Randolph County AlArchives Obituaries.....April 2007, The Randolph Leader April 2007 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Marilyn M. Girardi Mmgir@aol.com March 11, 2008, 9:14 am The Randolph Leader - April 2007 The Randolph Leader April 4, 2007 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Kevin Williams (ATLANTA) Kevin Williams, 42, of Atlanta, formerly of Wedowee, died Friday, March 30, 2007, at Fulton-DeKalb Hospital in Atlanta. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, April 4, at 1 p.m. CDT at Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Wedowee with the Revs. Craig A. Hill and William Crawford, church pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Woodland. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral. Mr. Williams is survived by his mother, Jewell D. Williams of Carrollton, Ga.; his father, Toni E. Williams of Wedowee; two sisters, Evelyn T. Wilson of Carrollton and Phoenecia R. Hunt of Ellenwood, Ga.; and one brother, Ricky C. Williams of Wedowee. Mr. Williams was born April 29, 1964, in Wedowee. He was a member of Cathedral of Faith in Atlanta. Silmon/Seroyer Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Nellie B. Chappell (WEDOWEE) Nellie B. Chappell, 88, of 1463 County Road 213, Wedowee, died Saturday, March 31, 2007, at Wedowee Hospital Services will be Friday, April 6. at 1 p.m. at Zion Rest Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. William Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include five sons, Melvin Chappell and Kenneth Chappell of St. Paul, Minn., William Chappell Sr. and Bobby Chappell of East Point, Ga., and Jerry Chappell of Stockbridge, Ga.; and a daughter, Debra Marable of Wedowee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Chappell Sr.; and three sons, Dewey Chappell Jr., Terry Chappell and James Chappell. Public viewing will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Jimmie Brown Bridges (ROANOKE) Services for Mrs. Jimmie Brown Bridges, 77, of Roanoke were Monday, April 2, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, with the Revs. Carl Partain, Scott Whaley and Stacey Pearcy officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Bridges died Saturday, March 31, at Hospice LaGrange. Survivors include four daughters, Christie Turner, Denease Kirkland and Sherry Taylor of Roanoke and Wanda Braswell of Birmingham; one son, Terry Bridges of Roanoke; a brother, Ray Brown of Smith Station; 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Bridges was born June 18, 1929, daughter of James T. and Mary Siggers Brown. She was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church and had retired from Amoco. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hubert Bridges. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. The Randolph Leader – Apr 11, 2007 Pallbearers for Jimmie Brown Bridges The pallbearers for the funeral of Jimmie Brown Bridges were not listed in the obituary that ran in last week's Leader. They are Chris Allen, Randy Hunt, Bryan Guinn, Bill Bridges, Shane Gay, Joby Burns, Eric Tyson and Steve Williams. Honorary pallbearer was Raymond Tyson. __________ Sibyl McLean (FIVE POINTS) Sibyl McLean, 89, of Five Points died Saturday, March 31, 2007, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Graveside services were at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Stroud, with the Rev. Russell Williams and the Rev. Joyce Akridge officiating. Surviving are one son, Drue Steverson of Lilburn, Ga.; one sister, Marilyn Stephens of Stroud; and four grandchildren. Mrs. McLean was born in Chambers County on April 27, owned and operated a beauty shop for many years. She was a member of Five Points Methodist Church, where she played the organ for 50 years. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Irene Rutland Traylor (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Irene Rutland Traylor, 95, of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, April 1, 2007, at Hospice LaGrange. Mrs. Traylor was born April 8, 1911, in Randolph County, Ala., daughter of the late Earnest Rutland and Willie Lee Dodgen Rutland. She was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square and the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Traylor was the owner of Traylor's Cafe and was known as the Hamburger Queen for 35 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Willie Traylor. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Martha Traylor; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 3, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange Chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Eley and Rev. George Strozier officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery. The family will be at the home of Bobby and Martha Traylor and will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Hospice LaGrange in memory of Mrs. Traylor. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange. __________ Shirley Ann Johnson Bafford Todd (ROANOKE) Shirley Ann Johnson Bafford Todd of Roanoke went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday March 30, 2007. Mrs. Todd was born on Oct. 24, 1950, in Atlanta to Nelson and Mildred Johnson. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She is preceded in death by her father Nelson Johnson and is survived by her husband, Allen Timothy Todd; mother, Mildred Harrel and husband Don; sons, Richard Bafford, William Bafford, Darren Bafford and David Bafford; and sisters Jenny McGonigle, Rebecca Peaden, Barbara Patterson and Cynthia McRoberts; brother Ricky Johnson; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service for Mrs. Todd was held Sunday, April 1. 2007, at 2 o'clock at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Don Harrel officiated. Those wishing may send an online condolence to www.parrottfuneralhome.com. Parrott Funeral Home, Fairburn, Ga. __________ Lonsie ‘Handley’ Mitchell Jr. (WOODLAND) Services for Lonsie “Handley” Mitchell Jr., 77, of Woodland were held Sunday, April 1, 2007, at 2 p.m. et Liberty East Baptist Church with the Rev. Ridley Parmer and the Rev. Doris Williamson officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining church cemetery. Mr. Mitchell died March 30 at his home. Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Dorothy B. Mitchell of Woodland; three daughters, Sharon Mitchell of Bowdon. Ga., Tammy Mitchell of Lineville and Joan Dixson of Woodland; one son, Johnny Mitchell of Woodland; two sisters, Evelyn Bonds and Rebecca Yates, both of Woodland; six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Pallbearers were Douglas Yates, George Bond, Jake Heard, Lonzie Pike, T.W. Moore and Barney Brown. Mr. Mitchell was born March 20, 1930, the son of Alonzo and Dennie Davis Mitchell Sr. He was a member of the Prospect Congregational Methodist Church and had been an assembly line painter for General Motors for 30 years. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Cena Pike. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to New Beacon Hospice. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Lucille Truss (ANNISTON) Services for Lucille Truss, 75, of Anniston will be at on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Anniston with the Rev. Ronnie C. Beavers officiating. Burial will be in the Eden Hills Cemetery in Anniston. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the funeral home. Survivors include her soulmate, Robert Lee Mitchell of Anniston; three sons, Calvin Truss and Roger Truss of Wichita, Kan., and Lewis Truss of Anniston; one daughter, Shirley Robinson of Anniston; 17 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons and trustees of Mount Olive Baptist Church and active pallbearers will be William Burke, Terry Bradford, Hollis Moore, Paul Reed, Gary Bradford and Rickey Bradford. Mrs. Truss was a Randolph County native and a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and retired from the Anniston Museum of Natural History. The family will accept flowers. Anniston Funeral Services, Anniston. __________ Tommy Ralph Deason (ROANOKE) Graveside services for Tommy Ralph Deason, 71, of Roanoke were Saturday, March 31, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Lendon Fields officiating. Mr. Deason died Thursday, March 29, at Wedowee Hospital. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Lorrine Walker Deason of Roanoke; four daughters, Brenda Bell of Lake Butler, Fla., Paula Martin of Wedowee, Tommie Farr of Woodland and Jennifer Morris of Roanoke; two sons, Curtis Deason of Roanoke and Steve Deason of LaGrange, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters, Vera Baker of Jacksonville, Melva Earnest of Roanoke and Nina Smith of Belton, Texas; seven brothers, Johnny Deason of Roanoke, Neal Deason of Decatur, Ellis Deason of Pell City, Jimmy Deason of Columbus. Ga., Wayne and Dennis Deason of Wedowee and Marvin Denson of Melton, Ga. Pallbearers were his brothers. Mr. Deason was born in Marshall County, Feb. 12, 1936, son of John Calvin and Mary Etta Deason. He was a lifelong auto mechanic and had lived in Randolph County for most of his life. Mr. Deason was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Caba Butler Stewart (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Mrs. Caba Butler Stewart, 86, of LaGrange, Ga., died Saturday, March 31, 2007, at her residence, Mrs. Stewart as born Feb. 27, 1921, in Newell, Ala., daughter of the late Henry Newt and Etta Copeland Butler. She was a manager of central supply at West Georgia Medical Center, attended Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and was a member of Harmony Congregational Methodist Church in Newell. She loved caring for people, and cared for Alice Callaway, Lillian Cobb and other elderly people. Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Patterson of LaGrange; two sons, Travis J. Stewart of LaGrange and Sam Stewart of Jefferson, Ga.; two grandsons; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Travis C. Stewart, and several brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday in the Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel with Rev. Marion Schivers and Mr. P.M. Hicks officiating. The family will be at her home at 402 S. Lee St. and will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 until 8. Flowers will be accepted and those desiring can make contributions in memory of Mrs. Stewart to West Georgia Hospice. Condolences may be expressed and memories shared in the guest book at www.hunterallenmyhand.com. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. ___________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader April 11, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Larry Alex Harris (ROANOKE) Services for Larry Alex Harris, 58, of Roanoke were Saturday, April 7, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Union Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Len Martin and the Rev. Darren White officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Harris died Wednesday, April 4, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Survivors include his wife, Ardeena Atwood Harris of Roanoke; one daughter, Lori Kelley of Roanoke; three sons, David and Joe Hughes of Roanoke and Shawn Hughes of Wedowee; one sister, Sheryl Scialla of LaMirada, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and two nephews. Pallbearers were Bryan Guinn, Glenn Shiflett, Michael White, Marty Duffey, Pete Brown and Danny Brown. Mr. Harris was born Aug. 9, 1948, son of James Albert and Willie Rossie Duett Harris. He attended Faith Baptist Church and was an operation associate for Kimberly Clark. He served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Thomas Patrick Hughes. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Nelda Joyce Myers (VALLEY) Services for Nelda Joyce Myers, 53, of Valley, formerly of Standing Rock, were Monday, April 9, 2007, at 4 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gerald Sheppard and the Rev. Sonny Kent officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Myers died Friday, April 6, at her home. Survivors include her husband, Marlon “Buck” Myers of Valley; two daughters, Felicia Teague of LaGrange, Ga., and Kim Fomby of Hogansville, Ga.; one son, Ronnie Lee Rice Jr. of Roanoke; two stepsons, Tim Myers of Valley and Barry Myers of Lanett; two sisters, Sue Farmer and Gloria “Cissy” Boatner, both of Standing Rock; one brother, Jimmy Price of Standing Rock; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three step-grandchildren, Pallbearers were Ronnie Rice, Doyle Akins, Billy Pike, Jimmy Price, Jamie Yarbrough and Terry Farmer. Mrs. Myers was born July 19, 1953, daughter of Arlon and Ora Pearl Harmon Bolt. She was a member of Standing Rock Assembly of God and had worked as a home health aide. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Zachary Fomby. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Quinton Kashif Brown (ROANOKE) Quinton Kashif Brown, 19, of 326 East Ave., Roanoke, died Saturday, April 7, 2007, at his home. Services will be Saturday, April 14, at Macedonia Baptist Church, Five Points, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Gregory Sutton officiating. Burial will be in Skyview Memorial Gardens, Welch. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13. The body will be placed in the church one hour before services. Survivors include his mother, Cheryl Brown Huguley of Lanett; a daughter, Aniyah Lasha Andrews of Wedowee; two sisters, Conisha Brown and Lucious Brown of Roanoke; a brother, Charles Brown of Roanoke; his grandfather, Frank Bailey Brown of Lanett; and special friend, Gabrielle Andrews of Wedowee. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Ophelia Roberts Murphy (ANNISTON) Services for Ophelia Murphy, 86, of Anniston will be Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 3 p.m., at Dryden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Cloyse Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Iron City Cemetery. Mrs. Murphy died Sunday, April 8, at NHC Healthcare in Anniston. She is survived by her daughter, Anita Bufford of White Plains; a son, Allen Murphy of White Plains; a brother, Donald Roberts; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Van Roberts, Don Roberts, Phillip Roberts, Jimmy Hughes, James Ray Murphy and Larry Frames. Mrs. Murphy was a native of Randolph County and a resident of Iron City for most of her life. She was a member of Iron City Methodist Church. Mrs. Murphy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. “Ike” Murphy; her parents, Alvin Roberts and Ollie Williams Roberts; a brother, T.O. Roberts and a sister, Jewett Roberts. Dryden Funeral Home. __________ Nelson E. Beatty (ATLANTA) Nelson E. Beatty, 42, of Atlanta died Friday, March 30, 2007, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Services were Friday, April 6, at 1 p.m. CDT at Powell Chapel United Methodist Church in LaFayette with the Rev. David Tucker officiating. Burial followed at Handy Cemetery in LaFayette. Mr. Beatty is survived by two sisters, Lillian Adams of Detroit, Mich., and Kay F. Ratchford of Louisville, Ky.; one brother, Robert Beatty Sr. of LaFayette; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Beatty was born June 29, 1964, in Randolph County. Silmon/Seroyer Funeral Home, LaFayette. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader April 18, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Virginia Mann Woodham (MOBILE) Virginia Mann Woodham, 89, a longtime resident of Roanoke and a resident of Mobile for the past 13 years, died quietly Tuesday, April 10, 2007. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, at Randolph Memory Gardens. Preceding her in death was her loving husband, Robert Woodham, and son Michael. She leaves behind a son, Pat Woodham of Wetumpka; a daughter, Celia Woodham Hanvey of Moblile [Mobile]; and a granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Upper Room, 1908 Grand Ave., Nashville, TN 37212 or First United Methodist Church of Roanoke. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Sarah Agnes Osborne Johnson (COLUMBUS, Ga.) Sarah Agnes Johnson, 78, of Columbus, Ga., died Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Magnolia Manor Nursing Home in Columbus. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. EDT Monday, April 16, in Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange, Ga., with Rev. David Helms officiating. The family will receive friends following the services. Mrs. Johnson was born July 10, 1928, in Randolph County, Ala., daughter of the late Burton and Cassie Dollar Osborne. She retired after 25 years with Callaway Mills Company and was a member of Rock Springs Congregational Christian Church and was preceded in death by her husband Paul E. Johnson. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Katie Jo Osborne of Ellerslie, Ga.; two nieces, Beckie McKenzie and Laura Lee, both of Ellerslie; two nephews, Lance Osborne of Hamilton, Ga., and Tommy Osborne of Waverly Hall, Ga.; and one cousin. Those desiring may sign the guestbook at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com. McMullen Funeral Home, Columbus, Ga. __________ Melvin Leroy Bailey (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Melvin Leroy Bailey, 85, of Franklin, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, died at his home on Thursday, April 12, 2007. Services for Mr. Bailey were Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. EDT at Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. John Marshall officiating. Interment was in the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Roanoke. Mr. Bailey was born in Red River, Texas, on July 16, 1921, to the late Dee Elder Bailey and Katie Lou Bailey. He was a retired grocery store owner and a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. During World War II Mr. Bailey served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps. For his gallantry he received the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Loyette Green; one daughter, Charlotte Breece of Birmingham; and two sons, Terry Bailey of Birmingham and M. Lamar Bailey of Mobile; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Bailey. Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ George Radolph Waters (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for George Radolph Waters, 83, of Wedowee, were Monday, April 16, 2007, at 2 p.m., at Morrison's Chapel Methodist Church with the Revs. Ronnie Key and Claude Bennett officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Waters died Wednesday, April 11, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. He was a native of Randolph County, grew up in the Folsom community, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and had lived in Birmingham, Florida, Louisiana and various other places while working in the construction business. He is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Waters of Texas; a son, Ray Waters of Georgia; numerous extended family members; and caregivers Victoria Land and Rebecca Wells. Pallbearers were Paul White, Gerald Huddleston, Earl Huddleston, Wendell Morrison, Johnny Waters and Leford Waters. Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Malissa M. Pierson Garrett (NORTH CHICAGO, Ill.) Malissa M. Pierson Garrett, 97, of North Chicago, Ill., died Monday, April 9, 2007, surrounded by loving family members at her residence after a short illness. Services were at First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, North Chicago, on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. with pastor Eugene Roberson officiating. Interment was at North Shore Garden of Memorials, North Chicago. The daughter of the late Wiley L. and Ella Potter Pierson, Mrs. Garrett was born Feb. 13, 1910, in Wedowee, where she was brought up on a 400-acre farm. She married the late M.C. Garrett on Jan. 30, 1930, in Randolph County. Mrs. Garrett moved to North Chicago in 1946. She was united with First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in 1950, where she was a faithful member of the Mothers' Board. Mrs. Garrett was also a member of the Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) of North Chicago. She is survived by four daughters, Ella Beatrice-Hunter Lynch of Newton, N.C., Catherine DeVost and Clara Sawyer of North Chicago and Gladys Miller of Milwaukee, Wis.; one adopted son, Charles Henry Garrett of Omaha, Neb.; one sister, Ethel Mae Worthy Pate of Roanoke; one brother, Major Pierson of Jackson, Mich.; 50 grandchildren; 144 great-grandchildren; and 43 great-great- grandchildren. Mrs. Garrett was preceded in death by her siblings, Lela Pierson, Arrilla Heard, Clara Wallace, Nettie Gooden, Mattie Carter, Lena Gooden, Zebedee Pierson, Elijah Pierson and James E. Pierson; a son-in-law; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.bradshaw-range.com. Bradshaw and Range Funeral Home, Waukegan, Ill. __________ Dennis L. Smith (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Dennis L. Smith, 81, of LaGrange, Ga., died Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born May 30, 1925, in Randolph County, Ala., the son of the late Benjamin Jeff and Mattie Lee Bowen Smith. He was a retired plumber and owner-operator of Smith’s Plumbing. He was a member of Teaver Road Baptist Church and attended Friendship Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo Smith; a son, Aaron Smith of LaGrange; a grandson; and a sister, Velma Nichols of Roanoke, Alabama. He was preceded in death by a brother, Artis Smith, and a sister, Elsie Mae Smith Rollins. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. EDT Friday at Friendship Baptist Church with the Rev. James Moon and the Rev. Craig Marshall officiating. Interment was at Restlawn Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted, or those desiring may contribute to a favorite charity in memory of Mr. Smith. Condolences may be expressed and memories shared in the guest book at www.hunterallenmyhand.com. _________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader April 25, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Mary Ethel Cox Bonner Handley (ROANOKE) Services for Mary Ethel Cox Bonner Handley, 92, of Roanoke were Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. John Mann and the Rev. Paul Messer officiating. Burial followed at Cedarwood Cemetery. Survivors include two daughters, Rosemary Bonner Ragle of Freeport, Fla., and Virginia Ann Handley Schwartz of Wadley; one son, Henry Vinson Bonner of Roanoke; one sister-in-law, Mrs. J.T. Cox of LaFayette; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Bill Ragle, Trae Bonner, Tim Cox, Jim Cox, Kim Cox, Jim Dunn, Brian Schwartz and Damin Schwartz. Honorary pallbearers were past and present board members of Roanoke First United Methodist Church and members of the Philathea Sunday school class. Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Mrs. Handley was born June 22, 1914, daughter of Elliott and Ida Weaver Cox. She owned and operated Bonner’s Ready to Wear of Roanoke for many of her early years, and later worked closely with her husband in his business, M.M. Handley Pulpwood Company. She helped organize the Roanoke Investment Club. She was a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church, where she was on the board and taught the Philathea Sunday school class for many years. Mrs. Handley loved flowers and working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry Vinson Bonner Sr.; husband Mitchell Moore Handley; one infant sister; and five brothers, Vines Cox, Buford Cox, Render Cox, J.T. Cox and Calvin Cox. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Robert ‘Murphy’ Wilson (WOODLAND) Services for Robert “Murphy” Wilson, 79, of Woodland will be Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Prospect Congregational Methodist Church, with the Rev. Donald Spradlin and the Rev. Ridley Parmer officiating. Mr. Wilson will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow at Gray Hill Church of God Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Mr. Wilson died Tuesday, April 24, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center, Anniston. Survivors include one daughter, Rhonda Herren of Woodland; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Alvin George, Daryn Grey, Joe Noles, Stub Noles, Garner Maddox and Clyde Cook. Mr. Wilson was born Sept. 15, 1927, son of Jim Jackson and Catherine Daniel Wilson. He was a member of Prospect Congregational Methodist Church and had been a farmer. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Burson Wilson; his parents; one daughter, Wanda Jane Wilson; seven brothers, Oscar, Charlie, Harvey, Julius, Ezra and Benford Wilson; and one sister, Minnie Mae Gosdin. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Melba Keeble Dill (DEKALB, Ill.) Melba Keeble Dill, 86, of DeKalb, Ill., died Saturday, April 21, 2007, in Kishwaukee Community Hospital, DeKalb. Born Nov. 11, 1920, in Roanoke, Ala., she was the daughter of John and Pearl Swann Keeble. Melba received a bachelor's degree from LaGrange College. After graduation she taught voice in the Music Department at LaGrange College for seven years, then earned a master of music degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Since going to DeKalb, she taught private voice lessons and was involved in singing and directing church music in local churches. Melba was a member of the DeKalb Woman's Club since 1958, serving two terms as president, and she joined the Drama Club in 1978, serving as president in 1986. She was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and music. Survivors include daughters Donna Day Dvorak of Orange Park, Fla., and Diane Meier of Sycamore, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Clarence Day and Howard R. Dill; brothers Jim, Owen and Floyd Keeble; sisters Lurline Duke, Annie Ray Hicks, Sarah Keeble and Inez Taylor; and grandson John D. Meier of Sycamore. A memorial service will be Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb with Pastors Joseph Gastiger and Judy Harris officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb. Memorials may be made to the John D. Meier Memorial Scholarship. To send an online condolence visit www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, DeKalb. __________ Glennie Elizabeth Hester (ROANOKE) Services for Glennie Elizabeth Hester, 79, of Roanoke were Monday, April 23, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Richard Richie officiating. Burial followed at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Hester died Friday, April 20, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Survivors include her husband, Hulette Hester of Roanoke; niece and caretaker Katrina Upchurch of Munford; two brothers, Leonard G. Brewer of Huguley and Johnny Brewer of Lanett; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Pallbearers were Mike Brewer, Waymon Smith, Tim Smith, Ron Harrell, Frank Sharpe and Wayne Baker. Memorials may be floral or the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society (1599 Clifton Rd., N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329). A long-time Roanoke resident, Mrs. Hester had moved to LaFayette Extended Care Facility four years ago. She was a Randolph County native, born Jan. 24, 1928, daughter of Joe B. and Georgia Vaughn Brewer. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and had retired from West Point Pepperell. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Karen Rogers (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Karen Rogers, 43, of Franklin, Ga., died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at her home. Mrs. Rogers was born May 27, 1963, in Atlanta. She was a member of Bethany Lime Congregational Christian Church. Survivors include her husband, Doug Rogers; a daughter, Ashley Rogers; a son, Marcus Giddens; two sisters, Charmin Talley and Sherry Kendrick; three brothers, Jeff Kendrick, Tony Kendrick and Dwayne Kendrick; her mother and stepfather, Shirley and Joe Hendricks; her father and stepmother, William and Judy Kendrick; a stepson, Jonathan Rogers; and a granddaughter. Services were at 1 p.m. (EDT) Friday, April 20, at Bethany Lime Congregational Christian Church in Rock Mills, with Pastor Stanley Yarbrough officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or those desiring may contribute to Bethany Lime Congregational Christian Church in memory of Mrs. Rogers. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange, Ga. __________ Dorothy Clifton (OPELIKA) Dorothy Clifton, 78, of Opelika, formerly of Five Points, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Care Center of Opelika. Services were at Sweet Home Baptist Church, Five Points, on Monday, April 23, at noon, with the Rev. L.B. Houston officiating. Interment was at Skyview Memorial Gardens, Roanoke. Ms. Clifton was born Dec. 23, 1928, in Chambers County to the late Sam and Emma Clifton. She was a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church, Five Points. Ms. Clifton is preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Jean Thomas. Surviving are one granddaughter, Bridgette Allen Cray of Richmond Hill, N.Y.; one stepson, Deacon John Lewis Blake of Five Points; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Vines Funeral Home Inc., LaFayette. __________ Ruth Alice Langley (WOODLAND) Services for Ruth Alice Langley, 82, of Woodland, were Saturday, April 21, 2007, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Roanoke with Father Frank McGuire officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Langley died Wednesday, April 18, at her home. Mrs. Langley is survived by her husband of 62 years, Obie Andrew Langley .of Woodland; two daughters, Andrea and Laura Langley, both of Gainesville, Fla.; three sons, Stephen Langley of Miami, James Langley of Johnson City, Fla., and Robert Langley of Auburn; one brother, Richard Dutka of Toms River, N.J.; and six grandchildren. Mrs. Langley was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Dorothy Pichurko. Mrs. Langley was born March 6, 1925, in Staten Island, N.Y., the daughter of Samuel and Laura Gooding Dutka. She was of the Catholic faith, taught Spanish at Handley High School, graduated from West Georgia College, was an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa, and traveled extensively to Ecuador, Africa and Europe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clay County Hospice. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Patrick Coley Edmondson (DADEVILLE) Funeral services for Patrick Coley Edmondson, 17, of Dadeville will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Dadeville First Baptist Church. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at Midway Methodist Church Cemetery in Wedowee. Mr. Edmondson was born Nov. 2, 1989, in, Montgomery. He died Sunday, April 15, at UAB Hospital. Coley was a junior at Dadeville High School. He loved NASCAR racing and working for his father. Survivors include his father, Pat Edmondson and special friend, Brenda Kiser of Jackson's Gap; mother, Joyce Bolt Edmondson of Wedowee; sisters, Dawn Knight of Jackson's Gap and Lauren Mitchell of Wedowee; two brothers, Larry Knight and Keith Holloway; his "Maw-Maw" Linda and Walter Arnold; aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Guiding Eyes, 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown, NY 10598. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika. __________ James Lynward Mitchell (LINEVILLE) Funeral services for James Lynward Mitchell, 75, of Lineville will be April 18, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Lineville with the Rev. Jim Arnall officiating. Burial will follow in Christiana Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Mitchell died Monday, April 16, at the Clay County Hospital. He was a native of Hardin County, Tenn., who grew up in Giles County, Tenn., but had lived in Randolph County since 1947. Mr. Mitchell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict; loved guitar playing and bluegrass music; and had worked several years as a wood producer and with Messer's Bargain Barn in Wedowee. He is survived by two sisters, Ruth M. Taylor of Lineville and Bovene M. Smith of Heflin; and one brother, Wendell Mitchell of Saks; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carl Mitchell and Fronie Abner Mitchell; and one sister, Vernell Smith. Pallbearers will be nephews. Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Betty Worley Smith (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Betty W. Smith, 76, of LaGrange, Ga., died Monday, April 16, 2007, at her residence. Mrs. Smith was born Nov 29, 1930, in Troup County, Ga., daughter of the late Albert W. and Louise Burke Worley. She retired as a receptionist from Ethyl Corporation, where she served for many years. Mrs. Smith was a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, where she was a member of Golden Joy Seniors, a Sunday school teacher, a choir member and sung in the Shoal Creek Quartet. She enjoyed cooking and looking after her family. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Trubee Smith; a son, Kenneth Smith of LaGrange; a brother, Jerry Worley of Wedowee; twp [two] grandchildren; one great-grand[d]aughter; several step-grandchildren and step-great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Derrick Smith; and a sister, Mildred Orrick. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday at Shoal Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Anthony Hovey officiating with entombment in Shadowlawn Mausoleum. Flowers will be accepted or those desiring may make contributions in memory of Betty W. Smith to the Shoal Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. Condolences maybe expressed and memories shared in the guest book at www.hunterallenmyhand.com. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ James Edward Sheppard (ROANOKE) Services for James Edward Sheppard, 59, of Roanoke were Saturday, April 21, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Mike Whaley officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Sheppard died Wednesday, April 18, at his home. He is survived by several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Kent Wilson, Brent Wilson, Nick Burke, Bryant Whaley, Justin Guizar and Alears Hale. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mr. Sheppard was born April 23, 1947. He was a Vietnam veteran and was preceded in death by his father, Willie Sheppard, and mother, Edith Wilson Sheppard Gross. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________________________________________________ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/a/april2001396gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 36.1 Kb