Ruth Clayton Crout Nagle

Ruth Clayton Crout Nagle, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at her home in Yazoo City, MS, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth Amanda Ewing and Robert Clayton Crout, her brother, Robert “Bob” Milton Crout and her beloved husband, Julian Austin Nagle. She was born February 17, 1931, and raised in D’Lo, MS. 

She attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mendenhall, MS.  Later, she went to work for the government. While living at a boarding house, this “nice young Pharmacist” named Julian came to visit Miss Crout. During that first visit, the tired pharmacist fell asleep in his chair and fell over backwards! Romance blossomed, and Clayton and Julian soon afterward eloped. They were married on June 17, 1953. 

Mrs. Nagle was a long-standing member of First Methodist Church in Yazoo City, MS. She was Secretary of the Junior Auxiliary and a member of the Garden Club. She had a love of gardening and was especially proud of her beautiful 64-year-old Azaleas in every color imaginable! She also volunteered at the Manna House. She was loved and admired by her longtime friends and family. She will be remembered for her love of reading and her enjoyment of cooking. 

Mrs. Nagle is survived by her three children, Julie Lynn Nagle Dickson, Mary Amanda Nagle Chicoine (Jim) and Clayton Austin Nagle, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren - James R Williams Jr, JuliAn Nagle Williams Harper, William Sessions Dickson III, Robert Austin Dickson, Jesse Ross Dickson, Anna Clayton Nagle, Austin Samuel Harper, Ethan Williams Harper, Julia Owens Dickson, Kathryn Phelps Dickson. 

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at First Methodist Church, there will be a visitation with family at 10:00am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. First Methodist Church is located at 203 N Washington St., Yazoo City, MS, 39194. Interment will follow at Ellison Methodist Church Cemetery, 36 Brown Road, Deasonville, MS, 39179, where Mrs. Nagle will be buried next to the love of her life, her husband, Julian Austin Nagle. 

The family would like to thank Adoration Hospice for their professional yet gentle care of their Mother along with the support they provided to each family member during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church in Yazoo City, or Ricks Memorial Library, 310 N Main St, Yazoo City, MS, 39194

James Kendall Shurley, Jr., known as Kenny to his close family and as Ken to his friends and colleagues, was born October 29, 1957, and he entered the gates of Heaven on December 17, 2023. Ken suffered from a heart condition, but ultimately died of a respiratory infection while recovering from surgery. He was born in Yazoo City, MS, to James Kendall Shurley, Sr. and Helen Hollowell Shurley, who have preceded him in death.

Ken grew up attending both Rocky Springs Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. During his youth he enjoyed exploring the local creeks of Yazoo County looking for unique rocks and petrified wood, and good fishing holes. Ken was well known for his generous and loving heart. This caring nature was often shown by baking special cakes for his friends for their birthdays.

Ken was a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in education with an interest in history. After starting out as a teacher in Mississippi, Ken moved to Atlanta, Georgia to explore new opportunities. He thrived in the bigger city creating a close network of friends. After several career changes over the decades, Ken found his calling working for a private regional airport, where he enjoyed meeting and working with many celebrities flying in on their private planes.

Ken is survived by his dear sister Patty Yates and his brother-in-law John Yates, both of Yazoo City. The family would like to express their appreciation to his many friends in Atlanta and the dedicated staff and employees of Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville for the care they gave Ken in his last days.

Visitation with the family will be held at Rocky Springs Baptist Church at 10:30 am and services will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 28th. An interment will follow the service at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. Reverend David Bryant will officiate the service. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to handle all arrangements.

  In loving memory of William Alvin “Al” Worthy, who passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2023, at his residence in Bentonia. Al was born on October 1, 1968, in Jackson, MS. He was the son of Buddy and Alice Worthy of Bentonia, MS. To know Al was to love him. He had a vibrant personality and was friendly to all he encountered. He had a heart to help others in need. 

Al loved music, his pet Asher, better known as “Girl Dog'' and football, especially Ole Miss Rebels. His nieces and nephews called him "Hotty Toddy" because of his love for the team. Everyone in Al's family loved him very much and his loud, joking laughter, and presence will be missed beyond measure. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye for now, but we look forward to the day we will see him again in heaven. 

Al is survived by two children, Dawn Worthy Stevens (Chad) and Deyton Cole Worthy, both of Bentonia, MS, a daughter-in-law, Lucy Griffin Worthy of Yazoo City, two grandchildren, Gracie Stevens and James Worthy, a brother, James Henry “Billy” Worthy (Beth), and two sisters, Mary Worthy Hancock (Tommy), and Alicia Gay Worthy. A host of nieces and nephews also survive him. Al is preceded in death by his son, William Alvin "Billy" Worthy Jr., his daughter, Cassey Worthy, his father, James Frank "Buddy" Worthy Jr., and his mother, Alice Rusche Worthy. 

A memorial service will be held at Stricklin King funeral home Thursday, January 4th, 2024. Visitation is 12:30-2:00 PM with the funeral to follow at 2:00 PM. The family has entrusted Stricklin King to handle all arrangements. 

 Timothy Hopson, age 67, of Yazoo City, Yazoo County, MS, passed away on January 5, 2024, at Baptist Yazoo in Yazoo City. He was born on June 16, 1956, to Herbert and Berniece Burt Hopson. Timothy, a man of Baptist faith, dedicated his professional life as a parts salesman at Motor Parts Co.

Timothy is survived by his loving family which include his sister Jackie Moore of Yazoo City, MS, Nieces: Misty (Steve) Vandevere of Yazoo City, MS, Shanna (Brian) Toombs of McKenzie, TN, Nephews, Shaun (Jessica) Moore of League City, TX, Brody Hamilton of Paris TN. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, David Hopson, Daniel Hopson, Julie Ann Hamilton.

Currently, no funeral arrangements have been made, but details will be announced as soon as they are available.

 Jerry Willard Leach, Sr., aged 76, passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A visitation will be held on January 12 from 5-7 pm, followed by a funeral service on January 13 at Crosslife Church of God of Prophecy, where Matt Clark will officiate. Stricklin Kings is entrusted with handling the arrangements.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Leach, his son Jerry Leach, Jr., and his parents, Amos and Elma Leach. He is survived by his loving daughters, Tanya Irwin, April Wilson, and Jennifer Dawson, as well as his brother, Jerrel Leach. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who cherished him.

Barbara J. Emfinger 75, left us peacefully asleep in her home on January 9, 2024.

Mrs. Barbara was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 22,1948 to Ocie Loraine and William Raymond Dorsey. She was raised in Clayton Louisiana and later Sicily Island. She enjoyed many of her summers with family in Arkansas and graduated class of 1965 at Sicily Island High School. That same week, she was married to Jerry Edward Rush. They had three children together Lora L. Evans, Lisa M. Harris, and Jerry E. Rush Jr.

In 1981 she was married to Warren Edward Jones they had one adopted son together, Jerry Edward Rush 111 and two children from a previous marriage. Patricia and Gloria (Bo) Jones. She and her husband Warren were both filled with the Holy Ghost in 1990 and began living for the Lord. They lived in Winnsboro, LA and attended the Apostolic Tabernacle until his passing in December of 2003. Sis Barbara continued to faithfully live for the Lord alone for the next 8 years when she met and married John L. Emfinger of Bentonia on January 7th, 2012. She had four more children, Marcus Emfinger, Thomas Emfinger, Jessica Cloy, Sara Parks and ten grandchildren. They both faithfully attended Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

Those who know Sister Barbara know there is not much we can say that her life did not already speak for itself. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and most of all, a Saint. She loved to sew, garden, and travel and never missed the opportunity to attend a church service no matter how far. She took the time to remember everyone's birthday/anniversary giving them all a call, text or card each time. If she thought she could help you, she was going to do her best to do so with printouts, written directions, and many follow-up calls. She was a notable example of dedication, giving her life to the Lord and doing everything she could to make Heaven her home.

Barbara Emfinger is preceded in death by her parents, William Raymond and Loraine Dorsey, a brother Al Prunty, two children Lisa M. Harris and Jerry E. Rush Jr (Bubba), two grandchildren Dakotah L. Parks and Wesley T. Rush, spouse Warren E. Jones and John L. Emfinger. She is survived by her brothers Bill Dorsey of Gulfport, MS, and Kenny Prunty of Ridgecrest, La. Her children Lora Evans and spouse Joey of Sicily Island, La, Jerry E. Rush 111 and spouse Amanda of Winnsboro, LA. Step children Thomas Emfinger with spouse Sylvia of Bentonia, Ms. Marcus Emfinger with spouse Amy of Bentonia, Ms. Jessica Cloy with spouse Jessie of Vicksburg, MS, and Sara Parks with spouse Toby of Moss Point, Ms. 20 grandchildren, Lauren, and Denman Evans, Caleb Knox, Cannan Harris, Skylar, Abigail, Adam, and William Rush, Darrin Wells, Tyler, Grant, Grayson, Houston, John Marc and Cayden Emfinger, Catelyn and Cameron Cloy, Nathan and Nalin Parks, and 13 more great grandchildren. 

Funeral details will be released when the family sees fit. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements for the family. 

  Mary Katherine "Kathy" Erickson Coker, 64, of Yazoo City, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Yazoo City, Mississippi. 

Kathy was born in Columbus, Mississippi on May 11,1959 to John J. and Imogene Allen Erickson. She spent her childhood growing up on the family's farm at Wolf Lake with her three younger siblings having fun playing in the lake and the cotton fields. She attended St. Clara Academy in Yazoo City through 6th grade and graduated from Manchester Academy in 1978. She also studied at Hinds Community College. 

Kathy married the love of her life, Charles Harold Coker. They lived a simple life but were always content with what they had. They survived the tornado of 2010 as they watched their home being blown away from Pearce Road in Benton. They lost everything and had to start over. Harold died tragically during clean-up efforts with the county road department after the tornado of 2011.

Kathy was a homemaker that loved to bake and cook for her family and help care for her grandchildren. She was lovingly called their "KK". She was witty and loved to laugh and crack jokes. She had a "knack" and superior memory of numbers; especially birthdates and telephone numbers.

As her health declined last year, she became a resident of the Martha Coker Green Houses where she received excellent care and support. Her favorite pastime there was watching old westerns, especially "Gunsmoke".

Kathy loved Jesus and shared her faith with others. She was no longer able to attend church services but continued to read her Bible and study God’s Word. We know that she is in His presence and no longer suffering from chronic illness.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Coker; and a brother, John "Jay" Erickson IV. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Dees, daughters, Ashley Saxton of Noxapater, and Angel (Josh) Corr of Brandon, siblings, Kirk (Kim) Erickson of Madison and Neetsie (Butch) Gary of Yazoo City, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, four nieces and nephew, and a host of other relative.

Funeral Services will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home Thursday, January 25, 2024, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and the service to follow at 11:00 AM in the chapel. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family. 

 Wesley Ordell Douglas,86,of Philadelphia, MS, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 26th, 2024. Mr.  Douglas is a member of Arlington Baptist Church, former member of Scotland Baptist Church.  Mr.  Douglas was a devout Christian and loving family man. He loves gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Adams Douglas, daughters, Vicki Douglas (Danny) of Philadelphia, MS, Debi Burnett (late Bill Burnett) of Madison, MS, Nita Vowell (Scotty) of Philadelphia, MS, 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for all the prayers of friends and relatives and the wonderful care provided by Hospice Care of Philadelphia, MS.

Graveside services for the family will be held at Scotland Baptist church cemetery at 11am on January 29th, 2024.  Strickland King Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements for the Douglas family. 

 Donald W. Kirkpatrick died January 31, 2024 at the Adams County nursing home where he was a resident there from October 2023 till his passing. He was born on February 25, 1950 in Belzoni MS. Before his residency at Adams County, he was a resident in Natchez Mississippi and settled in his home in 1992.  He never married but did have a big love, History!  Natchez is where he loved to be the most as it was surrounded by history.  He loved history so much that he was part of the tours of the Antebellum homes.  He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the beautiful art and antiques and could tell you how and the time of when the furniture was made.  

Donald was a fun, gentle, and loving man who always had a smile on his face. He loved his family and loved sharing many stories of family history with his nieces and great nieces and always made them laugh.  Donald was the youngest of the 3 brothers. He was very close to his mother and loved her dearly.  He is now reunited with his family. Donald is predeceased by his mother, Mary Belle Kirkpatrick, father, Eldon J. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick, and 2 brothers Revie and Richard Kirkpatrick.  He is survived by 3 nieces, Tana Brewer, Sheri Kirkpatrick and Keri Kirkpatrick, 2 great nieces Kayla and Alana, and 2 great nephews Zane and Evan.

A graveyard service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Fletchers Chapel Church Cemetery at 3:30 PM. There will be no gathering after.  In lieu of the flowers, donations may be made to the Antebellum homes, Tour Historic Homes of Natchez | natchez.com. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.

We will miss you Donald, "Uncle Donny"! 

Betty Ann Smith Stoner, age 96, of Holly Bluff, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at her home. She was born on June 22, 1927, in Eden, Mississippi. Betty Ann attended school in Holly Bluff and graduated in 1945. She attended Belhaven University.

Betty Ann was a homemaker. She was a life-time member of Holly Bluff Methodist Church. She was active in the ladies’ church group and the 4-H Club. Betty Ann could be found on any given day providing rides for area youth to sporting and church events. She was an avid Mississippi State baseball fan. 

Betty Ann is survived by her daughter, Shurley Rae Hearst (Randy); daughter-in-law, Delaine Stoner; grandson, James Smith Stoner (Morgan); and great-granddaughter, Sarah Reese Stoner. She is further survived by her lifelong friend, Betty Crawford, and her devoted caregivers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Shively Stoner, Sr.; son, Joe Shively Stoner, Jr.; and her parents, Willie Wyatt Smith, and Callie Shurler Shurley Smith; and sister, Dorothy “Dot” Wyatt.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS. Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Hairston, Chuck Stephenson, Art Tidmore, Billy Wyatt, John Maranto, John Phillips, Frank Hegman, and Ron Goodman. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family.

If desired, donations can be made in Betty Ann’s memory to Holly Bluff Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Holly Bluff, MS 39088.

The family wants to thank Adoration Home Health for their kind and compassionate care.