Area Obituaries

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…

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…