Vester Junior Wooten

Vester “Junior” Wooten went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, July 6, 2026. He was seventy-eight years old. Junior made a lasting impact on those who had the honor of knowing him. His dedication to students, staff, and community, along with his caring spirit, will never be forgotten. Junior was born at home in Theo, Mississippi, on March 20, 1948, to Vester and Mary Lee Wooten. His humble beginnings helped him appreciate all that mattered in life. Junior and his brother, Gerald, enjoyed spending time at their Maw and Paw Matlock’s home, where important values were instilled. Junior attended Kossuth High School, where he was a dedicated student and a star athlete. He received many basketball honors, such as All-Conference, All-State, and All-Division. A radio announcer once commented that he needed a calculator to add up Wooten’s points. That could have been when he scored forty-eight points, in what was called his “best defensive night of his career”. Junior and his teammates had two state championship runs, and he was elected KHS Most Athletic. However, one would never know that by talking with him because of his humble demeanor. Junior was honored to have received five university offers for basketball, but decided to remain closer to home and continue playing at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Junior, then, attended Mississippi State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Afterwards, he received Master Degrees from both Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi in Special Education and School Leadership. After graduation, Junior worked in both North Tippah School District and South Tippah School District. He held a variety of educational roles and responsibilities during his career. He proudly served as teacher, basketball coach, special education director, federal programs coordinator, psychometrist, principal, and superintendent of education. Junior enjoyed every minute of being involved in the schools, watching tremendous growth over the years, and witnessing student successes. He was proud to be an educator and blessed to work with wonderful administrators, teachers, students, board members, and parents over the years. Wooten was honored with several distinguished awards throughout his career. He received the School Board Association Superintendent of the Year, the Mississippi Military Academy Appreciation Award, the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children Outstanding Administrator Award, the North Tippah School District Level 5 Schools’ Leadership Award, the Tippah County Lifelong Citizenship Award, the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents Excellence Award, and the Mississippi House of Representatives’ Proclamation. Junior was the longest tenured superintendent in North Mississippi for twenty-eight years of service, and the second longest tenured superintendent in the State of Mississippi. He was a member of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and Mississippi Association of Gifted Children. He had a total of forty-five years in education. Junior met the love of his life, Pam Wall, while they were both young educators at Walnut High School. They were married October 26, 1975, at Walnut Methodist Church. They enjoyed forty-seven wonderful years, until Pam’s passing in 2022. They had one child, Whitney, and she was by their side for everything life threw their way. They were always together and well-known for the bond they shared. They supported each other, and Junior was always the “man behind the scenes” for music programs, movies of the school, and community events. After retirement, Junior found joy in spending time with family, reminiscing with dear friends, and enjoying his beloved pets. He took great pride in mentoring new administrators and attending special school events. Junior loved watching sports, Ole Miss Football, cooking, playing guitar, and singing. But, more than anything, he valued his time with Pam and Whit. Two great qualities Junior, aka Coach Wooten, aka Mr. Wooten, possessed were the ability to listen and to persevere. He had a talent for making everyone feel important and leading with integrity. Former students and co-workers wrote, “Mr. Wooten was a constant presence of encouragement to strive for your best in scholastics, sports, and character. He had incredible integrity, intellect, and a calm demeanor. His generous devotion to others was inspiring.” Do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you. -Deuteronomy 6:18 Junior truly lived by his faith and remained faithful to what God had in store. His relationship with God was evident in what he did, who he was, and how he treated others. He was a hard worker, excited about life, the most patient person in the world, and full of goodness. He was a member of Pocahontas Baptist Church and a St. Jude Partner in Hope Supporter. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars. -Daniel 12:3 Those left to cherish Mr. Wooten’s memory are his daughter, Whitney, her companion, Whitney Wilburn; Wilburn’s beloved children, Maddie, Brooklyn, and Dawson Wilburn; as well as his extended family and many friends across the state. He is preceded in death by his wife, brother, parents, grandparents, and a host of aunts and uncles. Bro. Steve McKee and Dr. Bruce Ingram will be officiating the Memorial Service Friday, July 10, 2026, at McBride Funeral Home in Ripley, Mississippi. Pallbearers will be: Larry Green, Jerry Barnes, David Wooten, Jerry Gifford, Danny Martin, Mike Martin, James Markle, and John Frank Gibbs. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Bro. Jesse Cutrer, Jim Keith, Gilbert Wooten, and Troy Robinson. The deeds you do for yourself are gone when you pass away, but the deeds you do for others remain as your legacy...may his legacy continue in the lives he touched, and may his memory always be a source of strength and comfort. Well done my good and faithful servant! I know Pam Wooten was proud to see you.

Vester Junior Wooten

March 20, 1948 - July 6, 2026