I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

II Timothy 4:7

(For access to the Celebration of Life live stream, see details below)

On June 21, 2020, God in His infinite wisdom called a faithful servant, Robert Lee Batson, from labor to reward. Deacon Batson was born in Ten Mile, MS (near Perkinston) to the late Monroe Batson and Allena Eckles. He was the eldest son of eight children.

The family later moved to Gulfport, MS. He attended Thirty-third Avenue School. After which, he gained employment with Colonial Bakery. He was a loyal and dedicated employee, who remained with the company for over thirty years until he retired. After retirement, he was employed by the Gulfport Public School District in custodial services at Gaston Point Elementary School.

He united with the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Famous McElhaney where he taught the Primary Sunday School Class and served there until he met and married his beautiful bride, the late Myrna Hawthorne Batson. He then united with the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. P. D. House where he poured himself into serving the Lord. He served faithfully as a Deacon for over four decades.

Deacon Batson loved to study and share God's Word, as evidenced by his faithful attendance and graduation from the MS Baptist Seminary. He was especially proud of that accomplishment. Additionally, he spent many years teaching the Men's Sunday School class, served as a bus driver during Vacation Bible School, was a member of the Male Chorus and a member of the Brotherhood Ministry. He was servant minded and lived closely by the Word of God.

As his health declined, Deacon Batson continued to serve as much as possible. Though he was sometimes physically weak, his faith was strong in the Lord, and he gained strength through the Word of God.

Deacon Batson passed from this life to join those who preceded him in death, his wife: Myrna Hawthorne Batson; two sisters: Eloise Morgan and Wilhelmina Anderson; and two brothers, Houston Fairley and Ronnie Breland.

Fond memories will always be treasured by his loving and dedicated daughter: Myrna Erica (Arnold) Johnson of DeSoto TX; two sisters: Debra and Jeanette Breland and one brother: Fredrick Breland, all of Gulfport, MS; two loving granddaughters Madison and Morgan Johnson of DeSoto TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Robert L. Batson's Funeral Service

(please be sure to download zoom on your electronic device before attempting to access.)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84822219691?pwd=eWhBM3FSRzdRQVJkVUpqWnczaGNiQTO9