John Dale Jennings

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford John Dale Jennings, 78, of Water Valley, passed away on Wednesday, June 03, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 09, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. The funeral service celebrating his life will take place immediately following the visitation, beginning at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Coleman Funeral Home. John Dale Jennings graced this world with his presence on January 08, 1948, in Como, Mississippi as one of the children born to the late Louis Jennings and Lavonia Boyett Jennings. He retired from Georgia Pacific's manufacturing division, earning respect for his dedication and strong work ethic. Dale never let his hands stay idle. He took pride in hard work, whether he was tending his garden or keeping his yard in shape. Dale also enjoyed watching the birds, especially red birds and hummingbirds that visited his yard, always making sure they had food and a place to rest. His respect for all living things showed the strength of his character. Additionally, He never met a stranger. His straightforward manner and easy conversation put everyone at ease. Dale valued his family above all and was always there for friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a helping hand. A man of deep faith, Dale lived his beliefs through action and service. He believed in strength through kindness and led by example, living each day with humility and purpose. Although Dale has departed from our lives, his treasured memory will hold a special place in the hearts of his loved ones. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Melinda Avritt Jennings of Water Valley, Mississippi; two daughters, Gayle Plaisance and her husband Hickman of Water Valley, Mississippi, and Melissa Camp and her husband Jr. of Water Valley, Mississippi; three grandchildren, Courtney Patton and her husband Jarrett of Courtland, Mississippi, Joshua Butler and his partner Amanda of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kaitlin Corley and her husband Josh of Winona, Mississippi; seven great-grandchildren, Callie Patton, Cooper Patton, Wyatt Patton, Alex Weldon, Carson Weldon, Coy Butler, and baby girl Salem Corley, who will make her arrival in November 2026; and two siblings, Paul Jennings of Oxford, Mississippi; and, Marianne Jennings of Jackson, Mississippi. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Jennings and Lavonia Boyett Jennings, and four siblings, Ruby Murphy Wood, Nell Norwood, Halla Lee Jennings, and VJ Jennings. In place of traditional flowers, the family has requested that contributions be given to the American Heart Association by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5cyaunx8 The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com

John Dale Jennings

January 8, 1948 - June 3, 2026

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