Marguerite Braddock Williams, 92, died May 15, 2019, at Providence Assisted Living in Batesville. Born August 27, 1926, she was the daughter of Joe and Frankie Braddock of Lexington.

She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, earning a degree in home economics, and married Marcus Dean Williams in 1949. Later she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi. She will be remembered by several generations of schoolchildren from Batesville Elementary and West Panola Schools, where she taught second grade.

She will also be remembered by 4-H Club members and local homemakers with whom she worked as an Extension Service agent, coming to work in Batesville in 1949, with her new husband. They quickly became involved in the community, joining the new VFW and Batesville First United Methodist Church. They raised two daughters, Rita Jean and Betty Gail, pouring themselves into their lives, activities and interests. Marguerite helped with Scouts and Bible School, and sewed dance costumes and cheerleader uniforms.

Later she joined the Batesville Woman’s Club, serving as president, and enthusiastically supporting the club’s many community service projects, including manning a concession stand late into the night at SpringFest. She remained active in United Methodist Women as long as she was able and served as an Ambassador for Panola Partnership.

Many grieving families were recipients of her chocolate pie, which she delivered warm from the oven. “The name of this pie is ‘Love,’” said one friend.

Among those who will miss her red head, her exuberance for life, her kindness, and the pie, are her daughters, Rita Howell and husband Rupert of Batesville, and Betty Gail Kalich and husband Tim, of Greenwood; grandson Thomas Murphree and wife, Meghan of Hernando; granddaughter Elizabeth Tardio and husband Chris of Nashville; grandson Sam Kalich of Greenwood; great grandsons Timmes and Bett Tardio of Nashville and sister-in-law Ruby Magers of Tupelo.

Funeral services were Friday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Batesville First United Methodist Church. Officiating was Ed Temple and Jerry Parker. Burial was in Batesville Magnolia Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home of Batesville had charge of arrangements.

 

Sherry Ann Taylor Bailey, age 56, passed away peacefully at her home in Courtland on May 15, 2019. She was the wife of Jack Bailey.

Funeral services for Sherry were held Saturday, May 25, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Batesville. Interment followed the service Saturday at Forrest Memorial Park. Rev. Fred Eakes and Rev. Eddie Randolph officiated.

Sherry was born November 5, 1962,to Sarah Ann Biggers and the late James Robert Taylor in Marks, MS. She worked as a loan assistant for Mechanics Bank in Water Valley and Oxford before moving to Guaranty Bank and Trust in Batesville, where she was a mortgage lender/loan assistant to the President of the Batesville Branch.

Sherry proudly served her country in the U.S. Air Force. She was an active member of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church. In her spare time, Sherry enjoyed riding motorcycles with her husband Jack. She was a proud and enthusiastic Harley Davidson owner. Sherry was a talented painter. She enjoyed working in her yard with her flowers and anything outdoors, as she saw the beauty that God provided for her in nature. Sherry was a kind and caring person who never judged others. She adored her family.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her precious memory include her loving husband, Jack Bailey of Courtland; children, Christopher Christian and his wife Megan of Oxford, Cody Lindsey and his wife Brittney of Southaven, Thomas Lindsey, Jr. and his wife Dawn of Ingomar, and Alexis Lindsey of Water Valley; sister, Marjorie D. Oliphant of Byhalia; mother, Sara Ann Barnes of Water Valley; 4 grandchildren, Naveah, Kennedy, Jace, and Christopher Lindsey.

In addition to her father, Sherry is preceded in death by one daughter, Carrie Lindsey, and one brother, Steven Taylor.