Area Obituaries

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.…

Thomas Franklin Hill Sr. WATER VALLEY – Thomas “Tommy” Franklin Hill Sr., age 85, of Water Valley  passed away peacefully on Aug. 21, 2026. Tommy was born on April 24, 1941, in Water Valley to Alfred Bennett Hill Sr. and Vearl Hensley Hill. A lifelong member of the Water Valley community, Tommy was a graduate…

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.…

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…

Geneva A. Cobern WATER VALLEY – Geneva A. “Sue” Cobern, 76, of Water Valley, passed away peacefully July 22, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Born in Water Valley, Sue Cobern was the daughter of the late Kenneth M. (Snow) Samuels and Quay W. Samuels. She graduated from Water Valley High…

Norma Louise Byford COFFEEVILLE – Norma Louise Byford, 84, of Coffeeville, died peacefully Saturday, July 18, 2026. Born Aug. 22, 1941, in Coffeeville, she was the daughter of Vardamen and Iris Jaco. She was a lifelong resident of the community and a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she maintained a perfect attendance record…

Walter Larry Bell WATER VALLEY – Walter Larry Bell, born November 27, 1941, entered his eternal heavenly home on June 29, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love for his family, friends and faith in God. Larry was born and lived the majority of his life in Water Valley, MS. He followed his…

Wesley James Crawford COFFEEVILLE – Wesley James Crawford, 93, of Coffeeville passed away June 27, 2026. Born Jan. 21, 1933, in Mobile, Ala., he was the youngest of three children born to Fletcher and Bonnie Crawford. Wesley is remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated grandfather and cherished friend. He shared a remarkable 63…