Obituaries

Doris Hale Gilliam, age 91, entered heaven on December 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Doris was born January 4, 1933, in Aliceville, Alabama to the late D. E. “Dutch” Hale and Amanda Katherine McGee Hale. She was a 1951 graduate of Aliceville High School and attended Snead Junior College. She married the love of her life, Cleland Ray “Gig” Gilliam on April 26, 1952, in California where he was stationed in the Navy and they loved their time there making lifelong friends and great memories they enjoyed sharing.

Jack Euel Fair, age 97, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle went to be with his Savior on December 25th at Hospice of West Alabama. Funeral services were at 11:00 am Monday, December 30, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. David Westmoreland officiating. Burial followed in Gordo City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Sarah T. Crowley, age 86, of Carrollton, AL, passed away on December 22, 2024, at Hospice of West Alabama. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Carrollton Baptist Church, with Rev. Robert Heard and Rev. Bobby Boothe officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will follow the service at the church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bobby Edward Crowley; her parents; four brothers, Jack, Albert, Marvin, and Buddy Turnipseed and two sisters, Laura Jones and Liz McGee.

Shaaron Jacobs Vaughn, age 61, of Vernon, AL passed away on December 6, 2024, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Memorial services were at 11:00 am Monday, December 23, 2024, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Keith Nightingale officiating and Skelton Funeral Home directing. Visitation will follow the service at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gerald Gregory Jacobs.

Orie Thrasher, age 87, a longtime resident of Gordo, Alabama, died at UAB Hospital on Friday, December 6, 2024. Visitation was at Skelton Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service was at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Gene Dawkins officiating and her being laid to rest at the Greenhill Memorial Gardens with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Pallbearers were her sons and grandsons. She was the daughter of the late Jim and Ethel Hardy.

Ms. Icie B. Spencer, 82, passed away while surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and family on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at her residence. Public visitation was on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender's Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration was on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. a New Canaan Baptist Church, 1104 Wilson Road in Aliceville, Alabama. The body of Ms. Spencer will lie in state in the church one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Searcy Leon Mullenix

Mr. Dexter DeWayne Manning, 43, of Aliceville, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Northport Medical Center. Public Visitation was on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Laven- der’s Funeral Service. The homegoing service was on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Aliceville City Hall, 419 Memorial Parkway, Aliceville, Alabama. The body of Mr. Manning will lie in state one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Dwight Whitten Gray Jr., 50, of Aliceville, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his residence. Public visitation was on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration was on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. Reverend Marcus Wright was the Eulogist.

Blanche Taylor, age 92, of Ethelsville, AL passed away December 2, 2024 at Arbor Woods Health & Rehab in Reform. Graveside services were 2:00 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 at Ethelsville Community Cemetery with Bro. Joey Lucas officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. A short visitation followed the service at the graveside.

Mrs. Beatrice Gay Smith, 95, of Aliceville, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi.

The homegoing celebration was Saturday, December 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at New Canaan Baptist Church, in Aliceville, Alabama. The body of Mrs. Smith will lie in state in the church one hour prior to the service.

Edward Dewayne Ball, 41 of Alicevcille, AL passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Visitation was on November 22, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Lavender’s Funeral Home. The homegoing celebration will be on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at noon at Spirit & Truth Pentecostal Church, 2717 M L King Road in Aliceville, AL. Interment will follow the service in New Cemetery, 196 Valleyview Road in Aliceville, AL. Apostle Jeffrey Ball, SR., Pastor of Spirit & Truth Pentecostal Church and father of Mr. Edward Ball will officiate.

Teresa Marie Galloway Yates, age 63, of Gordo, AL passed away November 13, 2024, at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham. Funeral services were at 11:00 am Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Gordo with Bro. Roger Lucas and Bro. Scott Montgomery officiating. Burial followed in Phillips Chapel Cemetery in Northport with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church.

With our family's deepest grief, we announce the November 3, 2024 passing of loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert Earl (Bob) Upton, 91, of Livingston, Texas. Bob (known in Alabama as Robert Earl) was born on August 15, 1933, to Elbert D. and Mattie Lee Upton in Dancy, Alabama. Upon graduation from Aliceville High School, Bob joined the Army where he was stationed in Korea during wartime. After proudly serving three years in the Army, Bob traveled to Freeport, Texas where he had secured employment with The Dow Chemical Company.

James Price, 74, of Reform, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital- GT in Columbus, MS.Visitation will be Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating, Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS will be directing.

Lisa Jane Plowman, age 66, of Gordo, AL passed away October 31, 2024, at her residence. Funeral services were at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bud Sullivan officiating. Burial followed in Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. family at his residence.

Alice Lucille House, age 87, of Northport, AL passed away November 7, 2024 at Hos- pice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Graveside services were 10:00 am Monday, November 11, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Bro. Glenn Sandifer officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. A short visitation followed the service in the fellowship hall.

Rev. Dr. William “Bill” T. Bryant of Nashville, TN died on October 16, 2024, from sudden heart failure at the age of 86. Dr. Bryant was raised in Aliceville, Alabama and attended college at the University of Alabama, and received his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. He later received his Doctorate of Ministry at Co-Columbia Theological Seminary.

Mr. Andy “Peeks” Owens, 93, of Aliceville, Alabama passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Aliceville Nursing Home. Public visitation was on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing service was on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Prov- idence Missionary Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. The interment was at Bethany Town Cemetery in Aliceville, Alabama. Reverend Willie James Lavender was the Eulogist.

Mr. Earlie McMullen Jr., 72, of Aliceville, Alabama passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Earlie McMullen, Jr. was born on April 17, 1952, in Aliceville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents and many brothers and sisters. He leaves to cherish his memories, three sons, Alvin Inabinet, Cedric Cunningham, and Lamark Lewis, one daughter, Demetric Weiters, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Thank you to his loving church family, New Wright Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Gypsy Ann Knox, 79, passed away on Fri- day, May 31, 2024, at her residence. The homegoing service was on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at New Home Baptist Church in Gordo, Alabama. The interment followed at Linebarger Cemetery in Gordo, Alabama. Reverend Dr, Lenoise Richey was the Eulogist.

Mr. Houston Jackson, 85, passed away on June 2, 2024. The homegoing service was on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in New Cemetery in Aliceville, Alabama.

Mr. H.B. “Sonny” Herron Jr., 66, of Aliceville, Alabama passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at his residence. The homegoing service was on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at noon at New Canaan Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. Reverend Dr. Lonnie Weaaver was the Eulogist.

Mr. Deacon Tracy Lee “Jack” Gaskin Sr., 83, of Aliceville, Alabama, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024. Public visitation was Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing service was on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Union Valley Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. The interment immediately followed the funeral serv- ice in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Gordo, Alabama. The Eulogist was Reverend Quienton Prude.

Mrs. Rosie Ervin, 85, of Ethelsville, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024. The home- going service was on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the family’s residence.

Mrs. Nancy Suttles Edwards, 72, of Carrollton, Alabama passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at North Mississippi in Tupelo, Mississippi. Public Visitation was Friday, September 27, 2024, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing service was on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at noon at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. The interment was in Old Bethany Cemetery in Aliceville, Alabama. Pastor Emeritus of Bebee Chapel C.M.E. Church was the Eulogist.

Mrs. Swannie Harris Davis, 70, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Cottondale, Alabama. The home going celebration will be Satur- day, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Carrollton, Alabama. Interment will immediately follow the service in Sinai Cementary in Carrollton, Alabama, with Reverend James Bush as the Eulogist.

Mrs. Ethel M. Colvin, 79, of Aliceville, Ala- bama passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Northport Medical Center in Northport, Alabama. Public visitation was on Friday, September 21, 2024, at noon at New Wright Missionary Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama. The inter- ment was in Fleming Cemetery in Carrollton, Alabama. The Pastor of Dancy First Baptist Church in Aliceville, Alabama, was the Eulogist.

Mr.Alexander “Coon” Brooks Jr. passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Northport Medical Center. Public visitation will be on Thursday, October 4, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home-going celebration will be Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Carrollton, Alabama. Interment will immediately follow the service in Community Cementary in Carrollton, Alabama, with Reverend Derrick Ladale Wright as the Eulogist.

Mrs. Mary L. Billups Bowden, 73, passed away on August 12, 2024, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The homegoing service was on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at New Light Baptist Church in Reform, Alabama.

Mr. James Bonner, 83, of Aliceville, Alabama passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at his residence. Public visitation was on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing service was on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Emory Chapel CME Church in Aliceville, Alabama. The interment was at New Cemetery. The Pastor of Emory Chapel CME Church was the Eulogist.

Mary Loyce Sutton, age 78, of Gordo, AL passed away November 4, 2023 at Arbor Woods Health & Rehab in Reform. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shawn McDaniel and Rev. Leonard Hudson officiating.  Burial was held in Center-Springs Cemetery in Gordo with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation followed the service at the funeral home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Melvin Sutton and her parents.

Floyd “Pee Wee’ Spain, age 84, of Reform, AL passed away November 8, 2023 at his home.  Funeral services were 2:00 pm Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Stansel Baptist Church with Rev. Joey Lucas officiating.  Burial was held in Bethel Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.

Larry E. Richardson was born November 3, 1956 in Reform, AL to Jerry Donald Richardson and Audrey Mae Richardson.  He passed away September 8, 2023 in Longview, Texas surrounded by his family.  He graduated from Carrollton High School in 1974.  He then worked in the Oil & Gas industry for over 40 years where he continued to work until his passing.

Julie Ann Lancaster, age 56, of Eutaw, AL passed away November 2, 2023 at Hospice of West Alabama.  The family received friends from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home in Reform.

Dorothy Mae Harcrow, age 103, of Reform, AL passed away November 3, 2023 at her residence.  Funeral services were 12:00 noon Monday, November 6, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Trey Reece and Bro. Mark Dean officiating.  Burial was held in Arbor Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mrs. Nannie B. Hayes 85, of Dacula, Georgia, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023, in Buford, Georgia. Public Visitation was Friday, November 3, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration was Sunday, November 4, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Carrollton.

MSG. HB Conner, Jr., 68, of Aliceville, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his residence. Public Visitation will be Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration will be Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Aliceville. Interment will be in the church cemetery, with Reverend Marvin Rice as the Eulogist.

James Holly Dyer, age 85, of Gordo, AL passed away October 23, 2023 at his home.  Funeral services were 11:00 am Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Highland Baptist Church in Gordo with Rev. Travis Free, Rev. Glenn Kennedy and Rev. Shawn McDaniel officiating.  Burial was held in Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

James Stanley “Stan” Criswell, age 72, of Reform, AL met his Heavenly Father on  October 23, 2023 at his residence.  Funeral services were 2:00 pm Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Shaw officiating.  Burial was held in Mineral Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in McShan, AL with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Katrell Prude, 22, of Carrollton, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 223, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS. Public visitation was Monday, October 30, 223, from 12:0 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Tuesday, October 31, 223, at 1:00 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Carrollton. Interment was in Pine Grove Memorial Gardens Cemetery, also in Carrollton, with Rev. Carlos Calhoun as the Eulogist.

Mr. Robert M. “Bob” Cummins, born in Reform, AL and longtime resident of Spanish Fort, AL passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born March 29, 1940 to Howard Manley Cummins and Leslie Taylor Cummins.

Mrs. Ruthie Clark, 84, of Aliceville passed away Sunday, October 22, 223, at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. Public visitation was Friday, October 27, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at New Canaan Baptist Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Community (Clster) Cemetery, also in Aliceville, with Rev. Dr. Lonnie Weaver as the Eulogist.

Betty Sue Carver, age 88, of Kennedy, AL passed away October 25, 2023 at her residence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Zion Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Chris McCool officiating.  Burial was held iin the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation followed the service at the church.

Allen Preston Tate, age 53, of Gordo, AL passed away October 4, 2023 at his residence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Friday, October  6, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jason Bearden officiating.  Burial followed in Graham Memorial Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James Franklin “Jim Frank” Seymer, also known as “Bud”, age 87 of Carrollton, AL passed away October 15, 2023 at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home.  Funeral services were 11:00 am Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Carrollton Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Burkhalter officiating.   Burial followed in Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrollton with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Thomas Warren Robinson, age 75, of Millport, AL passed away October 14, 2023 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Zion Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Chris McCool and Elder Buddy Abernathy officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was 6 - 8 pm Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the funeral home.

Doris Nell Reece, age 91, of Gordo, AL passed away at her residence on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  Funeral services were 3:00 pm Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Lindsey Watkins officiating. Burial followed Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation followed the service at the funeral home.

Deacon Frederick (Hollywood) McGee, 62, of Carrollton, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Columbus, MS. Public visitation was Friday, October 20, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration was Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Carrollton. Interment was in Mt. Sinai Cemetery, also in Carrollton, with Rev. Willie James Lavender as the Eulogist.

Mr. Wilbert L. Harkins, 77, of Carrollton, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, at his residence. Public visitation was Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The homegoing celebration was Monday, October 23, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at New Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in Carrollton. Interment was in the church cemetery with Rev. Gerald Fencher, as the Eulogist.