Obituaries 05/20/2026
Barbara Helen (Ferguson) Ballard
COFFEEVILLE – Barbara Helen Ballard entered into the presence of her Savior on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by her loving family at her home.
Born Dec. 24, 1946, in Woodland, Barbara Helen Ferguson Ballard was the daughter of the late Minnie Florence Ward Chandler and Sebron Curry Chandler. She was also preceded in death by her brother, David Chandler, and her lifelong friend, Judy Gayle Bee of Evening Shade.
Barbara was known for her generous heart, her love for family and her ability to make people feel welcomed and loved. She enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, searching for treasures and opening her home to anyone in need. Whether spending time on the lake bottom in Grenada, taking her grandchildren on adventures or preparing southern meals for family and friends, Barbara left lasting memories with everyone she met. In 2011, Barbara met Mike Ballard, who became the love of her life. The couple married on May 26, 2024.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Ballard; daughter, Rhonda Michelle Yeager (Jr.) of Woodland; son, Michael Pruett (Shawnee) of Evening Shade; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Kilgore (Tommy) of Woodland and Ann Culver of Houston; and brother, Jerry Chandler (Beverly) of Woodland.
A celebration of life service will be held May 23 at 11 a.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church, located at 4665 County Road 186 in Coffeeville.
Michael Anthony Cramer
WATER VALLEY – Michael Anthony Cramer, 77, died May 18, 2026, in Water Valley.
Born July 4, 1948, in Tennessee, Michael Anthony Cramer was known as a hardworking craftsman, outdoorsman and devoted family man. After earning his high school diploma, he began a career that included work with the City of Memphis before later retiring from the University of Mississippi.
A skilled welder, pipe fitter and furniture maker, Cramer also operated Pine Valley Saw Mill, where family members said he combined his strong work ethic with his love of woodworking and craftsmanship.
Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially crappie fishing and hunting. His family said he loved sharing stories from his outdoor adventures and treasured time spent with family and friends.
Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie (Kenny) Pilkington of Burlison; grandchildren, Haley Pilkington and Kevin (Catherine) Pilkington; great-grandchildren, Lillith and Nicholas Pilkington; sister, Kathy Fisher; and several nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered for his kindness, humor and the love he shared with those around him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Cramer; son, David Cramer; and parents, Leo Cramer and Florence Yates Cramer.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Ollie Vee Judson, Jr.
WATER VALLEY – Ollie V. Judson Jr., a beloved husband, father, church leader and community servant, departed this life on May 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born April 24, 1950, in Water Valley, he was the son of the late Bertha and Ollie V. Judson Sr. He graduated from Davidson High School in 1967 and later attended Mississippi Valley State University until he was called to serve his country in the United States Army.
On Aug. 4, 1972, Ollie married Irene Judson, beginning a loving union that would bless them with 11 children. Through the years, he was known as a devoted husband and nurturing father who instilled in his family the values of compassion, faith and service to others. Family members said his guiding principles — “We never turn a child away” and “The work of The Lord must go on” — became lasting reminders of the life he lived and the example he set for others.
Ollie served faithfully at House of Prayer Church of God in Christ, where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. His dedication to his faith and willingness to help others touched the lives of many in the community and left a legacy. Professionally, he gave more than 20 years of service to Emerson Electric before the plant closed and later retired from the North Mississippi Regional Center. Outside of work, he enjoyed tending his vegetable garden, fishing and spending time outdoors.
The family will honor Ollie’s life with funeral services Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. at House of Prayer. A wake will begin at 9 a.m. at the church.
Ollie is survived by his wife, Irene Judson; sons, Preston (Faye) Willingham of Keller, Jason (Tiffany) Judson of Virginia, Vincent (Michelle) Judson of Water Valley, Ollie Velester of Water Valley, Amos (Christine) Judson of Broussard and Joseph (Jennifer) Judson of Water Valley; daughters, Darlene (Eric) Fleming of Water Valley, Tamela Harris of Keller, Cassandra Judson, Jessica Judson and Coretta Judson, all of Water Valley; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son.
Elton Geams Nelson
SOUTHAVEN – Elton Geams Nelson, a beloved father, friend, and community member, departed this world on May 14, 2026, just 10 days shy of his 93rd birthday. He was born May 24, 1933, in Coffeeville.
Elton graduated from Jeff Davis School, where he first met his high school sweetheart, Ruby Fay Gordon. They tied the knot on October 17, 1953, embarking on a life together that would take them across the country during Elton’s time in the Army. From the halls of the Pentagon to their eventual home in Southaven, Elton and Ruby built a family filled with warmth and laughter. Together, they raised three wonderful sons: Wesley, Elton, and Terry.
After his honorable discharge in 1959, Elton and family settled in Southaven and dedicated himself to his career as a shipping clerk at Buckeye Cellulose. He was a charter member of Carriage Hills Baptist Church, where he offered his time and talents to serve others, embodying the true spirit of a caring neighbor. Elton’s zest for life shone through in his involvement with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the PTA, nurturing the next generation with love and support. His passion for scouting and camping created cherished memories for his family and many young adventurers.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 18, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Elton was laid to rest at Broom Cemetery in Coffeeville.
Elton is survived by his three sons, Elton Nelson, Jr, Terry Nelson, and Wesley Nelson; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Virginia (O’Brian) Nelson; his wife Ruby Fay (Gordon) Nelson; four brothers; and a sister.
Henry Allison Pullen, Sr.
SCOBEY – Henry Allison Pullen Sr., 75, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at his home.
Born Feb. 23, 1951, in Charleston, he was the son of the late Henry Osmond and Janie Allison Pullen.
A longtime employee of Heatcraft, Henry enjoyed spending time outdoors and working cattle on the family farm. He was an avid hunter who especially enjoyed deer, turkey and squirrel hunting. He also honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.
Graveside services were held May 15 at Oak Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Rickey Harris and the Rev. Tim McCaffrey officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Clanton, Logan Clark, Chip Gray, Joshua Pullen, Trey Pullen, Dawson White, Drake White, Charlie Wilkey and Johnny Winters.
Survivors include his wife, Paula Pullen; children, Tonya White, Freddy Wilkey, Henry Pullen Jr., Charles Wilkey and Justin Pullen (Ginger); sisters, Sandra Pullen and Alice Doolittle; grandchildren, Kristin Porter, Nikki Clanton (Ryan), Brittany Winters (Johnny), Jordan Clark (Logan), Charlie Wilkey (Kayla), Anna Grace Pullen (Donald), Dawson White, Trey Pullen, Drake White and Joshua Pullen; and great-grandchildren.
