Obituaries (8/16/23)
Felix B. “Red” Harden
Funeral service for Felix B. “Red” Harden, Jr., 83, was held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Walter Blackman officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Herring Cemetery.
Mr. Harden died on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at his residence. He was born July 20, 1940, in Cullman County, to Felix Bryan Harden, Sr. and Marvie Mae Wright Harden.
Mr. Harden always loved his wife, his children and grandchildren, other family and friends. He taught the Men’s II Sunday School class at East Highland, where he was a member for several years. He was employed by the Hartselle City School system as a Custodian, at Crestline Elementary School, until his retirement. He also ran a Shell Service Station, a Radiator Shop and Harden Small Engine Repair Shop in his working career. He served in the United States Army, in Company C, 13430 Engineer Battalion (Combat Army) 24579-890. He enjoyed watching Alabama Football, the Atlanta Braves and the Hartselle Tigers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Betty Smith Harden; sons, Jeffery Felix Harden (Tasha) and Randy Bryan Harden (Shawan); daughter, Janet Harden Lawrimore (Ronnie); sister, Laura Mae Harden Burrough; seven grandchildren, Wesley Lawrimore, Annie Lawrimore, Hudson Harden, Hollyn Harden, Hampton Harden, Rachelle Harden and Joseph Harden.
Pallbearers will be Larry Long, Allen Drinkard, Sam Gully, Preston Hall, Tommie Jones and Bill Smelser.
Danny Eugene Helms
Hartselle
Private Graveside Service for Danny Eugene Helms, 71, of Hartselle will be at Hartselle Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Mr. Helms was born April 8, 1952 in Jefferson County, AL to Marion Eugene Helms and Evelyn Juanita Laughmiller Helms. He passed away Monday, August 7, 2023 at his residence. Danny retired from General Electric after 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Peggy Lassiter. He loved Hartselle Football, Alabama Football and his family, his wife, Daughter and Brother. He was an avid Kite flyer and coached girls softball.
Survivors include his wife, Violet Juanita Self Helms; daughter, Monica Regina Helms; brother, Jeff Helms (Sherry).
Billy G. “Pee Wee” Clemons
Hartselle
A Graveside Funeral service and Interment for Billy G. “Pee Wee” Clemons, 91, will be Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 3:30 PM at Hartselle Memory Gardens
with Phillip Hines officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral
Home.
Billy Gene Clemons, died August 6, 2023 at age 91 in his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was born in Hartselle, Alabama on July 20, 1932 to
Albert & Eunice Clemons.
He is survived by his wife Billie Jo Clemons. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past February. He is also survived by his two children: Jenny Clemons Bachmann (Tim); Madison, Alabama and Greg Clemons (Whitney); Decatur, AL and three adored grandchildren: Ford Clemons (wife, Riley), Dallas, Texas, Paxton Clemons (wife, Mickalyn), Birmingham, Alabama and Blakely Ann Clemons, Birmingham, Alabama, and one great-grandchild, Cece Elizabeth Clemons, Dallas, Texas. He also had two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Billy graduated in 1950 from Morgan County High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Billie Jo Wasson, Hartselle, AL in 1953. Billy served in
the Army and later in the Army Reserves during the Korean War from 1953-1961. He loved his country and the American Flag always hung on their
home for over 70 years. He worked for 32 years at Wolverine Tube where he was known as “PeeWee” and retired from Wolverine Tube at age 53. Billy and Billie opened Clemons Corner Laundromat, Car Wash and Mini storage in 1972. They loved visiting with their customers and friends that came in to do business with them. Billy adored the Lord and his family and friends and
put these as his highest priority in life. Billy was a natural mechanic and enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. He enjoyed gardening, his wife’s wonderful cooking, spending time with his family and especially his three grandchildren. During his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf and drinking coffee in the afternoon with dear friends. Billy had a gift of helping others and did this regularly. He had been an active member of Piney Grove Church and in his later years adored attending Hartselle Church of Christ.
Billy loved reading and studying the bible and the verse that fits him best was “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2nd Timothy 4:7-8.
We want to thank all of our family and friends for being so gracious and kind to come by and visit him regularly. We also want to thank our wonderful caregivers that he loved having there with him. Special thanks to Brenda, Buddy, Imogene, Laura, Nancy and Tanisha.
Pallbearers will be Ford Clemons, Paxton Clemons, David Montgomery, Jimmy Segars, Conrad Bell and Gary Bell. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Wayne Clemons, Murrell Frazier and Charlie Oden.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley, Decatur, Alabama or Hartselle Church of Christ.
Raymond “Ray” Ragland
Hartselle
Mr. Raymond “Ray” Ragland passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born May 3, 1940, in Jefferson County, to William Leroy Ragland, Sr. and Ida Mae Joyce Ragland.
He was employed by the Scorpio Construction Company in Westcreek, New Jersey, prior to his retirement and was a U.S. Navy veteran. Since his retirement he enjoyed working on bicycles. His parents preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Theresa Bowling Ragland; sons: Raymond Ragland, Jr. (Jenny), Ruskin, Fla., Christopher Ragland, Destin, Fla., D. Allen Terry, (Holly), Hartselle, Scott Terry (Kristin), Decatur and Ross Terry (Michelle), Moulton; daughter Allison Joyner (David), Norfolk, grandsons Hunter Ray Ragland, Jacob Ragland, Logan Terry, Andrew Joyner (Trinidi); granddaughters
Hannah and Haley Ragland, Aaliyah Terry; great-granddaughter Aurora Joyner and sister-in-law: Marcia Haynes (Sam.)
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Kidney Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be announced by his family at a later date.
Norris W. Turney
Hartselle
Norris W. Turney peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his cherished residence. He was born on October 19, 1938, in Morgan County, the son of Wesley Mason Turney and Sarah Bernice (Lemmond) Turney, both of whom had preceded him in death.
A man of enduring dedication and unwavering commitment, Norris accomplished much during his lifetime. He graduated with distinction from the Morgan County High School Class of 1957, embarking on a journey of lifelong learning. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn a degree from Florence State College, known today as the University of North Alabama, in 1961.
Norris found his calling in teaching and coaching, leaving a positive impact on generations of young minds. His journey began at Morgan County High School and Priceville High School, where he nurtured the growth and development of his students. In 1966, he etched his name in history as the inaugural Elementary Physical Education Teacher at Burleson Elementary School. As a visionary, he was appointed as the pioneering Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hartselle Park and Recreation Department. His vision materialized in the form of the Hartselle Parks and Recreation Center (Civic Center) and the Hartselle City Swimming Pool, which stand as legacies to his commitment.
Norris Turney’s contributions extended to the North Alabama Regional Government (NARCOG), where he diligently served as the Director of the areas Agency on Aging. Through his dedicated efforts, he brought joy and support to seniors across the Tri-County Area, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. His official retirement in 1996 marked the end of a professional chapter but not his enduring impact on the lives he touched.
A steadfast member of the Forrest Chapel United Methodist Church, Norris found solace and strength in his faith. He selflessly served in various capacities within the church, embodying his values through action.
Norris’ journey of love intertwined with that of Mary Frances Woodall, whom he married on July 9, 1966. Their bond flourished over the decades, marking 57 years of love and partnership that grew stronger with each passing day.
As he embarks on his next journey, Norris joins his siblings Russell Coy Turney, Latane Burgess, and Hazel Ward, who had previously passed away. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Frances Woodall Turney, and his cherished daughter, Leslie Ellen Turney. His memory lives on in the hearts of his brothers, F.D. Turney and Dr. Shannon Turney, as well as his sister, Joy Rowan.
Friends and loved ones who shared Norris’ journey offer their gratitude for the support and friendship he gave them. The legacy he leaves behind is a testament to his generous spirit and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
A final tribute to Norris will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, starting with visitation from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Peck Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Forrest Chapel UMC. Reverend Jonathan Todd will lead the service. The interment will be held at Forrest Chapel Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Randy Shaneyfelt, Bruce Wade, Chris Stephenson, Shane Lindsey, Danny Andrews, Danny Moore, and Wayne Byford. Norris’ impact on those around him will continue to be felt, and his memory will be cherished by honorary pallbearers Jerry Muller, Larry Metzger, Jim Robertson and Bobby Sharp.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Forrest Chapel UMC or to a charity of your choice, allowing Norris’ legacy of compassion and service to live on.
Betty Ann Willoughby
Valhermoso Springs
A Graveside Funeral service and Interment for Betty Ann Willoughby, 89, will be Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Valhermoso Holiness Cemetery with Bro. Wayne Walls officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. No Public Visitation is scheduled.
Mrs. Willoughby died on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Crestwood Medical Center. She was born March 21, 1934, in Morgan County, to Joseph S. Thomas and Rosa Lee Sharp Thomas.
Mrs. Willoughby was a member of the Clouds Cove Holiness Church of New Hope, Alabama. She was a homemaker for her family and her Holy-Ghost birthday was May 21, 2012.
Preceding her in death were her husband Harry Willoughby, and a son Ronald Willoughby, a brother James Russell Thomas, and sisters Christine Thomas, Earline Eskelin and Jo Ruth LaVorgna.
Survivors include son Ray F. Willoughby; brother Henry Thomas. Pallbearers will be Leon Castle, Larry Meeks, Fabian Dykes, Christian Dykes, David Anderton, Curtis Anderton and Larry Pinkerton.
Martha Ann Howard Stephenson
Hartselle
A Graveside Funeral service and Interment for Martha Ann Howard Stephenson, 78, will be Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Mount Tabor Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Ms. Stephenson died on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at her residence. She was born November 14, 1944, in Mobile County, to Olis Dean Howard and Opal Plemons Howard.
She was employed as a waitress for various restaurants during her working career and enjoyed waitressing because she made friends easily wherever she went. She was a member of the Church of Christ, read and studied the Bible, and loved spending time with her family. Her favorite thing to do was to go shopping. She also enjoyed Alabama football, watching Westerns and listening to music, especially Elvis.
Preceding her in death were her parents, a son: Sherman Victor Stephenson, a brother: Loyd Howard and three sisters: Lurlene Howard Dobbs, Linda Howard Thrasher and Marjean Howard Puckett. Survivors include son Timothy Paul Stephenson and daughter Vickie Stephenson Bearden (Mike), five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be family & friends
Eloise Kay Auwae
Hartselle
Graveside service and interment for Eloise Kay Auwae, 89, of Hartselle, will be Monday, August 14, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Hartselle City Cemetery. No public visitation is scheduled.
Ms. Auwae died August 11, 2023. She was born on February 3, 1934, in Limestone County, to Samuel Woodruff Kay, Sr. and Autie Downs Kay. Ms. Auwae was a registered nurse prior to her retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Samuel Kay, Jr.
Survivors Include One Daughter: Noelani Bartlett (Sagan) of Hartselle; One Sister: Carol Kay Richards of Ocala, Florida; Two Grandchildren: Nick Flannagin and Leilani Flannagin; One Step Grandchild Kaygan Gist; Four Great Grandchildren Hadlee and Haven Flannagin Asher and Barkley Kroslack; One Step Great Grandchild Maddox Byrd
Pallbearers will be Sagan Bartlett, Nick Flannagin, and Jacob Kroslack.
In lieu of flowers Ms. Auwae requested the donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, an animal welfare charity, or a Native American charity.
Lila Jean Hanvey Yeatman
Falkville
Funeral Service for Lila Jean Hanvey Yeatman, 93 of Falkville formerly of Anniston will be Friday, August 18, 2023 at 4:00PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jack Bailey officiating with burial in Antioch Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Friday from 2:00PM-3:00PM at the funeral home. Mrs. Yeatman was born January 18, 1930 in Anniston, AL to William Albert Hanvey and Thelma Jane Holloway Hanvey. She passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Summerford Nursing Home. Lila was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Paul H. Yeatman, 4 Brothers, Clayton Hanvey, Ernest Hanvey, James Hanvey, and Rayford Hanvey. She was a Member of Harvest Church of God in Oxford, AL. Lila was a native of Anniston, she graduated from Oxford High School. She moved to Decatur in 2005.
Survivors include Daughter-Paula (Dale) Windsor; Brother-Gerald (Jane) Hanvey; Sister-Lucretia Teague; two grandchildren Jenae Cox, and Whitney (Jessica) Windsor; five great-grandchildren-Lorelia Windsor, Amelia Windsor, Ella Cox, Daylen Cox, and Grant Cox.
Audrey Maureen Elaine Crossley Warren
Hartselle
Ms. Audrey Maureen Elaine Crossley Warren of Hartselle passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at her residence at the age of 96. She was born in London, England August 6, 1927 to Percy Francis and Grace Elizabeth Cole Crossley.
The Crossley family immigrated to Canada in 1930, Turtleford Sask area then Vancouver B.C. Canada.
Audrey married James A. Warren on June 3, 1949 in Vancouver B.C. Canada. She retired from Goodyear Mill in Decatur in 1990.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James A. Warren; daughter, Jill Elaine Warren; three brothers, Leslie Tom Crossley, Gerald Francis Crossley, Ronald Douglas Crossley and sister Mavis Renee’ Crossley.
Survivors include her two daughters, Janis Maureen Hopkins (Hartselle), Leni Duncanson (Nanaimo, B.C. Canada),12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and19 great-great grandchildren
There are no services arranged at this time.
Velma Wynetta Owens
Hartselle
A visitation will be held Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM in the Chapel. Brother Kenneth Sudduth and Brother Nisly will be officiating.
Velma passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at the age of 89. She was born to Mack Vernon and Docia Sudduth Collins on February 9, 1934 in Winston County.
She devoted her life to taking care of her family and friends. She had a hunger to learn God’s word and enjoyed her study time of the Bible.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Euna Freeman (Ancel); four brothers, Lamar Collins, Doyle Collins, Mac Collins, and Bob Collins (Katreen).
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Price A. Owens; daughter, Donna Williams (Scott); Son, Randy Owens; three brothers, Loyd Collins, Frank Collins (Pat), and Billy Collins, sister-in-law Jackie Collins; treasured as a grandson, Drew Carrisoza (Kasi) and many extended family and friends.
Leah Michelle Griffith
Somerville
Mrs. Leah Michelle Griffith-Jones of Somerville, Alabama entered into eternal rest on August 12, 2023 at the young age of 44. She passed holding the hands of her mother and son, until her last breath.
Born July 26, 1979 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Catherine Elaine Rhodes. She spent much of her childhood in both Oklahoma and Texas. After moving from Texas and traveling abroad, she settled in Madison, Alabama.
The oldest of three girls, Leah made it her mission in life to live up to the “big sister” role God granted her. She adored her two little sisters, Amber Mullaney and Meagan Jones. Growing up, the three of them could be found dancing, singing, building forts and sometimes causing trouble of which Leah most likely initiated. She was incredibly protective of her sisters, always making sure they were well taken care of and safe, regardless of the situation.
Leah shared a close-knit relationship with her momma and best friend, Catherine Elaine Coffey. They were kindred spirits, growing up together after Elaine had Leah at the young age of 17. They were pillars of strength for one another, never failing to support each other in life.
The other special woman in her life was her maternal grandmother, Faye Crumpler. Her Granny Faye was Leah’s go-to mentor and life-long best friend. The bond they shared was indescribable. Leah was Granny Faye’s “Shelley” and first-born grandchild. Granny Faye was undeniably the cornerstone of Leah’s strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In 2000, Leah became a doting mother to her son, Chase Michael Hall. Raising Chase was notably her greatest accomplishment in life. Leah and Chase had an undeniable bond. She was his biggest fan and believed he could do anything he set his mind to. She beamed with pride this past February when Chase graduated from the United States Air Force boot camp and began his Air Force career.
Those who knew her best know that two of her most cherished relationships in life were with her two nieces, Tatum Kennedy Mullaney and Julia Michelle Mullaney. She radiated with love and enthusiasm in their presence. She spent countless hours on the phone Facetiming them, making sure she played an active role in their lives, even though they live in Kentucky. She was an amazing aunt, always making time to guide, mentor and unconditionally love them. She made sure to introduce them to the Lord and prayed for them regularly.
A fun-spirited soul, one of Leah’s greatest gifts was her comedic abilities. She had a remarkable ability to light up a room with laughter with her silly antics, wild dance moves, witty comebacks, and endless zingers. There was never a time when Leah could embarrass herself, she thrived being in the spotlight. It’s been said time and time again, she missed her calling and should have been an actor on Saturday Night Live or In Living Color.
An incredibly compassionate individual, she devoted her entire life to selflessly helping others as a caregiver. She knew no boundaries when it came to other’s needs. The elderly, sick and mentally disabled held a special place in her heart.
As an avid animal lover, Leah always found comfort in spending time with animals. In her final moments, one of her concerns was her two dogs, Haus and Dede and her bird, Turk. Leah shared her love for her animals with her husband William. They will be lost without her.
Leah lived a blessed life. She was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. She leaves behind her husband, William Jones, her son, Chase Michael Hall, her mother Catherine Elaine Coffey (Mark), sisters Amber Mullaney (Terry) and Meagan Jones (Brandon), two nieces, Tatum and Julia Mullaney, and countless extended family members and friends.
A ray of sunshine, gone too soon. Leah is now resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus. Her family mourns her loss, but they also celebrate the beautiful soul she was. In lieu of gifts, the family is requesting you do an unexpected act of kindness or make someone smile or laugh in Leah’s honor. Details about a celebration of life will be forthcoming.
No services are planned and Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
