Obituaries 10/30/2025
Janie Grace Mize
OXFORD – Janie Grace “Aunt Grace” Mize, 90, of Oxford, passed away October 26, 2025. She was born June 8, 1935, in Oxford to the late Wayne and Invie Mize.
A graduate of Yocona High School, where she played basketball, Janie worked 26 years as a seamstress at Big Yank in Water Valley. She was married for 42 years to Rayford Mize, a U.S. Navy veteran.
In her personal life, Aunt Grace had a green thumb, and her garden was a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Whether it was her beloved roast or her special skillet corn, her cooking left a lasting impression and created warm memories around the dinner table. Most of all, she had a heart full of love for her grandchildren, Christopher and Mollie, always ready to shower them with affection and wisdom.
She is survived by her son, Reggie (Maria) Mize of Oxford; two grandchildren, Christopher Randall Mize and Mollie Kate Mize; a brother-in-law, Bill Dennis; a sister-in-law, Wanda Mize; and a niece and nephew, Wayne and Viann Dennis.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Ryan Randall Mize; one sister, Merideth Dennis; and one brother, Calvin Mize.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 30, at noon at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., with burial at New El-Bethel Church Cemetery in Lafayette County.
Billy Jean Nelson
OAKLAND – Billy Jean Nelson, 75, of Oakland, passed away at his residence on October 21, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1950, to the late Tommie Lee Nelson and Frances Elizabeth Richards Nelson.
Billy retired after 27 years of dedicated service at Cossar State Park in Oakland, where he was known for his hard work, warm smile, and willingness to help. A lifelong resident of the Oakland area, he was deeply rooted in his community and cherished by many. He attended Oakland School and remained proud of his roots throughout his life.
He was a faithful member of the Oakland Methodist Church, where he served devotedly as head usher. His church family held a special place in his heart, as did his close friends in the Ross family. Billy’s gentle spirit and generous nature endeared him to everyone who knew him. He enjoyed watching westerns and visiting with friends.
Billy’s big heart and his genuine way of showing love and appreciation for others will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Edward Nelson, George Nelson Sr., Ann Nelson Redwine, and Jane Nelson Lee. He is survived by five nephews and six nieces.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 1, at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., both at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Burial will follow at Goshen Cemetery near Coffeeville. Pallbearers will be Rich Ross, Ross Burney, Bailey Ross, Richard Ross, Daryl Burney, Ellett Caulder, and Kash Mastrangelo. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Ross, David Herron, Buzzy Hill, Will Hill, and the men of the Oakland Methodist Church.