Obituaries 01/15/2026
Virginia Jackson Grubbs
WATER VALLEY – Virginia Jackson Grubbs departed this life on January 4, 2026, at the Methodist Hospital in Memphis.
Born June 25, 1942, to the late Fred and Bernice “Mother” Jackson, Virginia cherished the simple pleasures of life including sewing and gardening. She particularly loved fishing and spending time outdoors. Her travel adventures took her to various destinations such as Gatlinburg, Branson, and even New York on one memorable occasion. She preferred any location other than the beach.
Virginia took great pride in earning her GED later in life and spent several years working in the textile industry in Water Valley before her retirement. A devoted Christian, she was an active member of Enon Baptist Church in Grenada. She had a deep passion for Operation Christmas Child and was dedicated to helping those in need.
Virginia is survived by five children, Angela Hale, Glenda Gee, Melinda Ware, David Ware and Steve Ware; one sister, Myra Dempsy; one brother, Danny Jackson; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Grubbs; three sisters, Freddie Gray, Mary Jackson and Nancy Redwine; and one brother, Johnny Jackson.
Visitation was held Wednesday, January 7 in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Services followed in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. James McElroy and Bro. Lynn Welch officiating. Burial will follow at Elam Baptist Church Cemetery.
Virginia asked that no flowers be given for her services, but instead that donations be made to Enon Baptist Church, 2604 Carrollton RD, Grenada, MS 38901, and please note that the money is to be placed in the Operation Christmas Child Fund.
Carrie Kathleen Livingston Higdon
WATERFORD – Carrie Kathleen Livingston Higdon, 64, passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
She was born in Rockford, Illinois, to Earl and Barbara Higdon. She spent her early years in Water Valley, where she began raising her family, and later lived in Batesville.
Carrie worked as a certified nursing assistant, a role in which she cared for elderly patients. Family members said she was known for her compassion and dedication to helping others.
She later lived in Lafayette County, where she enjoyed caring for animals and spending time outdoors. She especially loved her dog, Fletch, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include two sons, Alan Livingston and Robert Livingston; a stepson, James Fletcher; and five grandchildren, Angel Livingston, Kayla Highland, James Fletcher Jr., Hayden Fletcher and Carson Fletcher.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, beginning at noon, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., both at Seven Oaks Funeral Home.
Wesley Clayton McGee
WATER VALLEY — Wesley Clayton McGee, age 36, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 5, 2026.
Wesley was an outstanding father to his beloved daughter, Alaina McGee, 5, and a devoted and loving husband to Katie McGee. His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.
The only boy among four siblings, Wesley grew up in Myrtle, where he was affectionately known as “Bubba” to family and friends. He attended the University of Mississippi, earning a degree in political science, before following his calling to become a certified journeyman electrician, a trade he took great pride in.
Wesley had a contagious laugh, a sharp wit and a playful way of showing affection. If he did not pick on you, he probably did not like you. He loved a good debate, firmly believed referees were always cheating Ole Miss and somehow never lost a family game of Uno, even when he did. Much to his family’s dismay, he took his legendary chocolate cobbler recipe with him.
Visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 8, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Services followed in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Billy Childs officiating. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Scott McMullen.
Wesley is survived by his wife, Katie McGee; his daughter, Alaina McGee; his mother, Dana Brady McMullen of Myrtle; his sister, Toni (Michael) Thompson of Olive Branch; his sisters, Niketa McGee and Jesse Hartfield, both of Myrtle; a half-brother, Bobby McGee; a half-sister, Casey McGee; along with many extended family members and friends who loved him deeply.
Mamie Lee Herron Shields
COFFEEVILLE – Mamie Lee Herron Shields, 94, of Coffeeville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 18841 MS-7 in Coffeeville. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Clark-Williams Funeral Home.
Jannette Womble
WATER VALLEY — Jannette Womble of Water Valley passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 8, 2026. Born on that same day in 1950 in Water Valley, she was the daughter of the late Henry Womble and Elnor Johnson Womble.
A devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, Jan expressed her faith through song, praise and helping others in need. She and her late twin sister, Ann, performed in an a cappella choir while attending the University of Mississippi. She continued her vocal ministry as an active member of the choir at Bethel Baptist Church in Water Valley, where she worshiped for many years. Jan was known for her generosity and for helping others in their time of need.
For 25 years, Jan dedicated her life to educating students as a faculty member at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia. She was an avid reader and, in 1983, channeled her passion for books into writing her own, successfully publishing her first novel, The Challenge of Her Life. She had a lifelong affection for animals and passed away with the comfort and companionship of her dogs, Pippi and Trixie, and Wally the cat, at her bedside.
Jan is survived by her sister, Patricia Oliphant of Mandeville, Louisiana; two nephews, Jay Oliphant and Scott Oliphant; her caregiver, Jennifer Swinkowski; along with her church family, former students and close friends.
In addition to her parents, Jan was preceded in death by her sisters, Annette Womble Still and Fran Womble.
Funeral services are planned for Thursday, Jan. 15, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. In accordance with Jan’s wishes, memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Baptist Mission for Forgotten Peoples at www.bmfp.org.