Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during December 1993, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/199312L.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of Randolph Publishing, Roanoke, Alabama. Randolph Publishing retains copyright but has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= March 2003 The Randolph Leader December 1, 1993 _________________ OBITUARIES: David Melvin Smith (ROANOKE) Funeral services for David Melvin Smith, 65, of Roanoke were Saturday, Nov. 20, 1993, at 11 a.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tommy Gene Young officiating. Burial was at College Park Cemetery in College Park, Ga. Mr. Smith died Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tuskegee. A former resident of Forest Park, Ga., Mr. Smith was born Sept. 13, 1928, in Clay County, son of David Omer and Amzie Rice Smith. He served in the Army during WWII and had worked as a mechanic with Kraft Foods. His wife, Dorothy Robertson Smith, preceded him in death. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Teresa Smith Pack of Marbury and Mrs. Beverly Smith Self of Tallassee; four sons, Larry D. Smith of Birmingham, David Lee Smith and Billy Scott Smith of Roanoke and Robert Allen Smith of Jonesboro, Ga.; five sisters, Mrs. Goldie Denson, Mrs. Dovie Hudson, Mrs. Irene Todd and Mrs. Berdie Mae Patterson, all of Roanoke, and Mrs. Jewel Otinger of Rome, Ga.; a brother, Roosevelt Smith of Cullman; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mamie Sue Davis Noles (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Mamie Sue Davis Noles, 74, of Roanoke were Monday, Nov. 29, 1993, at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, with Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Noles died Sunday, Nov. 28, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Noles was born March 5, 1919, daughter of Joe and Odessa Tucker Davis. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She and her late husband, Amos Noles, owned and operated a grocery store prior to their retirement. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Amy Sue Hines of Orlando, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Sara Newsome of Piedmont and Mrs. Maggie Shockley of Wadley; and two brothers, G. W. Davis of Wadley and Gordon Davis of Talladega. Pallbearers were deacons of Faith Baptist Church. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Paul R. Walker (VALLEY) Paul R. Walker, 80, of Valley died Sunday, Nov. 28, 1993, at Lanier Memorial Hospital, Valley. Survivors include two sisters, Mattie W. Sheppard and Elizabeth W. Screws, both of Wadley; one brother, Floyd Walker of Roanoke; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Mr. Walker were at noon (EST) on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Resthaven Cemetery in Lanett, with the Rev. Herb Young officiating. A native of Tallapoosa County, Mr. Walker had lived in the Valley area most of his life and was a retired employee of West Point Pepperell’s Langdale Mill. He was a member of Langdale Congregational Christian Church and Valley Masonic Lodge. He was in declining health for the past several years. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Langdale Congregational Christian Church in his memory. Johnson Brown-Service of Valley was in charge of arrangements. __________ Clarence Lewis (DAVISTON) Clarence Lewis, 74, of Daviston, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 1993, at his residence. Funeral services will be at Coger Hill CME Church, Daviston, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m., with Rev. W. C. Williams officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Leola Lewis of Daviston; three sons, Williams Lewis of Alexander City, and Edward Lewis and Joseph Lewis of Daviston; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Robertson of Wedowee and Mrs. Betty Jean Lewis of Wadley; two brothers, Brady Meadows of Daviston and Willie C. Lewis of Mobile; five sisters, Mrs. Gennie Wood of Columbus, Mrs. Theasebell Staples and Mrs. Savanah Meadows of Wadley, Mrs. Myrtis Walker of New York, and Mrs. Bernise Holloway of Daviston; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Lewis was a member of Coger Hill CME Church, Daviston. He was born in Tallapoosa County on Aug. 27, 1919. Vines Funeral Home of LaFayette is in charge of the arrangements. __________ W. O. Gay (RIVERDALE, Ga.) Services for W. O. Gay, 86, of Riverdale, Ga., were Saturday, Nov. 27, 1993, at 2 p.m. (EST) at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel in LaGrange, Ga., with Rev. Sherman Bramlett officiating. Burial was at Forest Home Congregational Christian Church Cemetery in Randolph County. Mr. Gay died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 24, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta following a brief illness. A native of Randolph County, Mr. Gay was born April 4, 1907, son of the late William Cleveland and Maude Benefield Gay. He was a Baptist in faith. Mr. Gay was a retired salesman who lived in LaGrange for 43 years and Riverdale for the past ten years. He was preceded in death by two children, Beatrice Gay and Gene Gay. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Valerie G. Adcock of Steinhatchee, Fla., and Miss Libby Gay and Miss Diane Gay of LaGrange; one son, David W. Gay of Riverdale; three sisters, Mrs. Hettie Treadwell and Mrs. Gladys Gresham of LaGrange and Mrs. Ann Crowder of Opelika; one brother, W. C. Gay, Jr. of Huntsville; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements. __________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader December 8, 1993 _________________ OBITUARIES: Henry Newton Daniel (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Henry Newton Daniel, 80, of Route 2, Roanoke, were Friday, Dec. 3, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Southside Baptist Church, with Revs. Tommy Smith and Donald Paulson officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Daniel died Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. A Randolph County native, Mr. Daniel was born April 11, 1913, son of Lee and Pallie Smith Daniel. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church and was a self-employed carpenter. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Alma Ballard Daniel of Roanoke; a son[,] Maley W. Daniel of Guntersville; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Nix of Roanoke and Mrs. Lucille Morrow of LaGrange, Ga.; two brothers, Awbrey Daniel and R. C. Daniel, both of Roanoke; and a grandchild. Pallbearers were Stanley Daniel, Wayne Burgess, Mike Nobley, David Daniel, Jeff Ballard and Jim Head. Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Illa B. Taylor (WADLEY) Funeral services for Illa B. Taylor, 75, of Route 1, Wadley, were Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Hope Memorial Christian Church, with Rev. Bobby Burroughs and Rev. Gordon Taylor officiating. Burial was at Forrester’s Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Taylor died Saturday, Dec. 4, at East Montgomery Medical Center in Montgomery. A long-time resident of Randolph County, Mrs. Taylor was a native of Texas, born March 8, 1918. She was a member of Hope Memorial Christian Church and a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Brantley of Montgomery and Mrs. Patricia Ann Bennett of Paris, Tenn.; a son[,] Junior Taylor of Wadley; two sisters, Mrs. Irma Absher of Brenham, Texas, and Mrs. Lorene Arrington of Trinidad, Texas; a great-aunt, Mrs. Stella Goodman of Corsicana, Texas; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Alfred Cecil Butler (RANBURNE) Alfred Cecil Butler, 85, of Rt. 1, Ranburne, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1993, at Bowdon Area Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Randolph County, Dec. 5, 1907, son of the late W. A. and Laura Copeland Butler. Mr. Butler was a lifelong resident of the area and was self-employed in the fertilizer business. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lovie Whitley Butler of Ranburne; two sons, Holland J. Butler of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Edward D. Butler of Denver, Colo.; one daughter, Mrs. Winifred English of Ranburne; two brothers, James F. “Bo” Butler of Bridger, Mont., and W. A. Butler of Oxford; and two sisters, Mrs. Floyce B. Smith of Heflin and Mrs. Fairy Kerr of Graham. Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. from Rainwater & West Funeral Home Chapel, with Elder Homer Benefield, Elder Lewis Norton and Rev. Kit Carson officiating. Interment was in Cleburne County Memory Gardens. Rainwater & West Funeral Home, Bowdon, Ga., was in charge of arrangements. __________ Rev. Kermit Smith (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Rev. Kermit Smith, 73, of LaGrange, Ga., died Thursday, Dec. 2, 1993, at his residence after a short illness. He was born in Randolph County, Ala., on June 17, 1920, son of the late Troy and Lillie Bowen Smith. A retired Baptist minister, he had pastored Oak Grove Baptist Church near Pine Mountain, Ga., and New Friendship Baptist Church near Woodbury, Ga. He was a resident of LaGrange for 48 years, a member of New Friendship Baptist Church, and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, during which he earned several medals. Services for the Rev. Mr. Smith were at Bethel Chapel Baptist Church, LaGrange, on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. EST, with Rev. Frank M. Kennedy and Rev. Steve Nutt officiating. Interment was in Resthaven Memory Gardens, LaGrange. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Virginia Smith of LaGrange; one son, Kermit Wayne Smith of LaGrange; one grandson, William Daniel Smith of LaGrange; his step-mother, Mrs. Lola Belle Smith of LaGrange; three brothers, Robert Smith and Doyal Smith of LaGrange and Dolphus Smith of Whitesburg, Ga.; and three nieces and two nephews. Arrangements were by Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home. __________ James Leonard Smith (BOWDON, Ga.) James Leonard Smith, 89, of Bowdon, Ga., died Thursday, Dec. 2, 1993, in Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Randolph County, Ala., March 6, 1904, son of the late John W. and Nancy Lovvorn Smith. Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of this area and was a retired farmer. He was preceded in death by a son, James Harold Smith, Oct. 25, 1993. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Gladys Butler Smith of Bowdon; two daughters, Mrs. Florence Green of Bowdon and Mrs. Janette Tidwell of Florence; a sister, Mrs. Cora Morgan of Roanoke; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 4, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Rainwater-West Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Waylon Golden officiating. Music was furnished by Rev. Waylon Golden and Mrs. Christine Gibson. Interment was in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Christopher Tidwell, Patrick Tidwell, Tony Green, Steve Green, Scott Smith and Rick Holder. Honorary pallbearer was Jerome Smith. Rainwater-West Funeral Home, Bowdon, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Lindsey Blunt Shell (LAFAYETTE) Lindsey Blunt Shell, 82, of LaFayette died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1993, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley. Funeral services were at Friendship Baptist Church, LaFayette, on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Cornelius Reese Jr. officiating. Interment was in Handy Cemetery. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Mary Ann Blunt Shell of LaFayette; eight sons, Walter Blunt, Lindsey Blunt Jr. and George Blunt of Mobile, Linwood Scott, Charles Scott and Wilbert Scott of LaFayette, Jimmy Jackson of Atlanta and Labron Jackson of Mississippi; five daughters, Mrs. Charlene Holloway, Mrs. Ola Mae Hill, Mrs. Christine Davis, Mrs. Charlotte White and Ms. Loretta Scott of LaFayette; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Pearl Finley of Philadelphia, Penn.; 52 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; [and] two great-great- grandchildren. Mr. Shell was born June 9, 1911, in Chambers County. Vines Funeral Home of LaFayette was in charge of arrangements. __________ Marie D. Gillam (LAGRANGE) Marie D. Gillam, 75, of LaGrange, Ga., died Thursday, Dec. 2, 1993, at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange, after a period of declining health. Mrs. Gillam was born in Clay County, Ala., on May 6, 1918, daughter of the late Ethridge Homer and Lera Zelma Goodman Denney. She was the owner and operator of Marie’s Beauty Shop in LaGrange, where she had lived for the past 52 years, and was a member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, New Site, Ala. Funeral services were at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. CST, with Elder J. D. Morris Jr. and Elder Ben Keeble officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Survivors include two sons, Carlton Gillam and Wayne Gillam of LaGrange; one sister, Mrs. Wynelle Patrick of Morrow, Ga.; and eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home. __________ Bobby Lewis Bass Jr. (WOODLAND) Bobby Lewis Bass Jr., 36, of Woodland died suddenly Friday, Dec. 3, 1993, in Bowdon, Ga. Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, with Rev. James Harper and Rev. Russell Bass officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Bass is survived by his father, Bobby Lewis Bass Sr. of LaGrange, Ga.; one sister, Mrs. Sylvia Davis of Virginia Beach, Va.; four brothers, Eddie Rachalla of LaGrange, Jimmy Bass of Woodland, Ronnie L. Bass of Hogansville, Ga., and Timothy Bass of Macon, Ga.; and two nieces, Rebecca Bass and Raven Bass. Mr. Bass was a native of Heard County, Ga., and lived in LaGrange for most of his lifetime. He had lived in Randolph County for the past four years. He was employed by Trintex Company, Bowdon. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Lovvorn Whaley (COLUMBUS, Ga.) Lovvorn Whaley, 63, retired self-employed contractor, died Friday, Dec. 3, 1993, at his residence in Columbus. Graveside services were at 3 p.m. EST at Parkhill Cemetery. Mr. Whaley was born on Nov. 11, 1930, in Roanoke, son of Jewel Simmons Whaley and the late Tommy Whaley. He lived in Columbus most of his life and was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Sarah B. Whaley of Columbus; a son, Greg Whaley of Fortson, Ga.; a daughter, Libby Lewis of Columbus; his mother, Jewel Simmons Whaley of Roanoke; four brothers, Robert Whaley of Auburn, Jackie Whaley of Wedowee, Bennie Whaley of Wadley and Bonny Whaley of Lineville; three sisters, Lana Daniel of LaGrange, Geraldine Simmons of Carrollton, Ga., and Janie Bartley of Opelika; and four grandchildren. Arrangements were by McMullin Mortuary, Columbus. __________ Mayo Sears Edwards (WOODLAND) Mayo Sears Edwards, 78, of Woodland died Friday, Dec. 3, 1993, at her residence after a short illness. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. Roger Woodard officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens, Roanoke. Mr[s]. Edwards, a native of Randolph County, was preceded in death by her husband, Bankston Edwards. She was retired as a secretary with Texaco Oil Company and was a member of Zion Baptist Church. Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Arlis Bass of Woodland, Mrs. Peney Tuggle of Roopville, Ga., and Mrs. Epunice Rachell of Macon, Ga., and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Tim Prince, Darin Capes, Charles Green, Glenn Prince, Wendell Shelton and Aubrey Strain. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Duell Oren Hand (RANBURNE) Duell Oren Hand, 71, of Rt. 1, Ranburne, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1993, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga., following a brief illness. Mr. Hand was born in Cleburne County, April 16, 1922, son of the late John and Mary Frances Smith Hand, and was a lifetime resident of this area. He was a member of Gold Ridge Baptist Church, Graham, was church clerk for 35 years and chairman of the board of deacons, was an executive board member of Randolph County Baptist Association, and was a member of Gideons International. He was past chairman of Randolph County Singing Convention, past Master and treasurer of Ranburne Masonic Lodge No. 652 F&AM, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite member and former treasurer of Ranburne High School. An army veteran of World War II, he was a farmer and was retired from Anniston Army Depot. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Myrt Heard Hand of Ranburne; two daughters, Mrs. Betty Ward of Talladega and Mrs. Rita Holloway of Ranburne; two sons, Steve Hand of Ranburne and Joey Hand of Heflin; one sister, Mrs. Flossie Saxon of Bowdon, Ga., and six grandchildren. Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. from Gold Ridge Baptist Church, with Rev. W. M. Wiggins, Rev. Milford Ballenger and Rev. Clonie Williams officiating. Music was under the direction of Dewey Caldwell. Pallbearers were L. D. West, Chris Jackson, Welton Richardson, Wayne Pollard, Mike Harris and Keith Roberts. Honorary pallbearers were members of Ranburne Lodge No. 652 and deacons of Gold Ridge Baptist Church. Interment services followed in the church cemetery, with Rev. Gerald Rogers and Ranburne Lodge in charge of graveside services. Rainwater & West Funeral Home, Bowdon, Ga., was in charge of arrangements. __________ William Robert Parker (ROANOKE) William Robert Parker, 93, of Wedowee died Friday, Dec. 3, [1993,] at Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke, after a short illness. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Ava United Methodist Church, with Mrs. Winnie Murphree, Rev. James Harper, Cecil Cofield and Jerry Parker officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Parker is survived by one daughter, Elsie Parker Wilkerson of Wedowee; one granddaughter, Mrs. April Lovvorn of Wedowee; one grandson, Andrew Channell of Roanoke; one great-grandson, Skyler Lovvorn of Wedowee; three sisters, Mrs. Lula McManus of Roanoke, Ms. Naomi Parker of Decatur and Mrs. Ruby French of Anniston; and one brother, Joe Parker of Valley. Pallbearers were Andrew Parker Channell, Harold Harmon, Hulond Humphries, Ron Watters, Stanley Sikes, Tim Sikes, Byrd Stewart and C. W. French. Mr. Parker, a native of Randolph County, retired after teaching 40 years in the Randolph County School system. He graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1939 and did graduate study at Auburn University. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and Ava United Methodist Church. For the past few years, he was a resident of Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. He married his late wife, Lessie Cofield Parker, in 1928. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Artie Lou Fincher (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Artie Lou Fincher, 79, of Route 4, Roanoke, were Sunday, Nov. 28, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Revs. Gary Baugh and Bill Calhoun officiating. Burial was in Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange, Ga. Mrs. Fincher died Friday, Nov. 26, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. A long-time resident of Randolph County, Mrs. Fincher was born Feb. 10, 1914, in Troup County, Ga., daughter of Robert Lee and Ella Jane Brand Brown. She had worked at Handley Mills. Her husband, James Barner Fincher, and a sister, Hattie Whitley, preceded her in death. Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Voncile Cummings, Mrs. Vernette Smith, Mrs. Barbara Blackmon and Mrs. Linda Thomas of Roanoke and Mrs. Norma Farrar of Five Points; a son, Donnie Fincher of Opelika; 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were grandsons David Cummings, Steve Cummings, Johnny Smith, Ronnie Smith, Daryl Thomas and Jeff Fincher. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader December 15, 1993 _________________ OBITUARIES: Dr. Seabron Calvin ‘Cal’ Adamson (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Dr. Seabron Calvin “Cal” Adamson, 67, of LaGrange died Friday, Dec. 10, 1993, in LaGrange. A memorial service was Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the LaGrange First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. L. B. Caywood and the Rev. Bob Kerr officiating. Dr. Adamson was born April 11, 1926, in Abbottsford, Ga., son of Mrs. Leonette S. Middlebrooks of Waresville, and the late Mr. Seabron Howard Adamson. He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1943, received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia in 1958 and received a doctorate in education from Florida State University in 1964. Dr. Adamson worked in school systems as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator and superintendent. He spent 10 years as Georgia associate state superintendent of schools and was superintendent of the LaGrange School system from 1983 to 1992. He was a member of the LaGrange First United Methodist Church, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and United Way, and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of the Georgia Association of School Superintendents and National/Georgia School Boards Association. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Leonette S. Middlebrooks of Waresville; three daughters, Laura Adamson of LaGrange, Lisa Steller of Lenoir, N.C., and Meridith Jarrell of Atlanta; one son, Seabron Calvin Adamson Jr. of London, England; one sister, Mary Faith Whitley of Newnan, Ga.; one brother, J. Alton Adamson of LaGrange; and one granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LaGrange College. Arrangements were by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange Chapel. __________ James Beunice Bowen (NEWELL) James Beunice “J. B.” Bowen, 59, of Rt. 1, Newell, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1993, at his residence. Funeral services for Mr. Bowen were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Jordan’s Chapel Congregational Methodist Church, with Bro. Darson Waters and Rev. James Cavender officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Bowen is survived by his wife, Mrs. Glenda Bowen of Newell; two daughters, Mary Jane of Lineville and Sherri of Wedowee; four sisters, Rose Mae Brimmer of Heflin, Ray McDonald and Jessie Mae Hanson of LaGrange, Ga., and Janie Ruth Williams of Atlanta; two brothers, Florence Bowen and Albert Bowen of Newell; five grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; four step-sons, Clarence Prestridge, Glenn Prestridge, David Prestridge and Robert Pauley, all of Newell; and one step-daughter, Helen Norred of Roanoke. Pallbearers were step-sons. Mr. Bowen was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. He was a farmer and a member of Jordan’s Chapel Congregational Methodist Church. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of the arrangements. __________ Frank Cosper Jr. (GRAHAM) Frank “Franky” Cosper Jr., 30, of Rt. 1, Graham died Monday, Dec. 13, 1993, in Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, following a short illness. He was born in Carroll County, Ga., January 25, 1963, the son of Frank and Betty Hanson Cosper Sr. Franky was a lifelong resident of this area, a member of Campground United Methodist Church, and a machine operator at Southwire Company. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cosper Sr. of Graham; two sisters, Peggy Jordan of Graham and Bonnie McLeod of Roanoke; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. (Ga. Time) from Campground United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ellis Kennedy and Rev. Ray Runyan officiating. Music will be furnished by Mrs. Margaret Cook. Pallbearers will be Greg Bolton, Marty McLeod, Kirk McLeod, Hill Cowart, Steve Jackson, Bill Jordan, and Mike Caldwell. Interment service will follow in the church cemetery. Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. __________ Keitha Graben Spratlin (BOWDON) Funeral services for Keitha Graben Spratlin, 41, of Bowdon, Ga., were Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1993, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Clay County Funeral Home, Ashland, with Rev. Jeff Dye officiating. Burial was in Clay County Memory Gardens. Ms. Spratlin died Sunday, Dec. 12, at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Ga. She was a native of Clay County but had lived in Bowdon since 1962. She was employed at Geco Manufacturing Company as a seamstress and was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Bowdon. Survivors include her parents, Henry and Doris Graben of Lineville; one son, Timothy Spratlin of Roopville, Ga.; three daughters, Tina James of Alexander City and Jodie Spratlin and Kristin Spratlin, both of Newell; five sisters, Patricia Taylor of Carrollton, Barbara Bridwell of Bowdon, Gail Graben of Wedowee, Gladys McClain of Franklin, Ga., and Cynthia Webb of Bremen, Ga.; and one grandchild. Pallbearers were Chris Brown, Chris Alewine, Willie Bridwell, Bernard Robinson, Jamie Meadows, Darell McClain and Ricky Webb. Honorary pallbearer was Jason Meadows. Clay County Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Paul Wilkes (ROANOKE) Paul Wilkes, 95, of Roanoke died December 5, 1993, at Randolph County Hospital. Mr. Wilkes was born in Heard County, Ga., on Aug. 15, 1898, son of the late Willie and Lela James Wilkes. Survivors include four daughters, Ms. Eddie Jo Henderson, Mrs. Velma Keeler, Mrs. Mae Dell Winston, and Mrs. Audrey Lee of Roanoke; one son, Eulas B. Henderson of Anniston; two sisters, Mrs. Annie Ruth Glenn of Cave Springs, Ga., and Mrs. Mertis Pitts of Chicago, Ill.; 23 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; two great-[great-] grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Services for Mr. Wilkes were Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. from Wehadkee Baptist Church, with Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Interment was in Wehadkee Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons and nephews. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary of Roanoke. __________ Gina Melissa Howerton (OXFORD) Funeral services for Gina Melissa Howerton, 31, of Oxford were Monday, Dec. 13, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Forest Home Congregational Christian Church, with Rev. Johnny Young officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Howerton died Saturday, Dec. 11, at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. A resident of Calhoun County since 1983, Mrs. Howerton was born Feb. 16, 1962, in Randolph County, daughter of Woodrow and Faye Pike Wesson. She was a member of Forest Home Congregational Christian Church and worked as a clerk-typist with Anniston Army Depot in Bynum. Survivors include her husband, Stephen Dale Howerton of Oxford; her parents, Woodrow and Faye Wesson of Roanoke; and a brother, Michael E. Wesson of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Phil Roberts, Timmy Pike, Bill Paravicin, Fred Pike, Randy Hawkins and Troy Furgunson. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Homer Golden McCaghren (BOWDON, Ga.) Homer Golden McCaghren, 85, of Bowdon, Ga., died Dec. 6, 1993, in Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga., after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 25, 1908, in Cleburne County, Ala., son of the late Henry and Sara Madden McCaghren. He was a retired cattle farmer, a member of Bowdon Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of this area. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Margaret Steed McCaghren; one son, Brent McCaghren of Bowdon; one daughter, Mrs. Linda Algood of Columbus, Ga.; one brother, Lindsey McCaghren of Ranburne; three sisters, Miss Hattie McCaghren, Mrs. Hazle Howle and Mrs. Rosa McCormick, all of Bowdon; and four grandchildren. Funeral services were Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. from Bowdon Baptist Church, with Rev. W. M. Wiggins and Rev. Clonie Williams officiating. Music was under the direction of Rev. Terry Lowry. Interment was in the church cemetery. Rainwater-West Funeral Home, Bowdon, was in charge of arrangements. __________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader December 22, 1993 _________________ OBITUARIES: William Gurtben Cox (WADLEY) Graveside services for William Gurtben Cox, 82, of Wadley, Route 1, were Thursday, Dec. 16, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery, Abanda, with Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Mr. Cox died Thursday, Dec. 14, at Shelby County Medical Center in Alabaster. A lifelong resident of Chambers County, Mr. Cox was born Sept. 16, 1911. He was a World War II veteran and a farmer. Survivors include his brother, Willard Cox of Sharpsburg, Ga., and several nieces and nephews. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Orene S. Truett (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Orene S. Truett, age 85, of Roanoke Route 2 were Saturday, Dec. 18, 1993 at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Revs. Leonard Knight and L. Maynard McGinty officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Truett died Friday, Dec. 17, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. A long-time resident of Randolph County, Mrs. Truett was a native of Arab, born Aug. 23, 1908, daughter of Frank and Susie Thompson Smith. She was a member of Rock Mills United Methodist Church and had worked as a weaver with Handley Mills. Her husband, Willis Truett, preceded her in death. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Tammy Chambers and Mrs. Margaret Brazell, both of Roanoke; a son, Robert Meacham or [sic] Marietta, Ga.; a sister, Mrs. Alvie Clay of Gadsden; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were grandsons of Mrs. Truett. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mattie Mitchell (WEDOWEE) Mattie Mitchell, 83, of Rt. 2, Wedowee, died Friday, Dec. 17, 1993, in Carraway Methodist Medical Center, Brimingham [sic], after a short illness. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19, at Midway United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lavelle Reynolds and Rev. Earnest Lipham officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Mitchell is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Meadows and Mrs. Connie Meadows of Newell, and Mrs. Clyde Loveless of Wedowee; two sons, Jack Mitchell of Opelika and Robert Mitchell of New Braunfels, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Alma Mitchell of Ohatchee; and one brother, Eugene Jeter of Dallas, Texas. Mrs. Mitchell was a native of Harris County, Ga., but she lived most of her life in Randolph County. She was a homemaker and member of Midway United Methodist Church. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of the arrangements. __________ Stanley Ray Sheppard (FIVE POINTS) Funeral services for Stanley Ray Sheppard, 18, of Five Points were Monday, Dec. 20, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Rev. David Holmes officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Sheppard died Sunday, Dec. 19, at his residence. A lifelong resident of Chambers County, Mr. Sheppard was born July 22, 1975, in LaGrange, Ga. He was employed with Roanoke Industries. Survivors include his parents, Roger and Margaret Sheppard of Standing Rock; his grandfather, Jim Sheppard of Glenn, Ga.; his grandmother, Mrs. Aldecie Butler of Standing Rock; his great-grandmother, Mrs. Viola Simpson of Standing Rock; and two brothers, Randall Sheppard and Kenneth Sheppard, both of Standing Rock. Pallbearers were Darrin Mitchell, Chucky Barrett, Jeffrey Floyd, Scotty Sheppard, Jeremy Burke and Kevin Pike. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mamie Mary Richardson (BOWDON, Ga.) Mamie Mary Richardson, 63, of Bowdon, Ga., died Friday, Dec. 17, 1993. She was born in Randolph County, Ala., Aug. 12, 1930, the daughter of Leetie Richardson Wiggins and the late Newman Wiggins. Mrs. Richardson was a lifelong resident of this area and was a retired employee of LaMar Manufacturing Co. Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Brenda Padgett of Smyrna, Ga.; a granddaughter, Sheree Richardson of Bowdon; her mother[,] Mrs. Leetie Wiggins of Bowdon; two sisters, Lucille Wiggins of Bowdon and Felicia Embry of Ranburne; and a brother, Norman Wiggins of Bowdon. Funeral services were Sunday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m. (Ga. time) at Bethlehem Campground United Methodist Church, with Rev. W. M. Wiggins and Rev. Hoyt Wiggins officiating. Music was furnished by the church choir. Interment was in the church cemetery. Rainwater & West Funeral Home of Bowdon was in charge of the arrangements. __________ Flossie Hale (CHILDERSBURG) Flossie Hale, 93, of Childersburg died Dec. 12, 1993, at Roanoke Health Center. Mrs. Hale was born in April, 1900, to the late Ross Lee and Minnie Spencer. She was the last survivor of two sisters and one brother. Survivors include sister-in-law, Gussie M. Lee, seven nieces and three nephews and a host of grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Graveside services for Mrs. Hale were December 18, 1993, at 12 noon at Lilly Rhoden Cemetery. __________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader December 29, 1993 _________________ OBITUARIES: Virginia Brannan Smith (VALLEY) Virginia Brannan Smith, 81, of Valley died Thursday, Dec. 23, 1993, at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home, Valley, Ala. Mrs. Smith was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Ala., on Feb. 6, 1912, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Brannan. She was the widow of Hugh Smith, also of Randolph County. A graduate of Handley High School in Roanoke and Alabama College in Montevallo, she taught for two years at Wadley High School prior to moving to Langdale. As a commentator on many issues, she was the first employee of WBMK radio in West Point, Ga., in 1958 and later at WCJM radio in West Point in 1961. She was vital to the success of these two radio stations. She retired from radio work in 1972, and she was honored recently for her 30 years of service as a reporter for the East Alabama section of the Ledger-Enquirer newspaper, Columbus, Ga. Mrs. Smith was a long-standing member of the Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society and an active member of the Alabama Historical Association, was a member of the Chambers County Democratic Committee, was very active in the work of the American Red Cross, and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include a niece, two nephews, and cousins. Graveside services were at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke at 10 a.m. CST Monday, Dec. 27, with Rev. Gene Webb officiating. The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and asks that memorials be made to the H. Grady Bradshaw Library. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service/Valley. __________ James Ralph Hamil (VALLEY) James Ralph Hamil, 62, of Valley died Monday, Dec. 20, 1993, at his residence. Mr. Hamil was born in Randolph County Mar. 20, 1931. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served with the US Navy. He was a retired employee of East Alabama Mechanical in Opelika and was a member of West End Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary Hadaway Hamil; one daughter, Ellie Short of Valley; one son, Jerry Hamil of Huguley; his father, Herman Hamil of Valley; two sisters, Faye Gauntt and Raye Hill of Valley; and two grandchildren. Funeral services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, with burial in Resthaven Cemetery in Lanett. Dr. Kenneth Overby officiated. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley was in charge of arrangements. __________ Carrie Dell Poole (DADEVILLE) Carrie Dell Poole, 90, of Dadeville, formerly of Roanoke, died Dec. 26, 1993 at Dadeville Convalescent Home. Funeral services were at St. Paul Baptist Church, Roanoke, on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m., with Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Interment was in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Roanoke. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Vinnie Lovely of Dayton, Ohio; one stepson, George Poole Jr. of Birmingham; and cousins and friends. Mrs. Poole retired from Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Roanoke. Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Grace Shelnutt (NEWELL) Grace Shelnutt, 81, of Rt. 1, Newell, died Monday, Dec. 20, 1993, in Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke[,] after an extended illness. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Oak Grove Church of Christ, with Bro. W. C. Cofield and Bro. Otis Bowen Jr. officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Shelnutt is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Faye Leonard, Ms. Gail Higgins and Mrs. Ann McCord, all of Newell, and Mrs. Lila Whitaker of Roanoke; five sons, Eugene “Buck” Shelnutt of Roanoke, Blake Shelnutt of Hogansville, Ga., Brack Shelnutt of Newell, Brook Shelnutt of Franklin, Ga., and Paul Shelnutt of Woodland; two sisters, Mrs. Macie Rollins of Roanoke and Mrs. Ila Crenshaw of Ephesus, Ga.; one brother, Henry Richardson of Rock Mills; and 27 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were grandsons. Mrs. Shelnutt was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. She was a homemaker and member of East Napoleon Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband John Dorsey Shelnutt, daughter Doris Geneil, sons Dean Shelnutt and Bobby Gene Shelnutt, and two grandchildren. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Lizzie Yancey (NEW YORK, N.Y.) “Mother” Lizzie Yancey of New York City, formerly of Roanoke, Ala., died at the age of 97 on Dec. 6, 1993, at Westchester Square Medical Center in New York City. Mrs. Yancey, daughter of George and Julia Leverette, was born Feb. 6, 1896, in LaFayette, Ala., where she attended public school. Since 1960 she had made her home full-time with her oldest daughter in New York City, where she was a member of Bronx Refuge Church. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gentle Smith and Joe Yancey. Survivors include five daughters, Clara Walker and Julia Miles of New York, Princess Smith and Mittie Lou Smith of Ohio and Beatrice Rowland of Roanoke, Ala.; two sons, Joe Smith of Savannah, Ga., and Horace Smith of Anniston, Ala.; and 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The funeral service for “Mother” Lizzie Yancey was at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Greater Refuge Temple in New York, with Elder Richard Williams officiating. Interment was in Kinsico Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y. Arrangements were by Timothy Davis Funeral Home, New York City. __________ Jane Ann Moses (FLORENCE) Jane Ann Moses, 47, died Saturday, Dec. 11, 1993, at Florence Hospital in Florence. She fought a long and courageous battle against cancer. The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Greenview Funeral Home Chapel in Florence with the Rev. Leonard McDowell officiating. Burial was in the Garden of Valor in Greenview Memorial Park. Jane was a native of Roanoke but moved to Florence in 1958. She received a B.S. degree from the University of North Alabama and a nursing degree from Carraway Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, Birmingham. She received a flight nursing diploma from Brooks Air Force Base, was in the U.S. Air Force for six and a half years, serving in the Philippines and England, and was a Vietnam veteran. A member of First United Methodist Church of Florence, she served as a nurse for Colonial Manor, Humana Hospital and Florence Hospital for 13 years. Survivors include her mother, Wilmetta Moses of Florence; a sister, Sandra Moses Spahn of Bethlehem, Pa.; and a niece, Kimberly McIntyre of El Paso, Texas. __________ Margirene J. Galloway (BESSEMER) Mrs. Margirene J. Galloway, 71, of Bessemer, died Dec. 17, 1993, after a lengthy illness. Services for Mrs. Galloway were on Monday, Dec. 20, from the Jefferson Memorial Trussville Chapel, with burial in the adjoining Memorial Gardens under the direction of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Conducting were her pastor, the Rev. Buddy Mahon of Canaan Baptist Church, Bessemer, and her nephew, the Rev. A. L. Courtney of Pell City. Mrs. Galloway is survived by her husband, W. Ross Galloway, and one son, William Stanley Jarratt of Bessemer; two step-daughters, Betty Henson of Starkville, Miss., and Sue Crockett of Chattanooga, Tenn.; one step-son, John Galloway of Richardson, Tex.; three sisters, Bennie Sue Scroggins of Tallassee and Bernece Cotney and Ruby Wilkins of Wadley; and one brother, Willie G. Welsh of Alexander City. __________ Charles Sprayberry (WADLEY) Funeral services for Charles Sprayberry, 60, of Wadley will be Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1993, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Clay County Funeral Home, with Rev. Ted Embry and Rev. Max Sprayberry officiating. Burial will be in Wadley Cemetery. Mr. Sprayberry died Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. A native of Clay County who lived in Randolph County for the past 23 years, he was self-employed as a building contractor, was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by his father, Wiley Sprayberry, and a brother, Sam Sprayberry. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Sprayberry of Wadley; three daughters, Teresa Sutton of Wadley, Shelia King of New Jersey, and Selina Lee of Anniston; one son, Jimmy Sprayberry of Wadley; four sisters, Mary Hatcher of Birmingham, Linda Haynes and Nora Embry, both of Mobile, and Margaret Griffith of Gadsden; two brothers, Bobby Sprayberry of Micaville and Max Sprayberry of Greenville, N.C.; and seven grandchildren. Pallbearers are nephews Randy Sprayberry, Danny Sprayberry, Todd Griffith, Allen Haynes, Greg Haynes and Paul Haynes. Clay County Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. __________ John Lewis Stitt Jr. (DAYTON, Ohio) Services for John Lewis Stitt Jr., 46, of Dayton, Ohio, will be Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1993, at 11 a.m. at H. H. Roberts Funeral Home in Dayton, with Rev. J. F. Cunningham officiating. Burial will be at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church Cemetery, Roanoke, Ala. Mr. Stitt died Friday, Dec. 24, at his residence in Dayton. He is survived by his father, John L. Stitt of Roanoke; one brother, Earnest Stitt of Dayton; and three sisters, Mrs. Augusta Cofield of Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Mary Berry of Dayton and Mrs. Brends Madison of Warrensville, Ohio. Mr. Stitt is a native of Roanoke, where he attended Randolph County Training School. He resided in Dayton for 27 years and was a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, Roanoke. There will be a very brief period of visitation at graveside prior to interment. Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke and H. H. Roberts Funeral Home of Dayton are in charge of arrangements. __________ Gaines Edward Breed (ROCK MILLS) Funeral services for Gaines Edward Breed, 68, of Rock Mills, were Sunday, Dec. 26, 1993, at 2 p.m. from Rock Mills Church of the Nazarene, with Revs. Franklin D. Foster Sr. and Earl Hall officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Breed died Thursday, Dec. 23, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. A lifelong resident of Rock Mills, Mr. Breed was born March 9, 1925, son of Richard Avery and Willie Lee Cooper Breed. He was a member of Rock Mills Church of the Nazarene and had worked as a spinner with Wehadkee Yarn Mills and with Candlewick Yarns. Survivors include his wife, Nellie Pearl Dykes Breed of Rock Mills; a daughter, Mrs. Reba Gambrell, also of Rock Mills; two sisters, Mrs. Lille Mae Breed Martin of Phenix City and Ms. Cathrine Breed of Rock Mills; a brother, Bill Breed of Fairburn, Ga.; a grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Tim Williams, Ricky Williams, Billy Breed, Nickie Burke, Scott Daniel and Rusty Grizzard. Honorary pallbearers were Doris Wilford, Earl Gillespie, Awbrey Yarbrough, James Burks and Rev. Dan Williams. Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Myrtle Moore (WEDOWEE) Myrtle Moore, 90, of Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke, formerly of Wedowee, died, Friday, Dec. 24, 1993, in Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 27, at First United Methodist Church, Wedowee, with Rev. Harris Hand officiating. Burial was in Ava United Methodist Church Cemetery. Miss Moore, a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County, was retired as a teacher with the Randolph County School System and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Wedowee, Retired Teachers Association, Eastern Star, Music Club and United Methodist Women’s Club. Survivors include three sisters-in-law, Eleanor Moore of Turlock, Calif., Annis Lois Moore of Fredonia and Margaret Moore of Longwood, Fla.; and by four nieces and five nephews. Pallbearers were Joe Tom Burns, Moore Burns, Clifford Burns, Coleman Sikes, Jack Brooks and Stanley Sikes. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Herbert E. Railey (WADLEY) Services for Herbert E. Railey, 75, of Wadley, were Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1993, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, Motley, with the Revs. A. O. Burdette and Alan Dearman officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Railey died Sunday at Dr. C. P. Horn Nursing Facility. Survivors include his wife, Genel Railey of Wadley; a sister, Myra Bennett of Wadley; and a brother, Hubert Railey of Wadley. Pallbearers were Felix Weldon, Rodney Railey, Fred Railey, Gaylord Railey, Richard Halsey and Mike Tucker. Mr. Railey, a Randolph County native, was a farmer and a deacon for 40 years at Union Baptist Church. Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville was in charge of the arrangements. __________ Mae Bell Thomas, 107 (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Mrs. Mae Bell Thomas, 107, a resident of Route 4, Roanoke, who died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1993, at Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke, were Monday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. from Rock Mills Baptist Church. Rev. Quintin Tibbs, pastor, and Rev. Lathonia J. Wright officiated. Burial was in the adjoining church cemetery. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Edith Rowland, Mrs. Addie Sue Wilson and Ms. Millie Longshore, all of Roanoke, and Ms. Earline Tucker of Atlanta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________________________________________________