Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during March 2002, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200203L.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 ============================================= April 2002 The Randolph Leader March 6, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Lucille Forrester Myhand (LANETT) Lucille F. Myhand, 86, of Lanett died Monday, Feb. 25, 2002, at Beverly Health Care, Lanett. Mrs. Myhand was born in Troup County, Ga., on Oct. 13, 1915, daughter of the late Nettie Jane Wyatt Forrester and the late Richard C. Forrester. She was a retired employee of George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital where she was an EKG technician. She had previously worked at Gadsden Hospital and in the Towel Department of West Point Pepperell's Fairfax Mill. She was a member of Lanett First United Methodist Church and the Rebecca Circle. Surviving are a daughter, Marie Folmar of Lumberton, N.C.; sons, Bobby Myhand of Covington, Ga., and Joe Myhand of Huntsville; a brother, Marion Forrester of Valley; a sister-in-law, Virginia Moore of Roanoke; brother-in-law, William H. Myhand of Nashville, Tenn.; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles B. Myhand. Services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 4 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 1, with burial in Hopewell Cemetery. Dr. Brian Wyatt and the Rev. Donnie Erwin-Brown officiated. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Lanett First United Methodist Church or to the Leukemia Association. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Edward P. Drake Jr. (ROANOKE) Edward P. Drake Jr., 33, of Roanoke died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002, in Roanoke as the result of an automobile accident. Services were Saturday, Mar. 2, at 2 p.m. at Christian Memorial Baptist Church, with the Rev. Burnett Jackson officiating. Burial was in Skyview Memorial Gardens, Welch. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Terill Drake of Roanoke; his parents, Edward and Rosie Drake of Roanoke; a sister, Ms. Tammy Lisa Drake of Roanoke; a brother, Kerry M. Drake of Roanoke; and his in-laws, Mary Ann and Cleveland Battle. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ronita LaShun Drake. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Martha Jane Briscoe (LAFAYETTE) Martha Jane Briscoe, 91, of LaFayette died Friday, Mar. 2, 2002, at Wesley Terrace Retirement Center, Auburn. Services were at LaFayette First United Methodist Church on Sunday, Mar. 3, at 2 p.m., with interment in LaFayette City Cemetery. The Rev. Joyce Woodstuff officiated. Surviving are a son, Dr. Joseph M. Briscoe Jr. of Birmingham; two grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Janet Barr. Mrs. Briscoe was born in Senoia, Ga., on Sept. 10, 1910. She sang in the choir and was a member of LaFayette First United Methodist Church for 65 years. She was a graduate of LaGrange College, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and was employed with the Department of Human Resources for 22 years. Pallbearers were Frank Walton, Alex Walton, Jim Abney, Owen Waites, the Rev. Al Ruggles and Harold Pittman. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Quill Buddy Sheppard (GRAND BAY) Graveside services for Quill Buddy Sheppard, 60, of Grand Bay were at Valley Grove Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2002, with the Rev. David Reaves officiating. Mr. Sheppard died Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Knowllwood Hospital in Mobile. Mr. Sheppard was a native of Randolph County, born Nov. 21, 1941, son of Clifford William Sheppard and Grace Letha Mulkey Sheppard. He had worked in the metal and salvage yard industries. Mr. Sheppard is survived by a daughter, Shirley Ann Bosarge of Grand Bay; a son, Lee Sheppard of Mobile; a stepdaughter, Peggy Rylu of Theodore; two stepsons, Charlie Whitney and William Whitney of Theodore; two grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; two sisters, Letha Mae Sheppard and Clara Rush of Cragford; and four brothers, Clarence Sheppard of Opelika, Andy Sheppard of Anniston, and James and Amos Sheppard of Roanoke. Family members served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Stacey Carol Bailey Sheppard (ROANOKE) Services for Stacey Carol Bailey Sheppard, 46, of Roanoke were Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Gerald Sheppard, Mr. Michael Cummings and the Rev. Shannon Mapp officiating. Ms. Sheppard died Sunday, Mar. 3, at East Alabama Medical Center. A Randolph County native, Ms. Sheppard was born Mar. 3, 1956, daughter of John T. Bailey Jr. and Sara Frances Bassett Bailey. She was a member of First Baptist Church and had been employed with Private Line in Franklin. Survivors include her husband, Nicky Jeter of Roanoke; two daughters, Carmen Michelle Sheppard of Atlanta and Chyna McKenzie Jeter of Roanoke; two sisters, Karen Cummings and Gail Mapp of Roanoke; and a special aunt, Jenny Crabb of Watsonville, Calif. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Maggie B. Shockley (DECATUR) Services for Maggie B. Shockley, 92, of Decatur, formerly of Wadley, will be Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. James Duke officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Shockley died Monday, Mar. 4, at Summerford Nursing Home in Decatur. A Tallapoosa County native, Mrs. Shockley was born Feb. 4, 1910, daughter of Joe and Odessa Tucker Davis. She was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. Her husband, Ira B. Shockley, preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Lala Newman of Hartselle; two sons, Don Shockley of Brentwood, Tenn., and Ira Douglas Shockley of Birmingham; one sister, Sara Newsome of Piedmont; two brothers, G. W. Davis of Wadley and Gordon Davis of Talladega; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Fannie Mae Moody (ROANOKE) Fannie Mae Moody, 82, of Roanoke died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, at LaFayette Extended Care, LaFayette. Services were Friday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Roanoke, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include two daughters, Beautie Moody White and Tommie L. Watts of Cleveland, Ohio; and two sisters, Jimmie Lou Heard and Grace Ferrell of Roanoke. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 13, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Mary Will Alexander (ROANOKE) Services for Mary Will Alexander, 88, of Roanoke were Thursday, Mar. 7, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Larry McDaniel and Ricky Cummings officiating. Burial was at Forrester's Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Alexander died Wednesday, Mar. 6, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. A resident of Wadley most of her life, Mrs. Alexander was a Randolph County native, born June 21, 1913, daughter of Eli and Roxie Parker Hester. She was a homemaker and a member of Corinth Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Zack Frank Alexander, and a daughter, Polly Ann Cannon. Survivors include two daughters, Ethel B. Burke of Roanoke and Lillian Irene Ward of Dadeville; two sons, Sam Hester of Roanoke and Grover Alexander of Wadley and Ida Mae Mitchell of Portland, Oregon; one brother, Bud Hester of Valley; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. [Note: Possibly should read, "one sister, Ida Mae Mitchell"] __________ Annie Bassett Gunsallus (TYBEE ISLAND, Ga.) Graveside services for Annie Bassett Gunsallus, 86, of Tybee Island, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, were Friday, Mar. 8, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Gunsallus died Wednesday, Mar. 6, at Oceanside Nursing Home. A native and lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Gunsallus was a former member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and a member of Gold Star Wives. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Ann Gunsallus of Tybee Island; four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Carl Jackson Bartlett (ROANOKE) Services for Carl Jackson Bartlett, 87, of Roanoke were Saturday, Mar. 9, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tex Ergle officiating. Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mr. Bartlett died Thursday, March 7, 2002, at Florence Hand Home, LaGrange. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mr. Bartlett was born Jan. 8, 1915, son of James Hester and Carrie Bell Pittman Bartlett. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church, the American Legion, V.F.W. and Roanoke Kiwanis Club. He had been a mail carrier with the Roanoke post office. Survivors include his wife, Myrtice Hudson Bartlett of Roanoke; one daughter, Martha Stamps of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Carl J. Bartlett Jr. of Montgomery; one sister, Lucy Nell Keeble of LaGrange; one brother, Blake Bartlett of Woodland, Ga.; and four grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jerrell May, Tommy Hill, Clifford Burns, Sam Wylie, Roy Reaves and Bud Bailey. Members of the Men's Bible Class at First Methodist served as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church Family Life Center (P.O. Box 40, Roanoke, AL 36274). Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Dorsey Charlie Yarbrough (ROANOKE) Services for Dorsey Charlie Yarbrough, 88, of Roanoke were Sunday, Mar. 10, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Roanoke Church of Christ, with Bro. Gerald Romine, Bro. Tim Taylor and Sam Carpenter officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Yarbrough died Saturday, Mar. 9, at Traylor Nursing Home. A Roanoke resident since 1946, Mr. Yarbrough was born May 1, 1913, son of Will H. and Ida T. Smith Yarbrough. He was a World War II Army veteran, a member of Roanoke Church of Christ and was owner and operator of a dry cleaning business. Survivors include his wife, Nonnie Ruth Shaw Yarbrough of Roanoke; two daughters, Cupidene Bailey of Roanoke and Hildreth Dunson Schwiening of Opelika; one son, Tommy Yarbrough of Roanoke; one sister, Bernice Yates of Ephesus, Ga.; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers, and elders of Roanoke Church of Christ served as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Leila Mae Pool (WADLEY) Services for Leila Mae Pool, 87, of Wadley were Sunday, Mar. 10, 2002, at High Pine Baptist Church, with the Rev. Tommy Burke and the Rev. Gary Baugh officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Pool died Saturday, Mar. 9, at Traylor Nursing Home. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Pool was born July 5, 1914, daughter of Marvin and Cordelia Phillips Borders. She was a homemaker and a member of High Pine Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Richard Pool. Survivors include one daughter, Mary Ruth Caldwell of Wadley; one son, Larry Lamar Pool of Huguley; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Manley Clack, Benny Satterwhite, Braxton Garrett, Jody Melton, Allen Ramsey Jr. and Herbert Denham. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Luther Sims Cato Jr. (ROANOKE) Services for Luther Sims Cato Jr., 73, of Roanoke were Sunday, Mar. 10, 2002, at 4 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Virginia Newton officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Cato died Saturday, Mar. 9, at Hospice LaGrange. A Manchester, Ga., native, Mr. Cato was born Dec. 1, 1928, son of Luther Cato Sr. and Corrie Walters Cato. He was a member of Roanoke Church of the Nazarene and had been employed with the City of Auburn Water Works. Survivors include his wife, Linda Daniel Cato of Roanoke; one daughter, Teresa Gorham of Opelika; two stepdaughters, Brenda Stroud of Lanett and Teresa Moore of LaGrange, Ga.; a stepson, Leroy Smith Jr. of LaGrange; two sisters, Virginia Benefield and Sue Taft, both of Roanoke; and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers were Elmer Lolley, Mark Jordan, Randy Smith, Roger McClurg, Brian Poss and Greg Stevens. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Sammie Key Moore (LINCOLN) Sammie Key Moore, 53, of Lincoln died Friday, March 8, 2002. Mr. Moore was an avid aviator for over 30 years and a designer, builder and flyer of numerous airplanes. He was a member of the Pell City Elks, Birmingham Fraternal Council, and a member of Overton Baptist Church. He was the owner of Sammie's Touch N Go Restaurant at the Pell City airport where he enjoyed talking with airport friends and local families and taking everyone for breezy rides. Services were Monday, Mar. 11, at 2 p.m. at Eden Westside Baptist Church, Pell City, with the Rev. Jacky Connell officiating. Burial was in Valley Hill Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife, Sheila Moore of Lincoln; two daughters, Diane Moore Pruett and Michelle Clawson Frickey; a son, Ricky D. Moore; four sisters, Wilma Christian, Joyce Kraus, Jan Siggers and Gaye Nann Carter; six brothers, R. V. Moore, Joel Moore, Phillip Moore, Terry Moore, Charlie Moore and Danny Moore; and three grandchildren. Arrangements were by Kilgroe Funeral Home, Pell City. __________ Ethel Cofield Herren (WOODLAND) Services for Ethel Cofield Herren, 86, of Woodland were Thursday, Mar. 7, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church, with Bro. W. C. Cofield and the Rev. Anthony Herren officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Herren died Wednesday, Mar. 6, at Randolph Medical Center in Roanoke. A Randolph County native and lifelong resident, Mrs. Herren was born July 14, 1915, daughter of Ben and Sara Rice Cofield. She was a homemaker and a member of Ephesus Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucious H. Herren, and a daughter, Mary Lean Herren. Survivors include six sons, Edward K. Herren, Ridley J. Herren, W. Quinton Herren, Merlin Jr. Herren and T. Jerry Herren all of Woodland, and C. Rushel Herren of Anniston; one sister, Martha Cathart of Marietta, Ga.; a brother, Alais Cofield of Roanoke; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Dennis Wayne Lancaster (OPELIKA) Services for Dennis Wayne Lancaster, 46, of Opelika were Friday, Mar. 8, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church, with the Rev. Billy East officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Lancaster died Wednesday, Mar. 6, at Bethany House Hospice in Auburn. Mr. Lancaster was born in Carroll County, Ga., son of Thomas Junior and Essie Franklin Lancaster. He worked as a painter. Mr. Lancaster was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Barry Neal Lancaster. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Johnson Lancaster of Opelika; one daughter, Monica Lancaster of Chicago, Ill.; two sons, Joseph Lancaster of Chicago and Sammy Lancaster of Norfolk, Va.; and his mother and stepfather, Essie and Charles Gentle of Wedowee. Pallbearers were Leslie Watson, Joey Bridges, Allen Tate, Tim Clifton, Anthony Clifton and Terry Richardson. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ William Boyd Forman (HEFLIN) Graveside services for William Boyd Forman, 74, of Heflin were Friday, Mar. 8, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim's Rest cemetery, with the Rev. Leron Murphy officiating. Mr. Forman died Wednesday, Mar. 6, at his home. Born Oct. 17, 1927, at Moody in St. Clair County, Mr. Forman was the son of Burse and Rhoda Patterson Forman. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and had been employed with Trintex. Survivors include his wife, Jetty Teague Forman of Heflin; four sons, Mike Forman of Roanoke, Ricky Forman of Wedowee, Dewey Forman of Cartersville, Ga., and Jamie Forman of Heflin; two sisters, Ophelia Hoag of Oregon and Dema Joe Sparks of Dothan; two brothers, David Forman of Newell and Edward Forman of Florida; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jonathan Hallmark, Vernon Murphy, and grandsons Daniel Forman, Dennis Forman, Kevin Forman and Adam Forman. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Izetta Mathews Evans (NEWELL) Services for Izetta Mathews Evans, 86, of Newell were Friday, Mar. 8, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, with the Revs. Brian Smith and Ray Runyan officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Evans died Thursday, Mar. 7, at Randolph Medical Center in Roanoke. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mrs. Evans was born Feb. 15, 1916, daughter of Marion W. and Lucy Davis Mathews. She was a member of Union Baptist Church and had been employed with Bremen-B5owdon Investment Company. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Evans, and a grandson. Mrs. Evans is survived by a daughter, Venita Goode of Newell. Pallbearers were Hollis Hall, Junior Wortham, Barry Daniel, Greg Daniel, Tracy Lipham and Scott Johnson. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Charlie Lee Johnson (ROANOKE) Services for Charlie Lee Johnson, 71, of Roanoke were Monday, Mar. 11, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Richard Baldwin and Barry Harlin officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Johnson died Saturday, Mar. 9, at McGuffey Health Care, Gadsden. A Randolph County native, Mr. Johnson was born Jan. 26, 1931. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Kirby Johnson; one daughter, Sandra Brooks; and a brother, Curtis Johnson, all of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Matthew Mitchell, Wayne Edmondson, John Gurley, Tony Burks, Marty Ivery and Jeff Estes. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Thomas Harold Taylor (ROANOKE) Services for Thomas Harold Taylor, 54, of Roanoke were Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Rock Stand Congregational Christian Church, with the Revs. Kenneth Johnson and Hugh Vines officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Taylor died Sunday, Mar. 10, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center, Anniston. A Randolph County native and lifelong resident, Mr. Taylor was born April 26, 1947, son of Charlie B. and Doris Pope Taylor. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War; a member of Rock Stand Congregational Christian Church; and had been employed with Amoco Fabrics and Fibers. Survivors include his wife, Jane Brown Taylor of Roanoke; three daughters, Jenaya Duke and Stacey Taylor of McDonough, Ga., and Heather Mauldin of Roanoke; three sons, Steven Caldwell of Lineville, Jonathan Caldwell of Roanoke and Josh Caldwell of Ranburne; his mother, Doris Taylor of Roanoke; one brother, Rod Taylor of Roanoke; and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Smith, Ronnie Kirby, Waugh Exum, John Harmon, Kirby Windsor, James Jackson, Richard Henderson and Elon Pope. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Ann Killerbrew Turner (BLAKELY, Ga.) Ann Killerbrew Turner, 59, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at her home. Services were Friday, Feb. 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the chapel of Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home, with the Rev. Henry Bass officiating. Ms. Turner was born on Mar. 28, 1942, daughter of Wilma Killerbrew Smith and the late Albert Roy Killerbrew. She was a Baptist and a sales clerk at CVS Pharmacy in Blakely. She was former resident of Wedowee and worked for many years at the Bank of Wedowee. Survivors include her mother, Wilma K. Smith of Blakely; two daughters, Pam White of Roanoke and Vickie Clark of Columbus, Ga.; two sons, David "Butch" Turner of Midland City and Russell Turner of Dothan; a brother, James Killerbrew of Blakely; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Ray Preston, Dwight Evans, Jessie Murkerson, Curtis Clark, Bill White and Stevie Bolt Jr. __________ E. Austin Gay (AUBURN) Services for E. Austin Gay, 78, of Auburn will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 14, 2002, at Frederick's Funeral Home, Opelika, with the Rev. Charles Cummings officiating. Burial will follow in Big Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Randolph County at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 13, at Frederick's Funeral Home. Mr. Gay, who died Monday, Mar. 11, at East Alabama Medical Center, was born Aug. 25, 1923, in Randolph County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. After being discharged, he graduated from Jacksonville State University. While a student at Jacksonville State, he served as editor of the school newspaper. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves from which he retired as a lieutenant colonel. After college he worked as a journeyman linotype operator for several area newspapers, including the Auburn Bulletin, The Randolph Leader and the Citronelle Call where he met his late wife, Marian Johnson Gay. Mr. Gay worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville for 10 years as an engineering technical writer after which he was called to active duty in the Army, serving as an area advisor in Montgomery. In 1971, Mr. Gay went to Sanford Middle School in Beauregard as an eighth grade English teacher and assistant principal. Survivors include a son, Dr. William J. Gay of Auburn; two daughters, Hope Butler of Auburn and Lynn G. Burt of Athens, Ga.; three grandchildren; one sister, Marie Bolt of Valley; and one brother, William Fred Gay of Sharon, S.C. Arrangements are by Frederick's Funeral Home, Opelika. __________ Robert G. Bolt (HEFLIN) Services for Robert G. Bolt, 72, of Heflin will be Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Charlie Bolt officiating. Burial will follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Newell. Mr. Bolt died Monday, Mar. 11, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Bolt was born May 30, 1929, son of Lane and Roxie Clark Bolt. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and had been employed with M&W Trucking, Bowdon, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Bertha E. Bolt; four daughters, Roxie Muse and Juanita Glagola of Villa Rica, Ga., Jane Holland of Heflin and Mary Merritts of Douglasville, Ga.; two sons, Robert Grover Bolt II of Villa Rica and James Allen Bolt of Carrollton, Ga.; one sister, Lois Turley of Oxford; and 17 grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Arthur Swords, Robert Swords, William Glagola, Clifford Upchurch, Timothy Muse, Todd Merritts and Paul Rudifel. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Dan Beckworth (LAFAYETTE) Dan Beckworth, 81, of LaFayette died Sunday, Mar. 10, 2002, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services will be at LaFayette Church of Christ on Wednesday, Mar. 13, at 2 p.m. with interment in LaFayette City Cemetery. Minister Gerald Romine will officiate. Mr. Beckworth was born Dec. 17, 1920, in Georgia. He was a member of LaFayette Church of Christ and a Master Mason with Lodge 132 in Roanoke. He received his 50-year pin in 2000. He was retired from the logging business. Mr. Beckworth is survived by a sister, Elkie Proctor of Soperton, Ga. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Beckworth. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Margie Opal Stroud-Dickinson (ROANOKE) Margie Opal Stroud-Dickinson of Roanoke, formerly of College Park, Ga., died Thursday, Mar. 7, 2002. She is survived by a daughter, Virginia Inez Jones of Roanoke; a son, Henry Tom Stroud Jr. of Jonesboro, Ga.; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one great-great-great-grandchild. Services were Saturday, Mar. 9, with the Rev. Mike Daniel officiating. Interment was at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, College Park, Ga. Arrangements were by Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro/Stockbridge. __________ Mattie Lou Vowell Nix (FIVE POINTS) Services for Mattie Lou Vowell Nix, 85, of Five Points will be Thursday, Mar. 14, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Tommy Gene Young and Claude Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church cemetery, Wedowee. Mrs. Nix died Tuesday, Mar. 12, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. A lifelong resident of Chambers and Randolph counties, Mrs. Nix was born May 22, 1916, daughter of Wayne and Lottie Cummings Vowell. She was a homemaker and a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Nix; three children, Doris Smith, Grady Nix and Wayne Nix; one sister, Velma Kent; and two brothers, Joe Tom Vowell and Lomie Vowell. Survivors include three sons, John Nix of LaFayette, Ray Nix of Roanoke and Harlin Nix of Five Points; two sisters, L. V. Parker of Roanoke and Jewell Watts of Hamilton; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Elizabeth Cottle Chase (ROANOKE) Services for Elizabeth Cottle Chase, 83, of Roanoke will be Thursday, Mar. 14, 2002, at 2 p.m. at North Main Congregational Christian Church, with Dr. Frank McCook officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Chase died Monday, Mar. 11, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mrs. Chase was born Jan. 6, 1919, daughter of Eddie H. and Laura Waldrep Cottle. She was a long-time member of North Main Congregational Christian Church and served as North Main's first woman deaconess. She also served many years as a Randolph County Justice of the Peace. Mrs. Chase was a charter member of the Lowell Study Club. She was a World War II war widow of Theo Chase. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Danny Michael Chase. Survivors include two daughters, Sheila Chase of Roanoke and Lana Chase Bucci of Weham, Mass.; one son, Wayne Chase of Dadeville; two sisters, Lonita Hallman of Roanoke and Faye Towler of Rock Mills; one brother Charlie Ford Cottle of Oxford; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family will be receiving friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Chase will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services on Thursday. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 20, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Rosalyn Louise Saunders (ALEXANDER CITY) Services for Rosalyn Louise Saunders, 17, of Alexander City were Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2002, at 3 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. Father Marshall Carver and Father Al Perkins officiated. Burial was in Dark-Maxwell Cemetery. Miss Saunders died Sunday, Mar. 17, in Dekalb County. She was born Sept. 18, 1984, in Alexander City to Thomas Byron and Rosalyn Lane McMurray Sanders [sic]. She was a freshman at Snead State Community College in Boaz, a member of St. James Episcopal Church, an avid poet and writer, and was a certified Red Cross lifeguard and swimming instructor with the Alexander City Recreation Department. Mrs.[sic] Saunders is survived by her parents, Thomas Byron Sr. and Lane Sanders[sic] of Alexander City; two brothers Thomas Byron Saunders Jr. and Stewart McMurray Saunders of Alexander City; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Stewart and Louise Dark Saunders of Alexander City and Jimmy and Rosalyn Lane McMurray of Roanoke. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 347 S. Central Avenue, Alexander City 35010. Arrangements were by Radney Funeral Home, Alexander City. __________ Myra Fincher Robinson (ROANOKE) Services for Myra Fincher Robinson, 71, of Roanoke were Thursday, March 14, 2002, at 4 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Charlie Rowland officiating. Mrs. Robinson died Tuesday, March 12, at Randolph Medical Center. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Robinson was born Sept. 2, 1930, daughter of Augost and Margaret Swann Fincher. She had been employed with Handley Mills. Survivors include her husband, Chess Robinson of Roanoke; one son, Terrell Robinson Jr. of Roanoke; one sister Peggy Sherman of Roanoke; two brothers, Howard M. Fincher of Gadsden and James W. Fincher of Saks; and a granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that all memorials be made to Randolph Medical Center I.C.U. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mary Kathryn Slaughter (ROANOKE) Mary Kathryn Slaughter, 56, of Roanoke died Monday, March 11, 2002, at Wedowee Hospital, Wedowee. Services were Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Wadley, with the Rev. Cornelius Reese and the Rev. James Carlisle officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Survivors included her husband, Beotha Slaughter of Roanoke; five sons, the Rev. Myron Buchanan of Alex City, Darryl Slaughter of Roanoke and Jarvis Slaughter, Jarryl Slaughter and Beotha Slaughter Jr. of Dayton, Ohio; three daughters, Ora Michelle Slaughter and Cassandra Slaughter of Roanoke and Misty Slaughter of LaFayette; her mother, Ms. Thelma Delarnette; six brothers, James Anderson of Bowie, Md., Charles Anderson, Eldridge Knight and Wayne Anderson of Valley, Alvin Anderson of Valley, and Eric Anderson of Virginia Beach, Va.; two sisters, Sandra Delarnette of Wadley and Linda Garrett of Lineville; and 16 grandchildren. Mrs. Slaughter was born May 30, 1945, in Randolph County, daughter of the late James Anderson and Thelma Delarnette. She was a lifelong member of White Chapel C.M.E. Church in Wadley. She was most noted as the lead singer for "The Christian Travelers," a gospel quartet group led by her uncle, Charlie Smith of Wadley. She sang with the Christian Travelers for 22 years. She also performed on local radio every Sunday morning until her health failed. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Jerome Trammell (ROANOKE) Jerome Trammell, 48, of Roanoke died Saturday, Mar. 16, 2002, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Mr. Trammell was a member of Faith, Hope and Charity Baptist Church of Roanoke. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Clara Trammell of Roanoke; six daughters, Mrs. Yolunda Griffin and Miss Jeanetta Trammell of Opelika, Ms. Anita Trammell and Miss LaShondra Trammell of Roanoke, Mrs. Sandy Holloway of LaFayette, and Mrs. Gloria Holloway of Jacksonville, N.C.; three sons, Jerome Story of LaFayette and Marcus Trammell and Montavious Trammell of Roanoke; his mother, Mrs. Wessie Trammell of Opelika; grandmothers Mrs. Ella Vester Barker of Chicago and Mrs. Julia Cobb of Opelika; 15 grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Julia Threat of Opelika, Miss Eltanger Trammell of Atlanta and Mrs. Vanessa Oliver of Roanoke; one brother, Ricky Trammell of LaFayette; a special friend, Willie Hooks of Roanoke; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Lewis Trammell; and a brother, David Trammell. Services for Mr. Trammell will be Wednesday, Mar. 20, at 1 p.m. at Faith, Hope and Charity Baptist Church, with Pastor George Silmon officiating. Interment will be in Skyview Memorial Gardens, Welch. Arrangements are by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ Eunice Gertrude Clark (ROANOKE) Services for Eunice Gertrude Clark, 82, of Roanoke were Thursday, March 14, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Highway Methodist Church, with the Rev. Vernon Willis officiating. Burial was at Rock Mills[sic] Springs Christian Church cemetery. Mrs. Clark died Monday, March 11, at her home. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Clark was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Clay County, daughter of Ben and Annie Clegg Elliott. She was a member of Highway First Congregational Methodist Church and had been employed with Candlewick Yarns. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Clark. Survivors include twin daughters, Ressa Carden and Resa McDaniel of Roanoke; a son James David Clark of Steele; a brother, Ullas Elliott of Hogansville, Ga.; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. [Note: Burial site is Rock Springs Congregational Christian Church Cemetery, Randolph County, Alabama.] __________ Arvil C. Farrington (LAFAYETTE) Arvil C. Farrington, 87, of LaFayette died Monday, March 11, 2002, at Columbus Hospice, Columbus Ga., following a lengthy illness. Prior to retirement, Mr. Farrington was employed as service manager for automobile dealerships in LaFayette. He was born Sept. 1, 1914, in Blount County, son of William H. and Sally Neel Farrington. He moved to Chambers County in 1935, where for many years he was active in community and civic affairs. He served as coroner for Chambers County from 1954 until 1982 and was a Chambers County commissioner from 1983 to 1987. He was a long-time member of the Alabama Sheriff's Association, Fraternal Order of Police and the Kiwanis Club of LaFayette. He served on the board of the Chambers County Library and as a member of the Housing Authority. Mr. Farrington was a member of First United Methodist Church of LaFayette, where he served in numerous positions of leadership. He was also employed at Jeff Jones Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Jim Andrew Farrington; three daughters, Carol Ann Upton of Cedartown, Ga., and Kay Frost and Claire Beil of Columbus; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one brother, Emmett Farrington of Heflin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of LaFayette or Columbus Hospice. Services were Thursday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, with burial in LaFayette City Cemetery. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Barbara Ann Baldwin (ROANOKE) Services for Barbara Ann Baldwin, 60, of Roanoke were Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Woodland Church of God, with the Rev. Carolyn Hanner and the Rev. David Daniel officiating. Burial was in Potash Cemetery. Mrs. Baldwin died at Wedowee Hospital on Sunday, Mar. 17, following an extended illness. Mrs. Baldwin was a native of Randolph County, born July 19, 1941, daughter of Harve Mitchell and Maggie Smith Mitchell. She was a member of Woodland Church of God and had worked at Plantation Patterns before becoming disabled. Mrs. Baldwin is survived by her husband, Grover Clinton Baldwin of Roanoke; three daughters, Belinda Henderson of Woodland, and Rebecca Baldwin and Cindy Lambert of Roanoke; one son, Clint Baldwin of Wedowee; her mother, Mrs. Maggie Smith Mitchell of Summerville, Ga.; two sisters, Linda York and Shirley Austin of Summerville; one brother, Gene Mitchell of Summerville; one grandson and two step-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jamie Benefield, Gene Benefield, Clark Benefield, Jason Mitchell, Keith Roulane and Jimmy Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers were her nephews. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Ruby Hester Brown (ROANOKE) Services for Ruby Hester Brown, 96, of Roanoke were Monday, Mar. 18, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Fitz Brown officiating. Burial was at Potash Cemetery. Mrs. Brown died Sunday, Mar. 17, at Brian Center Nursing Care in LaGrange, Ga. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Brown was born Aug. 12, 1905, daughter of William Lant and Ella Costley Hester. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church and had been employed with Handley Mills. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Brown. Survivors include one daughter, Joyce Henry of Roanoke; a sister, Mary Bryan of LaGrange; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Stoney Hale, Tyler Worthey, Calvin Worthey, Brandon Hammett, Mike Taylor and Larry McVey. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Kenneth Owen Triplett (ANNISTON) Services for Kenneth Owen Triplett, 76, of Anniston, were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2001, at the First United Methodist Church of Anniston in the Acker Chapel with Revs. Woodfin Groove and Bill Brown officiating. Burial was in Forestlawn Gardens with Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory in charge. Mr. Triplett died Saturday, March 16, at Regional Medical Center. Survivors include a son, Jim Triplett of Graham; a daughter, Susan Ellis of Gadsden; three grandchildren; and a special friend, Jean Pearly. Pallbearers were Dan Brown, David Boozer, Wheeler Hardy, Van Hamilton, Bob Couch, and Les Pair. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Carre Sunday School Class of the Firt United Methodist Church. Mr. Triplett was a native of Talladega County and lived in Calhoun County where he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was active in the Carre Sunday School Class as well as the Calhoun County Meals on Wheels program. Mr. Triplett served as president of the Saks High School Band Boosters and the Saks High School PTA. He graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He served in the Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine Triplett. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Anniston, 1400 Noble St., Anniston, AL 36201. __________ Kentario DaShun Thompson (Infant) (ROANOKE) Kentario DaShun Thompson, age 4 months, of Roanoke died Monday, Mar. 11, 2002,at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Survivors include his mother, Santwania Thompson of Roanoke; his father, Jeremy Rachel of Roanoke; sister, Takema Thomas of Roanoke; grandparents, Jackie and Brenda Johnson of Roanoke; great-grandparents, Rufus and Doris Thompson of Roanoke; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Services were Thursday, March 14, at 2 p.m. at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, Roanoke, with the Rev. Hollis Boykin officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader March 27, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Mattie Walker Sheppard, 104 (WADLEY) Services for Mattie Walker Sheppard, 104, of Wadley were Friday, Mar. 22, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. James Duke officiating. Burial was at Hillview Cemetery in Alexander City. Mrs. Sheppard died Tuesday, Mar. 19, at Chapman Nursing Home in Alexander City. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Sheppard was born Aug. 14, 1897, daughter of George W. and Alice Veazey Walker. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, Eastern Star, AEA and NEA. She was a first-grade teacher, beginning her teaching career at Clay County. She also taught in Macon County and retired from Marion County. She was the widow of Ralph Sheppard. Survivors include a sister, Elizabeth Screws of Wadley; five nieces, Irene Bark of Madison, Ivora Marker of Fairhope, Mary Sue Rogers of Valley, Nelda Bishop of Wedowee and Vicky Barrows of Atlanta; two nephews, Charles Wilkins of Wadley and George Walker of Huntsville; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Douglas Lamar Phillips Jr. (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Douglas Lamar Phillips Jr., 28, of LaGrange, Ga., died Wednesday morning, March 20, 2002, at Randolph Medical Center. Mr. Phillips was born in LaGrange on April 15, 1973. He graduated in 1992 from Handley High School in Roanoke and attended West Georgia Technical School. He was a welder by trade until three years ago when he retired on medical disability. Mr. Phillips was a former employee of Midsouth Mechanical. Survivors include his mother, Lucy Prather of LaGrange; his father, Douglas L. Phillips Sr. of LaGrange; a sister Theresa Marlboro of Houma, La.; two brothers, Richard Phillips of LaGrange and Joseph Phillips of Houma; two grandmothers, Mrs. Mary Overton and Mrs. Juanita Parmer of LaGrange; and several uncles and aunts. Services were Friday, Mar. 22, at 2 p.m. at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary's LaGrange Chapel, with Pastor Jody Overton officiating. Burial was in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange. __________ Jessie Walton (ANNISTON) Services for Jessie Walton, 62, of Anniston, formerly of Randolph County, were Saturday, March 23, 2002, at noon at Anniston Funeral Service with the Rev. A. C. McCoy officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery in Barfield. Mr. Walton died Wednesday, March 20, at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Survivors include a daughter, Willie Jean Walton of Atlanta; a sister, Minnie Walton of Atlanta; three brothers, Willie B. Walton of Anniston, Willie T. Walton of Columbiana and Jimmy Walton of Jacksonville; and a grandchild. Pallbearers will be friends of the family. Mr. Walton was retired from Union Foundry and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Barfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. __________ Ethel Lorean Harper (JACKSONVILLE) Services for Ethel Lorean Harper, 85, of Jacksonville, formerly of Roanoke, were Saturday, Mar. 23, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. James Harper officiating. Burial was at Wehadkee Cemetery. Mrs. Harper died Thursday, Mar. 21, at Jacksonville Health & Rehab. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Harper was born Aug. 16, 1916, daughter of Mancel Franklin and Emily Leila Rice Lester. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Congregational Holiness Church, Roanoke. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Clinton Harper. Survivors include two daughters, Ida Johnson and Forest Park, Ga., and Judy Brewer of Jacksonville; two sons, Curtis Harper of Jacksonville and Cecil Harper of Mauk, Ga.; one sister, Faye Hall of Newman, Ga.; one brother, James Lester of Carrollton, Ga.; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Onward Patrick Holloway (NEWELL) Services for Onward Patrick Holloway, 76, of Newell were Tuesday, Mar. 26, 2002, at 2 p.m. Benefield Funeral Chapel, Wedowee, with the Rev. Douglas Haynes officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Holloway died Saturday, Mar. 23, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A Randolph County native, Mr. Holloway was born Feb. 17, 1926, son of Pleasant Mann and Myrtle Bailey Holloway. He was a farmer and a World War II Army veteran. He was preceded in death by two wives, Lottie Traylor Holloway and Mavis McDaniel Holloway; and a son, Michael Holloway. Survivors include two sisters, Cordell Adamson of Wedowee and Reatha Daniel of Roanoke, three brothers, Esul Holloway of Newell, J.D. Holloway of Bowdon, Ga., and Doyle Holloway of Wedowee; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Larry Woody, Henry Caldwell, Billy Edwards, Buddy Holloway, Marion Holloway and Gary Holloway. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ___________ Norma Willis (ASHLAND) Services for Norma Willis, 89, of Ashland were Monday, March 25, 2002, 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ashland with the Rev. Ben Rosser officiating. Burial followed at the Ashland City Cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home of Ashland in charge. Mrs. Willis died Friday, March 22, at Clay County Nursing Home. Survivors include three daughters, Norma Ellen Jacobus of Chicago, Martha Jean Watts of Lakewood, Wash., and Clara Lois Vecchio of Sarasota, Fla.; one son, Daniel A. Willis of Chester, Va.; three sisters, Wilma Braxton of Bynum, Mildred Williamson of Ashland and June Kratohvil of Huntsville; one brother, John Kirk of Redondo Beach, Calif; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Kirk Willis, Darrin Willis, Tommy Bradford, David Benefield and Jimmy Williamson. Mrs. Willis was a native of Randolph County and had been employed with the city of Ashland as clerk for more than 32 years. She also served as clerk and treasurer for the water and sewer board and was selected Woman of the Year by the Clay County Business and Professional Women's Club, having also served as legislative chairman, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and director of District VI clubs, and she was also a charter member. She was a member and officer of the Modern Culture Club, a charter member of the Municipal Clerks Association and the National Organization of Municipal Treasurers. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Performance as Municipal Clerk in 1972. She was past president, vice-president and secretary of the Alabama Association of Clerks and Administrators, and was secretary of the Clay County chapter of the American Red Cross in the 1960s. She was a charter member of the Clay County Historical Society and held a lifetime membership in the Mackey Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Ashland where she served as church clerk and Sunday school secretary for more than 52 years. She also was a choir member for several years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church of Ashland's Keenagers Bus Fund. __________ W.H. 'Shorty' Hall (ROCK MILLS) Services for W. H. "Shorty" Hall, 74, of Rock Mills, formerly of Hendersonville, Tenn., were Sunday, Mar. 24, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Alan Hurst officiating. Burial was at Bethany Lime Congregational Christian Church Cemetery. Mr. Hall died suddenly on Thursday, Mar. 21, at his home. A Randolph County native, Mr. Hall was born April 5, 1927, son of Walter Harrison Hall Sr. and Alma Cora Head Hall. He lived in Los Angeles for 14 years and in Nashville for 18 years. He was a singer and songwriter who played guitar with artists such as Wyn Stewart, Johnny Paycheck and Lefty Frizzell and wrote songs recorded by a number of artists. He wrote "Ain't No Big Thing," which was recorded by Elvis Presley and 32 other artists, for which he continued to receive a royalty check. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Barbara Jean Owen Key (NEWELL) Services for Barbara Jean Owen Key, 62, of Newell were Saturday, Mar. 23, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Woodland Church of God, with the Rev. Carolyn Hanner and the Rev. Chris Mitchell officiating. Burial was in Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Key died Thursday, Mar. 21, at Baptist Montclair Hospital in Birmingham. Mrs. Key was a native of Cleburne County, born Sept. 21, 1939, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Lee Owen and Lema Ferguson Owen. She had worked for the Randolph County Board of Education and had attended Woodland Church of God. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Cecil Owen. Mrs. Key is survived by her husband, Eldon Y. Key of Newell; two daughters, Shirley Johnson of Newell and Shelia Taylor of Roanoke; a son, Steve Key of Newell; two sisters, Claudene Nobley of Roanoke and Janice Bain of Heflin; three brothers, Robert Owen of Bowdon, Ga., Ralph Owen of Newell and Mike Owen of Heflin; six grandsons; a granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Bobby Nobley, Jimmy Bain, Jeffery Owen, Kevin Owen, Daniel Owen, Tony Owen and Terrell Lambert. Grandchildren served as pallbearers. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Bessie M. Britt (WADLEY) Services for Bessie M. Britt, 67, of Wadley were Monday, March 25, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland with the Rev. Jessie Taylor officiating. Burial followed at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Britt died Saturday, March 23, at Clay County Nursing Home. Survivors include one son, Tommy Johnson of Aiken, S.C.; one step-daughter, Nanette Britt of Belvedere, S.C.; one stepson, Ricky Britt of Warrenville, S.C.; one sister, Merle Mitchum of South Carolina; one brother, Herman Mason of Georgia; and one granddaughter. Mrs. Britt was a native of Tift County, Ga.; and had lived in Clay County for the past 25 years. She was a retired registered nurse and supervisor with Clay County Hospital and a member of the County Line Baptist Church. __________ Doris Elvira Kirby Hurley (WEDOWEE) Services for Doris Elvira Kirby Hurley, 93, of Wedowee will be Wednesday, Mar. 27, 2002, at 10 a.m. at Green's Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Preston Story and Cloyse Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Hurley died Sunday, Mar. 24, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Hurley was born Jan. 17, 1909, daughter of Awbrey R. and Hattie Willingham Kirby. She was a member of Green's Chapel U.M.C. and was a math teacher with the Randolph County School System. She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Hurley, and two sons, Thomas Hurley and David Hurley. Survivors include a daughter, H. Cynthia Hurley of Wedowee; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Nell K. Reagin of Lyons, Ga., and Hannie Williamson of Wedowee. Pallbearers will be Junior Benefield, "Boots" Wayne Heard, Billy Thornton and James Green. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ______________________________________________________