Frances R. Manor
Frances R. Manor, a cherished member of the Yazoo City community, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on April 12, 1935, in Sharkey County, Mississippi, to William Own Reynolds and Laura Elizabeth Savell, Frances dedicated her life to caring for others as a devoted nurse's assistant in the medical field.
A faithful member of Benton Baptist, Frances leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Her departure is preceded by her husband, Lester Lamar Manor, Sr., daughter Mary Francis Hinson, sons Randy Allen Manor and Lester Lamar Manor, Jr.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Ruthie Russell (Kevin) of Yellville, Arkansas, and Nancy Helms (Ricky) of Yazoo City, Mississippi, along with 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Visitation in remembrance of Frances Manor will commence from 1:00 - 2:30 PM on December 10, 2023, at the Stricklin King Funeral Home, followed by services held in the Stricklin King Chapel. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to oversee the arrangements during this time of mourning. Reverend Glenn Allen will officiate.
Frances will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her warmth and care. May she rest in eternal peace.
Lee Carrell Perry, Sr. “PawPaw”
I have fought a good fight.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Born in Laurel, Mississippi on August 19, 1945 went to be with his Lord and Savior, December 6, 2023, 78 years old born to WILBUR Lee and Christeen Perry. He is the oldest of eight children Carrell Perry Jerry, Perry, Dan (Pete) Perry, Annette Sifford, Curtis Perry, Judy Haas, Mary Lou Boler, Mickey Perry. Married to Patricia Ann Perry for 41 years.
Carroll was a gifted master carpenter, leaving a legacy across the USA. Retired from F.L. Crane Construction Company, as a supervisor foreman. Carrell was an avid hunter, fisherman and NASCAR fan. He was full of laughter. He has four children, Lee Perry, Jr, (wife, Loretta), Sonja Perry STUBBS, (husband, John) LESLIE Ann Creel (husband, JACE), Stephanie Perry Yarbrough, (husband, JASON) grand children, Shana Webber, husband, Kelly, WILLIAM Perry, (wife, Tori) JACOB Perry, Caitlyn Barrow (husband, Travis) KYLEE Creel, Brecken Yarbrough, Baylor Creel, and six great grand children spending Quality Time with them is what gave him Joy.
He was a friend and father figure to so many that grew up in the neighborhood the children of Carrell Perry would like for you to know today you are greatly appreciated for being here today, to celebrate the life of our daddy, we would like to think everyone that helped take care of daddy in any way. Your helpful hearts allowed us to keep him at home, well taken care of until he was called home to be with Jesus.
If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we encourage you to seek to know Him as we know our daddy met Jesus face-to-face on December 6th as all of his children will too, and spend eternity ending scripture,
Philippians 3:12-16
focused on the goal.
Mary Cornelia "Doodles" Elliot Ferris
Mary Cornelia "Doodles" Elliott Ferriss died Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Senatobia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Senatobia, MS. Doodles was born June 24, 1924, in Yazoo City, MS to Ruth Bardwell Elliott and Joseph Harry Elliott. She was proud to be a fifth generation Yazooan.
Doodles was a 1942 graduate of Yazoo City High School. She attended Belhaven College for two years before transferring to the University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1946. She was a member of Delta, Delta, Delta Sorority at Ole Miss.
Doodles married Philip Reed Ferriss of Bentonia, MS in 1948. They were married 69 years until his death in 2017. Doodles was a life member of First Presbyterian Church Yazoo City and a long-time active member of the Women in the Church Ministry. She was a life member of Junior Auxiliary, the Yazoo Garden Club and an active member in several bridge and luncheon clubs in Yazoo City.
Doodles was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Bardwell Elliott and Joseph Harry Elliott, husband Philip Reed Ferriss, brother, Joseph Bardwell Elliott, daughter, Marion Ferriss Crumplar Survivors include daughter, Elizabeth (Betty) Ferriss Brown (Bill), son-in-law Tom Crumplar, grandchildren, Ruth Crumplar Whitmire (Will), Davy Crumplar (Sarah), Ferriss Brown (Abbie), great-grandchildren, namesake Cornelia (Neely) Elliott Whitmire, Annie Raines Whitmire, John Parker Crumplar, Charles David Crumplar, Adelaide Louise (Weezie) Brown, and several nieces and nephews.
All who knew Doodles loved her well and will have a special memory of her! She was a delight and always ready to share a funny life experience and story. She loved her family well and enjoyed cooking for them for any occasion. Her meals and recipes were legendary.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS, and all arrangements will be entrusted to Stricklin King Funeral Home. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, Yazoo City, MS, Palmer Home for Children, or French Camp Academy.
Nathan Thomas Clay, Jr.
Nathan Thomas (Tommy) Clay, Jr. (83) passed away at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health Care in North Carolina on December 14, 2023. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home of Yazoo City, MS with the arrangements. Graveside services will be held December 18, 2023 at Glenwood Cemetery with graveside visitation at 1:30 PM followed by services at 2:00 PM with Brother Ken Lynch of Parkview Church of God officiating. The family would like to thank the Hospice Home of UNC for their compassionate care.
Tommy was born on October 9, 1940 in the Bryant Community of Yalobusha County, MS. His family moved to Itta Bena when he was three years old and he graduated from Leflore County High School at Itta Bena in 1958. After graduation, he met and married Linda Lee and they raised their family in Yazoo City, MS where they were members of Calvary Baptist Church. Tommy retired from Southern Natural Gas Company in 1994 with 22 years of service. He also farmed with his father, father-in-law and son, which was his passion.
Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Louise La Cook and his father, Nathan Thomas Clay, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann (Robert) Clark, Chapel Hill, NC; his son Nathan Thomas (Stephanie) Clay, III, Yazoo City, MS; and five grandchildren: Tyler and Lake Clay of Yazoo City, MS; Caroline (Adam) Schmelzer of Apex, NC; Rob (Laura) Clark of Garner, NC; Joe Clark (Carly) of Charlotte, NC; three greatgrandchildren: Camden, Catie, and Callan and his sister Elizabeth Ann Basden of Horseshoe Bend, AK.
Pallbearers will be: Tyler Clay, Lake Clay, Rob Clark, Joe Clark, David Scott, Tommy Parker, Grey Kilpatrick, and Steve Keith.
Betty Lucille Evans Banks
September 21, 1937 - December 14, 2023
Late into the afternoon on December 14, 2023, Betty Banks left us to go to her heavenly home surrounded by her family. Born on September 21, 1937, to Joe and Lena Evans, she was surrounded by love and hardship, but that didn't stop her from doing what she needed or wanted.
She met her husband, W.R., in her early 20's and went on to start her family getting married soon after. It wouldn't be long until they had Michael Anthony Banks, Robert Allen Banks, and of course their baby girl, Carniece Marie Banks.
She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Robert Banks, mother Lena Evans, and father Joe Evans. She is survived by her children Michael Anthony Banks (Vicki Banks), Robert Allen Banks (Katherine Banks), and Carniece Marie Banks; twelve grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Monday December 18 at Stricklin King Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.. Services will be the following day, December 19, at Stricklin King at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Banks Cemetery. Pastor Joey Pettis will be officiating. Pallbearers include Robert Allen Banks Sr., Michael Anthony Banks, Robert Allen Banks Jr., Jacob Andrew Banks, Stephen Holmes, Harley Alford; honorary pallbearers include Tommy Banks, Allen Banks, Bobby Franklin, and Tommy Vaughan.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to Bill Brown, Justin Smith, and Ms. Brenda from Baptist Hospice. They were always available no matter when we needed them and gave the best care we could have asked for.
Joseph "Joe" Liston Speed
Joseph (Joe) Liston Speed was granted his angel wings and met his Heavenly Father on February 4, 2024, dying peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi on April 17, 1940 and attended Jackson public schools and the University of Mississippi (Kappa Alpha). After graduation he returned to Jackson, MS to start his exceptional life journey.
Joe started his career with Deposit Guaranty National Bank, and eventually purchased North Jackson Honda Yamaha to follow his passion for motorcycles.
Joe’s life would seem unreal to many, but those who knew him will more than likely never forget the times they shared with him. The stories that could be told would make us all blush and take quite some time to tell.
Joe enjoyed his farm in Yazoo County where he raised endangered parrots, Arabian horses and gave shelter to any stray animal in need.
He loved his church, and considered the members of Black Jack Baptist Church part of his family. He was also a member of the Yazoo City Chapter of The Gideons. Joe had an unwavering faith in God and his trips to Israel made a lasting impact upon his life.
Joe is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy Weaver Speed, sister Shellie Bartlett, brother Lake Speed (Rice), daughters Lee and Wesley (Mike), sons Leland and Jeff (Emily), grandchildren Devon Fujinami, Hayden and Bailey Speed, Shade Rae, and Banks Speed and great granddaughter Ellie.
He is preceded in death by his parents Leland (Pappy) Speed and Katherine Speed Ettl, brothers Leland R. and James Speed, and grandchildren Zy Rae and Brockman Speed.
The celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Black Jack Baptist Church, 1914 Black Jack Road in Vaughan, Mississippi on Thursday, February 8that 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Black Jack with fellowship following burial in the church cemetery. Pastor Drake Nelson will officiate the service. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements for Joe's family.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make a donation to Black Jack Baptist Church, the Yazoo City chapter of The Gideons, or to their favorite local no kill animal rescue or shelter.
John Dixon Moore
John Dixon Moore, 84, of Benton died peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by family. He was a member of Midway Methodist Church.
John Dixon was born on September 10, 1939, and grew up in Vaughan. He proudly served in the United States Navy. He retired from Mississippi Chemical Corporation. Prior to his employment with Mississippi Chemical, he spent many years serving customers at Saxton Hardware, a local hardware store owned and operated by his wife’s family, and he loved his years at “The Hardware.” John Dixon had a keen sense of humor, loved to laugh, and always enjoyed a good practical joke.
He is survived by his daughter, Livvi Moore Zeigler and her husband, Henry Zeigler; and grandson John Philip Zeigler and his wife, Codie Lancaster Zeigler. John Dixon was preceded in death by his wife of over 57 years, Bethel Lou Moore; his parents, Clarence and Annie Moore; and three brothers, James (Jim) Moore, Curtis Moore, and Jesse Moore.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Midway Methodist Church with Rev. James Twiner officiating. Burial will follow in the church’s cemetery. Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City is in charge of the arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers will be John Philip Zeigler, Hank Moore, Jimmy Moore, David Moore, Daniel Moore, and Brian Westbrook.
John Dixon’s family wishes to thank the staff of The Madison Health and Rehab and also Dr. Bharat Malhotra along with the caring nursing staff on Floor 5, North Tower at St. Dominic Hospital for the compassionate care provided to him during his final days.
Walter David Wigley
Walter David Wigley, a respected member of the Vicksburg, MS community and a devout member of the Warrenton Independent Baptist Church, passed away on February 15, 2024, at Clinton Healthcare in Clinton, MS. Born on December 21, 1941, in Holmes County, MS to Walter and Earline Perry Wigley, David grew into a hardworking and dedicated individual, known paint pusher in his professional life. David's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Loretta Peggy Winstead Wigley of Vicksburg, MS, and their loving family.
He leaves behind a family including his three daughters, Freda (Alexis) Arender of Yazoo City, MS, Penny (Jerry) Tompkins of Williamston, NC, Wanda Wigley of Vicksburg, MS; and his son, Dub (Kimberly) Wigley of Carrollton, MS. David's memory will also be cherished by his siblings, brother Larry Wigley of Coxburg, MS and sisters, Emily Marks of Missouri, and Mary Ann Hill of Yazoo City, MS. David's life was enriched by his six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. His legacy is also marked by the love and memories shared with his late daughter, Kaye Mathis, and his brothers, Billy Wigley and Woody Wigley, who preceded him in death.
The community will gather to honor David's life at Stricklin King Funeral Home on February 17, 2024, with a visitation starting at 9:30 am in the parlor followed by the funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 am. The service will be officiated by Reverend Marvin Curtis. Following the service, David will be laid to rest at Coxburg Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Alexis Arender, Garrett Case, Brayden Halford, Wesley Halford, Jerry Tompkins, Matthew Tompkins, and Dub Wigley, symbolizing the strong bonds of family and friendship that David cherished throughout his life. Stricklin King Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements, ensuring that David's family receives the support and care they need during this time. David's memory will forever be a beacon of love, perseverance, and faith in the hearts of those who knew him.
James Chester "Buddy" Epperson
James Chester (Buddy) Epperson passed away on 2/14/2024. He was born on June 17, 1929, in Searcy, Arkansas. His parents were James Epperson and Lorene Baker Epperson. He spent his early years in Memphis, Tennessee. Early years were spent in Memphis, Tennessee. Chester graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1948. He moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he worked at Arkansas Plant Food Company. He met and married Margaret Eloise Clark in 1951. They were married for 72 years.
He joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1950 during the Korean conflict and was in the 120th Aircraft Control and Warning System in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The unit was called up for active service in 1951. Chester was a staff sergeant and served as Radar Operation Chief during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged at Roswell, New Mexico.
He graduated the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning a degree in Agronomy in three years. He was a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary Society and a diehard Razorback fan. He was employed at Mississippi Chemical Corporation as a supervisor of the outlying plants across the southern United States. He retired in 1994 after 33 years of service. Chester was a member of the First Baptist Church of Yazoo City and volunteered in the church nursery for 40 years.
James Chester Epperson leaves behind his wife, Margaret Eloise Epperson, and three children, Linda Epperson Baldwin (Dr. Michael Baldwin) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Dr. Chester Neal Epperson (Debra) of Grapevine, Texas, and Dr. Stephen Paul Epperson (Rachel) of Madison, Mississippi. He has two grandchildren, Lauren Baldwin Beck (Andy) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Dr. Robert Michael Baldwin (Sarah) of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Buddy also has five great-grandchildren Jillian Baldwin, Roselyn Baldwin, and Taylor Robert Baldwin of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Michael Beck and Max Beck of Indianapolis, Indiana. His sister, Danitta Craft of Sarasota, Florida, also survived him.
Please join us in celebrating his life Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 3 pm for the visitation and 3 pm for the funeral service at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Yazoo City.
Our family greatly appreciates the loving care he received from Adoration Hospice and VA Home-Based Primary Care.
Donations:
Saving Grace Rescue of Yazoo City
PO Box 1706,
Yazoo City, MS 39194
PayPal: savinggraceyazoo@gmail.com
Venmo: Saving Grace-Animal Rescue.
Charlie Robert Lowery
Charlie Lowery passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Delta Regional Hospital in Greenville, MS. He was 87 years old. Charlie was never married and had no children. He was born on September 16, 1936, to Mabry and Willie Mae Williams Lowery.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, H.C., Albert, Ruben, and Jeff Lowery and four sisters, Susie Mae Sanderford, Jennie Ann Windham, Carolyn Parker, and Carol Sue Pugh. He is survived by siblings, Lance Lowery, Betty Jean Kirkland, and Adrienne Kirkland along with many nieces and nephews.
Charlie’s favorite past times was spending quality time with family and watching western movies.
Memorial services for Charlie will be at Holly Bluff Baptist Church in Holly Bluff, MS on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am following visitation which will begin before and end at the time of service. Strickland King Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for this service.
Ephraim Marion Smith, II
Ephraim Marion Smith, II, 78, of Yazoo City, MS, died at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS on February 21, 2024. Ephraim was born in 1945 to J. O. and Hortense Smith, and grew up on the family farm in Greenville, MS. Ephraim attended Mississippi State University, receiving a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1968, and a M. S. in Civil Engineering in 1988. He worked as a licensed Professional Civil Structural Engineer with Mississippi Chemical Corporation for 31 years and did independent engineering contracting for an additional 18 years.
An Eagle Scout himself, Ephraim was active as Scoutmaster with Boy Scouting through First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. He was proud that his son also obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He remained in contact with many of the boys in his troop.
Ephraim was proud of his daughter for the many academic honors she was awarded. He
encouraged her to excel in everything she attempts. He was especially proud to show off the many handicraft arts she produced.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church for 50 years. He was especially proud of his unofficial voluntary job as “The Church Dish Washer”, His belief was that everyone can be useful in God’s work.
Ephraim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. O. Smith Jr., and his sister
Catherine Bernard. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Glenda, his son Trey Smith of Brandon, his daughter Virginia (Gini) Smith-Heichelbech of Huntsville, AL, and his sister Melanie Gousset of Madison.
He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends from coast to coast.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 24 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. with the funeral service at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, MS. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Independence, MS. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee the arrangement for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ephraim’s name to the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering at First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, P. O. Box 780, Yazoo City, MS 39194.
Helen Aileen Johnson Eldridge
Helen Aileen Johnson Eldridge, 99, passed away February 27, 2024. She was born June 13, 2024, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She is survived by daughters Jeanne (Roger) Mullen of Grenada, MS, Diatra (Edward) Davis of Bentonia, MS, Cindy Kinnard of Biloxi, MS, Sherry (John) Book of Yazoo City, MS, and Dianne (Mike) Turner of Columbia, TN. She had 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a great great child. She is preceded in death by her husband’s C.H. Johnson and Harris Eldridge, sons Brian Johnson and Terry Johnson, grandsons Rusty Peters and Stayce Wilkinson, and granddaughter Marilyn Peters.
The service will be Sunday March 3, 2024, with visitation before at 12:30 – 1:45 PM with graveside to follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements.
Walter Earl Porter
Walter Earl Porter, a worker in road maintenance with the Yazoo County Road Department in Yazoo County, MS, passed away on February 27, 2024. Born on February 28, 1947, in Yazoo County, MS, to Henry and Emily Hanna Porter. Walter passed away in the emergency room at River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, MS, before he departing this earth at the age of 76.
Walter is preceded in death by his wife, Jamie Jo Smith. He leaves behind a loving family, his sons, Michael Britt Harrison of Yazoo City, MS, and Craig Harrison of Hazard, KY; his daughter, Stephany Harrison Down of Yazoo City, MS; his sister-in-law, Dene Smith; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Visitation for Walter Earl Porter will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home, followed by a burial service at Caile Cemetery in Caile, MS. Pallbearers include Reid Porter, De Ray Porter, Will Manor, Dallas Porter, Shane Kilpatrick, and Cody Porter. Stricklin-King Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.
Charles Glenn Stevens
Charles Glenn Stevens, 68, of Benton, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, surrounded by family. Charles was born in Yazoo City to Arthur Alvin Sr. and Lillian Maxine Stevens. Charles joined the United States Navy after graduating high school. He worked at E&W Sewing Factory until its closing. Charles retired from Vermeer in Clinton, MS.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Steven Sr.; and his beloved wife, Sharon Dale Stevens.
Survivors include his mother, Lillian Maxine Stevens of Bentonia; his brothers, Arthur “Steve” Stevens Jr. of Bentonia, John (Denise) Stevens Sr. of Vicksburg; his sister, Sandra (Verbon) Ryals of Benton; two stepsons, Stephen (Kimberly) Hasty and Christopher Hasty, both of Benton; nieces, Sharon (Mitch) Myers, Jennifer (Spence) Kight, Amber (John Fowler) Porter, Erin Kight, Molly Kight, Kirstin (Michael) McCauley, Danielle Stevens, Ari Stevens, Luna McCauley; nephews, Verbon Ryals Jr., John (Tesha) Stevens, Marshall (Conni) Stevens, Dustin (Haley) Porter, Jacob Porter, Greyson Jones, Britton Jones, Thomas Ward, Brandon Stevens, Ethan Stevens, Leon McCauley; grandchildren, Reed (Sara) Hasty, Tara Hasty, Leah Hasty (Kendrick) Williams; and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at Stricklin King Funeral Home with his grandson Reed Hasty officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Trennis C. Hunt
Trennis C. Hunt of Yazoo City, Yazoo County, MS, passed away at the age of 71 on February 22, 2024, at his residence. Born on February 10, 1946, to Claude and Regina Adams Hunt, he was a proud Navy veteran and a dedicated worker at Yazoo Body Works specializing in auto body repair. Trennis was a man of Baptist faith.
Services to honor his life will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS, on March 2, 2024. Reverend Tad Duggan will officiate the services, with Stricklin King Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements.
Barbara Nell Ethredge
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Nell Ethredge, a respected attorney and member of the Short Creek Baptist Church community, on March 1, 2024, in Alabaster, Alabama. She was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1945.
As an attorney, Barbara was able to live and work in different parts of the nation. She was very happy to return back home to the South where she settled and retired in Helena, AL.
Barbara loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ very much and had also attended Evangel Church PCA in Alabaster, AL.
She really loved dogs and was always reaching out to help those in need.
Barbara was the loving daughter of the late Lamar Doyle and Vallie Horne Ethredge, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Ethredge of Helena, Alabama.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Short Creek Baptist Church. A funeral service will honor Barbara's life immediately following the visitation, with burial to take place at Short Creek Cemetery. Reverend Barry Ward will officiate the services, and Stricklin King Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements ensuring Barbara's legacy is honored in accordance with her family's wishes.
Arthur Alvin Stevens, Jr.
Arthur Alvin Stevens, Jr., 79, of Bentonia, passed away peacefully at home with his family. He was known in the community as “Steve” or “Bud.” Arthur was born in Holly Bluff to Arthur Alvin, Sr., and Lillian Maxine Stevens. He joined the United States Army after graduating high school. He served his country during the Vietnam War. He worked at different convenient stores in town until he retired to take care of his mother.
Arthur is preceded in death by his father and brother, Charles Glenn Stevens. He is survived by his mother, Maxine Stevens, of Bentonia, MS, brother, John (Denise) Stevens, Sr., of Vicksburg, MS, sister, Sandra (Verbon) Ryals, of Benton, MS, nieces Sharon (Mitch) Myers, Jennifer (Spence) Kight, Amber (John Fowler) Porter, Erin Kight, Molly Kight, Kristin (Michael) McCauley, Danielle Stevens, Ari Stevens, Luna McCauley, nephews Verbon Ryals, Jr., John (Tesha) Stevens, Jr., Marshall (Connie) Stevens, Dustin (Haley) Porter, Jacob Porter, Greyson Jones, Britton Jones, Thomas Ward, Brendan Stevens, Ethan Stevens, and Leon McCauley.
Funeral services will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home Saturday, March 9, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with services following at 11:00 AM. Reverend James Pettis will be officiating. A burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family. Pallbearers will be as follows: Dustin Porter, Jacob Porter, John Avery Fowler, Mitch Myers, Anthony Ward, and Spence Kight.
Richard Davis Murphy
Richard Davis Murphy, age 77, of Mandeville, Louisiana passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1946 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Richard Kinkead and Martha Davis Murphy.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan Luter Murphy; his children Martha Mundine (David), Katie Cooley and Rob Murphy (Christi); and his seven grandchildren Ryan Mundine (McKenna), Katherine Mundine, Ella Cooley, Caroline Murphy, Evan Cooley, Davis Murphy, Emily Murphy and his great-granddaughter Murphy Mundine.
Richard is preceded in death by his father Richard and mother Martha, his “Mama” Johnnie, and his stepbrother James “Jimmy” Channell.
Growing up in Yazoo City, MS, he graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1965. Richard went on to attend Mississippi State University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and Delta Sigma Pi, a national honorary business fraternity. Upon graduation in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science double major in Data Processing and Statistics from the College of Business and Industry, he and Jan moved to Dallas, Texas, where he began a career as certified internal auditor in the oil and gas industry.
Richard became a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors in 1974. His career later took him and his family to Lafayette, Louisiana, Ocean Springs and Diamondhead, Mississippi, New Orleans, and finally Mandeville, Louisiana where he served as Operations Controller of Consolidated Grain and Barge until his retirement in 2012. With his career, he traveled to six different continents, making many lifelong friends along the way.
Once he retired, he enjoyed spending time at home with his family and playing golf at least three times a week with his golfing buddies. Richard passed on his passion for the game of golf to his family, and love of his alma mater to future generations.
Services will be held at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on the 15th day, March 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at noon.
Graveside service and burial will be held at 10:30 AM on the 16th day, March 2024, at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS under the direction and care of Stricklin King Funeral Home, where he will be laid to rest with many generations of his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Richard Murphy may be made to Ochsner Cancer Center, 900 Ochsner Boulevard, Covington, LA 70433, https://www.ochsner.org/giving/donate OR The Marianites of Holy Cross, Village in the Oaks, 75520 Highway 1081, Covington, LA 70435, https://marianites.org/how-you-can-help/donate/.
Fond memories can be shared with the Murphy Family at www.gracenorthshore.com.
Kathy Saxton Walker
Kathy Saxton Walker, 69, of Yazoo City, passed away on March 8, 2024 at her residence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Lessie Saxton; husband, Edgar Walker; four brothers, Fred Saxton, Terry Saxton, Barry Saxton and George Robert Saxton; and sisters, Betty Potter and Evie Neely.
Survivors include her son, Daniel (Amy) Walker of Yazoo City, a grandson, Brodey Walker, two sisters, Janice (Doug) Kirk of Yazoo City and Annie Eldridge of Clinton, two brothers, Kenny (Ida) Saxton of Benton and Robbie (Brenda) Saxton of Clinton.
Burial will be held at the Saxton Family Cemetery in Yazoo County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ricky Saxton Foundation at the Bank of Yazoo.
Tony Womble
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Tony Womble, 91, who peacefully passed away on March 14, 2024. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme - Chapel of the Flowers on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Pastor Luther Burney, First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will conduct the funeral services at Delhomme Funeral Homes.
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, another funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM in Strickland-King Funeral Home of Yazoo City, MS. Buddy Upchurch will conduct the funeral services at Strickland-King Funeral Home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Strickland-King Funeral Home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Burial will take place, immediately following service, in Glenwood Cemetery of Yazoo City, MS.
Mr. Womble, a longtime resident of Lafayette, was born to the late Thomas Mayhew Womble and Lillie Louise Van Cleave. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Lilli Rossman, her husband, Mitchel Rossman; his granddaughter, Lauren Aldaya Tracy and her husband, Scott Tracy; his two great-grandchildren, Decker Tracy and Logan Tracy; and his grandsons, Alexander Aldaya and Adrian Bevan Harrison.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Myra Faye Womble; his daughter, Susan Laura Aldaya, his son-in-law Jose Ignacio Aldaya; and his sister, Margaret Womble.
The pallbearers will be Mitchel Rossman, Mark Murphy, Keith Martin, Jeb Trammell, Tommy Coleman, and Donnel Coleman.
Tony lived a vibrant life filled with adventure and dedication to his family. Graduating from Yazoo City High in 1950, he joined the Air Force just five days later, serving honorably until June 5, 1954. Following his service, he ventured into aviation, working as a crop duster for ten years, spraying cotton and banana crops across various regions, including Ecuador.
In 1967, Tony began his career with Deposit Guarantee Bank as a copilot before transitioning to Self-Service where he served as chief pilot for 25 1/2 years. Upon retirement, he embarked on entrepreneurial endeavors, acquiring Luther's BBQ restaurant and later a Popeyes fried chicken franchise with the assistance of Chart House, formerly Self-Service. Even after retirement, Tony's passion for adventure persisted as he worked for rental car companies such as Acadiana Dodge, Avis, and Don's Wholesale until his final retirement in 2018.
Tony will be remembered for his zest for life, his love of adventure, his fondness for people, and his deep affection for Central and South America, but most importantly, his unwavering love for his family.
Tony Womble's legacy of love, adventure, and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Tony Womble at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Tony Womble and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.