Area Obituaries

Carl Branson Bridges KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Carl Branson Bridges Jr., 75, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026. He was born February 3, 1951, to Carl Bridges Sr. and Mary Kate Bridges. Carl dedicated much of his life to Christian education and ministry. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University), a master’s…

Mary Alice Hawkins WATER VALLEY – Mary Alice Hawkins, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Yalobusha General Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. at House of Prayer COGIC, 801 Mills St., Water Valley. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Burial will follow…

James Elvin Darby, Jr.  WATER VALLEY – James “Jim” Elvin Darby Jr. passed away Oct. 1, 2026, at his home in California, with his daughter, Debra Darby Clark, and son-in-law, Mark Clark, by his side. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. at Old Union Baptist Cemetery in Tula, Mississippi.…

Barbara Smith Palmertree WATER VALLEY –Barbara Smith Palmertree, 80, of Water Valley, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at Yalobusha General Hospital and Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 7, 1946, to Robert Lee Smith Jr. and Lila Faye Simpson Smith. Barbara was known for her kindness and generosity, always willing to help others when they…

Robert Glynn “Bob” Brooks WATER VALLEY – Robert Glynn “Bob” Brooks, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in Oxford. Bob attended school in Water Valley and continued his education at Mississippi State University, graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He proudly served his country in the United States…

Malcom Wayne Engle COFFEEVILLE –   Malcom Wayne Engle, 59, of Coffeeville, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Grenada. Malcom was born on August 9, 1967, in Grenada to Kenneth Earl Engle, Sr. and Debra Coleman Engle. He grew up to become a hardworking man who spent…

Dorothy Dennis YALOBUSHA – Dorothy “Dot” McGregor Dennis, 76, of Yalobusha County, passed away peacefully at home with family beside her on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. She was born Dec. 3, 1949, in Newton, Mississippi. Growing up, she was the youngest of three children. She enjoyed being outside and trailing her big brother and her…

Diann Quarles Crocker WATER VALLEY – Diann Quarles Crocker, 75, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. She was born July 2, 1951, in Pontotoc and spent much of her life in the Randolph community, where she attended school. Known for her outspoken nature and strong-willed spirit, Diann’s warmth and love were felt by all…

Tina Michelle Evans COFFEEVILLE – Tina Michele Evans, 62, of Coffeeville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. She was born Oct. 6, 1963, in Water Valley to Lewis Rufus Gray Jr. and Delores Gray. Tina loved her grandchildren and working in her yard. Graveside services were held Tuesday, Sept.…

James Robert Bell OXFORD – James Robert “Jim” Bell, 89, formerly of Water Valley, passed away peacefully Aug. 26, 2026, in Oxford. He was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Water Valley to James Noel Bell and Marcella Ramzy Bell. Mr. Bell married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise “Wessie” Sartor Bell, on June 14, 1958.…