Obituaries week of Oct. 19

Billie Whitaker
Hartselle

Billie Jean (Erwin) Whitaker
Hartselle
It is with profound sadness we announce the death of Billie J. Whitaker, who
died Sunday, October 9, 2022 at her home surrounded by family and friends.
Billie Jean Whitaker was born in Fayette County, Alabama on November 9,
1932. A celebration of life was held Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at
11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brent Whitaker officiating along
with other family members. A private family ceremony was held at the
graveside at Hartselle Memory Gardens with Greg Lee Pastor of West Hartselle
Baptist officiating. Daughter of Homer and Vashti (Brasil) Erwin; sister of Tinnie Bob, Charles,
JoAnn, Fred, and Doug; wife to Melvin Wayne Whitaker; mother of Joel (Judy)
and Dale (Cyndi) Whitaker; 4 grandchildren, Brandi (Jonathan Jackson), Brent
(Becca) Whitaker, Jada (Kaleb Jones), and Lucas (Bri) Whitaker; 11 great
grandchildren, Hayden, Caleb, Gabbie, Carter, Lincoln, Presleigh, Eli, Whitleigh, Whit, Emmy, and Elle; nephew, Steve Hall (Michelle) and children Andrew, Sarah, and Emma; also, Aunt to many other nieces and nephews; a friend and “hairapist” to all her clients. Mrs. Billie started working at an early age of sixteen in many jobs but became a hair stylist at the age of 20. She maintained a successful business (Your Beauty Salon) in Hartselle, Alabama up until 4 weeks before her death.
She loved to travel and be with her family on her lake house in Winston
County. Her hobbies included painting, making stain glass lamps and fishing
with her grandchildren. But her favorite hobby was making people look
beautiful by taking time to style their hair and listen to their problems.
She was a Hartselle icon who will be missed by all; however, she will live
on in the hearts and minds of all the ones she touched. She was a lifetime
treasure and member of West Hartselle Baptist Church. Also, she was of the
Christian faith and lived it everywhere went. Pallbearers were Lucas Whitaker, Brent Whitaker, Steve Hall, Kaleb Jones, Hayden Jackson, Caleb Jackson and Carter Whitaker. 

Lucile Sims
Denver, formerly of Hartselle

Lucile Sims
Denver, formerly of Hartselle
Funeral service for Lucile Sims, 88, was held Thursday, October 13, 2022 at
1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial
was in Hartselle Memory Gardens. Mrs. Sims died Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at her Colorado residence. She was born January 27, 1934, in Morgan County, to Dave W. Collins and Audie
Jewell Woodall Collins. She was a seamstress for Fly Manufacturing Company, prior to her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Ray Sims; a son, Danny Ray
Sims; a daughter, Donna Jewel Bowers; her parents; brothers, Sammy, Bud, Dave Jr. and Charles, and sisters, Catherine Bryant and Maggie Bahr. Survivors include daughter, Debbie Sims Lee (Greg); brother, Joe Collins; grandchildren, Lydia Willson and David Lee; great grandchildren, Thomas Willson (Naomi), Oliver Willson and Gage Willson. Pallbearers were Steve Collins, Al Collins, Scott Collins, Scott Gramling, Tyler Gramling and Larry Bryant. 

Larry “Cowboy” Traylor
Falkville
Mr. Larry “Cowboy” Traylor passed away surrounded by his family and other
loved ones Monday, October 10, 2022 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.
He was born September 7, 1948, in Paducah, Kentucky, to Jewell Traylor and
Helen Parent Traylor. He was employed by the Decatur City Schools Bus Shop, as a mechanic for 11 years prior to his retirement.  He served in the United States Marines. He
was an avid horseback rider and loved riding on the trails in the Bankhead
Forest and was an animal lover. Larry attended the No Fences Cowboy Church
and was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include wife, Kimberly Traylor; sons, Shannon Traylor (Shea) and Jason Traylor (Michelle); brother, Bryce Traylor (Angela); seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren. A memorial service may be held by his family at a later date. 

Matthew L. Stiles
Hartselle

Matthew L. Stiles
Hartselle
Funeral service for Matthew L. Stiles, 63, was held Saturday, October 15,
2022 at 10a.m. at Fairview “The Grace Place” Church with Dr. Milan Dekich
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Falkville City Cemetery.  Mr. Stiles passed away Monday, October 10, 2022 at Riverside Assisted Living.  Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, April 4, 1959, to Charles Lelwyn Stiles and Emily Elizabeth Crow Stiles, but grew up mainly in Birmingham and Morgan County, with four brothers. He was a graduate of Falkville High School in 1977, joined the United States Navy in 1978 and worked as a Nuclear Engineer on submarines, and retired at the rank of E6. He was stationed in Groton, Connecticut where he started his family of three children and then later adopted another child. Matthew got
his masters in social work from the University of Connecticut, worked for Norwich Rehab Center in Norwich CT, then returned to work for the Navy as a Child Advocacy Counselor. He returned to his home state of Alabama in 2000, where he worked for Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama, and was the Program Director of Moulton-Lawrence Counseling Center. In 2001, he joined the Morgan County School system as a Guidance Counselor, working in a
variety of schools including Falkville, Cotaco, Priceville and Eva, where he met his wife, Rene Gregg Stiles. He retired in 2010. As a guidance counselor, students looked to him daily for crisis support and interventions, or as someone to listen to everyday “Life Problems” as a
volunteer, his efforts produce positive contributions throughout Morgan County. Matt is the recipient of the President’s Gold Service Award for volunteerism, the first and only adult in Morgan County to receive this prestigious recognition. This service-learning achievement was for 500 hours of volunteer time. In the early 2000’s he completed his certificate as a medical first responder and firefighter for the Falkville Fire Department and he served on the Falkville Town Council from 2000-2012 and actively participated in many town functions. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Center from 2001-2004, served as a school representative for the annual United Way pledge drive from 2001-05, at which time the pledge totals significantly increased. Matt served as an elected board member for the Morgan County Education Association for four years. Having retired from the United States Navy, Matt was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post #10774 in Falkville. Mr. Stiles’ efforts touched lives throughout Morgan County in many different
ways. Whether it be through his employment or his many years of volunteering, he was a role model for our community. With all of Matthew’s prestigious accomplishments and volunteerism, the most impactful legacy is from the devotion he had to his children and grandchildren. He peacefully passed way in Decatur, Alabama. Preceding him in death were his wife, Rene Stiles, his father, Charles Stiles, a brother, Larry Stiles. Survivors include his children, Amber Stiles (Jamie), Shannon Coggin (Asa), Jeremy Stiles, and Juliette Stiles (Dillan); his mother, Emily Elizabeth Crow Brown; brothers, Randy Stiles. Jeff Stiles, and Craig Stiles; grandchildren, Kayleen Coggin, Madelyn Coggin & Cora Jo Coggin. Pallbearers were Jamie Garrett, Jeremy Stiles, Brandon Stiles, Asa Coggin, Dillan Martin and Matthew Stiles Massanet. 

Christopher Aldon Lindley 

Decatur
Funeral service for Christopher Aldon Lindley, 47, was held Friday, October
14, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Francis Proctor
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was held in Friendship
(South of Danville.)  Mr.  Lindley died on Monday, October 10, 2022 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born June 6, 1975, in Morgan County, to Marshall Lindley and Cynthia
Fulmer Lindley. He was employed by Decatur Morgan Hospital as a Supervisor, for
Environmental Services, prior to his passing. Chris loved doing auctions and
his job at the hospital, He was a 1994 Graduate of Danville High School. His
father preceded him in death. Survivors include wife, Mary Lindley; mother, Cynthia Fulmer Lindley; son, Austen Lindley; daughter, Ashley Lindley; brother, Brad Lindley; grandchild,
Damian Wilson; several aunts, uncles, and many friends; special friend,
Candy Crane. Pallbearers were Zack Hill, Casey Hill, Jeremy Johnson, Cody Johnson, Austen
Lindley and Brad Lindley. 

Hubert Moland
Hartselle
Funeral service for Hubert Moland, 75, was held Friday, October 14, 2022 at
1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and
Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mr.  Moland  

died Monday, October 10, 2022 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born  

July 13, 1947, in Lawrence County, to Mack and Gertrude Blankenship Moland. He was the owner of A & M Floor Sanding, from which he retired in 2018. He took pride in his work and enjoyed meeting and getting to know people that he served through his business. After retirement, he also enjoyed gardening and could often be found visiting with friends and neighbors at Oak Ridge Grocery. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Herbert and Herman Moland and a sister: Lorene Moland Ward. Survivors include wife, Trixie Lane Moland; son, Dewayne Moland (Becky); daughter, Cindy Moland Smith (Chris); step-son, Lee Rooks (Kristen); sisters, Hazel McClaine, Marie Etheridge and Hattie Ingle; grandchildren,  

nieces, nephews and many friends. Pallbearers were family and friends.  

Linda Nelson Likens
Hartselle
Funeral service for Linda Nelson Likens, 71, was held Saturday, October 15,
2022 at 12 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tom T. Campbell
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Johnson
Chapel. Mrs. Likens passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Decatur Morgan
Hospital.  She was born April 20, 1951, in Lawrence County, to James Memory
Nelson and Mary Elizabeth McDougal Nelson. She was a loving mother and 

grandmother. She was business owner of A & S Metals, In Decatur, prior to her retirement.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Steve Likens, a son, Shannon Likens
and her parents. Survivors include daughter, Stacy Hensley (Phillip); grandson, Zeb Hensley;
bonus grandson, Dez Morrow and a host of nieces and nephews and family and friends.
Pallbearers were Phillip Hensley, Zeb Hensley, Dez Morrow, Hershell
Clemons, Cody Clemons and Loyal Parker.

John Evan Warren
Hartselle
Funeral service for John Evan Warren, 48, were held Friday, October 14, 2022
at 11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Peck Funeral Home directing.
Burial was in Hartselle City Cemetery. Mr. Warren died Tuesday, October 11, 2022 

at Huntsville Hospital. He was born October 19, 1973, in Morgan County, to John Wayne Warren and Peggy Owens Warren. He was employed as a welder for Claiborn Manufacturing, prior to his passing. He was a member of Priceville Baptist Church and was preceded in
death by his father. Survivors include mother, Peggy Warren; daughter, Cheyene Warren;
brother, Robert Warren. Pallbearers were Tennis Owens, Michael Owens, Chase Woodruff, John
Warren, Kobe Warren, Caleb Warren and Johnny Delk.

Darlene Rosemary Williams
Hartselle

Darlene Rosemary Williams 

Hartselle 

A memorial service for Ms. Darlene Rosemary Williams, 65 of Hartselle, Alabama was held 11 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home with Brother Barry Brackins officiating and Reynolds Funeral Home directing. Darlene was born April 23, 1957 to Shelby E. (Shelvie) Williams, Jr. and Edith Anne Tapscott Williams.  She peacefully entered her rest Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Summerford Health and Rehab in Falkville, Alabama. Darlene was a faithful member of Pennylane Church of Christ. She loved singing, the church picnics, and most of all, the fellowship meals. Darlene was a true witness for Jesus Christ. She visited the sick, the fatherless and widows. Darlene loved her church family and had a special relationship with each member. Darlene was educated in Hartselle and graduated from Morgan County High School. She loved reading the Bible, writing down her favorite scriptures, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and word search. Darlene was known for her thoughtfulness through letters and greeting cards to family, friends, and anyone whom she met far and wide. These cards and letters were a source of joy and comfort and will be sorely missed. She considered the family of Mildred Turney as her second family. She had a loving, special relationship with them. Darlene was a people person and never met a stranger. Her favorite words were, “Do I know you?” She loved the Hartselle Community and all the people she would meet while walking to town.  She made daily trips to the bank, her favorite restaurant Cahoots and visiting Van at Van’s Barber Shop. Darlene loved Alabama football and the Green Bay Packers. She was a true fan of the Hartselle Tiger Football team. Despite Darlene often saying, “I’m on a diet,” she never met a bone, rib, or turkey leg that she didn’t love. She loved to eat. She frequently requested Damond to send her ribs or for Thelma to cook her chitlins. For the past six years, Darlene resided at Summerford Health and Rehab where she thought she was the “mayor.”  Darlene was preceded in death by her father; her grandparents, Shelvie and Knewtie Bell Williams, Sr, Bertie and Ethel Tapscott, and Essic Johnson; her brothers, Fredrick Earl Williams and Craig Leo Williams; brothers-in-law Bobby L. Chapman, and James Albert Smith, III. Darlene is survived by her mother, Edith Anne Williams, Hartselle; brothers, Jeffrey Williams (Cynthia), Stevie Williams (Lisa), and Derrick Williams (Maritta) of Hartselle; sisters, Linda Williams Chapman of Priceville, Renate Williams and Joyce Williams Smith of Hartselle; three uncles, Don Wayne Williams (Sandra) of Locust Grove, Ga,  Larry Williams (Carolyn) of Decatur and Bruce Davis of Chicago, Ill.; an aunt, Carolyn Yvonne Leamon of Huntsville; sisters-in-law, Fatima Williams of Antioch, Tenn. and Cathy Williams of Hartselle; a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends; the loving family of Mildred Turney, and two special friends, Quanza Turney Coleman and Idell Orr whom she cherished. 

George J. Letson
Hartselle
Funeral service for George J. Letson, 77, was held Sunday, October 16, 2022
at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ralph Henderson officiating
and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Mr. Letson  

died Friday, October 14, 2022 at his residence. He was born May 9, 1945, in  

Morgan County, to George John Letson and Bessie Calahan Letson. He was employed by Friskies Company as an Operator 3, prior to his retirement. Preceding him in death were his parents; daughters, Pamela Kent, her parents, a brother, Jerry Letson, a sister, Shirley Myers, and a grandson, Jackson Kent. Survivors include wife, Brenda C. Letson; sons, Waylon Kent and Sammy Kent; brother, Stanley Letson; sisters, Ann Garrett, Betty White, and Donna Thompson;
nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Lloyd Kent, Junior Kent, Randy Pepper, Bubba Cahela, Tyler Turrentine and Alex Eliff.
 

Joyce Pierce Fitzgerald
Danville
Funeral services for Joyce Pierce Fitzgerald, 77 of Danville was held
Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro.
Michael Gunter officiating with burial in Herring Cemetery.  Joyce was born  

July 11, 1945 in Chilton County, Ala. to Clyde Pierce and Vesta
Ward Pierce. Joyce passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Huntsville
Hospital. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Lakeland, Fla.
Preceded her in death were her parents; six brothers, Buddy Pierce, James
Pierce, Jim Pierce, John Pierce, Jessie Pierce, and Leon Pierce; six sisters, Jettielene Sims, Thelma Pierce, Myrtle Pierce, Maggie Sandlin, Jewell Scott and Mattie Ree Patrick. Joyce was a deeply spiritual woman, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. She was compassionate and cared deeply for her family and friends. She graduated from Verbena High School and attended Berry College in Rome, Ga.  Joyce loved reading, writing, talking to others, and meeting
new people. Survivors include husband, Bradley Fitzgerald; sons, Chris White (Sandi) and
Stephen White (Helena); daughter, Stephanie Holaday (Kevin); brother,
Herbert Pierce; sister, Shirley Owens; grandchildren, Garrett Holaday,
Savannah Holaday Lynch (Justin), and Christian White; several nieces and nephews
Pallbearers were Garrett Holaday, Christian White, Nicholas Newberry,
Christopher Newberry, Justin Lynch and Matthew Newberry.