It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Kimberly Anne Carter, 42, of Yazoo City, MS. After a long battle with an illness, she passed away on November 22, 2024, at the University Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
She was preceded in death by her father Russ Carter; Grandparents Russ and Maxine Carter, Margie Kinnison; Uncles Charles Carter, Edward Kinnison and cousin William Kinnison.
She is survived by her daughter, Lauren, mother Barbara Carter, sister Candace Coffey and daughter Brooklyn Coffey; Aunts: Carly (Jerry) Self, Denise (Ben) Rounds, Dixie Carter and Judy Kinnison; cousins Brent (Jevette) Carter and their children Luke and Dillon; Jeremy (Sheila) Self, Madison Rounds (Emory) Dyes, Amanda Kinnison and many more relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 822 E Broadway St, Yazoo City, MS 39194. Strickland King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements as requested by the family.
Royal Nettie “Nett” Chisolm, age 87, of Bentonia, Mississippi passed away November 24, 2024, at Madison County Nursing Home in Canton, Mississippi.
Although she carried the heavy burden of multiple disabilities throughout her life, she will be remembered for her easy-going, happy disposition. Following the untimely death of her mother, Clara and David Ellzey welcomed her into their home and lovingly cared for her for the past 52 years. She loved her family and particularly enjoyed family gatherings for birthdays and holidays. She enjoyed attending church and friendly games of bingo.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Lee and Roy Chisolm, sisters Helen Graves and Keither Spencer, brothers David Chisolm and Glen Chisolm, and brothers-in-law Wallace Graves, Edward Spencer, David Ellzey, Paul Williamson, and Jerry Melton.
She is survived by sisters Clara Ellzey of Bentonia, Mississippi, Catherine Williamson of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Teina Melton of Bentonia, Mississippi, sisters-in-law Becky Chisolm of Coxburg, Mississippi, and Cara Chisolm of Houston, Mississippi, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A graveside service at Coxburg Cemetery will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. All arrangements will be under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
On November 17, 2024, Linda Faye (VanDevender) Perry passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones at the age of 76. Linda was a faithful Christian, wife, mother, and friend.
Born in her childhood home in Bentonia, MS on December 3, 1947, Linda spent her childhood with her six siblings. She graduated from Bentonia High School in 1965. She married the love of her life, Larry Neely Perry on June 3, 1966. During their 36 years of marriage, Linda and Larry raised one son, Monty Perry. She was a proud and supportive mom of her son and enjoyed going and watching him play football for the Ole Miss Rebels and never missed a game, if possible. Linda’s other passion was for her cats. If there was ever a cat in town that needed a home, everyone knew to call Linda because she could not say no to any cat or other critter.
Throughout her life, Linda was an active member of her local church, Central Baptist Church. Linda loved the Lord and prayed continually for her family, friends, church leaders, and neighbors. She read her Bible daily and encouraged those around her to love the Lord and grow in faith.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Henry L. VanDevender and Lois Aline Moore VanDevender, her husband, Larry Neely Perry, brothers Grady VanDevender and Lamar VanDevender, and sisters Aline Shaw and Nettie Jones.
She is survived by her son, Monty Perry (Becky), sister, Dorothy Hoss, and brother, Lance VanDevender (Mary Jo). Linda is also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom she was so proud.
Linda’s funeral service will be held on November 21, 2024, at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with service to follow in the funeral home chapel. Graveside will proceed after services at Central Holmes Cemetery in Dover, MS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Central Baptist Church.
Sally Savery Woodard died on November 16, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Woodard. She is survived by her four children, Allen Woodard, Abby Perry, Kate Pace, and Emlee Nicholson and her eleven grandchildren whom she adored. She is also survived by her brother Charles Savery, III and her two sisters Mary (Tweedie) Huff and Lacie Coleman.
A lifetime resident and de facto mayor of Holly Bluff, MS, Sally loved her home and community deeply. She was an avid bridge player and in general, quite clever and funny. She taught high school (English) in the late sixties and remained a teacher at heart-never missed an opportunity to correct grammar or sentence structure. She enjoyed her yard and worked feverishly in it for many years. Stories of her attempts to rid her yard of armadillos are legendary. She also curated a day lily collection that is second to none.
But, really it was all about the babies. When she spent time with her young grandchildren, she was not babysitting. She sat on the floor with them and gave them her undivided attention, and they adored her for it. She rocked every one of them to sleep as often as she could and as long as they fit in her lap. Up until her last day the thing that always made her laugh was a story about one of her grandchildren.
There will be a visitation at Holly Bluff United Methodist Church Wednesday, November 20th at 10:00 am and the funeral immediately after. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been asked to oversee all arrangements by the family.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Stewpot or the Holly Bluff United Methodist Church.
Stephen “Steve” Edward Street, born on October 21, 1957, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the age of 67, surrounded by his loving family. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Steve touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and steadfast spirit.
Steve was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 42 years, Pamela “Pam” Roope Street, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship. He was also preceded by his parents, Hess and Grace Toombs Street, and his siblings, James David Street and Ethel Joyce Coker.
Steve is survived by his loving children, daughter Stephenie Joye Street (partner Will Norwood) and son Stephen Hunter Street. He was a proud grandfather to Peyton Michael Ellzey, William Dyess Norwood, Pamela Reese Street, Baylor Ridge Street, and Maisie Grace Nelson, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his two sisters, Nansy Huntsberry and Vivian “Bib” Steed, and his brother, Michael “Mike” Street. Steve leaves behind a large, loving family that includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will fondly remember his warmth and laughter.
A true outdoorsman, Steve had a deep love for nature and was an avid hunter. He found peace and joy in the woods, and his passion for the outdoors was something he cherished throughout his life.
Services to honor Steve’s life will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to handle all arrangements.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
Mary Sue Shipp, 82, of Benton went to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 4, 2024.
She was born on January 19, 1942, to Wyche Terrell and Bessie Virginia Stubblefield in Yazoo County. She married her high school sweetheart, James T. (Jimmy) Shipp Jr., on July 16, 1961.
Mary Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Terrell and Bessie Stubblefield, and her sisters Marion Ann Ledbetter and Bess Powell.
Survivors include her husband of over 63 years, Jimmy; son Trey Shipp (Dana), and daughters Ginny Jones (Billy) and Ann Downs (AJ); grandchildren AnnBri Spencer, Nathan Adams, Bucky Shipp, Taylor Haynes, Sarah Egan Bodouin, William Jones, Balee Adams, Mary Menger Cooke, Ana Posey Rogers, Lake Neely; and twelve great grandchildren.
Mary Sue was elected Yazoo County Tax Assessor and Collector for 10 terms; she began her first term January 1976, and retired December 2003. Mary Sue served her community well, but her ultimate passion was serving her family and her church. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City.
Her love for family and creating lasting memories was demonstrated in her heartfelt desire to gather her entire family on an annual beach trip. What started in 1985 with 8 people and continues today with 40 people was one of her many joys in life. Few things in life made her happier than watching her family grow and change throughout the years against the backdrop of the same beach.
She loved the beauty of the Earth that God created and chose to practice gardening to exist alongside this beauty. She also sought to nourish His people (even if it was in the form of her famous poundcake).
From the moment you met Mary Sue, you could feel God’s presence within her. Her devotion to Christ was the guiding force in her life and all who encountered her felt closer to Him through her. Her kindness, willingness to forgive, strength and unconditional love serve as a model to those who knew her. It is rare to encounter someone whose presence reminds one of an angel. Those who knew Mary Sue were lucky enough to experience this rarity - the prime example of love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Roy Marshall Carpenter, 85, of Yazoo City went to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 2, 2024. He was born on July 23, 1939, to Wesley C. and Annie W. Carpenter in Yazoo City. He was the youngest of ten. He married his sweetheart, Evelyn Pettigrew, on December 19, 1958. They had a daughter, Lisa Marie, and a son, Roy Michael “Mike”. Roy worked as a milk delivery man and a car salesman for General Motors in Yazoo City before opening his own used car dealership, Roy’s Used Cars. On March 24, 2020, after the death of his wife, Evelyn, he married Ernestine Moore. He loved her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Cheryl Moore, like his own.
Roy loved to buy, sell, and collect things. He was always on the hunt for something interesting and unique that he would excitedly show his friends and family when they would come by. He never met a stranger and everyone in Yazoo County seemed to know him. His family would always joke that even if he left Mississippi, he would still manage to run into someone he knew. He was never content to just sit in the house and was always on the road, visiting with friends and family and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was extremely loved by all his family and friends, but especially by his grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Papaw.” More than anything, he loved the Lord and wanted to make sure everyone he encountered had a saving relationship with Him. He was a member of Church of God of Prophecy/Cross Life Church.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, all nine of his siblings, his wife Evelyn, his daughter Lisa, and his son Mike. He is survived by his wife Ernestine, his grandchildren Lindsey Austin (Gary) and Josh Carpenter (Kaley), great-grandchildren Hayden Austin, Avery Austin, Presley Austin, Angel Rae Carpenter, Embrie Carpenter, Skylar Carpenter, Brynnlie Carpenter, and Brooklyn Carpenter, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Hayden Austin, Brian Carpenter, Jeff Carpenter, Jeffery Carpenter, Sammy Carpenter, Dennis Moore and Jamie Thrasher.
Honorary pallbearers will be David Carpenter, Dennis Carpenter, Rick Carpenter, Roger Carpenter, Jimmy Hollis, Jimmy Isonhood, Doug Kirk, Jason Melton, Carlos Robinson, and Charles Schlette.
Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Cross Life Church in Yazoo City with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow the funeral at the Carpenter Family Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements.
The family would like to thank Adoration Hospice and Renee Ward for taking such good care of Roy and his loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials to be made to Cross Life Church or the charity/organization of your choice.
Mary Jane Burrell, beloved daughter of Mollie Saxton Eldridge and Frank Eldridge, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born on March 29, 1936, she lived a long and joyful life.
Preceding her in death were her husband, LeRoy Burrell, and daughters Pam Marshall and Madeline Posey, grandson Isaac Posey, and great-granddaughter Brittany Granberry.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Jan Williams (Kenneth) and Carol McCain (George), and son, Roy Burrell, along with 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Mary Jane was a familiar face to many from her years working at the Log Cabin Cafe. She was a free-spirited soul who loved to dance, wear bright jewelry, never turned down a sweet treat (especially banana pudding) and would watch wrestling all day, every day.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Adoration, Stephanie Paul, and the staff and nurses at the Mariah House. A special thank you to Pam and LaToya for being her dance partners.
All funeral services will be at Strickland King Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM, services at 1:00PM will be in the Stricklin King chapel, and burial will follow at Midway Baptist Church.
Wendy D’Ann Scott, of Yazoo City, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord, in Heaven, on October 29, 2024. Wendy was born on June 25, 1977, to Larry and Diane Mason Scott.
She is survived by her loving parents, Larry and Diane Scott, as well as her daughter, whom she loved wholeheartedly, Macy Scott. Furthermore, she is survived by her brother, Larry Scott, Jr. (Amanda), her sister, Kimberly Hasty (Stevie), her sister, Kelly Bright, her brother in law, Casey Davis, as well as several nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend, Gloriastine Harris-Jefferson.
She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who loved and cherished their memories together.
Wendy graduated from Manchester Academy in the year 1995. Upon graduating from Manchester Academy, she furthered her education at Mississippi State University, where she majored in psychology and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in the year 1999. Wendy worked as a special education teacher for Yazoo City High School from November of 2003, until her untimely passing in October of 2024. She loved each of her students dearly.
Funeral arrangements for Wendy D’ Ann Scott will be hosted by Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A second visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Stricklin King Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Pall Bearers for Wendy’s celebration of life will include her father, Larry Scott, her brother, Larry Scott Jr., her brother in law, Casey Davis, her nephews Sam Davis, Hunter Bright and Mike Scott, as well as three honorary pall bearers, her nephews Riley Davis, Jack Scott & Brantley Barnett.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to The American Cancer Society. Although, this was not the cause of her passing, Wendy fought two battles with cancer during her lifetime, and the family believes she would have wanted friends and family to donate to a cause, rather than send flowers.
Terry Randal Sanford, known to his friends and family as Randy, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024. Randy was born in Jackson, MS on May 18, 1964, to James Virgil Sanford, Jr. and Claudette Speaks Sanford.
He is preceded in death by his father and brother Robert Stanley Sanford.
He is survived by his mother; siblings, Paula S Day and James V Sanford, III; nephews, Chad Day and Jay Sanford.
Randy was an avid hunter & fisherman. He very much enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends.
Collier Rhea Heathcock, 12 years old, passed away in Bentonia, MS on October 16, 2024. She was born to Heather Greene and Shaun Heathcock on February 29, 2012, in Jackson, MS.
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Heather and Randall Greene of Bentonia, MS; father, Shaun Heathcock of Bentonia, MS; maternal grandparents, Patti and Daniel Burrough of Bentonia, MS; brother, Duson Heathcock; five sisters, Haley Dunigan, Gracie Genih, Anna Catherine Heathcock, Mary Grace Green and Eva Rose Greene all of Bentonia, MS; grandmother, Lisa Moore of Bentonia, MS; maternal great grandparents, Charles and Ann Lungrin of Bentonia, MS.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church with the service following at the church as well at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to oversee all arrangements for this precious baby girl’s day.
13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19: 13-14
Paula Riley Hudson, 58, of Yazoo City, MS left her earthly home on October 7,2024. Paula was born in Rolling Fork on September 28,1966, and grew up in Holly Bluff.
Paula is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Steven) Cooper of Rolling Fork, her 2 sons, James and Ryan Hudson of Yazoo City, her parents, James Rachel and Patsy Riley of Yazoo City, her 2 sisters, Beverly Riley and Stacy (Kent) Adams of Yazoo City, her 3 grandchildren (Ellie, Pate and Sam Cooper) and multiple nieces and nephews.
Paula partly owned and ran a business (Sound Waves) with her best friend and mother for over 30 years. She spent most of her time with her family and will be remembered as someone who could make them laugh without even trying. Her family and grandchildren meant the world to her. She will be greatly missed.
Services will be held on October 12, 2024, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home in Yazoo City. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with the funeral services following at 11 AM in the Stricklin King Chapel. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to oversee all arrangements.
Pallbearers were James Hudson, Ryan Hudson, Reid Hale, Stuart Hale, Steven Cooper and Pat Hudson
Dorothy (Dot) Warrington Smith was born April 7, 1933, to Leon and Maurine Mansfield Warrington, and she passed away from her earthly home on October 6, 2024.
She was a faithful member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church where she worked with the youth and children for many years. She taught Sunday School and MYF and directed many Christmas programs for the church and a community wide singing Christmas tree.
She drove a school bus for many years and worked for the postal service for several years. She had other jobs, but her favorite was driving the school bus, and all the children referred to her as “Aunt Dot.” She loved all the children and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Sidney L. “Bill” Smith and siblings Gertrude Warrington, Herman Warrington, Dale Warrington, Inez Hawk, Larry Warrington and Marion Warrington.
She is survived by her daughter’s: Sue (Kevin) Malone of Edwards, MS, Cathy (Calvin) Sibley, Billie Gail (Felix) Sadler all of Bentonia, MS, an adopted son Dale Pass of Scurry, TX, sister Hazel (Lec) Lee of Katy, TX, sister-in-law Sybil Warrington, Yazoo City, MS, Grandchildren: Jason Potter, Sidney (Abbie) Potter, Joni Hanna, Amanda (Robb) Herring, Josh (Crissy) Sadler, Katie (Tommy) Norman, Caleb (Heather) Sibley, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons.
Services will be held at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Bentonia with visitation at 9:00 am following by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for this families.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mt. Olivet Cemetery Fund, 3500 Mechanicsburg Road, Bentonia, MS, or to a charity of your choice.
Sue Brantley, 73, of Benton, passed away on Oct. 1, 2024 at her residence.
Survivors include her sister, Marilyn (Hugh) Long of Yazoo City; and brother, Steve Wiggins of Benton.
Funeral services will be held on Oct. 2 at Fletcher's Chapel Methodist Church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Skip Atchison officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the service.
Pallbearers will be Charles Long, Charlie Milner, Hugh Long, Dennis Moulder, Richard Patterson, Thomas Gordon and Steven Robles.
Henry Fredrick Rusche II, 51 of Brookhaven, passed away on September 26, 2024 at his residence.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Fredrick Rusche I; and his mother, Myrtle Hisaw.
Survivors include his daughter, Gracie Rusche of Pearl, MS; two sisters, Margie Brown and Marie Martin, both of Brookhaven, MS; and one grandson, Tatum Ross.
Visitation and services will be held October 3, 2024, 12:30-2:00 pm at Crosslife Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. Matt Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Charlotte L. Williams, 74, of Benton, MS, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on September 25, 2024.
Born on December 3, 1949, in Vicksburg, MS, Charlotte was the daughter of Dolores and James Williams, Sr. She graduated from Benton High School in 1968.
Charlotte worked as a supervisor in the Lab Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation before retiring. She was also a dedicated member of Scotland Baptist Church in Bentonia. Above all, she was a loving mother to her two daughters, Shannon and Amanda.
In her younger years, Charlotte enjoyed horseback riding and tending to her yard. After retiring, she found joy in watching Turner Classic Movies and spending time with her grandchildren.
Charlotte is survived by her daughters, Shannon Salyers and Amanda (Gene) Hamil; four grandchildren, Reagan, Anna, Sydnie, and Chris; sister, Scarlett,
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Earl Williams Jr.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Stricklin King Funeral Home. The funeral will follow visitation in the chapel. Burial will be at Hermanville Cemetery in Hermanville, MS. Reverend Shannon Davis will officiate the services for Ms. Charlotte. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to oversee all arrangements.
Pallbearers will be as follows: Gene Hamil, Doug Johnston, Mark Williams, Will Alexander,
Ricky Williams, and Larry Frost.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Fielding Crosby, 74, of Bentonia, passed away on Sep. 20, 2024 at his residence.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Crosby of Bentonia; daughter, Terri Green of Corinth; three sons, David Lee O'Neal of Brandon, Jerry O'Neal of Ridgeland and George Crosby of Bentonia; sister, Pat Coleman of Belzoni; two brothers, Monroe Crosby of Savannah, Ga. and Willis Crosby of Bentonia; sister, Ruby Collins of Fort Lauderdale, FL; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Sept. 26, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Stricklin King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J.J. White officiating. The family has entrusted Strickland King with all arrangements.
Holly Ray Stovall peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Born as a twin on April 27, 1938, Holly grew up in a large family of thirteen children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Brooks and Nettie Robertson Stovall, and eight siblings: Bennie Stovall, Jessie (Leamon) Stovall, Irene Payton Stovall, Chester Curtis Stovall, Lamar Stovall, William Stovall, Sudie Stovall, and Homer Stovall. Holly is survived by four siblings: Hilton Stovall, Helen Rivers, Linda Roberts, & Priscilla Sullivan.
During Holly’s upbringing, he lived in Yazoo County and attended Holly Bluff High School. In 1959, Holly met his future wife, Betty Marie Campbell, of Benton, MS, and they married on August 5, 1960. Holly and Betty were married for a total of sixty-four years.
Holly is survived by his wife and three of his four children: Gary Dean Stovall, Leah Roark, and Carl Stovall. His eldest son, Gregory Ray Stovall, passed away in 2014. He is survived by his seven grandchildren (Courtney Stovall Talley, Hillary Stovall Russey, Lee Douglas, Sailee Douglas Parker, Austin Stovall, Olivia Stovall Stewart, and Wyatt Roark) & nine great-grandchildren (Anna Riley Anderson, Pressley Talley, Logan Talley, Layne Talley, Lucy Miller, Luca Douglas, John Stewart, Brooks Parker, & Charlie Stewart).
Holly served in the National Guard and worked for thirty-eight years as a millwright mechanic for Mississippi Chemical Corporation in Yazoo City.
Holly taught his family life principles, raised cattle, trained squirrel dogs, and was a gifted storyteller.
He was greatly loved and will be missed by all of his family.
Services will be held at Stricklin-King Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 18th at 2:00 PM. Visitation begins at 12:30 PM. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements.
Esther Marting Cartwright, 89, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend of Yazoo City, Mississippi, passed away at Kings Daughter Hospital on September 13, 2024, after a long and beautiful life.
Esther was born on December 3, 1934, to Sam Beasley Marting, Sr. and Clara (Grippa) Marting in Washington Court House, Ohio. Esther and her brother Sam were raised on a Hereford cattle farm that would grow to be one of the largest in the United States. Esther graduated from Washington Court House High School in 1953. She went on to study at Stephens College in Columbia, MO for two years graduating with an associate’s degree, then continued her education at Florida State University graduating in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
Esther started her career teaching in Fort Lauderdale, FL before marrying her late husband Cecil John Cartwright Jr., from Chillicothe, Ohio.
In 1952, Esther met Cecil at Sunday School class at the Wilmington Friends Quaker Church in Wilmington, Ohio. In 1961, Esther and Cecil were married on the 10th of February, in Ft Lauderdale, FL. In early July of 1961, Esther moved to the Far East with Cecil living in Saigon, Vietnam where Susan Louise and Cecil John, III were born. The family later moved to Chang Mai, Thailand where Brent Marting was born and Amphai was later adopted.
Esther and family came to Yazoo City, MS 57 years ago and began building the third and final plant of Marting Manufacturing Corp., an agriculturally based facility that her family founded. Esther and Cecil were founders of Manchester Academy where Esther taught third grade. She was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Private School Association in 1970. She was an avid supporter and loyal fan of the Academy. She loved teaching. In the Yazoo Herald article written about her when named teacher of the year she said, “Third grade is the best age. I think they are all so unique and all so excited”. Esther was so dedicated to the education of children it pulled her out of retirement three times. Her children and some of her grandchildren attended and graduated from Manchester Academy. Esther and Cecil supported many sports programs of the academy including football, baseball, basketball, track and the marching band. The Cartwright’s transported the Cheer squad along with several parent’s of athletes in their personal motorhome for more than seven years. This created a safe environment for all to flourish and bloom, what she strived to do for all children she taught over the years. She loved watching young people meet their potential. Many years after retirement in 2012, Esther was nominated and placed in the Hall of Fame at Manchester Academy for the many things she did for the school and children over the years.
During Esther’s retirement years, she was an avid knitter and member of the Knutty Knitters. Jean Baskin and she created prayer shawls for people in the community that were battling illnesses. Over the years, she has made 100s of prayer shawls and donated them to people she loved and prayed for. She also made many preemie hats and donated them to UMMC Neonatal department. Later in life, she enjoyed making baby blankets for family members and friends of her grandchildren. Receiving photos of the children using the blankets, brought her so much joy and happiness.
Esther was an active member at Trinity Episcopal Church for over 57 years. It was very important to her to be at church with her family every Sunday and to be involved in the workings of the church. She was a member of the alter guild and served in this group diligently for 47 years. Esther loved her church and the members which led her to serve on the Vestry. Many years ago, the One Year Bible was introduced to her congregation, and she has actively participated every day since.
Soon after her first grandchild Don was born, she was known to all as “Nana”.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and her loving husband.
She is survived by her children Susan Cartwright-Guion, Yazoo City, MS, Cecil John Cartwright, III (Sandra), Florence, MS, Brent Marting Cartwright (Lori), Oxford, MS and Amphai Wongprapan (Surapong), Yazoo City, MS and her 10 grandchildren Don Wongprapan (Sabrina), Memphis, TN, Dan Wongprapan, Jeffersonville, IN, Caleb Beasley Cartwright, Oxford, MS, William Cartwright Guion, Madison, MS, Audrey Cartwright Saxton (Ryan), Madison, MS, Alexandra Louise Guion (Jackson), Waxahachie, TX, Caitlyn Guion Lindsey (Brint), Arlington, TN, Grace Tarsi Cartwright (Preston), Oxford, MS, John Cecil Cartwright IV, Florence, MS, Ellie Brent Cartwright, Oxford, MS and one great grandchild Elliot Luke Wongprapan, Memphis, TN.
Walter L. Smith, 87, of Bentonia, MS, left his earthly home to sing in the heavenly choir on Sept.
12, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
He was born in El Centro, CA, on Sept. 16, 1936, to Maurice Glen Smith and Aline Opal Wylie
Smith. The family later moved to Beeville, TX where Walter attended Beeville schools,
graduating from A.C. Jones High School in 1955.
At the encouragement of a family friend, he moved to Raymond, MS, and attended Hinds Jr.
College. There he met his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Phillips, and they married on Aug. 16, 1958.
Together, Walter and Marilyn had three daughters: Susan Blair (San Antonio, TX), Sandra
Stephens (Aberdeen, MS), and Sharon Sakcriska (Tinsley, MS).
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Olsen, and a brother, Raymond Smith.
In addition to his wife and three daughters, he is survived by a sister, Patty Whiteside of
Texarkana, TX, a stepsister, Sammie Kent of Greensboro, NC, eight grandchildren, and 15
great-grandchildren.
Walter was an office machine technician and began working on typewriters for Beeville
Publishing Company in the early 1960s. Later, he moved to Mississippi to work for Jackson
Typewriter Company where he met and befriended Lamar Sibley. After working in Jackson for
10 years, he moved his family back to Beeville, TX.
In 1979, Walter and family moved to Yazoo County, MS, where he worked with Lamar until the
Sibley's retired and he became owner of the repair section of the business.
Walter was an avid bass fisherman since childhood, a former Pony League coach in Beeville,
TX, and a coach for the Golden Gloves in Jackson, MS in the 1960s. He was a member of the
Beeville, TX, Bassmaster's. After moving to Yazoo County in 1979, he started the Yazoo
Bassmaster's Club.
He was a long-time member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Bentonia, where he served as a
Sunday school teacher and choir director. He was known for singing specials in modern-type
gospel music, often being asked to sing at funerals. He was also a Gideon for several years.
Walter had a winning smile. He loved people and could keep your attention with his “tall tales” or
“war stories” as he called them. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons: Aaron
Shannon, Jonathan Stephens, Jacob Logan, Bailey Cockrell, Sean Harper, Ty, TJ, John, and
Gage Shannon, Jon Coble Stephens, Caden Carter, and Eli Kiner.
Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in
Bentonia with the service to follow at 2:30 p.m. Rodger Wasson will be officiating. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
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