Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during November 1997, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/199711L.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of Randolph Publishing, Roanoke, Alabama. Randolph Publishing retains copyright but has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Marilyn M. Girardi <MMGir@aol.com> ============================================= June 2003 The Randolph Leader November 5, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Wyatt Hulon Bradley (WEDOWEE) Wyatt Hulon Bradley, 56, of Wedowee died Monday, Nov. 3, 1997, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta after an extended illness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at Noon Day Christian Church, with the Revs. Greg Gregory and Harold Bonner officiating. Burial will follow at the adjoining cemetery. A lifelong Wedowee resident, he was born March 1, 1941, son of Thomas Hillman and Novella Abner Bradley. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of Noon Day Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Jean Hopkins Bradley of Wedowee; three daughters, Michele Brazeal of Elkmont and Roseanne Bradley and Celina Bradley of Wedowee; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bradley of Wedowee; one sister, Debbie Sellers of Roanoke; five brothers, Whit Bradley of Valley, Donald Bradley of Wedowee, Ford Bradley of Rainsville, Larry Bradley of Wedowee and Victor Bradley of Texas; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Alene. Mr. Bradley will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee is in charge of arrangements. __________ Sam Ellis Harvel (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Sam Ellis Harvel, 91, of Roanoke were Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1997, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Bobby Kirby officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Harvel died Sunday, Nov. 2, at Randolph County Hospital following an extended illness. A Chambers County resident for 50 years, he was born in Randolph County on Nov. 9, 1905, son of Doc and Myrtle Harvel. He was self-employed as a farmer and was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Matilda Smith Harvel of Roanoke; two daughters, Effie Williams of LaFayette, and Rudean Tyson of Roanoke; one son, Thurmon E. Harvel of Roanoke; two sisters, Velma Jones of Cullman and Verdie Nolan of Oneonta; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Griffin Herren Sr. (WOODLAND) Griffin Herren Sr., 61, of Woodland died Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997, at his residence. Funeral services were Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at Herren's Grove Baptist Church, with the Revs. Paul Widner, Ridley Parmer, Tommy Ledbetter and Ridley Herren officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. A Randolph County native, he was born Aug. 29, 1936, son of Robert Garfield and Leonia Dye Herren. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and had worked as a mechanic for the U.S. Government. Two sisters, Ellen Webb and Wyomia Ledbetter, preceded him in death. Survivors include one daughter, Corrine Gennette Herren Barnes of Las Vegas, Nev.; three sons, Griffin Scott Herren Jr., Nathan Wade Herren and Nicholas Jay Herren, all of Boise, Idaho; four sisters, Jayne Martin and Barbara Braswell of Waco, Ga., and Shirley Keaton and Florence Kittle of Carrollton, Ga.; one brother, Cleveland M. Herren of Carrollton; and 10 grandchildren. Pallbearers were Griffin "Scott" Herren, Nathan Wade Herren, Nicholas Jay Herren, Keith Webb, Kregg Webb, Fred Herren and Cleveland M. Herren. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Willie Wortham (WEDOWEE) Willie Wortham, 84, of Wedowee, died Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997 in Wedowee Hospital after an extended illness. Funeral services will be [were] held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Mitchell officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Wortham is survived by two sisters, Louise Benefield of Roanoke and Marie Bailey of Wedowee; four brothers, R. C. Wortham, Luther C. Wortham and Quinton Wortham, all of Wedowee, and Ermis Wortham of Belton, S.C.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were nephews. Mr. Wortham was born in Randolph County on Sept. 7, 1913, son of Joseph Winston and Aurie Wright Wortham. He was retired from the textile industry and was a member of Roanoke and Sawyer Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star and Calvary Baptist Church. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Doris Elaine Rowe (WADLEY) Doris Elaine "Dot" Rowe, 65, of Wadley died Friday, Oct. 31, 1997, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital, Valley. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Roanoke, with the Rev. Martin McGeough officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Olive United Methodist Church Cemetery, Wadley. Survivors include two sons, Kevin Rowe and Victor Rowe of Wadley; a sister, Janice Dunson of Roanoke; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Taylor Sr. and Gertrude Walker; her husband, Robert Rowe; and a brother, Willie Taylor Jr. Mrs. Roe will lie in state at the church for one hour Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m. Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke is in charge. __________ James E. Sharman (BIRMINGHAM) James E. Sharman, 77, of Birmingham died Friday, Oct. 31, 1997. Mr. Sharman grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Handley High School, where he was an outstanding athlete while not neglecting his studies. He went on to become chairman of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Samford University, a position he held later at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He also was tennis coach while at Samford. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a longtime member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher for 34 years and served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Frances Duke Sharman; five children, Cathy Kent of Pelham, Mike Sharman of Decatur, Carol Houston of Anchorage, Alaska, Sue Forester of Indian Springs and Don Sharman of Montevallo; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services for [Mr. Sharman] were at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at Johns-Ridout's Elmwood Chapel, with interment in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made to Shades Mountain Baptist Church for the Sharman Sunday School Class Fund. __________ Charles Ray Padgett (VALLEY) Charles Ray "Bo" Padgett, 40, of Valley died at his residence Friday morning, Oct. 31, 1997. Survivors include his wife, Mandy Brock Padgett; his father, Earnest Padgett of Huguley; two sisters, Sarah Griffin of Riverview and Terry Sun Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; and 11 nieces and nine nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rena Padgett. Funeral services at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley were at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, with the Rev. Bill Parker and the Rev. Fred Dale officiating. Burial was in Fairfax Cemetery. Mr. Padgett was born in Randolph County on Dec. 7, 1956. He was a lifelong resident of the Valley are and a member of Riverview United Methodist Church. He was employed with West Point Stevens Fairfax Mill for 18 years. He enjoyed woodworking and repairing lawn mowers, and was active in many mechanical areas. The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and asks that memorial be made to Chattahoochee Hospice in his memory. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service/Valley funeral directors. __________ Virgil Earl Gunn (WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.) Virgil Earl Gun, 76, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1997, at Forsyth Memorial Hospital. He was born March 10, 1921, in Randolph County to W. Q. and Sally Cook Gunn. He was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. Mr. Gunn loved his church and his church family very much. He was an avid rose gardener who took great joy in sharing them with others, especially his wonderful neighbors. He served his country in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, with service in North Africa and Europe including the D-Day Invasion. He received a Purple Heart for his service. He was a master printer for RJR Archer before retiring in 1976. Mr. Gunn was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Hubert Gunn and Pervis Gunn. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Wilma Patterson Gunn of Winston-Salem; one son, William Gunn of Winston-Salem; one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Burnette of Winston-Salem; one brother, Ralph Gunn of Roanoke; two sisters, Mrs. Louise Tidwell of Roanoke and Mrs. Maxine Brumbeloe of Wedowee; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. The Rev. E. Lee Ellis will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church Family Life Center following the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4265 Elbert Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 12, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Janice Kay Parker (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Janice Kay Parker, 35, of Roanoke were Monday, Nov. 10, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Hugh Compton and Freddie Lindsey officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Parker died Saturday, Nov. 8, at West Georgia Medical Center from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near LaGrange, Ga. A resident of Roanoke for the past 23 years, she was a Detroit, Mich., native, born Dec. 7, 1961, daughter of Kenneth Joe and Sarah Mozelle Henry Staples. Survivors include her husband, Johnny Parker of Roanoke; one son, Jessie Dalton Parker of Roanoke; her father and step-mother, Joe and Janie Mitchem Staples of Roanoke; and three brothers, Roger Barfield of Lowell, N.C., Rick Staples of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Kenneth W. Staples of Lanett. Pallbearers were Rick Staples, Roger Barfield, Kenneth Staples, Tommy Freeman, Scott Parker and Manley Henry. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Rev. Grady Harris (LINEVILLE) Funeral services for the Rev. Grady Harris, 83, of Lineville were Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland with the Revs. L. C. Harris, Zenus Windsor and A. O. Burdette officiating. Burial followed in Clay County Memory Gardens. The Rev. Mr. Harris passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Clay County, a farmer and minister. He was pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 31 years and was a member of Mt. Olive North Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Harris; four sons, L. C. Harris, James Travis Harris Sr. and Lynwood G. Harris of Lineville and Charlie L. Harris of Roanoke; one brother, Calvin Harris Jr. of Lineville; two sisters, Mary C. Grogan of Ashland and Irene Smith of Munford; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Dorsie G. Harris. Pallbearers will be [were] grandsons. Benefield Funeral Home of Ashland was in charge of arrangements. __________ Augustina Anderson (ROANOKE) Augustina Anderson, 51, of Roanoke died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1997, at her residence. Survivors include three sisters, Ms. Mary Lee Heard, Ms. Prestella Robinson and Ms. Glenda Callaway; three brothers, John W. Johnson, Charlie M. Johnson and Joseph Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Services for Mrs. Anderson were Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Silmon Mortuary of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Erwin Robert Forbis (ROANOKE) Graveside funeral services for Erwin Robert Forbis, 46, of Roanoke were Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Randolph Memory Gardens with the Rev. Chris Mitchell officiating. Mr. Forbis died Friday, Nov. 7, at his home. A former resident of Anniston, he was born June 8, 1951, in Regansburg, Germany. He was a retired chief warrant officer with the U.S. Army, a member of FOP Lodge Number 4 in Anniston and a Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Mary Beth Forbis of Roanoke; two daughters, Niki Marie Forbis of El Paso, Texas, and Kristin M. Fraser of Roanoke; parents, Donald and Betty Forbis of Augusta, Ga. Pallbearers were Mike Sheppard, Phil Sheppard, Jeff Fuller and Donnie Truitt. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Jeanette M. Inman (EYRIA, Ohio) Jeanette M. Inman, 47, of Elyria, Ohio, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1997, at her home after a short illness. Born in the Welch community of Chambers County, she had lived in Elyria for 28 years. She was a 1971 graduate of Elyria High School. Survivors include her husband of 21 years, Charles J. Inman; sons, Tony Cofield of Vacaville, Calif., and Carlos Inman of Newark, N.J.; adopted son, Darryl Massey of Elyria; daughter, Donna Cofield of Elyria; six grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Thomas and Annie Hinton of Elyria and Allean Culberson of Roanoke; two brothers, Ernest Cofield of Elyria and Willie Cofield of Lorain, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Louise Cofield and sister, Mary Trammell. Services for Mrs. Inman were at Unity Baptist Church at noon on Saturday, Nov. 1. The Rev. Willie Gardner, pastor, officiated. Burial was in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 19, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: James Barrett Peek (ROANOKE) Funeral services for James Barrett Peek, 84, of Roanoke will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, 1997, at 2 p.m. from First Baptist Church in Roanoke, with Dr. Doug Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Peek died Tuesday, Nov. 18, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. A Clay County native, he was born Feb. 23, 1913, son of James Henry and Lorene Mitchell Peek. He was a member of First Baptist Church and worked as a self-employed Gulf Oil dealer. He was a navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Lula Griffin Peek of Roanoke; two sons, Jimmy Peek of Wadley and Dan Peek of Huntsville; two sisters, Minnie Sewell of Newnan, Ga., and Blanche Payne of Prattville; and four grandchildren. Mr. Peek will lie in state at the church for one hour, beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Pallbearers will be Rex Griffin, David Griffin, Mark Bowen, George Thorpe, Michael Smith and Ken Janoski. Honorary pallbearers will be E. O. Jordan, Leon Phillips, J. P. Phillips, Roy Reaves, Cecil Brown, Hulon Parrish, Clifford Burns, Bobby Durham, Jim Robinson, Spec Bonner, Herbert Pike and Frank Phillips. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, is in charge of arrangements. __________ Gene S. Rombokas (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Gene S. Rombokas, 67, of Roanoke will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, 1997, at 11 a.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Harold Bonner officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mr. Rombokas died Sunday, Nov. 16, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange following a short illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born March 13, 1930, son of Samuel Pete and Lucy Rombokas. He was co-owner of the City Cafe and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Crowder Rombokas. Survivors include two daughters, Melinda Melvin of Spokane, Washington, and Marilyn Rombokas of Thomasville, Ga.; one sister, Helen Fierro of Columbus, Ga.; and one brother, Pete Rombokas, of Roanoke. Pallbearers will be Tommy Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Tommy Cummings III, Bobby Fierro and Chris Rombokas. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke is in charge of arrangements. __________ Julia Lois Walker (ROANOKE) The funeral service for Julia Lois Walker, 75, of Roanoke was Thursday, Nov. 13, 1997, at 2 p.m. from Rock Stand Christian Church with the Revs. Wayne Cowhick and Tommy Smith officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Walker died Wednesday, Nov. 12, at her home. A lifelong Randolph County resident, she was born June 15, 1922, daughter of Henry and Emma Brewer Treadwell. She was a homemaker and a member of Rock Stand Congregational Christian Church. Survivors include her husband, Millage Walker of Roanoke; one daughter, Debbie Smith of Woodland; four sons, Barry Walker, Frederick Walker, Kem Walker and Danny Walker, all of Roanoke; 10 grandchildren; four brothers, Clyde Treadwell, Billy "C. T." Treadwell and Ray Treadwell, all of Roanoke, and Nedwin Treadwell of Wedowee. Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by one sister, Jessie Swann; two brothers, Escar Treadwell and Harold Treadwell; and a great-grandchild, Bryant Hunter Walker. Pallbearers were Kevin Walker, Todd Walker, Sloan Walker, Keith Walker, Seth Walker and David Treadwell. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Jennie Mae Battle (WADLEY) The funeral service for Jennie Mae Seymour Battle, 80, of Wadley, who died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1997, at Clay County Hospital in Ashland was at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Wadley, the Rev. Cornelius Reese officiating. Burial was in the church's adjoining cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Curtis Battle of Wadley; son, McArthur Battle of Wadley; daughter, Ethel Battle of Wadley; five grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Mrs. Battle was preceded in death by her parents, William Henry and Katie Seymour; daughters, Zelma Dean Battle and Peggy Battle; son, "Brother" Battle; brothers, Porch Seymour and Self Seymour; and sisters, Edith, Inez, Vicie and Winnie. Services were provided by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Ann Elizabeth Sikes Tropp (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Ann Elizabeth Sikes Tropp, 71, of Wedowee were Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1997, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel in Wedowee, with the Rev. Chris Mitchell officiating. Burial was at Levens Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Tropp died Sunday, Nov. 16, at her home after an extended illness. A native of Orlando, Fla., she was born Nov. 12, 1926, daughter of Allen Loud and Anna Estelle Giles Weathersbee. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Weathers of Allenwood, Ga.; one son, Charles Sikes of New Hope; and six grandchildren. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Willie Pearl Gosdin (NEWELL) The funeral service for Mrs. Willie Pearl Gosdin, 63, of Newell was Friday, Nov. 14, 1997, at 2 p.m. from Jordan's Chapel Congregational Methodist Church with the Rev. Julian Murphy officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery. Mrs. Gosdin died suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Wedowee Hospital. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born Sept. 30, 1934, daughter of Jim and Arah Lipham Williamson. She was a member of Jordan's Chapel and had been employed with Sewell Manufacturing in Heflin. Survivors include her husband, J. M. "Junior" Gosdin of Newell; one daughter, Peggy Wortham of Newell; one son, Terry Gosdin of Jacksonville; one granddaughter; four sisters, LeMerle Murphy of Columbus, Ga. Eunice Ramey and Dessie Holt of Talladega and Bessie Smith of Oxford; and one brother, Fred Williamson of Fruithurst. Nephews served as pallbearers. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Donna Ann Johnson (NEWELL) Funeral services for Donna Ann Johnson, 40, of Newell, were Saturday, Nov. 15, 1997, at 2 p.m. from Union Baptist Church, with the Revs. Larry Cosper, Roy Wysner and C. K. Wilkey officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery. Mrs. Johnson died Thursday, Nov. 13, at Crawford-Long Hospital in Atlanta after an extended illness. A native of Ohio, she was born Dec. 20, 1956, daughter of Jay and Shirley Wilkey Tabor. She and her family owned and operated a poultry farm. Survivors include her husband, Joe Johnson of Newell; one step-son, Scott Johnson of Ephesus, Ga.; her mother, Shirley Tabor of Douglasville, Ga.; her father Jay A. Tabor of Kansas; two sisters, Elaine Vaughn and Debbie L. Brooks, both of Douglasville, Ga.; one brother, Jay Allen Tabor II of Douglasville. Pallbearers were Corey Brooks, Trent Meadows, Chad Meadows, Wayne Johnson, Brad Johnson, Jonathan Burge and Chris Burge. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Perry Kirby (ROCK MILLS) Funeral services for Perry Kirby, 78, of Rock Mills were Sunday, Nov. 16, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Rock Mills United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Hugh Compton and Scott McKay officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Kirby died Friday, Nov. 14, at the V.A. Hospital in Montgomery. A lifelong Randolph County resident, he was born March 7, 1919, son of Bob and Birdie Benefield Kirby. He was a World War II army veteran and a member of Rock Mills United Methodist Church. His wife, Velda Burgess Kirby, preceded him in death. Survivors include one son, Bobby Kirby of Rock Mills; two sisters, Bonnie Ferrell of Wadley and Willie B. Huddleston of Eufaula; and two brothers, David Kirby of Rock Mills and Oakley Kirby of Lanett. Pallbearers were Ronnie Whaley, Kenneth Kirby, Felix Whaley, Carey Holloway, Skip Kelley and Junior Rollins. Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ George Brant Steen (ROANOKE) The funeral service for George Brant Steen, 69, of Roanoke was Thursday, Nov. 13, 1997, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Revs. Gary Baugh and Tim Teague officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Steen died Monday, Nov. 10, at Randolph County Hospital following an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born July 1, 1928, son of Lathing Thomas and Mary Odell Steen. He was self-employed as a contractor, a nondenominational minister and a veteran of World War II and Korea. Survivors include his wife, Beulah Stillwell Steen of Roanoke; three daughters, April Kay McCollough of Newell, Mary Virginia Brewster of Leesburg and Debra Joyce Smith of Roanoke; four sons, George Brant Steen Jr. of Glenn, Ga., James Thomas Bailey of Millbrook, Michael Ray Bailey of New Site and Dennis Richard Bailey of Abilene, Texas; five sisters, Loretta McCollough of Roanoke, Alice Courtney and Glennie Gorham of Alexander City, Margie Willis of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Delores Hamm of Lanett; one brother, Douglas Steen of Oxford; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Opal L. Mitchell (LAGRANGE, Ga.) Opal L. Mitchell, 71, of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997, at Hospice LaGrange after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Randolph county, daughter of E. C. and Vannie Freeman Noles. She had lived in LaGrange for the past 47 years and was a member of Liberty East Baptist Church. The service was at 2 p.m. CST Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Liberty East Baptist Church, with the Revs. Tim Craft, Clayton Scott and Cecil Halsey officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Manley Mitchell of LaGrange; two daughters, Sylvia Bolt and Regenia Andrews of LaGrange; four grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Edmondson of LaGrange and Alene Halsey of Woodland; and several nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted, or those desiring may contribute to Hospice LaGrange in memory of Mrs. Mitchell. Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Richard Avery Brown (LANETT) Richard Avery Brown, 81, of Lanett died Thursday, Nov. 13, [1997], at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Mr. Brown, a native of Randolph County, was a member of Victory Baptist Church and Lanett Masonic Lodge. He was a welder and a retired employee of Batson-Cook Co. in West Point. Survivors include his wife, Mary F. Brown; one daughter, Barbara B. Lewis of Huguley; one son, Richard Jerry Brown of Alexander City; seven grandchildren, Darren Lewis, Damen Lewis, Jerome Brown, Daniel Brown, Richard J. Brown Jr., Robin Mullins and Susan Norton; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 11 a.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 15. Burial was in Resthaven Cemetery. Officiating ministers were the Rev. Gerald Sykes and the Rev. S. T. Janney. Directed by Johnson Brown-Service/Valley Funeral Directors. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader November 26, 1997 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Marlon Benard (WEDOWEE) Marlon Benard, 42, of County Road 15, Wedowee, died Sunday afternoon, Nov. 23, 1997, as the result of an automobile accident. Mr. Benard was a well-known community activist who will be remembered for his work with youth and in the music field as founder and director of God's Children Community Choir. He was the president of Randolph County's chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and devoted much of his time and talent toward development of African-American youth. He was employed at Early Rose Baptist Church, Alexander City, as minister of music. Survivors include his parents, Richard and Agnes Lula Pearl Benard of Detroit, Mich.; his grandmother, Mrs. Annie Scales of Wedowee; a son, Anthony Benard of Detroit; a brother, Brent Benard of Detroit; three sisters, Denise Benard and Martha Yvette Bivens of Detroit and Beverly Ann Henry of Bristol, Conn.; and several aunts and uncles. The accident occurred as Mr. Benard was traveling near Sylacauga with other members of the church for a Sunday afternoon program. Services are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Clark Memorial Funeral Service in Roanoke. __________ Margaret Virginia Galloway (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Margaret Virginia Galloway, 78, of Roanoke were Friday, Nov. 21, 1997, at 11 a.m. from Roanoke First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Tex Ergle and Milton Booth officiating. Burial was at Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange. Mrs. Galloway died Tuesday, Nov. 18, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A lifelong resident of Roanoke, she was born Jan. 18, 1919, in Lee County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Banks. She had been employed as a textile worker with Palm Beach Company and was a member of Roanoke First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Galloway. Survivors include two sons, Joe Galloway of Smyrna, Ga., and Randy Galloway of Carrollton, Ga., and three grandchildren. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Jessie Mae Strickland (LANETT) Jessie Mae Strickland, 81, of Lanett died Wednesday, Nov. 19, [1997], in Lanier Memorial Nursing Home. Mrs. Strickland was born in Randolph County on Oct. 22, 1915. She was a member of Huguley United Methodist Church and had retired from West Point Pepperell's Fairfax Mill after working there 40 years. Survivors include two sons, Steve Strickland of Lanett and J. L. Strickland of Huguley; one sister, Erma Holliday of Wedowee; and two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, with the Rev. Gordon Harris presiding. Burial was at Resthaven Cemetery. Johnson Brown-Service/Valley was in charge of arrangements. __________ Morgan Milton Pearson Jr. (WADLEY) Funeral services for Morgan Milton Pearson, Jr., 76, of Wadley will be Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1997, at 11 a.m. at Wadley First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Huffman and the Rev. Benny Cosper officiating. Burial will follow at Wadley Cemetery. Mr. Pearson died Monday, Nov. 24, at Hospice LaGrange in LaGrange, Ga., after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Wadley, he was born April 2, 1921, son of Morgan Milton and Florence Harris Pearson. He was a World War II army veteran and retired postmaster for Five Points. He was a member of Wadley Kiwanis Club and the Wadley Utilities Board, and was formerly Wadley's fire chief. Survivors include his wife, Sara Davis Pearson of Wadley; one daugh[t]er, Joy Fennick of New Castle, Pa.; two sons, Morgan Milton Pearson III of Eufaula and David D. Pearson of Birmingham; three grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred Pearson of Wadley and Sara Rob Darden of Hueytown; and one brother, Fred Pearson of Wadley. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25. Mr. Pearson will lie in state at the church for one hour beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Hurley Pearson, Ray Jones, Gregg Farrar, John Robert Harris, Richard Cotney and J. T. Edge. Honorary pallbearers will be D. F. Gibson and Clifford Smyrl. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Wadley First United Methodist Church or Hospice LaGrange Charitable Fund, 1510 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA 30240. Arrangements are by Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke. __________ Roxie Etta Cole Knight (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Roxie Etta Cole Knight, 85, of Roanoke were Friday, Nov. 21, 1997, at 2 p.m. at Lowell United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ladd Williams officiating. Burial was at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Knight died Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Randolph County Hospital. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born March 24, 1912, daughter of Alonza Franklin and Roxie Etta Gibson Cole. She was a member of Lowell United Methodist Church and retired from Handley Mills. Survivors include one daughter, Carolyn Cavender of Five Points; one son, William Gerald Knight of Roanoke; two sisters, Odell Bennett and Addie Mae Reaves of Roanoke; one brother, George Cole of Roanoke; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Neil Bailey, Brandon Bailey, Gerry Knight, Johnny Barton, Frankie Maddox and Tommy Moore. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lowell United Methodist Church. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke. __________ Shellie M. Key (WEDOWEE) Funeral service for Shellie M. Key, 85, of Wedowee was Sunday, Nov. 23, [1997], at 2 p.m. at Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church with the Rev. James Abernathy and the Rev. Billy East officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Key died Friday, Nov. 21, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. He was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County, a farmer and a Methodist by faith. He is survived by his wife Lola I. Key of Wedowee; five daughters, Geneva Sutton and Annie White of Wedowee, Evelyn Snyder of Childersburg, Glenda Milstead of Wedowee and Sandra Williams of Lincoln; one son, Lawrence Key of Alexandria; three sisters, Mae Ogles of Newell, Myrtle Pettus of Oxford and Betty Graham of Wedowee; three brothers, Raymond Key of Roanoke, Clarence Key of Wedowee and Erdis Key of Anniston; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mr. Key was preceded in death by one son, Harold Key, and one granddaughter, Wanda Patterson. Pallbearers were James Hill, Gary Foster, John White, Lee Wortham, Buford Ray Stitcher and Ed Creed. Honorary pallbearers were Robert Sutton, Wendel White, Chuck Milstead, Roger Key, Randall Key, Nick Waldrop and Jim Key. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. ______________________________________________________