Toots Waddell, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at her home in Coffeeville, Miss., surrounded by her family.

Toots was a lifelong resident of Coffeeville and is survived by her daughters Deanie Calhoon (Chipper) of Oxford, Keri Jones (Walton) of Starkville and Shannon Denley of Memphis.  She leaves behind five adorable grandchildren, Taylor Gentry, Cole and Keaton Calhoon, Phoebe and Ann Shaifer Jones. Toots is also survived by her brothers, Ralph Lawrence Peeples (Martha Ann) of Brookhaven, Durrett “Deeby” Barnes Sayle Peeples of Oxford and Bradley Stuart Peeples of Coffeeville.  Toots leaves behind many nieces and nephews and was especially close to her niece, Penny Peeples of Memphis, and her cousin, Melissa Franklin Hawks of Oxford, who were also raised in Coffeeville.

Toots was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Waddell; daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Denley Gentry; parents, Ralph Wagner and Elma Sayle Peeples and sisters, Patricia “Chip” Covington and Elaine Peeples Boyle.

Toots received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ole Miss and was a lifelong educator with over 30 years in teaching and counseling for both Yalobusha Academy and the Coffeeville School District.  She was a favorite among faculty and students and always went above her normal duties, giving special attention and extra help to all students under her care, and was loved by all.

Toots was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Coffeeville United Methodist Church.  She was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling, spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching her Ole Miss Rebels.

To know Toots was to love Toots. She loved life and people and was the rock of her family. She was the listening ear, the cheerful encourager and the loving support for everyone. The phrases “grace-filled,” “my favorite teacher,” “great lady,” “sweet, lovely person,” “funny” and “beautiful” are just a few of the accolades that her broad range of friends offered when expressing their love for her. Toots was a Coffeeville icon, a trusted friend, a loving wife and an adoring mother and grandmother.  She gave selflessly to others and leaves a hole in the lives of those closest to her.

A memorial service led by Reverend Stacy Douglas will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at the Coffeeville United Methodist Church.  Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Innocence Project at: George C. Cochran Innocence Project, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677-1848, (Tel) 662-915-5207, Innocenceproject.olemiss.edu.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada 662-307-2694.