Obituaries

Mrs. Alice Grace Duncan Pollard, 85, of Hamilton passed away on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 in the Marion Regional Nursing Facility. Mrs. Pollard was born in Hamilton on April 8, 1938 to Leo and Laura Fredrick Duncan. Alice was a member of Hamilton Freewill Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Hamilton High School and later attended Northwest Community College where she earned a degree as an LPN. Alice was employed for much of her life as a nurse with Beverly Health Care and Tupelo Health and Rehab before her retirement.

Mrs. Willa Dean Vaughn, 95, of Bartlett, Tenn., formerly of Winfield passed away on September 13, 2023, surrounded by her family in Memphis, Tenn.
DonaRee Willa Dean Carter Vaughn, known to family and friends as "Dean" or "Willa Dean," was born on Jan.2, 1928, in Cordova, Ala., to Arvie C. Carter and Mittie O. Beasley Carter.  She was the fourth of five children born to the family.  
On July 25, 1959, she and Ernest Vaughn were married in Smithville, Miss. and enjoyed 55 years of marriage.

Mr. Theron James Stricklin, 51, of Huntsville, Ala., formerly of Guin, passed away on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 in the Hospice Family Care Facility. Theron was born on Nov. 1, 1971 in Amory, Miss. to Harry Stricklin and Shirley Silas. He was a 1989 graduate of Liberty Christian Academy and spent much of his life working in construction.
Theron enjoyed spending his spare time being outdoors, hiking, gaming, collecting Marvel heroes, and watching sitcoms and Alabama Football.

Denver Norris, 70, of Hamilton, passed away Sept. 21, 2023 at the Marion Regional Nursing Home.
Service was held on Sept. 24, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Fulton Bridge Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Harley Hicks, 86, of Hamilton, passed away Sept. 17, 2023 at the North Alabama Medical Center.
Funeral services were held on Friday Sept. 26, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Liberty Hill Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Randy Clavette, 66, of Beaverton, Ala., passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss. after a 16 year battle with COPD.    

J. Hugh Ballard, 80, passed away Sept. 11, 2023, at his residence.
He was born in Hamilton on Oct. 5, 1942, to Freeman Ballard and Flossie (Carter) Ballard.  
He was preceded in death by his son, Brent Ballard; parents, Freeman and Flossie Ballard; brother, Paul Ballard; sister, Faye Ballard.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Ballard; daughter, Amy Williford (Rodney); grandchildren, Kaiden and Kynslee Williford; sister, Becky Holland (Roger); aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donald Wayne Akers, 62, of Hamilton, passed away Sept. 15, 2023. Wayne was born Oct. 20, 1960. He was employed at NTN Bower in the press department.
Survivors include wife, Jan Akers; son, Chase Akers; step-son, Heath Rayburn; granddaughter, Hannah Rayburn; mother, Jean (Jim) Fanning; sister, Sandra Akers; sister-in-law, Jo McCarley; brother-in-law, Sammy (Christie) Lindsey, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Donald Akers; brother, Keith Akers; granddaughter, Taylin Akers; and mother-in-law, Darlene Lindsey.

Tommy Loveless, 59, of Haleyville, passed away Thursday Sept. 14, 2023 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Ronald Otts, 72, of Guin passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 in the Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Guin.
Graveside Service were held Sept. 8, 2023 at the Guin City Cemetery. Veal Memorial Funeral Home of Guin directed the service.
Memorial Funeral Home
7195 U.S. Highway 43
Guin, AL  35563
205-468-3323

Mrs. Eva Jean Durham, age 76, of Winfield passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 in the DCH Medical Center.  Mrs. Durham was born in Winfield, Ala. on Sept. 1, 1947 to Gilbert and Mary Corkren Shirey. Eva attended Winfield City School most of her life before moving to Rock Island, Ill. with her family, where she attended Rock Island High School. After moving back to the area Eva worked as a seamstress for Health Tex and later A-1 Manufacturing before becoming disabled. She enjoyed spending her spare time fishing, hunting arrowheads, riding ATVs, and watching Auburn football.

Rolan Carter, 76 , of Detroit, Ala. passed away Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at his home.

Betty Sue Cantrell, 86, of Hackleburg, passed away Sept. 12, 2023 at her residence. Service was held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Harvest Fellowship Church with following burial at Cedar Tree Cemetery. Hamilton Funeral Home directed the services
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mrs. Billie Jean Benton,  80, of the Hubbertville Community, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 in the Diversicare Nursing Facility. Mrs. Benton was born in Fayette County, Ala. on Feb. 4, 1943 to Ray and Mary Ruth Pender Youngblood. She was a member of the Fairview Methodist Church and a 1961 graduate of Hubbertville High School. Billie spent much of her life employed with Fayette Cotton Mill where she later retired after more than 30 years of service. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandsons, who were her life.

Nella Hughes Daley, 87, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at the Itawamba Memorial Gardens.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mr. William Leon Johnson, better known as “Wild Bill,” 79, of Winfield, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 in the Diversicare Health Care Center in Winfield.  Mr. Johnson was born on Nov. 30, 1943 in Dayton, TN to John and Vesta Miles. He was employed with several sawmills in the surrounding area for more than 20 years. Mr. Johnson was a man of many talents. He enjoyed playing the guitar, piano and singing. He was a man of faith and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Sally Bostick, 89, of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Guin on Friday, Nov. 17, 1933 to her parents, Theodore and Nucie (Davis) McDonald.

Patricia Ann Jones, 75, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville.
Born in Marion County on Dec. 12, 1947 to William (Bill) Ashbury and Nava Flora Swinney Jones, Patricia lived her young life in Hamilton with her siblings: Harold Jones, Viola Hollandsworth, Theo Jones, Jenell Cantrell, Dellree Whitehead and Billy Wayne Jones, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby.

Naomi Cantrell Lee, 103, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 12, 2023 at Sunset Manor in Guin.
Her adventure in life began Oct. 23, 1919 to Dan Henry Cantrell and Myrta Yielding Cantrell.
She is survived by her sisters, Sylvia Glenn, Nadean Lolley, Dortha Morrison and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Lee; brothers, Herbert, David, Felix, Daniel, Emanual, Theodore, William Henry, Kenneth and Jimmy Dee; sister, Lillian Scarbrough, several nieces and nephews.

L.J. Prestage, 95, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 at his residence. Burial followed at Memorial Gardens.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Faye Terry, 88, of Huntsville, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Huntsville. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hackleburg Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Union Hill Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Barbara Ann West, 83, of Hodges, passed away Sept. 6, 2023 at the North Alabama Medical Center. The funeral was held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Mt. Olive Church with burial following in the adjoining cemetery. Hamilton Funeral Home directed the services.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-319

Mrs. Minnie Belle Hall, 82, of Winfield, also known as “OG” to her grandchildren, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Northwest Regional Health. Mrs. Hall was born in Marion County on July 6, 1941, to Zack Ted and Velma Lee Terrell Everrette. She was a member of the Hodge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and a graduate of Guin Colored School. Minnie spent much of her life employed with the Winfield Hospital as a dietary cook before her retirement after 28 years of service. In her spare time, Minnie enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with loved ones.

Mr. Brady Leon Brown, 85, of Winfield, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Brown was born on Aug. 4, 1938 in Selma, Ala., to Andrew and Bertha Moore Brown. He was a member of the Winfield First Baptist Church and a 1957 graduate of Maplesville High School. Mr. Brown served his country in the United States Navy and Coast Guard Reserve where he retired after 20 years of service. Brady came to Winfield in 1990 and was employed in maintenance with Winfield Carraway Hospital until 1994.

Mr. Robert Houston Robertson III, also known as Trey Robertson, 22, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton, in Hamilton.
Trey was born Sept. 8, 2000, in Memphis, Tenn., to Robert "Robby" Houston Robertson II and Karen Underwood Robertson. He enjoyed riding horses, jet skiing with his family and doing other things with his family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Robertson, and his grandmother, Helen Underwood.

Louise Edwards, 67, of Hamilton, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at North Alabama Medical Center. She was born in Alabama, on Friday, Sept. 23, 1955, to her parents Hobart and Opal (Wiginton) Cochran.

Wilma Jean Weeks, 82, of Hamilton, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Hamilton, on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1940, to her parents, L.V. and Ora (McCarley) Williams.

Alice Ann Wheeler Weeks, 74, of Muscle Shoals, Ala., departed this earthly life on August 23, 2023, to be with her Lord and Savior. While touring the General Joe Wheeler Home in Hillsboro, Ala., she experienced a fall and never regained consciousness.

Gloria Marie Peterson Taylor, 76, of Hamilton, passed away August 20, 2023, in Pontotoc Miss,
Funeral services will be Friday, August 25, 2023, at Christ Community Fellowship Church. Burial followed at Love Joy Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Margaret Smith, 73, of Hamilton, passed away August 18, 2023. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial folloedw at Old Mormon Cemetery located in Booneville, Miss.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mrs. Rosell Gravitt Southern, 101, of Winfield, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in the Diversicare Health Care Center in Winfield. Mrs. Southern was born in Marion County, Ala. on June 4, 1922, to Hansel and Nellie Goddard Gravitt. She was employed with the Cotton Mill industry in Haleyville and Winfield as a spinner for 40 years. Rosell was a member of the Methodist Church. She was a loving caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother and loved spending time with her family.

Dr. James Ward Webster of Decatur, Ala, passed away after his battle with cancer on August 15, 2023, at his home with his loving wife of 60 years, Doris, by his side.

Corrine Gilliland Sartain Capps, 92, of Cordova, Ala., passed away August 11, 2023, at her residence. Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 17, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Shottsville Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Sandra Jane Champagne, 53, of Hamilton, passed away July 30, 2023, at her residence.
A Memorial Service was held on August 4, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Malcolm Keith Crawford, 80, of Hamilton, Ala., passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Aug. 5,1943 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Naomi Cantrell Lee, 103, of Hackleburg, passed away August 12, 2023, at Sunset Manor.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial following at New Prospect Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mr. James Samuel “Sammy” Lynn, 66, of Winfield, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Mr. Lynn was born in Fayette, Ala. on July 13, 1957, to Hobert and Lois Lann Lynn. Sammy attended Harmony Grove Baptist Church and was a 1975 graduate of Winfield City High School. He later attended Northwest Community College in Hamilton where he earned a degree in drafting. Sammy began his career in 1979 with Continental Conveyor & Equipment Company and spent 37 years there before his retirement in 2016.

Rodney David Yaden, 68, of Hamilton, passed away August 10, 2023, at his residence.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mr. Michael Anthony Dodd, better known as Tony, 56, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023, in the DCH Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tony was born in Haleyville, Ala. on April 12, 1967, to Gary Wayne Dodd and Sarah Cagle. He was a 1985 graduate of Brilliant High School. Tony was employed in the mobile home industry for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting, woodworking, listening to music, hunting, and spending time with his granddaughters.

Mrs. Margaret Clark Farrar, 68, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at her residence. Margaret was born on March 12, 1955, in Fayette, Ala., to Thomas and Ila Mae Whitehead Marcum Tucker. She attended Winfield City High School and was a faithful member of the Church of God. In earlier years, Margaret enjoyed playing softball, she was also a talented seamstress and quilter. She loved going to the beach and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Lorene Cranford Hamilton, 91, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Marion Regional Nursing Home.
She retired from the Marion County Board of Education as secretary of Hamilton Middle School in 1993. She was a faithful member of Smyrna United Methodist Church until its closure when she transferred her membership to Hamilton United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed living on the farm with her husband of 69 years, Lynwood Hamilton. Mrs.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Aaron Tyler McCaleb on Aug. 1, 2023. He was 37 years old at the time of his departure from this world. Aaron was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Sept. 15, 1985, to Scott McCaleb and Sandy Wilson McCaleb. He was a 2004 graduate of Winfield City High School and joined the United States Marine Corp right out of high school. Aaron was a devoted son, cherished brother, and a loving father to his daughter, Rowan.

Rodney Earl Nalls, 55, of Winfield, Ala. passed away on Monday, August 1, 2023, in the Northwest Medical Center in Winfield. Rodney was born in Chicago, Ill. on June 12, 1968, to Robert Earl Nalls and Sarah Ann Bryant Culp. He was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Winfield City High School. Rodney spent much of his life employed in construction. Rodney enjoyed watching Auburn Football and socializing with his friends. Rodney was an all-around good guy and always took pride in the way he looked. He loved being around people and making them laugh.

Mrs. Faylene Aldridge Plunkett, 94, of Winfield, Ala. passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in the Diversicare Health Care Facility. Mrs. Plunkett was born on Nov. 4, 1928, in Glen Allen, Ala. She was one of 10 children born to Bill and Ella Mills Aldridge.
Mrs. Plunkett is survived by her son, Drew Plunkett (Kathy); grandchildren, Jeff Plunkett (Jody), Lisa Plunkett, Terrance Plunkett (April), and Noelle Plunkett; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Belmont, Miss. – Van Douglas Roberts, II, 49, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Haleyville, Ala. to Van Douglas and Judy Harbin Roberts. In 1999, he began his teaching career at Marion County, Ala. as a teacher and a coach. After one year, he then taught and coached at Tishomingo Middle School and became their principal for several years. In 2013, he became principal at Belmont High School and then worked as the Alternative School Director. He was a member of Liberty Church of Christ, Dennis, Miss.

Mr. Johnie James Thorpe, better known as J.J., 49, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his residence. J.J. was born in Jasper, Ala., on Nov. 3, 1973 to Johnie Wayne Byars and Janet Thorpe. He attended Walker County High School and was employed with various area mobile home plants throughout the years. In his spare time, J.J. enjoyed camping, being outdoors, music, Marvel Comics, playing video games, and spending time with his children.

Nina Bolling Meier, 89, passed away on Thursday July 27, 2023, at her home in Bartow, Fla. Born April 2,1934, in Jasper, Ala., she was the daughter of Howard Franklin Bolling and Rosa (Hall) Bolling. Nina was a member of the Church of Christ in Bartow for over 60 years, serving as a teacher, leader in lady's activities, and provided beautiful floral arrangements for the auditorium. She was also very active in the Bartow Garden Club and lent her floral talents to many civic and charity events and to many local brides.

Mr. Roger Lynn May, 60, of Winfield, Ala. passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Walker Baptist Medical Center. Mr. May was born in Florence, Ala. on June 4, 1963, to Paul and Betty Poole May. He attended Wilson High School and was employed with Clayton Supply of Winfield for 25 years. In his spare time, Roger enjoyed Alabama football, being outdoors riding ATVs, Talladega racing, Harley Davidson motorcycles, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Margarett Colburn, 81, of Carbon Hill, Ala., passed away July 27, 2023, at Diversicare in Winfield.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Kelly Cemetery in Eldridge, Ala.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197