Myrtis Marks Norman

Myrtis Marks Norman, a long-time resident of Yazoo City, MS, died peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, surrounded by her family at age 98.

Myrtis was born on December 22, 1925, near Howard in Holmes County, Mississippi, the only child of Helen and William Marks. Born prematurely weighing 2 pounds and 12 ounces, Myrtis fit in a shoebox and was kept warm with hot water bottles. Tragedy would mar Myrtis’s young life with her father, Willie, succumbing to pneumonia when she was a toddler and her mother, Helen, dying when Myrtis was 7 following an operation to remove her gallbladder. Following her mother’s death, Myrtis went to live with her grandparents, Henry and Mattie Brock. The Brocks, the parents of 10 children themselves, including Myrtis’s mother, Helen, gladly welcomed their eldest granddaughter into their home where they raised her like a daughter. Myrtis also spent many weekends with her mother’s sister, Lillian and her family.

At Tchula High School, Myrtis played the piccolo. She was also an excellent twirler, winning a superior rating as a twirler, the highest rating achievable in a state held contest. On a visit to Yazoo City to spend the night with family friends, the Vaughan's, Myrtis met her future husband, William “Billy” Ross Norman. They quickly fell for one another and married on June 27, 1942, at the Episcopal Church in Yazoo City. The couple were married for 66 years until Billy’s death in 2009. The couple’s marriage produced five sons: William Ross Jr. (Bill), Harvey Lee, Edwin “Eddie” Marks, Patrick “Pat” Frederick, and Michael “Mike” Harris. Five months after their wedding, the Army Air Corps swore Billy Ross in, where he would achieve the rank of Flight Officer. While Billy was away, Myrtis lived with his parents at their home on North Street, affectionately known as the Norman House. Myrtis accompanied her husband to training in Oklahoma and lived for a time with him and their son, Bill, in Texas.

After the war, the couple made their permanent home on Grand Avenue in Yazoo City, where they would remain for the rest of their union. In 1957, Myrtis found her life’s work opening Norman’s Nursery School in her home on Grand Avenue. Myrtis operated Norman’s Nursery until retiring in 2000. Over four decades, Myrtis cared for many Yazoo residents’ children on whom she left a lasting impact. Myrtis continued to live in her house on Grand Avenue until 2015, moving to Beau Ridge in Ridgeland before moving back to Yazoo City to the Martha Coker Green Houses.

Her life hobbies included cooking her famous spaghetti with chili powder seasoning and squash dressing, gardening flowers, reading magazines about the home, such as Southern Living, and good conversation. She was an avid viewer of The Price is Right, Rachel Ray, and HGTV. Most of all, Myrtis loved giving to others and always gave unselfishly for the joy she knew her gifts would bring to others.

Preceding Myrtis in death were her father William, mother, Helen, brother, Edwin Marks, sister, Elizabeth Temple; and husband, Billy Ross. Myrtis is survived by her five sons Bill (Martie) Norman, of Ardmore, AL; Harvey Norman, of Yazoo City; Eddie (Debbie) Norman, of Mason, OH; Pat (Carol) Norman, of Yazoo City; and Mike Norman, of Yazoo City; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services for Myrtis will take place in the Chapel at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Services will begin at 2:00 PM with Father George Woodliff officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.

Myrtis’s family would like to thank Julie Hoffman, Jennifer Bowman, and the staff of Martha Coker Green House in Yazoo City for the care they provided to Myrtis during her time living there and Adoration Hospice in her last hours.

Carolyn Kirk

Carolyn Kirk passed away December 9, 2024, at Martha Coker Greenhouses surrounded by her family at the age of 95. She was born on December 10, 1928, and was a lifelong resident of Yazoo County.

Carolyn retired from King’s Daughter’s Hospital in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Upon her retirement, she loved spending time with her family working in her flowers and enjoying her pets.

She is survived by her daughter, Harriett Kirk Wilkinson and son-in-law Kenneth Wilkinson of Starkville, Mississippi; three grandchildren, Ken Wilkinson Jr. , Jeff Wilkinson (Racquel), and Lisa Smalley (Randy); 12 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Alice Melton; father, Marion Melton; her brothers, Wayburn Melton, Barry Melton; sisters, Edith Everett and Alice Tyler.

Visitation will be at Center Ridge Baptist Church in Yazoo City, MS with the family one hour prior to service. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Herbert Jones

Herbert Jones peacefully passed away on December 11, 2024, at the age of 92 at SummerHouse Beau Ridge Memory Care in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Upon graduating from Mississippi State University, Mr. Jones joined the United States Air Force. After serving his country, he was employed with Mississippi Chemical Corporation. He later joined Delta National Bank, where he served as a branch manager for 23 years. After his tenure in the banking industry, he sold insurance for 5 years.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Obe Jones and Annie Leitchfield Jones; sisters, Edna Slaton, Coriene Tucker, Myrtle Wilson and Gladys Hood.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Faye Bonds Jones of Ridgeland; daughters, Betty Robinson (Billy) of Benton, Tamra Rowland (Ronnie) of Madison; grandchildren, Jeremy Robinson (Katie) of Flora, Ashley Cerda (Brett) of Yazoo City; five great grandchildren, Nora Kate Robinson, Rosie Robinson, Gray Robinson, Jaden Cerda, and Millie Cerda; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14 at noon at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. until service time.

Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Robinson, Ronnie Rowland, Jeremy Robinson, Brett Cerda, Jaden Cerda, and Bill Gilmer.

Victor Porch

Victor Porch passed away on Dec. 10, 2024 at a nursing home in Brandon.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Melvin Porch and Annie Porch Shanks; son, Micheal Porch; and two brothers Ricky Porch and David Shanks.

Survivors include Jennifer Creel of Flora; two sons, Jeremy Porch of Brandon and Brian Porch of Raymond; Sister, Melba (Guy) Collins of Yazoo; two brothers, Paul Shanks and Billy Shanks both from Yazoo; sister-in-law, Betty Porch of Yazoo; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on December 14 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Stricklin King Funeral Home.

Shirley Veazey

Shirley arrived on this earth July 9, 1938, and departed this earth to be with her Heavenly Father and love of her life, Lewis Veazey, as well as many other loved ones on December 11, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Oxford.

Ms. Shirley was a very special person to many, but to Randy Veazey (Patsy), Darlene Veazey Peden (Alvin), Paul Veazey (Lisa), Patton Veazey (Jessica), and Randa Veazey Nicholson (Josh), she was mom. The most loving, caring, kind-hearted, strong-willed, and determined woman were just a few of her characteristics.

She was truly blessed on her journey of life with her grandchildren Shelby Veazey Brooks, Phillip Veazey, Brandon Peden, Brenton Peden, Drew Smiley, T.J. Smiley, and Sara Smiley.

She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren Dalton Veazey, Catie Merrell White, Ellis Veazey, Skyler Hope Nicholson, Trace Nicholson, Madison Eads, Caleb Peden, Weston Peden, Jaxon Peden, Aubrey Brooks, Clay Brooks, Winter Veazey, Sidney Smiley, Colton Smiley, Spencer Smiley and Aubree Hartfield and great-great grandchildren, John Patton Veazey and Pacey Veazey, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father and mother, Mr. & Mrs. B.J. Rusche of Benton, MS; her husband, Mr. Ellie Lewis Veazey of Benton, MS; her brother, Paul Leroy Rusche of Benton, MS; one great grandchild, Sophia Elaine Smiley.

Shirley was a servant of the Lord and loved worshiping the Lord and going to church, where she was a member at Trinity Pentecostal Church of God. Until we see her again, we will continue to carry on her legacy by doing what she has taught us through her example.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Stricklin King Funeral Home. Services for Shirley will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Stricklin King. Burial to follow. The family has requested that Stricklin King Funeral Home handle all arrangements.

Jeanne Elizabeth Glenn

Jeanne Elizabeth Glenn (Cluff), 84, of Yazoo City, passed away December 6, 2024, at approximately 1:25 am peacefully in her sleep at Yazoo City Rehab and Healthcare Center.

Mrs. Glenn was born July 6th, 1940, to Ernest W Cluff and Doris F Cluff (Fross), in Bemidji, MN. She married Raymond J Glenn on July 25, 1964, in Los Angeles, CA. She was a devoted Christian and was loved by everyone that met her. Mrs. Glenn is remembered for her soft voice and kind words; she had a smile that could light up a room.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her brother, Arthur L E Cluff “Butch” and sister-in-law, Rockie Cluff.

Survivors include her two daughters, Tina Glenn of Decatur, AL and Lisa Glenn of Yazoo City; a son David Glenn (Sue) of Decatur, AL; grandchildren, Melanie Crabtree (Chris) and Kristen Keith (William) and Michael Foster (Michelle); great grandchildren, Kaine and Amelia Keith, Raven Brown (Mat), Ashley Allen (Brandon), Kaleb Jones, Nicholas Jones (Drue) and Rebecca Crabtree; great-great grandchildren, Olivia and Madelyn Jones.

A visitation service will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home on December 14th from 10 am-12 pm. No other services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Saving Grace Animal Rescue in memory of Mrs. Glenn. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1706, Yazoo City, MS 39194 or send through Venmo: SavingGrace-AnimalRescue or Paypal: savinggraceyazoo@gmail.com.

Barbara Estes

Barbara Pettis Estes of Yazoo City, MS passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 7, 2024, at home with her family by her side.

She lived in Tchula, MS most of her life and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. She was a very

fun-loving, kind person, a wonderful cook, and a talented seamstress.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Robbie Ellis and Doug (Jennifer) Estes; three grandchildren, Jason Corley, Kyle Corley, and Cole Estes; five great grandchildren and one sister, Nadine Marshall.

A celebration of life will be held after the new year. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Faye Delorise Goldman

Faye Delorise Goldman, 81, of Bentonia, passed away on Dec. 30, 2024 at the Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Taylor of Bentonia; son, William Derrald Thrasher of Flora; brother, Leon Weatherly of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Joyce Osborne of Bentonia and Wilma Cook of Boone, N.C.; grandchildren, Brittany McGraw, Ashley Laren Thrasher, Tara Taylor, Alysha Thrasher and Wyatt Thrasher; and great grandchildren, Anna Kate McGraw, Bayleigh Jade Taylor, Logan Elizabeth Kirk, Braelyn Rayne Taylor and Kruze McGraw.

No funeral arrangements at this time.

James Hubert Johnston, Jr.

James Hubert Johnston, Jr., went to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

He was born on May 17, 1941 to James Hubert and Eunice Waller in Yazoo County. James Hubert was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Eunice Johnston of Vaughan.

He is survived by Theresa, his steadfast companion of 24 years; his son Douglas Johnston (Sandra); three grandchildren Brittany Edwards, Denton Johnston (Lacey), and Anna Shelby Johnston; and two great-grandchildren Parker and Meribelle Edwards.

James Hubert was affectionally called “G’pop” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed life, had a keen sense of humor, and was a dedicated worker, whether in his career or working on a task around the house or in the yard. After attending Holmes Junior College and Mississippi State University, he spent most of his life in Dallas, Texas working in the insurance industry. At one time, he was an avid golfer, playing in many tournaments. He loved going to the casino for fun. James also enjoyed traveling in the U.S and abroad. Upon his retirement in 2013, he and Theresa moved back to his homestead in Vaughan. He loved the outdoors, yet even after retirement, he never stopped working. If the sun was shining, you could find him working in his yard or on a project, planting a garden, driving a tractor, or sitting on his front porch. Above all, James loved his family. His presence will be missed.

Services will be held Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Ellison Methodist Church in Vaughan with visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 with Brother Glenn Hoskins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Jim Alexander, Daniel Moore, David Moore, Easton Smith, Denton Johnston, and Doug Johnston. Strickland King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Cemetery Fund at Ellison Methodist Church.

Ellis Lee Douglas

Ellis Lee Douglas passed away January 7, 2025, at the age of 54. He was a long-term resident of Bentonia, MS. Ellis was a loving son, father, and grandfather. He always had a smile that matched his heart of gold. Ellis was a giver, and his kindness knew no bounds. He could always make someone laugh with his funny sayings and quick humor. He had a passion for welding and LSU football. His greatest blessings in life were his salvation, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Wanda Douglas of Bentonia; children, Lee (Kim) Douglas of Washington and Sailee (Cody) Parker of Bentonia; grandchildren, Brooks Parker, Luca Douglas, and Lucy Miller.

Ellis is preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion Lee Douglas, Annie Kate Douglas, N.L (Preacher) Alderman Jr., Bessie (Sweetie) Loraine Harrell Alderman, and brother Michael (Mike) Dewayne Douglas.

Ellie May was greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be held on January 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Plamer May officiating. Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the funeral service.

Helen Chapman Moore

Helen Chapman Moore returned to her Lord on Jan. 7, 2025. Helen was born on August 9, 1925 to William Bascum and Grace Cobb Chapman in Hannah, Oklahoma. The family moved to the Vaughan community, where Helen attended Deasonville School and graduated from Benton High School in 1942.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, John Kelly Moore. Survivors include two children: son, Wayne Moore (Ann) and daughter, Marilyn Brunt (Danny); brother, William Chapman, Jr. (Honey}; sisters, Mildred Robinson and Freida Mackey; four grandchildren, Kristi Jones, Wendy Tate, Scott Fulgham, Kelly Moore; seven great grandchildren, Garrett and Vaughn Fulgham; Tyler and Grace Jones; Austin, Lane, and Luke Moore; six nieces, Debra Guillen, Sandy Smith, Susan McQueen, Vickie Lithtenegger, Theresa Herder, and Debra Mackey.

Humbly, yet confidently, she could tell the Lord: " I'm coming home. Open wide your arms of love. Lord, I'm coming home to live within the light of your love. Never more to roam. Lord, open wide your arms of love:' She loved that song and would sing those lines. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. What rejoicing there must be in heaven, and we know that Mom is glad in it.

Helen is known as the matriarch in the Moore family and the community. She's earned that endearing title because she is the oldest and loved by so many. Literally, she's Granny to just about everyone. She's a loving Mom, a pillar of the church, a favorite aunt, and a prayer warrior. Helen lived all her married life in the Vaughan community and was a life-time member of Ellison Methodist Church, having joined when she was fourteen years old. Her legacy lives in the hearts of so many friends, family, and youth that have been touched by the kindness, guidance, and good wholesome times that she and John Kelly offered them. She continued to be encouragement and inspiration until her death.

It's hard to separate the memories of Helen and John Kelly. They mesh together. They both loved working in the yard and had a show yard of roses, with over 500 rose bushes at one time. She shared the beautiful flowers from the yard for weddings, parties, church events, and even funerals. She said, "They are too beautiful not to share."

As she aged, she had a "pat" saying when you asked how she was doing: "I'm alright," and we knew she may or may not be OK. Now, for sure, she is all right and perfect in every way with her Lord. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, at Ellison Methodist Church in Vaughan. Visitation will be in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m. with the memorial service following at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ellison Methodist Church for missions.

Kerry Burrough

Kerry Burrough, 74 of Bentonia, Ms. Passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, January 9, 2025. Kerry was born September 26, 950 in Yazoo City, MS to Pete and Virginia Burrough from the Phoenix community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Virginia Burrough; his siblings, Dale, Sarah, Nancy, and Dan; son, Shelton (Jenn); grandson, Sidney. He is survived by his loving wife of over 52 years, Jo Ann; son, Keith (Sheila); five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Kerry loved his family and his faith and expressed it with his unique and often humorous displays.

Kerry started a career in the oil field soon after graduating high school in 1968. He worked for 17 years there before moving into the insurance business and turning his life over to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Kerry eventually surrendered to the ministry before retiring and enjoying his later years spending his time with Jo Ann, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home Sunday, January, 12th at 12:30-2:00 with funeral following. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Bentonia, Ms. Stricklin King Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements per the family's request.

Pallbearers are Donny McGraw, Mackie McGraw, Jarred Creel, Jace Creel, Kevin Henderson and Adam Selby.

Virginia “Jean” Rogers Chisolm

Virginia “Jean” Rogers Chisolm, 87, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in the arms of her loving husband of 67 years at their home in Tinsley, MS. Jean was born April 30, 1937, in Yazoo County, MS, to the late Mabry and Inez Rogers from the Dover community in Yazoo County. Jean attended school in Yazoo County and graduated from Anding High School in 1957.

Jean’s primary missions in life were serving God, being a faithful and supporting wife to her husband Lamar, and together with him, raising their children in a loving Christian home. Jean was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Little Yazoo, MS.

Jean is preceded in death by Mabry Rogers (father), Inez Rogers (mother), Mabry Chisolm (son), Beverly Chisolm (daughter), and Rose Passons (sister).

Jean leaves behind her husband, Lamar Z. Chisolm Jr.; two children, Emery Neely (Michael) and Anne Ross (Kevin); her sister, Doris Tyson; her grandchildren, Taylor Neely-Hynes (Brian), Livie Neely-Carr (BJ), Mary Rogers Ross; one great-grandchild, Logan Wiles, along with many other extended family members and close friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Dominic Hospital for the care provided while there, and Megan Lampley with Adoration Hospice for the care provided while at home. The care was professional and comforting at a time when it was needed most.

Visitation for Jean will be Monday, January 13, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 1:00. The burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS. The funeral service will be led by Bro. Ricky Blythe, Bro. Steven Howell, and Bro. Earl Reyer. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Concord Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

Pallbearers for the funeral service include BJ Carr, Brian Hynes, Ward Coleman, Barney Ross, Blake Hearst, and Scotty Hearst.

Honorary Pallbearers include Jimmy Douglas, Wanda Douglas, and Ron Chapman.

Betty Jean Steed

Betty Jean Steed, 85, of Louise, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Baptist Medical-Yazoo.

She was a member of Louise Baptist Church and was a former emergency room technician at Kings Daughters Hospital.

Survivors include her two daughters, Connie Lynn Steed of Louise and Leslie Hodnett of Anguilla; son, Charles Heath Steed of Anguilla; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Services will be held on January 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn Warrington officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service.

Pallbearers will be Abbott Hodnett, Tripp Sandifer, Randy Clarkson, Austin Steed, James Fitzhugh and Phillip Clarkson.

Jeffrey Thomas "Bubba" Martin

Jeffrey Thomas Martin, 57, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. “Bubba” as he is affectionally known was born in Yazoo City on December 26, 1967, to Tommie and Mildred Riser Martin. Bubba graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1985 and attended Holmes Junior College. He spent his life in and around Yazoo County working mostly in the agricultural parts industry. He was an the youngest of four and dearly loved by his older siblings.

Bubba was full of life, had a great sense of humor and loved the outdoors. He was one of those people that never met a stranger. At one time, he was an avid golfer, but his real passions were Manchester Academy Sports, especially football where he was Bodie’s and one of the team’s biggest fans, he also loved Mississippi State Football (all things maroon and white). He loved to cook on the grill and found great joy cooking with Jennifer and entertaining family and friends. Above all Bubba loved his family and the Lord Jesus Christ, his presence will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tommie and Millie Martin, his wife Amy Porter Martin all of Yazoo City.

He is survived by the love of his life, Jennifer Shipp; his treasured son Bodie Martin; Sara Michael Shipp, (Joseph Hancock); K’lee (Bart) Knight; his brothers Art (Clara) Matin of Port Arthur, TX; Steve (Diane) Martin of Yazoo City and his sister Sandy Golden of Port Arthur, TX. His nephews Jeremy (Stephanie) Martin and Thomas Brent Martin of Yazoo City and his great nephews Alex (Mary) Martin of Canton, Tyler Martin of Yazoo City and Ashton Martin of Bentonia.

Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., the service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Sticklin King Chapel with Brother Stephen Howell officiating. Burial will follow in the Short Creek Baptist Church cemetery. All arrangements will be under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Stevie Lewis, Bryan Dendy, Jarett Johnson, Steven “Pudd” Johnson, Jerry Wayne McLendon, and. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard “Tick” Beckwith and Freddie Pate.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

ESV Lamentations 3:22-23

Patrick Calcote Spiars

Patrick Calcote Spiars, 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 22, 2025. Patrick, affectionately known by many as “Pete”, was born April 19, 1941, to his parents William “Bill” and Dee Calcote Spiars. He grew up in the Little Yazoo community where he graduated from Anding High School in 1959. He was a member of Anding Baptist Church. Pete served in the United States Army from 1963-1965. He served as Justice of the Peace from 1978 into the mid-80s. He was then employed with Mississippi Chemical Corporation until retirement in 1997. Serving many of Yazoo’s veterans and their families in his later years of service, Pete acted as Veterans’ Administration Officer for Yazoo County from 2010-2018.

Pete was initiated into apprenticeship with the Masonic Lodge in 1976, where he served twice as a Master of the Yazoo Masonic Lodge 042. He was a member of both the Wahabi Shrine and York Rite for the same amount of time as the Masonic Lodge, 49 years. Pete treasured his time as a Mason where he enjoyed training and mentoring new members.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Dee Spiars, sisters Billy Spiars and Ann Hoda, wife Patsy Spiars, son David Spiars, and grandson Jaymie Shipp. He is survived by daughters Cindy Spiars and Kim Eakin of Yazoo, granddaughters Kristen (Clint) Norris and Natalie (Adam) Oltremari all of Yazoo, and grandson Patrick Spiars of Oxford. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren whom he adored, Calcote Ford Norris and Perry Elyse Norris of Yazoo.

Pallbearers are Patrick Spiars, Clint Norris, Adam Oltremari, Ty Love, Pat Peeples, Herbert Moorehead and Broderick Latiker. Honorary pallbearers are William “Bubba” Anderson, Harvey Williams, Ford Norris, Richard Davis, Henry Williams, Quint Carver, Kinch Ledbetter, John Ledbetter and Dale Porter.

A special thanks goes to Pete’s caregiver Odessa Latiker, Mississippi Homecare of Yazoo Home Health, and Adoration Hospice and their Medical Director, Dr. Heath Scott.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home with burial to follow at Concord Baptist Church in Little Yazoo. Visitation begins at 9:30am; funeral services will begin at 11am. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

The family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in lieu of flowers.

Betty J. Scott

Betty J. Scott, 80, of Yazoo City, went to her eternal home on January 24, 2025. Betty was born on February 27, 1944, in Roanoke, Virginia to Everett & Ethel Martin. She was a member of Oil City Baptist Church in Yazoo, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sibling, Buddy Martin, and three of her children, Norman Jessie Scott, Jr. (Jake), Katherine Francis Scott (Kathy) and Stephen Lamar Scott (T-Bone). Survivors include her son Charles Scott (Leslie) of Yazoo City and grandchildren Stephen Runnels of Flowood, Cassidy Scott, Shelby Green (Weston) and Brady Scott of Yazoo City, and two great grandchildren Lyla Runnels and Bexleigh Runnels.

Services will be held on Tuesday January 28, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Yazoo City, with Rev. Tiki Broome officiating. The Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until funeral service. Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for the family.