Marvin Rex St. John

Marvin was born in LaFayette County, Mississippi on October 13, 1933, the fourth child to Henry Andrew St. John and Vertna Ellis St. John. Later they moved to Warsaw, MS, then to Byhalia when he was a young boy. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lucy Mae Shipp, Odis Moore St. John and Maude Loriene Johnson

Marvin was also preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Lillie Dorothy Lowery St. John and his daughter, Linda Kaye St. John Foshee. He leaves behind two daughters, Wanda Parks of Collierville, TN and Alicia Parr of Olive Branch, MS and one son, Marvin Rex St. John, Jr., of Byhalia. One of the highlights of his life were his grandchildren, Jennifer Barrett Burkett of Southaven, Joel Barrett of Byhalia, MS, Jessica Garner of Byhalia and Rachel Parr of Olive Branch, MS. Another source of joy was his great-granddaughters, Lillie Jayce and Letty Monroe Garner, who share his dancing blue eyes.

Marvin was married to his second wife, JoAnn Billings St. John of Red Banks, MS in 2003 which gave him three step-daughters, Sheri Smiley of Olive Branch, Wendy Campbell of Olive Branch and Lisa Cox of Millington, TN. Marvin and JoAnn had many grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren.

Marvin was a life-long resident of the Byhalia area where he spent many years farming along side his father. A top-notch handyman, he could repair just about anything put before him and was the owner/operator of Byhalia Service Center for many years. Marvin enjoyed many conversations and fellowship with folks who came to him for their annual inspection stickers. He also drove the school bus from Byhalia to Marshall Academy in Holly Springs for many years. Many former riders as well as their parents fondly remember Mr. Marvin and their time spent on his bus. Most likely, “Y’all sit down back there!” still rings in their memory.

He had a deep love for young things – both humans and the four-legged variety. Give him a rocking chair and a baby in his arms and he could wile away many hours. He poured lots of love into his last pet, a tiny stray kitten that wandered into his yard a few years ago. He loved to share stories about ‘Whitey.”

Marvin was an avid NASCAR fan and spent Sunday afternoons watching cars go really fast around an oval track. He rarely missed a race. He knew all the drivers and could quote their standings during the season. He loved a warm, sunny day and when the weather was nice, he could be found sitting under his favorite shade tree, maybe working on a Seek-A-Word puzzle. He had a quick wit and enjoyed visiting with friends and family and sharing stories of the past.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch, MS. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 – 2:00. Burial will be in Byhalia cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to any local animal rescue group.