Joy Koonce Boyd
Joy Koonce Boyd of Holly Bluff, Mississippi, passed away on April 10, 2026.
A graveside service will be held at 559 Boyd Road in Holly Bluff on April 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Joy was born on January 18, 1937, in Dumas, Texas, to Russell Walter and Mary Frances Koonce. She graduated from Dumas High School and the University of Southern Mississippi, where she met her husband, James Burdette Boyd.
Joy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Juanice Koonce Settle. She is survived by her daughters, Paige Boyd Adcock (Clay); Alison Boyd Cripe; and Laura Boyd Auer (Charles); grandchildren Claiborne Adcock; Parker Adcock (Whitney); Warner Adcock (Grace); Mary Russellan Macdonald (Ian); Chase Auer; John Clark Auer (Megan); Presley Auer Gates (Will); Grant Auer; her sister Patsy Koonce Tynes (Ronnie); and seven great-grandchildren.
Joy’s (Mimi’s) grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Dementia Society of America or the charity of your own choosing.
James Rachel Riley
James Rachel Riley, age 84, of Yazoo City, Mississippi, passed away on April 14, 2026, at Martha Coker Green Houses in Yazoo City.
He was born on May 12, 1941, in Sharkey County, Mississippi, to the late Osid Rachel Riley and Laina Lowery Riley.
James was a resident of the Yazoo County area and a member of the Baptist faith. He dedicated many years of service to the National Forest Service, where he built a respected career through his hard work and commitment.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Riley of Yazoo City, Mississippi; two daughters, Stacy Adams of Yazoo City and Beverly Riley of Holly Bluff, Mississippi; one brother, David Neal Riley of Madison, Mississippi; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Layman John Deal officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Bobby Parker
Bobby Parker, 91, of Yazoo City, passed away on April 10, 2026 at his residence.
Funeral services will be held on April 16 at 2 p.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Henderson and Rev. Luke Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon until the service.
Mr. Parker was an Army veteran, a home builder and a member of Eden Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ledger and Lillian Parker; siblings, Jessie Link, Robert Sexton, Dorothy Upton, Donnie Parker and Tommy Parker; and granddaughter, Stacey.
Survivors include his wife, Laverne Parker of Yazoo City; son, Bobby Parker Jr. of Leola, Ark.; two daughters, Pamela Parker of Bolton and Cindy Jones of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers, Ledger Parker and Paul Parker, both of Yazoo City; two sisters, Betty Wilkerson of Brooks, Ga. and Peggy Saxton of Yazoo City; nine grandchildren, Andrea, Justin, Matthew, Haley, Ashley, Lauren, Whitney, Patrick and Rick; and 20 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Chris Becker, Tommy Burns, David Malone, Steve Ray, John Vancleave and Charles Warmack.
Dennis Hunley Gooch
Dennis Hunley Gooch
December 16,1951 - April 8,2026
Dennis Hunley Gooch was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on December 16, 1951.
He was the son of Eugene Gooch, Jr. and Helon Young Gooch of Yazoo City, Mississippi. He died on April 8, 2026, at his home in Germantown, TN at the age of 74.
Hunley was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Helen Gooch and his brother Gene Gooch.
He is survived by Phyllis R. Gooch, his devoted wife of 54 years, sister Rose Johnson, brother Steve Gooch, two sons Heath Gooch (Claire Flurry) and Phillip Gooch (Melissa). Six grandchildren: Spencer, Molly Reeves, Ellie, Reeves, Bryson, Baker and a host of nieces and nephews.
Hunley passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by hard work, music, love for his family and a deep appreciation for the Delta blues, especially BB KING. When introduced to Hunley, you were never a stranger. The gift of kindness, selflessness, and conversations with deep intelligence was an effect he had on everyone he met.
Hunley dedicated much of his life to the lumber business carrying on the family tradition his grandfather and great uncle started, Gooch Brothers Lumber Company. Through this experience, which he shared with one of his best friends and cousin, Johnny Gooch, he developed a very strong work ethic and passion to excel in all areas of life. Moving forward he earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Beyond his work, he had a lifelong passion for his family, especially when he started having grandchildren. They would put a smile on his face and sparkle in his eyes, even on his down days. All they had to do was walk in the room and he was so proud.
Hunley’s passion for music began at a very young age, learning to play everything from the organ to the electric guitar at his parent’s home. His true love and development of this extraordinary gift started in his teens, when he and his friends formed a garage band in 1966 called “THE WEEDS”. They would practice in an old shed behind his
parents house.Throughout his life you would often hear him playing one of his many guitars. Hunley often spent time restoring old blues guitars and tube amplifiers.
A friend once said he was the best closet blues guitarist around, even though he would not ever want to play for a crowd. He also loved guitars; not only their sound but the craftsmanship that went into them. He enjoyed listening to his favorite artists or playing and sharing songs with his friends, especially the blues. Music and family were his way of life.
Though he is no longer with us, the impact of his life will continue to be felt in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City at 11:00 am on April 17, 2026, followed by a memorial mass at 12 noon. Stricklin King Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.
Brenda McClure Saxton
Brenda McClure Saxton
Dec 6, 1958 – April 9, 2026
Brenda McClure Saxton, born December 6, 1958, in Borger, Texas, was called to her eternal home with our Lord on April 9, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Brenda was a loving wife, Nana, sister, and friend to those closest to her heart. She loved the outdoors, and some of her most cherished memories were spent on the golf course and fishing. She found great joy in feeding and watching her hummingbirds.
She shared a life of love with her husband, Robie Saxton. She also leaves behind her sons, Daniel (Mandy) Malone and Michael Smith; and stepchildren, Brian (Reshawn) Saxton, Joey Saxton, and Lessie (Lance) Evans. She will be deeply missed by her sisters, Linda (Kelly) Fancher, Frances (Thad) Hood, and Sherri Greenwood.
She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, who brought her endless joy: Maley and Cambre Malone; Michael “Allen” Smith, Jr., Raylan Smith, and Andrew James Lowery; Macy (Adam) Keith, Marla (Jonathon) Demita, and Wil Saxton; and A.J. and Ty Saxton. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Saxton and Mary Lyle Keith; and Lena Lucas and Dean Demita.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Emma Jean and Raymond Tolar. An outdoor Celebration of Life will be Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 4036 Davis Road, Benton, MS. Dress is casual. Bring a lawn chair and your favorite dish. We will have a potluck for anyone who would like to stay.
All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
William “Sonny” Jennings
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a beloved grandfather, father, and friend—a man whose life was marked by strength, faith, and a deep love for his family.
William “Sonny” Jennings was preceded in death by his mother Louise Rosemond and father William Jennings Sr., his sister Wanda Kaye Jennings, and his cherished great-grandsons, William Grayson Rogers and Noah Rogers.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his wife Judy Jennings; children: his oldest daughter Laura Campbell (Wayne Campbell); his sons Walter Jennings (Cynthia Jennings), Tony Jennings, and Scott Jennings; and his youngest daughter Marcie Green (Shane Green). He was a proud grandfather to Dezare Fielder (Austin Fielder), Auston Jennings, Collin Campbell, and Destiny Rogers (Seth Rogers) and a devoted great-grandfather to Colton Fielder, Cora Campbell, Morgan Fielder, Jace Rogers, and Ali Kate Jennings.
He was loved by many and respected by all who knew him. A strong and steady presence, he lived a life rooted in faith and simple joys. He found great happiness in playing his guitar and singing in churches, sharing both his talent and his love for the Lord with others. He also found peace in tending to his garden, nurturing life with the same care and dedication he gave to his family.
Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the songs he sang, the seeds he planted, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will be April 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Ogden Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS. Burial will be in the Ogden Cemetery. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Jamie Earl Isonhood
Jamie Earl Isonhood, 82, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.
Born on July 4, 1943, in Benton, Mississippi, Jamie was the beloved son of the late Jamie Doris Isonhood and Earl Isonhood. He spent much of his life in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and music.
Jamie was a devoted member of Castle Chapel Methodist Church, where his love of music and fellowship shined brightly. A gifted piano player, he had a remarkable talent that brought joy to many. Throughout his life, he traveled across the country singing and playing, sharing his passion for music with audiences far and wide.
He was a man who deeply loved his family and friends, always cherishing the time spent with those closest to him. His warm spirit, musical gifts, and kind heart will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Angela Kaye; his children, James Ray of Benton, Brian of Madison, Jamie Doris Hutchinson (Billy) of Madison, Samuel Austin of Yazoo, and Savannah Nicole of Leland; along with many grandchildren and dear extended family and friends.
Jamie’s legacy of music, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Serving as pallbearers are Ray Isonhood, Brian Isonhood, Austin Isonhood, Billy Hutchinson, Colby Davis, and Baine Davis.
Funeral services will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS Thursday, April 9th. Visitation will be 11:30AM to 1:00PM, with services following at 1:00PM. Burial will be at Midway Missionary Baptist Church in Midway, MS. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Bobbie Strickland Sligh
Bobbie Sligh, 90, of Tupelo passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be held at Midway Methodist Church Cemetery immediately following the service.
Bobbie was born in Yazoo County on July 26, 1935, to the late William Chappel and Mercy Luby Strickland. The close-knit family of nine owned and operated the general store at Pearce Crossroad. Bobbie moved to Tupelo in 2014 and was a member of St. Mark Methodist Church. She was a devoted follower of Christ whose legacy of compassion, love, and spiritual strength left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She found immense joy in studying scripture and walking alongside others in their faith journeys. Her hands were rarely still, often engaging in gardening, sewing, and cooking to bless her family and friends.
She is survived by her sister, Dona Adams; children, John (Carol) Alderman, Lee (Pam) Alderman, Nancy (Barry) Bray, and Raye (Ray) Hodges; grandchildren, Anna Alderman, Ryan (Kelsey) Alderman, Megan (Bill) Ruiter, Mallory Alderman, Jessi (Dan) Perry, Travers (Alix Gershurn) Bray, Landon (Mallory) Hodges, Justin (Sally) Hodges, Channing (Michelle) Hodges, Read Shoemaker, and Kelsey (David) Parker; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John Alderman, with whom she shared 30 years and reared three children; and later, James Ray Sligh, with whom she shared 27 years of love and companionship until his passing in 2012. They enjoyed numerous trips to the mountains and many visits with children and grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by siblings Annie Strickland Sligh, Jo Strickland Miller, W.C. Strickland, Louis Strickland, and Sam Strickland.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mark Methodist Church, 175 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804. Please write “in memory of” so gifts are properly attributed.
Jared Slater Stuart
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jared Slater Stuart, a man of humor, perseverance, and learning. Jared aaawas born on January 27, 1987, and transitioned out of this life on March 26, 2026.
Jared had a love for all living things and his vast knowledge of and compassion for animals was incredible. He was an avid gamer and leaves behind a community of friends.
He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Jared was preceded in death by his uncles, Marty Pender and Ed (Buddy ) Stuart, grandparents, Mary Loving Pender and Ennis Pender, Vada Fulcher Stuart and Ed Stuart, and cousin, Spence Gooch.
Jared is survived by his mother, Sammie Gallagher (Joe), father, Gil Stuart (Leigh Ann), half brother, Bradley Stuart, grandmother, Mildred Gallagher (Pat), aunts, Sallie Pender, Judy Stuart, Cindy Blevins (Rick) and Sharon Buckley, cousins, Daniel Pender and Kathryn Ledbetter (Will), along with many other family, friends and cats.
Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for this family.
Weda Bonita (Bonnie) O’Neal Carson
February 2, 1954 – March 11, 2026
Bonnie was born at home in Holly Bluff, Mississippi to Robert (Jack) Lee O’Neal, Sr. and Doris Rae Henson O’Neal on February 2, 1954. She was the youngest of four children.
Bonnie had a passion for helping others, which led her to a decades-long career in nursing. She will be remembered for her smile, laughter and compassion for others.
She went peacefully to her heavenly home at 2:54 am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with her two sons, Jason Carson and Adam Carson, and two sisters Cylvia Copeland and Ellan Everett by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Robert (Bobby) Lee O’Neal, Jr.
She is survived by her two sons, Jason Carson and Adam Carson, both of Yazoo City, MS; her sisters Cylvia Copeland of Florence, MS; Ellan Everett of Brandon, MS; Teri Green of Yazoo City, MS; brothers David O’Neal of Brandon, MS; Jerry O’Neal of Byram, MS and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service in celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 am till 12:00 pm with a short service following the visitation.
The memorial service will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home at 718 Calhoun Avenue, Yazoo City, MS. Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for this family.
Norman Anderson Powell
Norman Anderson Powell, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, at his residence in Bentonia, Mississippi. He was born on January 11, 1939, in Yazoo County, Mississippi.
He is survived by his spouse, Genevia Powell. He also leaves behind his children: Cathy and Bobby Stokes of Vicksburg, MS, Cindy and Freddie Wiltcher of Mozelle, MS, Kimberly and Jo Powell of Bentonia, MS, Caren and Wes Peters of Madison, MS, Allen and Trennie Powell of Hernando, MS, as well as stepsons Bill Quimby and Tom Quimby both of Bentonia, MS. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Gordon of Huntsville, AL.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Anderson Powell and Margie Belle Arender Powell and his brother, Travis Powell.
Visitation will be held at Ogden Baptist Church on April 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the service. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Ogden Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Christopher Hudson. Burial will follow at Ogden Cemetery in Yazoo County.
Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for this family.
Samuel Reed Sigrest
Samuel Reed Sigrest died peacefully surrounded by family on March 28, 2026. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sarastelle and Dr. Marion Sigrest. He is survived by his Wife-Jan Sigrest (Dan & Khara Horn, Ana & Daniel Kemp, Andy Horn & Tara Cox) & children. Sisters-Cynthia & William McGraw (Cydney & David Fleming & Tyler McGraw) & children. Elizabeth & Hank Remington (Eric & Emily Remington, Patrick & Jennifer Remington, Jeffery & Kimberly Remington) & children (Catherine & Chaston Hart). Marian & Dr. Julian Hill (Bryant Hill & Sara Alice & Chris Flynn) & children.
Sam grew up in Yazoo City, MS where he attended First Presbyterian Church with his family. He went to Yazoo City Schools and graduated in 1973 from Manchester Academy. He went to work for Michael Baker, Jr., where he surveyed on the Yazoo River, Mississippi River & Appalachia River from Greenville down into the Mississippi Sound. Sam loved the waterways. Wolfe Lake was one of his favorite spots. He loved skiing & did it well. In 1979 he moved to Houston, TX to continue his career as a Senior Surveyor on offshore oil rigs. This career took him all over the Gulf of Mexico, the California Coast, Bay of Campeche, Trinidad, Tobago, and Venezuela, to name a few. He served as a Landman in Ruston, Louisiana until his retirement in 2015. He moved back home to his family‘s farm in Benton. In retirement, Sam and his wife Jan started the Yazoo City Blues Society and traveled to festivals and concerts supporting and preserving the history of the Yazoo County & Mississippi Blues.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Dorothy "Dot" White
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy "Dot" White. Dot was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a longtime member of Concord Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, a cherished mother, a caring grandmother and a beloved aunt. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday March 29th, 2026, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Ms. surrounded by the love of her family.
Dot was born on April 12th, 1952, to James and Georgia McDaniel. She leaves behind her husband Bobby White, her son Chaz and his wife Amy White, her grandchildren Gabrielle White, Isabella White, Hope Poarch and Luke Woods all of Bentonia, Ms. and her brother Charles McDaniel of Sharon, Ms. She also leaves behind a numerous number of nieces and nephews who will cherish their thoughts and memories of her. She was known as being one of the kindest, sweetest, wonderful, and most precious ladies by family and friends.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents James and Georgia McDaniel, her brothers Carl McDaniel, JT McDaniel, Lewis McDaniel, Burt McDaniel Sr., Diddo McDaniel Sr. two sisters Lola " Dinky" Hoffman and Marcy McDaniel and one niece Anne Hoffman.
Visitation and services will be held on Tuesday March 31st, 2026, at Concord Baptist Church in Little Yazoo, Ms. from 9:30 am to 11:00 am with burial to follow in the church's cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Dot will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. We can find peace and comfort during this time knowing that she is now soaring with the angels.
Kenneth Carl Childress
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kenneth Carl Childress, known to most as "KC" or Kenny, on March 26, 2026.
Kenny retired from Nucor Steel after 28 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sawmilling, and spending time outdoors with family, friends, and his beloved pets who never left his side.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Winstead Childress; son, Bryan Childress; daughter, Christy Childress; three grandchildren, Kaitlin, Preston, and Cheyenne; one great-granddaughter, Zalen Carl Childress; and sister, Lisa Paul (Bob).
Kenny will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Kenny will be on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Stricklin King Funeral Home. All arrangements are being handled by Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Eula Campbell Saxton
Eula Campbell Saxton passed away at her home on March 9, 2026.
Mom was born May 5, 1934, to Clem and Fannie Mae Campbell of Yazoo County.
She was preceded in death by her husband, (George) who was the love of her life for 64 years; her parents; her brothers, J.W Campbell Thomas Campbell and William Hugh Campbell; and sisters, Edith Todd and Jean Perry.
She is survived by her sons, Steve and Jamie (Teressa); daughter, Kelly; two grandchildren, Lauren Burdine (Durand) and Sara Saxton; two great grandchildren, Michael and Maebry Burdine; sister, Betty Stovall; brother, Paul Campbell; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Mom worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Midway Gin and Swayze Home Place Farms for over 40 years. Mom loved all her friends and family, and her door was always open. She loved working in her yard, fishing with dad, and many trips with Jean and Betty.
Special thank you to all her sitters, especially Shirley Whitehead, Bobbie Ann Moorhead, Sally Washington, and Marilyn Robinson. Also, thanks for all the calls and texts, and thanks to the members of Midway Church.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. at Midway Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Charles Clayton Davis
Charles Clayton Davis passed away on March 7, 2026. He was born in Yazoo City, MS to Warren and Earnestine Davis on July 6,1948. He was one of nine children.
He worked for 43 years at NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Services). He is survived by his wife of 15 years Marian Davis and son Rodney Clayton Davis (LeLouise), his two grandchildren, Addie Fox Davis and Tara Leigh Davis, three stepchildren, Chris Coleman (Erin), Meredith Manship (Jake), and Katherine Coleman, and 6 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Terry Davis and sisters, Ann Davis and Marilyn Williams.
He is preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Patricia Ruth Davis, parents Warren and Earnestine Davis, brothers Warren Davis, Jr, Billy Davis, Wayne Davis, Johnny Davis, and Lewis Davis.
Graveside services will be held at Scotland Baptist Church on March 14, 2026, at 10:00 am. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Deborah Sue Ward Crocker
Our Lord and Savior welcomed Deborah Sue Ward Crocker, 67, into Heaven on March 6, 2026. She was born on November 14, 1958 in Yazoo City, MS.
She is survived by her children, Joseph Crocker and Mallory Crocker Deaver/Mason Deaver, her two grandchildren, Brooklyn Deaver and Bradley Deaver, and loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael Crocker, her parents, Louis and Iris Ward, her brother, Roger Ward, and many relatives that went home before her.
Our beautiful mother was not only the absolute best mom and grandmother, but she was also our best friend and an incredible inspiration and role model of faith and courage to us all. She lived her life as a service for others and made sure we all knew how supported and unconditionally loved we were through everything in our lives.
She reminds us all of Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Mom/Mamaw will be missed beyond words—until we meet again.
Services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am Stricklin-King Funeral Home, 718 Calhoun Avenue, Yazoo City, MS 39194. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.