Obituaries

Willie Ables

Willie Ables, 82, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, at her residence. Funeral Service will be Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Old Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Mack Bishop

Mack R. Bishop, 88, of Detroit, Ala., passed away May 23, 2023 at the Marion Regional Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 15, 1934 in Hamilton to the late Henry Green Bishop and Myrtle Raymond Feltman Bishop.  He served in the Air Force. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fresh water fishing. He also was a bird enthusiast and enjoyed working with his hands.
Military graveside services were held on Wednesday May 31, 2023 at Barnesville Cemetery.

Dorothy Jo Byars

Mrs. Dorothy “Dee” Jo Byars, 94, of Birmingham, Ala., formerly of Winfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in the Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Assisted Living Facility. Dee was born on Nov. 11, 1928 in Decatur, Ala. to Paul Franklin and Doris Ferguson Hardeman.
She was a 1946 graduate of Winfield City High School and later attended University of Montevallo. After college, Dee married the love of her life, John B. Byars Jr., and together they had two children.

Ramona Ann Doss Keeton

Mrs. Ramona Ann Doss Keeton, 83, of Brilliant, Ala., passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Keeton was born in Winfield, Ala. on Dec. 1, 1939 to Robert Lee and Mary Jo May Doss. Ramona was a 1958 graduate of Winfield City High School. She spent much of her life as a homemaker and taking care of her husband and children. In her spare time, Ramona enjoyed antiquing and spending time with her grandchildren.

Judy Linda Roberts

Judy Linda Roberts, 74, of Brilliant, Ala., passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, at NMMC-Tupelo.
She was born in Alabama, on Saturday, April 09, 1949, to Talvage and Alpha Harbin. 

Chloe Vessel

Chloe Vessel, 93, of Tupelo, Miss., passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023 at The Meadows in Fulton, Miss. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 31, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Antioch Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Edgar Lee Nixon

Edgar Lee Nixon, 92, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023. Graveside services were held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Hamilton City Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Pauline Elliott Macklin

Mrs. Pauline Elliott Macklin, 92, of Birmingham, formerly of the Glen Allen area, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Macklin was the youngest of seven children born to Roy and Mattie Donald Elliott. Pauline accepted Christ into her life at an early age and was a long-time member of the Palisades Church of Christ in Birmingham. She married James D. Montgomery and together they had six children.

Nora Loden

Nora Loden, 81, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Marion Regional Nursing Home. Funeral services were at the Hamilton First Baptist Church on Saturday, May 20. Burial followed at the Hamilton City Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Peggy Jean Colburn Brown

Peggy Jean Colburn Brown, 85, of Hamilton, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 17, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Love Joy Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Leroy Blair

Leroy Blair, 84, of Guin, Ala., passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
Born Sept. 11, 1938 in Monroe County, Miss., he is the son of the late William Franklin and Laura Lee Broom Blair, and the husband of Geraldine Pearce Blair. He lived in Guin since 1965 and retired from Arvin Industries in Fayette after working 36 years. He was a Member and Deacon of Mt. Hebron Primitive Baptist Church.

Sharon Gunnin

Mrs. Sharon Gunnin, 78, of Hackleburg, Ala., passed away peacefully at her home on May 5, 2023. She was born Sept. 26, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio., to Dell and Virginia Young. She was the oldest of eight children. Sharon spent her life always working. She raised five kids, step-children, and grandchildren in addition to working as a CNA and at the trailer plant.

Danny Wayne Harbin

Mr. Danny Wayne Harbin, 71, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa after a long fight with cancer. Danny was born on November 2, 1951 in Fayette County, to Grady and Elsie Smith Harbin. He was a member of the Fayette Church of Christ and a 1970 graduate of Hubbertville High School. Danny was employed with Continental Conveyor and Equipment Company, Inc. in Winfield for 48 years.

Peggy Ann Hightower

Peggy Ann Hightower, 84, of Aberdeen Miss., passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Care Center of Aberdeen.
She was born in Magee, Miss. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 1938, to Mildford Bogan and Rubie Lee Bogan.  
Peggy worked for Walmart for 30 years where she was loved by everyone and never met a stranger.

Roger Kennedy

Roger "Dale" Kennedy, 79, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his residence. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 12, 2023 from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Sizemore Memorial Cemetery. Bro. Richard Kendrick officiated.

Troy Thomas Norris

Mr. Troy Thomas Norris, 84, of Jasper passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at his daughters’ residence.  Mr. Norris was born on June 15, 1938 in Guin, Ala. to Emmerson and Annie Norris. Troy was a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ and Crossroads Church of Christ. He was always very active and enjoyed being involved with church and church activities. Troy was employed with various mining companies in the surrounding area for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, watching Alabama football, and spending time with his family.

Reburn Ellis Pearce

Reburn Ellis Pearce, 85, of Hamilton, Ala. passed away on Friday, May 05, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ga.
He was born in Guin, Ala. on Monday, October 18, 1937, to James Franklin Pearce and Kizzie Pollard Pearce.  
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Margaret Moore Pearce; children, Larry Pearce (wife, Prentiss) and Lisa Wilson (husband, Michael); grandchildren, Rosemary Pearce, Rachel Wilson, and Mitchell Wilson; brothers, Leslie Pearce, Holley Pearce, Edsel Pearce, and Oscar Mann; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donna Lynne Vickery

Mrs. Donna Lynne Vickery, 75, of Winfield passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Vickery was born on Jan. 22, 1948 in Pasadena, TX to Thomas and Helen Vaughn Davis. Donna was one of three daughters. A child of a Navy serviceman, she spent her childhood living in Hawaii before returning to Dallas, TX, where she graduated in 1966. She and her family moved to Alabama in the 1980’s where she lived out the remainder of her life. Donna was employed for more than 20 years as a Monitor Technician with Northwest Medical Center before her retirement.

Patricia Ann Whitehead

Patricia Ann Whitehead, 84, of Hamilton, Ala., passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at her residence surrounded by family.
Survivors include children, Randy (Lesley) Whitehead, Debbie (Jerry) Green, and Pam (Dorn) Cagle;
grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla) Maddux, Bryant Whitehead, Tori (David) Sides, Kent (Hayley) Maddux, Andrew (Ashleigh) Cagle, Amanda Cagle, and Anna (Cameron) Abernathy; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Maddux, Maggie Maddux, Philip Cagle, Emory Cagle, Douglas Cagle, Ruth Cagle, and Callie Abernathy.

Patricia Ann Whitehead

Patricia Ann Whitehead, 84, of Hamilton, Ala., passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at her residence surrounded by family. Funeral service was held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Hamilton First Baptist Church. Burial followed at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Kenneth Watts

Kenneth Watts, 85, of Hamilton, Ala., passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at his residence.
He was born in Alabama on Thursday, Aug. 5, 1937, to Elma McNutt Watts. 

Gene Gary Strickland

Gene Gary Strickland, 84, of Gardendale, Ala., passed away on March 31, 2023. Gary was born August 6, 1938, to Clarence and Mertice Strickland. He was a native of Brilliant, Ala. and graduated from Brilliant High School in 1956.
Gary was a firefighter for the city of Birmingham, Ala. for 27 years before retiring. He was a member of North Gardendale Church of Christ.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bertha Strickland; his daughters, Gina West (Charles) and Rhonda Brown; and grandchildren, Garrett West, Gary Brown, and Chris Brown.

Ellen Hall Cochran

Ellen Hall Cochran, 82, of Hamilton, received her wings upon passing away at her residence, with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Born and raised in Hackleburg to Hugh and Marie Caudle Hall, Ellen was a fifth generation granddaughter of Stephen Caudle, who was the founder of what is now known as Guin. She was affectionately known to her family and friends as ‘Trick.’ For over 64 years, she was a wife and mother, dedicating herself in caring for her husband and two daughters. She was a doting and loving grandmother and great-grandmother like no other.

Rachel Robbins Darracott

Rachel Robbins Darracott, 55, of Hamilton, passed away April 24, 2023 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss. Funeral service was held on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

James Edward Ables

James Edward Ables, 59, of Hamilton, passed away April 19, 2023, at Terrace Manor. Funeral service was held on Tuesday April 25, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Old Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Kenneth Holmes

Kenneth Holmes, 71, of Hamilton, passed away April 20, 2023, at the North Alabama Medical Center. Graveside services were held on Sunday April 23, at Love Joy Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

May Doris Mayfield McDonald

Mrs. May Doris Mayfield McDonald, 79, of Millport, formerly of the Hubbertville community, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Miss. Mrs. McDonald was born on July 9, 1943 in Fayette County, Ala. to Leslie and Hassie Tidwell Mayfield. She was a 1962 graduate of Hubbertville High School; she devoted her life to being a homemaker and caring for her husband and her daughter. In her spare time, May enjoyed watching professional wrestling, going to the beach, traveling, staying on the go, and visiting her family and friends.

Joyce Myrick

Joyce Myrick, 85, of Hamilton, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, at her residence. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 26, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Goggans Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Nela Dean Smith

Nela Dean Smith, 87, of Batesville, Miss., passed away April 25, 2023 in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Funeral service was held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Mt. Olive Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

James Leland White

Mr. James “Boss” Leland White, 92, of Winfield, Ala., passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his residence. Mr. White was born on Feb. 2, 1931 in Winfield. James was the oldest of nine children. He was known for being bossy to his younger siblings, earning himself the nickname “Boss” from them. He was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and attended Winfield City High School. Mr. White served his country in the United States Army. He was employed as a machine repairman for John Deere Foundry in Moline, Ill. and retired after 27 years of service.

Mary June Stewart Gilbert

Mrs. Mary June Stewart Gilbert, 63, of Glen Allen, Ala., passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in the Northwest Medical Center. Mrs. Gilbert was born on May 4, 1959, in Winfield, Ala., to James Frank and Annie Florence Beasley Stewart. Mary was a member of the Glen Allen Methodist Church and attended Hubbertville High School. She and her husband, Billy, owned and operated Gilbert Pawn in Fayette for more than 34 years. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed shopping, playing cards, sewing, and spending time with her husband on their back porch.

Margarette M. Hilley

Margarette M. Hilley, 79, of Hamilton, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Marion Regional Nursing Home.
She was born in Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 1943, to Eldon ‘Bud” Miller and Lura Movaline Cranford Miller. 

Eura Mae Mitchell

Eura Mae Mitchell, 98, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at Sunset Manor. Funeral service was held on Sunday, April 30, at Mt. Hope Church. Burial followed at Antioch Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

W. Edward Cook

W. Edward Cook, 92, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at Diversicare of Winfield. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at the Hamilton City Cemetery.

Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

Bonnie Mae Karr

Bonnie Mae Karr, 98, of Hamilton, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Burns Nursing Home. The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Barnesville Freewill Baptist Church. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

David McCracken

David McCracken, of Hamilton, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023. The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel.

Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

James McHenry Murray

James McHenry Murray of Hamilton,
passed away at North Mississippi Medical
Center in Tupelo, Miss. on Monday, Feb.
27, 2023. He suffered from respiratory failure due to COVID. James was born on Nov. 4, 1950, to LaFayette and Maxine Murray, who predeceased him. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Murray. On Feb. 11, 1977, he married Jacqueline Denise Gann. James had a successful career as a laboratory technician at NTN-Bower Corporation. Even after retirement, he continued to consult with the company on a part-time basis.

Johnny Lee Pollard

Mr. Johnny Lee Pollard, 90, of Adamsville, formerly of Marion County, Ala., passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, in the Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham. Mr. Pollard was born in Marion County on Nov. 2, 1932, to Jesse Lee and Annie Crowe Pollard. He was a 1952 graduate of Marion County High School. Mr. Pollard joined Westwood Baptist Church in 1963 and served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was a United States Army veteran and member of the American Legion #255. Mr.

Jeanette Robertson

Jeanette Robertson, 81, of Guin, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, in the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss.

Born Nov. 18, 1941, in Winfield, she is the daughter of the late Dow and Elvie Irene Sanders Nix and the wife of the late Jimmy Robertson. She lived in Guin most of her life and worked at Health Tex and was a caregiver. She was a member of the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

Wayne Saxton

Wayne Saxton, 71, of Beaverton, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at his residence. Born Jan. 3, 1952, in Bentonia, Miss., he is
the son of the late Albert W. and Daisy
White Saxton, and the husband of Wanda
Lynn Cantrell Saxton. He lived in Beaverton
the past 36 years, was a member of the
Fairview Baptist Church and retired
from trucking. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Army.

Michael David Tice

Michael David Tice, 72, passed away April 7, 2023, at Helen Keller Hospital. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Gaston and Eula (Harper) Tice; sister, Sharon Tice Clark; first wife, Sandy (Rasberry) Tice; and granddaughter, Micah Marie Peoples.

Evelyn Marie Corkren Tidwell

Mrs. Evelyn Marie Corkren Tidwell, 91, of Birmingham, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Tidwell was born in Marion County on Aug. 15, 1931, to Vester and Mary Spillers Corkren. She lived in Marion County before moving to Birmingham where she has lived for the past 70 years. Evelyn spent much of her life employed as a deli manager and cake decorator; she was employed with Food Giant and Food Max grocery stores, and others along the way. In her spare time, Evelyn enjoyed watching TV, visiting casinos, and spending time with her family.

Carolyn Sue Taylor Upton

Carolyn Sue Taylor Upton, 72, passed away April 10, 2023, in Pontotoc, Ms. Funeral service was held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Single Springs Cemetery.
Hamilton Funeral Home
161 Falcon Circle
Hamilton, AL  35570
205-921-3197

John Cantrell Birmingham

Mr. John Cantrell Birmingham, 86, of Guin, Ala. passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Birmingham was born on Aug. 19, 1936, in Plantersville, Miss. to Maburn and Myra Birmingham. He was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. John was a 1954 graduate of Winfield City High School; he later served his country in the United States Army. He spent much of his life employed as a Commercial Contractor. John was well known in this area for playing Santa Claus, which he enjoyed doing for over 25 years.

Anner C. Guyton

Mrs. Anner C. Guyton, 76, of Vance, Ala., formerly of Winfield, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, in the Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham. Mrs. Guyton was born in Cullman, Ala. on June 12, 1946, to Hoke and Rodsey Cummings Dunn. She was a member of the Union Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and a 1957 graduate of Bear Creek High School. Anner spent much of her life as a homemaker, caring for her husband and children. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, puzzles, gardening, working in her flowers, cooking, and playing cards, especially Rook.

Roy Raymond Holland

Roy Raymond Holland, 79, of Hamilton, Ala. passed away Tuesday, April 04, 2023. He was born in Alabama on October 31, 1943, to Kirnes Holland and Mary Gilstrap Holland.
The funeral service was Friday, April 07, 2023, at Marion County Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joseph Clack officiating and burial at New Hope Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kirnes Holland and Mary Isom, Manson C. Isom; siblings, Evon Holland, Betty Rea, and Fabian Isom.