Obituaries 08/13/2026
John C. Byford
COFFEEVILLE – John C. Byford, 88, affectionately known as “Teeny,” passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
Teeny was a generous and giving man who spent much of his life looking for ways to help others. A talented handyman with a natural ability to repair and rebuild almost anything, he put those skills to good use throughout his career as maintenance manager for the Coffeeville School District, from which he later retired.
He also enjoyed rebuilding appliances and would often sell them at cost simply to help those who needed them. His generosity extended throughout his community, where he was well known and deeply respected.
Wanting neighborhood children to have a safe place to gather, have fun and stay out of trouble, Teeny built a skating rink for them to enjoy — a lasting example of his desire to make life better for those around him.
A devoted member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church, Teeny faithfully served his church and cared deeply for his church family. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed watching Westerns and, when he was able, spending time fishing.
Visitation was held Monday, Aug. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m., all at Calvary Baptist Church in Coffeeville. Bro. Elbert McKnight officiated. Interment was at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Seven Oaks Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.
John is survived by his daughter, Carla (Phillip) Stark; granddaughter, Andrea Stark; and half-sister, Debbie McIntyre.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Louise Byford; parents, John Edward and Myrtle Williams Byford; and siblings, James Byford, Louise Graham, Edward Byford, Charles Ray Byford and Nancy Fly.
Brandy Nicole Hughes
WATER VALLEY – Brandy Nicole Hughes, 45, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Oxford.
Nicole will be remembered for her caring and generous heart and the love she so freely gave to those around her. She was the kind of person who would gladly do without if it meant she could help someone else. A wonderful mother, devoted sister and treasured friend, Nicole had a way of making those closest to her feel deeply loved and cared for. To those fortunate enough to call her a friend, she was truly one of the best friends anyone could ask for.
When she was able, Nicole enjoyed spending time outdoors and appreciating the simple pleasures of being outside. She also loved to cook, especially when it meant preparing something for the people she loved. Nicole cherished her family.
No services are planned at this time. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Nicole is survived by her mother, Kathy Stribling of Water Valley; husband, Keith M. Hughes of Water Valley; daughters, Shayla Hughes of Grenada and Jessica Hughes of Enid; grandson, Kennan Hughes; brother, Heath Chaney and his wife, Ginny, of Cascilla; stepbrothers, Chris Stribling of Water Valley and Mike Stribling of Grenada; and nephew, Luke Chaney. She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick L. Chaney.
Sue Fox Laster
GRENADA – Sue Fox Laster, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. She was born Aug. 12, 1957, in Grenada.
Sue was loving, caring, hardworking and endlessly funny. She spent her formative years in Coffeeville, where she graduated from high school and later worked in the manufacturing industry, including at Pennaco Hosiery.
Sue was a devoted military wife, supporting her husband with unwavering love. She enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening and visiting flea markets in search of treasures to bring home.
A member of Hardy Baptist Church in Grenada, Sue embraced her faith and shared her warmth with her family and community. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sue is survived by her children, Michael (Chasity) Laster, Christopher Laster, Timothy Laster, Wesley (Patricia) Laster and Melissa Laster; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Shirley Lee (Gene).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Maxine Fox; daughter, Rebecca Laster; and siblings, Joe Irby Fox and Claudia Marie Denley.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home, with the funeral service following at 11:30 a.m.
Patricia Leigh Sims
WATER VALLEY – Services for Patricia Leigh Sims, 62, will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home.
Sims, better known as “Mam-maw,” died Aug. 7, 2026. She was born Sept. 6, 1963, in Memphis to Shirley and Sylvia McCullar.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a master of many crafts and enjoyed rummaging through junk stores, having pool parties and trying any crafting idea she could find.
She loved seeing her ideas come to life. If someone wanted or needed something made, she could make it. She spent much of her time crafting and sewing, sitting on her front porch and scrolling through TikTok or Facebook. She also enjoyed working at the local ballpark, where she cooked and served as the concession stand “boss,” working in her flower bed and relaxing in her pool.
Her family remembered her contagious laughter, recognizable whistle and ability to find humor in almost any situation. Survivors include three daughters, Samantha (Chris) Shempert, Melissa (Jason) Pruitt and Christy (Preston) Cotton; two sons, Casey Sims and Tripp (Mary) Phillips; grandchildren, Dustin and Abbie Beard, Haley and Samantha Pruitt, Toi (Tsisia) Phillips, Amarlee Phillips, Gage Maness and Addie (Daniel) Bierbaum; and three sisters, Joann (Bill) Vandergriff, Gail Fly and Diane (Frank) Cadena.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Sylvia McCullar; husbands, Billy Joe Sims and Calvin Phillips; and brothers, Billy and Bobby McCullar.