Area Obituaries

Jerleen Mathis Harris WATER VALLEY – Jerleen Mathis Harris, affectionately known as “Gran,” passed away on June 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on July 13, 1941, in Water Valley, Jerleen was the daughter of the late Carmon and Sallie Mathis. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Shirley and Dean;…

Michael Gene Burrowes COURTLAND – Michael Gene Burrowes, affectionately known as “Smiley,” passed away June 8, 2026, at the age of 41. Born Oct. 20, 1984, in Grenada, Michael made his home in Courtland. He worked as a brick mason and was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit and willingness to help others.…

Mary Louise Sartor Bell OXFORD – Mary Louise Sartor Bell, a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, child and servant of God, transitioned peacefully from her life on earth on June 2, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi at the age of 86. Born November 5, 1939, in Water Valley, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Clyde Flake…

Rex Morgan Babb PARIS – Rex Morgan Babb, 66, of Paris passed away at his home on May 25, 2026. He was born on Aug. 23, 1959, in Oxford, and grew up in Waterford and Paris.  He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Babb Byars of Water Valley, Georgia Robbin Sweeny of Gulf Breeze, Fla,…

Murry Green Jr. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Murry “Moe” Green Jr. passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 83 years old. Born on April 12, 1943, in Mississippi, Murry was the second of three children. He was raised in Water Valley, where he graduated from Water Valley High School in 1961.…

Monroe Keith Beardain, Jr. ENID – Monroe Keith Beardain Jr., 59, of Enid, passed away May 7, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. Keith was known for his devotion to his family and the strong relationships he maintained throughout his life. Family members said he especially cherished time spent with his children and granddaughter.…

Linda Gooch Shorter DAVENPORT, IOWA — Linda Gooch Shorter, 73, passed away April 15, 2026. Linda was born Oct. 18, 1952, to the late Jabo and Irma Gooch. She was united in marriage to the late Doyle Shorter. She was a native of Water Valley and later made her home in Davenport, Iowa. She is…

Aaron Guy Baddley, Jr. BRUCE – Aaron Guy Baddley Jr., 90, died April 27, 2026, at Bruce Community Living Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 20, 1935, in Coffeeville to Aaron Guy Baddley Sr. and Mary Bell Griffin Baddley. Aaron was a graduate of Coffeeville High School. He married his high…

Joey Lynn Joyner WATER VALLEY – Joey Lynn Joyner, 61, passed away peacefully at his home on April 18, 2026. He was born Nov. 19, 1964, in Water Valley. Joyner was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who was known for his ability to make others laugh. He had a gift for easing…

Lynn Allen Fly COFFEEVILLE — Lynn Allen Fly passed away April 7, 2026, at Yalobusha Nursing Home, leaving behind a life defined by service, family and deep ties to his community. He was 82. Fly was born Feb. 28, 1944, in Coffeeville to Bilbo and Earline Fly, whose values he carried with him throughout his…