Randolph County AlArchives Obituaries.....November 2007, The Randolph Leader November 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 26, 2008, 2:41 pm The Randolph Leader - November 2007 The Randolph Leader November 7, 2007 _________________ OBITUARIES: Rebecca Traylor Moss (WEDOWEE) Services for Rebecca Traylor, Moss, 69, of Wedowee, were Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Corinth Baptist Church with the Revs. Braden Morrison, Tommy Carr and Robert Mount officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Eddie Creed, Joe Sikes, S.A. Kidd, Herman Landers, Richie Taylor and Jimmy Norton. Mrs. Moss died Thursday, Nov. 1, at Wedowee Hospital. Mrs. Moss is survived by her husband, Robert E. Moss; two daughters, Mary G. Sikes and Elizabeth G. Creed of Wedowee; on [one]step-son, Rod Moss of Huntsville; three grandchildren, two step-grandsons; two brothers, Glen Traylor of Wedowee and James Robert Traylor of Moultrie, Ga. Mrs. Moss, a native of Randolph County[,] was born Oct. 10, 1938, the daughter of Sylvan and Lorena Braden Traylor. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church, social worker for the State of Alabama, member of Women's Methodist Club and the Garden Club. Mrs. Moss graduated from Randolph County High School in 1955 and earned a degree from Jacksonville State university. She was given the honor of outstanding teacher of America in 1972. Her favorite pastimes were art, reading, painting and writing poetry. All her life she loved and supported those she cared for most. Mrs. Moss was preceded in death by her parents. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ William S. ‘Bill’ Wier (WEDOWEE) Services for William S. “Bill” Wier, 93, of Wedowee were Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Green's Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Cloyse Johnson, the Rev. Guy Benefield Jr., and the Rev. Tommy Burke officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandsons and nephews. Mr. Wier died Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Traylor Nursing Home. Mr. Wier is survived by one daughter, Julia White of Wedowee; one son, Steve Wier of Wedowee; four grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Maxwell “Max” Wier of Okochobee, Fla., and James Shaffer Wier of Roanoke; and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Wier was born Aug. 28, 1914, son of Swanee S. and Ora Lee Entrekin Wier. He was a member of Green's Chapel Methodist Church and was a forest ranger for the United States Forest Service. His hobby was building swings and birdhouses. Mr. Wier served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Wier was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Wier; one sister, Virginia Wier; and two brothers, Robert and Tom Wier. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Green’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Jackson Allen Mitchell (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Jackson Allen “Jack” Mitchell, 45, of Carrollton, Ga., died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007. Mr. Mitchell was born in Cleburne County, on Nov. 15, 1961, the son of Betty Ora Wysner Mitchell McElroy and the late Billy Bob Mitchell. He was owner and operator of his trucking company. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant and a brother and sister. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Aline Todd Mitchell, of Carrollton; two daughters, Joni Leigh Mitchell of Carrollton and Jessica Hall Mitchell Gray of LaGrange, Ga.; one granddaughter; mother, Betty McElroy of Bowdon, Ga.; a brother, Billy Mac Mitchell of Tallapoosa, Ga.; two sisters, Peggy Ann Pollard Eldred of Woodland and Penny Mitchell of Carrollton. Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Rainwater Funeral Home in Bowdon with the Revs. Roy Wysner and Randy King officiating. Pallbearers were Brad Pollard, Justin Felton Buchanan, Jared Mitchell, Louie White, Steve Brown and Chris Thomas. Interment services followed in Carroll Memory Gardens, Carrollton. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.rainwaterfuneralhome.com. Rainwater Funeral Home, Bowdon. __________ Ilene Perry Pitts (WEDOWEE) Services for Ilene Perry Pitts, 89, of Wedowee were Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at Midway United Methodist Church with the Rev. Cloyce Johnson officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Pitts died Saturday, Nov. 3 at Cherokee County Nursing Home in Centre after a long illness. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, B.H. Pitts, formerly of Wedowee; a son, Bill Pitts of Powder Springs, Ga.; a daughter, Joyce McCord of Silver Creek, Ga.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Brannon Baker, Jamie McCord, Scott McCord, Bobby Perry, Chris Perry and Ralph Pitts. Mrs. Pitts was a life-long resident of Randolph County and an active member of Midway United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher and volunteer for many years. She retired from the Dietary Department in Wedowee Hospital in 1983 after 10 years of service and worked in the textile industry for many years prior. She had a love for baking and cooking, and many in the Wedowee community will fondly remember her baked breads, pies and cakes. Mrs. Pitts was a skilled seamstress and a talented quilter, having hand-sewn many quilts and dolls over the years for family and friends. She loved to travel and also enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful houseplants as well as preserving fruits and vegetables grown at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midway United Methodist Church or to a favorite charity. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Elaine McWhorter McLain Sapp (FRANKLIN, Ga.) Elaine McWhorter McLain Sapp, 71, of Franklin, Ga., died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007 at her home. Services will be Thursday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at Prospect Church in the Texas community of Heard County, Ga. She will lie in state one hour prior to service time. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive guests at Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home in Franklin on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted, but those who wish may make donations to the Elaine McLain Memorial Music Scholarship at First Georgia Banking Company. Mrs. McLain was born in Heard County on April 29, 1936, to the late Joe Cephas McWhorter and Irene Arrington McWhorter. She was a member of Prospect Church, where she and her husband ministered, he as pastor and she as musician. She was a graduate of West Georgia College and was a well loved music teacher in Heard County and the surrounding area. Her students have sung before heads of state in America and around the world and performed in many of the world's major concert halls and on the Broadway stage. In addition to her work in the schools in Heard County, she was well known throughout the Southeast as an accompanist and teacher with the convention gospel singing groups. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Jack Sapp of Franklin; three daughters, Karen McLain of Birmingham, Elisa Langley of Carrollton, Ga., and Lori Smith of Franklin; two grandchildren; and a host of adoring friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, David Langley. Tom Stutts and Son Funeral Home, Franklin. __________ Grady Paul Kirk (DAVISTON) Services for Grady Paul Kirk, 47, of Daviston will be Wednesday; Nov. 7, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Mountain Springs, Baptist Church. The Revs. Tim Whaley, Thurman Hamlet and James Dennis will officiate. Burial will follow in the Daviston Baptist Church Cemetery. He will lie in state one hour prior to service time at the church. Mr. Kirk died Sunday, Nov: 4, at Bethany House. He was born Dec. 13, 1959, in Roanoke to Grady Kirk Jr. and Lurline Vickers Kirk. He was a member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, sang in the church group, loved to preach and was involved in mission work. He worked for Russell Corporation for 22 years as a sewing machine mechanic and Wellborn Cabinet for three years. He enjoyed fishing, softball, cooking ribs for his family and gardening. Mr. Kirk was a member of the Daviston Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the Samaritans Purse Ministry. He is survived by his wife, Vivian Thomas Kirk of Daviston; daughters Misty Patterson of LaFayette and Krystal Watson of Dadeville; son Stephen Paul Kirk of Daviston; one granddaughter; one grandson; a brother, Joe Vick Kirk of Daviston; a sister, Sara Pearl Taunton of Daviston; and numerous inlaws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life Tallapoosa County, American Cancer Society Mid South Division, P.O. Box 3464, Auburn, AL 36831-3464, Mountain Springs Baptist Church, 15191 County Road 62, Wadley, AL 36276 or Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood, Bldg. 100, Auburn, AL 36830. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home, Alexander City. ____________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 14, 2007 _________________ OBITUARIES: Ruby Welsh Wilkins (WADLEY) Services for Ruby Welsh Wilkins, 88, of Wadley were Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. A.L. Courtney officiating. Burial followed at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Tallapoosa County. Mrs. Wilkins died Saturday, Nov 10, at her home. Survivors include four sons, John Wilkins of LaFayette and Lynn Wilkins, Philip Wilkins and Mark Wilkins of Wadley; one sister, Bernece Cotney of Wadley; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A lifelong Chambers County resident, Mrs. Wilkins was born Jan. 21, 1919, daughter of Charles and Bernie Foshee Welsh. She retired from Clegg Manufacturing Company, graduated from Southern Union at age 74 and was the pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Tallapoosa County. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Elaine Harmon Metcalfe (BREWTON) Services for Elaine Harmon Metcalfe, 87, of Brewton, formerly of Randolph County, were Sunday, Nov 11, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Midway Methodist Church in Wedowee, with Bro. Marlin Miller officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Metcalfe died Thursday, Nov. 8, in Brewton after fighting a gallant battle against lung cancer for 18 months. She was born in Randolph County and was a graduate of Randolph County High School. She was the daughter of the late Escar “Eke” Haskel and Ione Harmon. Born in 1920, she lived a long, good life. She is survived by her husband, Charles Tallman Metcalfe of Brewton; two daughters, Dr. Paula McKenzie of Washington, D.C., and Malaine Maddox of Brewton; and two grandchildren. Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Mollie Maudine Hunter (WEDOWEE) Services for Mollie Maudine Hunter, 75, of Wedowee were Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Woodland First Congregational Methodist Church, with the Revs. Earl Rollins and Roger Florence officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Hunter died Friday, Nov. 9, at her home. Survivors include her husband, Jeff Hunter of Wedowee; two daughters, Norma Jean Cantrell of Woodland and Brenda Joyce Allen of Newell; three sons, Russell Lee Hunter of Ranburne, David Wayne Hunter of Wedowee and Randy Glenn Hunter of Newell; two brothers, Chester Hanner and Ed Hanner of LaFayette; ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jeff Cantrell, David Allen, Gary Hunter, Tony Hunter, Scotty Hunter and Chad Murphy. A lifelong Wedowee resident, Mrs. Hunter was born in Clay County, daughter of Aurther Russell and Dora Dixon Hanner. She was a member of Woodland First Congregational Methodist Church and retired from Fashion Star. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Darrell Bobby Wortham (BOWDON, Ga.) Darrell Bobby Wortham, 46, of Bowdon, Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga. He was born in Carroll County, Ga., on March 16, 1962, the son of Finis B. and Effie Mae McLeod Wortham. Mr. Wortham was retired from Chrysler Corporation. He was preceded in death by a brother, Randall Wortham. Survivors include his wife, Renee Brook Wortham of Bowdon; parents, Finis B. and Effie Mae McLeod Wortham of Bowdon; one daughter, Wendy Wyatt of Graham; two stepdaughters, Jessica Pollard of Ranburne and Valerie Laney of Carrollton; one stepson, Scott Laney of Carrollton; one brother, Zachary McLeod of Seattle, Wash.; one grandson and one step-grandson. Funeral services were Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Rainwater Funeral Home with the Revs. Ralph Caldwell and Eugene Robinson officiating. Pallbearers were Craig Wyatt, Kurt McLeod, Billy Herren, Wayne Wortham, Jackie Wortham and Ed McLeod. Interment services followed in Union Baptist Church Cemetery in the Morrison Crossroads Community of Randolph County. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.rainwaterfuneralhome.com. Rainwater Funeral Home, Bowdon. __________ Lula B. Hollis (ANNISTON) Graveside services for Lula B. Hollis, 79, of Anniston were at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007, at Levens Chapel Cemetery in Randolph County with the Rev. L.C. Harris officiating. Ms. Hollis died on Thursday, Nov 8, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. She is survived by her sons, William L. “Bill” Hollis of Sylacauga and Larry G. Hollis of Ohatchee; sisters, Ilene Cruise of Moody and Thelma Smith of Lineville; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Henry Wesley, Pvt. Matthew Reynolds, Gary Bright, Speedy Ball, Franklin D. Waits and Hunter Pritchett. Ms. Hollis was a native of Delta. She was retired from Anniston Sportswear after 30 years of service, and she was a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Author L. and Hassie White Bolt; husband, Idus Hollis; and brothers, Delmer Lee Bolt and James H. Bolt. __________ James Keever Benefield (WEDOWEE) Services for James Keever Benefield, 92, of Wedowee were Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Green's Chapel with the Revs. Cloyse Johnson and Tommy Burk and Bro. Junior Benefield officiating. Burial followed at the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Benefield died Thursday, Nov. 8, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. Survivors include one daughter, Willie Jean Murphy of Smyrna, Ga.; two sons, Gerald Benefield of Dothan and Jim Benefield of Montgomery; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Lewis Benefield, Will Benefield, Bobby Murphy, Toby Murphy, David Benefield and Jason Dorrill. A Randolph County native, Mr. Benefield was born Nov. 14, 1914, son of Olin Franklin and Willie Wilson Benefield. He was a member of Green's Chapel and had served as church secretary/treasurer for many years. Mr. Benefield was an engineer for Randolph County commission over 30 yeas. He was the project engineer for the first cloverleaf exchange in Birmingham and the first in the state of Alabama. He was also active in the Alabama Farm Bureau. Mr. Benefield was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marvolene Benefield; a brother, Wilson Benefield; and two sisters, Lowette Adcock and Aileen Thornton. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Larry Daniel (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Larry Daniel of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, at West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Daniel, a native of Heard County, Ga., was born March 1, 1950, and was the son of the late Harvey Daniel Sr. and Lue Jennie Wilkerson Daniel. He became a member of the Canaan Baptist Church at an early age. Mr. Daniel lived in Jacksonville, Fla., for a number of years. While living in Florida, he met and married Jeannette Cottle and later moved back to LaGrange. He was a truck driver for more than 20 years at B.A.H. Express Inc. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette Daniel; four daughters, Kimberly Holston of LaGrange, Anita Daniel of Conyers, Ga., LaQuita Brooks of Newnan, Ga., and Beverly Daniel of Baldwin, Fla.; six sons, Kevin Daniel and Vincent Daniel of LaGrange, Derick Huzzie of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Corey Daniel, Chaddrick Daniel and Marlos Daniel, all of Baldwin; seven sisters, Evelyn Saffo Sr. of Forest Park, Ga., Emma Daniel and Amelia Daniel of LaGrange, Lizzie Brewer of Franklin, Ga., Ethel Kilby of Decatur, Ga., and Annie Lois Person and Louella Person of Atlanta; eight brothers, Leon Daniel, Robert Daniel, Eddie Person and Felton Person of Franklin, P. L. Daniel and Johnny Daniel of Baldwin, Willie Ralph Daniel of LaGrange and Charlie Daniel of Roanoke; 24 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Daniel Jr.; and sisters: Bessie Daniel Morrow, Audrey Daniel and Gloria Thompson. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at South Park Avenue Church of Christ. Brother Ronnie Nation will officiate. Burial will be in the Southview Cemetery. The family will be at their home and will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 until 7. Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Marvin Mitchell (WEDOWEE) Services for Marvin Mitchell, 64, of Wedowee were Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Don Paris officiating. Mr. Mitchell died Thursday, Nov. 8, in Millington, Tenn. Survivors include his wife, Clara Johnson Mitchell of Wedowee; two daughters, Marty Kirby and Megan Mitchell, both of Wedowee; three grandchildren; one sister, Rosa Lee Brassel of Coffeeville, Miss. A Randolph County native, Mr. Mitchell was born Aug. 9, 1943, son of Durell and Lucy Emery Mitchell. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Wedowee and was a self-employed electrician. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; three brothers, Robert, James and Lee Mitchell; and a sister, Sara Loveless. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Marguerite Phillips Craig (WADLEY) Services for Marquerite Phillips Craig, 98, of Wadley were Sunday, Nov 11, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Martha Hauer officiating. Burial followed at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Orlando, Fla. Memorials may be floral, or the family suggests contributions to First Methodist Church, Hwy. 77, Wadley, AL 36276 or to Clay County Nursing Home. Mrs. Craig died Thursday, Nov 8, at Clay County Nursing Home. Survivors include one daughter, Geraldine Powell of Wadley; one son, Richard Phillips of Washington, Pa.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. A resident of Niagara Falls, N.Y., for most of her life, Mrs. Craig was a native of Smithport Pa., born Aug. 13, 1909, daughter of Andrew and Mabel Hill Walker. She resided in Orlando from 1963 to 1997, and then moved to Wadley. She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Paul V. Phillips and Carl Craig; two sons, Paul R. Phillips and Donald V. Phillips; a sister, Dorothy McQuillan; and a brother, Harold Walker. Ouattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Charlie Frank Greene (VALLEY) Charlie Frank Greene, 76, of Valley died Wednesday, Nov 7, 2007, in Columbus, Ga. No services are planned at this time. Mr. Greene is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Bozeman of Valley and Patricia Sorrell of Lanett; his sister, Daphne Vayda of Charlotte, N.C.; his brother, Donald Ray Greene of Valley; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. Mr. Greene was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Randolph County. He was retired from Fairfax Mill. Mr. Greene loved to hunt. He was a member of Fairfax United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Autism Society of Alabama or to Chattahoochee Hospice. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Ruby Maddox Gray (VALLEY) Ruby Maddox Gray, 87, of Valley died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley. Services were Friday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley with the Revs. Jerry Simmons and Clinton Hadaway officiating. Burial followed in Fairfax Cemetery. Mrs. Gray is survived by two sons, Raymond Charles Gray of Tucker, Ga., and William Earl Gray of Wedowee; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Campbell of Valley; nieces and nephews. Mrs. Gray was born on Oct. 21, 1920, in Buena Vista, Ga. She was a former employee of Langdale Mill and was a member of the Southern Baptist faith all of her life. Mrs. Gray was a member of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church. She loved children and flowers. Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her husband, Horace E. Gray, and her son, Thomas Edward Gray. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Ruth Awbrey Johnson (VALLEY) Ruth Awbrey Johnson, 88, of Valley died Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services were Thursday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. at Langdale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Roger Thompson officiating. Burial followed at Johnson Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Johnson is survived by a son, Willis Johnson of Lanett; two grandsons; two sisters, Virginia McKissac and Sue Bailey of Roanoke; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, George Lee Johnson, and her son, George L. Johnson Jr. Born in Roanoke on Oct. 8, 1919, Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of the late Lavada Smith Awbrey and Tom Awbrey. She moved to the Valley area, where she lived for the remainder of her life, when she was 18. In 1938, when the first Miss Chattahoochee Valley Pageant was held, she was crowned as the very first winner of this now annual event. Mrs. Johnson was a longtime member of Langdale United Methodist Church, where she was a very loyal and active member. She had served as a Sunday school teacher, church secretary and was a member of several church groups. She was an avid Auburn University football fan, where her late husband played football in the early 1930s. Mrs. Johnson always believed that the Langdale community in Valley was the prettiest area in Valley. She was an avid bridge player and reader until her eyesight failed. Her true joy was traveling in Europe, particularly in England. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her memory to Langdale United Methodist Church, 6301 20th Ave., Valley, AL 36854. Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Annie Prothro Chism (BREMEN, Ga.) Annie Prothro Chism of Bremen, Ga., died Nov 3, 2007. Ms. Chism was born in Wedowee, Ala. on Dec. 7, 1950, to the late Author and the late Orrie Prothro. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Roy Wilson. Survivors include her sons, Fredrick Chism, Mack Chism, Alfonso Chism, Jeffrey Chism and Quincy Wilson; brother, John Prothro; 14 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at Cecil Helton Memorial Chapel of Helton Brothers Funeral Home in Bremen with the Rev. James E. Burr officiating. ___________ Bettye Hendon Mayfield (SAVANNAH, Ga.) Bettye Hendon Mayfield, 79, of Savannah, Ga., died at St. Joseph's Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, after a long illness. A native of Wedowee, Mrs. Mayfield attended Auburn University, married Euclid Gay Mayfield and spent the majority of her life in Savannah. After the premature death of her husband, Mrs. Mayfield went to work with Chatham County in the Office of the District Attorney. She rose to the position of assistant to the Chatham County district attorney and retired in 1993 after 25 years of service. Serving under three district attorneys, she was known for her efficiency in running the office. Her volunteer work included Memorial Hospital and Memorial Baptist Church. A devoted member of Memorial Baptist, Mrs. Mayfield was one of the first women elected to the board of deacons. When not volunteering, Mrs. Mayfield spent time with her family and friends, as well as her hobby of creating and maintaining a beautiful garden. She is survived by her twin sister, Virginia Hendon of Opelika; four sons, E. Gay Mayfield of Savannah; Joe Griffin Mayfield of Gainesville, Ga., Jim Mayfield of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jack Mayfield of Charleston, S.C.; and four granddaughters. Visitation will be from 12:30 until 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at Benefield Funeral Home in Wedowee. Graveside services in Wedowee Cemetery will immediately follow the visitation. Remembrances may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 6500 Habersham St., Savannah, GA 31405. Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Savannah. __________ Mary W. Johnston (NEWELL) Services for Mary W. Johnston of Newell will be Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, with the Rev. Larry Cosper and Cheryl Smith officiating. Miss Johnston will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home. Miss Johnston died Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Wedowee Hospital. Pallbearers will be Dale Meadows, Brad Johnson, Trent Meadows, Chad Meadows, Wayne Johnson, Chris Hill, Mike Huey and Barry Johnson. Miss Johnston is survived by two sisters, Earla Mae Flippin of Esconaba, Mich., and Bessie Ann Moses of Pensacola, Fla.; and one sister-in-law, Marie Johnston of Newell. Miss Johnston was the daughter of David Eugene and Mamer Hepinstall Johnston. She was a member of Union Baptist Church, a management analyst for the Resource Management Office, Ft. McClellan Military Police School, a graduate of Jacksonville University, a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Ft. McClellan Golden Belles. Miss Johnson was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Wylie B. Johnston; and one infant sister, Burnice Johnston. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. ________________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 21, 2007 _________________ OBITUARIES: James Bryan Gray (ATHENS, Tenn.) James Bryan Gray, 67, of Athens, Tenn., died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007 at his residence after an extended illness. He was a native of Wadley, son of the late John Bryce and Frances Lorene Bence Gray. He was a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in civil engineering, a U.S. Army veteran and a member of First Christian Church of Etowah, Tenn. Mr. Gray is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carolyn Gray; a stepdaughter, Susan Thompson of Lawrenceville, Ga.; a stepson, Glenn V. Morrison of Atlanta; two grandchildren: and one sister, JoAnn Denny of Birmingham. Services were at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home and concluded with the Celebration of Life video. Minister Kevin Madison officiated. Family and friends assembled at Green Hill Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, for the committal service. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Institute for Cancer Research, 1759 R Street N.W., P.O. Box 97167, Washington, DC 20009- 97167, or call 1-800-843-8114. Bordwine Funeral Home, Etowah, Tenn. in charge of arrangements. You may sign the guest registry at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com ___________ Mildred Christine Beam Foster (BREMEN, Ga.) Mildred Christine Beam Foster, 76, of Bremen. Ga., died Nov. 14, 2007. Mrs. Foster was born in Randolph County on Aug. 20, 1931, the daughter of Chester Arthur Beam and the late Mary Lillian White Beam. She was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a retired teacher with the Haralson County Schools. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Crossley of Buchanan; Ga.; sons, Michael Foster of Pocatello, Idaho, and Jeffrey Foster of Buchanan; sisters, Mary Sheppard of Midvale, Utah, Gloria Peak and Vickie Turner, both of Madison, Ind.; brothers, Charles Beam of LaGrange, Ga., and Bill Beam of Simpson, Ill.; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cleadies J. Foster, and a daughter, Donna Sue Foster. Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. from Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel with Dr. W.A. Ivie and Dr. Allen Wilburn officiating. __________ Shirley Daniel Roberts (MUNFORD) Services for Shirley Daniel Roberts, 70, of Munford were at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, at Antioch Baptist Church in Oxford with Bro. Scott Smith and Bro. Ronny Moore officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mrs. Roberts died on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Long Term Care Hospital of Anniston. She is survived by her sons, William S. Edwards and Arnold Clifton Edwards, both of Newell; daughter, Dale Anderson of Oxford; sisters, Helen Daniel Trece of Rainbow City, Myrlie Daniel Stehling of Texas, Mary Helen Boggs of Louisiana and Judy Bell of Georgia; brother, Joseph Daniel of Talladega; and six grandchildren. Pallbearers were Mike Rice, Tim Rice, Randall McCloud, Barry Daniel, Steven Geissandaner, Eddie Daniel, Drake Anderson, Seth Edwards and Daniel Gaffin. Mrs. Roberts was a resident of Munford and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Taft Clifton and Addie Stillwell Daniel; husband, Terrell Roberts; and sister, Glenda Turley. __________ John Leonard Clifton Sr, (BREMEN, Ga.) John Leonard Clifton Sr., 57, Bremen, Ga., died Nov. 13, 2007. Mr. Clifton was born in Randolph County on April 5, 1950, to Charles R. Clifton of Quinlin, Texas, and the late Mae D. Hogan Clifton. He was a construction worker. Besides his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn McKee Clifton, and a brother, Larry Clifton. Survivors include daughters, Leila Hernandez and Cynthia Clifton Gorham of Carrollton, Ga., Sharon Acevedo of Bremen and Cheryl Keith of Mesa, Ariz.; a son, John L. Clifton Jr. of Carrollton; sisters, Alice Story and Dixie Jerry Kee of Carrollton; brothers, Roy Clifton and Charles R. Clifton of Bremen; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Mark Stroud and Deacon Armstrong officiating. Following the service, the body will be cremated. __________ James Fondu Bell (ROANOKE) James Fondu Bell, 58, of 949 County Road 611, Roanoke, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Services were Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Riley Street, Roanoke. Burial was in East Roanoke Cemetery. Survivors include his mother, Mary T. Bell of Roanoke; a brother, Mac Arthur Bell of Roanoke; two sisters, Geraldine Staples and Helen Dian Sims of Roanoke; a special aunt, Ruth Watkins of Roanoke; three uncles; and a special friend, Sheila Trammell. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ___________ Catherine Woodall Pearson (MURFREESBORO, Tenn.) Catherine Woodall Pearson died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Born Nov. 27, 1912, in Abanda, Mrs. Pearson lived most of her life in Alabama and Georgia and moved to Sunnington Assisted Living in Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 2003. After graduation from high school, she entered Montevallo University as a young 16-year-old. On Oct. 24, 1928, she married James Pearson of Wadley at the family home in Abanda. She was a kindergarten teacher for many years in Lanett and LaGrange, Ga. After moving to Sunnington Assisted Living, she was known for her gentile demeanor and winning smile and for her willingness to help others. Her love for learning and music touched both young and old. For several years at Sunnington, she led a sing-along every Friday night for the residents, ever eager to share her love of music and her desire to bring happiness to others. She spent hours going through her music books to. select theme-related songs to sing and gave out handouts of the words each time. Survivors include children Louise Pearson Savage of Sacramento, Calif., Jim Pearson of LaGrange and Ann Pearson Mapp of Murfreesboro; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Graveside services were at Shadowlawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18. Pallbearers were Mark Savage, Eric Savage, Adam Matzger and Josh Hardin. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Mary Will Thompson Sunday School class of the First United Methodist Church in LaGrange. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Murfreesboro. The family requests flowers be omitted and instead a memorial gift to a favorite non-profit organization/charity be donated. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. ___________ Clyde Inez Still (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Mrs. Clyde Inez Still, 96, of LaGrange; Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. at West Georgia Medical Center LaGrange. Mrs. Still was born May 6, 1911, in Roanoke, daughter of the late Sidney and Lola Dodgins. She had lived in LaGrange most of her life and was a member of Hillside Christian Church. Mrs. Still was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, Amos Curtis Still, and two children; Joyce Still Hunt and Curtis Still Jr. Survivors include a son-in-law, Howard Hunt of LaGrange; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral service was at 2 p.m. EST Saturday. Nov. 17, in Restlawn Memory Gardens with the Rev. Charles Chapman officiating. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange. ________________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 28, 2007 _________________ OBITUARIES: King David Turner (WEDOWEE) King David Turner, 80, of 2211 County Road 238, Wedowee, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center, Anniston. Services were Saturday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Wedowee. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Viree Turner of Wedowee; five daughters, Hanna Holloway of Lansing, Ill., Jackie Marable and Lola Mae Wright of Wedowee, Alma Jean Houston of Atlanta and Belinda Turner Colquitt of Carrollton, Ga.; a son, David Wayne Turner of Wedowee; and four sisters, Effie Rowland of Chicago, Precious Burns of Hamilton, Ga., Ida Bell Baker of Atlanta and Jerusha Green of Wedowee. He was preceded in death by three sons, Demetrius Turner, King Edward Knight and Steve Turner; three sisters, Georgia Ann Johnson, Wilma Turner and Willie Mae Higgins; and seven brothers, James Turner, Fred Turner, Ismail Glenn, Pastor Glenn, Rover Glenn, Gross Glenn and Charles Glenn. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Emily Odell Bennett (ROANOKE) Services for Emily Odell Bennett, 92, of Roanoke were Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ed Grooms officiating. Burial was in Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Bennett died Thursday, Nov. 22, at Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke. Survivors include ten nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great- nephews. Pallbearers were Neal Bailey, Jerry Knight, Phillip Reaves, Justin Napier and Frankie Maddox. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Bennett was born Aug. 1, 1915, daughter of Alonzo Franklin and Roxie Etta Gibson Cole. She had been employed at Randolph County Hospital as an LPN for 60 years, was a member of Alabama Nurses Association and was a member of Lowell Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Ray Bennett, and her daughter, Dorothy Jean Bennett. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Johnny Harold Jordan (MONTGOMERY) Johnny Harold Jordan, 80, of Montgomery died Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at his home. Services were Monday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Doug Smith officiating. Burial was in Alabama Heritage Cemetery. Mr. Jordan is survived by wife, Willodean McCollough Jordan; a daughter, Melinda J. Clack; a son, Michael H. Jordan; a sister, Imogene Jackson; and five grandchildren. Mr. Jordan was retired from Independent Life Insurance Co. Honorary pallbearers were the Elders of Dalraida Church of Christ and former employees of Independent Life Insurance Co. Memorial donations may be made to AGAPE or the Diabetes Foundation. Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, Montgomery. __________ Fred B. Herring (BOWDON, Ga.) Fred B. Herring, 78, of Bowdon, Ga., died Nov. 18, 2007. Mr. Herring was born June 15, 1929, in Randolph County to the late John and Pauline Lancaster Herring. Survivors include his children, Linda Wright, Paulette Herring, Lorraine Herring and Lawrence Herring; brothers, Willis R. Herring, Bennie Herring and Steil Herring; sisters, Wyine Stephens, Queenie Mae Boyd and Bernice Henson; and a number of nieces and nephews. Mr. Herring was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Ed Garfield Herring; brothers, William Herring, King David Herring and Taylor Herring; sisters, Aretha Stephens, Julia Wiggs and Virginia Holloway. Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. EST at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Woodland. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Walker Funeral Home, Carrollton, Ga. __________ Fred Douglas Wilkes (REX, Ga.) Fred Douglas Wilkes, 62, of Rex, Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, in Wadley. Services were Monday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Wadley, with burial in the church cemetery. Survivors include two daughters, Tangela Wilkes of Rex and Dionetta Sykes of Atlanta; three brothers, Adolphus Wilkes and Larry Wilkes of Wadley and Jimmy Ray Wilkes of Trotwood, Ohio; a sister, Patricia McClain of Wadley; two grandchildren; and a goddaughter, Kenya Burden of Auburn. He was preceded by a sister, Mary E. O'Neal; and two brothers, Bobby Wilkes and William Lester Wilkes. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Julian Lovvorn Spruill (BOWDON, Ga.) Julian Lovvorn Spruill, 80, of Bowdon, Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, in Atlanta Medical Center. Mr. Spruill was born in Carroll County, Ga., Jan. 20, 1927, the son of the late Charles Josh and Velma Lovvorn Spruill. He was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and retired from Bremen-Bowdon Investment Company after 33 years of employment. During that time, he worked his way from bundle boy to utility man and, eventually, to shop foreman. Mr. Spruill also enjoyed raising cattle and goats on his farm. He was an avid Rook player and enjoyed the games he would play almost daily at the Ranburne Senior Citizens Center. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather and enjoyed telling stories of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to everyone he met. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Roger Lee Spruill. Survivors include his two sons, Randy Spruill of Woodland and Ricky Spruill of Bowdon; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rev. Winford of Carrollton, Ga., and Green Spruill of Bowdon; and a sister, Gladys Bennett of Carrollton. Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. at Corinth Baptist Church with the Revs. Winford Spruill, Jimmy Palmer and Darnell Teal officiating. Music was furnished by the church choir and the congregation. Pallbearers were Marty Spruill, Cory Spruill, Ricky Spruill Jr., Trey Spruill, Shane Womack and Brian Akins. Great-grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Flowers are acceptable, but those desiring may make donations to Odyssey Health Care of Georgia, 2302 Parklake Dr., Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30345. Messages of condolences maybe sent to the family at www.rainwaterfuneralhome.com. Rainwater Funeral Home, Bowdon. __________ William E. Kirby (POWDER SPRINGS, Ga.) William Edward Kirby, 82, of Powder Springs, Ga., died Friday, Nov 23, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Randolph County on Sept. 27, 1925, son of the late Gaynelle Prince Kirby and Ethel Clyde Kirby. William served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. He was an evangelist and member of Goshen Congregational Methodist Church of Roopville, Ga., and was retired from General Motors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Kirby; and sons Donald Ray Kirby and Larry Shaddix. Surviving are five sons, Michael Kirby of Wedowee, Ronald D. Kirby of Douglasville, Ga., William Edward “Jacko” Kirby of Powder Springs, Robert Edward Jones of Blairsville, Ga., and Neil Shaddix of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Ann Wilson of Atlanta; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Services were Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Neal Williams officiated. Interment followed at 1 p.m. CST at Taylor's Crossroads Church of Christ Cemetery in Roanoke. Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville. __________ Thelma Louise Brinkley Mapp (WEDOWEE) Services for Thelma Louise Brinkley Mapp, 82, of Wedowee will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church with the Rev. Alan Hurst and the Rev. Lendon Fields officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Mapp died Monday, Nov. 26, at Roanoke Health Care Center. Survivors include two daughter[s], Brenda Hurst and Beth Puckett of Roanoke; five sons, Kenneth Mapp of Five Points, Gene Mapp of Tuscaloosa, Larry Wilson of Roanoke, Mike Toland of Lanett and Charles Toland of Temple, Ga.; two sisters, Ruth Story of Griffin, Ga., and Katherine Stribica of Blairsville, Ga.; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be Tommy Toland, Mike Toland, Mark Toland, Mack Toland, B.J. Saddler, Dewayne Toland and James Royster. Mrs. Mapp was born April 14, 1925, daughter of Charlie and Ruby Marr Brinkley. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and had been a seamstress for Palm Beach Company. Mrs. Mapp was preceded in death by her husband, O’Neal Mapp. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Alice Mae Smith (ROANOKE) Alice Mae Smith, 65, of 615 Border St., Roanoke, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at her home. Services will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Riley Street, Roanoke, with the Rev. Gilbert E. Staples officiating. Burial will be in East Roanoke Cemetery. Survivors include special cousins Gloria Wooford and Georgia Tenie Hendericks of Roanoke, Dianne Daniel of LaFayette, Brenda Cosby Hinton of Marion, Ill., and Mary Cosby of Louisville, Ky., and special friend Janice Rosser of Roanoke. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ruben Royston. Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. ___________ Lera Mae Bailey (OXFORD) Services for Lera Mae Bailey, 92, of Oxford were Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Oxford Church of Christ with Bob Pritchard, Ed Smith and Wayne Dunaway officiating. Burial was at Forestlawn Gardens. Mrs. Bailey died Sunday, Nov. 18, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Mrs. Bailey is survived by her three daughters, Betty Haynes of Oxford, Patricia Sergio of Chester, Va., and Gwen Duncan of Jacksonville; a brother, Bill Ford of Oxford; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Bailey was a native of Randolph County but has lived in Calhoun County for the past 65 years. She was a member of the Oxford Church of Christ and also drove the bus for the Senior Citizens Organization. She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar “Monk” Bailey, three sisters and four brothers. Pallbearers were grandsons, and honorary pallbearers were elders of the Oxford Church of Christ, Buddy Cranmer, Milton Cole and Jackie Griffith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Child Haven 1816 Childhaven Rd. NE, Cullman, AL 35055 and/or Rainbow Omega, P.O. Box 740, Eastaboga, AL 36260. Personal condolences may be written to the family at: www.millerfuneralhomeoxford.com _____________________________________________________ File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/n/november1415gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 45.1 Kb