Obituaries 06/12/2025
Dr. Russell Edward Aven
OXFORD – Dr. Russell Edward Aven, age 102, went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2025. He was surrounded by all his family as he peacefully crossed over Jordan and into the promised land of Heaven.
Russell “Russ” Edward Aven was born in Water Valley to Elmer Carter Aven and Clara Mae (Moore) Aven on February 18, 1923. He had a happy childhood surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins as he grew up in Water Valley. Whenever his family got together there was sure to be good food, fun and lots of lively stories!
He was a member of the North Main Methodist Church, which was a large part of his family’s life. Russell attended the Water Valley schools, becoming interested in math and science, and upon graduating high school, he went on to further his education. He received his Bachelor’s of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Mississippi, and his PhD from the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Aven was a member of several professional societies including The American Institute of Chemical Engineering, The American Chemical Society, and The American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was inducted into the honorary societies of Phi Kappa Phi (Scholastic Society) and Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society). Dr. Aven’s work experience began as a Laboratory Chemist, E.I., for the DuPont Company at Sabine River Works, Orange, Texas from 1946-1948. He became employed by The National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as an Engineer developing the technology for Nuclear Power from 1951-1956. He moved from Oak Ridge, Tennessee to Oxford, Mississippi, taking the position of Professor of Chemical Engineering at The University of Mississippi from 1956-1996. In 1966 he was selected as “Teacher of the Year” for the School of Engineering.
One of his student’s wrote, “I wanted you to know that your positive influence on me is still bearing fruit, even today.”
Russell enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. He was assigned to the USS Braxton (APA 138) that was involved in the Okinawa Campaign. Russell was appointed the position of Chemical Warfare Agent, whose job it was to create a smoke screen to hide the fleet from Japanese Kamikaze suicide bomber attacks. After the two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, The Braxton took the first marines into Tokyo Bay to occupy Japan. The Braxton had the honor of sending in the first troops to plant the American Flag on occupied soil.
After the close of World War II, Russell married the love of his life, Delma Barber on July 10, 1954. Their union was blessed with two children, Debra Gay Aven and Anson Abbe Aven. Russ and Del enjoyed 70 years of happy marriage together.
Russell was also a member of First Baptist Church in Oxford where he served as deacon, taught Sunday School and led in opening devotions for many years. He also served as a Gideon, supplying New Testament Bibles to school children and others who needed God’s Word. He wrote many devotionals throughout the years and in 1982, Broadman Press published a collection of his devotional writings entitled, Devotions for Laymen by a Layman.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara Mae Aven; his wife, Delma Barber Aven; and his son, Anson Aven; and is survived by his daughter, Debra (John) Swartzendruber.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Oxford on Friday, June 13. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service at 11 a.m. A graveside service at Oxford Memorial Cemetery will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Russell Aven Chemical Engineering Scholarship, UM Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655 662-915-5944 or First Baptist Church, 800 Van Buran Ave., Oxford, MS 38655 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Sonja Louise Campbell
WATER VALLEY – Sonja Louise Campbell, transitioned on June 7, 2025, at the age of 57. Born March 27, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, Sonja was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and her life was a testament to love, resilience, and joyful gatherings.
A proud member of Sanders Chapel Church, Sonja was baptized in 2001 under the loving leadership of Rev. Lee Virgil Matthews. As a stay-at-home mother, she dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating countless memories filled with love, whether through music, irresistible barbecue burgers or sunlit beach days with her children.
Sonja is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Campbell; her cherished children, Sophia Kurtz and Deshaun Kurtz; her daughter-in-law, Brittany Wesley-Kurtz; and her treasured grandchildren, Kamariyunna Telford, Deasia Kurtz, Johnterrius Kurtz, Deshunden Strong, Keshun Kurtz, Rashad Kurtz, Major Strong and Kyrie Kurtz. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who remember her warmth, spirit, and the joyful moments spent together.
The wake for Sonja is Friday, June 13, at noon at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. A formal funeral service will follow at the same location at 2 p.m.
Sonja is preceded in death by her parents, Peter Kurtz and Annette Daniels Kurtz.
Brent Steven Hollister
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Brent Steven Hollister, 47, of Pensacola, Fla. passed away May 30, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Florida.
Brent was born February 19, 1978, in Oxford. He was a 1996 graduate of Water Valley High School and attended the University of Mississippi. He also attended First Christian Church when he was young and he loved to sing in the church plays. He had a beautiful singing voice.
Brent had a good sense of humor, and he was loved by his family and friends. His memory will always be etched in the hearts of his family and friends. He was employed as a paralegal at a law firm in Florida.
A memorial service was held in Pensacola on June 2. Brent is survived by his mother, Karen Sutherland Hatfield of Water Valley; one brother, Shane Hollister of Strayhorn; and his friend, Pawel Holda of Pensacola, Fla.
Brent is preceded in death by his father, Mark Hollister; grandparents, Willard and Holli Hollister and Russell and Jeanne Sutherland of Water Valley.
Joseph Robert Sheffield
WATER VALLEY – Joseph Robert Sheffield, a humble son, brother, uncle, and friend, was born on December 25, 1967, in Water Valley, Mississippi, to the late Fred and Leves Nell Tyler Sheffield. Joseph peacefully departed this life on June 2, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and cherished memories.
Joseph dedicated himself to his work at Solero Manufacturing, where he was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. Though his career was significant, it was his passion for life that truly defined him. Joseph found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often spending his free time outdoors, cooking, and perfecting his grilling skills. He had a generous spirit that brought people together and created lasting bonds.
Joseph is survived by his brother, Charles Tyler of Memphis; his beloved niece, Naketa Danielle Sheffield; two great-nephews, Kameron D. Moore and Keyon J. Moore, all of Water Valley; and his cherished aunt, Janie Ree Tyler of Plano, Texas. He will be lovingly remembered by a host of cousins and friends who were touched by his gentle heart and vibrant spirit.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William Sheffield; two sisters, Sheila Ann Sheffield and Molly Ann Sheffield; three uncles, Obia “Butch” Tyler, Jimmy Dale Tyler, and Thomas Lee Tyler; and one aunt, Martha Louise White.
A wake was held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home on June 6, providing a time for family and friends to gather in remembrance. The service followed at 11a.m., also at the funeral home. He was laid to rest at Bayson Chapel Cemetery.