Randolph County AlArchives Obituaries.....May 2007, The Randolph Leader May 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, 9:26 am The Randolph Leader - May 2007 The Randolph Leader May 2, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: H.M. Eason Jr. (CARROLLTON, Ga.) H.M. Eason Jr., 83, of Park Lane in Carrollton, Ga., died Friday, April 27, 2007. He was born on Sept. 13, 1923, in Randolph County, Ala., to the late Henry Madison Eason Sr. and Mattie Lee Bowen Eason. He retired from Southwire Co. after more than 35 years of service. Survivors include his children, Robert Eason of Carrollton and Margaret McManus of Valley; stepchildren Wayne Cosper, Wade Cosper, Willie Cosper and Diane Cosper; sisters, Nancy Waits of Chicago, Eva Daniels and Jessie Fordham, both of Ranburne, and Frankie Bowen of Hogansville, Ga.; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Lee Cosper Eason; and a brother, Lewis “Homer” Eason. Graveside services will be Sunday, April 29, at 4 p.m. at Carrollton City Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmy Bryan officiating. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel. __________ Herbert James Ogle HARTSELLE - Funeral services for Herbert James Ogle, 86, of Hartselle, formerly of Weaver, will be at 4 p.m. April 29, 2007, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Anniston, with the Rev. Walter Blackman officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Jacksonville. Mr. Ogle, who died Friday, April 27, in Hartselle, was born Dec. 22, 1920, in Randolph County to Aron Clark Ogle and Alma Meeks Ogle. He was a member of East Highland Baptist Church. He is survived by his children, Sandra Smelser, Pat Vines and Suzanne Blackman; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, Hulon Ogle, Cranston Ogle and James Ogle; two sisters, Eula Mae Craven and Linda South, all of Anniston; and special friends and caregivers, Avelyn Anzelone and Jamie Maples. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bunnell Bates Ogle; and two brothers, Bill Ogle and Melvin Ogle. Grandsons and great-grandsons will be pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to East Highland Baptist Church or West Weaver Baptist Church building funds. Peck Funeral Home Inc., Hartselle. __________ Odelle Bennett (ROANOKE) Services for Odelle Bennett, 84, of Roanoke were Sunday, April 29, 2007, at 4 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Stanley Yarbrough officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Ms. Bennett died Saturday, April 28, at Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke. Survivors include one sister, Rosebud Stanford of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Gerson Bonner, Jamie Burdett, Roger Bennett, Vernon Dudley, Buck Norred and Clint Yarbrough. Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Lime Christian Church. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Ms. Bennett was born April 6, 1923, daughter of Charles Homer and Mary Lou Smith Bennett. She was a member of Bethany Lime Christian Church and had been employed as a seamstress by Palm Beach. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Dimont Girturde Sheets-Bennett (BOWDON, Ga.) Dimont Girturde Sheets-Bennett, 89, of Bowdon, Ga., died April 25, 2007, at the Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Ga. Services for Mrs. Sheets-Bennett were conducted Saturday, April 28, at 2 p.m. EDT at High Point Church of God. Interment followed in the Ridgeway Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Sheets-Bennett was born on Jan. 24, 1918, to the late Ila Dukes Sheets and Josephus Sheets. She was a faithful member of High Point Church of God. She is survived by four daughters, Patricia Fulghum-Rushing of Roanoke, Glenda Adams of Stone Mountain, Ga., Caren Hammock of Valley and Tina Dearing of Lanett; four sons, Jessie Wilson of Cedar Bluff, Tearence Wilson of Carrollton, Ezra Wilson of Bowdon and Travis Wilson of West Point, Ga.; two sisters, Movine Nloon and Faye Yates; and a multitude of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Joe Bennett; her parents, Ila and Josephus Sheets; five sisters, seven brothers, and two grandchildren. Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin, Ga. __________ Howard Wilton Flora (FORT WALTON, Fla.) Services for Sgt. 1st Class Howard Wilton Flora, 76, of Fort Walton, Fla., were Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, Roanoke, with Wade Bryant officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Flora died Sunday; April 22, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Eula Ferrell Flora; one daughter, Angela Ellis of Bell Arthur, N.C.; two sons, Michael Flora of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., and Tim Flora of Destin, Fla.; one sister, Jean Flora Mason of Lumberton, N.C.; and five grandchildren. Pallbearers were members of the U.S. Army. Mr. Flora was born Oct. 21, 1930, son of Jim and Rosa Lancaster Flora. He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years with two tours in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He and his family were stationed in various cities throughout the world. After retiring from the army, he worked for the civil service as a government tobacco grader. Mr. Flora enjoyed tinkering in his shop, gardening, yard work and was an avid Braves baseball fan. He also enjoyed watching John Wayne movies. Mr. Flora was preceded in death by his parents. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Barbara Ann Edmondson (WEDOWEE) Services for Barbara Ann Edmondson, 66, of Wedowee, will be Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Midway ,United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Cloyce Johnson, Gary Henderson and Ed Grooms officiating. Mrs. Edmondson will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Edmondson died Monday, April 30, at her home. A loving wife, devoted mother and wonderful grandma, Mrs. Edmondson is survived by her husband of 42 years, Rayford Edmondson of Wedowee; one son, Wayne Hughes of Wadley; one daughter, Terri Lovvorn of Woodland; two granddaughters; one grandson; two sisters, Sue Smith of Winter Garden, Fla., and Peggy LaDue of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and one brother, Bob Musselwhite of Wilmington, N.C. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Clemons, Mike Clemons, Rex May, W.C. Pate, Blu Sledge and Tab Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the Randolph County Gideons. Mrs. Edmondson was born Jan. 29, 1941, daughter of Richard and Ruby Singletary Musselwhite. She was a member of Midway United Methodist Church, where she taught the small children's Sunday school class. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Edmondson was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Dennis, Dick, Donald and Jim Musselwhite. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Midway United Methodist Church Building Fund. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Lincoln Manley (ROANOKE) Services for Lincoln “Link” Manley, 41, of Roanoke will be Thursday, May 3, 2007, at 1 p.m. at High Pine Baptist Church, with the Rev. Richie Farrah officiating. Mr. Manley will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Mr. Manley died Sunday, April 29, in Columbus, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Dena Cotton Manley of LaGrange, Ga.; his mother, Joyce Denham, and stepfather Herbert Denham of Roanoke; his maternal grandmother, Myrtis Mitchell of Roanoke; two sisters, Vanessa Potts and Elizabeth Thompson of Stockbridge, Ga.; two half-sisters, Detrick and Crystal Manley of Dallas, Ga.; two brothers, George S. Manley of Douglas, Ga., and Jeffery P. Manley of Villa Rica, Ga.; half-brothers David Manley of Hiram, Ga., and Mike and Jimmy Denham of Roanoke; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Daniel Manley, Mike Denham, Jimmy Denham, Willis Pinkard, Mark Weather, Randy Pool and Jim Lolley. Mr. Manley was born Aug. 22, 1965, son of Joyce Elizabeth Mitchell Manley and George Downing Manley. He was a self-employed painter. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Jack H. Still (GRAYSON, Ga.) Jack H. Still, 78, of Grayson, Ga., died Monday, April 16, 2007, at his home. Mr. Still was born May 14, 1928, in Roanoke, son of Walter E. and Eva Walker Still. He was a 1946 graduate of Handley High School and received a degree in aeronautical engineering from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) in 1950. As a Naval ROTC graduate, he also received a commission in the U.S. Navy and was a naval aviator for approximately 10 years. He worked as an engineer for 40 years, the last 13 years involving work on the Hellfire Missile System. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Grayson and heavily involved with First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville, Ga. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris Joanne (Lindy) Still; children Beth Still and Scott Still; one grandchild; and a brother, William Still. Services were Thursday, April 19, at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, with Dr. Lamar Holley officiating. He was laid to rest in Gwinnett Memorial Park. __________ Sadie Blackmon (OPELIKA) Sadie Blackmon, 61, of Opelika died Monday, April 30, 2007, at East Alabama Medical Center. Services will be at Pleasant Grove Christian Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, with interment in the church cemetery. The Revs. Clifford DeLee, Barry Brooks and Dennis Harmon will officiate. Mrs. Blackmon was born in Chambers County June 6, 1945. She had been employed at Avondale Mills in LaFayette and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Camp Hill. Surviving are her beloved companion, Bobby Holt of Opelika; three daughters, Cathy Burgum of Chickasaw, Marie Blackmon of Welch and Mary Bozeman of Theodore; two stepchildren, Karen Holt of Opelika and Tammy Canton of Arizona; two sisters, Dorothy Jones of Opelika and Carolyn Mulkey of Huguley; four brothers, William, Hugh, Willie Joe and James Laster of Opelika; four grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. __________ Margaret Marion Richardson (ROANOKE) Services for Margaret Marion Richardson, 92, of Roanoke were Sunday, April 29, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Bro. Gerald Romine and Bro. Sam Carpenter officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Richardson died Friday, April 27, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Pallbearers were men of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Richardson was born Aug. 5, 1914, daughter of John Mack and Alice Abbot Marion. She was a member of Roanoke Church of Christ and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.W. Richardson. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ___________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 9, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Edgar Oliver Stevenson (ROANOKE) Edgar Oliver Stevenson, 92, of Roanoke died Monday, May 7, 2007, at Randolph Medical Center. Survivors include one daughter, Anne A. Ginestier of Italy; two sons, Jan A. Stevenson of England and Richard E. Stevenson of Roanoke; and five grandchildren. Mr. Stevenson was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Keller Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson was born July 27, 1914, son of Leon M. and Alma Oliver Stevenson. He was co-owner of Randolph Publishers Inc., former editor of The Randolph Press, and a cattle rancher. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church. Mr. Stevenson will be cremated, with a memorial service to be announced later. The family respectfully asks that no flowers be sent but that anyone who wishes to honor his memory do so by planting a tree or adopting a stray animal. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Gennaro Barone (ROANOKE) Gennaro Barone, 77, of Roanoke died on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at a hospital in Acri, Italy, from complications with diabetes. He was laid to rest on Saturday, April 28, at 4 p.m. in his hometown of Santa Sofia d'Epiro, a small community near Cosenza, Italy. Born on Jan. 2, 1930, in Santa Sofia d'Epiro, Mr. Barone attended school and at the age of 12, began working as an apprentice in a tailor shop in order to help support his family. He learned the trade diligently and became an accomplished tailor at the ripe old age of 17. A few years later, he moved to Montevideo, Uruguay, where he opened up his own tailor shop. In 1953 he met his wife, Blanche, and they were married on Nov 7 of the same year. They had three children. In 1964, Mr. Barone and his family moved to New York City, where he obtained work as a tailor in Meledandri, an exclusive clothing store that catered to celebrities. His clients included Luis Capone, Tony Curtis, David Suskind, Burt Lancaster, and one of Zsa Zsa Gabor's husbands. Always seeking for better opportunities, he moved to Washington; D.C., where he was able to secure employment in retailers, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Korvette. In the early 70s, Mr. Barone was hired by Jonathan Logan Clothing Manufacturers in Spartanburg, S.C., and then transferred to Roanoke to open up Roanoke Fashions, a manufacturer of women's clothes under the labels of Jonathan Logan, Butte Knit and Act III. In the late 80s, Mr. Barone worked as quality control for Hart Schaffner Marx and Liz Claiborne. After his children finished college, he maintained a residence in Roanoke, while working in Washington, D.C., and the Dominican Republic. Mr. Barone retired in 1995 and spent his remaining years enjoying his family or vacationing in Italy. He was a very gracious, kind, and loving person always willing to help his fellow man. He touched the lives of people wherever he lived or worked and was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Barone is survived by Blanche Barone, his wife of almost 54 years; one daughter, Janet Watson of Opelika; two sons, Luis Barone of Roanoke and George Barone of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two sisters, Lucia Salomone and Vincenza Nucci of Clearwater, Fla.; seven granddaughters; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Barone was preceded in death by his parents, Luigi and Maria Sofia Barone; two brothers, Giovanni and Francesco; and his baby sister, Cristofala. __________ Faye White Long (OXFORD) Services for Faye White Long, 72, of Oxford will be Monday, May 7, 2007, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory with the Rev. Ronnie Adams and the Rev. Gary Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Forestlawn Gardens. Mrs. Long died on Friday, May 4, in Randolph County. Survivors include her sisters, Vire Kinsey of Roanoke, Artis Daniel of Oxford, Myrtilene Luker of Delta, Mary Ann Ellison Ward of Phenix City, Jane Whaley of Lanett, and Sandra Ruth Traylor of Bowdon, Ga.; and a brother, Mike White of Columbus, Ga.; and a host of loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Elton and Lona Mae Holloway White; husbands, Billy Wilkinson and Joe Long; a son, William Keith Wilkinson; a sister, Maurine Nelson; and a brother, Powell White. Mrs. Long was a born in Randolph County and had lived most of her life in Calhoun County. __________ Adella Lee-Henson (WEDOWEE) Adella Lee-Henson, 83, of Wedowee died Monday, May 7, 2007, at Talladega Health Care Facility. Mrs. Lee-Henson was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jesse T. Lee on Jan. 23, 1924. Adella lived most of her life in Randolph County, where she was married to Brady D. Henson. She is survived by three sons, Brady Jr., Linton and Lorenza Henson. Memorial services are scheduled to be held Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness at 685 Co. Rd. 61 (Old Hwy. 431). __________ Carolyn Ann Rutledge Drake (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Carolyn Ann Rutledge Drake of LaGrange, Ga., died Monday, April 30, 2007, at her home. She was born on Sept. 14, 1952, in Troup County, Ga., to Mildred Rutledge and the late Lewis Rutledge Sr. Carolyn was educated in the Troup County School System. After high school, she received a formal education at Paine College, graduating in 1976 with a bachelor's degree. She was previously employed with Leisure Living of LaGrange as a residential manager. Earlier, she was employed with Hanes Hosiery Corporation. She was one of the founding members of Abundant Life Christian Church in Roanoke. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, a husband, Phillip L. Drake Sr.; three children, Kimberly, Phillip Jr, and Destiny; her mother, Mildred Rutledge; and siblings, Lewis Rutledge Jr., Beulah Hill, Gary Rutledge, Janice Moore and Edna Sutton. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. CDT at Abundant Life Christian Church in Roanoke. Entombment will be in Shadowlawn Mausoleum in LaGrange. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 3, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Carolyn Ann Drake to the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association, 27001 Agoura Rd., Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104, (818) 880-9007, FAX (818) 880-9006 or to Abundant Life Christian Church, P.O. Box 1041, Roanoke, AL 36274. Phone (706) 812-9856 or 334 863-8926. Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Levelle Lipham (ASHLAND) Services for Mr. Levelle Lipham, 85, of Ashland were Friday, May 4, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Chris Mitchell officiating. Burial followed in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Lipham died Wednesday, May 2, at Clay County Hospital. Mr. Lipham is survived by two sons, William Ray Lipham of Ashland and Wayne Lipham of Phenix City; one brother, Jack Lipham of Roanoke; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Mr. Lipham was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Lipham; one daughter, Thercy Lee Brown; and one grandson, Elbert Craven Jr. Pallbearers were family members. Mr. Lipham was born Sept. 19, 1921, the son of Ezra and Sletie Carter Lipham. He had been a construction worker. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Rosa Lee Bowen Haynes (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Rosa Lee Bowen Haynes, 88, of LaGrange, Ga., died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at her residence. Mrs. Haynes was born Nov. 18, 1918, in Randolph County, Ala., daughter of the late Henry and Naomi Ray Bowen. She was a member of Friendship Christian Church in Randolph County and she retired from the Kex Plant of Milliken and Co. Mrs. Haynes was known as a loving Christian mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and sister. Survivors include a son, J.W. Haynes Jr.; a daughter, Janice Burns; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, all of LaGrange; sisters, Leona Rice of LaGrange and Janie Anderson of Helena, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband J.W. Haynes Sr. Services were at 2 p. m. Thursday, May 3, at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Yarbrough officiating. Interment followed at Shadowlawn Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed and memories shared in the guest book at www.hunterallenmyhand.com __________ Macie Bell Stevenson (ROANOKE) Macie Bell Stevenson, 75, of Roanoke died Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Services will be Thursday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, Roanoke, with the Rev. Myris Bell and the Rev. L.B. Houston officiating. Survivors include a duaghter, Penny McClendon of Roanoke; two sons, James Bell and Barrington Marable of Roanoke; two brothers, Rev. Myris Bell and Manuel Bell of Roanoke; two sisters, Emma Robertson of Tampa, Fla, and Eva Lee Lewis of St. Petersburg, Fla.; seven grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Alvin Stevenson. Public viewing hours will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Hubert Edgar Burnum (WEDOWEE) Graveside services for Hubert Edgar Burnum, 64, of Wedowee, were Saturday, May 5, 2007, a 1 p.m. at Bethel West Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. David Holcombe and the Rev. Dan Keith officiating. Mr. Burnum died Thursday, May 3, at his home. Mr. Burnum is survived by his wife, Jimmie Nell Stone Burnum of Wedowee; two daughters, Brenda Stone of Powder Springs, Ga., and Karla Reid of Roopville, Ga.; three sons, Keith Burnum of Carrollton, Ga., Kevin Burnum of Roopville and Terry Burgess of Waco, Ga.; mother Ressie Burnum; one sister, Cat Potter of Hixson, Tenn.; two brothers, Ray Burnum of Chattanooga, Tenn., and James Burnum of Harrison, Tenn. Pallbearers were the men of Bethel West Baptist Church. Mr. Burnum was born July 13, 1942, the son of Robert and Ressie Wadkins Burnum. He was a member of Bethel West Baptist and a self-employed tire dealer. Mr. Burnum was preceded in death by his father. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Julian A. Murphy (NEWELL) Services for the Rev. Julian A. Murphy, 75, of Newell will be Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Jordan's Chapel Congregational Methodist Church, with the Revs. Brian Moore, Benny Cosper and Chris Mitchell officiating. Rev. Murphy will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Rev. Murphy died Tuesday, May 8, at his home. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Betty Ayers Murphy of Newell; one daughter, Anita Chasse of Newell; one son, Michael Murphy of Newell; four grandchildren; two sisters, Carolyn McWhorter of Marietta, Ga., and Ann Bagley of Anniston; and four brothers, Rev. Leron Murphy and Franklin Murphy of Newell, Billy Joe Murphy of Woodland, and Bryant Murphy of Eastaboga. Pallbearers will be Dustin Chasse, Kip Chasse, Bill Hancock, Owen Henderson, Phillip Murphy, Mark Murphy, Billy Ayres and Ricky Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Grady Daniel, Edward Hulsey and William Moore. Rev. Murphy was born May 6, 1932, son of Joe Lee and Lila A. Cosper Murphy. He was a member of Jordan's Chapel Congregational Methodist Church, a textile mechanic, a member of the Graham Masonic Lodge, and a minister for 43 years, serving Upper Cane Creek, Beal and Jordan's Chapel Methodist churches. Rev. Murphy was preceded in death by one sister, Clarea Allen; and two brothers, Theron and Robert Milton Murphy. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to the Jordan's Chapel Church Building Fund. __________ Rosie L. Thornton-Cunningham (ATLANTA) Rosie L. Thornton-Cunningham of Atlanta, Ga., died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at Hospice Atlanta Center. Services will be Saturday, May 12, at 1 p.m. at Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church, Roanoke, with the Revs. Elijah Jackson, L.B. Houston and Johnny Thornton officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include nieces Maggie Rowland, Tracy Thornton and Earnestine Thornton of Atlanta, Linda DeSouza, Doris M. Bonzo and Thelma Denise Sims of Decatur, Ga., and Odessa Keith of Cleveland, Ohio; and nephews Calvin Thornton and L.C. Thornton of Atlanta, Gene Thornton of Springfield, Va., and Alvin Thornton of Suitland, Md. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Cunningham; a brother, King George Thornton; and a sister, Mary Ann Robinson. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. _____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 16, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Betty Jean Molden Lancaster (WEDOWEE) Betty Jean Molden Lancaster, 63, of 308 Main Street, Wedowee, died Sunday, May 13, 2007 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Services will be Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. at Canaan "Shining Light" Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Revs. A.J. Sims, R.L. Heflin and William Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include three sons, Demetrius Lancaster of Conley, Ga., Ronald Lancaster of College Park, Ga., and Melvin Lancaster of Atlanta; a daughter, Sheri Lancaster Stevenson of Powder Springs, Ga.; four brothers, John Molden and James Molden of Wadley and Benny Molden and John Frank Molden of Atlanta; 12 grandchildren; and host of special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Lancaster; and a son, Hester Lancaster. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ James Floyd ‘Cowboy’ Smith (CAMP HILL) James Floyd “Cowboy” Smith, 57, of Camp Hill died Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Lake Martin Community Hospital, Dadeville. Mr. Smith was born in Chambers County on June 5, 1949. He was retired from the Chambers County Highway Department. Services will be at Osanippa Baptist Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Clifford DeLee will officiate. Surviving are three children, Kathy Blackmon of Camp Hill, Margaret Diane Robinson of Pableo, Mt., and June Lee Langford of Gray Hill, Ga.; four sisters, Faye Shaw of Fairfax, Lurine Smith of Huguley, Sara Ann Ledbetter of Tallassee and Brenda Ann King of Cusseta; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Ann Smith. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Cora Mae Purdy (DAWSONVILLE, Ga.) Graveside services for Cora Mae Purdy, 70, of Dawsonville, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, were Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Randolph Memory Gardens, with the Rev. Sonny Kent officiating. Mrs. Purdy died Saturday, May 12, at Gold City Nursing Home in Dahlonega, Ga. Survivors include four sons, Paul Wallace Purdy Jr. of Franklin, Ga., Jeffery Purdy of Cleveland, Tenn., and Bradford Hill Purdy and Wayne Terrell Purdy of Roanoke; a sister, JoAnn Leonard of Dawsonville; and five grandchildren. Pallbearers were Ron Chumbley, Gerald Chumbley, Leroy Polston, Catherine Chumbley and Robbie Ussery. A Rome, Ga., native, Mrs. Purdy was born June 10, 1936, daughter of Henry H. and Mary Lou Feltman Haney. She had worked as a nursing assistant at Brian Center in LaGrange, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Purdy; a sister, Geraldine Terry; and a brother, James Henry Haney. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Thomas Zere McDaniel (ELLENTON, Fla.) Thomas Zere McDaniel, 81, of Ellenton, Fla., died Wednesday, May 9, 2007. Tom was born in Saint Petersburg, Fla., on July 27, 1925, the son of Robert H. McDaniel and Susie Lovelace McDaniel. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and was an avid conservationist. Tom graduated from Saint Petersburg High School (1943) and Auburn University (1950). He was a civil/mechanical engineer in the oil and gas pipeline industry, a World War II Army veteran and a devoted Christian. Survivors include his beloved wife, Olga Caceres McDaniel of Covina, Calif.; devoted daughter, Dorothy (David) Tobin of Dublin, Ga.; a sister, Mildred Dirmeyer of Winter Haven, Fla.; seven sisters-in-law; two grandchildren; and one great-grandson. A celebration of life service will be held with military honors by Kirby Stewart, American Legion Post #24 officiating, Wednesday, May 16, at 4 p.m. at Mansion Memorial Funeral Home, Ellenton. Memorial contributions may be sent to Blake Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, Blake Medical Center, 2020 59th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34209. __________ Ethel Landers Braswell Morrison (BIRMINGHAM) Ethel Landers Braswell Morrison, 81, died May 10, 2007, in Birmingham. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Jackson Morrison of Birmingham; one son, Thomas Michael Morrison of Birmingham; one daughter, Meg Morrison Jamison of Birmingham; two sisters, Thelma Braswell of Wedowee and Mary Cobb of Anniston; one brother, Grady Braswell of Birmingham; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Bill Braswell of Wedowee. Mrs. Morrison received a B.S. Degree in Education from Jacksonville State University and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Alabama. She began her forty-two year teaching career at Pleasant Grove Junior, High School in Heflin. She continued her teaching career at Childersburg Elementary School, B.B. Comer High School, and completed her career and retired from the Sylacauga City School System. Mrs. Morrison was an active member and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga. She served as president of Alpha Kappa Delta, a professional teacher's sorority. Mrs. Morrison was also a member of the Sylacauga Garden Club. After moving to Somerby Retirement Community in Birmingham, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison joined First Baptist Church of Birmingham. Mrs. Morrison was a member of the J.O.Y. Sunday School Class. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 14 from First Baptist Church in Sylacauga. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery. Dr. William L. Dean and the Rev. Keith Pugh officiated. Pallbearers were Wilson Jamison, Thomas Morrison, John Cobb, Stan Hoge, Danny Braswell, David Braswell and Butch Rice. Honorary pallbearers were the deacons of First Baptist Church of Sylacauga. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Inc., 1720 7th Avenue South, M360SC, Birmingham, AL 35924. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com. Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga. __________ Jeremie Wayne Messer (ASHLAND) Services for Jeremie Wayne Messer, 32, of Ashland were held Monday, May 14, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Wadley First Baptist Church with Bro. Jimmy Sprayberry officiating. Burial followed at Wadley Cemetery. Mr. Messer died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at Milltown, Chambers County, on Friday, May 11. Survivors include his parents, Kenneth and Angela Messer of Ashland; a daughter, Savannaha Morgan Messer of LaGrange, Ga.; a son, Sturgis Beau Messer of LaGrange; grandmother, Symirow Messer of Wedowee; a brother, Kenny Lee Messer of LaFayette; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Nelma Smith and Olin Messer. Pallbearers were Justin Smith, Dustin Smith, Jared McGill, Phillip Albright, Jerry Norris and Randall Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Ronald Smith, Ricky Smith, Scott Smith, Alan Pearson, Jerry Hall and Jerry McVey. A Clay County native, Mr. Messer was born September 7, 1974, son of Kenneth Wayne and Angela Smith Messer. He had been employed with Wellborn Industries. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Talmedge Eugene Duke (ATLANTA) Talmedge Eugene Duke, 72, of Atlanta, formerly of Lanett, died Thursday, May 10, 2007, at his residence. Graveside services were Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Lanett with the Rev. Leon Newton officiating. Mr. Duke is survived by three, sisters, Hazel Reed of Orlando, Fla., and Edna Davis and Martha Nell Childers of Atlanta. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who loved him very much. Mr. Duke was born on Sept. 20, 1934, in Randolph County. He was the son of the late John and LaConia Duke. He was a Baptist. Mr. Duke was a big sports fan, with the Atlanta Braves being his favorite team. He was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Dr. Ward David Noyes Dr. Ward David Noyes, University of Florida Medical Professor Emeritus, died May 9, 2007, from lung and heart complications. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Adair Noyes, along with three daughters, Patti Gamblin, Katie Kerins and Layne Cheek and three sons, David Noyes, Jeff Noyes and John Talmage and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Talmage. Noyes, a nationally recognized medical researcher, joined the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1961 and served as the chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology from 1970 to 1994. During his tenure at the University of Florida, he served on numerous University and Medical School committees including President of the Medical School Faculty. Noyes retired in 1999, but remained active both in medicine as well pursuing his long-time interests in community affairs. Dr. Noyes was born in Schenectady, N.Y., on Aug. 25, 1927, and attended the University of Rochester, where he earned both his bachelor's degree and medical degree. During his undergraduate studies, Noyes took a leave from his academic pursuits to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. While serving on the faculty of the University of Washington School of Medicine, Noyes was academically recognized and received a U.S. Public Health Service Research Fellowship to conduct additional research in Oxford, England, and Lund, Sweden. After joining the faculty of the University of Florida, Noyes served as a World Health Organization Consultant in Thailand during the mid-70s, where he taught and directed Thailand's efforts to improve hematology clinics and the quality of university teaching. Noyes will be remembered for his commitment to community service. A special interest was volunteering in the ACORN Public Health Clinic for Migrant Workers from its inception until his retirement. He was a founding member of the United Church of Gainesville, active in local and state politics and supported public education by serving on local school committees. Whether he was volunteering in a community health clinic, conducting research or gardening, he left the many places he lived in a better, healthier and a more beautiful place. Dr. and Mrs. Noyes were former owners of a home in Taylor's Crossroads community of Randolph County. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 20, at the Seranta Beach Club, 3175 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd. (A1A), Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Contributions can be made in Dr. Noyes' honor to New Hope Congregational Christian Church Cemetery Fund, 221 Spring Hill Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010. Services under the care and direction of Quinn-Shalz, A Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. __________ Velma Rebecca Malone McCullough Robinson (ROANOKE) Velma Rebecca Malone McCullough Robinson, 72, of Roanoke, formerly of Heard County, Ga., died Wednesday, May 9, at her home. Services for Mrs. Robinson were Saturday, May 12, at 11 a.m. EDT at Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Neil Awbrey and Kenneth Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Franklin City Cemetery. Mrs. Robinson was born in Spalding County, Ga., to the late Roy Malone and Addie Ison Malone. She was a homemaker and a member of Rock Stand Christian Church. She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Gene Robinson of Roanoke; children, Keith McCullough, Susan Brandenburg, Beth Johnson and Donald McCullough, all of Franklin, Ga., Bobbie McCullough of Fort Polk, La., Theresa Foster and Andy McCullough of Kansas, and Donald Gene Robinson and Kenneth Glenn Robinson of Abilene, Texas; and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph McCullough; one son, Johnny McCullough; and a daughter, Rhonda Lynn Robinson. Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ Audra Bailey Wood (CROCKETT, Texas) Audra Bailey Wood, 75, of Crockett, Texas, formerly of Houston, died Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in the East Texas Medical Center-Crockett. Mrs. Wood was born Feb. 11, 1932, in Flona, Ga., and had lived in Crockett for the past two months, previously living in Houston. She was retired having worked as a paralegal secretary and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Crockett. Survivors include two daughters, Stacy Easterly of Crockett and Kelcy Johnson of Houston; three grandchildren; two brothers, J. F. Bailey of Valdosta, Ga., and Arnold Bailey of Woodland; a sister, Julia Wilson of LaGrange, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mrs. Wood was preceded in death by her parents, T. J. and Ruby Bailey; and brothers and sisters, Ilene Heard, Era Lewis, Mary Watson, Hulitt Bailey, Gene Bailey and Geneva Gregory. Services for Mrs. Wood will be Friday, May 11, at 11 a.m. in the Callaway- Allee Memorial Chapel with Dr. Jerry House officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 984, Crockett, Texas 75835; Flat Rock United Methodist Church in Woodland, Ala., or American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home, Crockett. __________ Ruth C. Lee (WOODLAND) Services for Ruth C. Lee, 89, of Woodland, were Friday, May 11, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Cloyse Johnson and the Rev. Gary Henderson officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Lee died Wednesday, May 9, at Randolph Medical Center, Roanoke. Survivors include three daughters, JoAnne Maxwell of Tucker, Ga., Linda Wakeham of Fayetteville, Ga., and Kathy Thrash of Woodland; four sons, Wallace Lee and Robert Lee of Woodland, Vic Lee of Auburn and Jimmy Lee of Titus; 16 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were her nine grandsons: Brad Maxwell and Phil Maxwell of Norcross, Ga., Greg Lee and Tim Lee of Birmingham, Chris Landry of Palmetto, Ga., Jeffrey Lee of Auburn, Jason Lee of Homewood, Shane White and Brandon White of Wedowee. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Lee was born Oct. 28, 1917, daughter of Charles and Ella Lovvorn Capehart. She was a member of Bear Creek United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil V. Lee, and a son, Roy Franklin Lee. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Tillman Moncus (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) Tillman Moncus, 82, formerly of LaGrange, Ga., died Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Palm Garden of Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Moncus was born Aug. 6, 1924, in Randolph County, Ala., son of the late Jack and Barbara McGill Moncus. An Army Air Force veteran of World War II, he served in the D-Day invasion. He lived in LaGrange most of his life before making his home in Jacksonville last year, was a retired owner of Moncus Brothers Plumbing Company and was a member of Southwest LaGrange Baptist Church and Liberty Hill Hunting Club. Survivors include daughters, Rita Story of Jacksonville and Carolyn Moncus of LaGrange; two grandsons; and a brother, George Moncus of LaGrange. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Fincher Moncus. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, at graveside in Restlawn Memory Gardens, with military honors. The Rev. Jerry Eley will officiate. Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Betty Jean Molden Lancaster (WEDOWEE) Betty Jean Molden Lancaster, 63, of 308 Main Street, Wedowee, died Sunday, May 13, 2007 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Services will be Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. at Canaan “Shining Light” Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Revs. A.J. Sims, R.L. Heflin and William Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include three sons, Demetrius Lancaster of Conley, Ga., Ronald Lancaster of College Park, Ga., and Melvin Lancaster of Atlanta; a daughter, Sheri Lancaster Stevenson of Powder Springs, Ga.; four brothers, John Molden and James Molden of Wadley and Benny Molden and John Frank Molden of Atlanta; 12 grandchildren; and host of special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Lancaster; and a son, Hester Lancaster. Public viewing will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. _____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 23, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Nealie Daugherty Key (WEDOWEE) Services for Nealie Daugherty Key, 90, of Wedowee will be Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church, with the Rev. Steve Dempsey officiating. Mrs. Key will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Key died Monday, May 21, at Clay County Hospital. Mrs. Key is survived be [by]two daughters, Barbara Blanks and Dianne Smith of Wedowee; two sons, Louis Key of Wedowee and Larry Key of Valley; one sister, Francis Gann of Munford; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Alfred Huddleston, Eddie Lindley, Craig Boyd, Anthony Key, Tony Gann, Earl Nichols, Robert Key and Greg Deese. Mrs. Key was born Nov 24, 1916, daughter of John Austin and Biola Morrison Daugherty. She was a member of Pinetucky Baptist Church and a homemaker. Mrs. Key was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Key. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. [?Biola Morrison] __________ Louise Gray Smith (VALLEY) Louise Gray Smith, 93, of Valley died Sunday, May 20, 2007, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley. Graveside services were Tuesday, May 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Fairfax Cemetery with the Rev. Steve York officiating. Mrs. Smith is survived by her nieces, Delores Benefield Pitts, Cindy B. McGinty, Marion Bradfield and Faye Fuller; and her nephews, Wynton T. Benefield, Allen W. Benefield and Stell Gray. Born April 10, 1914, in Wadley, Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Mary Lizzie Phillips Gray and Waymon Leon Gray. She was a retired employee of WestPoint Home's Fairfax Mill and was a charter member of Fairfax First Baptist Church. The family respectfully declines the honor of flowers and asks that memorials be made to Fairfax First Baptist Church in her memory. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ William Jack Henson (HOGANSVILLE, Ga.) William Jack Henson, 75, of Hogansville, Ga., died Saturday, May 19, 2007, at West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Henson was born on July 18, 1931, in Randolph County, Ala., son of the late William Henson and Mattie Lou Hamilton Henson. He had been an area resident all his life and was a member of Rock of Ages Baptist Church. Mr. Henson was retired from Delta Airlines as a machinist and was a member of the Moose Lodge and was a Mason. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lurlene Smith. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Agnes Blanks Henson of Hogansville; daughter, Patsy Doran of LaGrange, Ga.; son, William Michael “Mike” Henson of Hogansville; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Rance Henson of Hogansville; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, May 21, at Rock of Ages Baptist Church with the Revs. Randy Dunlap and Ricky Pursley officiating. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 4570 Reese Rd., Columbus, GA 31907. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange. __________ James Monroe Bennett (ROANOKE) Services for James Monroe Bennett, 70, of Roanoke, formerly of Rock Mills, were Monday, May 21, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Wendell Rush, Steve Barr and Ricky Cummings officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Bennett died Saturday, May 19, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Survivors include his wife, Johanna Stewart Bennett of Roanoke; one daughter, Tammy Farr of Roanoke; one son, Tim Bennett of Bainbridge, Ga.; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Charlotte Potts of Roanoke; and one brother, Billy Bennett of Rock Mills. Pallbearers were Jackie Potts, Chris Potts, Chuck Potts, Nick Potts, Wayne Tobin and Norman Conyers. A Heard County, Ga., native, Mr. Bennett was born Sept. 23, 1936, son of “Doc” Bennett and Alma Prather Bennett. He was a member of Rock Mills Baptist Church and had worked with Wehadkee Yarn Mills. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ G. David Nix (LAFAYETTE) Services for G. David Nix, 54, of LaFayette were Sunday, May 20, 2007, at 2 p.m. at LaFayette Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Burial followed at LaFayette City Cemetery. Mr. Nix died Thursday, May 17, at Randolph Medical Center. The owner and operator of LaFayette Monument Company, Mr. Nix was born Nov. 13, 1952, in Chambers County. He was a member of LaFayette Heights Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Diana Nix of LaFayette; two children, Brent Nix of Montgomery and Kim Nix of LaFayette; his mother, Zelna Nix of Valley; two sisters, Judy Hollon of Valley and Brenda Langley of McDonough, Ga.; a brother, Charles Nix of Augusta, Ga.; three grandchildren; and a sister-in-law. Mr. Nix was preceded in death by his father, William Curtis Nix, and a brother, Donald Nix. Pallbearers were Harold Harmon, Charles Burton, Clay Walton, Jr. Riddle, John Carl Trammell and Wade Hollon. Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Jean Duffie Moon (ANNISTON) Services for Jean Duffle Moon, 76, of Anniston will be Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Lewis P. Bowen, David Vinson and Stanley Owen officiating at Chapel Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Forestlawn Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, May 18, at the funeral home. Mrs. Moon died at her residence Wednesday, May 16. Mrs. Moon is survived by her husband, Odis Moon of Anniston; sons, Wendell Duffle and Tim Moon of Anniston; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Bob Dunaway, Jack Dunaway, Gerald Stamps, David Bradley, Bradley and Jeff Ford. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Dunaway and Jim Dunaway. Mrs. Moon was a native of Wedowee and lifelong resident of Anniston. She was a member of Fairview Heights Northside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Bernice Bowen. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Anniston. __________ Etha Mae Bowen (ROANOKE) Services for Etha Mae “Mama Red” Bowen, 87, of Roanoke were Friday, May 18, 2007, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ed Grooms and Rev. Jimmy Dale Abrams officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Bowen died Tuesday, May 15, at her home. Survivors include four daughters, Martha Jeter, Barbara Hester and Sherry Bowen, all of Roanoke, and Sandra Christopher of Wedowee; two sons, Hoyt Bowen Jr. of Anniston and Tony “Tank” Bowen of Largo, Fla.; two sisters, Bovene McManus of Phenix City and Loretta Wiggly of Jacksonville, Fla.; one sister-in- law; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great- grandchildren. Pallbearers were Danny Bowen, Robert Bowen, David Jeter, Jeff Christopher, Greg Harper and Sonny Christopher. Mrs. Bowen was born May 14, 1920, daughter of McKinley and Elma Brown Langley. She was a member of Lowell Methodist Church and had been a homemaker. Mrs. Bowen was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt T. “Papa Red” Bowen Sr., three sisters, two brothers and a grandson. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to Lowell Methodist Church or Countryside Hospice. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Lorenza ‘John’ Bowen (ROANOKE) Graveside services for Lorenza “John” Bowen, 76, of Roanoke will be Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Randolph Memory Gardens with the Rev. Rob Steinbrook and Rev. Kenneth Bowen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16. Mr. Bowen died Tuesday, May 15, at Traylor Nursing Home. Survivors include his wife, Wilma Richardson Bowen of Roanoke; a son, Davey Bowen of Roanoke; two grandsons; one step-grandson; one step-granddaughter; two daughters-in-law; five sisters, Bonnell Keeble and Joyce Gibson of Columbus, Ga., Wilma Newton of Atlanta, Glennis Rhodes of Sweetwater, Tenn., and Charlotte Wills of Eastaboga; and one brother, Gary Bowen of Opelika. Pallbearers will be Wallace Fetner, Roman Richardson, Raymond Richardson, Norman Rhodes, Todd Cofield and Clark Windsor. Mr. Bowen was born June 14, 1930, son of Arther D. and Ethel Brown Bowen. He was of the Church of Christ faith, had been a truck driver for Mayfield Trucking and served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Bowen was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Christopher and Jon Kenneth Bowen; two sisters, Lurline Fowler and Myrtie Mitchell; and one brother, Rudy Bowen. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Betty Owens Higgins (WEDOWEE) Services for Betty Owens Higgins, 54, of Wedowee, will be Friday, May 18, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Rock Springs Christian Church with the Rev. Ricky Emory and the Rev. Roger Florence officiating. Mrs. Higgins will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. Mrs. Higgins died Wednesday, May 16, at University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 17, from 4 till 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Higgins is survived by her husband, Herbert Higgins of Wedowee; a daughter, Emily Harmon of Roanoke; a son, Billy Higgins of Roanoke; her mother, Joyce Owens of Roanoke; six grandchildren; and two sisters, Susan Humphries of Columbus, Ga., and Sharon Vowell of Roanoke. Pallbearers will be Adam Gilmore, James Whaley, James Fisher, Alex Higgins, Josh Higgins, Chris Brooks, Anthony Higgins and Chad Davis. Mrs. Higgins was born Aug. 24, 1952, the daughter of Bill and Joyce Fallen Owens. She was a member of Rock Springs Christian Church and was a quality control engineer at Plantation Patterns. Mrs. Higgins was preceded in death by her father, Bill Owens. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. _____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader May 30, 2007 ________________ OBITUARIES: Mary George Kitchens Mitchum (ROANOKE) Services for Mary George Kitchens Mitchum, 85, of Roanoke will be Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at Quattlebaum Funeral Home from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Mrs. Mitchum died Monday, May 28, at Randolph Medical Center. Survivors include one daughter, Donna Kitchens Hall of Wadley; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jim Hall, John Dwight Hall, Jeff Hall, Keith Coker, Mark Brown and Oliver Kitchens. Mrs. Mitchum was born July 12, 1921, daughter of George Pearson and Mary Holderfield Gilbert. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke and had been a housewife. Mrs. Mitchum is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Edward Kitchens; and her husband, John C. Mitchum Jr. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Bobby Gene ‘Bob’ Bennett (WADLEY) Graveside services for Bobby Gene “Bob” Bennett, 69, of Wadley were Monday, May 28, 2007, at 3 p.m. from the Concord Church Cemetery with the Rev. Gordon Taylor officiating. Mr. Bennett died May 26 at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Myra Railey Bennett of Roanoke; three daughters, Debbie Polston of Palmyra, Tenn., and Dawn Bennett and Audra Gosdin of Wadley; three sons, Mike Bennett, Jimmy Bennett and Brad Bennett, all of Wadley; one sister, Lavada Fetner of Blakely, Ga.; two brothers, E.C. Bennett of Amarillo, Texas, and Larkin Bennett of New Ellenton, S.C.; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Tim Bennett, Brandson Bennett, Michael Caypless, Jason Gosdin, Ben Bennett and William Tatum. Mr. Bennett was born Aug. 28, 1937, son of A.J. and Della Kellum Bennett. He was a member of Mt. Zion Christian Church and was the operator of Bob & Myra's Groceries. Mr. Bennett was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Amber Parrish, Norma Lee Clark and Clovice Lacy; two brothers, W.B. Bennett and Gordon Bennett. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Clarence Harold Hall (ROANOKE) Services for Clarence Harold Hall, 73, of Roanoke were Monday, May 28, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Rock Mills Methodist Church with the Revs. Frank Foster, Paul Messer and Andrew Dressler officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Hall died Friday, May 25, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Jean Carden Hall of Roanoke; one son, Mark Hall of LaGrange, Ga.; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers were Randy Hall, Paul Williams, Matt McEwen, Gene Burks, Tim Hall and Ron Kramer. Mr. Hall was born Sept. 26, 1933, son of Ervin and Lucille Bennett Hall. He was a member of Rock Mills Methodist Church and co-owner of Hall's Propane Gas Company. Mr. Hall was a former member of the Roanoke Kiwanis Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Doris Davis; and one brother, Hubert Hall. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Randall Keith Mitchell Randall Keith Mitchell died on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. He was 24 years of age. Randall was a graduate of Gardendale High School, where he lettered in football and baseball for four years and basketball for three years. He also attended Southern Union State Community College in Wadley on a baseball scholarship. He was engaged to Niki Popham of Prattville. They were to wed on June 2, 2007. Randall was employed by Five Star Water Plant in Prattville. He was also a member of Autaugaville Baptist Church. He is survived by his mom and dad, Terry and Pat Mitchell of Gardendale; his grandmother, Sara Mitchell of Maplesville; two aunts; two uncles; and several cousins. Randall is leaving behind many special friends that he loved and who loved him. Pallbearers were Coach Barry Brake, Coach Tommy Morton, Coach Mike McCombs, Justin Whitworth, Mike Swack and Keith Hogeland. Funeral services were Saturday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at Gardendale First Baptist Church. The Rev. Mark Harrison and Bob Brewis officiated. Morgan's at Gardendale Funeral Home. __________ Rebecca Smith Taylor (SHARPSBURG, Ga.)Rebecca Smith Taylor, 56, of Sharpsburg, Ga., died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at Atlanta Medical Center. She was born Aug. 25, 1950, in Roanoke. She was a long-time waitress at Waffle House and most recently worked in the Peachtree City, Ga., location. The funeral was Saturday, May 26, at 11 in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, Newnan, Ga., with the Rev. Gary Cunningham officiating. Burial was at 1 p.m. at Bethel East Cemetery in Randolph County. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com. Mrs. Taylor is survived by her husband, David Taylor of Sharpsburg; sons, James “Tony” Taylor and Michael Taylor of Sharpsburg; a sister, Betty Sue Veal of LaFayette; a brother, Charlie Ray Smith of St. Augustine, Fla.; and three grandchildren. McKoon Funeral Home, Newnan. __________ Jones Corlett ‘Jay’ Norton (ROANOKE) Services for Jones Corlett “Jay” Norton, 88, of Roanoke will be Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Roanoke First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. John Mann and the Rev. Paul Messer officiating. Mr. Norton will lie in state from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mr. Norton died Thursday, May 24, at University of Alabama Hospital, Birmingham, after complications following heart surgery. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Boehms Norton of Roanoke; one daughter, Laura Levenson of Pensacola, Fla.; three sons, Bill Norton of Birmingham, Tom Norton of Roanoke and Charley Norton of Wedowee; nine grandchildren; and one nephew. Pallbearers will be Jones Levenson, Mark Norton, Danny Parsons, Rick Floyd, Timothy “Buzz” Endress and Avery Kennedy. Honorary pallbearers will be the First Methodist Choir, John Frank Burdette, Hookie Young, Gerald Knight, Spec Bonner, Otto Korth and Hani Dabbas. Mr. Norton was born Feb. 2, 1919, son of Ruther Hall and Leah Etta Caudle Norton. He was a naval veteran of World War II. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Roanoke, where he served on various boards, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir for over 30 years. Mr. Norton owned Norton's Flooring, was a lifetime member of the Roanoke Masonic Lodge, where he was a 33rd degree Mason, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite Shriners. He served on the board of the Roanoke Country Club. Mr. Norton was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Jenny Lee Norton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Methodist Van Fund. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Helen Cauline Moree Moon (ROANOKE) Services for Helen Cauline Moree Moon, 75, of Roanoke were Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Antioch Christian Church, with the Rev. Anthony Herren officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Moon died Wednesday, May 23, at the Care Center of Opelika. Survivors include her husband, Paul Moon of Roanoke; one daughter, Wanda Brasseal of Ashland; one son, Paul Randy Moon of Opelika; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosie Pinkard of Roanoke; and one brother, James Moree of Alexandria. Pallbearers were Jason Moon, Brian Brasseal, Wesley Brasseal, Scott Brasseal, Sammy Hill and Chance Hill. Mrs. Moon was born April 7, 1932, daughter of Cephus and Carrie Moree. She was a member of Antioch Christian Church and had been an administrative assistant for Amoco Fabrics and Fibers. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to Antioch Christian Church or the National Alzheimer’s Association. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Jerry Hill (VALLEY) Jerry Hill, 65, of Valley died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at his residence. Services were Saturday, May 26, at 3 p.m. EDT at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley with the Rev. Frank Rittenberry officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery. Mr. Hill is survived by his wife, Wanda D. Harris Hill of Valley; his children, Gene Hill of Valley, Tammy Toland of Lanett, Tony Hill, Keith Arrington, Angie Perryman and Rufus Jerry "J.J." Hill Jr., all of Valley, Michele Learner of Cusseta and Sissy Tuten and Buffie Jackson of Atlanta; three brothers, Gerald Hill of Valley and Harold Satterwhite and Richard Satterwhite of LaGrange, Ga.; a sister, Shirley Burkes of West Point, Ga.; 24 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Hill was born May 18, 1942, in Randolph County. He loved hunting and fishing, enjoyed picking and grinning and enjoyed working in his garden. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Alice Anita Kunickis (CRAGFORD) Alice Anita Kunickis, 82, of Cragford died Saturday, May 19, 2007 of natural causes at the home of her son, Bob Kunickis, in Ashland. Mrs. Kunickis was born May 20, 1924, in Roanoke. Survivors include her children, Lavona Casson of Louisville, Ky., Ken Kunickis of Laurens, Iowa, and Bob Kunickis of Ashland; a sister, Mary Rutter of Clemson, S.C.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruno Kunickis, and a sister, Virginia Morgan. A celebration of her life was held on Sunday, May 20, 2007. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary & Crematory, Anniston. __________ Sue P. Benefield (WEDOWEE) Services for Sue P. Benefield, 75, of Wedowee, were Friday, May 25, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Cavers Grove Congregational Christian Church, with the Rev. George Smitherman and Bro. Ricky Daniel officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Benefield died Wednesday, May 23, at Wedowee Hospital. Mrs. Benefield is survived by one daughter, Donna Standridge of Blountsville; one son, David Benefield of Wedowee; one sister, Diana Perkins of Woodland; sister-in-law Estelle Kaylor of Heflin; and five grandchildren. Pallbearers were Randy Benefield, Cody Grant, Danny Bailey, Jeff Luker, Matthew Luker, Anthony Perkins and Robbie Robertson. Mrs. Benefield was born April 20, 1932, daughter of Wyatt and Sallie Boyd Traylor. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and had been a waitress at the Dari King. Mrs. Benefield was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Deborah Benefield; and one brother, H.M. Traylor. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Joyce O. Sheppard Butler (ASHLAND) Services for Joyce O. Sheppard Butler, 71, of Ashland were Thursday, May 24, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland, with the Revs. J.D. Bearden, Gerald Sheppard and Claude Bennett officiating. Burial followed in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke. Mrs. Butler died Monday, May 21, in Dadeville. She was a native of Woodland but had lived most of her life in Clay County. She had worked as a nurses aide and at Palm Beach as a machine operator for several years. She was a talented pianist. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Yates Collum of Dadeville and Glenis Butler Payne of Douglasville, Ga.; two sisters, Nell Barrett of Franklin, Ga., and Diana Bailey of LaFayette; five brothers, Jimmy Sheppard of Fayetteville, N.C., Gerald Sheppard of Rock Mills, Ted Sheppard of Glenn, Ga., Jack Sheppard of LaFayette and Roger Sheppard of Five Points; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dofford Butler; her parents, James Madison Sheppard and Euthia Ermis Thompson Sheppard; and one brother, Tommy Sheppard. __________ Walter R. Garrett Jr. (SAGINAW, Mich.) Services for Walter R. Garrett Jr., 59, of Saginaw, Mich., will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 120 N. 15th St., Saginaw. St. Paul pastor Vincent D. McMillon and pastor Jacob Gaines of New Missionary Baptist Church will officiate, with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Mr. Garrett died Thursday, May 24. He was born March 27, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tenn. He leaves to cherish his memory four daughters, Tina Woolery of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Rayvonda and Tavonna Garrett and Trina Townsend, all of Saginaw; two sons, Walter R. Garrett III and Courtney Burch of Saginaw; his stepfather, William Carter of Saginaw; three sisters, Brenda Lawson of Saginaw and Cheryl Broom and Cathy Stanley of Columbus, Ohio; four brothers, Thomas Garrett of Roanoke, Robert Garrett Jr. of Chicago, William Stanley Carter of Shreveport, La., and Mark Garrett of Columbus, Ohio; a stepbrother, Robert Williams III; stepsisters, Deborah Bandy, Jackie Williams, Shelley Johnson and Nikki Jackson; 20 grand-children: and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Pearl Carter, and his father, Walter R. Garrett Sr. Browne's Mortuary, Saginaw. _________________________________________________________ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/m/may20071397gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 64.8 Kb