JACKSON, Mich. — Funeral services for Willie L. Cason, former Vicksburg resident, will be Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at 1 p.m. at The House of Johnson Funeral Home chapel in Jackson, Mich., with the Rev. Tony Lyons officiating.

Mr. Cason died Feb. 22, 2012, after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

He was born Jan. 5, 1934, in Jefferson County, Miss. He was the son the of late Rev. Berkmon R. Cason Sr. and Josie B. Jones Cason.

He graduated from Bowman High School in Vicksburg in 1953, and graduated from Mississippi Valley State University in 1957. He was a longtime educator and coach in Vicksburg, and then in Michigan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Dee; three brothers, James Sanders, Berkmon L. Cason Jr. and Johnny C. Cason; and a sister, Estella Sanders.

Survivors include a son, Jerry Martin of Jackson, Mich.; one brother, Rayfield Cason of Redford, Mich.; and four sisters, Mary Lou Figures of Chicago, Charity Cason and Helon Cason, both of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Rosie M. Cason of Vicksburg.

Pallbearers will be The Sons of American Legion No. 246.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion No. 246.