Wiley Johnson Barbour
Wiley Johnson Barbour, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 after a courageous fight with cancer. He was the beloved son of his late parents, Jeptha Fowlkes Barbour, Jr. and Grace Leflore Barbour.
Wiley was a devoted husband to his wife, Patty, for nearly sixty years, and loving father to Jay Barbour (Erin) and Kaylee Berry (Robert Alton). He was the proud grandfather of Mary Clinton Barbour, Kathleen Grace Barbour, Rebecca Wiley Barbour, Jason Nicholas Berry (Brooke) and bonus grands Michael Christopher Berry (Neely) and Austin Carter Berry (Courtney). He was a doting great grandfather to Brees Michael Berry and was very much looking forward to the arrival of Brees’ little sister.
Wiley and Patty met soon after she moved to Yazoo City and then they married on August 20, 1966. Thereafter they briefly lived in New Albany as Wiley completed law school and then moved to Yazoo City where they lived on North Monroe Street until they moved to their current home in Benton in 2003. Wiley continued the long-standing family practice of law in Yazoo City from 1966 until his retirement in 2025. Without him, the family law firm, which is currently the oldest active law firm in the State of Mississippi, would not exist. The positions he held during his lengthy career include serving as a member of the Yazoo City School Board, the City Attorney of Yazoo City, and his favorite, the County Fire Coordinator for Yazoo County.
Wiley lived a life of steady purpose and quiet generosity. He loved being with and taking care of his family and those around him. He spent much time attending and following the activities of his grandchildren. Wiley was passionate about volunteer firefighting. In earlier years, while residing in Yazoo City, he eagerly assisted the fire departments whenever possible. Later, upon moving to Benton, he was a loyal member of the Benton Volunteer Fire Department, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
He was a proud Mississippi State alumnus and avid follower of Bulldog baseball and football. He additionally was a big fan of Delta State baseball, and was even pleased with his granddaughter going to Ole Miss.
Wiley is survived by his wife, Patty Barbour: two children, Jay and Kaylee; six grandchildren, Mary Clinton, Katie Grace, Becca, Jason, Michael and Austin; one great grandchild, Brees; his brothers, Jeppie Barbour and Haley Barbour (Marsha) and many other family members who will miss and remember him fondly.
Services will be held on Monday, June 8 at Benton Methodist Church with visitation from 9:30-11:00 immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 and burial thereafter at Glenwood Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Brother Jay Trammell. All arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Benton Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1, Benton, MS 39039 or to the Benton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 344, Benton, MS 39039.
Jackson Homer Stricklin
Jackson Homer Stricklin, Jr., 61, of Yazoo City, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 17, 2026.
Born on January 18, 1965, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Jackson was the son of the late Jackson H. Stricklin, Sr. and Ernestine Parker Stricklin. He was an equipment operator and a devoted member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Sabrina Stricklin of Yazoo City; his son, Edison Zeke Stricklin; stepsons, Daniel Bishop and Dennis Bishop; stepdaughter, Jayla Clecker; grandson, Tyler Clecker; sister, Jackie Taylor and husband Ted Taylor; and step-grandson, Jacob Clecker. He also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.
Graveside funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Yazoo County, Mississippi, with Rev. Laurie Cummings officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."
Hershell “Walker” Williamson
Hershell “Walker” Williamson, 88, passed away on June 1, 2026.
Mr. Williamson was born on Dec. 9, 1937 in Simpson County. He worked at Mississippi Chemical Corporation for 33 years and was a member of First Baptist of Yazoo City for 53 years, where he served as a deacon. Of those 53 years, he taught preschool Sunday School. He attended Men’s Prayer Breakfast religiously.
After retirement, he went on several mission trips around the United States, where he built and restored churches. He also traveled with the youth of the church on many mission trips.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Auleen Williamson; siblings, James Williamson (Dorothy), John Williamson (Erie) and Julee Williamson Fortenberry (Earl).
Survivors include his wife, Inez Williamson; daughter, Stacie Bolian (William “Bo”); granddaughter, Walker Kate Bolian; step granddaughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Bolian Hancock (Josh) and family; step grandson, William Bolian (Elizabeth) and family; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Shannon Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Simpson County under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church’s Preschool.
James Kelvie Bradshaw
James Kelvie Bradshaw, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on May 27, 2026, after many health problems. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Richland, MS.
Jim graduated from Bentonia High School and Holmes Community College. He began a lengthy career with Siemens in 1973, shortly after the factory was established. He started in manufacturing building high voltage circuit breakers, and he was soon promoted to a supervisory role. He later transitioned to the field, serving as both a Field Technician and Field Engineer, traveling across the United States and internationally to service and repair breakers.
Throughout his career, Jim shared his expertise by leading factory training for customers from around the world. He also served as a Warranty Manger and later as Spare Parts Manager before retiring. Even after retirement, he continued supporting Siemens Energy as a contractor.
Jim was widely recognized as one of the leading experts in the high voltage circuit breaker industry, and he will be remembered for his knowledge, dedication, and lasting impact.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Raiford and Ruby Bradshaw; his brother, Edward “Sonny” Bradshaw; and his sisters, Edwina Bradshaw Swenson and Opell Carson.
Jim is survived by his long time best friend, Gail Thortis; along with her two boys that were like his that he never had, Shannon (Melanie) and Shaun (Melody); their children that he was Papa Jim to, Cade, Myla, and Brooks Thortis all of Brandon, MS.
Jim was a loving, caring person. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but we have peace that he is no longer suffering and is with our Lord and Savior. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Shriners Hospital, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM on June 6, 2026, at Stricklin King Funeral Home. Burial will be at Ogden Baptist Church cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
John Holt
John B. Holt, son of Thomas Abner Holt and Maude Guion Holt, was born on October 17, 1935. He was the youngest of seven children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, John Benjamin Holt; two brothers, Thomas Clifton Holt and Charles Henry (Sybil) Holt; two sisters, Lucy Holt (Earnest) Boutwell and Mary Holt (Martis) Parish; one granddaughter, Shannon Savell; and several nephews and nieces.
John is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, 5 months, and 20 days, Melba Gary Holt; one son, Barney Dexter Holt; two daughters, Cynthia Faye Warden and Teresa Holt Saxton; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Annie Holt Malone.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Stricklin King Funeral Home chapel. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Fletcher’s Chapel Cemetery. Ministers officiating will be Reverend David Lane and Reverend Jay Trammell.
Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Kenneth Daniel Saxton
Kenneth Daniel Saxton, 77, of Midway passed away on May 25th, 2026.
Born on November 20th, 1948, in Midway, Kenny was the beloved child of Lessie and Wilson Saxton.
Kenny worked as an entrepreneur for over 50 years and was known for his work ethic and playful spirit. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and making memories with his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy in life was the 59 years he spent with his beloved wife, Ida Saxton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lessie and Wilson Saxton, and his siblings George Robert Saxton, Fred Saxton, Terry Saxton, Barry Saxton, Betty Potter, Evie Neely, Kathy Walker, and Annie Eldridge.
He leaves behind his wife, Ida Saxton, his children, Kenny Saxton (Amy Jo Saxton) and Mark Saxton (Phyllis Saxton), his grandchildren, Gage Saxton, Kaley Ellis (Dylan Ellis), Lily Wallace (Jordan Wallace), and Carson Saxton, and two great grandchildren, Crue and Leighton Grey.
His funeral will be held at Parkview Church of God in Yazoo City on Thursday, May 28th. Visitation will begin at 9:30 and the funeral will follow directly after at 11. He will be laid to rest in the Saxton family cemetery in Midway. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for this family.
Kenny will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Tanner Rome Strickland
Tanner Rome Strickland passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was born in Canton on December 27, 2005.
He leaves behind his father, James Ray Strickland; mother, Sheryl Dia Summerall both from Yazoo City, MS; siblings include Tiffany Holman, Dustin Summerall, Trinity Strickland, Luke Strickland, Deekyn Strickland, Dekota Huffman, and Cheyenne Huffman.
He was preceding in death by John William Strickland, Blanch Christine Summerall, and John William Strickland, Jr.
He also leaves behind his beloved daughter, Aubrey Marie Strickland.
Funeral services will held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Church of Christ. Visitation starts at 12:00, and services begin at 1:00. Stricklin King Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for the family.
Floyd Ross Nesbit, Jr.
Floyd Ross Nesbit, Jr. was born on August 16, 1933, in Bastrop, Louisiana. He ascended into Heaven on May 15, 2026, at the age of 92.
Ross was a long-time resident of Satartia, Mississippi, where he held the positions of Mayor and Town Marshal. He has also served as a reserve officer for the Mississippi Bureau of Marine Resouces.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Kathleen Griffis Nesbit; his father Floyd Ross Nesbit, Sr.; his brother Griffis Nesbit; and his sister, Calista Pit (Aunt Sissy). He is also survived by his daughter, Patricia Connors.
He is survived by his "Darling" wife, Kathy with whom he shared 43 years. He leaves behind three loving sons, Floyd Ross Nesbit, III, Steven Nesbit, and Johnny Nesbit along with seven wonderful grandchildren and a few great grandchildren, as well as many cherished nephews and nieces.
Ross was an entrepreneur, visionary, author, pioneer, inventor, and conservationist. His first career was in the U.S. Air Force. He started and owned numerous businesses including Ross' Country Store, Citco Oil Plant, The Smokehouse, the Circle Restaurant, and Brown's Place. Ross authored "Outdoors with Ross" in the Yazoo Herald. He is recognized for organizing the first mud derby races in Mississippi and even in the United States. He also established the Yazoo Fox Hunt (Run) and captained his own shrimp boat for a period. There was nothing he couldn't do if he set his mind to it.
Ross was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved God, family, friends, and his country. He will be missed.
Visitation will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be after the service at Mt. Olivet in Bentonia, MS. All arrangements will be handled by Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Dorothy “Dale” Sanders
Dorothy “Dale” Sanders of Vicksburg, born September 29, 1977, passed away on May 8, 2026. She was 48.
Dorothy Dale is preceded in death by her grandparents Auston and Irene Sanders; Frank and Frances Foster; and her mother, Dorothy Irene Sanders.
She is survived by her father, Jimmy Dale Sanders; sister, Meredith Johnson; niece, Jessica Johnson; nephew; Austin Johnson, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dale was born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi but later moved to Vicksburg where she spent her days surrounded by her family. You could often find her watching her favorite tv show, “The Price is Right,” or nodding along to her favorite old Conway Twitty songs.
She was a loving, gentle soul who communicated in her own way, bringing profound joy to those who took the time to listen with their hearts. She was loved fiercely and will be missed tremendously.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dale’s caregiver, Kimberly Newman.
Visitation and funeral services for Dale will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 PM. Services will begin at 2:00 PM with a graveside burial to follow at Concord Baptist Church. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Honorary pallbearers include Austin Johnson, Dalton High, Jimmy High, Shane Johnson, Billy Joe Lowery, and Chris Johnston.
David Thomas "Tom" Slack, Jr.
David Thomas "Tom" Slack, Jr. of Pickens, MS passed away at the Madison Home Place in Madison, MS on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the age of 77 years old. Tom was born on November 18, 1948, in Lexington, MS to David Thomas Slack, Sr. and Ann Watters Slack.
Tom is survived by his sons, James (Jay) Ellis Taylor, Jr., Charles (Randy) Randolph Taylor (wife Mimi) and Larry Vince Merrell; sister, Patricia Ann Slack; Grandchildren, Logan, Anna, Nash & Ridge Taylor, Vaiden and Briggs Taylor; Nephews, Richard Thomas Eldridge & Robert Lee Thompson and Niece, Oliva Thompson Walker.
Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas Slack, Sr., his wife of 31 years, Jerrie Stovall Slack of Yazoo City and his sister Cindy Slack Ainsworth.
Tom attended Ebenezer Methodist Church. Tom lived life to the fullest and loved his family and friends. He loved to work and was a passionate outdoorsman. Tom enjoyed most of his time on a tractor, riding horses and managing his livestock. He took great pride and care of his family and was always helping others when they were in need. He loved nature and always found peace in the outdoors.
A true man of the land, Tom spent his entire life tending to his family farm, harvesting crops. He leaves a legacy of hard work and integrity. When he wasn't on a tractor, he was an avid hunter, woodsman and a great marksman. He was known as a strong soul with a great sense of humor. Tom will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Graveside Services will be held at Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. will burial to immediately follow. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Pallbearers are Randy Taylor, Jay Taylor, Lee Thompson, Richard Eldridge, Johnny Murtagh, Peter Pingrey, Rusty Odum, John Phillips and Jimmy Louis Hollins. Honorary Pallbearers are Pete Pingrey, Walter Louis Hogue, David Holloway, Logan Taylor, Vaiden Taylor, Briggs Taylor, Nash Taylor & Ridge Taylor
Thomas (Tommy) Book
Thomas (Tommy) Book, of Yazoo City, passed away at home on May 2, 2026, after a difficult battle with cancer.
Tommy was the 4th of 5 children born to John and Shelby Book of Yazoo City. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Shelby Book, and brother Jamey Book.
He is survived by his wife Candace Taylor Book; Daughters Calleigh Simmons (Jeremy), Samantha Book, Frances Wright (Francis), and Miranda Bryant (Brandon); grandsons Major, Wil, and Anderson; and siblings John Book, Shelby Davis (Tim), and Laura Lee Wagner (Les) along with many nieces and nephews, known to them as “Unk”.
Services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Yazoo City. Visitation will be from 10-12; service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any cancer organization. Stricklin King Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements.
We appreciate everyone’s love and prayers through this difficult time.