Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during February 2002, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/200202L.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> ============================================= March 2002 The Randolph Leader February 6, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Sadie Lee Crowley (ROANOKE) Sadie Lee Crowley, 88, of Roanoke died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002, at LaFayette Nursing Home, LaFayette. Survivors include a niece and care giver, Mrs. Allean Culberson of Roanoke, and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Will Crowley, and mother Betty Hines Crowley. Services for Miss Crowley will be Thursday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m. CST at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Standing Rock, with the Rev. W. H. Trammell officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at Silmon Mortuary on Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 1 until 5 p.m. Arrangements are by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ Artie Bell Sellers (HEFLIN) Services for Artie Bell Sellers, 91, of Heflin were at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb 1, 2002, at Zion Church of God, with the Revs. Billy Saxon and Dorsey White officiating. Burial was at Manley's Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Sellers died Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Colonial Pines Health Care in Oxford. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born April 1, 1910, daughter of Isaac Spenser and Ozella Roberts Mize. She was a homemaker and a member of Zion Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, Idus Sellers. Survivors include a daughter, Kathleen Wyatt and [sic - of] Dearmanville; a brother, Millard Mize of Wedowee; six grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren, 35 great-great- grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Harold Eugene Barfield (ROANOKE) Services for Harold Eugene Barfield, 52, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Gary Baugh and Gerald Sheppard officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Barfield died Tuesday, Jan 29, at his residence. He was born in Talladega on Sept. 30, 1949, son of Edward Howard and Dorothy Mae Studdard Barfield. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was self-employed as an auto mechanic. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Howard Barfield, and a sister, Edna Dean. Survivors include a daughter, Jessica Barfield of Wedowee; a son, Todd Wadsworth of Senona, Ga.; his mother, Dorothy Pinkard of Rock Mills; ex-wife Darlene Freeman of Wedowee; three sisters, Dale Heistand and Tammy Boggus of Franklin, Ga., and Evelyn Stewart of Roanoke; two brothers, David Barfield of Roanoke and Sonny Barfield of Tuscumbia; and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Letha Verna Green (WADLEY) Graveside services for Letha Verna Green, 93 of Wadley were at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at Wadley City Cemetery, with the Rev. Zenus Windsor officiating. Mrs. Green died Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Clay County Nursing Home in Ashland. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, Mrs. Green was born Aug. 17, 1908, daughter of Sanford Gaines and Carrie Lee Anderson Lovvorn. She was a homemaker and a member of Zion Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezra Napoleon Green. Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Sayers of Wadley; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Winnie Adcock Mathis Veal (ROANOKE) Services for Winnie Adcock Mathis Veal, 96, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at White's Chapel Methodist Church, with the Rev. S. T. Janney and Mr. John D. Weathers officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mrs. Veal died Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Chapman Nursing Home in Alexander City. A lifelong resident of Roanoke, she was born on March 8, 1905, daughter of Dee Eston and Tweedie Bell May Adcock. She was employed in the textile industry and was a member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke. Survivors include a sister, Liza Burdette of LaGrange, Ga.; a brother, Arney Adcock of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews, and two stepdaughters. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mary Sue Peavy Sims (ASHEBORO, N.C.) Mary Sue Peavy Sims, 89, of Asheboro, N.C., died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002. A celebration of life was conducted by the Rev. W. Christopher Thore at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church where she was a member. She was born July 10, 1912, daughter of the late James M. and Cornelia Dean Peavy in Roanoke. She served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and was honorably discharged as second lieutenant in 1943. She was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Throughout her career, she held various positions, the last being with Appalachian State University. Even after retirement and until very recently, she did accounting for First Line Active Wear, Wells Hosiery and Asheboro Housing Authority. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca S. Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Beverly S. Morton of Asheboro; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a very special friend, Ted Cooley. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 515, Asheboro, N.C. 27204. Arrangements were by Ridge Funeral Home, Asheboro. __________ Lendwood Faye 'Lynn' Duke (LINEVILLE) Services for Lendwood Faye "Lynn" Duke, 62, of Lineville were Friday, Feb 1, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church, with Marion Hill, Ronald Williams and Dan Keith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Duke died Tuesday, Jan. 29, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Hilda Hill Duke of Lineville; four daughters, Carol Faye Duke of Florida and Helen "Lynn" Mullally, Janice Lynn Hartley and Arrie "Gail" Duke of Lineville; two sons, Gregory Lee Duke of Ohatchee and Jessie D. Duke of Lineville; six sisters, Margaret Estes of Cragford, Jessie Johnson, Christine Reeves and Brenda Hill of Wedowee, Betty Ward of Tuscaloosa and Joyce Prater of Heflin; a brother, Ollie Duke; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Joe Mullally, Kenneth Davis, Jamie Griffin, Bobby Reeves, T. J. Griffin and Charles Baker. Honorary pallbearers were David Holcombe and Tom Brown. Mr. Duke was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. He had worked in the construction industry for many years before he became disabled. He was a Baptist. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Lineville. __________ Eunie Mae Langley (WOODLAND) Services for Eunie Mae Langley, 96, of Woodland were Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Napoleon Church of Christ, with Bro. Terry Langley, Bro. Ricky Martin and Bro. Jeff Thompson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Miss Langley died Saturday, Feb. 2, at Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke. Miss Langley was born March 22, 1905, in Randolph County, daughter of Luther and Nora Bowen Langley. She was a member of Napoleon Church of Christ. Miss Langley is survived by two sisters, Mamie Keel and Ellie Mae Bailey of Woodland; a special niece, Wyolene Cofield of Woodland; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Tim Prince, Glenn Prince, Ronnie Prince, Max Yarbrough, Mark Johnson, Corey Prince and Cal Prince. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Birdie Lee Reaves Jones (ASHLAND) Services for Birdie Lee Reaves Jones, 83, of Ashland, were Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Lineville with the Revs. Zenus Windsor and Noel Vickers officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Jones died Sunday, Feb. 3, at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City. Survivors include one daughter, Kathy East of Ashland; two sons, Lonnie Jones of Salem and Paul Jones of Alexander City; three sisters, Eunice Poteet of California, Annie "Dot" Jones of Mellow Valley and Irene Ingram of Ashland; ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Shane Caldwell, Jeff Caldwell, Chris East, Kevin East, Mike Johnson, Ken Pomeroy, Jimmy Jones and Brett Newman. Honorary pallbearer was Mike Jones. Mrs. Jones was a native of Randolph County, but lived most of her life in Clay County. She was a 1938 graduate of Woodland High School, a homemaker and a member of County Line Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jennings Jones, and a daughter Sharon Caldwell. __________ Lurlene H. Teague (OXFORD) Services for Lurlene H. Teague, 75, of Oxford were Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, with the Revs. Ralph Barrow and Randall C. Bailey officiating. Burial was in Forestlawn Gardens. Mrs. Teague died Monday at Regional Medical Center. Survivors include a daughter, Shelia Teague Allen; three sisters, Mary Bailey, Winifred Burton and Sybil Amason; and a grandson. Pallbearers were Larry Carpenter, Steven Fraughn, Jeral Hughes, Bobby Miller, John Morrison and Phillip Watson. Honorary pallbearers were H. Lamar Hood, James P. Jackson Jr. and Quinton Smith. Mrs. Teague was a native of Randolph County and had lived in Oxford most of her life. She was a member of First Methodist Church of Oxford and was co-owner of Teague Tractor Co. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Michael Teague, and a brother. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Methodist Church of Oxford. __________ Ellis Ray Grier (ANNISTON) Services for Ellis Ray Grier, 74, of Anniston, formerly of Roanoke, will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Haven United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Curtis johnson officiating. Burial was in Anniston Memorial Gardens with Ervin Funeral Chapel in charge. The body will be at the church an hour prior to services. Mr. Grier died Sunday at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Naomi Robertson Grier; a daughter, Cherylece Grier Wiggins of Augusta, Ga.; three sisters, Eldora Magby, Alar Mae Morris and Esterlean Longshore, all of Anniston; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Haven United Methodist Men. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Haven United Methodist Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society. __________ R. D. Simpson (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Funeral services for Robert D. "R. D." Simpson, 89, of Carrollton, Ga., formerly of Newell, will be at 1 p.m. CST Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at Pine Hill Church of Christ, with Brother Steve Carter and Brother J. L. Sparks officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Simpson died Monday, Feb. 4, at Carrollton Manor in Carrollton following an extended illness. He was born in Randolph County on Sept. 2, 1912, son of George Albert Simpson and Harpie McCollough Simpson. He was retired from the Randolph County School System, where he had devoted his entire working life to educating the children of Randolph County. He was a teacher and principal at various schools throughout Randolph County, and prior to his retirement, served his last 12 years as superintendent of Randolph County Schools. He was a member of Pine Hill Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie J. Simpson. Survivors include two sons, James W. Simpson and Hal Simpson of Carrollton; a sister, Neva Simpson Sharp of Lincoln; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home in Wedowee from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Chuck Simpson, David Simpson, Darrell Simpson, Craig Simpson, Paul Simpson, Kirby Laye, Mike Stedham, Gene Sharp and Billy Traylor. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Wilma Pharr (PENTON) Wilma Pharr, 78, of Penton died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at Embracing Hospice, Snellville, Ga. Services were at Penton Church of God at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 5, with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Mickey Kennedy officiated. Surviving are her husband, Ed Pharr of Penton; one daughter, Diane Hall of Snellville; one sister, Faye Rittlemeyer of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother, Homer H. Elliott Jr. of Roanoke; and three grandchildren. Mrs. Pharr was born in Coffee County on July 10, 1923. She was employed as a life underwriter for Hammer Insurance Co. in Tampa, Fla. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ James L. 'Jabo' Vinson (ANNISTON) Services for James L. "Jabo" Vinson, 77, of Anniston, were Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory, with the Rev. David Holcombe officiating. Burial was in Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Wedowee. Mr. Vinson died Wednesday, Jan. 30, at his home. Survivors include two daughters, Gayle V. White of Wedowee and Camelia V. Bryant of Anniston; a son, Dwain Vinson of Oxford, Miss.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were grandsons. Mr. Vinson was a native and lifelong resident of Anniston. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the DAV. He was retired from Anniston Army Depot and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luna Braden Vinson. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 13, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Gary Chad Pike (ROCK MILLS) Services for Gary Chad Pike, 19, of Rock Mills were Sunday Feb. 10, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Gerald Sheppard officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Pike died Saturday, Feb. 9, at Randolph Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A Randolph County native, Mr. Pike was born Oct. 30, 1982, son of Gary Thomas and Becky Pike. He was a graduate of Randolph County High School and had been employed with Mill Rite Company. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Thomas Pike; his paternal grandmother, Geneva Pike; and his maternal grandfather, Iveris Pike. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Becky and Mike Brewer of Roanoke; his paternal grandfather, Archie Pike of Rock Mills; his maternal grandmother, Helen Pike of Valley; his step-grandparents, Tommy and Alice Brewer of Roanoke; a brother, Christopher Pike of Rock Mills; and a special aunt and uncle, Anthony and Rena Pike, also of Rock Mills. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Elizabeth Potts Basinger (ROANOKE) Elizabeth "Tootsie" Potts Basinger, 77, of Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke, formerly of Aliceville, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at East Alabama Medical Center. Graveside services were Sunday, Feb. 3, in Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery, with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allie E. and Judah Burgess Potts; her husband, Hunter Basinger; and her brother, A. B. Potts; all of Aliceville. Survivors include one son, Pat Salatto Jr. of Roanoke; three grandchilren; one great- grandson; and two nephews. Mrs. Basinger was a long time resident of Aliceville and a member of Aliceville First Baptist Church. She was the former owner and operator of Pott's 5 & 10 cent Store and Independent Oil Company of Aliceville. Arrangements were by Skelton Funeral Home, Reform. __________ Bailey Frank Fowler (VILLA RICA, Ga.) Services for Bailey Frank Fowler, 78, of Villa Rica, Ga., formerly of Randolph County, were at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Bobby Jones officiating. Burial was at Wedowee City Cemetery. Mr. Fowler died Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Tanner Medical Center in Villa Rica. He was born in Randolph County on Dec. 11, 1923, son of Warner D. and Myra Bailey Fowler. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and Korea, was self-employed as a asphalt paving contractor, and was a member of Villa Rica Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sarah Huey Fowler. Survivors include a daughter, Donna Fowler Chancellor of Villa Rica; a sister, Oleta Lynch of Lilburn, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers wee Justin Chancellor, Craig Chancellor, Thomas Boyd, Tony Reid, Sammy Huey, Danny Rollins, Larry Brown and John Frank Kirby. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Helen Ruth McClung Freeman (ROANOKE) Services for Helen Ruth McClung Freeman, 64, of Roanoke were Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Big Springs Baptist Church, with the Revs. Scott Hannah and Cecil Halsey officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Freeman died Thursday, Feb. 7, at Wedowee Hospital. Formerly of LaGrange, Ga., Mrs. Freeman was a Randolph County resident for 40 years. She was born March 28, 1937, in Medlen, Ga., daughter of Archie and Margaret Wade McClung. She was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church and had been employed with LaMar Manufacturing. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joe McClung. Survivors include her husband, Thanuel "Sam" Freeman of Roanoke; one daughter, Lisa Mitchum of Woodland; one son, Todd Freeman of Roanoke; four sisters, Patricia Story and Carl Blankenship of LaGrange, Bonnie Briscoe of Royston, Ga., and Shelby McClung of Pine Mountain, Ga.; one brother, Louie McClung of LaGrange; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Kennan Moon, Luke Moon, Charlie Scott, Ed Halsey, Kyle Arrington, George Brewster, Jessie Reynolds and Grady Daniel. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class at Big Springs Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Big Springs Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Willie Eddie Davidson (LANETT) Willie Eddie Davidson, 86, of Lanett, formerly of Five Points, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002, at Beverly Health Care Center, Lanett. Services were at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Five Points, on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Thomas G. Robertson officiating. Interment was in Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Lanett. Surviving are two sisters, Bonnie Allen of Five Points and Alice M. Denson of Lanett; eight nieces, seven nephews; and a large number of great-nieces and great-nephews. Mr. Davidson was born in Harris County, Ga. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Arrangements were by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Eva Mae Herren (NEWELL) Services for Eva mae Herren, 81, of Newell were Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church, with the Rev. Roy Connell and the Rev. Bobby Jones officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Herren died Thursday, Feb. 7, at Lineville Nursing Facility. Mrs. Herren was a native of Carroll County, Ga., born Aug 19, 1920, daughter of George Merrell and Drucilla Smith Merrell. She was a homemaker and a member of Harmony Congregational Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Bernice Herren. Mrs. Herren is survived by a daughter Shelia Fincher of Woodland; two sons, James C. Herren of Centre and Fred Herren of Newell; two sisters, Susie Huff of LaGrange, Ga., and Pearl Driver of Clemm, Ga.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Brandon Fincher, Randall McCloud, David Hodnett and Josh Horn. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Mildred Lathan (VALLEY) Mildred Latham, 77, of Valley died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002 at Lanier Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Latham is survived by her husband Brewer Latham; one son, Donnie Latham of Lanett; a sister, Sue Traylor of Roanoke; a brother, Charlie P. Nix of Smiths Station; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers, William Clarice Nix and Major James Carl Nix. Services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, with burial in Fairfax Cemetery. The Rev. Steve York officiated. Mrs. Latham was born in Randolph County on June 26, 1924, daughter of the late Georgia Mary King Nix and William Pierce Nix. She had retired from West Point Stevens Fairfax Finishing Plant after 35 years of service with the company. She was a member of Fairfax First Baptist Church. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Fairfax First Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Clementine Wright Pennington (WEDOWEE) Services for Clementine Wright Pennington, 85, of Wedowee, formerly of Jacksonville, were Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Carlos Gentry officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville. Mrs. Pennington died Sunday, Feb. 10, at Wedowee Hospital. Mrs. Pennington was a native of Randolph County, born Jan. 6, 1917, daughter of Simeon "Sim" N. Wright and Essie Rogers Wright. She was a Baptist by faith and was preceded in death by her husband Alvie Pennington; a brother, Comer Wright; and a sister, Betty Waters. Survivors include a sister, Mattie Roberts of Gadsden; a brother-in-law, Thurman Waters of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were family members and friends. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ W. B. 'Billy' Bassett (WEDOWEE) Services for W. B. "Billy" Bassett Jr., 55, of Wedowee, formerly of Smyrna, Ga., will be Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Midway United Methodist Church, with the Revs. James Manley and Clay Manley officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Bassett died Monday, Feb. 11, at Northeast Regional Medical Center, Anniston. A Randolph County native, Mr. Bassett was born May 26, 1946, son of Willie Byrd Bassett Sr. and Gladys Parmer Bassett. He was a member of Midway United Methodist Church and had been employed with Beers Construction Company in Atlanta. Survivors include his wife, Judy Bassett of Wedowee; two daughters, Lisa Alene Bassett of Jacksonville, Fla., and Carolyn B. Hall of Wedowee; son-in-law Dann Hall of Wedowee; two grandchildren; three sisters, Wylodene Clark of Roanoke, Juanita Ussery of McDonough, Ga., and Margaret Myers of Pikeville, Tenn.; and one brother, Kim Bassett of Ashland. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Mr. Bassett will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services on Thursday. Pallbearers will be Hank Johns, Larry Darnell, Lee Noles, Bill Hodge, Robert French and Jimmy McCain. Honorary pallbearers will be former company members. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to American Kidney Foundation (6100 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 208952). Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ William Thomas Meredith Jr. (GEORGETOWN, Ga.) Services for William Thomas Meredith Jr., 76, of Georgetown, Ga., will be Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Roanoke Church of Christ, with Gerald Romine and Carrol Grimes officiating. Burial will follow in Highway Ridge Memory Garden Cemetery, Roanoke, with Kent Funeral Home of Eufaula directing. Mr. Meredith died Sunday, Feb. 10, at his residence after a brief illness. Born Sept. 17, 1925, in Humphreys County, Tenn., Mr. Meredith was the son of the late William Thomas Sr. and Ellen Downey Meredith. He had lived in the Georgetown area for the past 23 years, coming from Roanoke. He was a member of Abbeville Church of Christ and an avid fisherman. Survivors include his wife, Irene Meredith of Georgetown; one daughter, Joann Crews of Griffin, Ga.; three sons, Rick Meredith of Georgetown, Jerry Edward Meredith of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Donald Wayne Meredith of Linden, Tenn.; two stepsons, Eric Kelley of Roanoke and Wendell Kelley of Winter Haven, Fla.; three brothers, Tommy Downey of Goodletsville, Tenn., Bobby Downey of Nashville, Tenn., and Ward Downey of Kenosha, Wis.; eight sisters, Joy Jenkins of Pulaski, Tenn., Ann Phillips of Dallas, Ga., Ruby Barrett of Johnson, Tenn., Melba Downey, Nell Henry and Lela Gordon of Waverly, Tenn., and Wanda Mathis and Patsy Cook of Waynesboro, Tenn., 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Active pallbearers will be Rick Meredith Jr., Travis Kelley, Michael Eugene Smith, Edward Dygert, Matt Gossett and Tommy White. Visitation in Roanoke will be from 12 until 1 p.m. at Roanoke Church of Christ on the day of the funeral. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Wiregrass Hospice, 1347 S. Eufaula Ave., Suite B, Eufaula, AL 36027 or the American Cancer Society, 504 Brookwood Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35209 or a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Kent Funeral Home, Eufaula. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 20, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: John Forney Landers (ANNISTON) Services for John Forney Landers, 75, of Anniston were Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, at 3 p.m. CST at Rainwater and West Funeral Home in Bowdon, Ga., with the Rev. John Hunter officiating. Burial was in Bowdon City Cemetery. Mr. Landers died Tuesday, Feb. 12, at National Health Care. Survivors include his wife, Vecoy Fowler Landers of Anniston; a daughter, Dr. Sharon Fowler Cruse of Las Vegas, Nev.; and a sister, Glenda Hester of Birmingham. Pallbearers were Norman Ward, Jacob Cruze, Tad Brandle, Vernon Stephens, Wayne Hester and Jimmy Edwards. Honorary pallbearers will be Blake Parker, Jack Herren, Willard Albright, Troy Fowler and Oswald Hanson. Mr. Landers was a native of Randolph County and was the son of the late John Forney and Addie McLeod Landers. He was the retired owner of Landers Lamp Company and was a World War II Navy veteran. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Anniston. __________ Ellen Mindy Phillips (ANNISTON) Services for Ellen Mindy Phillips, 90, of Anniston were Saturday, Feb. 15, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary and Crematory with the Rev. Larry Carpenter officiating. Burial was in Forestlawn Gardens. Mrs. Phillips died Thursday, Feb. 14, at Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Survivors include a son and his wife, Curtis and Nancy Phillips of Anniston; two brothers, Lonnie Bolt of Oregon and Robert L. Bolt of Oxford; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Aaron Phillips and Jimmy Brimer. Mrs. Phillips was a native of Randolph County and had lived in Calhoun County most of her life. She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleave Phillips, and a son Billy Ray Phillips. __________ Cathy Ann Bledsoe (ROANOKE) Cathy Ann Bledsoe, 41, of Roanoke died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2002, at Florence Hand Home, LaGrange, Ga. Services were Monday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, Five Points, with the Rev. Charlie Carlisle and the Rev. L. B. Houston officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include her mother, Catherine Bledsoe of Roanoke; two sons, James Bledsoe and Corey Henderson of Roanoke; one daughter, Kathy Bledsoe of Roanoke; three brothers, Frank Rhodes of Cape Cod, Mass., Thurman Bledsoe of Roanoke and Kenneth Bledsoe of Atlanta, Ga.; three sisters, Ida Alexander and Myra Reynolds of Roanoke and Gwendolyn Watts of Stamford, Conn.; three uncles and five aunts. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Lera Pearl Bonner (ROANOKE) Services for Lera Pearl Bonner, 66, of Roanoke were Sunday, Feb. 17, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Bethany Lime Congregational Christian Church, with the Revs. Bernard Fuller and Stanley Yarbrough officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Miss Bonner died Friday, Feb. 15, at Randolph Medical Center following a short illness. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Miss Bonner was born Oct. 23, 1935, daughter of Joe and Lurline Vineyard Bonner. She was a member of Bethany Lime Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jim, Leonard and Awbrey Bonner; and a sister Bessie Maude Bonner. Survivors include one sister, Virginia Jackson, and one brother, Gerson Bonner, both of Roanoke, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Harold Bonner, Whit Bonner, Lamar Bonner, Jerry Bonner, Ronald White and Benny Satterwhite. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Mattie Sue Watson (ROANOKE) Services for Mattie Sue Watson, 81, of Roanoke were Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Gerald Sheppard officiating. Burial was at Knight Cemetery, Wadley. Mrs. Watson died Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Randolph Medical Center. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mrs. Watson was born Sept. 5, 1920, daughter of John and Florence Perry Edmondson. She was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church and had been employed with Handley Mills. She was preceded in death by her husband Olif Watson, and a son, John Wayne Watson. Survivors include one daughter, Catherine Anglin of Rock Mills; two sons James D. Watson and Arthur Watson of Roanoke; one sister, Lula Sheppard of Roanoke; one brother Herman Edmondson of Roanoke; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Billy W. Watson, Jimmy Watson, Delbert Watson, Adam Watson, Billy C. Watson and Johnny Anglin. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Emmitt Hill (LAFAYETTE) Emmitt Hill, 82, of LaFayette died Monday, Feb. 11, 2002, at LaFayette Nursing Home, LaFayette. Services were at Ozias Baptist Church, Camp Hill, on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. O. C. Stiggers officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Surviving are two daughters, Diana Cofield of LaGrange, Ga., and Nellie Jo McKissic of Wadley; one sister, Katie Thomas of LaFayette; seven grandchildren, seven great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mr. Hill was a member of Ozias Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Inora Pearl Knight (WEDOWEE) Inora Pearl Knight, 86, of Wedowee, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, at Wedowee Hospital. Services will be Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at Pine Flat Primitive Baptist Church, Wedowee, with Elder James Rowe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include three daughters, Mable Woodgett of Wedowee, Betty Jean Lowe of Wadley and Icie Bell Langston of Roanoke; two brothers, Harmon Carter of Detroit and Robert Lewis Carter of Anniston; two sisters, Della Story and Betsy Dunton of Anniston; daughter-in-law Jessie Mae Andrews of Wedowee; and adoptive brother John R. Knight of Wedowee. She was preceded in death by a son, William T. Knight. Viewing hours will be observed at Clark Memorial Funeral Service from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22. The body will be placed in the church one hour before services. Arrangements are by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ James Frank McGill (WADLEY) Services for James Frank McGill, 77, of Wadley were Sunday, Feb. 17, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Wadley First United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Phillip Gore and Abigail Carlisle-Wilke officiating. Burial was at Wadley Cemetery. Mr. McGill died Thursday, Feb. 14, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. A lifelong Wadley resident, Mr. McGill was born Dec. 21, 1924, son of Ruben A. and Mozell Noel McGill. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a member of Wadley First United Methodist Church and had been employed with Plantation Patterns. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Karon Max McGill. Survivors include his wife, Helen Blake McGill of Wadley; two daughters, Peggy McGill Noles and Audette McGill Waldrep of Wadley; two sons, James F. "Sonny" McGill Jr. of LaFayette and Phillip Blake McGill of Wadley; one sister, Agnes McGill Nunn of Wadley; two brothers, Donnie Noel McGill of Devol, Okla., and David Larry McGill of Wadley; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jeremy McGill, Jared McGill, Jon McGill, Brian Waldrep, Aaron Waldrep, Brent Noles, Skyler Noles, Coby Noles and Ebb Noles. Honorary pallbearers were Tammy McGill, Kim Holmes, Amanda Belcher, Jan Nye, Josie Sims, Jenissa Jordon, Jamie Evans, Jayla Noles and Leah House. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Wendell Kenneth Hood (ROANOKE) Services for Wendell Kenneth Hood, 70, of Roanoke were Sunday, Feb. 17, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Tim Whaley officiating. Burial was at Ridgeway Methodist Church Cemetery, Heard County, Ga. Mr. Hood died Friday, Feb. 15, at his place of business in Wedowee. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Hood was born Jan. 3, 1932, son of Clenton M. and Eula Pearl Kent Hood. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran and a member of Forest Home Christian Church. He operated WK Auto Sales for several years and was most recently serving as sales manager for Prestridge Ford-Mercury II in Wedowee. Survivors include his wife, ObeLee Arrington Hood; a daughter, Kelly Hood Frye; a son, Kenneth L. Hood; a grandson; and two sisters, Lillian Hammond and Geneva Jones of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Mike May, Craig Prestridge, Kerry Miles, Barry Smith, Darden Arrington and Harold Arrington. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Russell Leonard Morgan (JACKSON, Ga.) Russell Leonard Morgan, 88, of Jackson, Ga., died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, at Spalding Regional Hospital. Mr. Morgan was born Aug. 19, 1913, in Randolph County, son of the late William and Frances Jacks Morgan. He was a farmer and did mill work before his retirement. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Faye McCord. Survivors are a sister, Erlene Carrugh of Franklin, Ga.; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services were Monday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home, McDonough, Ga., with the Rev. Tim Neal officiating. Interment was in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in McDonough. Arrangements were by Haisten Funeral Home, McDonough. __________ Nathon Jack Smith (HEFLIN) Services for Nathon Jack Smith 77, of Heflin will be Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church, with the Revs. Brian Smith and Kenneth Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Smith died Monday, Feb. 18, at his home. A Randolph County native, Mr. Smith was born Sept. 22, 1924, son of Mark Oral and Dovie Beck Smith. He was a World War II veteran and served in the Coast Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Carolyn Ann McLeroy Smith; and two sons, Errol Bonner and William Bonner. Survivors include his wife, Louise Stillwell Smith; seven daughters, Shirley Young of Boaz, Priscilla Revell of Doe Run, Ga., Sharon Hendon and Karen Ussery of Roanoke, Sue Herren of Woodland, and Wanda Smith and Cynthia Hill of Newell; six sons, Larry Jack Smith of Bowdon, Ga., Hartley Bonner of Hogansville, Ga., Harry Bonner of LaGrange, Ga., Hollis Hall of Bowdon, Ga., Stanley Hall of Graham and Tim Hall of Ranburne; six sisters, Gertrude Lane of Bynum, Ressie Lee Henderson of LaGrange, Avis Robinson of Cusseta, Essie Mae McManus and Sarah Cantrell of Woodland, and Janice Smith of Opelika; two brothers, George Thomas Smith of Woodland and Mark Oral "Junior" Smith of Valley; 26 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Smith will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Clay County Hospice. Pallbearers will be Monty Cantrell, Alan Cantrell, Stacy Cantrell, Hollis Hall, Tracy Cantrell, Kenneth McManus, Darrell McManus and Joseph McManus. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ May M. Lyle (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Mae M. Lyle, 72, of Carrollton, Ga. died Monday, Feb. 18, 2002, at Tanner Medical Center. Mrs. Lyle was born May 4, 1929 in Haralson County, Ga., to the late James Bradley Mize and Bessie O. Crumbley Mize. She was a homemaker and a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. She was a member of the Circle of Friends Windows Group affiliated with Martin & Hightower Funeral Homes. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Judson Lyle; a daughter, Cynthia Ann Lyle; one son, Judson Lyle; two sisters, Katherine Williams and Christine Smith; one brother, James Mize; and a granddaughter. Survivors include five daughters, Dianne Folds and Teresa Taylor of Carrollton, Trudy Edwards of Russellville, Ky., and Deborah Peck and Sandy George of Woodland; two sons, Steve Lyle of Carrollton and Tony Lyle of Taylorsville, Ga.; four sisters, Jean Bowman of Cedartown, Ga., Joyce Bonner of Newnan, Ga., Barbara Smith of South Carolina, and Mary Wicichowski of Florida; 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Services will be Thursday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Emerson Lyle officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m. Arrangements are by Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel, Carrollton. __________ Charlie Pate Turner (WOODLAND) Charlie Pate Turner, 91, of Woodland died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at Wedowee Hospital in Wedowee. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Virginia Turner of Woodland; three daughters, Queen Wright of Wedowee and Mae Dale and LaVerne Dotson of Atlanta, Ga.; four sons, James W. Turner of Cincinnati, Ohio, Harold Turner of Denver, Colo., and Marvin D. Turner and David Turner of Woodland; two brothers, Weldon Turner of Los Angeles, Calif., and Howard Turner of Wedowee; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Mentoria Smith Turner, and a daughter Naomi Clark. Services were Monday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Wedowee, with the Rev. Lawrence Watts officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ Charles Lee Mitchum (ROANOKE) Services for Charles Lee Mitchum, 77, of Roanoke were Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Roanoke, with Dr. Douglas Turner officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens. Mr. Mitchum died Sunday, Feb. 17, at his home. A lifelong resident of this area, Mr. Mitchum was born Oct. 20, 1924, son of William Henry and Gillie Maude Jackson Mitchum. He was a World War II Air Force veteran and worked as a self-employed brick mason and carpenter. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Good Fellows Sunday School Class. He served as a deacon and worked with Carpenters for Christ. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Borders Mitchum of Roanoke; his children, Teri and Johnny Tennant of Roanoke, Jean Windsor and John Webb of Roanoke, Marsha and Jim Darden of Opelika; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; one sister, Irma Borders of Roanoke; one brother, Raymond Mitchum of Roanoke; and a large number of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to First Baptist Church Christian Life Center Building Fund. Pallbearers were Johnny Tennant, John Webb, Jim Darden, Clint Daniel, Cal Green, Kirby Windsor, Jerry Mitchum, Brandon Turner, Richard Mitchum and William Tucker. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader February 27, 2002 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Teresa Holley Reid (ROANOKE) Teresa Holley Reid, 39, of Roanoke died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, on Highway 431 south of Roanoke in the Stroud community. Mrs. Reid had worked at The Randolph Leader, Roanoke Utilities Board and Randolph County Revenue Commission office and was a local manager for Primerica Insurance Company. At the time of her death, she was employed at Intercall in West Point, Ga. She was a member of East Roanoke Church of God. Survivors include her husband, Harold Reid of Roanoke; four sisters, Barbara Slaughter, Linda Rowland, Gloria Wright and Sara Billingslea, all of Roanoke; one brother, Gregory Holley of Opelika; her mother-in-law, Alice Reid of Franklin, Ga.; her father-in-law, Willie Shears of Roanoke; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends. Services for Mrs. Reid were Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at East Roanoke Church of God, with Bishop Wade Wright officiating. Interment was in Sky View Memorial Gardens, Welch. She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Lee Holley; and her mother, Lela Pearl Ridley Holley. Pallbearers were Howard Cofield, Willie Paul Evans, Donnie Hines, Willie Reid, Lamont Rowland and Patrick Rowland. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ Rev. Earnest Lipham (WEDOWEE) Services for the Rev. Earnest Lipham, 75, of Wedowee were Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church, with the Revs. Douglas Ford and Dorsey White officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Lipham died Sunday, Feb. 24, at Wedowee Hospital following an extended illness. A native and lifelong Randolph County resident, Rev. Lipham was born Nov. 27, 1926, son of Tom and Josie Craft Lipham. He had retired from Anniston Army Depot, was a member of Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church and had pastored Congregational Methodist churches in this area 36 years. He was preceded in death by a son, Glenn Lipham. Survivors include his wife, Nadine Johnson Lipham; two sons, Steve Lipham and Greg Lipham of Wedowee; three grandsons; and a brother, Curtis Lipham of Lineville. Pallbearers were David Barnett, Freeman Rollins, Arnold Bailey, Calvin Weaver, W. T. Lewis, Roger McManus, Ed Sutton and Max Hadley. Honorary pallbearers were the Revs. Don Henley, Harold Pitts, Bobby Jones, Spence Steedley, Leron Murphy, Julian Murphy, Melvin Norris and Roy Connell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Wesley College, P.O. Box 9, Florence MS. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Furn Morrow (LINEVILLE) Services for Furn Morrow, 80, of Lineville were Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Clay County Funeral Home with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Burial was in Clay County Memory Gardens. Mrs. Morrow died Sunday, Feb. 17, in Fairview, Tenn. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Morrow of Fairview; a brother, Charlie Gregg of Panama City, Fla.; and five grandchildren. Pallbearers were Sean Lewis, Shane Doty, Kevin Doty, Caitlin Doty, John O'Neill and Danny Hill. Mrs. Morrow was a native of Randolph County, had been a resident of Chambers County a number of years and had lived in Lineville 17 years. She taught school in Childersburg for several years during World War II, was a homemaker, and was a member of Lineville Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvis Morrow. __________ Earlis Lindsey Ogle (HEFLIN) Services for Earlis Lindsey Ogle, 60, of Heflin were Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Dryden Funeral Home. Burial was in Pinetucky Cemetery. Mr. Ogle died Monday, Feb. 18, at Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Allie Ogle of Heflin; a daughter, Susan Shaddix of Heflin; two sons, Frank Ogle of Ranburne and Jamie Ogle of Hokes Bluff; a brother, Vertis Ogle of Heflin; and three grandchildren. Pallbearers will be friends and relatives. Mr. Ogle was a native of Randolph County and had lived in Heflin seven years. He was a former employee of U.S. Gypsum. __________ Catherine Loneta Whaley (WEDOWEE) Services for Catherine Loneta Whaley, 74, of Wedowee will be Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Wedowee, with the Revs. Don Paris and Max Cummings officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church cemetery. Mrs. Whaley died Sunday, Feb. 24, at University Hospital in Birmingham. A Randolph county native, Mrs. Whaley was born March 12, 1927, daughter of Amberson Jackson and Cora Lee Wilson Boggs. She was a homemaker, a member of First Baptist Church and the Joy Napp Sunday school class and was an outreach leader with her Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by a son, Steve Whaley. Survivors include her husband, Lum Pierce Whaley of Wedowee; two daughters, Linda Stanfield of LaGrange, Ga., and Carolyn Price of Wedowee; three sons, James L. Whaley and Lum Pierce Whaley Jr. of Wedowee and Jackson R. "Monroe" Whaley of Roanoke; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be the deacons of First Baptist Church. Grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements are by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Elizabeth Ann Harrison (WEDOWEE) Services for Elizabeth Ann Harrison, 57, of Wedowee were Friday, Feb. 22, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. L. C. Harris officiating. Burial was at Black's Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Clay County. Ms. Harrison died Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Clay County Nursing Home in Ashland. A Clay County native, Ms. Harrison was born May 19, 1944, daughter of Maeward C. and Mittylene McKay Harris. She had been employed as a bus driver with Randolph County schools. Ms. Harrison was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Harris. Survivors include one daughter, Kimberly Burge of Clarksville, Tenn.; and three brothers, Morris Harris and Thornton Harris of Anniston and Eugene Harris of Brandonton, Fla. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Dorothy Cumi French Sears (ATLANTA, Ga.) Services for Dorothy Cumi French Sears, 86, of Atlanta, Ga., formerly of Wedowee, were Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Mike Samuels officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Sears died Thursday, Feb. 21, at Beverly Healthcare, Atlanta. A Randolph County native, Mrs. Sears was born Sept. 21, 1915, daughter of Charles Augustus and Eva Pearl Kirby French. She was a homemaker and a member of East Point Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Bert Charles Sears; a sister, Eva French; and two brothers, Charlie W. French and Douglas French. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Jean Smith of Newnan, Ga.; two sons, Guy Alfred Sears Jr. of Lithia Springs, Ga., and Donald L. Sears of Dunwoody, Ga.; three sisters, Martha Kate McManus of Fairburn, Ga., Myrtie Butler of Bowdon, Ga., and Mevolene Brown of Wedowee; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Family members served as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Bear Creek United Methodist Church Fund, 23980 Highway 48, Woodland, AL 36280. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Minnie Lee Milner (WADLEY) Minnie Lee Milner, 92, of Wadley died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at LaFayette Nursing Home. Mrs. Milner was born in Chambers County on Nov. 29, 1909. She was retired from Clegg Manufacturing and was a member of New Hope Christian Church in Chambers County. Services were at New Hope Christian Church on Monday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m., with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Phil Gore and the Rev. Hoyt Noel Jr. officiated. Survivors include one son, John Milner of Wadley; two sisters, Mildred Florence of Roanoke and Ramona Sims of Buchanan, Ga.; one brother, J. T. Edge of Wadley; two step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Wayne Stephens, Hoyt Noel Sr., Ray Halsey, Herbert Clark, Tommy Edge and Robert Windsor. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ Sallie Pike Whatley (ROANOKE) Sallie Pike Whatley, 83, of Roanoke, formerly of LaGrange, Ga., died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at her residence. Mrs. Whatley was born Feb. 18, 1919, in Fairplay, S.C., daughter of the late Thomas Wilburn Irvin and the late Evie Jane Standridge Eaton. She was retired from Hillside Plant of Callaway Mills and was a Baptist. Services were at 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel, LaGrange, with the Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial was in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Sue Smith of Roanoke, Jackie Hill of Rock Mills, Brenda Farrow of Valley and Vera Whatley of LaGrange; 36 grandchildren, 81 great- grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Rilla Alewine of Fitzgerald, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Turner and Pauline Hill; a son Tommy Pike; and her husband, Buford Pike. Arrangements were by Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, LaGrange. __________ Windol Bowling (VALLEY) Windol Bowling, 75, of Valley died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Bowling was born in Abanda on Sept. 26, 1926. He was an Army veteran of World War II and Korea and was self-employed in the trucking and logging business. Services were at Abanda Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, with interment in Abanda Cemetery. The Rev. John Cole officiated. Surviving are a daughter, Debbie Black of Valley; a son, John Bowling of Ashland; two sisters, Rudene Clanton of Opelika and Frances Wilbanks of Dadeville; one brother, Edward Bowling of Abanda; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. Arrangements were by Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette. ______________________________________________________