Area Obituaries

Melanie Faye Pruett WATER VALLEY – Melanie Faye Pruett, 71, passed away on July 13, 2025 at her residence in Water Valley surrounded by her loved ones. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in…

Thomas Corrai TILLATOBA – Thomas “Wahoo” Corrai, age 71, of Tillatoba passed away June 25, 2025. Tom was born Nov. 9, 1953, in Ohio to Anthony and Delores Corrai. He was best known by his nickname, “Wahoo,” and for his lifelong passion for motorcycles. The open road was where he felt most at home, and…

Jimmy Glenn Cofer WATER VALLEY – A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jimmy Glenn Cofer passed away peacefully at the age of 72. Born on May 31, 1953, Jimmy lived a life defined by strength, determination, service, and a love that touched everyone who knew him. Though his early life brought great challenges,…

Dwight Arnold Ayers COFFEEVILLE – Dwight Arnold Ayers, 71, of Coffeeville, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his residence. He was born March 1, 1954 in Water Valley to James Oscar and Robbie Dees Ayers. A retired farmer, Dwight was the definition of an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting most any wild game that is…

Estes Caldwell WATER VALLEY – Estes “ST” Caldwell departed this life peacefully in his home with his loving children by his side on June 10, 2025. Estes was born March 3, 1967, in Water Valley to the late Estes Caldwell, Sr. and Cora Lee Jones. He was raised by his grandparents, Rogers and Lola Caldwell,…

Dr. Russell Edward Aven OXFORD – Dr. Russell Edward Aven, age 102, went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2025. He was surrounded by all his family as he peacefully crossed over Jordan and into the promised land of Heaven. Russell “Russ” Edward Aven was born in Water Valley to Elmer Carter…

Xyla Daevy Baker WATER VALLEY – Xyla Daevy Baker, a cherished daughter of Aijah Turner and Ladarrious Baker, was born on April 9, 2025, in Oxford. On May 20, Xyla’s journey on earth came to an end at NMMC Women’s Hospital in Tupelo. Though her time was brief, her memory will forever be held dear…

Sandra Catherine Hurley Beyer WATER VALLEY – Sandra Catherine Hurley Beyer died May 24, 2025. She was born December 29, 1937 in Manhattan, New York, New York to Ethel Roberta Fisher Gintling Hurley and Edward Jerome Hurley. Sandra grew up in Manhattan and the Bronx, New York. During her teen years the family moved to…

Harlan Dean Boyles SARDIS – Harlan Dean Boyles passed away on May 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Harlan was born on April 13, 1947, in Batesville and he spent his early years running track at North Panola High School. After graduating, he joined the Army and bravely served three tours in Vietnam, earning…

James Epsie Adams WATER VALLEY – James Epsie “Lightning” Adams was called home by the Lord on May 7, 2025. He was born February 20, 1941 in Panola County, Mississippi, to Epsie James (Major) Adams and Ruth Mae Henderson Adams. James confessed a hope in Christ and was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist…