Carol Carter McMaster
With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Carol Carter McMaster announces her peaceful passing on May 8, 2025, at the age of 86.
Carol’s greatest joy came from being with her family. Whether hosting gatherings, attending milestones, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, she found deep happiness in the connections she nurtured. Her adventurous spirit also led her to travel the world later in life, exploring new places and cultures with curiosity and enthusiasm.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Connie Lee McMaster, and her dear son, Ronald Clark McMaster.
Carol is survived by her loving daughter, Amy Heinecke (Greg); daughter-in-law, Kim McMaster; grandchildren, Ron (Laura) McMaster, Emily (Chris) Poole, Anna (Will) Scarborough, Caroline Heinecke, Hayes Heinecke and 9 great-grandchildren.
A service to honor her life and memory will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11 am at Fletcher’s Chapel Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi, with burial to immediately follow in the church cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Chris Poole, Will Scarborough, Hayes Heinecke, Will McMaster, Jack Poole and Sam Poole. Reverend Bill Poole will be officiating.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Virginia Smith
Virginia Smith, 85, of Bentonia, passed away on May 5, 2025 at the University Medical Center.
Survivors include her three sons, David (Dana) Peden of Bentonia, Joseph Warren of Minter City and Timothy Peden of Bentonia; brother, Miles Peden of Flora; sister, Betty Howell of Flora; nine grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on May 10 at Franklin Baptist Church at noon under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Joyce C. Williams
Joyce Williams, 85, of Yazoo City, passed away on April 15, 2025 at her residence. Joyce was born in Star City, AR on August 8, 1939. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Luther Frank Cooper and Mary Emma Burton.
Survivors include her daughter, Kim (Michael) Woods of Yazoo City; five grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle the funeral arrangements for this family.
William (Bill) Harold Ertle, Jr.
William (Bill) Harold Ertle, Jr., 62, of Yazoo County, passed away on May 3, 2025. Known for his hard work, big heart, and love of the outdoors, Bill leaves behind a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted family values.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kristi Jenkins (Mitchell) of Yazoo, MS, and Regina Young (Casey) of Raymond, MS; two sisters, Heather Terry (Marty) of Kosciusko, MS, and Erika Ertle of Richland, MS; and two beloved grandchildren, Kaylee Ertle and Brendon Jenkins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Charlotte Ertle; his brother, Brett Ertle; and his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ertle.
A hardworking man, Bill worked for Yazoo County Road Maintenance. He was also a master carpenter, specializing in cabinetry, where his skilled hands and eye for detail brought beauty into the homes of many. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply spending time outdoors, Bill found peace in nature and was rarely still for long.
Known for his warm personality and sense of humor, Bill never met a stranger. He left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered and will be remembered for his easygoing spirit.
A visitation will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a service to follow. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Bhanu Vanmali
Bhanu Vanmali, 54, of Yazoo City, passed away on April 24, 2025 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Survivors include his wife, Bela Vanmali of Yazoo City; daughter, Meera Vanmali of Yazoo City; son, Veer Vanmali of Yazoo City; and brother, Allraj Vanmali of Vicksburg.
Funeral services will be held on April 28 at 10 a.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home. Stricklin KIng handled all arrangements for the family.
Jerry Luther Creel
Jerry Luther Creel, 67, passed away on April 19, 2025 Baptist Hospital in Jackson. Jerry, who lived in Clinton, was born on Aug. 9, 1957 in Texarkana, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carlton and Sybil Creel; and brother, Jack.
Survivors include his four brothers, Jimmy (Bobbie) Creel, Carey (Paula) Creel, Randy (Gwen) Creel and Robin (Tina) Creel; longtime friend and employer, Dave Riley; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Jackson. He enjoyed playing softball, basketball and pool.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 24, at Scotland Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with Dr. Earl Reyer officiating with an eulogy provided by Jamie Creel. Visitation will be held from noon until the service. Arrangements are being handled by Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Chris Creel, Cooper Creel, Chandler Creel, Canon Creel, Hayes Creel, Dave Morgan, Cruz Morgan and Isaac Morgan.
Jerry Layton Pierce
Our beloved Jerry Layton Pierce passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at the age of 75.
He is survived by his son, Chris (Clair) Pierce; mother, Faye Pierce; grandsons, Layton Pierce, Brett Pierce and Vaden Pierce, all of Benton; sister, Beverly (Monte) Luehlfing of Jackson; brother, Keith Pierce; sisters-in-law, Nanci (Pierce) Boatner of Vaughan, Annette Batson and Barbara Pierce, both of Benton; brother-in-law, Ralph Faulkenberry of Tulsa, OK; and several nieces and nephews.
He was born in Yazoo City on June 7, 1949. His childhood in Benton instilled a lifelong passion for farming, the family’s country store, hunting, antiques, and later running the Big Store in Ebenezer.
He was preceded in death by his wife ,Donna F. Pierce of 50 years; and father, Clarence Layton Pierce.
Pallbearers will be Chris Pierce, Layton Pierce, Brett Pierce, Vaden Pierce, Ralph Faulkenberry and Grady Ables.
Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Pierce, Pierce Boatner, Monte Luehlfing, Blake Luehlfing, Chad Feiber, Eli Feiber, Brandon Batson, Bill Harris, Bryan Ross, Paul Campbell, Berry May, and Anthony Brown.
The visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home on Thursday April 24, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by graveside service officiated by Reverend Mitchell Long at Shiloh Cemetery. All friends and family are welcome. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
May W. Gary
May W. Gary, 90, of Brandon, passed away on April 5, 2025.
Survivors include daughter, Patsy Jo Gary of Florence; son, Ben (Glenda) Gary of Yazoo City; one grandchild; and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Fletcher's Chapel Cemetery in Yazoo County. Stricklin King has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Leroy Vester Counts
Leroy Vester Counts, age 85 of Benton, MS passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 in Florence, MS. He was born September 24, 1939 to the late Shell and Eula Counts.
Leroy spent his life providing for his family and creating laughter wherever he went. As a truck driver for nearly 40 years, he experienced life through the driver’s seat, taking a Moonpie and an RC Cola everywhere he went. He saw the wonders of the West which further instilled in him a deep love for his country.
In retirement, Leroy loved fishing, garaging, and watching Ole Miss Football. He spent his weekends waking early to beat everyone to the sales, arriving back at the house in time for the Ole Miss game, and then loading up the morning haul to sell at the local auction. Even with this strict schedule, Leroy always made time for his grandchildren. He would let them tag along to the sales and teach them the art the deal firsthand. No matter what he was doing, he had a smile on his face and brought laughter to those around him.
Leroy is preceded in death by his first wife Sylvia Yvonne Counts, his second wife Barbara Jean Counts, two of his sons Mike and Jeff, two of his brothers Donald and Shelby, and two of his sisters Doris and Opal.
He is survived by his daughters, Penny (Marty) Turbeville and Michelle (Brent) Lackey; his sons, Gerald (Sonya) Counts and Neal (Tina) Stringfellow; his brother David; his sister Bibb; thirteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 15 at Stricklin King Funeral Home (718 Calhoun Ave) in Yazoo City, MS. The memorial service will be held 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M at Midway Baptist Church (10967 Eden Midway Rd) in Benton with burial thereafter in the church cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.