Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during September 1998, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/199809L.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 2003 The Randolph Leader September 2, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Robert Wilson 'Bob' Gay (FIVE POINTS) Funeral services for Robert Wilson "Bob" Gay, 81, of Five Points were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 1998, at Standing Rock Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ed Grooms officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Gay died Thursday, Aug. 27, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika following an extended illness. He was born June 2, 1917, in Chambers County, son of Wylie Wilson and Mary Eula Gay. He was a World War II veteran, a Chambers County commissioner from 1960 to 1977, a member of State Line Hunting Club, an Auburn University graduate, head of on-the-farm training for veterans in Randolph County, and a member of Standing Rock Methodist Church, where he was past chairman of the Board of trustees and had served as Sunday school superintendent, teacher, MYF leader and lay leader. He served on the boards of the state, Piedmont, and Chambers County Soil and Water Conservation districts, and he was district supervisor of the Coosa Valley RC&D. He received many awards, among them the Special Service Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marjorie Woodrough Gay of Five Points; and a niece, Nancy Gay Morse of Birmingham. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Pallbearers were members of the State Line Hunting Club. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Gladys Maudine Gosdin (HEFLIN) Gladys Maudine Gosdin, 67, died Saturday, August 8, 1998, at her residence following an extended illness. Funeral services were Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m., at Pinetucky Baptist Church, with the Rev. Stanley Smith and the Rev. Billy East officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. Gosdin was a native of Randolph County, born June 20, 1931, daughter of George Washington Gray and Odessa Morrison Gray. She was a member of Pinetucky Baptist Church and owned and operated B&J's Flowers and Ceramics of Micaville. Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Sue Johnson and Cathy Jean Wortham, both of Heflin; one sister, Lucille Hill of Roanoke; a brother, Earnest Gray of Heflin; two grandsons and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Fred Hill, Junior Holloway, Randy Akins, Lee Higgins, Douglas Johnson and Jimmy Jackson. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Iduma Congregational Methodist Church Building Fund. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Lonnie L. Langley (BOAZ) Lonnie L. Langley, 92, of Boaz died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1998, at Marshall Medical Center South in Boaz. Mr. Langley was preceded in death by his wife, Flora Adella Langley; his parents, Lula Langley and Benjamin Langley, a brother, Otis; and a sister, Beulah. Surviving are three daughters, Janette Parrish of Boaz, Mary Jim Hallmark of Whitesboro, and Shirley Langley of Boaz; five sons, Howard Tillman Langley, James "Monk" Langley, Benny Langley, Tommy Langley and Terry Langley, all of Boaz; a brother, Arthur Langley of Lanett; a special friend, Beecher Hyde; 20 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at Albertville Memorial Chapel on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m. with interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. Jerry Manasco and Shannon Pullen officiated. Mr. Langley was a member of Crestview Church of Christ. __________ John Philpot (AUSTELL, Ga.) John Philpot, 81, of Austell, Ga., a native of Newell, Ala., died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1998, at Wellstar Cobb General Hospital, Austell. Survivors include his wife, Lomia Philpot of Birmingham; three sons, Morel Philpot of Rome, Ga., and Tony Philpot and Sherman Philpot of Carrollton, Ga.; two daughters, Regina Elkins of Rome and Melissa Philpot of Carrollton; a brother, the Rev. Archie Hanner of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a sister, Mary Hanner of Cedar Bluff; his first wife, Dorothy Philpot of Douglasville, Ga.; and 12 grandchildren. Arrangements were by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ James Edward Burdette (VALDOSTA, Ga.) James Edward (Faw-Faw) Burdette, 26, of Valdosta, Ga., died Sunday, Aug. 23, 1998, in Valdosta. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. at East Roanoke Church of God, with burial in Skyview Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Tom Staples officiated. Survivors include four sons, James Edward Burdette, Jr., Charles Henry Holliday III, and Abrion and Tyrone Hunt, all of Valdosta; a daughter, Latoya Burdette of Valdosta; his mother and step-father, Barbara and Gerald Thomas of Roanoke; his father, Charlie Joe Burdette of Birmingham; five brothers, Michael Hughley of Valdosta, Charlie Frank Burdette, Gerard Thomas, and Quentin Lamant Thomas of Roanoke, and Michael Burdette of LaFayette; and three sisters, Lawanda Hughley of Valdosta, Latasha Thomas of Roanoke, and Tara Burdette of LaFayette. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 9, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Harvey Manley Houston (WEDOWEE) Harvey Manley Houston, 53, of Wedowee died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1998, at Wedowee Hospital. Services for Mr. Houston were Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in the Broughton community of Wadley with the Rev. Calvin Trammell officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. Surviving are his father, John Wesley Houston of Malone; his mother, Rosie Lee Houston of Wedowee; a daughter, Ruby Ann Houston of Wedowee; four brothers, John W. Houston and Benny Houston of Wedowee, Guy William Houston of Atlanta and Leney Wayne Houston of Birmingham; and three sisters, Cynthia Lee Woodgett, Ruthie Lee Wright and Freddie Weaver, all of Wedowee. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Houston and Bobby Houston, and a sister, Myrtle Herring. Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements. __________ Bessie Ward McDonald (RIVERDALE, Ga.) Funeral services for Bessie Ward McDonald, 77, of Riverdale, Ga., formerly of Roanoke, were at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 1998, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. S. T. Janney officiating. Burial followed at Cedarwood Cemetery. Mrs. Ward died Sunday, Sept. 6, at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale following a short illness. She was born in Troup County, Ga., Nov. 6, 1920, daughter of John Will and Myrtle Ward. She had been employed at Handley Mills. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Cather McDonald. Survivors include one daughter, Janice Underwood of Riverdale; two brothers, Winford Ward and Melvin Ward, both of LaGrange, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mary John Tarver (VALLEY) Mary John Tarver, 84, of Valley died Monday, Sept. 7, 1998, at West Georgia Hospice, LaGrange, Ga. Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church of Shawmut at 2 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 10, with burial in Resthaven Cemetery. Dr. Jerome King will officiate. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley T. Hooks of Napa, Calif.; a son, Tony Tarver of Pinehurst, N.C.; a sister, Nannie Will Butler of Roanoke; a brother, Grover Lee Rice of Roanoke; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey J. Tarver. Mrs. Tarver was born July 6, 1914, daughter of the late Willie Bell Arrington Rice and John Larry Rice. She was employed at West Point Pepperell's Shawmut Mill for more than 30 years. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Shawmut or to West Georgia Hospice in her memory. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. EDT at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley. __________ Idella Patton Phillips (ROANOKE) Idella Patton "Dell" Phillips, 71, of Roanoke died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1998, at her home. Services for Mrs. Phillips were Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Riley Street, Roanoke, with the Rev. Lathonia J. Wright officiating. Burial was at Friendship Baptist Church, Wadley. A native of Anniston, Mrs. Phillips attended Cobb Avenue High School. She was active in the Missionary Baptist Church Conventions and her church, First Baptist Church, Riley Street, Roanoke, where she served as director of the Sanctuary Choir. She was the music director for the North East District State Convention Choir, as well as vice president of the East Alabama Union District Baptist Association Women's Convention Auxiliary. She retired after working for 24 years at Randolph County Hospital, working first as an x-ray technician and later as a ward clerk. She also was a beautician in the community for several years. Survivors include a son, Johnny L. Phillips of LaGrange, Ga.; a daughter, Loujennie Wilkins of Dayton, Ohio; a brother, Otis Patton of Hamilton, Ohio; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Annie Patton and her husband, the Rev. Beotis Phillips. Services were provided by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Benjamin J. Robinson (CARROLLTON, Ga.) Benjamin Jesse "Ben" Robinson, 66, of Carrollton, Ga., died Friday, Sept. 4, 1998, at Tanner Medical Center. A native of Carroll County, Ga., Mr. Robinson was born Sept. 28, 1931, to the late Henry Robinson and Bonnie Stogner Robinson. He was retired owner and operator of Robinson Dairy. He served on the board of West Georgia Farm Credit, was a former member of ASCS Board, and member of the Carroll County Cattlemen Association, the Gold Kist Patron Council, Farm Bureau, Georgia Milk Producers and the Mt. Zion Student Work program. He was a Primitive Baptist and served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Manie Wright Robinson; two sons, Kenny Robinson and Keith Robinson of Carrollton; a granddaughter; a sister, Mrs. Berta Baklini of Wilmington, N.C.; and four brothers, Dr. Clark Robinson and Martin Robinson of Douglasville, Ga. and Dr. Robert S. Robinson and Jerry L. Robinson of Washington. The funeral service was Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Almon Funeral Home with the Elders Homer Benefield and Frank Andrews officiating. Music was by the Sacred Harp Singers. Burial was at Carroll Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Rodger Miles, Richard Robinson, Terry Robinson, Bonnie Robinson, Randy Baklini, Leonard Baklini, Danny Robinson and Louis Robinson. __________ Rev. Ernest McCollough (ROANOKE) The funeral service for the Rev. Ernest McCollough, 85, of Roanoke was Sunday, Sept. 6, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tim Teague officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memory Gardens. The Rev. McCollough died Friday, Sept. 4, at Randolph County Hospital following a short illness. Born in Chambers County on April 11, 1913, the Rev. McCollough lived for 30 years in Greenville, S.C., before returning to Roanoke in recent years. He was the son of David Hood and Beulah Carpenter McCollough. He was a graduate of Anderson College in Anderson, Ind., a Church of God minister, having served pastorates in several churches in Nebraska, Minnesota and South Carolina, and was a member of Roanoke Church of God. Survivors include his wife, Elaine Turnham McCollough of Roanoke; three sons, William A. McCollough of Columbus, Ohio, Ronald McCollough of Memphis, Tenn., and Dale McCollough of Arlington, Va.; a sister, Rena Whitley of Roanoke; two brothers, A. G. McCollough of Roanoke and Sammy McCollough of Colleyville, Texas; five grandsons and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were the Rev. Tommy Burke, Rev. Warren Minnifield, Fred Garton, Lavelle Gooden, Ronnie Harper and David McCollough. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Christine Knight Williams (WEDOWEE) The funeral service for Christine Knight Williams, 70, of Wedowee, will be Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998 at 2 p.m. at Weathers Heights Church of Christ, Wedowee, with Bro. Henry Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Pine Flat Primitive Church Cemetery, Wedowee. Mrs. Williams died Saturday, Sept. 5, at Wedowee Hospital. Surviving are her husband, Richard Williams Jr. of Wedowee; two sons, Rogers Carl Williams of Portland, Ore., and Henry Thomas Williams of Tacoma, Wash.; two daughters, Gloria Jean Bledsoe and Barbara Berry of Wedowee; her stepmother, Era Knight of Wedowee; four brothers, Charlie Lee Knight and Robert Knight of Birmingham, K. V. Knight of Wedowee and David Knight of Carrollton, Ga.; two sisters, Vicie Lee Kimble of Wedowee and Mildred Battle of Los Angeles, Calif.; a step-sister, Fannie Maude Berry of Wedowee; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sally Knight, and a brother, Lacy Knight. Visitation will be at Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke, Wednesday, Sept. 9, after 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the funeral service. Services will be provided by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Fannie Lovvorn McCord (GUNTERSVILLE) Fannie Lovvorn McCord, 86, of Guntersville, formerly of Newell, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 1998, at her residence. The funeral service was Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. at Morrison's Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Parker officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Mrs. McCord was a native of Randolph County, born Feb. 8, 1912, the daughter of Jake and Lola Merrill Lovvorn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Talmadge McCord. She and her husband had owned and operated McCord Store for more than 40 years before their retirement. She was a member of Morrison's Chapel United Methodist Church. Survivors include three daughters, Juanita Knott of Guntersville, Carolyn Pinkerton of Owens Crossroads and Barbara Martin of Birmingham; two sons, Wilton McCord of Guntersville and Jeffery McCord of Arab; one sister, Freddie Sisson of Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, Hubert Lovvorn of Pine Hill; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Kerry Knott, Jerry Sisson, Dennis Lovvorn, Douglas Lovvorn, Joey Morrison, Kenneth Morrison and Douglas Green. The family requests that donations be made to Morrison's Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers. Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements. __________ Macie Jo Hand (ROCK MILLS) The funeral service for Macie Jo Hand, 69, of Rock Mills was Sunday, Sept. 6, 1998, at 4 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Home with the Revs. Gerald Sheppard and James Harper officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Hand died suddenly Friday, Sept. 4, at Randolph County Hospital. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born June 17, 1929, daughter of William Lamar and Hattie Louise Yarbrough. She had been employed with Wehadkee Yarns and was a member of Rock Mills United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard Hand. Survivors include her mother, Louise Yarbrough of Rock Mills; two daughters, Delores Burgess of Roanoke and Rena Pike of Rock Mills; five grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Chattahoochee Hospice, 106 Stewart St., Roanoke, AL 36274. Pallbearers were grandsons. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Dorothy Quinn Elliott (LAKE CHARLES, La.) The funeral service for Dorothy Quinn Elliott, 74, of Lake Charles, La., formerly of Wadley, was Sunday, Sept. 6, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Wadley First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Huffman officiating. Burial followed at Wadley City Cemetery. Mrs. Elliott died Friday, Sept. 4, at her home. A Wadley native, Mrs. Elliott was born Aug. 15, 1924, daughter of Charles and Katie Brown Quinn. She was a homemaker and a member of Wadley First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ray Elliott. Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Ingalls of Lake Charles; two sisters, Daisy Parmer and Lucille Elliott, both of Wadley; four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Pallbearers were Trent Ingalls, Felix Weldon, John Hall, Rick Bailey, Bob Bugg, Steve Cotney, Troy Hodges and Gil Boudoin. Honorary pallbearers were Lewis Elliott, Charles Elliott, Raymond Elliott, Stanley Cotney, Elliott Cotney, Tommy Floyd, Scott Elliott, Craig Elliott, Waymon Hodges, Fred Pearson and Allen Pearson. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 16, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Maggie Cecile Griffin (OPELIKA) Graveside services for Maggie Cecile Griffin, 88, of Opelika were Friday, Sept. 11, 1998, at 1 p.m. at Rosemere Cemetery. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiated. Mrs. Griffin, who died Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Care Center of Opelika, was born Nov. 20, 1909, in Tallapoosa County. She is survived by two sons, James Allen Griffin of Wadley and William A. Griffin Jr. of Wetumpka; one daughter, Marian Moore of Opelika; one brother, Charlie Shivers of Kellyton; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Frederick's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. __________ Bebe Abernathy (PENTON) Bebe Abernathy, 93, of Penton died Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998, in Dadeville. Funeral services were at Mt. Hickory Primitive Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. James Duke officiated. Mrs. Abernathy is survived by one daughter, Mimsye Owen of Dadeville; one son, Jerry Abernathy of LaFayette; two sisters, Mary F. Burton of Birmingham and Johnnie F. LeSueur of Columbus, Ga.; four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Abernathy was born in Chambers County on Aug. 8, 1905. She taught school for many years and later worked in the lunchroom at the Milltown School. She was a member of Milltown Methodist Church. Arrangements were by Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ James Willard 'Buster' Cunningham [ROANOKE] Funeral services for James Willard "Buster" Cunningham, 81, of Roanoke were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 1998, at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Cecil Halsey and Elton Overton officiating. Burial followed in Springfield Cemetery. Mr. Cunningham died suddenly Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born Dec. 12, 1916, son of James Willard and Trish Cunningham. He was a World War II veteran, was employed in civil service at Ft. McClellan and a member of the VFW. Survivors include his wife, Annie Gay Cunningham of Roanoke; two sons, Thomas Ray Cunningham and C. E. Cunningham, both of Roanoke; a sister Zana Young of Oxford; two grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Mary George Aikens (MILLTOWN) Funeral services for Mary George Aikens, 73, of Milltown were Saturday, Sept. 12, 1998, at 1 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Lanett. The Revs. John Cole and Herbert Howard officiated. Mrs. Aikens died Thursday, Sept. 10, at LaFayette Extended Care. A Chambers County native, Mrs. Aikens was born Feb. 22, 1925. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Chambers County and was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Dovard Aikens of Milltown; six children, Sonja Baker and Dale Bradford of Roanoke, George Edward Aikens and Joan Scott of Valley, Margarette Lambert of Campbell Hall, N.Y., and Angie Conner of Tallassee; two sisters, Beatrice Cole of Lanett and Louise Hanvey of Milltown; one brother, James Cole of Milltown; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Sanders Funeral Home of LaFayette was in charge of arrangements. __________ Jim W. Scott (WOODLAND) Jim W. Scott, 91, of Woodland died Saturday, Sept. 12, 1998, at Randolph County Hospital after a brief illness. Funeral services were Monday, Sept. 14, at Benefield Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Kerry Harris and Bro. Junior Brown officiating. Burial was in the Napoleon East Church of Christ Cemetery. Mr. Scott is survived by one sister, Mrs. Betty Low Bowen of Woodland, and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Scott was a native of Randolph County, born Dec. 24, 1906, son of Robert S. Scott and Ledia Elizabeth Cranford Scott. He was a self-employed trader of various merchandise. He was Protestant by faith. Mr. Scott was a World War II army veteran who received a Bronze Battle Star Medal. Pallbearers were Tim Moore, Bobby Perry, Denny Ivey, Viron Cantrell, Rodney Richardson and C. L. Scott. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee. __________ Cecil Harlan Meigs (DAVISTON) Cecil Harlan Meigs, 80, of Daviston died Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998, at Providence Hospital, Mobile. Mr. Meigs was born March 7, 1918, in Tallapoosa County, son of the late Willie Ulysses Meigs and the late Lelia Frances Drake Meigs. He was employed as a tire builder and mechanic by Uniroyal. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Will Jennings Meigs of Daviston; two daughters, Ann Hassell of Mobile and Nancy Burton of Alexander City; two sisters, Cenus Denton of Roanoke and Nell Freeman of Daviston; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were at Daviston United Methodist Church on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m., with Ray Dunn and Rev. Tommy Jacobs officiating. Interment was in Daviston Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jimmy Bence, Roy Bence, Jeff Freeman, David Denton, Donald Jennings, Mike Jennings, Brad Tucker and Andy Tucker. Honorary pallbearers were Tony Jones, Larry Drake, Bob Drake, Clifford Meigs, Kenny Burnette, Tony Drake and Braxton Cotney. Memorial contributions may be made to Daviston United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society or Daviston Baptist Cemetery Fund. Arrangements were by Radney's Funeral Home, Alexander City. __________ Loretta Faye Rollins (WEDOWEE) Graveside funeral services for Loretta Faye Rollins, 62, of Wedowee were at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998, from Friendship Christian Church with the Revs. Hugh Vines and Fitzgerald Brown officiating. Mrs. Rollins died Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Wedowee Hospital following an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born July 3, 1936, daughter of Robert Floyd and Geneva Moore. She had worked in the garment manufacturing business and was a member of Lebanon Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everl V. "Preach" Rollins. Survivors include two daughters, Kristin Rollins of Wedowee and Debra M. Rollins of Roanoke; her mother, Mrs. Geneva Moore of Roanoke; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial contributions may be floral or made to Lebanon Christian Church, 2100 County Rd. 79, Roanoke, AL 36274. Pallbearers were Fitzgerald Brown, Glenn Brown, Ricky Harmon, Owen Harmon, Reggie Bell and Andrew Channell. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 23, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Stell Benefield (Roanoke) Funeral services for retired Randolph County Judge of Probate Stell Benefield, 88, of Roanoke, were at 2 p.m. Friday Sept. 18, 1998, at First Baptist Church of Roanoke, with the Rev. Dr. Doug Turner and Dr. Bill Dean officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Judge Benefield died Thursday, Sept. 17, at Lanier Memorial Hospital in Langdale. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born Sept. 8, 1910, son of W. A. and Lula Benefield. He was retired from the office of probate judge, and was a graduate of Auburn University, a member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke, a veteran of World War II, a Mason and a Shriner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Lucille Benefield. Survivors include one son, Stell F. Benefield of Mt. Olive; two grandchildren, Elizabeth B. Beasley of Gardendale and John H. Benefield of Auburn; and one great-grandchild. Memorial contributations may be made to First Baptist Church of Roanoke, 827 Main St., Roanoke, AL 36274. Pallbearers were Richard Harlin, Howard Bailey, Frank Phillips, Ralph Wilder, Clifford Burns, Tom Burnside, Gilbert Marshall and Junior Huey. Honorary pallbearers were deacons of First Baptist Church. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Curtis Cornellius Walls (WHITESBURG, Ga.) Curtis Cornellius Walls, 78, of Whitesburg, Ga., died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998. The funeral services was [were] Friday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Rosehaven Chapel, Douglasville, Ga., with the Rev. Earl Rollins and the Rev. Tommy Stowe officiating. Burial followed at Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke. Mr. Walls was born April 22, 1920, in Chambers County, the son of the late Lucius and Essie Jarrell Walls. He was a self-employed painter and a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Young Walls. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Aikens of Hiram, Ga., and Racheal Goolsby of Whitesburg; one sister, Doris Dodgen of Shawmut; five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Arrangements were by Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville. __________ Joe Anderson Traylor (ROANOKE) Joe Anderson Traylor, 48, of Roanoke died Monday, Sept. 21, 1998, at his home. Survivors include his mother, Ella Mae Traylor of Roanoke; three daughters, Tamika LaShundra Smith of LaGrange, Ga., and Trineda Vene Traylor and Natasha Shavon Traylor of Roanoke; three sisters, Vonzella Mitchell of New Orleans, La., and Dorothy James and Carolyn Lavada Nolan of Roanoke; and a brother, Virgil Traylor of Los Angeles, Calif. Services for Mr. Traylor are incomplete and will be announced by Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Roanoke. __________ Willie Jewell Norred (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Willie Jewell Norred, 69, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 1998, at Center Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Jody Overton and Tommy Gene Young officiating. Burial followed at Big Springs Baptist Church. Miss Norred died Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Randolph County Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Randolph County, born Sept. 9, 1929, daughter of Elbert Jackson and Lillie Norred. She was a member of Center Chapel Baptist Church. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Noles and Mrs. Oklene Rollins, both of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Huey Noles, Harvey Townley, Buck Norred, James Weathers, Otis Hester and Jacky Brown. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Emanuel Thomas Galloway (CONYERS, Ga.) Funeral services for retired Master Sgt. Emanuel Thomas Galloway of Conyers, Ga., will be Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Rockdale Baptist Church, Conyers. Dr. Stephen Powers and Dr. Gary Miller will officiate. Interment will be in Green Meadow Memorial Gardens, Conyers. Mr. Galloway is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Irene Hanson Galloway of Conyers; a daughter, Mrs. Vickie Lynn Galloway Taylor of Lithonia, Ga.; a brother, Delmar Galloway of Port Orange, Fla.; a sister, Mrs. Eva Galloway Nichols of Franklin, Ga.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rockdale Baptist Church, 1295 Smyrna Rd., Conyers, GA 30012. Arrangements are by Harry L. White Funeral Home, Conyers. __________ James Edward Veazey (WEDOWEE) Retired Col. James Edward Veazey 87, of Wedowee died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at his residence. Memorial services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Benefield Funeral Chapel with Bobby Stewart officiating. Col. Veazey was retired after 35 years of Marine service. He had worked as a chief engineer for the Alaska Marine and owned and operated many fishing vessels while in Alaska. He was a native of Montgomery, born Feb. 18, 1911. He had lived in Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska. Col. Veazey had lived in Wedowee for about seven years. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He is survived by his primary caregiver, Mrs. Linda Jan Hammond of Mableton, Ga. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Curtis M. Hammond (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Curtis M. Hammond, 84, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 1998, at Big Springs Baptist Church, with the Rev. Scott Hanna and the Rev. Cecil Halsey officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Hammond died Saturday, Sept. 19, at Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke following a short illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born Jan. 14, 1914, son of Birt and Winnie Frances Hammond. He was a farmer, a veteran of World War II, and a member of Big Springs Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Vernice Smith Hammond of Roanoke; one son, Elton Jerome Hammond of Roanoke; and two grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to Big Springs Baptist, 14985 County Rd. 65, Roanoke, AL 36274. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Joseph Morris Sanders (LANETT) Funeral services for Joseph Morris Sanders, 64, of Lanett were Thursday, Sept. 17, 1998, at 4 p.m. at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley with the Rev. Jim Abbott officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Cemetery. Mr. Sanders died Tuesday, Sept. 15, at his residence. A native of Thompston, Ga., Mr. Sanders was born Feb. 4, 1934, the son of the late Ernest Gaines and Irene Lett Sanders. He worked at the Lanett Bleachery & Dye Works until its closing and then worked for Grifftex in Opelika until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Sanders; three daughters, Karen S. Booker of Valley, Jane S. Wilder of Winfield and Nina Faye Ledbetter of Cusseta; one son, Kenneth M. Sanders of Lanett; one sister, Nina S. Harper of Roanoke; three brothers, Charles Sanders and Elbert Sanders of Valley and Ben Sanders of Oklahoma; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Saint Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., in his memory. Johnson Brown-Service of Valley was in charge of arrangements. ______________________________________________________ The Randolph Leader September 30, 1998 ___________________ OBITUARIES: Dewey Edwin Thompson (OXFORD) Funeral services for Dewey Edwin Thompson, 64, of Oxford were Thursday, Sept. 24, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home Chapel with Danny Hanner and Tracy Chandler officiating. Burial followed at Dogwood Trail Cemetery in Oxford. Mr. Thompson died Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Mr. Thompson was a native of Clanton and a resident of Calhoun County for the past 32 years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier with 33 years of service. He was the past president of the Postal Union, a former member of the F.O.P. Lodge and a faithful volunteer for the United Cerebral Palsy Center for more than 34 years. He was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Thompson of Oxford; two daughters, Vicki Adams of Jacksonville and Renae Madden of Wadley; one son, James Thompson of Piedmont; three brothers, Arthur L. Thompson of Atlanta, Wayne Thompson and Gerald Thompson of Oxford; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jack Knighton, Jerry Curry, Wayne Stockinger, Nathaniel "Nat" Davis, Roger Dempsey, Howard Kirmeyer and Tommy Armbrester. Honorary pallbearers were Martin Box, Michael Matthews, Dennis Hazel, Barbara Hawkes, Barbara Cletsinger and Pat Campbell. Miller Funeral Home of Oxford was in charge of arrangements. __________ Luther Samuel Strickland (WEDOWEE) Funeral services for Luther Samuel Strickland, 82, of Wedowee and Leeds were at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 1998, from Benefield Funeral Chapel in Wedowee with the Rev. Zenus Windsor officiating. Burial followed in Knight Cemetery. Mr. Strickland died Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa. He was born in Talladega County, April 20, 1916, son of Thomas Alford and Minnie Lee Strickland. He was a retired farmer and a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Winnie Ruth Strickland of Leeds; three sons, Alfred Benjamin Strickland of Covington, Ga., Jimmy Ray Strickland and Randy James Strickland, both of Moody; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Randy Strickland, Keith Hodge, Andreas Strickland, Neal Lucas, Benjamin Strickland and Jason Mock. Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Herman Elton Cunningham (Roanoke) Funeral services for Herman Elton Cunningham, 79, of Roanoke were at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 1998, at Forest Home Congregational Christian Church with the Revs. Johnny Young and Stoney Halsey officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Cunningham died Wednesday, Sept. 23, at his residence following and extended illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was born April 4, 1919, son of D. C. and Minnie Cunningham. He had been employed with Candlewick Yarns, was a veteran of World War II, and a member of Forest Home Congregational Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Christine Cunningham of Roanoke; two sisters, Mary Benefield of Roanoke and Jean Brown of East Point, GA; and one brother, Drew Bob Cunningham of Wadley. Memorial contributions may be floral or made to Forest Home Congregational Christian Church, 2808 County Rd. 91, Roanoke, AL 36274. Pallbearers were Jerry Pike, Steve Pike, Monroe Veal, Royce Bonner, Joe Owens and Fred Bailey. Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Carolyn Nevada Bailey (Spokane, Wash.) Carolyn Nevada Bailey, 99, of Spokane, Wash., died Thursday, Sept 3, 1998, in Spokane. Mrs. Bailey was born Oct. 21, 1898, in Newell, daughter of Monroe Thomas and Susie Ragsdale Lovvorn. She lived in Newell and Birmingham until moving to California in the early 1940s, where she lived until she moved to Spokane in 1995. Her son, Charles C. Bailey, died in 1988, and her husband, Charles Dexter Bailey, died in 1991. She is survived by two sisters, Gladys Traylor of Carrollton, GA and Eris Marie Butler of Newell; two grandchildren, Barbara and Charles F. Bailey of Spokane, and five great- grandchildren. __________ Imogene W. Hester (WEDOWEE) Imogene W. Hester, 74, of Wedowee, died Saturday, Sept. 26, 1998, at the National Health Care Center in Golden Springs following an extended illness. Funeral services were Monday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Rock Mills, with the Rev. Don Paris and the Rev. Wendell Rush officiating. Burial was in Randolph Memory Gardens. Mrs. Hester was born Jan. 25, 1924, daughter of Travis M. Willingham Sr. and Ista Knight Willingham. She was a native of Randolph County, a member of First Baptist Church of Rock Mills and the WMU program, and a member of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Hester. Survivors include a son, Sammie Frank Hester of Anniston; two sisters, Eloree Moses and Mary White of Wedowee; one brother, Travis M. Willingham Jr. of Bainbridge, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Mac Baldwin, Hiram Baldwin, Kyle Baldwin, Vernon Lipham, Johnny Sanders and Edward Sanders. Arrangements were by Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee. __________ Sara Gladys Staples (ROANOKE) Funeral services for Sara Gladys Staples, 74, of Roanoke were Monday, Sept. 28, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Union Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Len Martin and the Rev. Derrick Farr officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Staples died Saturday, Sept. 26, at her son's home in Roanoke. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mrs. Staples was born March 12, 1924, daughter of William Wallace and Rosa Lee Boggs Towler. She was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church and had retired from Roanoke Fashions. Her husband, James Monroe Staples, preceded her in death. Survivors include one daughter, Carol Bowen of Woodland; three sons, Jimmy Blackmon and Robert Staples of Roanoke and Mack Blackmon of Standing Rock; one brother, Pete Towler of Wedowee; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Grace Young of Roanoke. Pallbearers were Dwight Blackmon, Timothy Blackmon, Ray Blackmon, Johnny Terrell, Jeff Baker and Billy Towler. Arrangements were by Quattlebaum Funeral Home, Roanoke. __________ Velmer A. Turnham (PENTON) Velmer A. Turnham, 89, of Penton died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1998, at Russell Hospital, Alex City. Funeral services were Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at Penton Church of God with the Rev. Tony Nivens officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Turnham was born Aug. 23, 1909, in Chambers County. He was a member of Solomon Lodge #74 F&AM, where he served as secretary for many years, a member of VFW Lodge #9884, a 50-year member of LaFayette Kiwanis Club, and a 50-year member of the American Legion. Mr. Turnham had worked for the Veteran Farmers Administration and later taught school for many years. Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette, was in charge of arrangements. __________ Gilbert Ligon Braden (JEMISON) Gilbert Ligon Braden, 82, of Jemison died Friday, Sept. 25, 1998, at Shelby County Medical Center, Alabaster. Mr. Braden was born in Randolph County, son of the late James R. Braden and the late Jerusha Landers Braden. He had worked as a feed mill operator. Survivors include his wife, Ollie Brooks Braden of Jemison; a son, Royce Braden of Freeburg, Ill.; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Ann Whisner of Verbena, and Mrs. Joyce Hill and Mrs. Patsy Roberts of Calera; a sister, Mrs. Essie Meeker of Wedowee; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at Midway Memorial Gardens, Jemison, on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Alvin Porter officiating. Interment was in Midway Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were by Martin Funeral Home, Clanton. __________ Marvin Childers (SALEM) Marvin Childers, 81, of Salem died Saturday, Sept. 26, 1998, in Veteran Administration Medical Center, Tuskegee. Mr. Childers was born in Harris County, Ga., on March 26, 1917. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and he was the former owner and operator of Childers BBQ in Riverview. Survivors include two sisters, Sara C. Milner of Opelika and Nellie Ragland of Huguley; four half-sisters, Mary Winkles of Jonesboro, Ga., Lucy McDowell of Stone Mountain, Ga., Lois Richardson of Cusseta and Orrie Mae Preston of Beulah; two half-brothers, Ben T. Childers of LaFayette and Charlie Childers Jr. of Valley; and two nieces, Sara Moody of Valley and Susie Overton of Roanoke. Funeral services were at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m., with burial in Fairfax Cemetery. The Rev. Eugene Striblin officiated. Arrangements were by Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, Valley. __________ Thelma Lee Slay (ROANOKE) Thelma Lee Slay, 82, of Roanoke died Saturday, Sept. 26, 1998, in Atlanta. Funeral services will be at New Harmony Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. W. H. Trammell officiating. Interment will be in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. Surviving are two sons, Deacon Leon Slay and William Slay of Roanoke; three daughters, Virginia Harvey, Dorothy Houston and Barbara Holliday of Atlanta; a sister, Nonnie Mae Jackson of Atlanta; a brother, William Robert Lee of Atlanta; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Arrangements are by Vines Funeral Home, LaFayette. __________ George Nicholas Waldrop (CHILDERSBURG) Funeral services for George Nicholas Waldrop, 17, of Childersburg will be Thursday, Oct. 1, 1998, at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with the Revs. Brad Bakane and Dorsey White officiating. Burial will follow in Clay County Memory Gardens. Mr. Waldrep died Sunday, Sept. 27, in Hueytown, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a native of Clay County but had lived in Childersburg for the past eight years. Mr. Waldrop was a member of Marble City Baptist Church in Sylacauga and a senior at Childersburg High School. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Melinda and Carlos Hardin of Childersburg; his father and step-mother, Scott and Sherry Waldrop of Jasper, Texas; a sister, Crystal Lynn Helton of Childersburg; his grandparents, George and Alice Waldrop of Lineville, Tolly and Evelyn Snyder of Childersburg and Marion and Brinice Hollaway of Woodland; his great-grandparents, Mrs. Willie Waldrop of Lineville, Mrs. Lola Key of Wedowee and Mrs. Bertha Mae Holloway of Lineville. Pallbearers will be Adam Bailey, Matthew Hamilton, Robert Sutton, Wendell White, Chuck Milsted and Tim Epperson. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and until service time on Thursday, Oct. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Union Hill Congregational Methodist Church in Wedowee. Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements. __________ Elizabeth Poole (WADLEY) Elizabeth Poole, 58, of Wadley died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1998, at Randolph County Hospital. Services for Mrs. Poole were Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. CDT at Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Wadley, with the Rev. Verlon Houston officiating. Interment was in the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Poole was a member of King Hill Baptist Church of Montgomery. Survivors include her husband, Andrew R. Poole of Wadley; eight children, Alfreda Mitchell, Joann Bennett and Gayle Priece, all of Montgomery, Joffrey Poole of San Diego, Calif., Sharon Houston of Heflin, Jamar Poole of Franklin, Ga., Gary Wayne Poole of Fort Meade, Va., and Lynn F. Poole of Wadley; her mother, Arleada Bell of Montgomery; two sisters, Elnora Johnson and Beatrice Crews, both of Montgomery; and 18 grandchildren. Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke. __________ William A. Mitchum Jr. (Elba) William A. Mitchum Jr., 68, of Elba died Tuesday Aug. 25, 1998, at his home. Services were Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Elba with Dr. Robert Paul officiating. Burial was at Danley Crossroads Cemetery in Elba. He was a native of Roanoke and a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in civil engineering. He retired from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Mitchum was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Lorene Bailey Mitchum of Roanoke, and his brother, Oliver Mitchum of Huntsville. Survivors include his wife, Sue Grimes Mitchum of Elba; two daughters, Sharon Mitchum Wallace of Medford, N.J. and Susan Mitchum Harris of Mobile; three grandchildren; a niece and nephew; and a sister-in-law. Pallbearers were Chris Mitchum, Benny Mitchum, Perry Mitchum, Tommy Mitchum, Jerry Mitchum and Byron Banks. Arrangements were by Hayes Funeral Home, Elba. __________ Lurline Parrish Sharman (DOTHAN) Lurline Parrish Sharman, 98, a resident of Extendicare in Dothan died there Monday, Sept. 28, 1998, following an extended illness. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke with Minister Bill Watkins officiating. Mrs. Sharman was born Aug. 23, 1900, in Birmingham and resided in Roanoke during the early years of her life. She later lived in the Roanoke and LaGrange, Ga., areas before moving to Dothan in 1987. She was employed with Belk Gallant Department Store for 30 years prior to her retirement in 1970. Mrs. Sharman was a member of First United Methodist Church in LaGrange and attended Westgate Church of Christ in Dothan. Mrs. Sharman was predeceased by a daughter, Peggy Sharman Mosley, who died in 1988, and her husband, Joe W. Sharman, who died in 1947. Survivors include four grandchildren, Margaret Neill and Joe Mosley of Atlanta, Libba Murphree of Dothan and Suzanne Garner of Birmingham; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Herkey Mosley of Dothan; a sister-in-law, Myrtie Will Sharman of Rock Mills; and several nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Westgate Christian School, 617 Westgate Parkway, Dothan, AL 36303. Arrangements are by Byrd Funeral Home, Dothan. ______________________________________________________