Velva Foyle, daughter of Doris Killian Nelson of Dexter, Missouri, and the late Bill Foyle, was born on April 30, 1969, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on July 5, 2023, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 54 years.
As a Certified Nurse's Assistant and Certified Medical Technician, Velva spent the majority of her life caring for others in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and as an in-home caregiver for professional organizations. Most recently, she worked as an in-home private care provider. She was known for her big heart and kind and generous spirit. In her off time, she was always tinkering and repairing just about anything with wheels and a motor. She loved spending time with family and friends. She was also a gifted guitarist and songwriter.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by three sisters, Darla Young (Eric) of Hamilton, Ontario, Marietta Obergoenner (David) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Charlotte Snyder (Ed) of Texas; by two step-sisters, Joann Lloyd of Arkansas and Susan Jarrell of St. Louis, Missouri; by her step-brother, Danny Nelson (Donna) of Bloomfield, Missouri; by nieces and nephews, Justin Christman (Lynne) of Paris, Ontario, Jerimy Obergoenner (Lucia) of Jackson, Missouri, and Matthew Reeves of Texas; Jennifer McGarrah (Cecil) of Heavener, Oklahoma, Whitney Payne (Tyler) of St. Peters, Missouri, Jill Watkins (David) of Jackson, Missouri, Christal Thomas (Matthew) of O'Fallon, Missouri, Robert Christian of Dexter, Missouri, Don Christian (FredaMae) of Jackson, Missouri, Ladawn Crowe of McClure, Illinois, Shawn Lloyd of Dexter, Missouri, and Michael Lloyd of Arkansas; by great nieces and nephews, Dayla McGarrah of Heavener, Oklahoma, Raelyn McGarrah of Heavener, Oklahoma, Logan Christman and Georgia Christman of Paris, Ontario, and Tucker Payne of St. Peters, Missouri, and; by two special friends, Julie Jackson of Dexter, Missouri (and God-children Jacob Reeves, John Reeves and Jessica Reeves Crockett), and Robert Holt of Bloomfield, Missouri; and by many other great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her step-father, William Nelson; by two brothers, David Foyle, and Dwane Allan Owens; by her grandfather, Berninard Killian, and by her grandmothers, Marjorie Cox and Virginia Foyle.
She knew her request for no viewing or memorial service would upset many, but she was adamant in this. She asked that you simply honor her memory with acts of kindness to others with no motive or expectations of reciprocation from the recipients. You may also make donations in her memory to Southeast Health Foundation (Hospice Grace Fund), the American Cancer Society and/or The Missouri Mental Health Counselors' Association."
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter assisted with arrangements.
Mary Elaine Wagner, daughter of the late Bruce Edward Gant and Beulah Mae Maskell Gant, was born on October 18, 1950 on the family’s farm in Dudley, Missouri. She departed this life on July 4, 2023, on that same farm, at the age of 72 years.
Mrs. Wagner was a graduate of Dexter High School where she was the valedictorian of the Class of 1968. Following high school, she attended college Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She completed her education at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation she became a Registered Pharmacist for St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and was quickly promoted to Director of Pharmacy for the medical center. She was recruited early into the medical software field which led her to Winter Park Florida, where she lived from 1983 to 2022. She later returned to pharmacy practice, working for Walgreens until her retirement.
She met her future husband, Edward Wagner of Cheyenne, Wyoming while working at St. Francis Hospital. They were united in marriage in 1976. He preceded her in death in 2001.
Mary’s life was lived in the service and caring of other people. Her friends and family knew her to have warm and generous spirit providing support and help to anyone who needed her. Mary also enjoyed and collected beautiful things such as antique furniture, pottery and stained glass. She was a lover of all animals, especially her dogs and cats. She embraced her Florida lifestyle with many trips to the coasts to enjoy the ocean and walks along the beach. New Smyrna Beach, Florida was among her favorite destinations and the family has many great memories with her there.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Marvin and Mary Jane Gant of Dudley, Missouri and Donald and Harriet (Hattie) Maskell of Washburn, Maine; by her parents Bruce Edward and Beulah Mae Gant of Dudley, Missouri; and by her sister, Sylvia Gay Gant of Dudley, Missouri.
She is survived by her brother Richard Dennis Gant and sister-in-law Arvella (Tracy) (Wilson) Gant of Dexter, Missouri and their son Chris Eric Holcomb of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is also survived by her sister Donna Maxine (Gant) Barker, of Dudley Missouri; by her niece Janelle (Barker) Gibson of Webster Groves, Missouri; and by her great nephew Gant Hunter Gibson and great niece Mary Genevieve Gibson of Webster Groves, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Doris Marie Grim, daughter of the late Edgar DeArman and Alcy May Pruitt DeArman, was born on February 22, 1931, in Dexter, Missouri, and departed this life on July 3, 2023, at Riverways Manor in Van Buren, Missouri at the age of 92 years.
Mrs. Grim was a former Library Aide in Pontiac Michigan for 17 years, a former employee of Keller Public Library and Elder Manufacturing in Dexter, Missouri, and a resident of Van Buren, Missouri.
On December 31, 1955, in Hernando, Mississippi, she was united in marriage to Earnest Grim. Mr. Grim preceded her in death on January 16, 2004.
She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Grim of Van Buren, Missouri, and Lisa Hart and husband Roger of Van Buren, Missouri; by her granddaughter, Nicole Hart;
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl DeArman and Harold DeArman; and by four sisters, Mary Wagner, Margaret Wagner, Maurine Hager, and Murlene Norman.
Visitation will be held at the South Van Buren General Baptist Church in Van Buren, Missouri on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Terry Richardson and Rev. Johnny Gipson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Jessima Jean Walker, daughter of the late Fred Riddle and Grace Johnson Riddle was born in Stoddard County, Missouri on February 14, 1926 and passed away at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the age of 97 years, 4 months and 18 days.
On June 15, 1946, she was married to Charles Walker in Piggott, Arkansas. In 1950, she moved to Michigan where she lived until 1964 before moving home to Dexter where she would live until her death.
Jessima loved the Lord, and it showed in every part of her life. She was a lifelong member of White Oak Grove General Baptist Church, where she used her time and many talents to serve her church, her community, and her family. She loved to cook, sew, crochet, embroider, paint and garden. Her creativity gave all who knew her a glimpse of the Lord’s love for His creation.
Her most important creation, however, was her family whom she loved deeply. Surviving are one daughter, Charie Kay Mason (LC) of Bernie; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Walker Kane (Bill) of Dexter, Missouri; one brother, Fred Riddle Junior (Anita) of Dexter; three grandchildren, Ryan Mason (Libby) of Paragould, Arkansas, Amber Martin (Mike) of Dexter and Sean Mason (Tammi) of Bernie; 7 great-grandchildren, Taylor Counts (Matt) and Maycie Martin (Joe) of Dexter, Mollie Mason, Eli Mason (Kailee), and Ethan Mason (Abigail) of Paragould, Arkansas and Cole Mason and Kalli Mason of Bernie; by one great-great grandson, Wren Counts of Dexter; also by other friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death other than by parents and her husband Charles Alvin Walker, by her son, Michael Joe Walker; by two brothers Russell Riddle and Jurlen Riddle.
Friends may call at White Oak Grove General Baptist Church in Rural Bernie, Missouri, Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Funeral services will then be conducted at White Oak Grove General Baptist Church on Thursday, July 6, 2023 starting at 1:00 PM with Rev. Ryan Mason officiating. Interment will follow in Smith Stevenson Cemetery, Rural Dexter, Missouri. Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie is assisting the family with all arrangements.
Robert Brian Dodd, born March 14th, 1959, departed this life on June 30th, 2023 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO.
He proudly served his country in the 2nd Armored Division of the United States Army, and retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation after 14 years of employment. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the company of his many family members and friends.
Robert was a devoted father, brother, son and light in the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dixie Marie Watkins, of Dexter, MO. And his sister, Kimberly Darlene Morgan, of Bernie, MO.
He is survived by one son, Terrill Owen Dodd of Poplar Bluff, MO. Brother, Joel Dean Dodd of Benicia, CA. And his father, Robert Lafayette Dodd of Dexter, MO. As well as many extended family members.
Memorial services will be held on July 2, 2023 at Sycamore Cemetery in Pyletown, MO at 3:00 pm. We invite all who knew Robert to join together in celebration of his life and share in his memory as he is laid to rest.
