Obituaries

J ames Allen Widner, Jr., known affectionately as James, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, in Auburn, AL. Born on July 21, 1955, in Savannah, GA, James lived a life marked by laughter, service, and an unwavering love for his family. A proud United States Veteran, James dedicated himself to his country with the same passion he brought to every aspect of his life. After his service, he continued to be an active member of his community, forming lasting friendships and sharing his handy skills with those around him. Also, a proud member of Lanier Memorial Hospital where he dedicated twenty-eight years of his life to helping serve others. James's love for Auburn football was only matched by his love for old western movies and his cherished Folgers coffee. His sense of humor was infectious, and he was always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. His dogs brought him immense joy, and his family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving daughter, Christy Widner;...

Miss Tonya Ree Thrift, lovingly known as Tonya, graced the world with her gentle spirit on March 19, 1988, in Birmingham, Alabama. She brought joy and warmth to those around her until her peaceful passing on June 25, 2024, at her residence in Five Points, Alabama. She lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family and the Lord. From a young age, Tonya exhibited a profound love for people, particularly children, and always approached life with a happy demeanor. Her infectious smile and kind-hearted nature made her a cherished figure in her community. Born into a family that valued closeness and mutual support, Tonya shared an unbreakable bond with her siblings Crystal Dangerfield, Kathy Siggers, Tanya Thrift, and Sherry Thrift. She was a beloved granddaughter to Judy Brand and adored niece to Lisa Foster (Jamie). Her loving presence will also be profoundly missed by her treasured cousins Bo Hester, Tracy Creed, Elizabeth Tackett, and Christian Smith. ...

Amber Williams Cullifer, age 41, of Midland, GA, formerly of Valley, Al, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. Born in Opelika, AL on March 14th, 1983, she attended Lanett City Schools from kindergarten through 11th grade, then transferred to Valley High where she graduated in 2001. She attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Services while being employed at Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley, AL.  Amber was a believer in the Christian Faith and raised in Lanett Nazarene Church where she was dedicated to the Lord. She loved shopping, online and in stores. She was labeled the “bargain queen” because she could always find a good deal. Her greatest love was being a sports Mom and was always her kids’ biggest fan. Amber is survived by her husband, Jayson Cullifer; and her three children, Sawyer, Khloie, and Saylor. She is also survived by her parents, Diane and Eddie Tingle and Johnny and Gail Williams; her...

Mr. Cecil Thomas Tinsley, 66 of Camp Hill, AL passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette, AL. Mr. Tinsley will lie in state at the church one-hour prior to funeral service. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, 1:00 p.m. CST at Murray Chapel A.M.E Zion Church in Camp Hill, AL, Reverend Willie Ross, Pastor, Reverend Samuel Evans, Officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Lovely Baptist Church Cemetery in Camp Hill, AL. Mr. Tinsley is survived by two sisters, Betty Patterson and Annie Tinsley, both of Camp Hill, AL, and one brother, Fred (Mary) Tinsley of Stanford, CT, one aunt, Myrtis Hughley, New Kingston, PA, nieces, Donna Russell and Patricia Tinsley, nephews, Roderick Pogue, Ira Pogue, Fernando Tinsley, Foy A. Tinsley, Lamont Tinsley, and Timothy Walton. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, cousins, other family...

Mr. Samuel D. Allen, 43, of Auburn, AL passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Public Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette, AL. Mr. Allen will lie in state at the church one-hour prior to funeral service. Mr. Allen's memories will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Tammie Allen of Auburn, AL, his two loving sisters, Annette Allen and Shelia Allen, and his brother, Darrell Allen, all of Camp Hill, AL, a special brother, Kevin Black of Camp Hill, AL, four stepchildren, Keith Baker, Kendarious Baker, Zaquavious Gilmore, and Demario Pitts, Jr., three loving grandchildren, Atavious Marquorious Baker, Kaisley Amari Baker, and Kharlie A’Kendalyn Baker, loving mother-in-law, Bettye J. Oliver, six sisters-in-law, Shirley (Dexter) Cord, Mary Kelley, Gwendolyn Reeves, Tina Reeves, Tiffany Perry, and Nitikka (Tony) Baker, five brothers-in-law, Reggie Core, Jefferey Reeves, Jerry (Carla) Ree...

Mr. Gary R. Lancaster-St. George, 65 of Valley, AL passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette, AL. Mr. St. George will lie in state at the church one-hour prior to funeral services. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. CST at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in LaFayette, AL, Pastor Michael Stiggers, Officiating. Burial will follow in Essie J. Handy Cemetery in LaFayette, AL. Mr. St. George leaves to cherish his loving memories, his daughter, Tywanda Truitt-Gilliam, Valley, AL, his son, Cedric Evans, Valley, AL. Loved as his own, LaToura Truitt, Lanett, AL and Michael Truitt, Valley, AL; his grandchildren: Ladarius Truitt, Valley, AL, Andre’ya Gilliam, Valley, AL, Andrecia (Justin) Gilliam, LaGrange, GA, Andre’ Gilliam, Jr., Lanett, AL, Jacques Evans, Chasidy Evans, and Julius Evans, all of Valley, AL; six great grandchildr...

Ms. Roxie Ann Dunn, 82 of Valley, AL passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at her residence. Public Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. EST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home in LaFayette, AL. Ms. Dunn will lie in state at the church one-hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EST at Evergreen Baptist Church in Valley, AL, with Pastor Frankie Hutchinson, Officiating.  Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery in Lanett, AL. Ms. Dunn leaves cherished memories with her children: Barbara Dunn of Valley, AL, John (Sharon) Dunn of Valley, AL, Burnett of Valley, AL, Joe (Tracy) Dunn of Opelika, AL, Connie Dunn of Valley, AL, Robert (Denise) Dunn of Valley, AL, Cathy Watts of Notasulga, AL, Alfred (Faye) Dunn of Lanett, AL, and bonus son, Quavantay Glaze, her sister, Dorothy Dunn of Lanett, AL, sister-in-law,  Ocie Mae Holloway of Lanett, AL, thirty-four grandchildren, sixty great...

Ms. Melissa Ann Smith, 34 of Carrollton, GA passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024 . Public Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, form 12:00 pm CST until 2:00 pm CST and from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm CST at  Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette, AL. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, 3:00 pm EST at Community Church in Bowdon, GA, Anthony Smith, Eulogist.  Ms. Smith leaves to cherish her memories to her mother, Ella (Sergio) Rodriguez, her father, Anthony (Heidi) Smith, her sister, Kelli (Brandon) Houston, her brother, Anthony (Sommer) Smith, eight nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Margaret Cordell Sheppard who was born on October 23rd, 1951, at Roanoke Hospital in Randolph County, Alabama has passed away at her residence on Sunday, June 16th at the age of 72. She was preceded in death by her mother Aldecie Butler; husband, Roger Eugene Sheppard; and son, Stanley Ray Sheppard. She worked as a weaver at West Point Pepperell. She has two other sons, Sean Michaels and Randall Sheppard; one grandson, Erin Autrey; one granddaughter, Hannah Autrey; she is also survived by three brothers, Willie Joe Autrey, Stanley Ray Autrey, and Jerry Lee Autrey; one sister, Dianne Floyd of West Point, GA. She loved animals. She was a great and loving mother and good friend. In closing, I would like to say to our mom, grandmother, Aunt Juddy, Aunt Grace, and Darrell, keep popping them tops. I know y’all are finally together and having the time of y’alls lives. We all will miss you; I know we never said we love each other much, it’s too late to say it now, but I hope you know we did.

Jake Whaley Jr., lovingly known as Jake, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at the age of 87, just a day after his birthday. Born in West Point, Georgia, on June 15, 1937, he departed this world in Lee, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, and love. Jake's early life by the side of his parents, Jake Sr. and Cindy Whaley, was filled with the rich experiences that would shape the man he would become. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Martha Whaley, with whom he shared a profound and enduring love. His sister, Dorothy Flourany, and brother, Cecil Whaley, also preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Roberts of North Carolina, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and close friends who will deeply miss his kind and friendly nature. Jake's faithful companions, his cat Rascal and his dog Socks, also mourn their beloved master. Throughout his life, Jake held various professions, including barbering, working at the West P...

We gather today to celebrate the life of Carolyn Green, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. Born on August 22, 1941, in Langdale, Alabama, Carolyn's life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and gentle kindness that touched everyone she knew. Carolyn's journey began as the daughter of Ross Talbot and Cordell Heath (Lewis), and she grew up surrounded by the love of her family in the close-knit community of Langdale. Her life was one of devotion, not only to her family but also to her faith as a long-standing member of Grace Baptist Church. Her commitment to her church and community was unwavering, and she will be remembered for her generous spirit and compassionate heart. She found her life's partner in Tommy Green, and together they built a life filled with joy and laughter. Carolyn's legacy is carried on through her loving sons, Steve Green and his wife Paula of Five Points, AL, Roge...

George Ronald Jackson was born November 25, 1959 to George Jackson Jr. and Mattie Pearl (Glaze) Jackson. He was born in Chambers County, but raised in West Shawmut, Alabama. George spent his last moments surrounded by his loving family on June 12, 2024. George attended Valley High School, and then went to work at West Pepperell Mill. He also enjoyed working at Wal-Mart in the shoe department. He was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah in 1978. George loved music and enjoyed playing various instruments, especially the keyboard. He had a love for his dogs Bailey (deceased), and Bella. He married his beloved "Nae" on August 19, 1982. They were happily married for 42 years. George was deeply loved and leaves to cherish his memories: His loving wife Renia Jackson; his daughters Brooke Jackson (Joshua) of Montgomery, Alabama, Lindsey Jackson of Valley, Alabama, Kristen Jackson of West Point, Georgia; one son Tristian (Kailyn) Jackson...

We come together today to celebrate the life of Joy Prestwood Belcher, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully at her residence in Lanett, Alabama, on June 10, 2024. Born on April 11, 1961, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Joy's life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and intellectual pursuit. Joy is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years, Bob Belcher; her cherished children, Angel Belcher Wallace, Jacob T. Belcher and his wife Chrissie, and Jamie Leming Waldrop; her adored grandchildren, Trey, Jake, Levi, Aubrey, Elizabeth, and Charlie; and her loving sister, Barbara Prestwood King. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and James Prestwood, and her brother, John Mark Prestwood. Joy's passion for life was evident in her many interests and talents. A true foodie at heart, she was renowned for her exquisite cakes, which brought joy and sweetness to many gatherings. Her culinary skills were just one facet of her creative spirit...

Priscilla Mae Eubanks, a beacon of love and creativity, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, in her residence of Lafayette, AL. Born on September 15, 1941, in Rockmills, AL, Priscilla's eighty-two years of life were marked by an unwavering capacity for kindness and an extraordinary gift for nurturing beauty in every corner of her world and in the hearts of those she encountered. Priscilla was the cherished matriarch of a family that blossomed from her boundless love. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her devoted daughter, Teresa Reynolds and her husband James, her beloved grandchildren, Bobby Moore and his wife Michelle, Robby Moore, Reba Estes, and Billy Gunn, along with her precious great-grandchildren, Hunter Moore (Hope Bridges), Autumn Moore, Fisher Moore, Kaitlin Davis, Winston Moman, Priscilla Blackburn, and Hannah Moore. Also mourning her passing is her dear niece, Janice Sprayberry, who held a special place in Priscilla's heart. A proud resident of her n...

Valley-Point Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. Ruben Antonio Garcia Vasquez, 27 of Opelika, Alabama formally of Nicaragua who tragically lost his life on Monday, June 10th. Mr. Vasquez will be transported to his home country for burial.

Valley-Point Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. Pablo Cruz Gutierrez, 44 of Auburn, Alabama formally of Mexico, who tragically lost his life on Monday, June 10th. Services are being planned in his home country.

Steve Brian Sanders, a beloved son, fiancé, brother, and uncle, whose kind and creative spirit was a beacon of faith and love, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, in Five Points, Alabama. He was born on November 17, 1976, to Billy Sanders and the late Sharon Lynn Turner Sanders. An avid supporter of Auburn Tiger Football, Steve's passionate cheers could be heard every season, reflecting his unwavering dedication to his team. His love for the outdoors was evident through his pastime as an avid fisherman, a hobby that provided him with joy and tranquility. Steve's Christian faith was central to his life, and it influenced every aspect of his existence. He was a kind soul, who expressed his creativity in numerous ways, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration. His faith was as deep as the waters he so loved to fish, and both guided him throughout his life's journey. Steven's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his fiancée, Charlene Kelly; his father, Billy (Susan)...

Wanda Padgett Carter, age 66, passed away with her family by her side on June 7th, 2024, at UAB hospital in Birmingham, AL. She was the wife and best friend of Travis Carter. They shared 28 adventurous years together. Born in Valley, AL Wanda was the daughter of Howard Padgett and Charlie Pearl Padgett. She was a graduate of Valley High School and was employed at Huguley Water Authority where she worked her way up, eventually becoming office manager and retiring at the end of 2022 with an impressive 47½ years of service. Wanda was a believer in the Christian faith. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, chasing her grandchildren around with the camera, and spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her loving and generous spirit. She was a true Southern lady who was kind, gentle, and compassionate. Wanda is survived by her husband Travis Carter, her sons Jeremy White (Rohini), Brandon White (Vickie), her daughters Kelli Daniel (Chris), Christin Doyal (Stephen). Her...

Ruben J. Burdette, 70 of Lanett, Alabama passed away June 6, 2024 at Bethany House Hospice in Auburn, Alabama. Born in West Point, Georgia, Ruben was the son of Emma Jewel and Edwin Otis Burdette, Jr. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Crystal Melody Burdette and brother Thomas Ellis Burdette. Ruben leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Janet Hinkle Burdette, his son Lance Burdette (Nicole) of Reeltown, Alabama, and sister Ellen Williams (Coleman) of Valley, Alabama. Ruben worked for the City of West Point Light Department from 1975 to 2004. He continued to work for various utility companies for several years afterwards. While working for the City of West Point, Ruben served as a volunteer for the West Point Fire Department. Ruben was active in the community throughout his life. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and later served as a Boy Scout leader. He coached several youth sports teams in which his children participated. After retirement Ruben enjoyed gardening, tr...

  Mrs. Nancy Huguley, 98, of West Point, GA died Friday, June 7, 2024, in Auburn, AL.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at New Zion Baptist Church, Lanett, AL at 12:00 p.m. (EST) with Pastor Willie C. Atkinson & Dr. Stanley Calloway officiating.  The remains will lie in state at the church from 11:00 a.m. (EST) until the funeral hour. The interment will be in the church cemetery.  Public viewing will be Friday, June 14, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (EST) at Vines Funeral Home.

  We come together today to honor and celebrate the life of Marcus Kirby Underwood, affectionately known as Marc, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Born on August 19, 1951, in Langdale, Alabama, Marc's journey through life was one marked by dedication, warmth, and intellect. He passed away peacefully at his residence in Valley, Alabama, on June 7, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Marc is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Ann Underwood, and their loving children: sons Curt and Hunter Underwood, stepdaughter Rendee Gullatt, and stepson Phillip Gullatt. Marc's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Ashley Morris, Cameron Gullatt, Brandon Avery, Marcus R. Gullatt, and Tymalie Crawford (John), as well as his great-grandchildren, Luke, Lilliana, and Alaia Gullatt. His brother, Micky Underwood (Mary Susan), along with his niece, Shay Abrams (Mike), and nephew, Josh Underwood (Sarah), will remember Marc's guidi...