Marvin Fancher Coward, 86, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at his home in Carroll County surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Mt Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Edwards and Rev. Leon Holly officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Marvin was born to James Milburn and Alma Fancher Coward and had been a lifelong resident of Carroll County. Marvin had worked for Staplcotn, was a cotton classer for the USDA and had farmed prior to being elected as a Carroll County Supervisor. As a supervisor he served as President of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors as well as serving in numerous positions with the MS Association of Supervisors including; the State Executive Committee, the Education Committee, the Nominating Committee, and also as secretary treasurer. He served a total of twenty-eight years with the board of supervisors. He was also a faithful member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
Marvin is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Coward. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Stone Coward; two daughters, Pamela Ann Coward of Mendenhall, Lisa Coward Ferguson (David) of Coila; a son, Marvin Dwayne Coward (Theresa) of Coila; four grandchildren, Kelsey Joiner (Chad) of Coila, Kaylee Ferguson of Carrollton, Gracee Ferguson of Coila, Braylon Ferguson of Coila and one great grandchild, Braxtyn Joiner of Coila.
Pallbearers were Mike Acy, Doug Ellis, Darryl Ellis, David Ferguson, Chad Joiner, and Ray Cox. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Coward, Kempie Hodges, Sugar Mullins and Bo Ellis.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church cemetery fund. c/o Allen Daves 6587 CR 23, Coila, MS 38923.
Greenwood Delta Funeral Home (www.greenwooddeltafh.com) is in charge of arrangements.
