara), Bonnie, and the late Andy Cox. Her love and guidance continued through her grandchildren—Shelley (Tracy), Christine (Bruce), and Joey (Casey) and reached a joyful next generation through her great-grandchildren: Cassie, Gage, Ciana, and Elijah.
Known for her tenacity and bright spirit, Doris was affectionately known to be the boss by all who knew her. She was the valedictorian of her high school class, a talented basketball player, and had an unforgettable sweet tooth. She was a charter member of the Town and Country Garden Club, and the oldest and most long-term member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley. Her professional life reflected her dedication and integrity—she proudly served her community for 34 years in government roles. She retired in 1995 after 19 years as city clerk, having also served as deputy Chancery Clerk and earlier in the Sheriff’s Office.
Doris’ life was a testament to faith, resilience, and love. Her legacy lives on not only through her family but also in the many lives she touched through her kindness, leadership, and unwavering presence.
Doris is preceded in death by her son, Andy Cox; her husband E. Clyde (Pat) Cox, and innumerable friends and family. A celebration of Doris’ life will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services following at 2.
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
Lois Delores Barber Scarborough
GRENADA – Lois Delores Barber Scarborough, 84, of Grenada, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Delores was born on September 16, 1940, in Stantonville, Tenn., to Murray Frank Barber, Sr. and Bonnie Mae Plunk Barber. A dedicated lifelong learner, she graduated from Adamsville High School and Northeast Mississippi Community College. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., and later received Master’s Degrees from both Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Delta State University.
With a passion for education, Delores devoted 34 and one-half years to teaching mathematics in various school systems across Tennessee and Mississippi, including Huntingdon, Tupelo, Marks, Crowder, Philadelphia, Coffeeville, and Grenada. She also served on the faculties of Holmes Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College, where she continued to inspire students with her commitment and wisdom. She continued to teach beyond the school day at the family’s dining room table where she tutored numerous individuals.
Delores was deeply devoted to Christian ministry, working faithfully alongside her husband, Rev. Truman D. Scarborough, in every church he pastored: Zion Baptist Church (Pontotoc), Crowder Baptist Church, East Philadelphia Baptist Church, First Baptist Church – Coffeeville, Pine Grove Baptist Church, and Pine Hill Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School, led GA and Bible Drill groups for over 20 years, participated actively in WMU and Baptist Women, and lent her voice as an alto in multiple church choirs.
A dual member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada and Pine Grove Baptist Church near Coffeeville, Delores found joy in fellowship through the Rachel DuBard/Nadean Waddle Baptist Women’s Group, where she served as President and taught Sunday School. She also spent over 31 years as a dedicated member and leader in the Coffeeville Women’s Progressive Study Club.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Rev. Truman D. Scarborough; two daughters, Aletha S. (Gilbert) Simpson of Scobey and Hannah S. Ferguson of Coffeeville; four cherished granddaughters, Lauren Simpson, Haley Ferguson, Anna Ferguson, and Emma Grace Simpson; a sister, Maylene Barber of Jackson, Tenn.; a brother, Neal Ray Barber of Jackson, Tenn; a sister-in-law, Dean Barber of Powder Springs, Ga. and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Geraldine Barber; and a brother, Murray Frank Barber, Jr.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada, with Dr. Brent Barker and Rev. J. Barry Worrell officiating. Interment followed at Coffeeville Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bryant Douglas, Gaylon Gray, Jake Harrison, Josh Harrison, Phil Harrison, David Simpson, Jeff Simpson, and Mike Swanson. The men of Pine Grove Baptist Church and Pine Hill Presbyterian Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be directed to any of the churches where Delores and Bro. Truman faithfully served.