Obituaries (9/13/23)
Carolyn Jenkins Morris
Hartselle
Graveside Service for Mary “Carolyn” Jenkins Morris, 91, of Cotaco will be Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Blue Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Brother Bobby Ray Halbrooks officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Morris died Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Hospice Family Care in Huntsville. She was born in 1932 in Florette, AL to William and Mary (St. John) Jenkins. She was a lifelong resident of Cotaco graduating from Cotaco High School, marrying Harold L. Morris in 1950, and raising five children in the community. She was a longtime dedicated member of the Cotaco United Methodist Church, tirelessly supported her husband, children, and grandchildren in their lives, assisted her parents in tending their farm, and was generous to neighbors with food raised from her bountiful garden. Friends and family considered themselves lucky to stop by during mealtime because she was an extraordinarily talented cook and there was always room for one more at her table. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes and piecing and quilting over 100 beautiful handmade quilts for family. She will be remembered for her hard work, generosity, and her love and devotion to family and community.
Survivors include two sons, Gary H. Morris (Denise) of Decatur and Terry L. Morris (Cheryl) of Cotaco; three daughters, Carol Root (Steve) of La Quinta, CA, Patricia Williams (Jim) of Atlanta, GA, and Debbie Halbrooks (Ray) of Hartselle; two siblings, Howard Jenkins (Nancy) of Florette and Lynda Jenkins Gilchrist of Cotaco; 11 grandchildren, Roger Root (Emily), Dustin Root, Jesse Perrin (Anna Marie), Mary Caitlin Brown (Alex), Sara Beth Peebles (Jaxon-alternate pallbearer), Alexandra Carley (Ryan), Austin Morris (Jessica), Kadie Morris, Anna Grace Morris, Krystle McCawley (John), and Lindsay Morris; 11 great-grandchildren, Jordan Root, Elliott and Miles Root, Brooks, Charleigh and Lincoln Perrin, McCarson Brown, Luke and Caroline Carley, Matthew Morris, and Colten McCawley.
Preceded in death by her husband, Harold L. Morris; parents, William and Mary (St. John) Jenkins; siblings, Carl St. John and Hal Jenkins; and grandchildren, Lindsay and Jordan Williams.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Root, Jesse Perrin, Austin Morris, Alex Brown, Ryan Carley, and Bill Gilchrist.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Contributions to Embrace Alabama Kids, 3140 Zelda Court, Montgomery, AL 36106-2607 or go to embracekids.org
Marrion Travis Key
Cullman
Funeral for Marrion Travis Key, 77, will be Friday, September 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Nathan Green officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Valhermoso Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Key died on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at his residence. He was born January 3, 1946, in Morgan County to Herbert T. Key and Marion Johnson Key. He was a veteran of the United States Marines Corp, was Baptist in his faith and was an Alabama fan. He was employed by the Morgan County Commission, prior to his retirement. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Herbert Vaughn Key, Anthony Key and Bobby Key and a sister, Evie Key.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Key; son, Eric Jason Key; adopted grandchildren, Lauren Sain, Krysta Gillilan and Ashley Morris; adopted great-grandchildren, Elayna Morris, Stratton Morris, Barrett Morris, Thomas Davis, Ranford Sain and Andrew Sain.
Theresa Darlene Woods
Rogersville
Funeral service for Theresa Darlene Woods, 56, will be Friday, September 8,
2023 at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Pressnell
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Dancey Chapel
in Trinity.
Ms. Woods died on Monday, September 4, 2023 at North Alabama Medical Center.
She was born April 15, 1967, in Orange County, Florida, to Hubert J. Woods
and Theresa Embrey Woods.
She was a loving and caring person, who loved animals, especially her cats.
She was the glue that kept her family all together. Gardening was her
passion, she loved growing things from a seed and was employed by Dad’s
Treet Farm, prior to her passing. She loved sharing with people and never
met a stranger. She really loved her father, who preceded her in death
along with a sister, Marsha Woods.
Survivors include fiancé Anthony Prince; mother Theresa Embrey Woods; sister Virginia Orr (Detric); and brother Paul Woods.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Bettye Thomas Matkin
Valhermoso Springs
Funeral service for Bettye Thomas Matkin, 88, will be Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Valhermoso Baptist Church with Pastor Craye Hall officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Her body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Valhermoso Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, September 8, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Mrs. Matkin died on Monday, September 5, 2023, at Riverside Senior Living. She was born December 18, 1934, in Morgan County to Paul Rosco Thomas and Lola Mae Walter Thomas. Mrs. Matkin was Head of Procurement at the Redstone Arsenal prior to her retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Marcia Riedberger; and a grandson, Paul Sparks.
Survivors include her husband, Pat Matkin; two daughters, Michelle Matkin and Tricia Stevens (Jack); eight grandchildren, Chance Sparks (Rebecca), Devin Anton (Adam), Kody Bryant (Matt), Cara Ryan, Panthea Steelman, Jessica Chandler (Chris), Jacquelyn Stevens and Samantha Stevens; seven great-grandchildren, Walker Anton, Rylee Bryant, Cy Anton, Colton Bryant, Carlianne Sparks, Lucille Anton and Wyatt Chandler.
David Kaiser
David Vance Kaiser died on Friday, September 29, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 24, 1960, in New York to William Kaiser and Doris Ilene Garrison Kaiser. Mr. Kaiser was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael Hargett.
Kaiser served in the U.S. Navy and will be buried at sea. In his career, he was a warehouse supervisor for Walmart. David was an avid DVD collector and enjoyed visiting thrift shops and yard sales and he also loved cats.
Survivors include two sons Nathan Kaiser and Thomas Kaiser; two brothers Shane Kaiser and Mark Kaiser; three sisters Kim Williams, Jeanie White and Patricia Rice.
No services are planned at this time. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family.
Ann Davenport
Funeral service for Ann Davenport, 63, of Hartselle, will be Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home. The burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Davenport died on Thursday, August 31. She was born May 20, 1960, in Morgan County to Robert L. McDonald and Lillian Fay Ledlow McDonald. Mrs. Davenport previously worked as a purchasing manager for R and D Electronics. She was preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband Gordon Davenport; son Nate Davenport (April); daughter
Lindsey Harris (Michael); mother Faye McDonald; two sisters Judy McDonald and Kay Fayard (George); three grandchildren Anna Claire Dukeminier, Lennon Davenport and Baylor Harris; father and mother-in-law Buford and Mary Glaze. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Robert “Bobby” Ray Beavers
FALKVILLE
Funeral service for Robert “Bobby” Ray Beavers, 89, will be Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dewayne Harper and Bro. Steve Barber officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Oden Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be today, September 2, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Beavers died on Friday, September 1, 2023, at his residence. He was born Tuesday, October 3, 1933, in Morgan County to Cedric Delo Beavers and Amy Oden Beavers. He retired from NASA as an Engineer Technician.
Mr. Beavers was a member of Oden Ridge Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge at Simcoe. He was a founding member of the Oden Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in 1973 and volunteered until 2012 when his health would not allow him to participate. Bobby loved his tractors and farming. He was known for his ability to pull pranks on people. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and loved ice cream. Bobby was a good handyman and enjoyed fixing things. Mr. Beavers was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jerry-Pendergrass Neal Beavers.
Survivors include his wife, Patsy Holcomb Beavers of 60 years; sons, David Ray Beavers (Meiying) and Timothy Shane Beavers (Stacy); daughters, Jennifer Ann Beavers Hill (Tony) and Vicki Nichole Beavers Hilliard (Brad); grandchildren, Amie Lin Beavers, Julie Elizabeth Beavers, Cedric Delane Beavers, Jessica Linan Hill and Isabella Grace Hilliard.
Pallbearers will be David Beavers, Tim Beavers, Tony Hill, Brad Hilliard, Jeff Thompson and Cedric Beavers.
Sheri Shroyer Lane
HARTSELLE — Funeral service for Sheri Shroyer Lane, 61, of Hartselle will be Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Hal Daigre officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Lane died September 2, 2023. She was born April 5, 1962, to Earnest and Jane Shroyer in Anderson, Indiana. Sheri was the office manager at Healogics Wound Care Center in Decatur, Alabama. She was a longtime member of First Independent Methodist Church. She wrote plays and led a children’s puppet ministry that was enjoyed by kids and adults alike. She was a devoted Christian who loved her family deeply. She and husband, Greg, enjoyed taking their beloved dogs to the river and the forest. She never missed a Saturday taking her mother shopping and searching for a new restaurant for lunch afterwards.
Survivors include her husband, Greg Lane; son, Benjamin Lane; daughter, Bethany Lane; parents, Earnie and Jane Shroyer; brother, Eric Shroyer (Wanda); sister, Penni Butler (Keith) and four nieces; sister, Staci Clemons and four nephews; mother-in-law, Gayle Lane; sister-in-law, Robin Wilson; niece, Chloe Wilson (John); nephew, Campbell Wilson; and nephew, Clay Wilson (Sara).
Margaret “Granny Dollie” Miller
Vinemont
Private Family Graveside services and Interment for Margaret “Granny
Dollie” Miller, 77, will be at Enon Cemetery with Bro. Charlie Brown
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. No public visitation is
scheduled.
Mrs. Miller died on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her residence. She was
born October 14, 1945, in Cullman County, to Andrew Fate Flanagan and
Margaret Abercrombie Flanagan. She was a homemaker for her family that she
loved dearly and loved to spend time rocking on her porch.
Preceding her in death were her husband: Douglas K. Miller and her parents.
Survivors include her daughter Amanda Holcomb; grandchild Tyler Holcomb (Erin); four great nieces and three extra grands Alex, Mackenzie and Little Willow.
Richard William Dabbs
Falkville
A Memorial Celebration of Life service for Richard William Dabbs, 78, will
be Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with
Richard Eric Dabbs officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Dabbs passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at his residence. He
was born March 28, 1945, in Ohio, to Raymond Bedford Dabbs and Claris
Alverta Oliver Dabbs.
He was employed by Joel Reagin Homes in the Sales Department, prior to his
retirement. He was a Deacon and member of Lighthouse Baptist Church, loved
to play golf, loved his beloved dog “Addy” and enjoyed Alabama Football.
In lieu of flowers, make memorials to Aveanna Hospice or the Decatur Morgan
Hospital Home Health Department.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Dabbs; sons Richard Perry Dabbs, Richard Eric Dabbs John Bradley Dabbs; daughters Angie Dabbs Draper and Emily Jordan Dabbs; grandchildren Hannah Draper, Dallas Draper, Dylan Draper, Claire Dabbs, Will Dabbs, Alex Dabbs, Jaxson Dabbs and Krissi Dabbs; great grandchild Ezekial Dabbs.
Jerry-Pendergrass Pendergrass
Somerville
A Graveside Funeral service and Interment for Jerry-Pendergrass Pendergrass, 79, will be
Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Rock Creek Cemetery in Winston
County, with Rev. Chris Nabors and Bro. John White officiating and Peck
Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023
from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Pendergrass died on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Decatur Morgan
Hospital. He was born March 7, 1944, in Winston County, to William James
Pendergrass and Ida Della Sewell Pendergrass.
He was employed as a mechanic by 3M Company for 39 years. He was active in
the retiree organization at 3M after retirement. Mr. Pendergrass was active
in the Boy Scouts of America for many years, serving in numerous positions
including as Scout Master for Troop 142 in Decatur. He was presented with
the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service by the BSA. He also was a
beloved “Gramps”, a loving father and husband.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Della Pendergrass and a
son: Allen Pendergrass.
Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years Sandra Pendergrass; sons Thomas Pendergrass (Susan), Darryl Pendergrass (Kristina); brother John White (Sheila); sister Mozelle Vito (Armand); grandchildren Emma Pritchard (Nick), Anna Grace Pendergrass, Ethan Pendergrass,
Drew Pendergrass, Chris Pendergrass, William Pendergrass, and Ian Pendergrass.
Pallbearers will be Brian Glenn, Jeremy Glenn, Drew Pendergrass, Chris
Pendergrass, William Pendergrass, and Ian Pendergrass.
In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to Boy Scout Troop 142
care of Wesley Methodist Church 1211 Westmead St SW, Decatur AL 35601 or
Venmo @bsatroop142
Carol Vaughn Ledlow
Hartselle
Funeral service for Carol Vaughn Ledlow, 79, will be Saturday, September 9,
2023 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Ledbetter and
Bro. Tim Keenum officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be
in Midway Memorial Gardens.
Carol V. Ledlow gained her wings on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her home
in Hartselle, Alabama. She was born October 2, 1943, in Morgan County, to
Alma Lois Vaughn.
She was a Registered Radiology Tech for 40 years. She loved her husband, her
children and the University of Alabama. She was a member of Enon Baptist
Church in Speake, Alabama.
Preceding her in death were mother: Alma Vaughn, son-in-law: Jackie
Pennington and a great granddaughter: Zadie Wren Cooper.
Survivors include husband Gary C. Ledlow; daughters Alisha Pennington, Sherri Graviet (Tony),
and Brandy Boyer (Scott); 11 grandchildren Kris Graviet, Brittley Graviet, Josh Cooper, Kelly
Cooper, Brett Dollar, Matthew Doriety, Shea Doriety, Lauren Askew, Palmer
Askew, Shelton Pennington, Maxwell Hitt (Bekah Hitt), Amber Vinzant, Ashley
Vinzant (Javier Castro), Mia Pennington; nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Tony Graviet, Josh Cooper, Maxwell Hitt, Scott Boyer,
Kris Graviet, Brayden Thomason, Elijah Thomason and Palmer Askew.
Helen Lucille Jones Luker
Somerville
Helen Lucille Jones Luker, 96, of Somerville, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023, surrounded by her family. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at Red Oak cemetery with Rev. Phillip Hardin officiating, and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Helen, known to many as Nanny, was born on August 28, 1927, in Guntersville, Alabama to James Newton Jones and Virginia Walker Jones. Helen was a dedicated Christian who loved serving the Lord. She had tremendous devotion for her family and a generous loving heart. She will be deeply missed by many who knew her.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.T. Luker; daughter, Betty Ruth Luker Yancey; and grandson, William Yancey.
Survivors include one son, Tommy Luker (Janice); one brother, Paul Jones; one sister, Modeana Hardin; two grandsons, Patrick Yancey (Renee), Grant Luker (Nickie) and a granddaughter, Beverly Schonebaum (Barry); and great-grandchildren, Andrew Yancey, Abby Schonebaum, Anna Schonebaum, David Luker and John Luker.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Yancey, Andrew Yancey, Grant Luker, Craig Hardin, Barry Schonebaum, and Rodney Berry.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to Hospice of the Valley or to Friendship Baptist Church in Somerville.
Herbert E. Tapscott
Herbert E. Tapscott, Jr., 82, died on Thursday, September 7, 2023. He was born December 9, 1940, in Jefferson County, to Herbert Edwin Tapscott and Frances S. Leach Tapscott.
Mr. Tapscott moved to and grew up in Hartselle. After High School he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years. After he was honorably discharged, he became a private pilot and enjoyed flying his family all around the United States. He worked in the Financial Business until his retirement at the age of 72. He loved playing poker tournaments and played all over the country. He was a member of the Fraternal – B.P.O. Elks Lodge #655 and he was a Methodist in his faith.
His parents, grandmother, brother and grandson preceded him in death.
Family would like to say “Special Thanks” to Dr. Matthews, Dr. Heather Shah and Dr. Rami Hawari for their special care.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Tapscott, Hartselle, AL; sons, Eddie Tapscott (Marilyn), Hartselle, AL, and Tim Tapscott, Garden Grove, CA; daughters, Cindi Tapscott, Hartselle, AL; Sonya Britnell (Jason), Moulton, AL; four grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Donna Fuller
Donna Fuller, 77, died on August 17, 2023, in New York City. She was born June 6, 1946, to Mary and Aubrey Fuller. Donna was educated in the Decatur public schools and was a graduate of Converse College. Following college, she moved to New York City where she had a long career in the fashion industry. Donna began her career at the fashion house of Yves Saint Laurent where she worked for more than twenty years. Following that she worked for many years at Givenchy. Although Donna lived in New York for all of her adult life she never forgot her roots and returned to Decatur for extended visits.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by many cousins who loved her dearly.
There will be a graveside service for her on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at Hartselle City Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at the Carnegie Museum in Decatur from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Marty Kevin Bridges
Hartselle
Memorial Service for Marty Kevin Bridges age 63 of Hartselle will be Monday,
September 11, 2023, at 4:30pm at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Geoff
Halbrooks officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00pm until service time on
Monday at the funeral home. His remains will be buried at Forrest Chapel
Cemetery later.
Mr. Bridges, who was born November 24, 1959, in Morgan County to Truman Roy
Bridges and Opal Pearl Morgan Bridges, died on Friday, September 8, 2023, at
his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Marty worked at Copeland as a set-up man for 20 years and then began a
career as an over the road truck driver for Western Express and then drove
local for BPI for 10 years until his retirement to care for his aging
parents. Marty had a true passion for music and was a tremendous,
accomplished bass guitar player. In his younger years, Marty played for the
bass for several gospel music groups but was most known for playing with the
Soul Seekers from Hartselle. He grew up attending Forrest Chapel United
Methodist Church and he knew and loved God.
Later in life, Marty developed a love and passion for Rock and Roll music,
enjoyed getting together with his friends and his band, “Bad Hat Hairy” in
his “Music Room” and jamming out.
He had a deep love for his family and his beloved bulldogs, Roscoe, and
Dixie. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gary Bridges.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Bridges; daughters Anna Marie Bridges
Hannah Elizabeth Loy; and one brother Harley Keith Bridges.
Walter Ray Chandler
Funeral service for Mr. Walter Ray Chandler will be Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hartselle City Cemetery. Pastor John Yeager will be officiating. Mr. Chandler passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at his residence in Hartselle at the age of 95.
Mr. Chandler was born to Walter and Essie Burttram Chandler on August 16, 1928 in Texas. He was a truck driver by trade with Mayfield Trucking Company.
Mr. Chandler was an amazing husband to Frances, a lover of his people. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to mow the grass, pet animals, and talk about his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wonderful wife, Frances Jewell Chandler who passed away on December 11, 2020.
Survivors include four sons, Walter Steven Chandler (Donna); Michael Roy Chandler (Cindy); Gary L. Chandler (Theresa); Jimmy Galbreath (Pam); daughters, Nona Humfield (Hans) and Pam Galbreath (Jimmy); sisters, Gloria Hoyle, Delores McGaw (Ernest), June Kellum and Joy Marshall (Michael); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
