Obituaries

Judith (Gardner) Schmidt passed away peacefully in her home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born in Jackson, Alabama, on March 30, 1944, to Earl Ray Gardner and Evelyn (Kirk) Gardner. The family moved to Aliceville, AL, where Judy attended and graduated from Aliceville High School in 1962. She went on to graduate from Auburn University and became an elementary teacher. She taught in several states and eventually retired to stay home and raise her children when the family moved to Columbus, Ohio.

Bessie W. McGee, age 86, of Gordo, AL died September 14, 2025 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Visitation was held from 6 - 8 pm Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home in Reform. She was pre- ceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Albert Price McGee; daughter, Debbie Peeks; son-in-law, Steve Peeks, brother, Herbert Walker; sister, Ruby Bush and her parents.

Barbara Jean Lancaster, age 77, of Ethelsville, AL died September 13, 2025 at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. Memorial services were 2:00 pm Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robb Small officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce Rennaker and brother James Penning- ton. Survivors include her husband, John Earl Lancaster; son, John Earl “Johnny” Lancaster, Jr.

James “Caveman” Eichelberger, age 63, of Buhl. AL died September 12, 2025 at his resi- dence. Funeral services were 11:00 am Tues- day, September 16, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplin David Bolin offi- ciating. Burial followed in Center Springs Cemetery in Gordo with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Minnie McCaa, 85 of Aliceville, AL, died Tues- day, July 3, 2025, at her residence. Visitation was Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Lavender’s Funeral Home. Funeral service was Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Emory Chapel C.M.E. Church in Aliceville, AL. Interment followed the service in Magnolia Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Aliceville, AL.

Kannie Mae Woolbright, age 87, of Gordo, AL, died June 29, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services were 11:00 am Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Double Branch Independent Baptist Church with Bro. John Williams and Bro. Mike Hall is officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Joyce Ellen Hydrick, age 90, of Reform, AL, died July 3, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Mon- day, July 7, 2025, at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Herschel McFarlen officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation followed the service in the church fellowship hall.

Jacqueline Morgan Farley, a lifelong nurse and caregiver, passed away in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on March 7, 2025, following complications of skin cancer.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Spring Hill Baptist Church, 344 Stinson Ridge, Carrollton, AL 35447.

Carolyn McDaniel Pendley, age 86, of Jacksonville, FL, died at St. Vincent’s Southside Center for Caring in Jacksonville. Funeral services were 11:00 am Monday, July 7, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Ralph Smith, and Bro. Billy Jones officiating. Burial followed in Arbor Springs Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. William Cunningham, 75 of Aliceville, AL, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. The wake will be on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Laverder’s Funeral Home. Funeral will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:00 pm at St. John Baptist Church, Pickensville, AL. Interment will follow the service in Bigbee Baptist Church Cemetery, Aliceville, AL.

Gladys Ruth Nicely, age 84, of Carrollton, AL, died July 2, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Carrollton First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bobby Boothe and Rev. Dr. Tim Alexander officiating. Burial followed in Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Carrollton, with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Kathy Hedrick Ammons, age 66, of Northport, Alabama, died June 25, 202,5 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were 3:00 pm Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Dogwood Chapel in Aliceville with Bro. Sam Delaney and Bro. Rodney Hedrick officiating. Burial followed in Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery in Aliceville with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th Street NW in Aliceville. She was preceded in death by her parents, C. J. Hedrick and Doris Dean Hedrick Woods, and niece, Shannon Moore.

Spencer Cole Shirley, age 19, of Gordo, AL, died June 15, 2025, at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham. Memorial services were 10:00 am Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Tim McCool officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation followed the service at the church. There was a memory box at the service for family and friends to leave photos and letters of memories of Spencer. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Danny Mullenix.

Ms. Ovenia Johnson, 81 of Ethelsville, AL, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at her residence. The funeral was Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Macedonia C.M.E. Church. Interment was at Christian Hope Cemetery, one hour prior to the service.

Billy Ray McGahey, age 88, was called home to the Lord on May 12, 2025, at Riverside St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Reform, AL. Rev. Jim Brooks of Birmingham will be officiating, and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Betty Carolyn Lowe, age 81, of Reform, AL, died June 6, 2025, at Noland Hospital in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were 11:00 am on  Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Reform with Rev. John Wesley Burkhalter officiating. Burial followed in Graham Memorial Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Peggy Wright, and brother, Bobby Carl Moss.

Mrs. Marietta Unruh, 80, passed away at Oakwood Manor on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Funeral service was on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Brook Haven Mennonite Church, Brooksville, MS.

Jacqueline Davis Thomson was born on September 14, 1927, in Birmingham, AL, to John William Davis and Sophronia Louise Longmire, and grew up in Carrollton, AL. Music was always an important part of her life, and among her passions as a child was learning to play the piano. When she was 16, her family bought her a piano, which she kept and shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After graduating from Carrollton High School, she was off to Auburn University, where she was a founding member of Auburn’s synchronized swimming team.

Wilburn Eugene “Gene” Lane, age 76, of Reform, AL, died May 31, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were 11:00 am Friday, June 6, 2025, at Millport Church of  Christ with James Ivan Hall officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Church of Christ Cemetery in Steens, MS, with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Katherine Sue Junkins, age 84, of Kennedy, AL, died June 2, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Big Hill Baptist Church in Gordo with Bro. Ralph Smith officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. She was preceded in death by her father, William Charlie Hilbun; mother, Mary Lou Jarman Douglas; son, Joseph Timothy Neely; sister, Dorothy Lou Tuggle; and brother, Denver Charlie Hilbun.

Ms. Beetha Steele, 57 of Aliceville, AL, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 202,5 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL. Visitation was Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm at Lavender’s Funeral Service. Funeral was Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 am at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Aliceville, AL. Interment followed the funeral service.

David Prude, 35 of Aliceville, AL, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL. Visitation was Thursday, May 22, 2025; the funeral was May 23, 2025, at Pickensville Church of Christ. Interment followed the service in New Cemetery in Aliceville.

David Livingston, age 61, of Reform, AL, died May 20, 2025, at Northport Medical Center. Funeral services were at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Wayne Hudson officiating. Burial followed in Concord Cemetery in Moundville with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

William Galbreath, age 70, of Reform, AL, died April 20, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were 3:00 pm Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Trey Reece and Bro. Shawn McDaniel officiating. Burial was at Greenhill Memorial Gardens with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.

Lawrence Bolling, age 66, of Millport, AL, died May 12, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jerry Robbins officiating. Burial followed in Bethleham Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James Poole, age 60, of Aliceville, AL, passed away April 21, 2025, at Baldwins Lake, Aliceville, AL. Funeral services were at 2:00 pm Sunday, April 21, 2025, at Dogwood Chapel with Rev. Charlie Wilson officiating. Burial followed in Magnolia Memorial Gardens with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th Street NE in Aliceville.

Kathy Phillips, age 63, of Carrollton, AL, died May 2, 2025, at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. Memorial service was 6:00 pm, Monday, May 5, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Rusty Scott Walker officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation followed the service at the funeral home.

Betty Jean Byars Fair took her last earthly breath and her first everlasting life breath on April 24, 2025, at her home. Funeral services were at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Hannah Church with Rev. Byron Fair and Rev. Dalton Eason officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. Gladys Wilder, of Eutaw, AL, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Visitation was Friday, April 25, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Services were Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 12:00 pm, at New Sarepta Primitive Baptist Church, Eutaw, AL.

Amanda Simpson, age 91, of Gordo, AL, died April 16, 2025, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Funeral Services were 3:00 pm Monday, April 21, 2025, at Hargrove Methodist Church with Rev. Alisia Rhodes officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Barbara Ann Pate, age 85, of Gordo, AL, peacefully entered Heaven on April 17, 2025, at DCH Regional Medical Center. A Celebration of Bobbie's life was held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, with Bobby Boothe officiating at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform. Visitation was one hour prior to the service (1:00). A private family burial at Center Springs followed.

Donna Pate Hamilton, age 61, of Gordo, AL, passed away April 16, 2025, at her residence. Memorial services were 2:00 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Flatwoods Baptist Church. Visitation followed the service at the church.

Ethal Tilley, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend, passed peacefully from this life in Columbus, MS, at Baptist Memorial in Columbus, MS. Funeral services were 11:00 am Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Ethelsville Baptist Church with Bro. Mel Howton and Bro. Richard Trotter officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Toxey Dale Smith, age 6 weeks, of Carrollton, AL, died April 8, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Randy Gray officiating. Burial followed in Carrollton City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Judy McDaniel Halbert, age 86, of Carrollton, AL, died April 14, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services were 11:00 am Friday, April 18, 2025, at Carrollton Baptist Church with Rev. Shawn McDaniel and Rev. Robert Heard officiating. Burial followed in Carrollton City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Charles Ray Ashcraft, age 92, of Carrollton, AL, died April 16, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were 11:00 am Monday, April 21, 2025, at Carrollton Baptist Church with Bro. John Gates, Bro. Robert Heard and Bro. Mike Griffin officiating. Burial was at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.

John Williams " Johnny" Acker Jr., age 55, of Gordo, AL, died April 12, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Friday, April 18, 202,5 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Hall Officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jimmie T. Williams Jr, 82 of Aliceville, AL, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. Visitation was Friday, April 4, 20205 at Lavender’s Funeral Service. Funeral services were Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment followed the funeral service.

Mary Jane Hannah Smith passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama. She was born on June 16, 1950, to the late Ruth and Lester Hannah of Gordo, AL. She is survived by Freddie Smith, her loving husband of 54 years, and her son, Jeramy, and daughter, Amy. She is also survived by her siblings, Gail Shirley, John (Brenda) Hannah, and David (Summer) Hannah. Her brother, Mack Mosley, and sister, Judy Odell, preceded her in death. Jane also has a number of nieces and nephews.

Frankie Laine Sherrod, 66 of Aliceville, AL, passed away on Friday, March 28, 202,5 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. Visitation was Friday, April 4, 2025 at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The funeral was Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. John Baptist Church of Pickensville, and interment followed the funeral service.

Clifton Pate, age 80, of Carrollton, AL, died March 29, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Thomas Shep- herd, Bro. A. L. Henderson, and his son, David Pate, officiating. Burial followed in Marvin Chapel Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clarence Pate.

Baby Boy Denim Kenai Latham of Aliceville, Alabama. Graveside service was Saturday, April 5, 2025, in St. John Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickensville, AL.

Michael Terry Kirk, age 65, of Gordo, AL, died March 26, 202,5 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Services will be announced at a later date.

Gaines Lewis House, age 88, of Northport, AL, and formerly of Gordo, died March 29, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama. Graveside services were 11:00 am Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Rev. Glenn Sandifer officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. The family received friends in the fellowship hall after the service.

Dorothy Deloris Hill, age 88, of Aliceville, AL, died March 30, 2025, at Aliceville Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services were 11:00 am Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Dogwood Chapel with Rev. Melvin Mordecai officiating. Burial followed in Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th Street NE in Aliceville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Hill; two sons, William Craig Dunlap and James Andrew “Jimmy” Dunlap, Jr., and her parents.

Gene Robert Perrigin, age 85, of Columbus, MS died March 22, 2025, at OCH Medical Center in Starkville, MS. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Liberty Assembly of God with Bro. Kenneth Henegar officiating. Burial followed in Andrews Chapel Cemetery in the Liberty Community with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Elsie Lavender Johnson, age 90 of Haleyville, formerly of Ethelsville, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at The Meadows in Fulton, Mississippi. Visitation was Friday, March 28, 2025, at Nichols Funeral Home in Haleyville. Funeral service was on Saturday, March 29, 2025, where Elsie will lie-in-state with Brother Glen Bridgmon and Brother Keith Hood will officiate. A graveside committal service followed, at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Ethelsville, with Dan Johnson officiate.

Lt. Col. Robert Maurice “Bob” Barnes (Ret.), age 82, of Reform, AL died March 25, 2025 at UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair in Pell City. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Fon- dren officiating. Burial followed in Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrollton with Skel- ton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation followed the service at the funeral home.

Samuel Ricky Baines, age 69, of Gordo, AL, died March 23, 2025, at his residence. Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, April 6, 2025, at New Hope Methodist Church in Gordo with Bro. Woody Jones officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.

William Locke Summerville (December 16, 1933 – October 30, 2024)

Retired music Professor Bill Summerville passed away peacefully at the Arbor Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Opelika, Ala- bama on October 30, 2024 at the age of 90.