Martin Kirby Stringfellow, age 85, passed away on May 30, 2026. Martin Kirby graduated from Perkinston Agricultural High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The University of Southern Mississippi. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Physics from Middle Tennessee State University. He also furthered his education at Nova University working towards his Doctorate in Education. He taught Biology, Physics and Physical Science at the Gautier campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for many years. 

Beyond his teaching career, he was a dedicated farmer who spent more than 60 years as a dairy farmer and 20 years raising beef cattle. His belief in attaining an education and commitment to hard work leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a man who was not afraid of a hard day at work, working up until the day he passed. 

Martin Kirby was born in the Shipman community before moving with his family to the Ward community of George County. He married Jackaline Dickerson of Lucedale in 1964. Together they raised three sons. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Van and Julia Burroughs Stringfellow and sister, Irma Smith. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jackaline Dee Dickerson Stringfellow; children, Dean (Patti) Stringfellow, Van (Tara) Stringfellow, and Greg (Jeri) Stringfellow; grandchildren, Eric Burleigh, Kirby Stringfellow, Owen Stringfellow, Kailee Stringfellow, Marty (Haley) Stringfellow, Ashlyn Stringfellow, Lauren Stringfellow, Claire Stringfellow, Ben Stringfellow and Sam Stringfellow; great grandchildren, Wilder Stringfellow and Maxine Stringfellow; siblings, Edith Guillotte, Lydia McKinney, and Julius “Poochie” Stringfellow.              

The Graveside Service will be Thursday, June 11, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM at Magnolia Garden Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the MGCCC Foundation to honor Martin Kirby’s legacy and support future generations of students. Contributions may be mailed to MGCCC Foundation, P.O. Box 99, Perkinston, MS 39573. Please include Martin Kirby’s name in the memo line of the check.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements.