Archived Obituaries

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Martha Martin was born in Yazoo City, MS on May 30, 1945 to M. A. & Lydia Hicks of Satartia. Martha graduated from Satartia High School, after which she married her high school sweetheart Bill Martin in November, 1963.

She was preceded in death by Billie Jean Moore, Dorothy Louise Smithhart, Carrie Sue Ertle, Judy Hicks Barrentine and Taylor Lamar Martin. Survivors include Will L.(Bill) Martin, Shirley Hicks Neely, Kimberly Martin Crockett, Kenneth Lamar Martin; grandchildren, Cory Martin Crockett, Claire Crockett Faught; great grandchildren, Jack Nelson Faught and Haddon Lee Faught; and numerous nieces and nephews, who were greatly loved by Aunt Martha.

Funeral Services will be at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. with the service following. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to Oak Grove Baptist Church or the Baptist Children's Village.

 Vardaman Smith, beloved son of George Smith and Mattie Davis Smith, was called home on October 19, 2023, at his residence in Yazoo City, MS, Yazoo County, Mississippi. He was born on May 30, 1936, in Mississippi and was 86 years old. Vardaman was a man of faith, devoted to the Baptist beliefs. Vardaman dedicated many years of his life as a supervisor at Southern Bag Corporation before retiring. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mattie Smith, and his loving wife, Leora L Smith.  Vardaman is survived by his devoted sons, Stan Smith and Steven Smith, and his cherished grandson, Steven Smith III. He is also remembered by his two great-grandchildren.

The family entrusted all arrangements to Stricklin King Funeral Home, where Vardaman's life was celebrated in a funeral and graveside service at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Yazoo County, MS, on October 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm. The service was officiated by Reverend Sam Riddell. Pallbearers, chosen to carry Vardaman to his final resting place, included Steven Smith III, Todd Sudduth, Danny Smith, Cody Porter, Tim Luby, Larry Smith, and Dallas Porter.

 In loving memory of Wyatt Mott, who passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at his residence in Yazoo City. Wyatt, born on July 5, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana was the cherished child of Caleb and Ashley Lowe Mott of Texas.

Wyatt loved his family. He loved spending time with family doing almost anything - watching a movie together, roasting wieners around an open fire, fishing with his father and his brothers, or walking down a dirt road or through the local cemetery. He loved it all. Whatever was family, he loved it. He enjoyed family worship and Bible study. He liked music. His favorite song of late was "Who Am I" by Casting Crown.

He was a bit of a jokester. He loved to see people happy and he sought ways to make people laugh. Wyatt was loyal and empathetic. If someone he cared for was sad, he was sad too. If someone he loved was happy, he was overjoyed. His father remembers a time when they were living in Cushing, TX, and there was a lot of grass to mow. Caleb would push mow  the place, a chore that could easily take six-eight hours. Wyatt was much too little to mow, but he would walk behind his dad for hours. He carried a stick and chopped anything that needed chopping and some things that did not. He just liked being with his dad.

Everyone in Wyatt's family loved him. He brought joy to our hearts, and it is with great sadness that we say our goodbyes to him. We long for the day when we will see him again in a land where there is no sadness or sorrow and where every tear will be wiped away by a loving Savior. We thank our Heavenly Father for the years that we had with Wyatt and for all those that we hope to have when we see him again in Immanuel's Land. 

Wyatt is survived by his loving parents, Caleb and Ashley Lowe Mott, and his adoring siblings, Savanna, Katy, Levi, and Sawyer Mott, all residing in Yazoo City. He is also remembered fondly by his paternal grandparents, Cecil Paul and Raynette Mott of Hemphill, TX, and his maternal grandparents, John and Charlotte Lowe of Jasper, TX, as well as his paternal great-grandmother, Patricia Mott of Hemphill, TX.

Services to celebrate Wyatt's life will be entrusted to Stricklin King Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Hillcrest Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service there. Following the visitation and funeral service, the graveside ceremony will be at Scotland Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS. Reverend Jeff Dixon will officiate all services, ensuring a heartfelt and respectful tribute to Wyatt.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

I Thessalonians 4: 13-17

  Jerrie Geniece Boutwell, 92, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. She was born on October 15, 1931, to the late Raymond Nash Cowart and the late Geniece Dobbins Cowart in Denton, Texas. 

Jerrie was a part of the Colette's dance team at Copiah Lincoln Community College where she met her husband of 69 years, George Dan Boutwell, Jr., who was a member of the football team. They lived in Jackson until they both retired, then moved to Satartia in 1992.

She was a devoted mother and supportive military wife. Known as “Gran” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she enjoyed spending time with them especially attending their various sporting events.

Jerrie loved the Lord and was a member of Satartia Methodist Church, where she was actively involved serving with her many talents, including preparing home-cooked meals. She also enjoyed spending weekends with family and friends at Bender Lane Hunting Camp and traveling to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Jerrie is survived by her daughters, Lynn McHan (Jack) and Nicki Harris (Mike); daughter-in-law, Stephanie Boutwell; grandchildren, Scott McGuffie, Shannon Junkin (Matthew), Kaci Reece (Cody), Brooks Boutwell (Lauren), John Michael Harris (Meghan), and Trent Boutwell (Nikki); great-grandchildren, River McGuffie, Ella McGuffie, Oliver Junkin, Harper Nicholson, Adeline McGuffie, Anders McGuffie, John Rollings Harris, Nash Boutwell, Stella James Junkin, Jack Boutwell, Addi Ryan Reece, Vera Brooks Boutwell, and Lainey Brooks Reece; and brother, Sandy Cowart.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, George Dan Boutwell, Jr.; son, Gary Dan Boutwell; granddaughter, Calli McGuffie; father, Raymond Nash Boutwell; mother, Geniece Dobbins Cowart; brother, Keith Cowart; and sister, Robbie McGaughy.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home from 9:30-11:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at 3:00 pm at the Wesson Cemetery in Wesson, Mississippi under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home. Services will be officiated by Reverend Sam Riddell. Pallbearers will be Brooks Boutwell, John Harris, Trent Boutwell, Mathew Junkin, Cody Reece, Oliver Junkin, Nash Boutwell, Jack Boutwell, Harper Nicholson and John Rollings Harris. 

Martha S. Hilderbrand, a homemaker,  peacefully passed away  at the Martha Coker Green Houses on November 7, 2023 at the age of 92 years old. She was born to her parents Willie T.  and  Fannie I. Spiars Sanders on December 26, 1930. She was a long-time member of Hebron Baptist Church in the Phoenix area. 

Preceded in death by Ms. Hilderbrand were her loving parents, her devoted husband, Herman Hilderbrand , daughters, Martha Ertle, Frances Guyton, a son, Frank HIlderbrand, and her granddaughter, Katherine Mann. She is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Gail Hilderbrand and Stephanie Hearst, both of Yazoo City and a son, Herman "Buddy" Hilderbrand, Jr., of Sierra Vista, MS, as well as, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, eleven great, great grandchildren, and two great, great, great grandchildren. 

Stricklin King Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements for the family. Graveside at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery will begin at 1:00 PM on November 11, 2023. There will be no visitation per the family's request. 

Nancy W. Carter, born on November 11, 1947, peacefully departed from this world on November 13, 2023, at the age of 76. She was a beloved resident of Vicksburg, MS, and her presence will be profoundly missed. Nancy was born in Yazoo County to her loving parents Johnny Estus "WIG" Wigington and Imogene Cessna Wigington. Nancy was homemaker and a member of Tinsley Baptist Church,  where her faith in the Baptist tradition.

Nancy leaves behind her husband, William D. (Bill) Carter of Yazoo City, MS, along with her cherished sons, William D. Carter, III of Livingston, TN, and John B (Clay) Carter of Tierra Verde, FL. Her legacy continues through her three grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at S & K Chapels for the funeral service, which will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The service will be officiated by Reverend David Ingram. Following the ceremony, Nancy will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery.

Mr. James Edward Sharp also known as "Ed" peacefully passed away at Select Specialty in Jackson, Mississippi on November 18, 2023. Being only 70 years old, he was born to his adoring parents William Burris and Erma Johnson Sharp on July 12, 1959, in Trinidad, Colorado. His parents precede him in death.

Many may remember Ed for his long time commitment as manager at Rite-Aid in Yazoo City, MS. Before that, he was employed by Kmart for fifteen years. Ed was very valuable to the Yazoo City community for many years. 

Survivors include Ed's invaluable wife Georgia K. Van Matre Sharp of many years. He is also survived by sister-in-law's Molly Sharp of Omaha, NE and Janice Elam of Raton, NM, and brother and sister-in-law Ron and Pat Macaluso of Cheyenne, WY, as well as, a host of nieces and nephews. 

Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family. Services will begin at 2:00 PM in Stricklin King's Chapel on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. The family will except visitors from 1:00 - 2:00 PM in the parlor.  Reverend Steve Howell will officiate all services. 

 Clara Frances Pierce was born in Morton, MS December 15, 1937 and passed away on November 30, 2023 at 8:00 PM at her home in Benton, MS at the age of 85. Frances, better known as Mimi, is survived by her son, William Malcolm (Bill) Pierce Jr. and daughter-in-law, Olivia Nora Pierce; grandson, William Spencer Pierce and wife Hannah Pierce of Benton, MS; grandson Daniel Perry Pierce and wife Blair Pierce of Nesbit, MS; granddaughter Annalee Moore and husband Jordan Moore of Oxford, MS; grandson Roland Gage Pierce and wife Mary McKenzie Pierce of Round Rock, TX; and great grandchildren Paxton Isaac Pierce (5), Stetson Perry Moore (2), and Everlee Spencer Pierce (2). Frances was preceded in death by her husband, William Malcolm Pierce Sr., and parents, Perry Howard Black and Ruby Lee Black.

Frances was an entrepreneur for most of her life. Her parents owned a grocery store in Yazoo City when she was young and later opened a hardware store. Eventually, she and her parents opened Black’s Fabric and Department Store, which Frances continued to run after her parents passed away. She continued to work part time until the end of her life, and her customers were like family to her.

Frances (Mimi) loved everyone and was a blessing to all who knew her. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Frances has always been very involved in her church and her community. She will be missed by so many loved ones. Visitation will be at First Methodist Church in Yazoo City at 2:00 PM Sunday, December 3 with funeral following. Graveside service immediately following at Glenwood cemetery. 

  Lilla Jean Barksdale Holmes, "Mama Jean",104, went to be with her Lord and Savior January 1O, 2024 at her new home in Tupelo, Ms. surrounded by her loving family at NMMC-Hospice after a brief illness. 

Services will be at 1pm Saturday, January 27,2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Yazoo City, MS. Visitation will be at noon Saturday at the church. A burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Yazoo City, under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home. Pall bearers are her grandsons, Howard Nelson, Brian McGraw, Drew Holmes, Jason Moak, Wynn Vinson, and Rob Simmons.

Jean was born July 22, 1919, in St. Louis, Mo. The daughter of Mary and Ethelbert Barksdale. She graduated from Jackson Central High School, class of 1937. She attended the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1941. While at Ole Miss she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. At Ole Miss she met and fell head over heels for the handsome band leader and singer for The Mississippians dance band, Miller Holmes of Yazoo City. 

Shortly after they married, February 14, 1942, Miller went into the Marine Corps. He was in four campaigns overseas during World War Two. He said, "I gave the best years of my wife to the US Marines!" They enjoyed more than seventy-two amazing and blessed years together with her extraordinary support of his banking career and civic activities. He also said,"AII it takes for a marriage to be successful is for one partner to be completely unselfish, and that is Jean."

Making their home in Yazoo City, she embraced the Trinity Episcopal Church as an active member until moving to Brandon in 1982.They joined St. Peter's as it grew from mission to parish status. Jean served on the Altar Guild in both churches and participated in Bible studies and Women of the Church. They graciously opened their home, hosting guests from Bishops to Bankers! Growing up in Jackson, Jean was a member of the First Baptist Church. She lived in Belhaven and one of her fondest childhood memories was skating around the capital with her friends. She was a devout follower of the Reverend Billy Graham. She cherished her time spent with her saintly mother Mamaw, as a companion and later her caregiver.

Jean and Miller loved music, Big Band, and dancing, especially dancing at the Banker's Conventions when they were usually the last ones on the floor! Her responses were often "Oh happy Day, Hotty Toddy, and Thanks be to God!"

She was known for her redheaded beauty, wisdom, sense of style and her smile that could light up the room! She was an accomplished pastel artist, sharing her talent with friends and acquaintances as a special gift. Her passions were reading, journaling and Facebook!

After retiring from the Reservoir, they enjoyed cruising around on their pontoon boat "The Mossy" and watching their grandchildren water ski and shopping at NorthPark Mall! Their Christmas tree was filled with collectable dolls from their travels all over the world!

Jean enjoyed celebrating life, toasting with her Zinfandel, crabmeat, and Tiramisu. A southern matriarch, charming to all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, and grandmother. Her love for her family was only surpassed by her love for her Lord. Her greatest attribute was Godly. She was truly a saint, an angel on earth to pray for others she cared for and loved. " God giveth us richly - all things to enjoy " 1Timothy 6:17. She quoted " I believe now I am beginning to see a vision of Reality­ Life Eternal ".

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bert, sister Gwen Wilson, husband, beloved son, Miller P. Holmes Jr., and daughter in law, Vicki Smith Holmes. Survivors include daughters, Dale Holmes Simmons (Jim) and Ethel Holmes Moak (Keith), daughter in law, Bonnie Johnston Garner Holmes.

She is also survived by three granddaughters, Blair H. Nelson (Howard), Posey Simmons McGraw (Brian), and Jacqueline Moak Vinson (Wynn); and three grandsons. Lt. Col. Andrew "Drew" Holmes(Bridget) , Jason Moak(Michelle), and James Robert (Rob) Simmons, Ill (Anne), and fifteen great grandchildren, Logan Nelson (Izzy), Anne Miller Nelson, Mary Lauren Nelson, Luke Holmes, Sophie Holmes, Lilla Riede McGraw, Katie Bell McGraw, Mamie Barksdale McGraw, Hudson Simmons, James Robert Simmons IV, Frances Simmons, Madison Moak Middleton (Dylan), Braleigh Moak, Lydia Vinson, and Moak Vinson; a great great grandson, Miles Joseph Nelson; a niece. Ester Wilson, a nephew George E. Donovan 111, and special Goddaughter Hope Carr and cousin Mary Ann Cortright.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of The Orchard Retirement Community, Ridgeland, Ms. And the caregivers Landmark Lifestyle at Tupelo for their tremendous love and support. A special thank you to Reverend Phillip Parker of All Saints Episcopal Church in Tupelo for caring and devoting his time and love. In lieu of flowers please consider memorials St. Peter's-by-the-Lake Episcopal Church,1954 Spillway Road, Brandon, MS 39047 or Trinity Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 145, Yazoo City, Ms.39194, or to a charity of your choice.