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NATCHEZ — Natchez flags were at half-staff Tuesday in honor of former Natchez banker and long-time city clerk Donnie Holloway.

Holloway was buried today in Natchez City Cemetery. He died last week after suffering complications of pneumonia.

Also, Natchez has a new Poet Laureate. Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson bestowed that honor on Natchezian Joyce Washington Ivery.

Ivery is the city’s second poet laureate following G. Mark LaFrancis, who died this year.

Ivery, who had lived in New Orleans, was raised in Natchez.

“We are glad Hurricane Katrina blew you our way,” Gibson said.

Ivery, who is 81, read a poem she wrote at age 76 about getting together with her nine brothers and sisters each year at Natchez for Christmas.

“I am clothed in humility as I receive this honor,” Ivery said.

The mayor made special presentations to Eddie Gaines and Collin “Hollywood” Simmons, two men who recently retired from the Natchez Public Works department.

Simmons worked for 24 years and Gaines for 10 years with the city’s public works department.