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.
Clayton Douglas Davis, Sr
Clayton Douglas Davis, Sr., 86, passed away on March 30, 2025, at his residence in Yazoo City, MS. He was born on May 25, 1938, in Midway, MS, to the late James Grady Davis and Katie Waller Davis.
Clayton was a member of Midway Baptist Church and dedicated many years of service as a loan officer at Bank of Yazoo City.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Buxton Davis, and his parents.
Clayton is survived by his son, Doug Davis (Babs) of Bentonia, MS, and his daughter, Angie Isonhood (Jamie) of Yazoo City, MS. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Colby Davis (Amber) of Bentonia, MS; Bain Davis of Flowood, MS; Austin Isonhood of Yazoo City, MS; Savannah Isonhood of Leland, MS; and Jamie Doris Hutchinson and Kealie Hutchinson of Madison, MS, along with five great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Gail Hamilton (Kenneth) of Leakesville, MS, and Dorothy Malone of Waco, TX.
Visitation will be held on April 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Stricklin King Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Midway Baptist Cemetery, with Reverend Tommy Pittman officiating. All will be under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Colby Davis, Austin Isonhood, Anthony Domino, Vince Davis, Bain Davis, Greg Domino, Steve Davis, and David Malone.
Recil L. Sligh
Recil L. Sligh, 87, of Bentonia, passed away on March 20, 2025 at Baptist Medical Center Yazoo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Sligh; and son, Tim Sligh.
Survivors include his daughter, Coy Sligh Burton of Bentonia; his son, Arthur "Freddie" Sligh of Biloxi; daughter-in-law, Jennie Martin Sligh of Covington, LA.; and two granddaughters, Rebecca McCallister of Covington, LA. and Anna Lauren Frazier of Destin, FL.
Graveside services will be held on March 26 at 11 a.m. at Scotland Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Lillian "Maxine" Stevens
Lillian "Maxine" Stevens, 100, passed away on March 20, 2025 at her residence.
Survivors include her son, John (Denise) Stevens of Vicksburg; son-in-law, Verbon Ryals of Benton; three grandsons, Verbon Ryals Jr. of Benton, John (Tesha) Stevens Jr. of Huntsville, Ala., and Marshall (Connie) Stevens of Bentonia; two granddaughters, Sharon (Mitch) Myers of Benton, and Jennifer (Spencer) Kight of Dauphin Island, Ala.; 13 great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on March 22 at 3 p.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steven Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral service under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Verbon Ryals Jr., Dustin Porter, Anthony Ward, Jacob Porter, John Avery Fowler and Spencer Kight.
William "Page" Smith
It is with deep sorry that we announce the passing of William "Page" Smith, 60, on March 21, 2025.
He passed away at the top of a mountain in NC surrounded by good friends doing what he loved doing, second only to being with his family and friends.
Page was born on January 27, 1965 to Sammy Otis Smith and Rose Mary Cain Smith Mitchell.
He was beloved by all both professionally and personally and dedicated and loyal to his family and friends. Always there to lend a helping hand or an ear to listen and never failed to greet everyone with a smile.
His immediate family will be forever lost without him. Please keep your prayers going for his wonderful son, Grayson Levi Campbell Smith, and angel of a daughter, Samantha Jeanne Marie Smith; loving wife, Julia Butler Smith; and loving devoted mother, Rose Mary Cain Smith Mitchell; and very supportive mother-in-law, Donna J Campbell and father-in-law, Quinton G Butler.
Funeral will be conducted at Stricklin-King Funeral Home on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Service in chapel will be held at 2 p.m. with graveside immediately following at Glenwood Cemetery, and Stricklin King has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Clark Liddon, Mike Saxton, Cody Saxton, Bubba Shepherd, Mike Coleman, Dylan Coleman, Chris Kelly and Kerry Newell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bubba Hinkle, Henry Williams, Michael McGraw, James Bright, David Benson, Joe Hardin, Ricky Hicks and David Hicks.
Officiating will beTad Duggan. Please see Facebook for updates.
Larine Herrin Lunceford
Larine Herrin Lunceford, 87, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025. Born on June 11, 1937, in Bentonia, Mississippi, she was the beloved daughter of the late Maurine Taylor Herrin and Lamar Clarence Herrin. Larine was preceded in death by her sisters, Naomi Rowbury and Nancy Starnes, and her son, Luke Lunceford.
Larine leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her five children: Kathy Nesbit (Ross), Phillip Lunceford (Tonia), Richard Lunceford (Jennifer), Donald Lunceford (Cheri), and Robert Lunceford. She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.
A viewing at 9:30am and funeral service at 11:00am will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home on April 5, 2025, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Bentonia, Mississippi under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home. Flowers in honor of Larine may be sent to Stricklin-King Funeral home in Yazoo City, MS.
Blaine Richard Lunceford
Blaine Richard Lunceford, 87, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025. Born on July 3, 1937, to Vernette and William Lunceford, Blaine lived a full and cherished life surrounded by family and friends.
Blaine was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his son, Luke Lunceford. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through his surviving children: Kathy Nesbit (Ross), Phillip Lunceford (Tonya), Richard Lunceford (Jennifer), Donald Lunceford (Cherie), and Robert Lunceford. His memory will also live on in the hearts of his 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.
A viewing will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS, on March 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Flowers may be sent to Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Blaine’s honor. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
The pall bearers will be: Johnny Nesbit, Ammon Lunceford, Lamar Lunceford, Noel Lunceford, Richard Williams, Robert Lunceford, and honorary pall bearer will be Blaine Thatcher Williams.
Sandra Faye Stevens Ryals
Sandra Faye Stevens Ryals, 79, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025 at home surrounded by family.
Sandra was born in Yazoo City to Arthur Alvin Sr. and Lillian Maxine Stevens. She was a homemaker for most of her life but also worked at Kings Daughters Hospital, retail stores and First Baptist Church Daycare.
She is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Alvin Stevens Sr.; and brothers, Charles Stevens and Arthur Alvin Stevens Jr.
Survivors include her mother, Lillian Maxine Stevens of Bentonia; husband of 60 years, Verbon Ryals Sr. of Benton; son, Verbon Ryals Jr. of Benton; daughters, Sharon (Mitch) Myers of Benton, and Jennifer (Spence) Kight of Dauphin Island, Ala.; grandchildren, Amber (John Avery) Fowler, Dustin (Haley) Porter, Jacob Porter, Erin Kight, Molly (Anthony Ward) Kight; and great grandchildren, Greyson Jones, Britton Jones and Thomas Ward.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on March 19, 2025 at Stricklin King Funeral Home with visitation from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Bro. Stephen Howell will be officiating the services with burial following in Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements for the Ryals' family.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Porter, Jacob Porter, John Avery Fowler, Anthony Ward, Mitch Myers and Spence Kight, and alternative pallbearers will be Stan Stevens and Jeffrey Porter.
Barbara Jean Cain
Barbara Jean was born to Joe Wesley and Lena Bailey Howell. She was the oldest of 10 children. Jean married her husband, Louis Cain of 56 years, on November 8, 1959. They had 4 children: Darlene, Danny, Pam, and Jennifer. She was a member of Scotland Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe Wesley and Lena Howell, her brothers Sonny, Bobby, Larry, and James and her sister Betty Howell Terry, her children Darlene Cain, Danny Cain, and Pam Isonhood, and her great grandchildren Kohlson Moeller and Evan Sanders.
Her survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Cain-Penalver; her grandchildren, Elisha Ketchum (Brian), Stasha McDuff (TJ), Porsha Isonhood, Josh Penalver (Morgan), Alaina Penalver, Jason Penalver, and Alyssa Penalver; her great-grandchildren, Chloye Weeks, Kimberly Ketchum, Sarah Beth Ketchum, Kymber Isonhood, Tylnn Sanders, John Phillip Ketchum, Dannie Isonhood, Ellie Jean Isonhood, Lyra Penalver, Mercy Penalver, Lottie Penalver, and Mylah Penalver; and her sisters, Elizabeth Davis, Joyce Dozier (Paul), Linda White, and Nellie Poole.
Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on March 19, 2025, at Scotland Baptist Church with the funeral service starting at 11. Burial will follow in the Scotland Baptist Church cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Michael Ned Crocker
Jesus welcomed Michael Ned Crocker, 72, beloved husband, father, papaw, brother, and so much more, into Heaven on March 15, 2025. He was born on June 3, 1952, in Columbus, Georgia.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Crocker, his children, Joseph Crocker and Mallory Crocker Deaver, Becky, his son-in-law, Mason Deaver, his two grandchildren, Brooklyn Deaver and Bradley Deaver; Brothers, Bill Crocker and Danny Crocker (twin); Sisters, Brenda Powell, Linda Haynes, Deborah Gilbert, Janice Taylor, and Patti Thornhill.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Jack Crocker, his cherished Mimie and Uncle Sam; brothers, Jack Crocker Jr. and David Crocker, and brother-in-law, Jack Taylor.
Our dad was a wonderful husband and father. He brought so much love and joy to our lives and to all who met him and will be greatly missed. His legacy of pure love and absolute laughter will forever live in our hearts.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Stricklin-King Funeral Home, 718 Calhoun Avenue, Yazoo City, MS 39194. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Carol Anne Parks Droge
Carol Anne Parks Droge, 63, of Satartia, Mississippi, passed away on March 9, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She was born in Tarboro, North Carolina, on December 15, 1961.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Eugene Parks and Grace Smith Parks of North Carolina; her nephew, Chris Doughtie; and her great-niece, Camille Rahm.
She is survived by her son, Michael David Droge (Emily) of Yazoo City, Mississippi; her daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Belk (Robert) of Satartia, Mississippi; and six beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth Merrell "Ellie Grace," Annabeth Merrell, Wyatt Belk, Ella Jones Droge, Smith David Droge, and Talor Belk. Affectionately known as Nana, Carol cherished each of them deeply and "loved them to the moon and back."
Her siblings also survive her: Connie Potter (Barry) of Greenville, North Carolina; Hubert Eugene "Gene" Parks Jr. of Greenville, North Carolina; and Linda Din of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Carol was born and raised in North Carolina. After graduating from Tarboro High School in 1980, she moved to Phoenix, Mississippi. She was a homemaker while she raised her children during their early years. Once her children started school, she became a part of Davis Grocery, later known as Satartia Grocery. She soon moved to Satartia and was a staple of the community with her service in the store for over 30 years . She spent many days providing to the community. She will always be remembered there for her kindness and generosity.
Carol loved cooking, rock and roll music, arts and crafts, and helping those in need. She especially loved her family. Her grandchildren were her heart, and she enjoyed attending any events they had or taking them to get snacks after school.
Funeral services for Carol will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. There will be no burial. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the Droge family.
Charles Joseph "Joey" Ward
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.
Sam "Sammy" Golden Manning Jr.
Sam "Sammy" Golden Manning Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2025. Sam was born on Sept. 10, 1945 in Fort Bragg, NC to his parents Sam and Ruby Manning. Sam served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1969.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Frances Saxton (Sammy) and Gloria Dees (Jerry); and his grandson, Victor Bryant.
He is survived by the love of his life, Linda Manning; his treasured daughters, Tina Brooks and Stephanie Bryant (John); his beloved sister, Laura Brent (John); his grandchildren, Samuel Bryant, Magdalyn Wright (Nick) and David Bryant; and great grandson, Luther Wright.
Graveside services will be held Monday, March 10. at 11 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery with Bro. Glenn Warrington officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the service at Stricklin King Funeral Home. Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for the family.
Alvia Alton Jones
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.
Sidney Harber
Sidney Harber, 84, of Oak Grove, LA, passed away on Feb. 21, 2025, in Bastrop, LA. Born in Yazoo City, MS, Sidney was an army veteran and spent time running routes with Yazoo Butane.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Columbus Harber, W. Thomas Harber, James Lee Harber, Garland Harber, and Fred Thomas Harber; and sisters, Minnie Ailean Fuller, Sadie McFarland, Ada Mae Lawrence, and Joy Cleveland.
Survivors include his daughter, Cindy (James) Berry of Oak Grove, LA.; grandsons, Justin Berry and Roman (Karolina) Berry; his brothers, Talmon "Boots" Harber and Charles Harber, both of Benton; and two sisters, Eva Martin and Margaret Bright, both of Bentonia. He also leaves behind a friend, Trends House.
Visitation will be held March 1, 2025, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 11 am in the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glen Warrington officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.
Pallbearers are James Harber, Eric Harber, Jason Bright, Dede Smith, James Bright and Randy Hill.
David Bree Cummings
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.
Michael Paul Wilkinson
Michael Paul Wilkinson, age 46, of Yazoo City, Mississippi, passed away tragically on January 30, 2025, as the result of an auto accident in Yazoo County.
Born on December 5, 1978, in Yazoo City, Michael was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Michael spent his career working in construction.
Michael is survived by his wife, Kristen Wilkinson; his daughter, Karsyn Wilkinson; his stepson, Kody Miles; and his grandchild, Kendal Miles, all of whom he cherished deeply. He is also survived by three brothers, Alex, Doug, and Randy Wilkinson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and June Boteler Wilkinson; his sister, Paula Pyles; and his brother, Keith Wilkinson.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Shiloh Cemetery. Rev. Glenn Warrington will officiate. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle arrangements for the family.