Obituaries week of April 27
Sarah Louise Hooper
Danville
Funeral service for Sarah Louise Hooper, 87, was held April 19 at 1 p.m. at Danville Baptist Church with Bro. Jack Bailey and Bro. Joe David Bailey officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Friendship, south of Danville.
Mrs. Hooper died April 16 at her residence. She was born June 29, 1934, in Mississippi, to John McAlister and Mentie Staten McAlister. She was a homemaker for her family, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carrol Dwight Hooper; her parents; a son, Michael Carrol Hooper; a brother, Sidney McAlister; and sisters, Maureen Parker and Reba Byrd. Survivors include her son, Mark Heston Hooper (Margaret); daughters, Traci Hooper Holladay (Gregg) and Kim Hooper Vaughn (Brian); sister, Lexie Treacher; grandchildren, Keri Tucker (Adam), Ashley Holladay, Zachary Hooper, Olivia Hooper, Garrett Vaughn, Rebecca Hooper and Kristopher Hooper; and great-grandchildren, Ellie Tucker, Gavin Tucker, Drake Hooper Nichole Hooper and Brianna Hooper.
Serving as pallbearers were Garrett Vaughn, Zachary Hooper, Adam Tucker, Brian Vaughn, Zeb Jones and Gavin Tucker. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Hospice of the Valley or Friendship Cemetery Fund.
Letha Summerford Hopkins
Falkville
Funeral service for Letha Summerford Hopkins, 73, was held April 20 at 3 p.m. at Roundtop Church with Bro. Pearl Jenkins officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Roundtop Cemetery.
Ms. Hopkins died April 18 at Summerford Nursing Home. She was born July 28, 1948, in Morgan County, to Fred Vedus Summerford and Vivian Hardin Summerford.
She was an Avon Lady for approximately 30 years before retiring, and she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in whatever they were participating in.
She was a member of the Roundtop Community Church all her life. Playing the piano and singing were one of her favorite things to do.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her sons, Bill Hopkins Jr. (Shannon) and Shane Hopkins (Kelley); daughter, Neasha Hopkins; grandchildren, T.J. Holmes, Justin Holmes, Weston Hopkins, Emma Hopkins, Elijah Hopkins, Anna Katherine Hopkins, Evan Hopkins, Asher Hopkins and Andrew Hopkins; and great-grandchildren, Keina Holmes, Kaileb Holmes and Emory Hopkins.
Pallbearers were Bill Hopkins, Jr., Shane Hopkins, T.J. Holmes, Justin Holmes, Weston Hopkins and Elijah Hopkins.
Ronald Payne
Falkville
Ronald Payne, 89, born Sept. 10, 1932, passed away Jan. 2 in Visalia, California.
He is preceded in death by his father, Youmbert Cecil Payne I; his mother, Mary Cornett Payne; his brothers, Youmbert Cecil Payne II and Harold (Hal) Bernard Payne; his sister, Patricia Jane Joann Payne; and his wife, our dear Bettye Zue Maddux Green Payne.
Ron is survived by his former wife, Mary Lou (Mickey) Koval Miller Payne, and his four adult children, Katherine Mary Payne Scaduto, Ronald Forrest Payne II, Patricia Nannette Payne and Diane Carole Payne Clegg. Ron is also survived by six adult stepchildren, Brenda Green Bell, Hilda Green Heady Zahradnik, Deborah Green, Dr. James E. Green, Bonnie Green and Dr. Wm David Green.
Through his two marriages, he became a grandfather and great-grandfather to new generations with a combined multi-generational family of more than 80.
Ron was the son of a coal miner and a dress maker, born in the hills of Kentucky. Ron worked hard and put himself through college, becoming a professional electrical engineer, which enabled him to travel and work around the globe.
He worked on many major space programs and projects. He traveled extensively, working on multiple continents. His work allowed him to give his children the experience of living in Australia for 18 months. Ron’s travels included more than 50 trips to Japan alone.
His sometimes dry and often silly sense of humor was well known to co-workers, friends and family. He loved telling stories, many of which he captured in self-prepared booklets to pass on to the next generations. He had avid interests in genealogy research, history, the Civil War, photography and both stamp and coin collecting.
During their marriage, Ron and Bettye lived in California and Virginia before relocating to the Falkville area for several years. Their time in this area enabled them both to enjoy the company of Bettye’s extensive family.
Their last move together was to Marietta, Ga., in 2002. This move allowed them to spend more time with Bettye’s children and grandchildren.
Ron moved to Visalia, California, where his oldest daughter and family live, in 2013. This move made it possible for him to be closer to family, and it facilitated his care in his final years.
Graveside services, officiated by the Rev. Ralph Henderson, will be held April 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church, Falkville. This will be followed immediately by a covered dish dinner at Eva Community Center in Eva.
Reba W. Henry
Lacey’s Spring
A memorial service for Reba W. Henry, 75, was held April 19 at 2 p.m. at Risen Church with Pastor Tim Taylor and Bro. Chris Pike officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. No visitation was scheduled. Mrs. Henry died April 16 at Huntsville Hospital. She was born Sept. 27, 1946, in Morgan County to Floyd Wiggington Sr. and Mamie Maze Wigginton. She was a wonderful wife for her husband, a mother and a grandmother, who loved her grandkids more than life itself. She loved her family and was always super proud of their accomplishments. Her titles could have been Helper, Encourager and Caregiver. She loved God and others with all of her heart, and she loved to laugh and make others laugh.
“Be still and know that I am God” was her favorite verse. Preceding her in death were her parents and sisters, Lurleen Marko, Anne Walker and Frances Wigginton.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Milton; daughter, Johnna Watts (Tony), son, Daren Henry; brother, Floyd Wiggington Jr.; sisters, Marsha Carolyn “Fox” Pike and Sarah Sharp; grandchildren, Zac Watts and Kari Watts; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sue Williams Johnson Hartselle Funeral service for Sue Williams Johnson, 80, was held April 25 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. The burial was in Somerville Church of God Cemetery.
Mrs. Johnson died April 16 at her residence. She was born Sept. 23, 1941, in Morgan County to Henry Wesley Williams and Lucy Belle Sharp Williams.
She was a member of the Somerville Church of God and loved to sing. She was an avid gardener and could make any plant flourish. She enjoyed people and a good conversation, which meant she never met a stranger.
She was a cosmetologist and gift shop owner for many years before retiring and was a wonderful mother.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Jimmy Johnson; a brother, Jimmy “Bobba” Williams; and sisters, Evie Campbell and Jo Nell Maxwell.
Survivors include daughter, Regina Johnson Layton (Kevin), Hartselle, and sisters, Peggy Biles, Tanner, Linda McCafferty, Decatur. Pallbearers were Kevin Layton, Tommy Layton, Lonnie Williams, Shane Whisenant, James Biles and Dwight Tankersley.
Randy Smith
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and interment for Randy Smith, 62, was held April 23 at 11 a.m. at Edgil Grove Cemetery in Walker County with Bro. Faron Davis officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Smith died April 18 at his residence. He was born March 1, 1960, in Vermillion County, Illinois, to George Jonathan Smith Jr. and Mildred Lee Smith. Randy enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He retired from International Paper after 22 years and worked for Toray for eight years as a warehouse tech.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Matthew Lee Smith.
Survivors include wife, Diane Carver Smith; stepsons, Craig Johnson (Karen) and Kelly Alexander (Kati); stepdaughters, Jayna Marshall (Jason) and Valerie Kirby; brothers, Kevin Lee Smith (Victoria) and Brian Allen Smith (Susi); and six grandchildren. Pallbearers were Craig Johnson, Kelly Alexander, Justin Smith, Brian McQueen, Braden Newson and Derrek Patton. Honorary pallbearers were Tyler Smith and Carver Bell.
Rhonda Drinkard Roden
Decatur
Rhonda Roden died April 17 at her residence.
She was born March 11, 1955, in Keego Harbor County, to Paul Drinkard and Janie Monell Oden Drinkard.
She was employed by Pure Heart as a caregiver prior to her passing.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bennie, Gary and Scotty Drinkard.
Survivors include son, Paul Carpenter (Amy), Eva; daughter, Christy Clinard (Hugh), Smyrna, Tenn.; sister, Robin Self (John), Eva; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date by the family.
Margie Looney Button
Decatur
Funeral service for Margie Looney Button, 86, was held April 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Valley Grove Baptist Church at Speake with Bro. Wayne Turner officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Andrews Chapel Cemetery.
Mrs. Button died April 20 at Hospice Family Care. She was born Nov. 26, 1935, in Lawrence County to Floyd Looney and Edna Ledlow Looney.
She was the oldest member of Valley Grove Church, where she played the piano for more than 50 years. She was employed as a cafeteria worker for Speake School for 27 years.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her brothers and sisters.
Survivors include one son, Fred Button (Alisa); daughters, Margie Ellen Button and Mary Winton (Larry); and grandchildren, Wesley Button (Jaclyn), Whitney Button and Jacob Winton. Pallbearers were Gary Johnson, Willard Asherbranner, Lynn Kilpatrick, Tim Looney, Wesley Button and Jacob Winton.
Sallie Jones Puckett
Eva
Funeral service for Sallie Jones Puckett, 88, was held April 23 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dewayne Harper and Bro. Chris Sears officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery in Oden Ridge.
Mrs. Puckett died April 19 at her residence. She was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Morgan County to John Jones and Audrey McDonald Jones. Mrs. Puckett loved her family with all her heart, especially the grandchildren. She enjoyed shopping and taking trips and was always ready to go. She was employed as a nursing assistant at Falkville Nursing Home prior to her retirement. Preceding her in death were her husband, the Rev. Troy Puckett Sr., and a daughter, Margaret Ann Puckett.
Survivors include sons, Troy Puckett Jr. and Connie Glenn Puckett; daughters, Judy Cobb (the late Joe Cobb), Sue Brindley (Chubby), Donna Brindley (Frankie) and Betty Ward (Kenneth); 10 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Justin Cobb, Logan Cobb, Levi Cobb, Samuel Brown, Brock Puckett and Ryder Anaya. Honorary pallbearers were Baden Brindley, Paxton Bennett, Axel Ward, Hunter Puckett and Gavyn Taylor.
Betty Ferrell Knox
Cullman
Mrs. Betty Ferrell Knox, 82, died April 21 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 4, 1939, in Limestone County to Willie Ferrell and Kathrine Elizabeth Ferrell. She was a homemaker for her family, whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Knox, and her parents. Survivors include daughters, Jennifer Brasher and Waynette Johnson; grandchildren, Amanda McQuaig, Casey Winsett, Phillip Brasher and Callie Brasher; and five great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
Charles Mack Overton
Hartselle
The funeral service for Charles Mack Overton, 73, was held April 24 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Kinney officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Falkville City Cemetery.
Mr. Overton died April 21 at his residence. He was born Oct. 11, 1948, in Cullman County, to Culver Mack Overton and Marian Thomas Overton, who preceded him in death.
He was employed by Monsanto–Solutia for more than 36 years in the maintenance department prior to his retirement.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was married to his wife, Becky, for 55 years.
Survivors include his wife, Becky McCaig Overton; daughters, Stephanie Kenney (Jeff) and Melanie Wright (Charles); brothers, Robert Overton and Steve Overton; and grandchildren, Erin Kenney, Reagin Kenney, Karli Wright and Aiden Wright.
Adam Terry Smith
Adam Terry Smith
Danville
Funeral service for Adam Terry Smith, 31, was held April 24 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Terry Hudson officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Valhermoso Springs Cemetery. Mr. Smith died April 21. He was born Aug. 8, 1990, in Morgan County to William Terry Smith and Nancy Vinzant Smith. He was employed in construction with Smith’s Painters prior to his passing. He enjoyed playing his guitar, hunting and riding motorcycles. He was a very kind person and loved kids.
He was preceded in death by his uncle. Richard “Ricky” Vinzant and his grandmother, Charlene Davis. Survivors include his mother, Nancy Vinzant Smith; father and stepmother, William Terry Smith and DeDe Smith; sister, Heather Smith McDaniel; nephews, Brycen and Ronan Cartee; niece, Madalyn McDaniel; and half-sisters, Somer Yost and Dakota Phylips.
Pallbearers were family and friends.
Dan E. Breeding
Somerville
Funeral service for Dan E. Breeding, 72, was held April 24 at 4 p.m. at New Friendship Baptist Church with Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in New Friendship Cemetery.
Mr. Breeding died April 22 at Hospice Family Care. He was born March 17, 1950, in Morgan County to Thomas Eugene Breeding and Georgia Mae Curbow Breeding.
He was employed at Chore-Time as a factory worker prior to his retirement.
He enjoyed flying RC aircraft and watching his grandkids play ball. He liked to hunt and fish with his friends and his grandson. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dian Breeding, a daughter, Tracy Prater, and his parents. Survivors include a daughter, Stacey Cole (Spencer); brother, Johnny Breeding (Susan); sisters, Jo Rhe Taylor (Clyde) and Rita Burden (Vaughn); and grandchildren, Gracin Prater and Trent Cole.
Pallbearers were family and friends.
Rickie Rooks
Decatur
Rickie Don Rooks, of Decatur, passed away in Huntsville April 22 at the age of 64. A graveside service was held April 25 at 10 a.m. at Johnson Cemetery in Speake with Brother Raymond Baker officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Rooks was born to Cecil and Freddie Bozeman Rooks Aug. 3, 1957, in Cullman County.
He is preceded in death by his parents; by two sisters, Debbie Hill and Shirley Hill; and one brother, Michael Rooks.
Survivors include a brother, Gerald Rooks, and sisters, Katie Stewart (Karl), Joann Kelso (Dewayne), Rita Freeman, Rhonda Wilson, Christi Rooks and Shanae Rooks.
He was an avid Auburn fan and loved the outdoors. He was employed by Dennis Jackson as a bricklayer prior to his passing.
The family requested that Auburn colors be worn at his service.
Pallbearers were family.
Doris Jane Harper
Eva
Doris Jane Harper, 79, of Eva passed away at her residence April 22. Funeral service was held April 25 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Peck Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harper was born to Bronco Hobson and Essie Dunlap Holmes Jan. 29, 1943, in Morgan County. She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, George Russell; second husband, James D. Harper; two sisters, Freda Bernard and Sarah Williams; and three brothers, Ellis Holmes, O. D. Holmes and Jimmy Holmes.
Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Russell and Ronnie Russell (Janet); two daughters, Wanda Segler (David) and Tammy Nichols (Tim); sister, Peggy Williams; 14 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked most of her life as a caregiver. She was a member of Ebenezer Freewill Baptist Church.
Brother Roger Hood did the officiating. Pallbearers were Tim McWhorter, Todd Russell, Kevin Russell, Wesley McWhirter, Landon McWhirter and Bryan Holmes.
Cecil Wayne Bomar
Hartselle
Funeral service for Cecil Wayne Bomar, 75, of Hartselle was held April 26 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Jason Bomar and Brother Eric Thomas officiating. Burial was in the New Center Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors. Peck Funeral Home directed. Mr. Bomar, who was born Feb. 1, 1947, in Morgan County to Melvin Bomar and Pauline Brown Bomar, died April 23 at his home.
Cecil graduated from Cotaco High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War until 1969. He then earned a degree from Calhoun Community College in machine and tool technology and worked as a machinist at NAPA. He later worked as a diesel mechanic at Dedicated Fleet and at UPS.
He retired from the Morgan County School System after 18 years working as a bus mechanic.
Cecil and Linda Jo attended Mt. View Baptist Church. He was always funny and happy and had a very unique laugh. He loved his family and was a good husband, father, Pawpaw and Pop. He simply loved people and was a friend to all who knew him and was someone anyone could go to for advice.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Jo Bomar; sons, Daniel Wayne Bomar (Donna) and Jason Eric Bomar (Tricia); a daughter, Amy Bomar Dye (Jeff); brothers, Howard Bomar and James Bomar; seven grandchildren, Adam, Colton, Arron, Shelby, Cayla, Dylan and Haley; and six great-grandchildren, Rylee, Isaiah, Houston, Bryson, Eason and River Jane.
Daniel Bomar, Jeff Dye, Adam Dye, Colton Dye, Dylan Bomar, Andrew Pardo, Bradley Thomas and Mike Motes served as pallbearers.
The family would like to thank Southern Care/ New Beacon Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
