Brenda McClure Saxton

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Billy Joe Franklin, Sr., 84, passed away on February 26, 2026, at his residence in Bentonia, Mississippi. He was born on July 7, 1941, in Mississippi to the late Willie Ivan Franklin and Candence Bell (Cannie) Franklin. 

Mr. Franklin was of the Baptist faith and a member of ED 12. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family.

He is survived by his sons, Bobby Franklin of Bentonia, Mississippi; Larry Franklin of Sallis, Mississippi; Dywayne Franklin of Waco, Texas; Billy Joe Franklin, Jr. of Belzoni, Mississippi; Mark Franklin of Detroit, Michigan; and Bryan Franklin of Chickashaw, Oklahoma; his daughter, Amy Franklin of Delhi, Louisiana; and sister, Mabel Franklin of Washington State; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his loving caregiver, Joyce Blackledge. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Mae Franklin.

Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home on Monday, March 2, 2026, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Reverend Jeff Davis will officiate. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

Edward Bruce ‘Mike’ Nelson, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home in the Midway community after a brief illness. Affectionately known as ‘Mr. Mike’, his passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him and his legacy of hard work, perseverance, humor, and love will live on for generations.

Mike was born August 1, 1934, to John Peter and Helen Slaymaker Nelson in Cordova, Illinois. Mike was a member of the Midway Methodist Church. His family moved to Macon, Mississippi in 1943 where he worked on the family farm and after graduation from high school, where he was on the football and track teams, joined the U. S. Army. He was stationed in Germany with the 7th Army’s 34th Signal Corps and was very proud of his service. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he went home to Macon where he worked on a cattle farm in Prairie Point community. He married Harriet Ann Prisock in 1957 and began his family. Mike moved his family to the Midway community in Yazoo County in 1968 where he managed the cattle operation at the Swayze Homeplace Plantation until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, he enjoyed family, traveling, his birds, and yardwork.

Mike is survived by his sister, Mary Stribling of Union, Mississippi; his daughter, Wanda Stricklin of Yazoo City, Mississippi; his three sons, Stan Nelson (Janet) of Crossville, Tennessee; David Nelson (Hope) of Yazoo City, Mississippi; Edward (Eddie) Nelson (Dayna) of Benton, Mississippi; and very special companion, Marie Prisock of Brandon, Mississippi. He took great pride in his grandchildren and proudly displayed their pictures throughout his home. His grandchildren include Bruce Nelson (Kim), Brandon Nelson, Stephanie Weaver (Michael), Susan Nelson, Elaine Walden, Troy Gosnell (Nicolette), Justin Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Kellyn Nelson, Olivia Stricklin, Edward Allen Nelson, James Nelson (Bridgett), Katie Sullivan (Jack), and Krystal Eldridge (Billy). The next generations include 24 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild with 2 more (twins) on the way.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Harriet Ann Prisock Nelson; his parents; two sisters, Anna May Edwards and Martha White; three brothers, Henry Nelson, Bill Nelson, George Nelson; and two grandchildren, Brandon Nelson and Edward Allen Nelson.

Services for Mike will take place at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City on Thursday, February 12, 2026 with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 followed by service at 11:00 and internment at Midway Methodist Church all under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions to Mike’s memory be made to;

Midway Methodist Church

P. O. Box 92

6325 Hwy 433 North

Benton, MS 39039

  Wanda Kaye Adams Hilderbrand passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, with her family by her side. She is in the arms of Jesus surrounded by the ones she missed and loved for so long. 

Wanda was born on December 1, 1959, to William “Bill” Adams and Ada Neoma Davis Adams. She graduated from Benton Academy in 1977 where she was named sophisticated senior. She was also a part of the beta club and the high school chorus. She was a devoted member of Scotland Baptist Church where she served in several roles. She was also a homemaker. 

In 1993, she married C.D. Hilderbrand, Jr. They were married until his passing in 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents. 

She is survived by her daughters Dana (Trey) Pierce of Belzoni, MS and Amber (Mark) Aylesworth of Bentonia, MS; one son, Steven (Jess) Carter of Jackson, MS; grandchildren, Kalyn (Gage) Jones, John Anthony Johnson, Aubrey (Anna Lauren) Pierce, and Ada Klare Pierce; great-grandchild, Parker Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Sandra (David) Carpenter of Benton, MS and Dennis Adams of Canton, MS. 

The visitation for Wanda will be held at Scotland Baptist Church in Bentonia, MS on February 5, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside in the Scotland Cemetery all which are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home. Bro. Earl Reyer and Bro. Glenn Allen will officiate. 

Pallbearers are Mark Aylesworth, John Anthony Johnson, Trey Pierce, Aubrey Pierce, David Carpenter, Brian Carpenter, and Drake Carpenter. 

The family would like to thank everyone for the texts, calls, and prayers as well as the staff of Accent Care Hospice. 

Instead of flowers, friends may make donations to Scotland Baptist Church.