James Benton Hayman

James Benton Hayman passed away peacefully at home in Yazoo City on June 27, 2024, following a prolonged illness. Born in Prentiss, MS, he was the son of the late John William Hayman and Annie Lou Hayman. He was also predeceased by his brother, George Truett Hayman.

Benton worked as a draftsman and a soil conservationist for the State of Mississippi before beginning his 33-year career as a computer programmer and senior technology specialist at Mississippi Chemical Corporation.

Benton spent over 20 years as a leader for the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of outstanding service to the Andrew Jackson Council. As an active member of First Baptist Church of Yazoo City, Benton served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, church bus driver, and in the TV ministry. He also volunteered with Gideons International for many years.

Benton is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary McCrory Hayman, his children Dawn Ramsey (Danny Carter) of Biloxi, Gail Stovall (James “Scoot”) of Copper Hill, VA, Russ Hayman (Sara) of Johnson City, TN, Sherry Williams (Joe) of Madison, Jason Hayman (Kari) of Rock Springs, CO; grandchildren Jamin Stovall (Brooke), Brady Stovall (Caroline), Jordan Stovall, Davis Hayman, Lee Williams (Meghan), Joseph Williams, Cooper Williams, Jonas Hayman, Sadie Hayman, Ivy Hayman, Eden Hayman; 4 great grandchildren (Riley, Annie, Charlotte, and Maggie). Benton is also survived by brothers Ken Hayman (Brenda) of Hattiesburg and Clinton Hayman (Stephanie) of Prentiss.

Visitation will be held July 1, 2024, at 9:30-11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00. Interment will follow the service at Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the Hayman family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to First Baptist Church of Yazoo City or to Gideons International.

Dennis Harris

Dennis Gene Harris of Yazoo City passed away on July 26, 2024 at Baptist Hospital Jackson at the age of 72 surrounded his loving family.

Dennis was born October 25, 1951 to Robert and Josephine Harris. Dennis graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1969 and then graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Forestry. He was a registered Forester for the state of Mississippi of which he was very proud of.

Dennis was an avid hunter and a very talented guitar player.

He also loved to hunt for Indian Artifacts.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Harris and his brother David K. Harris.

He is survived by his mother, Josephine Harris and his wife of 53 years, Gail Waldrop Harris. Along with his 3 children: Benji Harris, Britt Harris, and Remi Ross. And his grandchildren: Dylann Little, Ethan Harris, Cassidy Cross, Shea Harris, Parrish Harris, Allie Ross, Cain Harris, Alex Harris, and Kai Ross along with his 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be July 30,2024 at Stricklin King Funeral home in Yazoo City from 9:30 till 11:00 and the service will be at 11:00. Strickland King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements.

Mary Grace Coker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Grace Coker, 89, of Yazoo City, Mississippi. Born on August 13, 1934, Grace lived a full and vibrant life before peacefully passing away on August 4, 2024. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Midway Baptist Church.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R Coker, son, Charles Harold Coker, daughter in law, Kathy Coker, and parents, Otho and Mildred Ables, brothers and sisters: Vivian (Bib) Spell, Dorothy (Dot) Ellzey, Roy Ables, Stella Martin, Harris (Punkin) Ables, Bobby Ables, Clayton Ables, and Otho (Bubba) Ables, Jr.

Survivors include two grandchildren, Ashley Saxton (Bob Clay) and Angel (Josh) Corr, 7 great grandchildren, Hanna, Slayten, Ashton, Breanna, Ethan, Emma, and Layla, 2 great-great grandchildren, Paizlee and Havanna. Which she adored! She always had a smile on her face when they were around. She was also survived by her brother, Phillip (Mary) Ables and sister, Becky (Tony) Edwards, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She dedicated her life to the Lord. She spent every day in her Bible, and she loved to teach the Word to her family. She spent many years teaching Sunday school and VBS at Temple Baptist Church in Yazoo City, MS.

Known for her warm personality and quick wit, Grace worked as an operator for BellSouth Telephone Company for many years, always brightening the days of those she spoke with on the other end of the line. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her. Rest in peace, Grace, your laughter and love will live on in our memories forever.

We would like to thank Riverview Nursing Home and Vital Caring Hospice of Greenwood, MS for taking excellent care of her. You all were truly amazing.

Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, Wednesday August 7th 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am with Paster Scott Lucky presiding. A burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for this precious family.

“God looked around his garden and found an empty space and then He looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s Garden must be beautiful because he only takes the best!”

Darrell Randall

Darrell Randall, 81, joined his forever home on Aug. 5, 2024. He was born on Sept. 9, 1942, in Columbia, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Donnie Lee Randall of Columbia; brothers, Donald, Darwin and Dexter Randall, also of Columbia; and grandson, Blake Coghlan of Holly Bluff.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gwen Randall; daughter, Sandi Woods (Wade); son, Michael Randall (Christy); sister, Doris Richardson; brother, Dale Randall; grandchildren, Megan Hogue (Joey) and Hannah Randall; and great grandchild, Lawson Blake and Joshua Luke Hogue.

Darrell served in the Mississippi National Guard, worked for Texaco Oil Company, and retired from Shell Oil Company. He continued a career in the crude oil transportation industry for ten additional years as owner and operator of Darrell Randall Services.

Over the last 30 years, Darrell has resided in Holly Bluff as a member of Holly Bluff Baptist Church and self-appointed mayor, chief of police, and judge of the town. He loved woodworking, vacations at Orange Beach, Ala., hunting, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blake Coghlan Memorial Ag Scholarship and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi.

Interment of ashes will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, MS at a later date. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for this family.

Pamela Jana Bradshaw Ledbetter

Pamela Jana Bradshaw Ledbetter, 64, of Benton, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Pam was born on September 6, 1959, in Kansas. She is a 1977 graduate of Tri-County Academy and later graduated with degrees from Holmes Junior College and The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in May, 1982. She began her lifelong career at Vanjon’s Pharmacy in Yazoo City in August of 1982, later taking over as head of pharmacy.

During her high school years, she met Daniel Terrell Ledbetter of Benton and they began a courtship that led to their marriage on June 26, 1982. They later welcomed sons Brannon “B” Davis Ledbetter and Jordan Hunter Ledbetter.

Pam enjoyed gardening and landscaping her yard, scrapbooking, traveling, music and dancing. She was an avid Ole Miss fan and enjoyed cheering on the Rebels. Pam was a faithful and lifelong member of Scotland Baptist Church.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Andrew “Johnny” Davis and Martha “Molly” Kirk Davis, mother-in-law Marion Ann Ledbetter, and nephew Justin Roe Ledbetter.

Pam leaves behind her loving husband of 42 years, Daniel Terrell Ledbetter; two sons, B (Ashley) Ledbetter and Hunter (Heather) Ledbetter; grandchildren Rainer Davis Ledbetter, Milla Melton Ledbetter, Dalton Meeks Ledbetter, Addie Brooke Ledbetter, Pace Montgomery Ledbetter, and Dean “Dee” Collier Ledbetter. She leaves behind one brother, James A. “Jim” Davis (Susan).

Visitation will be from 12:30pm-2:00pm on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Scotland Baptist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00pm at the church officiated by the Rev. Glenn Allen. Burial will take place at Scotland Baptist Cemetery, all under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

Tim Davis, John Tuyo, Terry Davis, Jim King, Michael Berry, Storm Davis, Mark Sledge, Roy Damiens, and Thad Hood will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank Sissy Tyson, Reba Pepper, Ashley Majors and Adoration Hospice for the care they provided during her brief illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scotland Baptist Church, 5617 Scotland Road, Bentonia, MS 39040.

Marie Clark Cato

Marie Clark Cato, a beloved resident of Yazoo City, Mississippi, for her entire life, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on the evening of Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the age of 87. She was known for her deep and abiding love for Jesus and her passion for sharing the Gospel. Her compassion and genuine interest in others were felt by so many.

Marie Harlow Clark was born on April 17, 1937, to Minnie Brister Clark and William (Will) Thomas Clark. Her younger sister, Catherine (H’y) Lacey Clark, was born six years later. Marie and Hy were blessed to grow up with loving parents on their family farm on Carter Road. Marie attended grade school at Main Street Elementary and completed her upper grades at Yazoo City High School. During this time, she formed life-long friendships with the group affectionately known as “The Yazoo Girls.” She pursued higher education at Mississippi College for Women in Columbus, majoring in English. During her time at M.S.C.W., Marie met the love of her life and future husband, Robert (Bob) Heard Cato II, who was attending Mississippi State. One of her memorable honors was being named as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi at Mississippi State. Bob and Marie married on August 8, 1959, and their marriage was blessed by God from the beginning. While Bob finished college, Marie taught high school English in West Point.

After Bob’s graduation, the couple moved to Jackson, where Bob worked for BellSouth.

In 1961, they relocated to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Bob was stationed in the army. Their first son, Robert Clark Cato, was born later that year. In 1963, they moved back to Yazoo City, where Bob began farming with his father-in-law, Will Clark. Bob and Marie were blessed with two more sons: Robert Heard Cato III, who was born in 1963 and tragically died at birth, and Kinch Henry Cato, who was born in 1969.

Marie’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior was the cornerstone of her life. She, alongside Bob, was an active and devoted member of both First Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church. Marie had a deep passion for studying and teaching God’s Word, which she shared through leading children’s Sunday School, youth groups, and women’s Bible study groups. Together, Marie and Bob hosted countless Bible studies in their home, nurturing the spiritual growth of many.

Marie’s dedication to teaching extended beyond her immediate community. Alongside her dear friend Amanda Bailey, she led numerous Bible studies for women across the South, leaving a lasting impact on so many who attended. In her later years, Marie found great joy in reading to students at Covenant Christian School, continuing to share her love of God’s Word and Christian books with the younger generation.

Marie and Bob’s 65thanniversary would have been on August 8, 2024, one day after she went home to be with Jesus.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Will Clark, brother-in-law, Tommy Cato, and her son, Robert.

Bob, Clark, and Kinch were all by Marie’s side when she took her last breath. She is also survived by her sister H’y Harrell (Guy); Clark’s wife Christine and his children Causey, Sterling (Ben Parker), Stewart, Caleb, and Elijah (Katherine, son Worley); Kinch’s wife Audra and their children, Robert and Helen; sister-in-law Ann Price (Bill); and sister-in-law JoAnne Cato (Marlin Forbes).

As we reflect on and celebrate Marie’s life, we are confident that 2 Timothy 4:7 holds true for her: She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.

Visitation will be Friday, August 16, 5:00-7:00pm at Stricklin King Funeral Home. On Saturday, August 17, a preservice visitation will be from 9:30-10:30am at First Presbyterian Church followed at 11:00am by a service of worship to the glory of God in loving remembrance of Marie. A graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery follows. Family and close friends are invited to a luncheon at Second Presbyterian Church following the graveside service. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the Cato family.

Pallbearers are Marie’s grandsons Stewart Cato, Caleb Cato, Elijah Cato, Robert Cato, and Ben Parker and nephews Will Harrell, Hal Cato, and Todd Cato.

Honorary pallbearers are Sonny Peaster, Tommy Peaster, David Jussley, Wayne Morrison, Bill Simmons, Hank Remington, and Will Peeler.

The family would like to thank the staff of Adoration Hospice for the care they provided Marie the last 18 months.

Memorial donations may be made to Reformed Theological Seminary, 4268 I-55 N,

Jackson, MS 39211, Consulting Services Foundation, P.O. Box 4238, Jackson, MS 39296, or the charity of your choice.

Sylvia Lorene Vandevere

On August 14, 2024, we lost our guiding light! Devoted wife, beloved mother and treasured grandmother, Sylvia Lorene Chisolm Vandevere, went home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Sylvia passed away peacefully at her home in Free Run after a long four-year battle with breast cancer. Sylvia was born the only daughter to Zelma Netherland and Lamar Zeigler Chisolm of Coxburg on June 16, 1945. On June 17, 1967, Sylvia married the love of her life Phillip Monroe Vandevere and moved to Free Run.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents; and a younger brother, Leorren.

She leaves behind her husband Phillip; children, Phyllis Marlo Vandevere, Tamara Jo Faulkner (Brent), Phillip Monroe Vandevere, Jr. , Bubba (Jana), Nikki Payne Powell (Peter); and the lights of her life, six beloved grandchildren, Jewell, Garrett, and Tanner Vandevere, Marley Faulkner and Riley and Britt Powell. Sylvia also leaves behind a brother, Lamar Zeigler Chisolm, Jr.(Jean) and many nieces and nephews.

With an ever present smile on her face, joy and kindness in her words, a selfless spirit of giving and helping others, Sylvia never met a stranger. Sylvia spent her children's school years as a full-time mother and homemaker. She was a very active member of the Free Run Homemakers Club. A 4-H member herself, it was only fitting that Sylvia serve as a 4-H Volunteer Leader. She also served as Chairman of the Yazoo County Farm Bureau Women's Committee. She worked at Yazoo Valley EPA, at Benton Academy where she was in charge of all sporting event concession stands for over 24 years and was a School Bus Driver, and she retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier, a job she loved. Sylvia served the residents of Beat 4 as their Election Commissioner for 16 years.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Eden Midway Road on Saturday, August 17. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. with the service to follow. Graveside and burial will be at Rocky Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for this family.

In lieu of flowers Sylvia’s family would like donations to be made in her honor to Benton Academy Athletics or Yazoo County 4-H.

Louise Isonhood

Louise Isonhood, age 92 of Tinsley, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. She was a loving mother and devoted grandmother. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Appleton of Tinsley, son, Earl (Susan) Isonhood of Viran, LA, Jimmy Dale (Faith) Isonhood of Tinsley, Billy Joe (Lana) Isonhood of Bentonia, Son-In Law; Vince Mathis of Yazoo City, 19 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Isonhood, daughter, Lisa Isonhood Mathis, granddaughter, Heather Appleton Summers, great grandsons, Kohlson Mollar and Evan Sanders.

Visitation will be Monday, August 19,2024, at 10:00 am at Stricklin King Funeral Home. Graveside service at Tombstone (Family) Cemetery, 2607 Old Dover Road. Rev, Matt Clark will officiate. Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for this family.

Serving as pall bearers are Kip Isonhood, Bob Appleton, Thomas Mathis, Chris Mathis, Ward Coleman, Brian Ketchum. Honorary Pallbearer is Eric Isonhood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tinsley Baptist Church and Church of God of Prophecy in Yazoo City.

James Orsborn

James Orsborn, 78, of Yazoo City, passed away on Aug. 17,2024 at his residence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron Orsborn and Mary Agnes Orsborn; and sister, Carolyn Lovett.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Orsborn of Yazoo City; two sons, Jamie Orsborn of Canton and Wayne Orsborn of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Shantel Creel, Trey Orsborn, Kayla Orsborn and Anders Orsborn; and great grandchildren, Ethan Orsborn, Presley Orsborn and Cassey Creel.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the funeral service. Funeral services will be held on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Paneer officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

Steven Melton

Steven Melton, 75, of Yazoo City, passed away on Aug. 18, 2024 at his residence.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Melton.

Survivors include his son, Jason Melton of Yazoo City; two grandsons, Garrett Melton and Fisher Melton, both of Flowood; brothers, Marvin (Rozanne) Melton of Tennessee and Wade (Diane) Melton of Yazoo City.

Funeral services will be held on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. at Center Ride Baptist Church with Rev. Glen Warrington officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral service.

Pallbearers will be Larry Hilton, Bret King, Johnell Crosby Jr., Chick King, Chris Pyron, Mac Riseden and Griffith Scroggins.

William Edward "W.E." Harris

William Edward “W.E.” Harris, age 82, of Benton passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 18, 2024, with family by his side. He was born on December 2, 1941, and remained a lifelong resident of Yazoo County.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Kay Harris. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Ollie Walter Harris and Lilly Spell Harris Williams.

W.E. is survived by his 3 children, Lilly (David) Dooley of Benton; Liza (Ashley) Gorham of Katy, TX; William E. (Christy) Harris, Jr. of Benton; and his brother Ollie Walter (Linda) Harris, Jr. He is further survived by his 6 grandchildren Dee (Terri) Dooley, Kathryn (Hunter) Cox, Harris Dooley, Lexi Gorham, Lilli Gorham, and Kyle Harris; and 3 great grandchildren, Peyton Dooley, Presley Dooley, and Kayson Cox.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Yazoo City. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 at the church officiated by Dr. Doug Broome. Burial will take place at the Harris Family Cemetery in Benton, all under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the sympathy, food, and encouraging words and prayers that have been received.

Carolyn Harrell Vandevere

Carolyn Harrell Vandevere, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home and went to be with the Lord on August 24, 2024.

Carolyn was born and grew up in the Scotland community. She graduated from Benton High School in 1954. Carolyn was the Civil Defense Director of Yazoo County for many years until she retired. She was an active member of Melrose Baptist Church where she played the piano, organ, and served as the Church Clerk for over 47 years.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, James “Bubber” Vandevere. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Rozell and Fannie Harrell; her sister, Ruth Davis; and her daughter, Lisa Lann.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Michael) Peyton of Bentonia, and her son-in-law, Robert Lann of Clinton. She is further survived by her 4 grandchildren: Bob (Emily) Lann of Benton, Ben Lann of Clinton, Tracy (Tim) Paul of Benton, and Terri (Dee) Dooley of Benton; and her 6 great grandchildren: Tee Paul, Ty Paul, Tinsley Paul, Peyton Dooley, Presley Dooley, and Lucy Lann all of Benton.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Melrose Baptist Church. The service will begin at 11:00 officiated by Rev. Trent Sligh. Burial will follow at Melrose Baptist Church Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the family.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Elizabeth Henson and Effie House for their loving care for Mrs. Carolyn over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International or Melrose Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Timothy Boatner

Timothy Colan Boatner, known to many as Timmy, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved family on August 25, 2024. Born on October 29, 1961, Timmy was a man of the Baptist faith and a devoted member of his community.

Timmy was the son of the late Otis Boatner and Louise Pierce Boatner. He graduated from Manchester Academy and went on to become a successful farmer and cattleman, a profession he dedicated his life to.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jimmy Boatner.

Timmy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Glynda Dillon Boatner. He was a proud father to two daughters, Rebecca (Landon) Hood and Ashley (Jacob) Williamson, and a cherished grandfather to Cooper Hood, John Landon Hood, Baylor Williamson, and Mary Mason Williamson.

He is also survived by his brothers, Pierce (Nanci) Boatner of Vaughan, MS, and Howard (Cindy) Boatner of Benton, MS, as well as his sister-in-law, Cyndi Boatner of Vaughan, MS. Numerous nieces and nephews also mourn his passing.

Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, with the funeral service following at 2:00 PM in the chapel. Burial will take place at Shiloh Baptist Church, with Rev. Lynn Hostios officiating.

Pallbearers for the service will be Bo Boatner, Jason Boatner, Will Boatner, John Wesley Boatner, Bill Harris, Jr., Ronnie Mason, and Keith Pierce. Honorary pallbearers include Ronnie Whitfield, Gary Pierce, Tyler Diffy, Brett Narmouve, Cooper Hood, John Landon Hood, and Baylor Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Holmes County 4H in Timmy's memory.

Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements for this precious family.