BARNEY BENSON JR.
Barney Wayne Benson Jr., 46, of Yazoo City, died on Feb. 5, 2013 in Humphreys County.
Funeral services were held Saturday at Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Burial followed at Harlons Creek Cemetery in Holmes County.
Mr. Benson was born on Jan. 30, 1967 in Hinds County to Barney Wayne and Linda Benson. He was an offshore worker.
He was preceded in death by his father, Barney Wayne Benson Sr.
Survivors include his mother, Linda Abel Benson, of Yazoo City; a sister, Allison B. Crawford of Madison; three nieces, Abbie Abel, Morgan Benson and Zoe Quinn; and special Aunt Doylie of Yazoo City.  

DERMECEO DONELSON
Dermeceo Donelson, 36, died Feb. 5, 2013.
Funeral services were Feb. 9 at Tri-Union Independent Church in Benton with Rev. John O. McNeal officiating. Burial followed at Union Paradise Cemetery under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Donelson was born June 11, 1977 to Robert Lee Donelson and the late Pearlie Mae Donelson. He was educated at Benton High School and worked at ACS for nine years until his health failed. He was a member of Steve Chapel Independent Church.
Survivors include his father, Robert Donelson of Benton;  brothers, Robert Lee Donelson Jr. of Benton Charlie Junior Donelson (Janie) of Vaughan, Lue Willie Donelson (Tina) of Jackson, Curtis Donelson (Letoya) of Jackson; sisters, Bobby Joe Donelson (Rickey) and Donna Bassett of Vaughan; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Rickey Jefferson, Lue Willie Donelson Jr., Lee Donelson, Don Mills, Don Hudson and Marcus Crozier.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert Lee Donelson, Charlie Donelson, Lue Willie Donelson, John Lee Donelson, Curtis Donelson and Chris Clay.

VIOLA GRAY
Viola Hackett Gray, 82, died February 3, 2013.
Funeral services were Feb. 9 at New Bethel M.B. Church with Rev. James Hines officiating. Burial followed at the church cemetery.
Mrs. Gray was born Nov. 17, 1931 in Benton to Tom Hackett and Callie Bell Schaffer. She married the late John W. Griffin, and they had 16 children together. Eight of them preceded her in death.
She later moved to Three Rivers, Mich. and married Harold Gray, who also preceded her in death. After moving back to Yazoo City, she joined New Bethel M.B. Church and served on the Mother Board.
Survivors include her daughters, Vera McGee and Barbara Sue Griffin of Yazoo City and Cynthia Gee of Three Rivers, Mich.; sons, James Griffin, Willie Lee Griffin (Charlaine), Lonnie Griffin (Joyce), Charles Griffin and Alfred James Griffin, all of Yazoo City, and Cornell Gray, of Chicago; sister, Willella Hackett; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Serving as pallbearers were David Claybon, Dunbar Henry, Carlos McGee, Tony Williams, Larry McGee and Roy McGee.

LINDA GOODWIN
Linda Jean Downs Goodwin, 72, died Saturday at home under the loving care of her family.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the First Pentecostal Church of Vicksburg with Rev. D.W. Tipton officiating.
Burial followed at Vicksburg City Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Linda was born on June 8, 1940 in Matthews, Mo. to the late L.A. (Jack) and Helen Downs and has lived in Holly Bluff for the past 44 years.
Linda was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, and homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family and singing at First Pentecostal Church in Vicksburg, where she was a faithful member.
Survivors include her husband, Ed Goodwin of Holly Bluff; three daughters, Elissa Tucker and Malisa Womble of Holly Bluff, and Ladissa Hutcheson of Flowers; and four grandchildren, Landon and Ethan Tucker, Malaina Womble and Drew Hutcheson.
Pallbearers were Landon Tucker, Garett Hester, Marvin Ashley, Kenneth Chouccola’, Paris Stokes, and Tim Perry.

MARY JONES
Mary Cathryn Jones, 81, of Yazoo City, died Saturday at King’s Daughters Hospital.    
Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Archie Goodwin and Lewis Kalil officiating.  
Burial will follow at Straight Bayou Cemetery under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mrs. Jones was born Oct. 15, 1931 in Humphreys County to Leo Green and Louella Sanders.  
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Morris C. Jones, and daughter, Janice Turnage.
Survivors include her son, Roger (Susan) Jones of Anguilla; five sisters, June Mathis of Yazoo City, Nina Redditt of Greenwood, Marita Koll of Cleveland, and Debbie Render and Susie Titalo, of North Caroline; brother, H.D. Green of Calhoun City; two grandchildren, Kristie Rice of Anguilla and Wesley Turnage of Greenville; and three great grandchildren.  

DAVID LEDBETTER
David William Ledbetter, 91, died Sunday, February 10, 2013 at home.  
Funeral services were Tuesday at Bethlehem Baptist Church under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mr. Ledbetter was born  in Vaughan on Oct. 27, 1921.  On February 17, 1940, David married Rachel Rogers and after a couple of years living in Beaumont, MS, they settled in the Fugates community where they have lived for the last 71 years.
David is preceded in death by his parents Charles P. Ledbetter and Emma Warmack Ledbetter, grandson Zane Rankin, and son-in-law Johnie Nesbit.  
He is survived by his wife Rachel and his seven children: Donna Williams (Ronny), Charles Ledbetter (Paula), Davie Rankin, Amy Shirley (Jim), David Ledbetter Jr. (Kathy), John Ledbetter (Linda), and Millicent Ledbetter.  He is also survived by siblings: Juanita Taylor, Eloise Smith, and Walter Pitt.  He leaves behind a legacy including 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
While serving as a private in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1945-1946, David earned several medals including: the APTO Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory medal.  He also earned the marksmanship award in his class, an honor subsequently earned by both his son Charles Ledbetter and his grandson Andrew Ledbetter.
A diligent worker in all aspects of his life, he was perhaps, one of the very best when it came to running a cotton gin.  This is evidenced in his 28 years of dedicated labor at Linwood Gin, where he worked until retirement.
David loved to fish every chance he got, and his favorite spot to fish was the Big Black River.  It is a love that he has passed down to nearly every member of his family, as well as a favorite pastime that elicits fond memories of “Gran-Gran” from his children and grandchildren.
Beloved by all who knew him, David was a man of the Lord, a man of honor, integrity and strength.  His absence will be felt immensely by his family and friends, but all rejoice in knowing they will one day see him again.
Memorials may be made in David’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, Gideon’s International, or the Baptist Children’s Village.

SUE ABLES
Diana Sue Ables, 64, died Feb. 5, 2013 at her home in Yazoo City.
Funeral services were Friday at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Abel officiating. Burial followed at Tranquil Cemetery.
Mrs. Ables was born Nov. 24, 1948 in Yazoo County to Woodrow and Mildred Johnston Ward. She was the owner of Magnolia Hospice and a registered nurse.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Otha Bell Ables Jr.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Downs (Charlie) of Carrollton and Sonya Presley (Mike) of Yazoo City;  a brother, Travis Ward of Anguilla; four sisters, Faye Arender, Elaine Eldridge, Lynn Eldridge and Connie Ward, all of Yazoo City; three grandsons, Christopher Moss, Jacob Moss and Matt Downs; three granddaughters, Suzanne Shaw, Elizabeth Downs and Breanna Moss; and two great-grandchildren.

JUNE MUNN
June Arender Munn, 83, died Feb. 5, 2013 at King’s Daughters Hospital.
Funeral services were Friday at the Stricklin-King Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sonny Bradshaw officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Munn was born Aug. 30, 1929 in Yazoo County to Robert J. and Effie Tyson Hanna. She was a retired seamstress for E&W Manufacturing and a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Dewitt Munn and G.W. Arender; a son, James Arender; and a granddaughter, Brittany Granberry.
Survivors include three daughters, Jill Warmack (Charles) and Nadine Granberry of Yazoo City and Cheryl Atwell (Mel) of Chatanooga, Tenn.; three sons, Bill Arender (Faye), Phillip Arender (Kathy) and Alexis Arender (Freda) of Yazoo City; two sisters, Vera McMichael of Yazoo City and Castella Hardille of Minden, La.; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers were John Granberry, Adam Granberry, Issaac Pigg, Stewart Pigg, Jason Arender, Sam Granberry, Cisco Pigg, Paul Pigg and Keith Arender.

LILLIE BONNER
Lillie B. Bonner, 72, of Yazoo City, died on Jan. 23, 2013.
Funeral services were held Saturday at St. Matthew Church of God in Christ with Rev. Bernard Luckett officiating. Burial followed at Cypress Garden under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bonner was born on Aug. 6, 1941 in Yazoo County to the late Jerry Lee and Daisy Allen.
She married the late James Bonner, and to their union was born six children.
She accepted Christ at an early age and later became a member of Issaquena M.B. Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brother, Willie Allen.
Survivors include her three sisters, Ruby Underwood of Cincinnati, Luvenia Pilgrim and Barbara (Alphonse) Washington of Peekskill, New York; three daughters, Sandra Deere and Teresa (Bobby) Luckett of Yazoo City and Shirelle (Robert) of Tulsa, Okla.; and three sons, Willie (Thomasina) Allen of Tulsa, Okla., James Bonner Jr. of Seattle and Johnny Bonner of Peekskill, New York.
Honorary pallbearers were Willie Allen, James Bonner Jr., Johnny Bonner, David Bonner, John Bonner, Leroy Bonner Sr., Ronnie Hall, Mathis Powell and Bobby Luckett.
Palbearers were Leroy Bonner Jr., Robert McDonald, Robert Davis, Cody Nicholson, Willie Harris Sr. and J.D. Roseman.

HYRAM GREY
Hyram (Fess) S. Grey, 83, died Jan. 31, 2013, at home after a lengthy illness surrounded by family and friends.
He was born March 31, 1929 in Mayersville to  Hattie Lowery Grey and Josh Grey.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Fess served our country serving in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, where he received the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star Army of Occupation Medal.  Fess was a member of Yazoo Lodge No. 42, F. & A.M. for 55 years.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois H. Grey; three daughters, Pamela Grey Johnson (Danny) of Vicksburg, Diane Grey Braswell (Anthum) of Greenwood and Lois Dawn Grey of Yazoo City; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Rosie Wardlaw of Vicksburg, Juliette Moore of Bentonia, Betty Grey of Yazoo City and Mary Alice Strickland of Yazoo City; three brothers, Huey Grey of Kansas, Glenn Grey of Yazoo City and Eugene Grey of Utica. Fess is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Grey was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Charlotte Ann Grey; one sister, Inez Davis; and two brothers, Frank O. Grey, Sr. and Ted C. Grey.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with the Rev.  Jeff Dixon officiating and burial to follow.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 3785 Hwy. 433 West, Bentonia, MS.  39040.
Pallbearers will be Anthum Braswell, Barrett Braswell, Frank Grey Jr. and Danny Johnson.

LINDA JONES
Linda Sue Jones, 58, of Jackson died Feb. 4, 2013 at Chadwick Nursing Home.
Funeral services are today at 11 a.m. at Greencrest Cemetery in Belzoni with Rev. Robert Ragland officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Ms. Jones was born Jan. 10, 1955 in Louise to Adrian Otis Jones and Ruby Lee Roberts Jones. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include two sisters, Martha McCoy of Florence and Patricia McClain of Louise; and two brothers, Alvin Jones of Edwards and Clinton M. Jones of Terry.

CARRIE PIGG
Carrie Mae Pigg, 77, of Bentonia, died Saturday at Select Specialty Hospital in Gulfport.
Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. in the Stricklin King Chapel with Rev. Glenn Warrington officiating. Burial will follow at Melrose Baptist Cemetery in Yazoo County.
Visitation will be held an hour prior to the funeral services.
Mrs. Pigg was born on Nov. 23, 1935 in Warren County to Wilford W. Bright and Beulah Mae Graham.
She was preceded in death by her parents; adopted parents, J.Q. and Minnie Walker;  husband, James C. Pigg; daughter, Judy Pigg; and brothers, James Allen Dwiggins and Lawrence Dwiggins.
Survivors include her daughter, Carrie Jean Ripoll of Long Beach; four granddaughters, Colby Parks and Caren Reel, both of Bentonia, and Crystal Williams and Candi Williams Whalen, both of Long Beach; grandson, Caleb Creel of Bentonia; and two brothers, James Bright of Bentonia and George Dwiggins of Vicksburg.
Pallbearers were James Lee Bright, John Kevin Bright, Jason Bright, Jake Weldon, Blake Bright, Wesley Bright and Quinton Hank.

TANGELA ROBINSON
Tangela LaBelle Robinson, 33, of Yazoo City, died on Jan. 28, 2013.
Funeral services were held Saturday at King Solomon Baptist Church with Rev. Maxine Simmons-Bolden officiating. Burial followed at Cypress Gardens under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home.
Tangela was born on June 20, 1979 in Jackson to Roderick Robinson and A. Elaine Simmons.
She was a 1997 high honors graduate of Yazoo City High School. She later graduated with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her work career was in banking and retail.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lulabelle Hawkins.
Survivors include her parents; three sisters, Towander (Kevin) Parker, Tameka Simmons and LaTasha Green; three brothers, Roderick Robinson, Ryan Robinson and Jermaine Green; grandmother, Sarah Simmons; and a host of family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers were Xavier Bolden, Roderick Robinson, Ryan Robinson, David Simmons, Robert Simmons and Tariq Simmons.
Pallbearers were Carlos McGee, Anthony Robinson, Terrance Robinson, Dan Scott, Kendrick Simmons and Antonio Wright.

ANNIE STEWART
Annie Louise Stewart, 61, of Yazoo City, died on Jan. 27, 2013.
Funeral services were held Sunday at St. James Church of God in Christ with Pastor Derrick Lucious officiating. Burial followed at Tye Cemetery in Benton under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stewart was born on Sept. 26, 1951 to Mary Lee Simmons and the late John Allen Simmons.
She joined Pleasant Grove A.M.E. at an early age and later moved her membership to Water Grove A.M.E. Church.
She was preceded in death by two brother, John and Charles; son, Larry; two grandchildren, Larrayne and Monique; and special friend, Tina.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Stewart; four children, Mary (Derrick), Brenda (Jasper), Billy (Trina) and Barbara (Robin); 12 sisters; seven brothers; aunt, Doris; special nephew, Daniel; 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
Pallbearers were her nephews.

DOROTHY TAYLOR
Dorothy Mae Strickland Sanders-Taylor, died Jan. 20, 2013.
Funeral services were Jan. 26 at Good Hope M.B. Church in Flora with Rev. John Curtis officiating. Burial followed at Yazoo Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Mrs. Taylor was born Nov. 1, 1945 in Yazoo City to Isaac and Virgie Strickland. She was a member of Good Hope M.B. Church.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Elijah and Orlando; a brother, Anderson Perry; and a sister, Senoria Fultz.
Survivors include nine sons, James Strickland of Columbia, Mo., Edward Sanders, Raymondo Sanders, Tyrone Taylor, Valentino Taylor, Charlie Taylor, Andre Taylor, Anthony Taylor and Aaron Taylor; three daughters, Debra Ann Sanders-Bennett, Senoria Taylor and Deaubra Taylor; four brothers, Moses Strickland of Chicago, Aaron Kirk of St. Louis, Larry Kirk of Cahokia, Ill. and Charles Kirk of Yazoo City; four sisters, Mary Reese and Blondine Dixon of St. Louis, Samella Kirk of Fort Knox, Ky. and Diana Kirk of Wixom, Mich.; 50 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

JERMAIN JACKSON
Jermaine Terrell Jackson, 27, of Tate County, died on Jan. 18, 2013.
Funeral services were held on Jan. 26 at Abundant Harvest Church in Charleston under the direction of Scott Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Hickmon officiating.
Mr. Jackson was born on Dec. 29, 1985 in Tate County to Claudine Moorehead and Andrew Jackson.
He joined Abundant Harvest Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Michael C. Hickman. He was a member of the Sunday School Department and the Youth Department.
He was a 2004 graduate of North Panola High School. His honors included being the class valedictorian and the class president. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He also received a Master’s Degree in Higher Education in May 2012 from the University of Mississippi. He was employed as an academic counselor at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Survivors include his mother Claudine Moorehead of Como; brother, Marc Anthony Jackson of Como; sisters, Keosha LaCrisha Moorehead of Como and Andranita Willingham of Nashville; father, Andrew Jackson; grandmothers, Mary Lillian Moorehead of Memphis and Chreatha Jackson of Sardis; and a host of family and friends.
Honorary pallbearers were Roosevelt Moorehead Jr., Larry Moorehead, James Moorehead, Karl Moorehead, Bryan Moorehead, Clyde Jackson and Moses Holt.
Pallbearers were Alex Atkins, Jarvis McGhee, Nathiel Calhoun, Marc Anthony Jackson, Larenzo Stokes and Damasco Taylor.

TANGELA ROBINSON
The Celebration Service for Miss Tangela Robinson, the youngest daughter of Roderick and Elaine Robinson, will be  Saturday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. at King Solomon Baptist Church located at 1409 Calhoun Avenue in Yazoo City.
Reverend Maxine Simmons-Bolden will officiate the service. The family hour is set for Friday, February 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Scott Memorial Funeral Home at 1401 East Broadway in Yazoo City.