SAMMY CHAPMAN Sr.
Sammy R. Chapman Sr., 62, died Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services are today at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Wilkinson Jr. officiating. Burial followed at Central Holmes Cemetery.
Mr. Chapman was born Dec. 27, 1950 in Yazoo County to Claude and Evie Perry Chapman. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and an operator for CF Industries. He was a member of the Jesus Church Light of the World.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Chapman of Yazoo City; two sons, Sammy Ray Chapman Jr. of Yazoo City and William Andrew “Bubba” Chapman of Yazoo City; a daughter, Felicia Edge of Picayune; sister, Barbara Fields of Houston, Texas and 11 grandchildren.

NICOLE HOOD
Laci Nicole "Nikki" Hood Stricklin, 30, of Yazoo City, died on March 2, 2013.
Matthew T Smith is holding a memorial service for "Nikki" on Sunday, March 10, at Pleasant Hill Church, located at 4156 Renshaw Road in Yazoo City Services will begin at noon.
Matt would like for everyone who wishes to help celebrate the life of his companion and daughter's mother to attend this service. It is going to be very informal because that is the kind of person Nikki was and that is how she would want to be remembered.
We ask you to please come and help us through our time of grief as we put our beautiful loved one to rest.

CHARLOTTE KETCHUM
Charlotte Patricia Ketchum, formerly of Yazoo City, died on Feb. 20, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas.
She was buried in the Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Survivors include her husband, Benny F. Ketchum; daughter, Patricia L. Ketchum of San Antonio; son, Benny F. Ketchum Jr. of Morgan City, La,; brother, Nate VanCleave of Yazoo City; sister, Gayle Boutwell of Yazoo City; and four grandchildren.

IROLA WILLAMS
Irola Carter Williams, 103, of Yazoo City, died Feb. 26, 2013 at the University Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, at New Zion Baptist Church in Yazoo City with Rev. Willie E. Smith and Rev. Steve Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer & Collins Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williams was born Aug. 23, 1909 in Benton to Sears and Harriet Brooks Carter.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at 12 years old and united with the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church.  When she moved to Yazoo City in 1933, she became a member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, where she was the oldest member.  For years she worked hard and unselfishly at St. Peter in various ministries, such as the Usher Board, Women Mission, and the Mothers Board ministries. She worked to lift up the name of Jesus Christ until her health failed in the mid 1980s
Mrs. Williams served for many years as the corresponding secretary of the Mississippi Baptist Congress of Christian Education, where she worked with numerous church leaderships and their members all over the state. She retired from her work in the Mississippi Baptist Congress in Feb. of 1986. She also worked in the Yazoo County Brotherhood Association, where she served as the Historian in the Women’s Association for many years.  
Mrs. Williams was educated in the Yazoo County School System.  She was a skilled seamstress and was very able to care for her family that way. In most cases, she only needed a picture of a garment in order to create an exact reproduction of a beautiful dress or a special outfit for one of her loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Williams; and her seven siblings.
Survivors include a nephew and a great nephew, who she raised as sons, Melvin McNeal (Mary) of Illinois, and Rola Donelson of Yazoo City; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and two devoted Health Care Workers from Mid Delta Home Health Care, Shinele Taylor and Thelma Brown.
Pallbearers were Andrew D. Carter, Michael Purvis, L.C. Toombs, Quinn Wright, Anthony Reeves, and Terry Palmer.
Honorary Pallbearers were Robert Ball, Andrew Carter, Rola Donelson, Melvin McNeal, Harry Williams, and Arnett Cheeks.

McBEE BARBOUR
John “McBee” Barbour, 66, of Winona, died Feb. 27, 2013.
Funeral services were Saturday at Oliver Chapel in Winona. Burial followed at the Winona Garden of Memory under the direction of Oliver Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Kay Barbour; daughter, Kathryn Allman (Trey) of Water Valley; son, John Barbour of Winona; two grandchildren, Mary Claire and John Henry Allman of Water Valley; sister, Genevieve Barbour of Jackson; and brother, Judge William Barbour (Sherrie) of Yazoo City.

CLAUDIS RAY JAMES
Claudis Ray James, 69, of Jackson died on Feb. 25, 2013.   
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 2, at New Galilean Baptist Church with Pastor Timothy Curry officiating under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home. A memorial service will also be held at the funeral home at a later date.
Mr. James was the youngest of eleven children born to Paul and Dora James on Nov. 7, 1943 in Columbia .
At an early age, Claudis accepted Christ as his Lord and personal savior, and for many years he was a faithful member at John the Baptist Church in Columbia. He later moved his membership to Tabernacle of Praise Baptist Church in Jackson, where he was a devoted member until his health failed him.
He attended Prentiss Institute Junior College in Prentiss. While attending the institute, he played quarterback for the football team. After graduating, he attended Jackson State University where he also played football and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. After leaving the Professional Football League Claudis devoted his time to working with formal college and professional players to organize a semi-professional team where Edward Peyton played and was drafted to play professional football a second time.  
He later organized the first Dixie Youth Baseball League in Columbia, where a park was named after him in his honor.  
For many years, he was employed with Mississippi School Supply Company.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Emma James; three children, Claudis Jr., Elton, and Alita James-Nelson (William III); two grandchildren, Alailah James and William Nelson IV; four sisters, Hilda Boykin and Marie Cole (Ezekial) of California, Edna Braden of Cleveland, Ohio and Vernell Armstrong of Columbia; brother, Clyde James of Sacramento; three brothers-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

SALLIE LUNGRIN
Sallie Marie Lungrin, 86, of Raymond, died March 3, 2013 at Ridge Manor Nursing Home.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 4, at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marshall Burnett officiating. Burial followed at the Lungrin Family Cemetery in Yazoo County.
Mrs. Lungrin was born Oct. 28, 1926 in Flora to Willie A. Renfroe and Margaret Richardson. She was a member of Bentonia Methodist Church.  Mrs. Lungrin was a cook.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel V. Lungrin.
Survivors include three sons, Samuel V. Lungrin Jr. of Yazoo City , Steve Lungrin of Deridder, La., and Gary T. Lungrin of Middleton, Idaho.;  two daughters, Eva “Sissy” McGarity of Jackson and Susan Hicks of Fairbanks, Ak.; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Bobby Renfroe of Jackson; and sister, Juanita Myers of Ridgeland.  
Serving as pallbearers were Cody Lungrin, Luke Lungrin, Sean Milner, Ian Lungrin, Tra Lungrin, and Jason Boatner.

JOE MCGRAW
Joe “Papa Joe” Mcgraw, 86, of Yazoo City, died March 4, 2013 at Oasis Health and Rehabilitation.            
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 7, at Scotland Baptist Church with Rev. Glen Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Scotland Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mr. Mcgraw was born May 18, 1926 in Bolivar County to Fayette Mcgraw and Alice H.  He was a Pharmaceutical Rep. as well as a Marine war Veteran.         
Survivors include his three sons, Joe W. Mcgraw (Janette) of Benton, Ralph Mcgraw of Jackson, and Sam Mcgraw of Jackson; daughter, Kay Baker of Vardaman; and seven grandchildren.

ROSALIND MORRIS
Rosalind “Ros” Morris, 68, died Feb. 27, 2013 at her home in Clinton.
Funeral services were held March 2 at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton. Graveside service and burial followed in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Aberdeen under the direction of Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by her father Ellis E. Harris and sister Jenny Ruth Harris.
Survivors include her mother, Vergie M. Harris of Aberdeen; sons, John W. Morris (Angela) of Tunica,  Thomas J. Morris of Frisco, Texas, and David S. Morris (Julie) of Bolton; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  

MARY SANDERS
Mary Sanders, 55, died Feb. 21, 2013.  
Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 2, at the L.T. Miller Community Center in Yazoo City with Rev. Kenneth Ramsey officiating. Burial followed at Gosher Cemetery in Louise under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home.
Mrs. Sanders was born June 26, 1957 in Flora to the late Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Rosetta Stewart. Mary accepted Christ at an early age at New Foundation M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. J.E. Burks. She was united in holy matrimony to Lionel Sanders Sr., and they had five children.
She was preceded in death by a son, Quincy Marchello Sanders; a granddaughter, Tytianna Bell; sister, Pearl Stewart; brother, John Stewart; and her parents.
Survivors include her husband, Lionel Sanders Sr.; four children, Leslie Sanders (Nakia) and Carolyn Sanders of Jackson, Anthony Sanders, and Lionel Sanders (Kim) of Lawrence, Kan.; four sisters, Willie Brown, Dorothy Newman, Gloria Jones (James E.), and Rosie Stewart (James H.); one brother, David Stewart, all of Yazoo City; ten grandchildren; four sisters-in-law;  brother, David Stewart; and father-in-law.
Serving as pallbearers were David Robinson, Joe Brown, Candard Robinson, Lorenzo Newman, Robert Robinson, and Marvin Stewart.         
Honorary pallbearers were Johnathan Stewart, Roncedrick Robinson, Jameless Newman, Nakia Willis, Moses Marshall, and Michael Marshall.

CHARLES SAXTON
Charles Gary Saxton, 55, of Benton died Feb. 23, 2013.
Funeral services were Feb. 26 at Midway Baptist Church with Rev. Arlie Francis officiating. Burial followed at Midway Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mr. Saxton was born Feb. 9, 1958 in Yazoo County to Charles F. and Billie P. Saxton. He was an operator for Casey Jones and Midway water associations.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles F. “Buddy” Saxton.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Mona Iasigi Saxton of Benton; son, Garan Saxton of Benton; mother, Billie P. Saxton of Benton; sister, Kathy Adkinson (Mike) of Benton; granddaughter, Catherine Rivers Saxton of Benton; nieces, Lindsay and Amy Adkinson; nephew, Buddy Adkinson; and great-niece, Braelynn Sumrall.
Serving as pallbearers were Timmy Boatner, Roger Davis, Darrell Malone, Chase Cage, David Ketchum, Dale Porter, Jeff Ward, Ward Coleman, Billy Jones and Berry May.

IROLA WILLIAMS
Irola Williams, 103, of Yazoo City, died on Feb. 26, 2013.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 9, at noon at New Zion M.B Church, located at 630 E. Twelfth St. in Yazoo City. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services.
Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

ERNESTINE DROGE
Ernestine R. Droge, 72, of Bentonia, died Feb. 24, 2013 at her home.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Droge was born on March 19, 1940 to Albert Robertson and Graceleen Morris.         
Survivors include her husband, Ronal Droge of Bentonia; son, David Droge (Kristie) of Bentonia; two grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Droge of Bentonia; and two great grandchildren, Anna Beth and Ellie Grace Merrell.

GEORGIA DAVIS
Georgia Davis, 56, of Yazoo City, died Feb. 26, 2013.         
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Charles Bradley officiating. Burial will follow at Triunion Cemetery under the direction of Knight and Lindsey Funeral Home.
Mrs. Davis was born on Aug. 28, 1957 in Yazoo County to John Allen and Lizzie Simmons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Prentiss Davis III; and daughter, Latoria.
Survivors include her three sons, Prentiss (Regina) and Tommie (Deira), both of Benton and Terrence (Ameica) of Jackson; daughter, Sonya of Yazoo City; mother, Lizzie Lacey of Benton; sisters, Ammie (Omar) of Clinton, Angie and Jackie of Yazoo City, Nancy, Georgiareen, Rebecca, and Catherine of Benton; brothers, George (Ruby) of Benton, Sammie (Sarah)  Bay Springs, and James and Leonard of Yazoo City; two uncles, Jimmy (Fannie) of Jackson and Frankie of Chicago.

ROSALIND MORRIS
Rosalind “Ros” Morris, 68, died Feb. 27, 2013 at her home in Clinton.
Funeral services were held March 1 at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton. Graveside service and burial followed in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Aberdeen under the direction of Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by her father Ellis E. Harris and sister Jenny Ruth Harris.
Survivors include her mother, Vergie M. Harris of Aberdeen; sons, John W. Morris (Angela) of Tunica,  Thomas J. Morris of Frisco, Texas, and David S. Morris (Julie) of Bolton; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  

BILLIE REMINGTON
Billie Saunders Remington, 89, of Prattville, Ala. and formerly of Yazoo City, died Feb. 26, 2013 at Prattville Health and Rehabilitation Center.  
Funeral services were held March 1 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. David E. Gilbert officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Her highest calling was as a faithful wife, mother, and homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Harry C. Remington Jr., a daughter, Trudy R. Roberts, and a brother, Bobby Ray Saunders.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan Bell (William), of Prattville, Ala.; two sons, Dr. John Remington (Jan) of Wilmington, NC and Hank Remington (Elizabeth) of Yazoo City; fourteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were Mrs. Remington’s grandsons, Joel Bell, Stephen Bell, Andrew Remington, Jeremy Roberts, Eric Remington, Patrick Remington, and Jeffrey Remington.  
The deacons of Second Presbyterian Church were honorary pallbearers.
The family has requested that memorials be made to Covenant Christian School, c/o Second Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 977, Yazoo City, MS  39194.

MEDA TAYLOR
Meda A. Taylor, 93, of Vicksburg died Feb. 21, 2013 at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg.
Funeral services were Feb. 25 at Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sonny Bradshaw officiating. Burial followed at Glenwood Cemetery.
Mrs. Taylor was born on July 11, 1919 in Yazoo County to Benjamin Sadler and Marion H. Foster. She was a retired E&W supervisor and seamstress.
Survivors include her three sons, Scotty Taylor (Jane), Gwin Taylor (Linda), and Jim Taylor (Pat); six grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were John Taylor, Tom Taylor, Kelly Wilkerson, Jim Taylor, Jason Wood, and Mary Hilderbrand.

PHRONIA TUSSEY
Phronia Wade Acey Tussey, 94, of Yazoo City, died at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland on Feb. 23, 2013.
Funeral services were Feb. 26. on her 95th birthday, at Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Caleb Clark officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery
Mrs. Tussey was born in Holmes County Feb. 26, 1918 to Fred Z. Wade and Clara Bell Hale. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.  She worked at Ely & Walker Factory for 25 years. She was known as the “Avon Lady,” having sold Avon for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Jeanette Straus of Pearl and Charlene Ray of Bridge City, Texas; grandson, Randy Day of Pearl; granddaughter, Joy Barnes of Pearl; great granddaughter, Stacey Perry of Carthage; and her first husband, Norman Charles Acey.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Tussey; three daughters, Billie Day of Yazoo City , Bonnie Acey of Pearl, and Johnna Freeman of LaVonia, Georgia; brother, Paul R. Acey of Jackson; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were Jim Freeman, Bryan Powers, David Scott, Justin Powers, Vincent Ray, and Jeff Ray.

CHARLES SAXTON
Charles Gary Saxton, 55, of Benton died Feb. 23, 2013.
Funeral Services were Feb. 26 at Midway Baptist Church with Rev. Arlie Francis officiating. Burial followed at Midway Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mr. Saxton was born Feb. 9, 1958 in Yazoo County to Charles F. Saxton and Billie Porter. He worked in maintenance at Casey Jones Water Association.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles F. “Buddy” Saxton.
Survivors include his wife, Mona Saxton; son, Garan Saxton of Benton; sister, Kathy (Mike) Atkinson of Benton;  mother, Billie P. Saxton of Benton; great granddaughter, Catherine Rivers Saxton; two nieces, Lindsey and Amy Adkinson; and a great niece, Braelynn Sumrall.
Serving as pallbearers were Tommy Boatner, Roger Davis, Darrell Malone, Chase Cage, David Ketchum, Dale Porter, Jeff Ward, Ward Coleman, and Billy Jones.