The Vicksburg Post prints obituaries in news form for area residents, their family members and for former residents at no charge. Families wishing to publish additional information or to use specific wording have the option of a paid obituary.

Sandra Diane Bennett

Sandra Diane Bennett passed away June 13, 2005, with her family at her side, at her home in Folsom, Calif., after a courageous fight against cancer. Born in Indianola, Miss., on Dec. 17, 1951, Diane was only 53.

Di lived in Vicksburg most of her adult life before moving to Folsom with her husband in 1999. Known affectionately as “Mama D” and remembered for her kindheartedness, her greatest gift was the love she demonstrated for children, both her own and the many Vicksburg-area kids she opened her door and her heart to help. She operated a small, in-home child care center for several years and continued to nurture many of her small charges into young adults who are now giving back to the community.

Di’s life revolved around her children, grandchildren, husband and extended family. On a recent trip to Orlando, she exhibited grace and charm as she shared important and happy moments with her husband and friends while courageously fighting her illness.

Di was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Sharp Jr.; mother, Bobbie Nell Griffin; and an infant son, John David.

She will be sadly missed but remembered with love by her husband of 34 years, Robert David Bennett of Folsom, Calif.; son Jeremy Neil Bennett, daughter Amy Denise Bennett, daughter-in-law Vicki Jane Bennett, son-in-law Jason Matthew Boggess, grandchildren Britt Haley Wade, Kylie Elizabeth Boggess, Ethan Cole Bennett and Jaden Kylani Boggess, all living in Carmichael, Calif. She is also survived and remembered with love by her sister Janice Peoples, brother Michael Sharp, favorite aunt and surrogate mom Mary Frances Newman, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family members.

Pallbearers are Bill Bennett, Crawford, Texas; Ron Bennett, Weir, Miss.; Tommy Bennett, Blytheville, Ark.; Greg Causey, Greenville, Miss.; Douglas Moore, Rolling Fork, Miss.; and Buddy Peoples, Indianola, Miss.

Honorary pallbearer is Gordon Kenwright, Monroe, La.

Friends and family are warmly welcomed to visitation at Fisher Funeral Home from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, June 17, with memorial services Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Chip Starnes, pastor of Bovina Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Vicksburg.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to donate to the American Cancer Society or cancer research organization of their choosing.

Mary Emily Duncan Fitzgerald

Mary Emily Duncan Fitzgerald died Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at her home in Riverside, Calif. She was 64.

Mrs. Fitzgerald was the daughter of Milton H. and Mary Rose Ryan Duncan of Vicksburg. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Academy, she was a former member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregory K. Fitzgerald.

She is survived by a son, Duncan Fitzgerald of Alta Loma, Calif.; three grandchildren; and a number of cousins, including Mary H. Field of Vicksburg, Rachel H. Mills of Brandon and Catherine Tucker of Lake Charles.

Riles Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.