Carol Anne Parks Droge

CHARLES JOSEPH "JOEY" WARD of Yazoo City, MS passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Joey was born December 16, 1967 in Yazoo City, MS to Charles and Gladys Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Roy and Gladys Jones Ward and a

granddaughter, Alyzah Amelia Jade Ward.

He was a member of Southside Baptist Church and loved to lead the choir. His love in life was

being a Paramedic and volunteer First Responder/Fire Fighter. Joey was a shining light in the

lives of all who had the privelege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was on marked by

love, compassion, and unwavering faith in god. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his

family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.

Joey is survived by one son, two daughters and one son-in law, Charles Scott Ward of Yazoo

City, MS, Kristen Meagan DeVaughn (Patrick) of Tupelo, MS, Brittany Nicole Ward of

Covington, GA; grandfather of Addison, Alliyah, Aubriana, Malachi, Micah, Khemani and

Raylen; and one sister Melanie Turner of Hernando, MS. He also leaves many other family

members and friends who will sadly miss him.

Visitation will begin at 1pm with the funeral service being held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16,

2025, at Southside Baptist Church in Yazoo City, with Pastor James Pettis officiating. Burial will

follow in the Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Yazoo City. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.

Condolences and flowers can be sent to the family at Stricklin-King Funeral Home. 718

Calhoun Avenue Yazoo City, MS 39194 The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help with

expenses if you would like to donate in lieu of flowers.

 Alvia Alton Jones, 82, passed away on March 1, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born on August 9, 1942, in Belzoni, Humphreys County, Mississippi, the fourth of ten children of Adrian Otis and Ruby Lee Roberts Jones.

During his youth, Alvia and his family lived throughout the South Delta, moving from Belzoni to Silver City, Louise, Sharkey County, Edwards, Pearl, Vicksburg, and back to some of these places again. A gifted craftsman, he could build anything with his hands and passed much of his knowledge down to his sons. He worked for many years on a construction crew for Mr. Ralph Minchew in Louise, Mississippi, before venturing into independent work.

Alvia was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elizabeth Ann "Tina" Mitchell Jones Sizemore; his second wife, Barbara E. Albright Jones; and seven siblings: Gracie Jones Courtney (James M. Sr.), Adrian Otis Jones Jr., Martha Louise Jones McCoy (Billy), Carolyn Loven Jones Terry Collins Haskins (Charles Terry) (Max Haskins), and twins, Linda Sue Jones; as well as his stepdaughter, Linda.

He is survived by his sons: Jamie Darrell Jones (Mary Lou), David Wayne Jones (Stacy), Kenneth Ray Jones, and James Sizemore (Rachelle); stepchildren: Daniel and Dianne; sister: Patricia Ann Jones McClain; brother: Clinton Milton Jones; and grandchildren: Hayley, Dominic, Joshua, Jacob, Treyton, Skyler, Tristan, and Cooper.

Alvia loved his family deeply and had a strong faith in God. His life was guided by the words of Matthew 22:39: "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."

Serving as pallbearers will be Alvia’s grandsons, along with Alan Courtney and Bo Green.

Visitation for Mr. Jones will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am with the funeral beginning at 11:00 am in the Strickland King Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Green Crest Cemetery, Highway 12 W, in Belzoni, MS. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.

 David Bree Cummings, 87, entered into eternal rest in the early hours of February 14, 2025, with his first granddaughter by his side. Born to George and Lurline Cummings on September 20, 1937, he was their sixth of seven children. 

Growing up in the small community of Eden, David graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1955. As Class President, he coordinated and planned many class reunions over the years and stayed in close touch with his classmates.

After working for Mississippi Chemical Corporation, David ventured out into the farming industry including manager of Baird Enterprises (hog farm), building and operating his own hog farm as well as farming cotton and soybeans. During his years as a hog farmer, David was highly active as a member of the Mississippi Pork Producers Association as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the National Pork Producers Association. He also served on the boards of Mississippi Farm Bureau and the National Farm Bureau Association.

David shared four children with Shirley DuBois Cummings. After building a house on Wolf Lake for his growing family in 1959, he and Shirley raised Melaine, Merril, Mark and Maurice in the Good Hope community near DuBois Turtle Farm.

Known for his playful spirit, David would often burst into song or recitation of poems he memorized in high school. He had a special affection for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they fondly remember him as their first driving teacher, teaching them silly songs, helping raise hogs for 4-H, spending time on the lake and other cherished moments. He will be deeply missed by all.

He is survived by three children, Melaine Haunert (Tim), Mark (Sabrina) Cummings, Maurice Cummings and daughter-in-law Evie Cummings; “Grand David” was proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Sean Pigg, K’dee Pigg, David Cummings II, Brent Cummings, Chandler Seaton, Mitchell Boresky, Natalee Williams, Daniel Haunert and Gabrielle  McTopy. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; sister, Jane Avis Parker of Yazoo City.

David is preceded in death by his son, (David) Merril Cummings; his parents, George W. Sr. and Lurline Ivers Cummings; his brothers George W. Cummings Jr., Harvey “Buddy” Cummings, Cecil “Bill” Cummings; sisters Betty Manor and Joyce Russell.

Family and close friends will gather on Saturday, March 1st for a graveside service and a celebration of life of their beloved father, grandfather, and friend. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.

David’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Mariah House (Martha Coker Green House Home) for their loving care of their father during his twilight years.

 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.

 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

  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.

 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.

  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.

 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. 

  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.