Obituaries 08/20/2026

Gary Steven Dickey

WATER VALLEY – Gary Steven Dickey, affectionately known as Steve, 76, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at his home.

Steve was a happy and loving man whose warm personality made him a joy to be around. He was blessed with many friends and truly enjoyed the time he spent with them. An outdoorsman at heart, Steve enjoyed hunting and took great pride in working his cows and tending to his farm. When he was able, he also enjoyed playing tennis. Steve will be remembered as a wonderful person whose friendly nature and love for life left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Visitation was held Saturday morning, Aug. 15, with the service following at 11 a.m., all at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Bro. Billy Childs officiated.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Stephanie June (Chuck) Friend of Philadelphia; siblings, Janice (Charles) Sharp of Water Valley and Grady (Jeanette) Dickey of South Lake, Texas; nephews, Jeremy (Becky) Dickey, Corey (Sara) Dickey, Jason (Ann Louise) Sharp and Jonathan (Erin) Sharp; and his nieces, Marla (Jamie) Bell and Amanda May.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvil Doke and Syble Sutherland Dickey.

Matthew Raymond Hendricks

WATER VALLEY – Matthew Raymond Hendricks, Sr., 67, died Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at his home in Water Valley. He was born Sept. 6, 1958, in Eudora to the late Vera Kathleen Kelly Hendricks. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and enjoyed a fulfilling career in the field before his retirement.

Matthew proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an aircraft maintenance specialist.

When Matthew was not working, he could often be found on a golf course or enjoying time hunting. He had a great love for the outdoors.

Above all, family was the most important thing in Matthew’s life. He cherished the time spent with those he loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends, especially his grandson, Levi, who remembers his grandfather as “a good Pop-Pop.”

The funeral service was held Friday, Aug. 14, in the chapel at Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Sykes officiating. Visitation was also held at the funeral home. Burial was at Eudora Baptist Church Cemetery in Eudora.

Matthew is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Hendricks of Olive Branch and Emma Hendricks of Water Valley; his sons, Cameron Lee Hendricks (Jessica) of Carthage, Texas, Matthew Raymond Hendricks, Jr., (Nico Landrum) of Marshall, Texas, and Kelly Alexander Hendricks of Water Valley; a sister, Laura Moore of Ridgeland; his brothers, William Thomas Hendricks III and Shawn Hendricks of Eudora; his one and only grandchild, Levi Hendricks; and his former wife, Evette Hendricks of Water Valley.

In addition to his mother, Matthew was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Hendricks; and best friend, Danny Ray.

Peggy Jo Horn

WATER VALLEY – Peggy Jo Horn, 84, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Oxford. She was born Sept. 2, 1941, in Milan, Tenn., the second of six children born to Thomas and Dorothy Stewart Whitt.

Peggy was outgoing and caring, and truly never met a stranger. Throughout the years, she opened her home and her heart to family and friends, always making those around her feel welcome. She had a feisty and fiery personality and was fiercely protective of the family she loved so dearly. Peggy enjoyed playing video games on her PlayStation, with Spyro being one of her favorites. 

She also loved settling in to watch her soaps, or “her stories,” and the Game Show Network. Peggy will be remembered for her strong personality, caring heart, and the love she had for her family and friends.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy is survived by her children, Judy Horn (Keith) Miller and Susan Horn Hammond, both of Water Valley; grandchildren, Tammy Miller, Kelley Higdon, Melissa Ferguson, JT Horn, and Amanda Horn; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Ronnie (Trish) Whitt and Debbie Whitt (Johnny) Keymon, both of Atwood, Tenn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Lafayette Horn; sons, James Walker, Johnny Horn, and Tommy Horn; grandson, Will Higdon; and her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Stewart Whitt.

Willie A. Hyatt

JACKSON – Willie A. Hyatt, Jr., affectionately known as “W.A.,” 63, passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Jackson.

W.A. was a hardworking and independent man who took great pride in his work. A talented mechanic, he was well known for his skill and dedication throughout his years working with John Deere and Yalobusha County. His ability to fix just about anything earned him the respect of those who knew and worked alongside him.

Away from work, W.A. enjoyed NASCAR, football, WWE and spending time fishing. Above all, he treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren and friends. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, independent spirit and the many good times shared with those closest to him.

No services are planned at this time. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

W.A. is survived by his children, Brandie (Andrew) Johnsey and Deadra (Brandon) Wilburn, both of Coffeeville, and Donovan Pyor; grandchildren, Trista (Ronald) King, John Walton, Jr., Brayden Wilburn, Starlit Walton, Bella Wilburn and Audien Johnsey; great-grandchildren, Amelia King and Kyleigh; mother, Lela Marshal of Greenville; sister, Tressie Weldon; and his niece and nephew, Shannon (Chris) Smith and Terry Hyatt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie A. Hyatt, Sr.; his siblings, Debra Marshall and David Hyatt; his grandmother, Mildred Louise Gowdy, who was affectionately known as “Curley”; and Blake Ganes.

Terry Hughes McQueen

WATER VALLEY – Terry Hughes McQueen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, was born Sept. 20, 1951, to her adoring parents, Bessie Mae and Cleo Hughes.

Terry was raised in Memphis and graduated from Whitehaven High School before attending the University of Mississippi, where she met the love of her life, Michael “Mike” McQueen.

Terry spent six years as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, during which time she and Mike made their home in Houston, Texas, where they raised their three sons, Cam, Tyler and Matthew. Raising her family was one of the great joys of Terry’s life. After her sons were grown, she found another calling in teaching, sharing her love of history with generations of students as an American history teacher in Texas.

Family was always at the heart of Terry’s life. She cherished every opportunity to gather around a table, cook something wonderful, tell a story, laugh with those she loved and simply be together. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. Her grandchildren—Cash, Lila, Georgia and Hank—held a particularly precious place in her heart, and to them she was lovingly known as “Honey.” Being their grandmother gave her the deepest source of happiness.

Terry had always dreamed of returning to Water Valley and spending her later years in the family home that had belonged to her parents. She was able to realize that dream, returning to the place that held so much meaning for her.

Terry was called home to her Lord on July 1, 2026, surrounded by her sons. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Mae and Cleo Hughes, and her beloved husband, Mike.

She leaves behind her sons, Cam McQueen, Tyler and his wife, Annie McQueen, and Matthew and his wife, Catherine McQueen; her cherished grandchildren, Cash, Lila, Georgia and Hank; her aunt, Mary Lou Jones, and an adoring extended family and many dear friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Terry loved deeply, laughed often, cooked generously, told wonderful stories and treasured the people around her. She had a way of lighting up a room and making everyone feel special. She loved us well.

John David Potts

WATER VALLEY – John David Potts, 66, of Water Valley, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Aug. 14, 2026.

He was born March 25, 1960, to Ira Elton “Bill” Potts and Mary Ellen (Mixon) Potts. John David grew up on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for farm life, driving trucks and taking care of the land and livestock. He was happiest on the family farm, where he lived his entire life. If John wasn’t working, you could usually find him on a tractor or tending to his cows.

After graduating from Water Valley High School in 1978, John David began his work career with Pete Reid. He later worked for Holley (BorgWarner) for a period of time before returning to his farming roots and working for Larry Kimzey on Kimzey Farms.

John eventually found his career in driving when he began working for Dowdle Gas and Helena Chemical in Bruce. But his real passion was driving 18-wheelers. He started his trucking journey with Henry Lynch Trucking for a short time before beginning his long-term career with Merit, which later became Martin Transport. John dedicated 29 years to the company, delivering groceries out of the distribution center in New Albany. In 2023, he was honored to join the 1 million-mile club after driving all those years without a single accident.

John was one of the strongest and most determined people you could ever meet. Even during his battle with cancer, he never let it slow him down. He would go to chemotherapy treatments in the morning and climb into his rig that afternoon, chemo pump strapped to his side, making deliveries to Walmart stores throughout Mississippi. John simply didn’t believe in letting obstacles stand in his way.

Not even COVID or the ice storms could stop him. He continued to work when others were calling in, knowing that people were counting on him to deliver their groceries. That dedication was just part of who John was. He took pride in his work, cared about the people who depended on him and always found a way to keep going. Whether he was behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, sitting on a tractor or tending to his cows, John was happiest when he was working.

John’s church home was Driver’s Flat Baptist Church in Calhoun County, where he attended from early childhood until his death. At his request, a family graveside service was held at Driver’s Flat Cemetery on Aug. 15, where John was laid to rest beside his parents, his brother, Roy Lee “Buck” Potts, and his sister-in-law, Susie (Goodwin) Potts.

John was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis David and Lill (McCoy) Potts and Thomas Lloyd and Sarah (Stephens) Mixon, and his brother-in-law, Clinton Richard Mooney. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as his Martin Transport family.

Survivors include his sisters, Mary Katherine Mooney, Brenda Sue (Michael) Snider and Linda Lou (Greg) Eanes, all of Water Valley, Miss., and Martha Ruth (Carl) Massey of Banner, Miss. He is also survived by his brothers, Rufus Dean “Buster” Potts, James Edward “Joe” (Judy) Potts and Randy Potts, all of Water Valley. Memorial donations may be made to the Driver’s Flat Cemetery Fund, in care of Buster Potts, 1911 Highway 315, Water Valley, MS 38965.

Gladys Ruth Whitten

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. – Gladys Ruth Whitten, 91, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tenn. 

Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who devoted her life to her family. She was married to the love of her life, Willie L. Whitten, for 67 years before his passing. They shared a lifetime of love, family, and memories.

As the matriarch of her family, Gladys was a caring and kindhearted woman whose presence meant so much to those around her. She found great joy in her flowers and gardening and especially treasured the time spent with those she loved. The many memories made throughout her 91 years will remain a cherished part of her family’s lives for generations to come. Gladys will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graveside will be held at a later date. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gladys is survived by her children, Sharon (Jim) Blackwell of Richmond, Texas, Ken Whitten of Pearl, and Linda Williams of Southaven; grandchildren, Ryan Blackwell, Whitney Blackwell, and Erin O’Neal; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Wyatt, Bailey, Nolan, Myla, and Lane; and her sister, Betty Bynum of Southaven.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie L. Whitten, Jr.; her parents, Frank A. and Ruth Anderson Moore; brother, Johnny Moore; and her son-in-law, Matthew Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.