Obituaries

Mr. Theadore “Ted Jr.” Cleveland Jr., 57, of Aliceville, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his residence. The Wake was held Friday, April 28, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Fu- neral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 12:00 noon in The Chucky Mullins Center in Russellville, AL, with Reverend Quienton Prude, Pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Aliceville, as the Eulogist. Interment was in Luke Town Cemetery, also in Russellville.

Glenda Fay Sprinkle, age 74, of Aliceville, AL passed away April 19, 2023 at Hospice of West Ala- bama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Funeral services were Monday, April 24, 2023 at West End Baptist Church with Bro. Jim Robinson officiating. Burial followed in Union Chapel Cemetery in Carrollton with Skel- ton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior and after the service at the church.

Newell Harper Moss, age 76, of Gordo, AL passed away April 19, 2023 at UAB Hospital Palliative Care in Birmingham, AL. Funeral services were 11:00 am Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Kennedy and Rev. Jordan Lollar officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was after the service at the church.

Hazel Lena Atkins Jones, age 85, of Reform, AL passed away April 19, 2023 at Northport Medical Center. Funeral services were 4:00 pm Sunday, April 23, 2023 at New Salem Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Hall officiating. Burial followed in Arbor Springs Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Re- form directing. Visitation was one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.

Ms. Tammy Terrell Harrison, 48, of Aliceville (Panola), passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Public Visitation was Friday, April 21, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Lavender's Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Galilee Baptist Church in Panola. Interment was in the church cemetery with Rev. Dr. Bob Nelson Little as the Eulogist.

William Gordon “Peanut” Galbreath, age 94, of Gordo, Al passed away April 20, 2023 at his resi- dence. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Shawn McDaniel and Bro. Adam Homan officiating. Burial followed in Greenhill Memorial Gar- dens with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Petro "P-Love" Fowler Jr., 52, of Carrollton, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his residence. Public Visitation was Friday, April 21, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Lavender's Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Aliceville City Hall. Interment was in New Cemetery in Aliceville with Rev. Calvin Johnson as the Eulogist.

Mary Dean Goodman Watkins, age 87, of Echola, AL passed away April 7, 2023 at DCH Regional Medical Center.  Funeral services were 2:00 pm Monday, April 10, 2023 at Dunns Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Randall Lynn and Bro. Glen Kennedy 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.

Jerry Nelson Shepherd, age 82, of Northport, AL passed away April 13, 2023 at his residence.  Funeral services were 11:00 am Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL with Pastor Will McGee and Pastor Tony Smithson officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Dayton Shepherd, Jr.

Santha “Sandy” Sauceman, age 82, of Carrollton, AL passed away April 10, 2023 at here daughter’s residence in Reform.  Funeral services were 3:00 pm Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Hall 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.
 

Ms. Thelma Smith, 93, of Livingston, Alabama, formerly of Panola, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Saginaw, Michigan. Public Visitation was held Friday, April 14, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Greater Salem A.M.E. Zion Church in Panola. Interment was in the church cemetery, with Rev. Arthur Gilliam as the Eulogist.
 

Clarence Adolph “Jack’ Sanders, Jr., age 82, of Guin, AL passed away April 7, 2023 at Sunset Manor in Guin.  Funeral services were 1:00 pm Friday, April 14, 2023 at Guin First Baptist Church with Bro. Zane Miles and Bro. Kenny Hatcher officiating.  Burial followed in Gordo City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was   5 - 7 pm Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Guin First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Scott Duncan.

Travis Daniel Hudson, age 36, of Prattville, AL passed away April 7, 2023 in Lowndes County, Alabama.  Funeral services were 3:00 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Godsey and Judy Elmore officiating.  Burial followed in Graham Memorial Gardens with Skelton Funeral Home with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Eunice Dillard Graham, age 93, of Carrollton, AL passed away April 12, 2023 at her residence.  Funeral services were 4:00 pm Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Boothe and Rev. Dr. Jay Noland officiating.  Burial follow in Carrollton City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Sheena Jane Elmore, age 81, of Gordo, AL passed away April, 7, 2023 at her residence.  Graveside services were 11:00 am Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Sand Springs Methodist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Rev. James R. Bane  officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harold Elmore, Sr. and her parents.

Mr. Willie D. “Deacon” Walker, 63, of Aliceville, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023. Public Visitation was Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Friday, April 7, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Aliceville City Hall. Interment was in Magnolia Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Aliceville, with Minister Artis Hinton as The Eulogist.

 Betty Brooks Carpenter Pratt, age 96, died  April 4, 2023, at her home in Carrollton, Alabama.  She was born January 4, 1927 in Reform, Alabama to the late James Wilburn Carpenter and Ola Brooks Keating Carpenter.  She was preceded in death by her husband J. Groce Pratt; sisters Loris Madison, Cara Mims and Sula Davis; granddaughter Emily Madison Pratt and grandson John Carter Pratt.

Mr. Hugh L. “Space” Hinton, 60, of Pickensville, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. Public Visitation was Friday, April 7, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in The James & Lola Lavender Memorial Chapel of Lavender’s Funeral Service. Interment was in Magnolia Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Alfred Cooper as The Eulogist.

 

Mrs. Dealma W. Dickinson, 93, of Aliceville, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, at her residence. There was no public visitation. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Aliceville. Interment was in the church cemetery, with Rev. Marcus Wright as The Eulogist.

Mr. Vincent Wayne Jones, Sr., 54, of Birmingham, AL, formerly of Panola, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. There was no Public Visitation. The Home Going Celebration was Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Panola. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 60, of Aliceville, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at her residence. There was no public visitation. The Home Going Celebration was Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist in Aliceville. Interment was in the church cemetery.
 

Robert Lewis Simpson, Jr., age 91, of Reform, AL passed away March 29, 2023 at Arbor Woods Health & Rehab Center in Reform.  Funeral services were 2:00 pm Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Big Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Trey Kelley and Jerry Dyer officiating.  Burial followed in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery in Palmetto with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was one hour prior to the service.
 

Frederick Laverne “Brother” Mullenix, age 92, of Coker, AL passed away March 26, 2023 at his residence.  Graveside services were 2:00 pm Friday, March 31, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Pastor Henry Joiner officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation followed the service.
 

Rev. Dr. Milton Brown Fields, age 81, of Ethelsville, AL passed away March 28, 2023 at his residence.  Funeral services were 11:00 am Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ben Logan, Rev. Roy Plymon, Rev. Dennis Owen and Dr. Greg Ketteman officiating.   Burial followed in Mt. Moriah Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James O. Elmore, age 92, of Gordo, AL passed away March 28, 2023 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa.  Graveside services were 1:00 pm Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Rev. David Tunnell officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was 6 - 8 pm Friday, March 31, 2023 at the funeral home.

Bishop Willie Earl Cole Sr., 82, of Aliceville passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Public Visitation was Friday, March 31, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Spirit & Truth Pentecostal Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Magnolia Memorial Gardens Cemetery also in Aliceville. 

Frances Norwood Ashcraft, age 94, of Reform, died in the loving presence of family members on March 18, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Skelton Funeral Home with Rev. Tim McCool officiating, visitation to follow. A private family burial will be held at Graham Memorial Cemetery.

Public Visitation for Mrs. Cora Rena Noland of Aliceville, Alabama was Friday, March 24, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration Honoring the Life & Legacy of  Mrs. Cora Rena Noland was Saturday, March 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Providence MB Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Bethany Town Cemetery alo in Aliceville.. Reverend Quentin Prude, Pastor of Providence MB Church, was The Eulogist.

Public Visitation for Mr. Jimmy Jordan of Aliceville, Alabama was Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration Honoring the Life & Legacy of Mr. Jimmy Jordan was Sunday, March 26, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at New Salem MB Church  in Aliceville.  Interment was in New Salem Cemetery also in Aliceville. Reverend Herman Peters, Pastor of New Salem MB Church, was The Eulogist. 
 

Public Visitation for Mrs. Catherine Binion of Pickensville, Alabama was Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration Honoring the Life & Legacy of Mrs. Catherine Binion was Monday, March 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Shady Grove MB Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Magnolia Memorial Garden Cemetery also in Aliceville. Reverend Alton Cody, Pastor of Shady Grove MB Church, was The Eulogist.
 

Mr. Andrell “Dre” Todd, 40, of Carrollton, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Public Visitation will be Friday, March 24, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration will be Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Elbethel Baptist Church in Ethelsville. Interment will be in Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Carrollton.

Harry Douglas McArthur “Mac” Tilley, age 80, of Gordo, AL went to his heavenly home on March 7, 2023 at Aspire of West Alabama.  Graveside services were 2:00 pm Friday, March 10, 2023 at Center Springs Cemetery with Rev. Bobby Boothe officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was from 12:00 noon until 1:45 pm Friday, March 10, 2023 at Elmore Center Church.

Randy Hugh Smith, age 68, of Vernon, AL and formerly of Aliceville passed away March  4, 2023 at Generations of Vernon. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Dean and Bro. Mark Junkin 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 funeral home.
 

Doris Nell Hallman, age 87, of Gordo, AL passed away March 6, 2023 at her daughter’s residence.  Funeral services were 3:00 pm Friday, March 10, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Brad Carroll and Bro. Jimmy Pritchett officiating.  Burial followed in Gordo City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James Arnold Sullivan, age 80, of Gordo, AL passed away March 2, 2023 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services were 3:00 pm Monday, March 6, 2023 at Dunns Creek Baptist Church in Echola with Bro. Thomas Wilson and Bro. Dan Turman 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.

Mr. Willie Lindsey Jr., 63, of Aliceville passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023. Public Visitation was Friday, March 3, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Homegoing Celebration was Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Dancy First Baptist Church in Al- iceville. Interment was in Dancy First Baptist Church Cemetery.

Our loving and sweet mother, Mary Edna Howard made the transition from sin and death to life everlasting on March 1, 2023. Graveside services were 10:00 am Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gordo with Bro. John Mitchell officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. A brief visitation followed the service at the graveside.

Deborah Kay “Debbie” Lunsford Goins, age 61, of Tuscaloosa, AL passed away February 27, 2023 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were 2:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Kevin Taylor 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.

Doris Finkley Gates died at home in Jasper, Alabama on February 25, 2023 at the age of 97. Graveside Services were 11:00 am Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrollton, AL with Rev. Dr. John P. Gates officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation was held at the graveside. Her memorial may be viewed at www.skeltonfuneralhome.com .
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lillian Fife, Mable Randall and Kay Rubio; great-granddaughter, Aubrey Lea Gates; nephew, Fred Fife and nieces, Rita Reynolds and Diane Burdine.

Mr. TW Woods, 66, of Aliceville, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2023, at his residence. Public Visitation was Friday, February 24, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Homegoing Celebration was Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Panola. Interment was at Dancy First Baptist Church Cemetery in Aliceville.

Mrs. Estelle Spencer, 79, of Reform, Al., passed away on February 18, 2023, in Reform, AL. Funeral service for Mrs. Spencer was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Popular Springs CME Church in Reform, Al. Burial followed in Popular Springs Church Cemetery with Northport Funeral & Cremation Service directing.

Mr. Ronnie Dell Rice, 60, of Aliceville, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS. There was no public viewing or funeral service. 

Elaine Gray Noland, age  69, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023, at Northport Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 P.M. Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform, AL, with  Rev. Todd Burkhalter and Rev. Randall Lynn officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to and immediately following the service. Burial will follow at Union Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrollton, AL, with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. The full obituary can be viewed at www.skeltonfuneralhomecom.

Mr. Anthony Devon “Cool Breeze” McCaa, 41, of Aliceville, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023. Public Visitation was Friday, February 17, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Homegoing Celebration was Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Mt. Hebron Church Cemetery.

Richard Joseph Matyjasik, age 66, of Gordo, AL, passed away on Friday, February 10. 2023, at his residence. Memorial services were held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform, AL. Visitation was immediately following the service.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Dottie Bates; nephew, Kevin Jepson; and father-in-law, Robert Lincoln Austin.

Dedicated Retired Aliceville Fire Cheif Willie James Dixon, 71, of Aliceville, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at his residence. Public Visitation was Friday, February 17, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Homegoing Celebration was Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in The James and Lola Lavender Memorial Chapel of Lavender’s Funeral Service. Interment was in Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery in Aliceville.

Patricia Ruth Wyatt, age 74, of Reform, AL passed away February 7, 2023 at Arbor Woods Health & Rehab Center.  Funeral services were 3:00 pm Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Trey Reece and Rev. Mike Hall 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.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Phillip Hudson, Sonny Hudson and Travis Hudson; sister-in-law, Dana L. Hudson and stepfather, Grady Hudson, Jr.

Mrs. Iva Mae Prowell, 89, of Birmingham, AL, formerly of Aliceville passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Trussville Health & Rehabilitation in Trussville, AL. Public Visitation was held on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Home Going Celebration was Sunday, February 11, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Aliceville. Interment was in Hopewell Cemetery in Columbus, MS.

Mr. Stevie McCrary, 59, passed away on January 28, 2023, in Joliet, Illinois. Public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Northport Funeral & Cremation Service Chapel in Reform, AL. Burial will follow at Strawbridge Cemetery in Ethelsville, AL., with Northport Funeral & Cremation Service directing.

Mr. Neva Little, Sr., 73 of Aliceville passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at his residence. Public Visitation was Sunday , February 12, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The Graveside Home Going Celebration was Monday, February 13, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Aliceville.