Pastor's Blog

Sylvia Virginia Jordan Hesse passed away , Friday, March 20, 2026 at the age of 86.

Sylvia was born on January 16, 1940 in Kosciusko, MS. to Bart and Virginia Jordan. She was a longtime resident of Gautier, MS and member of the First United Methodist Church of Gautier. She worked for many years as a legal secretary. She loved Fox News, gardening, reading and cross-stitching and needle point. She was passionate about her yard and flowers, spending hours to nurture and enjoy their beauty. She and her husband Ralph, enjoyed traveling and seeing the world until his passing in 1997. But she did not allow that to stop her from traveling, she along with her many friends continued the tradition, cruising and experiencing the world.

In addition to her parents and husband Ralph Hesse she was preceeded in death by two great grandchildren.

She is survived by four children; Jamie White Hatcher (Chuck), Virginia Diane Stone (Timothy), James William White V, and Michael Jordan White Jr. (Katina); siblings, Barbara Jordan Walker and Joan Jordan Lacey (Dr. Robert Ray); grandchildren, Michelle Smith (John), Nicole Arwood, Aaron James Castellanos, Russell Shawn Bosarge Jr., Jennifer Henry (Donovan), Justin Bosarge (Chynna), Logan L. Stone, Hayden William White, Avery Madison White, Michael Jordan White Jr. Chandler Anderson White, and Coltyn Anderson White; 14 great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 26, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula from 11 am til 12 pm. The Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at noon. Interment will conclude at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Clinton Lamar Stringfellow, age 70, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was born on May 17, 1955, to Albert Leo and Mildred Stringfellow.

Clinton was a strong‑willed man with a deep love for the outdoors. He found peace and purpose in the simple rhythms of nature—whether he was out fishing at first light, tending to his farm, or spending quiet mornings in the woods. His days were shaped by hard work, fresh air, and the satisfaction of living close to the land. Those who knew him admired his determination, his independence, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life.

He is survived by his children, Summer Stringfellow, Autumn (Joe) Hunnings, Maegen (Mike) Conaway, and Caleb Stringfellow and his fiancée, Kristin Nedley; his devoted companion, Debra Inabinett; his grandchildren, Bethany (Chase) Harvison, Gabriella Conaway, Gracleyn Conaway, Gauge Conaway, and Jace Taylor; his great‑grandchildren, Colton and Weston Harvison; his siblings, Dianne Trotti, Rita Boutwell, Charles (Jo Ann) Stringfellow, and Randy (Susan) Stringfellow; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents, Albert Leo and Mildred Stringfellow, and his sisters, Merle Merritt, Betty Oliver, and Margie Stringfellow Sheffield.

Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service at Serenity Memorial Gardens will follow immediately afterward.

Clinton will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, his love of the outdoors, and the steady, dependable presence he brought to everyone around him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the land he cared for, and the hearts of all who loved him.

Well, another great Sunday of being blessed by the Lord in our services.  One profession of faith in the morning service and then I had the privilege of leading a young lady to Jesus immediately following the service.  He gives the increase and we give Him the glory.

The Roberson Trio/family was a blessing in our evening service.  The only downer was that Tim & Peggy did not join them for a song or two.  Good night of ministry and you gave a really good offering ($1,700) to this family.  Praise the Lord!

Bro. Abel led tw0 great meetings – one before and one after the evening service.  VBS first meeting and looking toward 4/12 and the changes in the second one.  I appreciate Bro. Abel’s leadership in these areas.  (Asking for a friend – if someone if going to help “direct” VBS should they be in the Wednesday night services?  Myrtle always was!)

Jamie Hatcher’s mother, Miss Sylvia Hesse, passed from this life last Friday, 3/20.  The visitation will take place this Thursday, 3/26, from 11:00AM until the noon service time.  Both will take place at the O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula, MS.  Pray for the Hesse family during this time.

Clinton Stringfellow passed from this life early Saturday morning, 3/21.  The visitation will take place this Wednesday, 3/25, from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Both at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the Stringfellow family.

Mike Clark (Casa Aleluya) sent me a message yesterday asking us to pray for Miss Dottie.  She has been having some tough days.

The landscaping on our campus looks really good.  Thank you to Gary & Rachel Walton for a job well done in coordinating this effort.  Special thanks to each person who answered the “all hands on deck” call not once, but twice, last week.  Great group of guys!  Also, the new hand rails in front of the adult Christian education building look nice and will serve a great purpose.  The new rails leading up the ramp into the CAB may be put in place this week.  Thanks to those leading these efforts.

I am told that our first day of soccer was a huge success.  Praise the Lord!  Bro. Abel can flat out run a sports ministry.  I am also told that our concession stand was wide open all day!  Thank you for supporting missions and the Peacock family.  Same schedule this Saturday, 3/28.

The meal train for the Peacock family is now moving into May.  Want to help?  Contact Daphne (daphnehutto@gmail.com) (215) 533 4595.  Thank you to those who have helped already and to those who will help in the days ahead.

Our adult choir will present their Easter musical this Sunday in our 5:00PM service.  Pray and attend.

Lisa arrived safe and sound in South Africa yesterday afternoon around 1:00PM our time (8:00PM in South Africa).  She called and was a tired, but happy, camper.  Thank you for praying.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.