Area Obituaries

Paul McKibben Byars OXFORD – Mr. Paul McKibben Byars, 84, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi in Oxford. The funeral service was held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Brother Jamie Moore officiating. A private…

Joyce Dean Spencer Anthony MURPHY, Texas — Joyce Dean Spencer Anthony, age 91, of Murphy, Texas, formerly of Water Valley and Greenville, passed away after a brief illness on December 12, 2025, at her home in Murphy, Texas. Joyce was born January 4, 1934, in Delta City, Sharkey County, to the late Ulner Dean Cooper…

Christopher Daniel Melton WATER VALLEY – Christopher Daniel Melton, 37, of Water Valley, died on November 30, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1988, in Grenada, and is remembered by family and friends for his kindness, humor and the joy he brought to those around him. Daniel grew up in Water Valley, where he…

Jimmy James Bardo COFFEEVILLE – Jimmy James Bardo, 79, of Coffeeville passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Born on February 9, 1946, in Coffeeville to Fred and Gertrude Reeves Bardo, Jimmy was a lifelong resident of the community and a beloved figure to all who knew him. Jimmy’s career as…

Bobby Wilson Hutchins, Sr. OXFORD – Bobby Wilson Hutchins Sr., 92, passed away on November 12, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. A memorial service was held Tuesday, November 18, at North Oxford Baptist Church with Bro. Chris Williams officiating. Bobby was born on April 5, 1933, in Big Creek to the late Billie…

Ann Ruth Davis WATER VALLEY – It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Ann Ruth Davis, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished friend, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on Nov. 30, 1936, in Jackson, Tenn., Ann lived a life filled with…

Janie Grace Mize OXFORD – Janie Grace “Aunt Grace” Mize, 90, of Oxford, passed away October 26, 2025. She was born June 8, 1935, in Oxford to the late Wayne and Invie Mize. A graduate of Yocona High School, where she played basketball, Janie worked 26 years as a seamstress at Big Yank in Water…

Meri Jo Higdon WATER VALLEY – Meri Jo Higdon, 61, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born Sept. 5, 1964, in Big Spring, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Earl Miller Higdon and Barbara Jean Montgomery Higdon. Meri was a longtime resident of Water Valley and…

Emmitt Merrell Brown COFFEEVILLE – Emmitt Merrell Brown, 81, of Coffeeville, peacefully passed away Friday, October 10, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born April 1, 1944 in Calhoun County to Ottis Merrell and Dollie Molene Anglin Brown. Emmitt retired as a maintenance supervisor at Heatcraft in Grenada.  An active member…

Randy William Evans OAKLAND – Randy William Evans, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2025, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Batesville. Randy was born on May 19, 1961, in Tallahatchie County to the late Polly Booth Evans and Joseph William Evans. He worked as a dedicated truck driver. Randy had a deep appreciation…