Jo Catherine Parker Saxton was welcomed into God's holy arms on April 23, 2024. Catherine lived a beautiful life in her ninety-three and½ years on this earth. Catherine was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi on October 7,1930.
Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Norris Saxton, her precious son, James Norris Saxton (who we all lovingly called Buddy), her mother, Hattie Parker and father, Neander Augustus (Jack) Parker, her brother, Bobby Ray Parker and wife Erna, brother, Norman Parker, and sister, Dorothy Kight.
Catherine leaves behind one daughter, Dianne (Ronnie) Davis, daughter in law, Debbie Saxton, four grandsons, Brian (Michelle) Davis, Jason (Allison) Davis, Lance (Amy) Davis, Brad (Lovisa) Saxton, 8 grandchildren: Jacob Davis, Emily Morgan Davis, Britt Davis, Blake Davis, Hayes Davis, Preston Davis, Hunter (Cameron) Saxton, Parker Saxton, 2 great-great grandchildren, Addison James Davis and Rowan Davis Saxton, and 1 nephew Tim (Bridget) Parker.
Catherine touched a lot of lives while she was here with us, and she will be missed so
much by her family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Midway Baptist Church Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 with the Service to follow at 11:00. Burial will also be at the church. Reverend Jesse Byrd will be officiating. The family has entrusted Stricklin King Funeral Home to handle all arrangements.
Merrell Warrington, 74, of Bentonia, passed away on April 20, 2024, at St. Dominic Medical Center in Jackson. He was a member of Hebron Baptist Church and retired from Yazoo County Beat 1 Road Crew, Davis Auto Sales, and Dixie Farms.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley H. Warrington, his son, Stephen Warrington, and four brothers.
Survivors include his daughter, Kendra (Eddie) Hoover of Bentonia, his brother, Glenn (Glenda) Warrington of Bentonia, and three sisters, Bonnie (Dean) Durden of Yazoo City, Nancy Chambers of Milton, FL, and Mary Jane (Randy) Halstead of Brandon.
Funeral services are being held on April 23, 2024, at Hebron Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Warrington officiating. Burial will follow at the Hancock Family Cemetery in Yazoo County. All services are overseen by Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Annie Louise Eldridge, 90, of Clinton, passed away on April 5, 2024 at her residence.
Mrs. Eldridge was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Lessie Saxton; four brothers, Fred Saxton, George Robert Saxton, Barry Saxton and Terry Saxton; and her three sisters, Betty Potter, Evie Neely and Kathy Walker.
Survivors include her son, Jimmy (Sandra) Eldridge of Clinton; daughter, Linda E. Haynie of Pensacola, FL; two brothers, Kenny (Ida) Saxton of Benton and Robbie (Brenda) Saxton of Jackson; sister, Janice (Doug) Kirk of Yazoo City; three grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on April 9 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Cemetery in Yazoo County with Rev. David Eldridge officiating. Visitation will be held on April 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Stricklin King Funeral Home whom will oversee all arrangements.
William Vernon (Bill) Warren, Jr., 78, of D’Iberville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, surrounded by his family at Singing River Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi after a brief illness.
Bill served in the National Guard as a young man and then started his 35 year career with Coca Cola Bottling Company. He worked for Yazoo Bottling Company until they closed in the early 1980’s and then he served as Production Manager at Jackson Bottling Company until his retirement. He was a faithful and dedicated employee for many years.
Bill was born to William Vernon Warren, Sr. and Beatrice Warren in 1945 and was raised in Yazoo County where he lived for many years. In his later years, after retirement, he made his home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
He is proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings Hazel, Herman and Katie as well as two nieces and two nephews.
Bill is survived by his only daughter Hope and her husband Joe Dan Dickerson of Madison, Mississippi, his three grandchildren, Jessica (Seth) Sligh of Madison, Mississippi, Jordan (Che’) Paul of Flora, Mississippi, and Bo (Gabby) Dickerson of Flora, Mississippi, also, seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Elsie and Henry Sligh, Mary Claire and Eli Paul and Owen and Lawson Dickerson.
He is also survived by his second wife, Linda Waller Warren of D’Iberville and stepsons Jason, Brian and Wesley Waller and their families.
A small family graveside service will be held at a later date at Scotland Baptist Church Cemetery in Bentonia, Mississippi. The Reverend Glenn Allen will officiate. The family has entrusted all arrangements to Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to Gideon’s International or the American Heart Association.
Billie Ross Jones was a loving son, brother, husband, father and his greatest role, grandfather (Paw Paw). Billie loved working on vehicles and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed cooking and gardening.
He was born to Ross Henry Jones and Reta Mae Stevens Jones on September 22,1938. After high school, Billie joined the United States Navy and retired after 30 years of service. He then went to work for Daniel Industries where he also retired after many years of work as a senior technician.
He is survived in death by his sons, Scottie Lee Jones, Justin Ross Jones, Michael J. Roberts, Daniel J. Roberts. His daughters, Sharon A. Roberts, Sandra J. Roberts(Her Husband Rusty Roberts), Jo Ann Dragon(Her Husband Edward Dragon.) Though he has many grandchildren and great grandchildren, the one that has brought joy to his life in his last days is Allison Danielle Nicole Meaux.
Billie is preceded in death by his parents, his 3 brothers, Gerald, Charles and Wayne. He is also preceded in death by his wife Linda Carol Tippit Jones and his stepmother Christine Malone Jones.
Everyone is invited to his graveside service Tuesday, April 09, 2023, at 2PM in Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS. All arrangements will be overseen by Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Frances Reed Dixon (91 years), of Scotland, Mississippi, went to be with her Lord and Savior while surrounded by her children, on March 30, 2024. Frances and her late husband, James Perry Dixon, resided in Scotland for 55 years, and were pillars within their community. Frances’s life was dedicated to the service of Lord and others.
Frances fully embodied the principles set forth in Philippians 2:3-4:
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Frances was a faithful member of Scotland Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She retired from Madison County Public School System. Frances was stoic and very disciplined, thus she never procrastinated. She enjoyed working, cooking, crocheting, and taking care of her family. Her hands were never idle. She touched many lives with her crocheted blankets for families with newborn babies. Frances was loving named “Granny CooCoo” by two of her great grandchildren, because they loved her cuckoo clock. For over 25 years she made sourdough bread and lovingly shared with all she knew. She was an avid reader, loved Fox News, Hallmark movies and Alan Jackson. Granny was a swan gliding through life leaving barely a ripple, but a lot was going on underneath the surface.
Frances was born on September 11, 1932, to the late William Franklin Reed and Gladys Gordon Reed Rimes. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Dixon, three sisters: Elaine Kelley, Helen Dobbins, Billy Joy Hodges, and her son-in-law, Glenn Alford.
Frances is survived by her two daughters, Cynthia Alford and Donna (Earl) Reyer. She was blessed with four grandchildren: Clint Alford; Dani Alford, MD, Jody Reyer and Jesse Reyer and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Hugh Reed and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 9:30am – 11:00am with a graveside service at Scotland Baptist Church. Dr. Earl Reyer will officiate. Pallbearers are Clint Alford, Jody Reyer, Jesse Reyer, Tristan Alford, Phillip “Pogo” Pope and Kenny Ables. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements for the family.
Patricia Murphy Spencer-Carson, 58, of Yazoo City, MS passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024 surrounded by family after a month-long battle with cancer. Trish, as she was affectionately known by friends and family, was born August 8,1965, in Jackson, MS as the youngest of four children. Trish was a graduate of Manchester Academy and attended Delta State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Jenkins Spencer of Jackson, MS and Patsy Murphy Spencer of Yazoo City, MS, her devoted older sister Leslie Anne Spencer of Jackson, MS, and grandson Dean Morris Courson of Oxford, MS. She is survived by her three children Jessica Gail Harris of Yazoo City, MS, Sarah-Murphy Carson of Oxford, MS, and Samuel Baker Carson of Brookhaven, MS, siblings Kathy LaRue of Chico, CA and Clark Spencer of Ridgeland, MS and four grandchildren, Joseph Sherlock, Ean Waldrop, Piper Waldrop, and Olivia Harris of Yazoo City, MS. Trish loved spending time with her family and friends and devoted the majority of her adult life to caring for her youngest son and grandchildren.
Visitation and the service will be at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City, MS on March 30, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for this family.
Freeda Gee Lee, 87, of Louise passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born July 4, 1936, in Ruleville MS. Freeda graduated from Ruleville High School in Ruleville MS then furthered her education at Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) in Columbus MS with a BS degree in Business in 1956. After graduating, Freeda moved to Louise to run the family business with her husband, Hoover. Freeda was a member of Louise United Methodist Church. Her greatest love was her Heavenly Father, her Family, her Friends, and living in Louise MS.
Freeda is survived by her son, Stanley Lee of Louise MS, Sharilyn Lee of Madison MS, her brothers, Gan (Mary Jane) of Huntsville AL, Chung (Lilyan) of Houston TX, Starr (Mary Catherine) of Houston TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. Freeda was preceded in death by her parents, Chee J Jee (Gee) and Woo Way Sien Jee (Gee), brothers, Happy, Yeun, Yett, and Wing.
Freeda was unselfish and so thoughtful of other needs and concerns before her own. She will always be remembered for her love for Hoover, her love for her children, for her relatives, and for her friends. Freeda showed her proof of this love with care and devotion for Hoover during his failing health. Her saying would be "You are not Promised Tomorrow...... one day at a time."
Visitation at Stricklin-King Funeral Home, 718 Calhoun Avenue, Yazoo City, MS on Tuesday, March 26, from 11-1o'clock with graveside services at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City following
at 1pm. In the event of rain, services will be held at the funeral home. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for this family.
Timothy "Tim" Scott Lee, 53, of Louise died Monday, January 15, 2024, at his residence. He was born on Easter, March 29, 1970, at Kings Daughter’s Hospital in Yazoo City MS. Tim graduated from Humphreys Academy in Belzoni, MS then furthered his education at Mississippi State University in 1992 with a BS degree in Business. After a short period of work in Jackson MS, Tim returned to Louise in 1997 to run the family business with his brother, Stan.
Tim was a member of Louise United Methodist Church. Tim may have been quiet, but he always had a smile on his face. His greatest love was his Heavenly Father, his Family, his Friends, and Mississippi State University.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hoover Lee. Tim is survived by his mother,
Freeda Gee Lee, brother Stanley Lee of Louise MS, and sister Sharilyn Lee of Madison MS.
Tim will always leave his legacy for his love of his Family and Friends, his love for honoring his father by promoting Hoover Sauce, and his love for Mississippi State University with his "True Maroon" heart.
Visitation at Stricklin-King Funeral Home, 718 Calhoun Avenue, Yazoo City, MS on Tuesday, March 26, from 11-1o'clock with graveside services at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City following
at 1pm. In the event of rain, services will be held at the funeral home. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family.
Lucy Ann Davis,72, of Benton, passed away on March 20,2024 at her residence. Lucy was born June 13, 1951, in Lexington, MS. She was a retired cafeteria manager with the Yazoo City Public School System for 34 and ½ years.
Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Perry and Rosa Vay Perry Cook and sister, Camie Harrison. Survivors include sister, Linda Pugh of Yazoo City and brother, Earnest D. Perry Jr. (Janet) of Old Fort, NC., husband, William M. Davis, children, Brian (Jennifer) of Brandon, MS., Jennifer (Ben) of Biloxi, MS., Mark of Benton, MS., and grandchildren Abbie, Izzie, Matthew, Sophia, and Luke.
Memorial services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church followed by a family burial at Coxburg Cemetery in Holmes County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Tony Womble, 91, who peacefully passed away on March 14, 2024. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme - Chapel of the Flowers on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Pastor Luther Burney, First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will conduct the funeral services at Delhomme Funeral Homes.
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, another funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM in Strickland-King Funeral Home of Yazoo City, MS. Buddy Upchurch will conduct the funeral services at Strickland-King Funeral Home. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Strickland-King Funeral Home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Burial will take place, immediately following service, in Glenwood Cemetery of Yazoo City, MS.
Mr. Womble, a longtime resident of Lafayette, was born to the late Thomas Mayhew Womble and Lillie Louise Van Cleave. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Lilli Rossman, her husband, Mitchel Rossman; his granddaughter, Lauren Aldaya Tracy and her husband, Scott Tracy; his two great-grandchildren, Decker Tracy and Logan Tracy; and his grandsons, Alexander Aldaya and Adrian Bevan Harrison.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Myra Faye Womble; his daughter, Susan Laura Aldaya, his son-in-law Jose Ignacio Aldaya; and his sister, Margaret Womble.
The pallbearers will be Mitchel Rossman, Mark Murphy, Keith Martin, Jeb Trammell, Tommy Coleman, and Donnel Coleman.
Tony lived a vibrant life filled with adventure and dedication to his family. Graduating from Yazoo City High in 1950, he joined the Air Force just five days later, serving honorably until June 5, 1954. Following his service, he ventured into aviation, working as a crop duster for ten years, spraying cotton and banana crops across various regions, including Ecuador.
In 1967, Tony began his career with Deposit Guarantee Bank as a copilot before transitioning to Self-Service where he served as chief pilot for 25 1/2 years. Upon retirement, he embarked on entrepreneurial endeavors, acquiring Luther's BBQ restaurant and later a Popeyes fried chicken franchise with the assistance of Chart House, formerly Self-Service. Even after retirement, Tony's passion for adventure persisted as he worked for rental car companies such as Acadiana Dodge, Avis, and Don's Wholesale until his final retirement in 2018.
Tony will be remembered for his zest for life, his love of adventure, his fondness for people, and his deep affection for Central and South America, but most importantly, his unwavering love for his family.
Tony Womble's legacy of love, adventure, and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Tony Womble at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Tony Womble and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.
Kathy Saxton Walker, 69, of Yazoo City, passed away on March 8, 2024 at her residence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Lessie Saxton; husband, Edgar Walker; four brothers, Fred Saxton, Terry Saxton, Barry Saxton and George Robert Saxton; and sisters, Betty Potter and Evie Neely.
Survivors include her son, Daniel (Amy) Walker of Yazoo City, a grandson, Brodey Walker, two sisters, Janice (Doug) Kirk of Yazoo City and Annie Eldridge of Clinton, two brothers, Kenny (Ida) Saxton of Benton and Robbie (Brenda) Saxton of Clinton.
Burial will be held at the Saxton Family Cemetery in Yazoo County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ricky Saxton Foundation at the Bank of Yazoo.
Richard Davis Murphy, age 77, of Mandeville, Louisiana passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1946 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Richard Kinkead and Martha Davis Murphy.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan Luter Murphy; his children Martha Mundine (David), Katie Cooley and Rob Murphy (Christi); and his seven grandchildren Ryan Mundine (McKenna), Katherine Mundine, Ella Cooley, Caroline Murphy, Evan Cooley, Davis Murphy, Emily Murphy and his great-granddaughter Murphy Mundine.
Richard is preceded in death by his father Richard and mother Martha, his “Mama” Johnnie, and his stepbrother James “Jimmy” Channell.
Growing up in Yazoo City, MS, he graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1965. Richard went on to attend Mississippi State University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and Delta Sigma Pi, a national honorary business fraternity. Upon graduation in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science double major in Data Processing and Statistics from the College of Business and Industry, he and Jan moved to Dallas, Texas, where he began a career as certified internal auditor in the oil and gas industry.
Richard became a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors in 1974. His career later took him and his family to Lafayette, Louisiana, Ocean Springs and Diamondhead, Mississippi, New Orleans, and finally Mandeville, Louisiana where he served as Operations Controller of Consolidated Grain and Barge until his retirement in 2012. With his career, he traveled to six different continents, making many lifelong friends along the way.
Once he retired, he enjoyed spending time at home with his family and playing golf at least three times a week with his golfing buddies. Richard passed on his passion for the game of golf to his family, and love of his alma mater to future generations.
Services will be held at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on the 15th day, March 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at noon.
Graveside service and burial will be held at 10:30 AM on the 16th day, March 2024, at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS under the direction and care of Stricklin King Funeral Home, where he will be laid to rest with many generations of his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Richard Murphy may be made to Ochsner Cancer Center, 900 Ochsner Boulevard, Covington, LA 70433, https://www.ochsner.org/giving/donate OR The Marianites of Holy Cross, Village in the Oaks, 75520 Highway 1081, Covington, LA 70435, https://marianites.org/how-you-can-help/donate/.
Fond memories can be shared with the Murphy Family at www.gracenorthshore.com.
Arthur Alvin Stevens, Jr., 79, of Bentonia, passed away peacefully at home with his family. He was known in the community as “Steve” or “Bud.” Arthur was born in Holly Bluff to Arthur Alvin, Sr., and Lillian Maxine Stevens. He joined the United States Army after graduating high school. He served his country during the Vietnam War. He worked at different convenient stores in town until he retired to take care of his mother.
Arthur is preceded in death by his father and brother, Charles Glenn Stevens. He is survived by his mother, Maxine Stevens, of Bentonia, MS, brother, John (Denise) Stevens, Sr., of Vicksburg, MS, sister, Sandra (Verbon) Ryals, of Benton, MS, nieces Sharon (Mitch) Myers, Jennifer (Spence) Kight, Amber (John Fowler) Porter, Erin Kight, Molly Kight, Kristin (Michael) McCauley, Danielle Stevens, Ari Stevens, Luna McCauley, nephews Verbon Ryals, Jr., John (Tesha) Stevens, Jr., Marshall (Connie) Stevens, Dustin (Haley) Porter, Jacob Porter, Greyson Jones, Britton Jones, Thomas Ward, Brendan Stevens, Ethan Stevens, and Leon McCauley.
Funeral services will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home Saturday, March 9, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with services following at 11:00 AM. Reverend James Pettis will be officiating. A burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee all arrangements for the family. Pallbearers will be as follows: Dustin Porter, Jacob Porter, John Avery Fowler, Mitch Myers, Anthony Ward, and Spence Kight.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Nell Ethredge, a respected attorney and member of the Short Creek Baptist Church community, on March 1, 2024, in Alabaster, Alabama. She was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1945.
As an attorney, Barbara was able to live and work in different parts of the nation. She was very happy to return back home to the South where she settled and retired in Helena, AL.
Barbara loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ very much and had also attended Evangel Church PCA in Alabaster, AL.
She really loved dogs and was always reaching out to help those in need.
Barbara was the loving daughter of the late Lamar Doyle and Vallie Horne Ethredge, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Ethredge of Helena, Alabama.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Short Creek Baptist Church. A funeral service will honor Barbara's life immediately following the visitation, with burial to take place at Short Creek Cemetery. Reverend Barry Ward will officiate the services, and Stricklin King Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements ensuring Barbara's legacy is honored in accordance with her family's wishes.
Trennis C. Hunt of Yazoo City, Yazoo County, MS, passed away at the age of 71 on February 22, 2024, at his residence. Born on February 10, 1946, to Claude and Regina Adams Hunt, he was a proud Navy veteran and a dedicated worker at Yazoo Body Works specializing in auto body repair. Trennis was a man of Baptist faith.
Services to honor his life will be held at Stricklin King Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS, on March 2, 2024. Reverend Tad Duggan will officiate the services, with Stricklin King Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements.
Charles Glenn Stevens, 68, of Benton, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, surrounded by family. Charles was born in Yazoo City to Arthur Alvin Sr. and Lillian Maxine Stevens. Charles joined the United States Navy after graduating high school. He worked at E&W Sewing Factory until its closing. Charles retired from Vermeer in Clinton, MS.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Steven Sr.; and his beloved wife, Sharon Dale Stevens.
Survivors include his mother, Lillian Maxine Stevens of Bentonia; his brothers, Arthur “Steve” Stevens Jr. of Bentonia, John (Denise) Stevens Sr. of Vicksburg; his sister, Sandra (Verbon) Ryals of Benton; two stepsons, Stephen (Kimberly) Hasty and Christopher Hasty, both of Benton; nieces, Sharon (Mitch) Myers, Jennifer (Spence) Kight, Amber (John Fowler) Porter, Erin Kight, Molly Kight, Kirstin (Michael) McCauley, Danielle Stevens, Ari Stevens, Luna McCauley; nephews, Verbon Ryals Jr., John (Tesha) Stevens, Marshall (Conni) Stevens, Dustin (Haley) Porter, Jacob Porter, Greyson Jones, Britton Jones, Thomas Ward, Brandon Stevens, Ethan Stevens, Leon McCauley; grandchildren, Reed (Sara) Hasty, Tara Hasty, Leah Hasty (Kendrick) Williams; and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at Stricklin King Funeral Home with his grandson Reed Hasty officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.
Walter Earl Porter, a worker in road maintenance with the Yazoo County Road Department in Yazoo County, MS, passed away on February 27, 2024. Born on February 28, 1947, in Yazoo County, MS, to Henry and Emily Hanna Porter. Walter passed away in the emergency room at River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, MS, before he departing this earth at the age of 76.
Walter is preceded in death by his wife, Jamie Jo Smith. He leaves behind a loving family, his sons, Michael Britt Harrison of Yazoo City, MS, and Craig Harrison of Hazard, KY; his daughter, Stephany Harrison Down of Yazoo City, MS; his sister-in-law, Dene Smith; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Visitation for Walter Earl Porter will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home, followed by a burial service at Caile Cemetery in Caile, MS. Pallbearers include Reid Porter, De Ray Porter, Will Manor, Dallas Porter, Shane Kilpatrick, and Cody Porter. Stricklin-King Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.
Helen Aileen Johnson Eldridge, 99, passed away February 27, 2024. She was born June 13, 2024, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She is survived by daughters Jeanne (Roger) Mullen of Grenada, MS, Diatra (Edward) Davis of Bentonia, MS, Cindy Kinnard of Biloxi, MS, Sherry (John) Book of Yazoo City, MS, and Dianne (Mike) Turner of Columbia, TN. She had 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a great great child. She is preceded in death by her husband’s C.H. Johnson and Harris Eldridge, sons Brian Johnson and Terry Johnson, grandsons Rusty Peters and Stayce Wilkinson, and granddaughter Marilyn Peters.
The service will be Sunday March 3, 2024, with visitation before at 12:30 – 1:45 PM with graveside to follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Stricklin King Funeral Home will handle all arrangements.
Ephraim Marion Smith, II, 78, of Yazoo City, MS, died at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS on February 21, 2024. Ephraim was born in 1945 to J. O. and Hortense Smith, and grew up on the family farm in Greenville, MS. Ephraim attended Mississippi State University, receiving a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1968, and a M. S. in Civil Engineering in 1988. He worked as a licensed Professional Civil Structural Engineer with Mississippi Chemical Corporation for 31 years and did independent engineering contracting for an additional 18 years.
An Eagle Scout himself, Ephraim was active as Scoutmaster with Boy Scouting through First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. He was proud that his son also obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He remained in contact with many of the boys in his troop.
Ephraim was proud of his daughter for the many academic honors she was awarded. He
encouraged her to excel in everything she attempts. He was especially proud to show off the many handicraft arts she produced.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church for 50 years. He was especially proud of his unofficial voluntary job as “The Church Dish Washer”, His belief was that everyone can be useful in God’s work.
Ephraim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. O. Smith Jr., and his sister
Catherine Bernard. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Glenda, his son Trey Smith of Brandon, his daughter Virginia (Gini) Smith-Heichelbech of Huntsville, AL, and his sister Melanie Gousset of Madison.
He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends from coast to coast.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 24 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. with the funeral service at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, MS. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Independence, MS. Stricklin King Funeral Home will oversee the arrangement for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ephraim’s name to the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering at First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, P. O. Box 780, Yazoo City, MS 39194.
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