Mike & Ygondine Sturdivant
Mike & Ygondine Sturdivant Imbued Their Family With a Deep, Lifelong Love for Methodist Senior Services
For generations, the Sturdivant family has embodied the spirit of faith, service, and generosity that defines Methodist Senior Services (“MSS”). Their connection runs deep, woven through decades of leadership, friendship, and love for God’s older people.
The Sturdivant Family: (L to R) Walker, Mike, Ygondine, Mike, Ygondine, Sykes, Gaines
Both devoted Methodists, Mike and Ygondine Sturdivant were among MSS’s earliest champions, serving on boards, supporting ministries, and inspiring others to give. “They just wanted to do what they could do for the church,” recalls their son, Sykes Sturdivant. “It was their sense of faithfulness—and being Methodists—that guided everything they did.”
Mrs. Sturdivant was particularly passionate about MSS’s mission of “serving older adults in the spirit of Christian love”. She served as a board chairperson and was known for speaking boldly about the importance of caring for older adults with dignity and compassion. Even as her health declined and she became bedridden for several years, her heart remained with MSS.
“Mom was devoted to what they did to help elders,” Sykes says. “She probably understood what families go through as a loved one ages better than anyone.”
Before she passed away, MSS’s Brittany Cuevas, Vice-President of Philanthropy, spent time by her side — a visit meant to remind her just how special she was to the organization she loved so much. MSS values those who take care of elders across MSS communities. Many of those “angels” would say that their work is a calling, not a job. “I was able to tell Mrs. Ygondine’s caregiver just how much we appreciate angels like her across the state, as they are the hands and feet of Christ. Mrs. Ygondine was a true delight, and it was an honor to hold her hand and pray with her.”
Ygondine (Walker) Sturdivant – August 21, 1926 ~ June 1, 2025
When the family gathered in the Mississippi Delta to say goodbye, friends from far and near joined in the celebration of the woman who had always treated everyone with grace and gratitude. “People like Mom and Dad helped take care of thousands of elders,” Sykes reflects. “They did right by others.”
The Sturdivant story stretches across generations and miles. The family has called Mississippi home since 1857. Mr. Sturdivant, a Harvard Business School graduate, built a career in the hotel business in the 1950s, eventually expanding into resorts and properties across the South. Along the way, he remained deeply involved in Methodist ministries, from hospitals to senior services.
Ygondine surrounded by her family on her birthday.
“Those were fun days,” Sykes says with a smile. “Dad treated people right and always wanted to help.”
Their faith shaped not only their service but their family life. “We went to church every Sunday and ate lunch together every Sunday,” Sykes says. “Family is big for us—we still do a sibling trip every year, and I think that’s healthy. Mom and Dad instilled those values in us. We love each other, and it’s all attributed to them.”
At Sykes’ church home – Swanson United Methodist Church, formerly Glendora United Methodist Church, Reverend Mary Hutson once served for 7 years. “She knew Dad,” Sykes recalls. “Said he was always committed to helping the poor and doing anything he could.” Reverend Mary Hutson now lives at Traceway, MSS’s Tupelo campus, where she leads a thrilling bible study on Wednesday mornings.
The siblings now carry their parents’ legacy forward. They share the same heart for Mississippi communities and the people who make them strong. “All of us love Methodist Senior Services,” said daughter Ygondine, named for her mother. “It’s part of who we are.”
Mike and Ygondine with former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
The Sturdivant family hopes that one day, an endowment in their parents’ honor will continue their mission of compassion—ensuring that future generations of older adults receive the care and dignity they deserve.
As Sykes puts it, “It’s good to pass it on.”