Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during May 2003, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200305L.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 ============================================= June 2003 The Randolph Leader May 7, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Lonnie Ray Nelson    (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Lonnie Ray Nelson, 78, of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Hospice LaGrange.    Mr. Nelson, born April 14, 1925, in Newell, was the son of the late Lon and Lee Norred Nelson.  He was an Army veteran of World War II and retired after 40 years from Milliken and Company.  He was a member of Teaver Road Baptist Church and was formerly a member at Hillside Congregational Christian Church where he was a deacon.    Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Wilma Nelson; two daughters, Jan Reason and Regina Dollar; a son, Randy Nelson; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Bertha Lee McCain and Mavis McCain of Wedowee, Betty Stewart of Bowdon, Ga., and Ann Kerr of Huntsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by eight brothers, Bennie Nelson, Earl Nelson[,] Carl Nelson, J. D. Nelson, Jessie Nelson, Elmer Nelson, Davis Nelson and Hermit Nelson.    Funeral services were Tuesday, May 6, at 3 p.m. in the Hunter-Allen-Myhand chapel with the Rev. Don Ellison officiating.  Burial was in Restlawn Memory Gardens. __________ Ellie Mae Walker Freeman    (ROANOKE) Services for Ellie Mae Walker Freeman, 91, of Roanoke were Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Big Springs Baptist Church, with the Rev. Cecil Halsey officiating.  Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.    Mrs. Freeman died Sunday, May 4, at Randolph Medical Center.    A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mrs. Freeman was born May 15, 1911, daughter of Solomon Felix and Lizzie Webb Walker.  She was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church and had been employed with Handley Mills and Callaway Mills.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Freeman; one son, E. J. Walker; a grandson, Karl Freeman; and a daughter-in-law, Ruth Freeman.    Survivors include one daughter, Marjorie Middlebrooks of Bowdon, Ga.; three sons, Thomas J. Freeman of Weaver, Thanuel "Sam" Freeman of Roanoke and Donald Freeman of Ranburne; one sister, Lura Fincher of Hogansville, Ga.; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.    Sons and grandsons were pallbearers.    The family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association (919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-1676).    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Dewey Washington Stephens    (ROANOKE) Services for Dewey Washington Stephens, 82, of Roanoke were Sunday, May 4, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Don Quick officiating.  Burial was at Concord Primitive Baptist Cemetery.    Mr. Stephens died Friday, May 2, at Randolph Medical Center.    A Randolph County native, Mr. Stephens was born Jan. 17, 1921, son of W. D. and Elizabeth Hodges Stephens.  He was a member of Radney's Chapel.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Annie Margaret Stephens; and his son, Rodney Stephens.    Survivors include four sons, William Daniel Stephens of Lone Jack, Mo., Jerry Sanford Stephens of Wadley, and Jon Dewey Stephens and Robert Michael Stephens of Roanoke and two grandchildren.    Pallbearers were David Harmon, Daryl Harmon, Jeff Nelson, Shane Burke, Kevin Baldwin and Gene Taylor.  Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Traylor, Gene Dodgen and James Lashley.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Maebell Clark Jones    (BARNESVILLE, Ga.) Graveside services for Maebell Clark Jones, 89, of Barnesville, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, were Sunday, May 4, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke, with the Rev. Bill Dean officiating.    Mrs. Jones died Saturday, May 3, at Heritage Inn of Barnesville.    A Randolph County native, Mrs. Jones was born Feb. 25, 1914, daughter of Oscar and Wylie Ann Smith Clark.  She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church, Roanoke.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Alon Jones.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mrs. Earlie Burroughs    (WEDOWEE) Services for Mrs. Earlie Burroughs, 98, of Wedowee were Saturday, May 3, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mike Samuels and Rev. Zenus Windsor officiating.  Burial followed at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery. [Clay Co, AL]    Mrs. Burroughs died Thursday, May 1, at her home.    A Clay County native, she was born June 24, 1904, daughter of James Monroe and Cora Joiner Caldwell.  She was a homemaker and a member of Ava United Methodist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Revie Burroughs; one son Buren Burroughs; two daughters, Hazel Gray and Verna Mae Longshore; and two grandsons, Calvin Burroughs and Sherron G. Benefield Sr.    Survivors include a daughter, Mohee Foster of Wedowee; two sons, James Burroughs of Morgan City and the Rev. Bobby Burroughs of Wadley; 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.    Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were Gene Grant and her grandsons and great-grandsons.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Lillie Mae Nichols Hester    (WEDOWEE) Services for Lillie Mae Nichols Hester, 81, of Wedowee were Thursday, May 1, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Napoleon Church of Christ with Bro. Terry Langley and the Rev. Vernon Willis officiating.  Burial followed at the adjoining cemetery.    Mrs. Hester died Monday, April 28, at Jacksonville Health & Rehab Center in Jacksonville.    A Randolph County native, Mrs. Hester was born Nov. 16, 1921, daughter of Robert E. and Ellen Pearlie Crosson Nichols.  She was a member of Napoleon Church of Christ, the Wedowee Senior Citizens Center and the Wedowee Home Demonstration Club.  She had retired from Sewell Manufacturing Company.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Coyt Benford Hester; a son, Benny Ford Hester; a brother, James Nichols; and a great-grandson, Joshua Adam Hamby.    Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Hester Hamby of Jacksonville; one son, Mike Hester of Woodland; a daughter-in-law, Mary Hester of Riverdale, Ga.; two sisters, Margie Vernon of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Resa Guy of Newnan, Ga.; a brother, Pierce Nichols of Rome, Ga.; eight grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren.    Grandsons and nephews served as pallbearers.  Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to First Baptist Church of Williams, Jacksonville.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Harold Luther Hughes    (ANNISTON) Services for Harold Luther Hughes, 76, of Anniston were Saturday, May 3, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory Chapel with the Rev. Harvey Putnam officiating.  Burial was in Anniston Memorial Gardens.    Mr. Hughes died Wednesday, April 30, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston.    Survivors include his wife, Irene L. Hughes of Anniston; two sons, Lewis A. Hughes of Pelham and Lawrence K. Hughes of North Augusta, S.C.; three sisters, Martha Siskey and Mona Wade, both of Anniston, and Violet Dickerson of Wedowee; five brothers, Herbert Hughes of Piedmont, Howard Hughes of Daytona Beach, Fla., Horace Hughes of Titusville, Fla., and Haskel Hughes and Harvey Hughes, both of Anniston; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.    Mr. Hughes, a longtime Calhoun County resident, was a member of West Park Heights Baptist Church.  He was a World War II Army veteran and also served in the Navy Reserve.  He retired from Gadsden State Junior College as a Media Technician.  He was a member of the American Radio Relay League. ______________________________________________________   The Randolph Leader May 14, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Clarence E. Foster    (ROANOKE) Clarence E. Foster of County Road 3101, Roanoke, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, as the result of a traffic accident.    Services will be Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church, 1216 County Road 310, Roanoke, with the Rev. Elijah Jackson Jr. and the Rev. Charlie Garrett officiating.  Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.    Surviving are his mother, Ms. Hattie Mae Foster of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sons, Warren Foster and Marcus Foster of St. Petersburg; three daughters, Mrs. Natasha Walker and Ms. Nikki Foster of St. Petersburg and Ms. Tracy Cannon of Roanoke; two sisters, Mrs. Dianne McNair and Ms. Lucreatica Foster of St. Petersburg; five brothers, Claxton Hinton of San Diego, Calif.; and Jerome Hinton, Stanley Jones, Everett Foster and Johnny Dallas of St. Petersburg; his former wife, Ms. Delores Foster of St. Petersburg; 11 grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.    Visitation will be Thursday after 10 a.m.  Mr. Foster will be placed in the church one hour prior to the services on Friday.    Mr. Foster was a native of Randolph County, son of Ms. Hattie Mae Foster and Mr. Curtis Pearson.  Mr. Foster was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Bernard Hinton and Thomas Hinton.    Arrangements are by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ B. G. Stephens    (NEWNAN, Ga.) Buford Glen "B. G." Stephens, 91, died Monday May 11, 2003, at Newnan Hospital East.    He was born July 5, 1912, in Heard County, Ga., to the late Alexander Hamilton and Annie Kate Newman Stephens.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Paul and Theo and a sister, Minnie Lucy Haines.  His wife, Viola Hubbard Stephens, died coincidentally, on May 11 in 1995.    Mr. "B. G." had a varied working career.  For 21 years he worked as a butcher for Kroger.  Always a handyman, he was an independent contractor for many people in the Newnan area.  Some of the young men who will serve as pallbearers had their first work experience under his instruction.  An active member of Unity Baptist Church up until his last illness.[,] Mr. Stephens was instrumental as a charter member of the congregation formed in 1959.  He used his home property as collateral to secure the loan for the first church building.  He was a fixture on the church's annual mission trips for 29 years.  During this time, he helped build two other churches.  The church choir benefited from his dedication, as did the board of deacons, where he served.  He was a member of McIntosh Lodge, where he received his 50-year service pin in 2002.    Surviving are his daughter, Hazel Stephens Robertson of Roanoke; a son, Ronald Stephens of Newnan; two sisters, Nina Stephens Kidd and Frances Stephens Moore of Moreland, Ga.; two brothers, Rayford Stephens of Macon, Ga., and Ed Stephens of Orange Park, Fla.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.    Services were Tuesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church, with Danny Wilson officiating.  Interment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Baptist Church, 311 Smokey Rd., Newnan, GA 30263.    Arrangements were by McKoon Funeral Home, Newnan. __________ Mary G. Wright    (WADLEY) Mary G. Wright, 96, of County Road 969, Wadley, died Friday, May 9, 2003, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke.    Services will be Friday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, County Road 26, Wadley, with the Rev. Calvin Trammell officiating.  Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.    Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Minnie Clara Higgins of Wadley; two special nieces, Ms. Edna Blakes and Ms. Mary Treadwell of Roanoke; a special nephew, James E. Holliday of Roanoke; and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.    Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, after 10 a.m.  Ms. Wright will be placed in the church one hour prior to services.    Ms. Wright was born Aug. 6, 1906, in Randolph County, daughter of the late Will and Clara Ross Wright.  She was a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church in the Broughton community.  One of two children, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Wright.  Ms. Wright was a self-employed farmer in the Broughton community for 50 years or more.    Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Janice Maxine Knight    (ROANOKE) Services for Janice Maxine Knight, 45, of Roanoke were Sunday, May 11, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ricky Emery and Rev. S. T. Janney officiating.  Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens.    Ms. Knight died Saturday, Feb. 10, at Woodland.    A Cleburne County native, Ms. Knight was born Sept. 10, 1957, daughter of Robert Lee and Mildred Owens Smith.  She had been employed with Candlewick Yarns.    Survivors include two daughters, Candy Farr and Misty Sudduth of Roanoke; one son, Casey Hester of Roanoke; a granddaughter; a grandson; three sisters, Syble Heard of Wadley, Ethel Smith of Roswell, Ga., and Lisa Nobley of Roanoke; and three brothers, Manuel Smith, Doug Smith and Chad Parker, all of Roanoke.    Pallbearers were Jamie Heard, Ken Vaughn, Steve Nobley, Delbert Watson, Gerardo Reyes and Jeremy Butler.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Donnie Coy Henderson    (WOODLAND) Donnie Coy Henderson, 43, of County Road 453, Woodland, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2003, in a house fire.    He was born Jan. 6, 1960, in Heard County, Ga., son of Wilford and Jeanette Mitchell Henderson of Bowdon, Ga.  He was self employed.    Survivors include a brother, Danny Henderson of Carrollton, Ga.; a sister, Diane Henderson of Whitesburg, Ga.; and a nephew, Drew Richland Henderson of Marietta, Ga.    Graveside services were at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Darnell Teal officiating.    Arrangements were by Rainwater and West Funeral Home, Bowdon. __________ Dora Parsons    (LAFAYETTE) Dora Parsons, 94, of LaFayette died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at LaFayette Nursing Home.    Funeral services were held Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette with the Revs. Wayne Barrett and Paul Howard officiating. Burial followed in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Lanett.    Mrs. Parsons is survived by three sons, Chester Hanner and Ed Hanner of LaFayette, and Durl Hanner of Valley; two daughters, Zolimer Hunter of Alexander City and Maudine Hunter of Wedowee; 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.    Born Aug. 20, 1908, in Clay County, Mrs. Parsons was a homemaker and a member of LaFayette Heights Baptist Church in LaFayette.    Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Mable Martin    (ROANOKE) Graveside services for Mable Martin, 65, of Roanoke were Sunday, May 11, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Rock Springs Christian Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Curtis Watts officiating.  Mrs. Martin died Friday, May 9, at her residence.    A Randolph County native, Mrs. Martin was born Aug. 28, 1937, daughter of Louis Ernest and Pauline Kirby Watson.  She was a member of Rock Springs Christian Church.  She was preceded in death by her parents.    Survivors include her husband, James Martin; two sons, Jason Martin of Odenville and Marty Martin of Montgomery; four sisters, Oline Norris of LaGrange, Ga., Martha Clack of Roanoke, and Patricia Watson and Sandra Sheppard of Wedowee; three brothers, Robert Ernest of Woodland, Vernon Watson of Chicago, Ill., and James Watson of Wedowee; and five grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Shane Martin, Kevin Watson, Johnny Watson, Robbie Ernest, Benjamin Sheppard and Greg Sheppard.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Byron Brenford Boyd    (WEDOWEE) Services for Bryon Brenford Boyd, 80, of Wedowee were Saturday, May 10, 2003, at 2 p.m. at New Home United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Gary Henderson and the Rev. Benny Cosper officiating.  Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.    Mr. Boyd died Friday, May 9, at Ava Hills Assisted Living Home.    Mr. Boyd was a native of Randolph County, born May 28, 1922, son of John Hoyt and Bertie Haynes Boyd.  He was self employed in the timber industry and a member of New Home United Methodist Church.  He had served in the Army during World War II.    Mr. Boyd is survived by his wife, Lorene Boyd of Wedowee; a daughter, Ann Caldwell of Wedowee; two stepdaughters, Connie Robertson and Dianne Lindsey, both of Anniston; three sisters, Dorris Handley of Roanoke, Brenace Hadaway of Montevallo and Betty Craft of Pensacola, Fla.; and two grandchildren.    Pallbearers were John H. Harmon II, Jim Birdsong, Ben M. Handley III, Jonathan Birdsong, Roy Murphy, Ed Creed, Josh Robertson and Steve Robertson.    The family suggests memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Wedowee or to New Home United Methodist Church.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 21, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Frances Higgins Striplin    (OXFORD) Services for Frances Higgins Striplin, 74, of Oxford were Monday, May 19, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Brown & Kughn Memory Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Starling officiating.    Mrs. Striplin died Saturday, May 17, in Anniston.    Survivors include her husband, G. D. Striplin of Oxford; two daughters, Lanelle Striplin Cova of DeArmanville and Pamela S. Freeman of Oxford; a sister, Opal Higgins of Heflin; a brother, Joseph I. Higgins of Heflin; and two grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Johnny Goodson, Danny Payne, Craig Goodson, Tommy Mullins, Cliff Underwood, Randy Young and Byron Owen.    Mrs. Striplin was a native of Randolph County, where she lived during her early life.  She traveled with her husband, who served in the army.  She lived in Calhoun County most of her life.  She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church and the Faith Sunday school class.  She was retired from the Anniston-Calhoun County Public Library and was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cora Higgins, and two sisters, Zetha Goodson and Ruth Kemp. __________ Frances Inez Blair    (BOWDON, Ga.) Services for Frances Inez Blair, 74, of Bowdon, Ga., were Monday, May 19, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Rainwater Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Julian Murphy and Leron Murphy officiating.  Burial was in Veal Community Cemetery.    Mrs. Blair died Saturday, May 17, at Tanner Medical Center.    Survivors include her husband, James Blair of Bowdon, Ga.; four sons, James Larry Blair of Ranburne, Jerry Wayne Blair of Sand Mountain, Kenneth Blair of Bowdon, Ga., and Phillip Blair of Ashville; a daughter, Frances Meherg of Bowdon, Ga.; a sister, Marie Lanham of Temple, Ga.; 19 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.    Pallbearers were her grandsons.    Mrs. Blair was a Randolph County native.  She was retired from Wal-Mart and was a member of Jordan Chapel Methodist Church.  She was preceded in death by five brothers. __________ Herman Roscoe Busby    (MONTGOMERY) Graveside services with military honors for Herman Rosco Busby, 83, of Montgomery, formerly of Clay County, were Thursday, May 15, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Liberty Church of Christ Cemetery in Randolph County with the Rev. Don Helms of Newnan, Ga., officiating and Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville in charge.    Mr. Busby died Monday, May 12, at his home.    Survivors include a daughter, Jo Ann Strevel of Cullman; three sons, Jeff Busby of Newnan, Tim Busby of Fairhope and John Busby of Montgomery; and seven grandchildren.    Mr. Busby, a Montgomery County native, had lived in Clay County 10 years.  He served in the Army and Air Force for 22 years, including during World War II, participated in five amphibious assault landings in Europe and North Africa, and was awarded the Silver Star and eight Bronze Stars for valor under fire.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Cofield Busby. __________ Lewis 'L. D.' Robinson    (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Lewis "L. D." Robinson, 80, of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at his home.    Mr. Robinson, born April 22, 1923, in Randolph County, Ala., was the son of the late L. O. and Nancy Dorrough Robinson.  He had lived in LaGrange more than 27 years and retired from the Dixie Division of West Point Pepperell after 34 years.  He was a member of Dixie United Methodist Church and Union Lodge #28 Free and Accepted Masons.  He was a 32nd degree Mason.    Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ethel Robinson; three sons, Jerry Robinson of Montgomery and Jackie Robinson and Timothy Lewis Robinson of LaGrange; a daughter, Brenda Neese of LaGrange; two brothers, Levi Daniel of Cullman and Jeff Robinson of Roanoke; a sister, Inez Noles of Valley; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.    Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, in the Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel with the Rev. Rebecca MacArthur officiating.  Burial was in Shadowlawn Cemetery.    Those desiring may contribute to Dixie United Methodist Church, c/o Steve Neese, 250 River Run Dr., Hogansville, GA 30230. __________ Tulen G. Smith    (ROANOKE) Tulen G. Smith, 81, of Roanoke, formerly of Dalton, Ga., died Monday, May 19, 2003, in Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham.    Mr. Smith was the son of the late Walter and Doshie Harden Smith and was preceded in death by his first wife, Selma Daniel Smith.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the military police.  He was employed by Cabin Craft of Dalton for 33 years and retired from Armstrong in 1986.  He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church in Dalton.    Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Willie Maude Noles Smith of Roanoke; two brothers, James Royce Smith of Dalton and Loicy R. Smith of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    Services will be Wednesday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Love Funeral Home, Dalton, with the Rev. Tim Teague and the Rev. Bret Yeager officiating. Burial will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.    Arrangements are by Love Funeral Home, Dalton. __________ Jimmy Lee Kent    (JACKSONVILLE) Graveside services for Jimmy Lee Kent, 61, of Jacksonville were Monday, May 19, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Rock Mills Cemetery in Roanoke with the Rev. Gary Baugh officiating.    Mr. Kent died Friday, May 16, at Jacksonville Medical Center.    Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Kent of Jacksonville; a son, Jimmy Lee Kent Jr. of Brompton; a sister, Elise Carlisle of LaGrange, Ga.; a brother, Paul Goforth of Franklin, Ga.; and a grandchild.    Mr. Kent was a truck driver for 30 years.  He also loved fishing and camping.    Arrangements were by K.L. Brown Funeral Home. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 28, 2003 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Jan Alton Brown    (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Jan Alton Brown, 67, of Franklin, Ga., died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at his home after a brief illness.    Mr. Brown was born Dec. 21, 1935, to Varnic Cox Johnson and the late Stephen Lee Brown.  He was the owner of Brown Scrap Metal.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a Protestant by faith.    Services will be Wednesday, May 28, at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Frank McCook officiating.  Interment will follow in the Adamson Family Cemetery in Heard County.    Survivors include his wife, Patricia Adamson Brown of Franklin, Ga.; his mother, Varnic Cox Johnson of Roanoke; one daughter, Teresa Hale of LaGrange, Ga.; two sons, Roy Brown of LaGrange and Troy Brown of Florida; two sisters, Sue Smith of Roanoke and Marlon Rooney of Opelika; two brothers, Larry Johnson of California and John Tom Johnson of Opelika; five grandchildren and one great- grandchild.    Arrangements are by Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ Marie Milstead    (LINEVILLE) Services for Marie Milstead, 85, of Lineville were Monday, May 26, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Methodist Church with the Revs. Chris Bain and William Milstead officiating.  Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge.    Mrs. Milstead died Sunday, May 25, at Lineville Nursing Facility.    Survivors include her three daughters, Margaret Kistler of Barfield, Margie Hester of Lineville and Debra Holloway of Ashland; a foster daughter, Carol Monroe of Jackson Gap; four sons, William "Pee Wee" Milstead and James E. Milstead of Lineville, Alvin Milstead of Wedowee and Lynwood Milstead of Newell; a foster son, Gay Milstead of Atlanta; 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Thomas Hill, Rusty Miller, Billy Todd, Buster Hurst, Austin Hilland and Robert Dempsey.    Mrs. Milstead was a native and lifelong resident of Clay County.  She was a homemaker and a former nurse's aid at Lineville Nursing Facility.  She was a lifelong member of Clay County Home Demonstration Club and a member of Oak Grove Methodist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis Milstead, and two grandchildren, David Smith and Brian Milstead. __________ Mather L. 'Billy' Gordon    (HUGULEY)  Mather L. "Billy" Gordon, 67, of Huguley died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital in Birmingham.    Funeral services were Tuesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at McCarthy Funeral Home Chapel in West Point, Ga., with the Revs. George Collins and Wayne Henderson officiating.  Burial followed in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Lanett.    Mr. Gordon is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty W. Gordon of Huguley; his daughter, Patsy Elliott of Valley; two sons, Marshall Gordon and Jeffery Gordon of Jackson, Miss.; four sisters, Laura Mae Knight of Lanett, Mary Nell Brown of Roanoke and Janice Bradley and Ellen Bennett of West Point; two brothers, Eulice Gordon of Huguley and Wendall Gordon of Fredonia; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.    Born Sept. 12, 1935, in Tallapoosa County, Mr. Gordon worked for Sims Metal Works for 15 years.  He was currently employed with Burns Security Company as a security guard.  He was a member of the Valley Masonic Lodge and the Valley Order of the Eastern Star.  Mr. Gordon was active in Midway Baptist Church in Valley, where he was a deacon and served as the minister of music.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Weathers.  Mr. Gordon was the son of the late Jewel Smith Gordon and Minard Leon Gordon.    Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church.    Arrangements were by McCarthy Funeral Home, West Point. __________ Margaret Bailey Vinson    (ROANOKE) Services for Margaret Bailey Vinson, 76, of Roanoke, formerly of Langdale, were Sunday, May 25, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ed Grooms officiating.  Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery.    Mrs. Vinson died Friday, May 23, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.    A Chambers County native, Mrs. Vinson was born May 23, 1927, daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Margaret Hassie Rutland Bailey.  She was a homemaker and a member of Lowell United Methodist Church.    Survivors include her husband, Don Vinson of Roanoke; one daughter, Debbie Cash of Roanoke; three sons, David Vinson of Douglasville, Ga., Billy Vinson of Roanoke and Mike Vinson of Hazlehurst, Ga.; one sister, Myrtle Burdell of Lanett; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.    Pallbearers were Gerald Knight, Tommy Moore, Bill Anthony, William Morris, Anthony Gosdin and Freddie Hann.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Jewell Emmalou Calhoun    (WOODLAND) Services for Jewell Emmalou Calhoun, 87, of Woodland were Monday, May 26, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Daniel and the Rev. Tony Morris officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.    Mrs. Calhoun died Friday, May 23, in Covington, Ga.    A Randolph County native, Mrs. Calhoun was born Sept. 28, 1915, daughter of Wilburn Eli and Marvin Francis Fincher Daniel.  She was a homemaker and a member of Providence Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper G. Calhoun; a daughter, Dianne Sinnock; two sons, Travis Calhoun and Glenn Calhoun; and a granddaughter, Nan Calhoun.    Survivors include two daughters, Delores Langley of Mableton, Ga., and Judy McCreless of Covington, Ga.; two sons, H. W. "Dub" Calhoun and Gayron Calhoun, both of Woodland; two sisters, Ethel Perry of Lanett and Flora "Bo" Spratlin of Woodland; two brothers, Charles Arlice "Big Bud" Daniel of Dahlonega, Ga., and H. E. Daniel of Woodland; 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Jamie McCord, Ted Hufstelter, Stan Harrison, Jason Felker, Ricky Ellis, Scott McCreless, Matt Calhoun and Tyrone Calhoun.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ George S. Morrison    (ANNISTON) Services for George S. Morrison of Anniston, formerly of Wadley, were Friday, May 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Wadley Baptist Church with the Rev. Zenus Windsor and the Rev. Jack Womack officiating.  Entombment followed at Forestlawn Gardens in Anniston at 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 23.    Mr. Morrison died Wednesday, May 21, at his residence.    Mr. Morrison was a native of Randolph County, born the son of William A. Morrison and Velma Williams Morrison.  He was the owner of George's Texaco Station in Wadley.  He was a member of Wadley Baptist Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Milford Morrison and Billy Joe Morrison.    Survivors include his wife, Catheryn Pounds Morrison of Anniston; two sons, Wayne Luallen of Oxford and Ronnie Luallen of Amelia Island, Fla.; two sisters, Dorothy Faye Albright of Anniston and Julliette Cockrell of Alabaster; eight brothers, Tom Morrison of Sylacauga, Bill Morrison of Pensacola, Fla., Jack Morrison of Weaver, Willis Morrison of Panama City, Fla., Fred Morrison of Delta, Byron Morrison of Roanoke, and Wendell Morrison and Truman Morrison of Wedowee.  He is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Joey Luallen, Jamey Luallen, Mac Luallen, Ken Morrison, Jackie Morrison and Jacob Hodnett.  Honorary pallbearers were former employees of George's Texaco Station.    The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made to Countryside Hospice Care, 1419 Leighton Ave., Suite D, Anniston, AL 36207.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Jerry Paschal Haynes    (OPELIKA) Services for Jerry Paschal Haynes, 60, of Opelika were Saturday, May 24, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel.  Burial was in Bear Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery, Woodland.  The Rev. Steve Scoggins officiated.    Mr. Haynes, who died Thursday, May 22, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, was born Feb. 12, 1943, in Randolph County.    Mr. Haynes moved to Opelika in the early 1970s.  He was a graduate of Auburn University and was a supervisor at Quantegy Inc.  Mr. Haynes was a member of Bear Creek United Methodist Church, and his hobbies were computers and gardening.    He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Teresa O'Connor Haynes of Opelika; a daughter, Brandy Nicole Haynes Middleton of Opelika; two sons, Jerry Paschal Haynes of Opelika and Jason Patrick Haynes of Newnan, Ga.; two sisters, Larue Gustin and Brenda Collier of Birmingham; a brother, Cyrus Wendell Haynes of Ocala, Fla.; and a sister-in-law.    Arrangements were by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika. __________ Joe Anderson Dewberry    (STANDING ROCK) Memorial services for Joe Anderson Dewberry, 85, of Standing Rock were Friday, May 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, LaGrange, with Bro. Tom Delaney officiating.    Mr. Dewberry died Wednesday, May 21, at his home.    A former California resident, Mr. Dewberry was born Oct. 15, 1917, at Moultrie, Ga., son of Henry Grady and Lola Mae Kilgore Dewberry.  He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran and a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. He had been employed with the California Division of Forestry, Orange County Fire Department.    Survivors include his wife, Jenny "Marge" Balfour Dewberry; one son, Rick Dewberry of Standing Rock; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.    Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Virginia T. East    (LINEVILLE) Services for Virginia T. East, 77, of Lineville were Friday, May 23, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Lineville with the Revs. David Holcombe and Bob Bain officiating.  Burial was in Christianna Baptist Church Cemetery in Randolph County with Benefield Funeral Home in charge.    Mrs. East died Tuesday, May 20, at Fayette Community Hospital in Fayetteville, Ga.    Survivors include her husband, Fred L. East; two sons, Danny East of Sharpsburg, Ga., and David East of Lineville; a sister, Jo Bonds of Harker Heights, Texas; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.    Mrs. East, a native and lifelong resident of Clay County, was a member of Christianna Baptist Church.  She was a homemaker. __________ Robert Samuel Jones Jr.    (DANVILLE, Va.) Robert Samuel Jones Jr., 88, of Danville, Va., died at Danville Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, May 20, 2003.    Graveside services were at Fairview Cemetery in Eufaula with Dr. Ken Bush officiating on Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m.    Born May 29, 1914, he was a son of Robert Samuel Jones Sr. and Lulabelle Jones.  For more than 60 years, he was happily married to Jimmie Sue Jones, who survives him.  They recently moved into the Stratford House Assisted Living in Danville.  He graduated from Auburn University in 1936 and spent his professional career working for the university, first as a county extension agent in Wedowee and later as a dairy nutrition specialist in Auburn.  While in Wedowee, he was instrumental in starting the local Kiwanis Club and was honored on the 50th anniversary of the club.  In 1955 Wedowee's first recreational park was constructed under his direction making Little League baseball available for the first time in the town.    As a dairy nutrition specialist in Auburn, he wrote and programmed the state's first dairy nutrition program.  In 1973 he was awarded the Auburn University Appreciation Award for Achievement.  In 1981 he was recognized as a charter life member of the Agricultural Alumni Association of Auburn University. In 1987 he was conferred the title of "Golden Eagle" by the Auburn Alumni Association.  Since his retirement in 1973, his hobbies and interests included gardening, raising hybrid roses and orchids, attending Auburn sporting events and helping people who needed help.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Eufaula.    In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Dr. R. Sam Jones III of Danville; one granddaughter; one grandson; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, Walter Britt Jones of Akron, Ohio, and Thomas Jones of Eufaula; four nieces, three nephews and a special great-niece.    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pond Bethel Cemetery Fund at 563 County Rd. 75, Eufaula or the First Baptist Church of Eufaula Memorial Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 545, Eufaula, AL 36072. __________ Ellen Herren Gross    (WOODLAND) Services for Ellen Herren Gross, 95, of Woodland were Thursday, May 22, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church with the Rev. Joe Bob Traylor officiating.  Burial followed in the adjoining church cemetery.    Mrs. Gross died Tuesday, May 20, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke.    Mrs. Gross was a native of Randolph County born Oct. 9, 1907, the daughter of Daniel Alexander Herren and Ada Lovvorn Herren.  She was a homemaker and had worked for Sewell Manufacturing Company.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Ray Gross, and six brothers.    Mrs. Gross is survived by a son, Ray Gross of St. Martinsville, La.; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ James E. Nolen    (NASHVILLE, Tenn.) James E. Nolen of Nashville, Tenn., formerly of Roanoke, died Monday, May 19, 2003, at Hospice Center, Nashville.    Mr. Nolen was the son of the late J. B. and Lucy Nolen of Roanoke.  As a young man, he worked many years for W. H. and Jo Brittan's store in Roanoke before moving to Nashville.  He was a truck driven [driver] for Ryder Truck Lines for 28 years transporting automobiles from the Memphis terminal to dealers all over the South.  He retired due to health problems.    He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Jean Johnson Nolen; three daughters, Sandy Sharpe of Denver, Colo., and Judy Nichols and  Susan Hamrick of Nashville; one son, Jeff Nolen of Nashville; one sister, Margaret Brewer of LaGrange, Ga.; and four grandsons.  He was preceded in death by a brother Charlie Nolen of LaGrange.    Arrangements were by Williamson Funeral Home, Franklin, Tenn. __________ Thomas Howard Warden    (WEDOWEE) Services for Thomas "Tom" Howard Warden, 79, of Wedowee were Friday, May 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church with pastor Greg Norred officiating.  Burial followed at the church cemetery.    Mr. Warden died Wednesday, May 21, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.    A Livingston, Tenn., native, Mr. Warden was born June 24, 1923, son of Will and Nancy Holeman Warden.  He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.    Survivors include his wife, Linda Warden of Wedowee; three step-sons, Ricky Rochester of Woodland, Jim Rochester of Albany, Ga., and Tommy Rochester of Macon, Ga.; three sisters, Geneva Burris of Salina, Tenn., Johnny Dickerson and Audie Bell Stewart of Livingston, Tenn., and four grandchildren.    Pallbearers were Jeff Cantrell, Michael Rampy, Greg Wilson, Holbert Rampy, Calvin Weaver and Paul Yates.    Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ______________________________________________________