Mary Lou Bennett

Posted on December 3, 2025

Mary Lou Bennett, 85, died Nov. 25, 2025. Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m., at Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery in Cabbage Grove. All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Catherine Lee Stringfellow Wood Catherine Lee Stringfellow Wood died Nov. 24, 2025, at home in Salem. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 28, at Burns Funeral Home of Perry, which was in charge of arrangements. Hoyt Wayne Thompson It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hoyt Wayne Thompson, beloved husband, devoted pastor and proud Marine, who left this world on Nov. 12, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on Dec. 15, 1944, in Sarasota, Wayne dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the Gospel message with immense passion and unwavering faith. He was also an animal lover who loved his dog, cats, parakeets and guinea pig. Wayne was a guiding light in his community as a pastor within the Baptist-Pentecostal tradition. Over the years, he enriched the lives of many through his teachings and was particularly proud to utilize modern technology, sharing gospel messages on the church’s Facebook page during the last few years of his life. His commitment to his faith and his congregation was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a chaplain in the prison ministry in Taylor County and others for four years, and enjoyed his time serving there. When he could, he would go to revivals where he prayed over others and they prayed over him. In addition to his spiritual contributions, Wayne served with honor in the United States Marine Corps for four years, stationed in Puerto Rico and Vietnam, where he learned the values of discipline, leadership and service to others. This experience shaped the man he became, serving as a foundation for his compassion and dedication to his community. He was a selfless man and always looked to find ways he could serve others. He always made sure to let others be served before him. He loved to make children laugh by dressing up as a clown and acting silly making balloon animals. Wayne is survived by: his loving wife of five years, Margaret Thompson; his children, Celina and Kenneth; his grandchildren; his other daughter, Kathy; his grandchild, Rosenna; and many other family and friends. His legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched and inspired throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Wayne Thompson will be greatly missed, but his spirit and devotion to the gospel will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Marlon ‘Dusty’ Hilson A Celebration of Life service for Marlon “Dusty” Hilson will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Perry Women’s Club. Military honors will begin at 4:45 p.m., with the memorial service to follow. All friends and family are welcome.