Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during July 2001, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200107L.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: Marilyn M. Girardi ============================================= November 2001 THE RANDOLPH LEADER July 4, 2001 ___________________ OBITUARIES: J. P. Phillips (ROANOKE) Services for James Palmer "J.P." Phillips, 93, of Roanoke were Monday, July 2, 2001, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Douglas Turner officiating. Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mr. Phillips died Saturday, June 30, at Randolph Medical Center. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Phillips was born Sept. 13, 1907, in Chambers County, son of Fred J. and Mamie Crowder Phillips. He was a University of Alabama graduate (1930). He owned and operated Phillips Brothers Hardware Inc. for 64 years and was also a past president of the Bank of Wadley. Active in his community, Mr. Phillips was a two-term mayor of Roanoke and served five terms on the Roanoke City Council. He had received the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities and the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Phillips had also served as president of the Alabama Hardware Association. He was past president and long-term Rotarian and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also an officer for the Red Cross, Randolph County United Givers Fund, Randolph County Emergency Fund and the Randolph County Cattlemen's Association. Mr. Phillips was Deacon Emeritus of First Baptist Church and had served as chairman of the Deacon Board, as Sunday school superintendent and as a Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of the Randolph County Hospital Board of Directors. Survivors include his wife, Mary Will Chase Phillips of Roanoke; two sons, J. Frank Phillips of Roanoke and Wyner S. Phillips of Wadley; two daughters, Mary Ann Phillips Vann of Phenix City and Jane Phillips Cato of Roanoke; one sister Mary P. Benefield of Memphis, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Leon, William Elmer and Frank. Grandsons serving as pallbearers were Rich Phillips, Drew Phillips, Slay Phillips, Julian Phillips, Justin Cato and Joshua Cato. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to First Baptist Church, 827 Main St., Roanoke, AL 36274. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Vennice Aaron Rice (NEWELL) Services for Mr. Vennice Aaron Rice, 67, of Newell were Saturday, June 30, 2001, at 2 p.m. at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church with the Revs. Bryan Smith and Monroe Lipscomb officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining church cemetery. Mr. Rice died Thursday, June 28, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. He was born in Randolph County on June 13, 1934, son of Leonard Edward and Lila Vowell Rice. He was employed at Trintex Corporation and self-employed as a plumber and was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Jane Lipscomb Rice of Newell; a son, Aaron Rice Jr. of Newell; two sisters, Jeanette Huey of Graham and Helen Cobb of Newell; two brothers, Lloyd Rice and Albert Rice, both of LaGrange, Ga.; several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be nephews. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Charlie Durell Bowen (VALLEY) Services for Charlie Durell "C.D." Bowen, 75, of Valley were Saturday, June 30, 2001, at 2 p.m. EDT at Evangel Temple Assembly of God with the Rev. David Copeland, Rev. Nancy Luke and Theodore Mitchell officiating. Burial was at Potash Cemetery. Mr. Bowen died Wednesday, June 27, at his residence. A native of Randolph County, Mr. Bowen was born June 5, 1926. He had retired from West Point Pepperell's Langdale Mill after nearly 40 years of service with the company. He attended Evangel Temple Assembly of God. He is survived by his wife, Rudene S. Bowen of Valley; three daughters, Kathy Killcreas of Bay Minette, Karen Higgins of Athens, Tenn., and Katrina Crane of Valley; a son, Kenny Bowen of Huguley; five sisters, Ertis Hammock, Girtie Mae Wood, Dorothy Bowen and Mary Jo Black of Valley and Bonnie Lee Sanders of Roanoke; and 13 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Chattahoochee Hospice or to his Sunday school class at Evangel Temple Assembly of God in his memory. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ R. E. Wilder (ROANOKE) Services for R. E. Wilder, 83, of Roanoke were Sunday, July 1, 2001, at 2 p.m. at Forrester's Chapel Methodist Church, with the Revs. Harold Bonner and Don Quick officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Wilder died Friday, June 29, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born on Nov. 4, 1917, son of Robert L. Wilder Sr. and Myrtie Parrish Wilder. He had been employed with Handley and West Point mills. He was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Carson Wilder. Survivors include two sons, Ralph C. Wilder of Roanoke and Rev. Warren D. Wilder of Anniston; a sister, Ruth Albright of Phenix City; two brothers, Robert L. Wilder Jr. of Columbus, Ga., and Johnny Wilder of Halifax, Va.; and four grandchildren. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mae Dell Winston (ROANOKE) Mae Dell Winston, 53, of Roanoke died Monday morning, July 2, 2001, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Survivors include her husband, Rowe Edward Winston of Roanoke; three sons, Michael Henderson, Leon Ogletree and Vernon Ogletree of Roanoke; three daughters, Ms. Debbie Nolan, Mrs. Tracy Goss and Mrs. Cynthia Heath of Roanoke; three sisters, Ms. Velma Keeler, Ms. Eddie Jo Henderson and Mrs. Audrey Lee of Roanoke; and several other relatives. Services will be announced by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ THE RANDOLPH LEADER July 11, 2001 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Joyce Walker West (ROANOKE) Services for Joyce Walker West, 62, of Roanoke were Thursday, July 5, 2001, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, with the Revs. Barry Cosper and Tim Whaley officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. West died Monday, July 2, at Randolph Medical Center in Roanoke. She was born in Clay County on Feb. 26, 1939, daughter of David Bowen Walker and Ordie Mae Green Walker. She was employed in clothing manufacturing and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burlis West, and a grandson, Russell Brett Frye. Survivors include three sons, Ronnie J. Frye, Stanley Ray Frye and Timothy David Frye, all of Roanoke; two sisters, Voncile White of Roanoke and Eddiewah Chatman of Lineville; and two grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Rd. N. E., Atlanta, GA 30329. Pallbearers were Anthony Walker, Roger White, Trae Wilkinson, Keith Farmer, Jeff Freeman and Ricky Cummings. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Ila Faye Moon (ROANOKE) Services for Ila Faye Moon, 67, of Roanoke were Saturday, July 7, 2001, at 3 p.m. at North Main Congregational Christian Church, with Dr. Frank McCook and the Rev. Ralph Worley officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Moon died Friday, July 6, at Hospice LaGrange. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Moon was born March 27, 1934, daughter of Arnton and Velma Phipott Brown. She was a member of North Main Congregational Christian Church and had worked as a secretary with Wedowee Hospital, Handley Mills and Stephanie Fashions. Survivors include her husband, Milton Moon of Raonoke; one daughter, Debbie Mitchell of Raonoke; one granddaughter; one sister, Betty Hearn of Roanoke; and a brother, Milton Brown of Costa Rica. Pallbearers were Travis Moon, Sammy Hill, Richard Head, R. L. Farmer, Mike Breed and Billy Worley. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Elton E. Wilson (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Elton E. Wilson, 83, of LaGrange, Ga., died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at the Brian Center. Mr. Wilson, born April 4, 1918, in Glenn, Ga., was the son of Lawton E. Wilson Sr. and Alma Cook Wilson. He had lived in LaGrange all of his life and was a 100 percent disabled World War II Army veteran. Mr. Wilson was a self-employed farmer and a gospel music musician. He entertained on WELR radio station with a gospel music program until his health declined and he retired in 1994. He was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church and a song leader for several churches. Survivors include his wife, Martha L. Wilson of LaGrange; a daughter, Sharon Bennaman of Franklin, Ga.; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Elanor Parker of LaGrange; his mother-in-law, Mary Clark of LaGrange; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, July 6, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with burial in the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Glenn. The Revs. Gerald Smith, A. M. Ballenger and Aaron McCollough officiated. Arrangements were by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange. __________ Kenneth Dewayne Sheppard (ROANOKE) Kenneth Dewayne "Kenny" Sheppard, 22, of 350 County Road 35, Roanoke, died Monday evening, July 2, 2001, at Jacksonville Hospital, Jacksonville. Services were Friday, July 6, at 2 p.m. at Bethenia United Methodist Church, Graham, with the Rev. Lawrence Watts and the Rev. Lathonia J. Wright officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Survivors include his father, Willie Frank Sheppard of Roanoke; his mother, Ms. Florestine Askew of Roanoke; his grandmother, Ms. Mattie Mae Askew of Bowdon, Ga.; two brothers, Chico Landers Sheppard of Wedowee and Mario Foster of Anniston; four sisters, Temika Askew and Rasheda Cos of Bowdon, Tina Foster of Roanoke and Tiffany Foster of Anniston; five nephews; two nieces; several aunts and uncles and a host of cousins and friends. Kenny Sheppard was born in Roanoke Oct. 19, 1978. He was affectionately called "Hunk." He was well known as a Wal-Mart associate with a very outgoing personality and considered Wal-Mart to be his "second family." He was a member of the Mount Bethel Methodist Church in Roanoke. He was a 1999 graduate of Wadley High School, attended Southern Union State Community College, and had enrolled at Jacksonville State University, were he attended for a month prior to his passing. Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Bessie Sheppard, Freddy Askew and James Otis Wilson. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ____________ Roy E. Mann (ROANOKE) Services for Roy E. Mann, 75, of Roanoke will be Thursday, July 12, 2001, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Roanoke with Dr. Douglas Turner and Rev. A. L. Courtney officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Mann died Monday, July 9, at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham. He was born in Jefferson County on Nov. 19, 1925, son of Marvin and Claudia Price Mann. A former resident of Alexander City, he was a retired school principal and football coach, having worked 20 years in the Pell City school system. He was an Air Force veteran, a member of the Lions Club and the Quarterback Club, and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Roanoke. Survivors include his wife, Mary Wilson Mann of Roanoke; a daughter, Jane Mann Higgins of Brentwood, Tenn.; two sons, Bob Mann of Duncanville, Texas, and Bill Mann of Sanford, N.C.; a brother, Guy I. Mann of Powder Springs, Ga.; and ten grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11. Mr. Mann will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday. Pallbearers are requested to be former football players. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ____________ Leah Jean Ussery George (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Leah Jean Ussery George, 83, of Franklin, Ga., died Friday, July 6, 2001, at her home. Services were Sunday, July 8, 2001, at Macedonia Baptist Church, with the Revs. Ridley Herren and Roy Wysner officiating. Music was by Mrs. Ginger Stutts and Mrs. Luanna Cummings. Interment was in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke. Pallbearers were Joseph Bledsoe, Edward Bryan, Randy Bryan, Todd Turner, Terry Harper and Anthony Hull. Mrs. George was born May 11, 1918, to the late Dallas and Sarah Lee James Ussery. She was a devoted wife and mother and an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church for more than 45 years, serving as a Sunday school teacher and treasurer. Survivors include one son, Phillip George of Franklin; two grandsons; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Brown and Johnnie Almon; one brother, Mickey Ussery; and other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Paul George. Arrangements were by Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. ____________ Daniel Simion Salisbury (ROANOKE) Services for Daniel Simion Salisbury, 87, of Raonoke were Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home Chapel, Franklin, Ga., with Father Stan Davis and grandson Brad McLain officiating. Music was provided by Leesa Stutts Cothran. Interment was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Salisbury died Monday, July 2, 2001. Pallbearers were Robert McLain, Syril McLain, Larry Driver, Steve Norred, Charlie Brown and Bill Kent. Mr. Salisbury was born in Marshfield, Mo., on Nov 28, 1913, to the late Levi Salisbury and Mary Mackie Salisbury. He was a carpenter and a member of the Carpenters Union for 45 years. He loved to tell stories of his life experiences and always taught a lesson with them. Survivors include his wife, Dot Arrington Salisbury of Roanoke; three daughters, Jean Wortham of Hixson, Tenn., Joyce McLain of Franklin, and Jerri Davis of Decatur, Ga., eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Tom stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ Annetha Bell McFarlin (ROANOKE) Annetha Bell McFarlin, 58, of 441 LaFayette Street, Roanoke, died Monday July 2, 2001, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. Services for Mrs. McFarlin were Saturday, July 7, at 2 p.m. at Sweet Home Baptist Church, Five Points, with the Rev. L. B. Houston officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Mrs. McFarlin was a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Sam Frank McFarlin of Raonoke; a daughter, Beverly A. McFarlin Sutton of Roanoke; three sons, Sylvester McFarlin, Robert McFarlin and Sam McFarlin Jr., all of Roanoke; two sisters, Lera L. Winston and Florine Harrison of Roanoke; three brothers, George Harrison of LaGrange and James Harrison and William Harrison of Atlanta; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Harison and Helen Davis Harrison; a sister, Carrie L. Blakes; and a brother, Jessie James Harrison. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. ____________ Juanita Vaughan Thompson (OXFORD) Services for Juanita Vaughan Thompson,65, of Oxford were Saturday, July 7, 2001 at Miller Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Alberta C. McCrory officiating. Burial was in Dogwood Trails Cemetery, with Miller Funeral Home in charge. Mrs. Thompson died Thursday, July 5, at her home. Survivors include her son, Eddie Thompson of Jacksonville; two daughters, Renae T. Madden of Woodland and Vicki T. Adams of Jacksonville; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three special care givers, Margaret Dempsey, Rosalee Mitchell and Grace Clark. Pallbearers were Michael Matthews, Jimmy Adams, Jeremy Adams, Earl Varnes, Earnie Madden and Dennis Hazel. Honorary pallbearer was Gerald Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Thompson, her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vaughan; and one brother, Charles Vaughan. __________ Ethelene C. Gatlin (VALLEY) Ethelene C. Gatlin, 89, of Valley died Monday, July 9, 2001, at Lanier Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Gatlin was a Tallapoosa County native, born Sept. 17, 1911. She was a homemaker and a resident of Valley for the past 25 years. She was a former co-owner and operator of the Rica Motel in Valley. She was a member of Fairfax First Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Gaylene Adams of Roanoke; two sons, Richard J. Gatlin of Douglasville, Ga., and Ken W. Gatlin of Valley; a sister, Imogene Hill of West Point, Ga.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Colley Gatlin; son, James Cooley Gatlin Jr.; a sister, Dorothy Miller; and brothers Hershel and L. D. Colley. Services will be at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 2 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 12, with burial in Marseilles Cemetery in West Point. The Rev. Steve York will officiate. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to one's favorite charity or to Fairfax First Baptist Church in her memory. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 at funeral home. Arrangements are by Johnson Brown-Service, Valley. __________ Mary Jean Nelson Holloway (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Mary Jean Nelson Holloway, 43, of LaGrange, Ga., formerly of Franklin, Ga., died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at LaGrange Hospice. Services for Mrs. Holloway were Friday, July 6, at 3 p.m. at Long Cane Baptist Church in Troup County, with the Rev. Fitzgerald Brown officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Jason Thrower, Earl Holloway, Ray Holloway, Toney Greenmeyer, Wayne Railey and Terry Strickland. Mrs. Holloway was born July 26, 1957, in Troup County Ga., to the late Melvin and Lela Hester Nelson. She was employed at Franklin Aluminum as a drill press operator and attended Franklin Church of God. Survivors include her husband, James Holloway of LaGrange; three daughters, Jennifer Holloway of Franklin, Lynn Clouse of Ranburn and Amanda Henderson of Lowndesboro; one son, Jeremy Holloway of LaGrange; six grandchildren; three sisters, Loette Howard and Faye Jeter of Rock Mills and Carolyn Story of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews and friends. Arrangements were by Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ William Vernon 'Bill' Bassett (ROANOKE) Services for William Vernon "Bill" Bassett, 70, of Roanoke were on Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at 11 a.m. at Maplewood Baptist Church, with the Rev. Johnny Williams officiating. Burial was at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Bassett died Monday, July 2, at Clay County Hospital in Ashland. He was born in LaGrange, Ga., on July 13, 1930, son of William Dewey Bassett and Gassie Whitley Bassett. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, worked as a bus driver for Randolph County Schools and was a member of Maplewood Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Dwight Bassett of Roanoke, and a grandson, Thomas Aaron Bassett of Lineville. Pallbearers were Phil Sheppard, Bob Taylor, Marty Ivey, Lawrence Sims and Donny Warren. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ THE RANDOLPH LEADER July 18, 2001 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Eva McManus McCain (WEDOWEE) Services for Eva McManus McCain, 91, of Wedowee were at 3 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2001, at Ava United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Warren Wilder and Mike Samples officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mrs. McCain died Wednesday, July 11, at Wedowee Hospital. She was born in Randolph County on March 30, 1910, daughter of Charlie McManus and Lou French McManus. She was a homemaker and a member of Wedowee Senior Citizens Center and Ava United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy McCain, and a grandson, David McCain. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Laney of Wedowee; two sons, Horace McCain of Valley and Harlis McCain of Gadsden; three special nieces, Louise Kirby, Mary Richardson and Clarice McCord; a special godchild, Pat Laney; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Scott Fowler, Ray Wiggins, Flint McCain, Derrick Morrison, Merl Brown, Tony Heard, Tommy Messer and Shannon Laney. Honorary pallbearers were nursing aides from Traylor Nursing Home and Mable Smith. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Phillip Julian Brown (ROANOKE) Services of Phillip Julian Brown, 48, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2001, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Theo Arnett, Phillip Jones and Gary Baugh officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Brown died Thursday, July 12, at his residence. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born Sept. 25, 1952, son of Curtis R. Brown and Dorothy Parmer Brown. He was minister of music and a member of Gray Hill Church of God and was a Mutual Savings Insurance Agent. Survivors include his wife, Melissa Stanford Brown of Roanoke; two daughters, Ashley Brown and Lindsey Brown of Roanoke; his mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Earl Cantrell of Roanoke; two sisters, Retha Vidler of Roanoke and Shirley Yarbrough of Valley; a brother, Mike Brown of Wadley; and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Heath Brown, Jason Harris, Scott Dukus, John Kilgore, Tim Meacham, Bill Calhoun, Tim Rogers and Shane Meachum. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Boyce McLain (WADLEY) Services for Boyce McLain, 79, of Wadley were Monday, July 16, 2001, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Zenus Windsor and Ray Franklin officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. McLain died Friday, July 13, at his residence. He was a native of Clay County where he had spent most of his life but had been in Randolph County the past 14 years. He retired from Genesco Shoe Company and later Madix in Goodwater. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a German Prisoner of War. He was a Baptist by faith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara McLain of Wadley; five daughters, Pat Hester of Tennessee, Cynthia Wilcox of Wadley, Tajuana Tyson of Dadeville, Darlene Stallings of Ashland, and Katherine Sikes of Wedowee; one sister, Ruth Rooks of Georgia; four brothers, Burl, Curtis, Lester and Rayburn McLain, all of Georgia; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Shayne Hanna, Barry McLain, Mark McLain, David McLain, Randall Tyson and Tim Sikes. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville. __________ Jack Benford Ward Sr. (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Services for Jack Benford Ward Sr., 64, of Carrollton, Ga., formerly of Randolph County, were Sunday, July 15, 2001, at 2 p.m. at Napoleon Church of Christ, with Brother Terry Langley officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Ward died Friday, July 13, at his residence. Mr. Ward was a native of Randolph County, born March 24, 1937, son of W. T. Ward Sr. and Louis Wilson Ward. He was a member of IBEW 613 Union and was a member of the Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Lois Zumwalt, and a brother, Milton Ward. Mr. Ward is survived by his wife, Debbie Thompson Ward of Carrollton; a daughter, Frieda Lowery of Illinois; two sons, Jackie B. Ward Jr. of Tennessee and Jeffery Ward of Valley; nine grandchildren; a sister, Janie Cobb of Roanoke; and four brothers, W. T. Ward Jr. of Newnan, Ga., Wayne Ward of Roanoke, Larry Ward of Louisville, Ky., and Johnny Ward of Dalton, Ga. Pallbearers were Eric Ward, Lee Cobb, Bryan Ward, Bill Ward, Tim Wilson and John Thomas Brown. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee. __________ Leophas Morgan (ROANOKE) Leophas Morgan, 48, of Roanoke died Tuesday morning, July 10, 2001, at Baptist East Medical Center, Montgomery. Services were Saturday, July 14, at 2 p.m. at Christian Memorial Baptist Church, Roanoke, with the Rev. Tommie L. Finley officiating. Burial was in Skyview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Welch. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Linda Morgan of Roanoke; four stepsons, Jackie Tucker, Robert Tucker and Albert Bailey of Roanoke and Vinson Bailey of LaGrange, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Rhonda Walker of Atlanta and Mrs. Shenell Treadwell of Tuscaloosa; one sister, Ms. Andrea Johnson of Detroit, Mich.; four brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two uncles; three aunts; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Morgan was born Feb. 14, 1953, to the late Ms. Hester Morgan in LaFayette where he was raised with his seven other siblings. The family moved to Five Points where he attended Phillips High School, graduating in 1971. Mr. Morgan was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Roanoke. He married the former Linda Tucker, to whom he had remained faithfully wed since June 30, 1990. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Lula Mae Smith (ALEXANDER CITY) Lula Mae Smith, 87, a Roanoke native who was residing at Adams Nursing Home, Alexander City, died Thursday, July 12, 2001, at the nursing home. Services will be Friday, July 20, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 539 Riley St., Roanoke, with the Rev. Gilbert E. Staples, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Rock Mills Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors include her son, William Thomas Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandsons; two granddaughters; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service on Thursday after 10 a.m. Ms. Smith will be in state at the church one hour prior to the services on Friday. Ms. Smith was fondly known as "Tuma" to all her family and friends who knew her in the East Roanoke neighborhood. She was born June 24, 1914, in Stroud, to the late Tim and Missouri "Ross" Collins. She was the seventh of 13 children. The family later moved to Roanoke, where she joined First Baptist Church and attended regularly until her health failed. Ms. Smith was the widow of the late William Smith of Chambers County. Arrangements are by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Bernice Cofield Langley (WADLEY) Services for Bernice Cofield Langley, 87, of Wadley were Friday, July 13, 2001, at 2 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, with the Revs. Gordon Taylor, Tommy Gene Young and Johnny Bishop officiating. Burial was at Forrester's Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Langley died Wednesday, July 11, at Wedowee Hospital in Wedowee. She was born in Randolph County on Oct. 12, 1913, daughter of William Marshall Cofield and Cherrie Rice Cofield. She was retired from the textile industry and was a member of Corinth Homemakers Club and Macedonia Baptist Church, where she was pianist for more than 60 years. She also was pianist at Ava Hills Assisted Living Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Langley, a son, John Wade Langley, and three grandsons. Survivors include four daughters, Joan McGill of Devol, Okla., and Chera Melton, Gay Nan Craven and Kay Cooper of Wadley; a son, William Jeff Langley of Wadley; a sister Kathleen Gray of Valley; a brother, Maley Gold Cofield of Wedowee; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Donnie McGill, John Melton, Adam Melton, Scott Craven, Daniel Melton and John Cooper. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons-in-law. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ______________________________________________________ THE RANDOLPH LEADER July 25, 2001 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Gladys L. Bowden (CLANTON) Gladys L. Bowden, 83, of Clanton died Monday, July 16, 2001, at her home. Mrs. Bowden was born Sept. 22, 1917, in Clay County, daughter of the late J. D. Liles and the late Ora Mae Matthews Liles. She was a store owner. She is survived by a sister, Annie Warnock of Arab; seven nieces and two nephews. Services were at Martin Funeral Home Chapel, Clanton, on Thursday, July 19, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tony Smitherman officiating. Interment was in Poplar Springs Cemetery, Clanton. Arrangements were by Martin Funeral Home, Clanton. __________ Deewilmer Gilmore (WICKLIFFE, Ohio) Deewilmer Gilmore, 83, a 50-year resident of Wickliffe, Ohio, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Lake West Hospital. Born June 27, 1918, in Ozark, Ala., Mr. Gilmore was the son of the late John and Effie Gilmore. He leaves his wife, Fannie Barsh Gilmore of Wedowee; a son, Wilmer Gilmore of Hudson, Ohio; and a step-daughter, Mary Spencer of Springfield, Mass. Another stepdaughter, Annie Gilliam, is deceased. Mr. Gilmore also leaves four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Services were Saturday, July 14, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Painesville, Ohio, with the Rev. Vincent R. Miller officiating. Arrangements were by Johnson Funeral Home, Painesville. __________ Luverne Cotney Prater (BIG CANOE, Ga.) Graveside services for Luverne Cotney Prater, 92, of Big Canoe, Ga., formerly of Wadley, were at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Wadley City Cemetery with the Rev. Abi Carlisle-Wilke officiating. Mrs. Prater died Tuesday, July 17, at Mountainside Medical Center in Jasper, Ga. She was born Nov. 10, 1908 in Randolph County, daughter of Rubin Braxton Cotney and Ida Wilkins Cotney. She was a school teacher and with her husband operated Purity Drug Company in Wadley and Prater Rexall Drug Company in Trussville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rubin Burt Prater Sr. Survivors include a son, R. Burt Prater Jr. of Big Canoe; a daughter, Jean Prater Blanchard of Arizona; a sister, Mary Emma Gay of Wadley; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Local arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Eddie Joe 'Shorty' Smith (ROANOKE) Service for Eddie Joe "Shorty" Smith, 51, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2001, from Midway Full Gospel Church with the Rev. Glover "Sonny" McCormick officiating. Burial followed at Bethel East Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Smith died Thursday, July 19, at Randolph Medical Center in Roanoke. He was born in Carroll County, Ga., on Nov. 15, 1949, son of Earnest and Mary Etta Craft Smith. He was employed at Milliken Mills and attended Midway Full Gospel Church. He was preceded in death by his mother, Etta Smith. Survivors include his wife, Esther Murphy Smith of Roanoke; his father, Earnest "Mutt" Smith of Roanoke; a daughter, Mylinda Bevels of Roanoke; two sons, Stephen Dean of Bessemer and William Wilkerson of Columbiana; two sisters, Nellie Jean Smith and Patsy Ann Smith, both of Roanoke; four granddaughters and one grandson. Pallbearers were Bruce Davidson, Johnny Ray Davidson, James Powell, Chris Gunn, David Gunn and Jimmy Mitchell. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mabron C. Wilson (WOODLAND) Graveside services for Mabron C. Wilson, 83, of Woodland, were at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Napoleon Church of Christ Cemetery with Brother W. C. Cofield officiating. Mr. Wilson died Thursday, July 19, at Jacksonville Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born in Randolph County on Sept. 29, 1917, son of Dave and Edna Dukes Wilson. He was an Army veteran of World War II and had been a construction worker. He was Church of Christ by faith. Survivors include a son, Harold Wilson of Roanoke; three daughters, Cornelia Hester of Anniston, Margaret Sossoman of Graham, N.C., and Judy Ledford of Douglasville, Ga.; a brother, Wilford Wilson of Woodland; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Richard McSheridan, Tommy Reid, Jerry Pike, Basil Spradlin and T. W. Moore. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Eurla Langley Reynolds (ROANOKE) Services for Eurla Langley Reynolds, 82, of Roanoke were Monday, July 23, 2001, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Huey Reynolds and the Rev. Don Quick officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Reynolds died suddenly on Saturday, July 21, at Randolph Medical Center. A native and lifelong Randolph County resident, Mrs. Reynolds was born Aug. 29, 1918, daughter of Brice and Minnie Lou Perry Dollar. She was a self-employed beautician and was a member of Radney's Chapel, United Methodist Women, Roanoke Circuit Prayer Breakfast Group, and the Randolph County Chapter of the AARP. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brice Dollar; her first husband, Arthur Langley; two brothers, Willard Dollar and Civin Dollar; and a sister, Jimmie Brown. Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Lavelle Reynolds of Roanoke; one daughter, Jaleen Welch of LaGrange, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Charlotte Lewis of Northport and Carolyn Shepard of Wedowee; two stepsons, Dr. Huey Reynolds of Birmingham and Roderick Reynolds of Opp; two brothers, Harold Dollar of Warner Robins, Ga., and Winford Dollar of Valley; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the American Heart Association (7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231), Radney's Chapel or Lane's Chapel. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Luther Pearson (LAFAYETTE) Luther Pearson, 87, of LaFayette died Tuesday, July 17, 2001, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital, Valley. He had been a resident of Roanoke Healthcare Center. Services were at Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette, on Friday, July 20, 2001, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Wayne Elliott officiating. Interment was in Canaan Welch cemetery, Welch. Arrangements were by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ James G. 'Jake' Pate (COLUMBUS, Ga.) James G. "Jake" Pate, 82, of Columbus, Ga., died Friday, July 20, at Columbus Hospice House. Mr. Pate was born in Wedowee, son of the late James G. Pate and Eksa Reaves. He was the last surviving member of his family of seven brothers and sisters. Mr. Pate was retired as chief of transportation at Ft. Benning and was service manager for Williams Pontiac in Columbus for many years. He was a veteran of World War II and was stationed overseas for 41 months. He was a member of the 1062nd and served in the European and African Theaters where he received European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with one silver star and two bronze stars. Mr. Pate was a member of Sherwood United Methodist Church for many years and a resident of Columbus for 54 years. He was preceded in death by his son, James G. "Jimmy" Pate III. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marie Livingston Pate of Columbus; one daughter, Charlotte Greathouse of Panama City Beach, Fla.; a granddaughter; a step-grandson; a step-granddaughter; three step-great-grandchildren; amd many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Sherwood United Methodist Church, 3503 17th Ave., Columbus, GA 31904 or Columbus Hospice House, 7020 Moon Rd., Columbus, GA 31909. Arrangements were by McMullen Funeral Home, Columbus. __________ Susie Brooks (WHITE PLAINS) Susie Brooks, 89, of LaFayette (White Plains community), died Friday, July 20, 2001, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital, Valley. Services were at Pine Grove United Methodist Church, LaFayette, on Sunday, July 22, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Cecelia Broome officiating. Interment was in Handy Cemetery, LaFayette. She leaves to cherish her memory one brother, Herbert Brooks of LaFayette; two sisters, Florence Taylor of Valley and LeMerle Vines of LaFayette; three nephews; six nieces; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends. Ms. Brooks, the first of six children, was born Dec. 22, 1911, to the late Luther "Bud" and Perrina Brooks in Chambers County. She joined Pleasant United Methodist, Church, Five Points, at an early age. She lived in New York City for over 30 years, and after her retirement from the Faberge Company, she moved to the White Plains community to care for her mother. Ms. Brooks joined Pine Grove United Methodist Church and served in many roles. She was noted for bringing beautiful fresh flowers from her garden to place on the church altar for Sunday services. Arrangements were by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ William Frank Smith (STROUD) Graveside services for William Frank Smith, 91, of Stroud, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2001, at Mt. Pisgah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Revs. Jim Dykes and Yancey Sanders officiating. Burial will follow. Mr. Smith died Monday, July 23, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. He was born in Chambers County on Feb. 7, 1910, son of William Henry Smith and Verna Anglin Smith. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, serving as corporal in the 8th Air Force 91st Bomber Group stationed in England for two years. He was self-employed in the dairy and beef cattle industry and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Minnie Moore Holderfield Smith of Stroud; a stepson, Horace M. Holderfield of Stroud; two sisters, Margaret Awbrey of Roanoke and Doris Green of LaGrange, Ga.; and one granddaughter. The family requests memorial donations be made to Mt. Pisgah Cemetery Fund, c/o Don Clark, 5005 County Rd. 62, LaFayette, AL 36862, or floral memorial will be accepted. Pallbearers will be John Holderfield, Stanley Sellers, George Robinson, Donald Brown, Don Clark and Doyle Shelnutt. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Ollie Mae Farlow, 103 (PICKENS, S.C.) Ollie Mae Roberson Clemones Farlow, 103, of Pickens, S.C., died Monday, July 16, 2001, at her residence. Born in Heflin, she was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving are daughters, Pearl Nix of the home, Carrie Gordy of Griffin, Ga., Mary Lucille Hill of Wedowee and Shirley Edwards of Carrollton, Ga.; son, James Clemones of Wedowee; 24 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. She was the widow of William Lloyd Farlow and daughter of the late Joseph and Rachel Thomas Roberson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Clemones. Services were at 1 p.m. Saturday at the W. Center Street Chapel, with the committal service following at 3 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, LaGrange, Ga. Arrangements were by Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________