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Submitted: 7/28/17 • Approved: 7/28/17 • Last Updated: 10/8/22 • R17340-G0-S3
US Army
World War II
June 7, 1925 - December 1, 2016
Mr. Percy Strothers of Vicksburg died Dec. 1.
He was born on June 7, 1925, in Natchez, to the late Emanuel Strothers and Charity Piggs. As he lived, Percy was an honorable, humble and kind man.
After graduating from high school in 1943, Percy joined the Army at the age of 17, where he served for three years. As a World War II veteran, his tenure included the United States of America, England, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the ATO-Medal, EAMETO-Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
After returning from the Army, Percy opened the first black-owned taxicab business in Vicksburg and operated the taxicab business for 27 years. He also worked for Shell Oil Company for 11 years. Percy later worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for 27 years, as well as mail supervisor for one year before retiring from the Postal Service in 1990.
Percy accepted Christ at an early age and united with Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church in 1956 and remained a faithful and dedicated member of the church. He met and married the former Carolyn Sue Webster on Oct. 30, 1966, and to this union two wonderful children were born. Percy remained a faithful husband to Carolyn for 50 years.
Percy enjoyed serving his community as a local historian and legendary community activist. He was affiliated with organizations such as the National Association of Letter Carries, National Association of Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 and the Esquire Club of Vicksburg. He served as past president of Vicksburg Letter Carrier Union Branch 94 and past chairman for the State of Mississippi Letter Carrier Sons and Daughters Scholarship Committee. On Nov. 30, 1990, Percy received a proclamation from Mayor Robert Walker designating Nov. 30, as Percy Strothers Day. Also, on March 19, 2007, Percy received a proclamation from Mayor Laurence E. Leyens designating March 19, as Percy Strothers Day.
Percy was instrumental in the development of the first black subdivision, Melinda Robinson Subdivision, where he served as chairperson of the development. Due to his outstanding participation and planning of the first black developed neighborhood in Vicksburg, the street in the neighborhood bares his names in honor of his hard work and dedication.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Carolyn W. Strothers of Vicksburg; one son, Eric Strothers Sr. of Jackson; two daughters, Karen Strothers-Clark of San Francisco, and Patricia Burton-Toliver of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Ericia Ahnia Strothers of Houston, and Eric Strothers Jr. of Dallas.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Trollars Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 9, at the funeral home from 1 to 8 p.m. with family hour 7 to 8 p.m.
Contributed on 7/28/17 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 17340