Alabama, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1805-1967 - 1814-1935
Mr. Gerald Heath, 60 of Ozark, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at his home.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday Oct. 9, at Post Oak Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald Moore officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery with full Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to service time Thursday. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Wiregrass Hospice, 7970 E. Andrews Ave., Ozark, Ala. 36360.
Mr. Heath was born and raised in Ozark where he graduated from Carroll High School in 1961. He was a member of Post Oak Baptist Church and Colquitt, Ga., Masonic Lodge #115. He worked with Farmers Fertilizer in Colquitt, Ga., and for Miller County Road Department in Georgia as a construction superintendent for 20 years. He was an avid fisherman.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Morgan Heath.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Heath of Ozark; two daughters, Betsy Johnson and her husband, Eddie, of Ozark, and Heather Heath of Cuthbert, Ga.; three step-daughters, Cindy Pritchett and her husband, Gary Kelly Gray and her husband, Dallas, Lori Jackson and her husband, Jay all of Ozark; one son, Todd Heath and his wife, Angie, of Ozark; one step-son, Greg Grammont and his wife, Laurie, of Ozark; his mother, Neva Creel Heath of Ozark; one sister Sylvia Parrish of Dothan; two brothers, Stanley Heath and his wife, Linda, of Jackson, Tenn., and Eugene "Blue" Heath of Ozark; 13 grandchildren, Michael Steadman Heath, Brock Gerald Heath, Edward Cody Johnson, Erika Lee Fink, Joanne Hicks, Adam Pritchett, Trey Grammont, Christiana Hollis, Harrison Gray, April McDaniel, Josh Gray Caroline Jackson, and Lake Jackson.
Mrs. Nell Annette Downing, 70 of Highway 51, Ariton, Ala., died Sunday morning; Oct. 5, 2003, in Dale Medical Center.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from Rocky Head Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Jackson officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark directing;. Her body will be placed in the church one hour before service time. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday from the funeral home chapel. Family will receive friends during these hours.
Mrs. Downing was a member of Rocky Had Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She devoted herself for caring for her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother.
Survivors include her husband, David Melvin Downing of Ariton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra Petry and George of Dothan, Ala., Pamela Noblett and (Richard of Cullman, Ala.; five sons and daughters-in-law, Randy Downing and Eileen of Dothan, Jeff Downing and Angela of Ariton, Danny Downing and Janie of Dothan, Keith Downing and Teri of Memphis, Tenn., David Downing and Melony of Enterprise, Ala.; two sisters, Helen Smith of Rocky Head, Ala., and Dorothy Downing of Roeton, Ala.; 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Cecil M. Meeks, 74 of Ozark, died Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 2003, at Dale Medical Center after an extended illness.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
Mr. Meeks was born April 21, 1929, in Carroll County, Ga. He served 21.5 years in the U.S. Army. Mr. Meeks owned and operated 231 Texaco and Bait & Tackle in Ozark and previously taught Small Engine Repair at Alabama Aviation Technical College in Ozark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Franklin and Alma Ruth Meeks.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary M. Meeks of Ozark; one daughter, Deloris Williams and husband Richard, of Ozark; four sons, Michael Meeks of Ozark, Ricky Meeks and wife, Betty, of Ozark, Kenneth Meeks and fiancée, Sarah Carroll, of Midland City, and Bruce Meeks and wife, Kim, of Ozark; one
sister, Mildred Baker and husband, Richard, of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother; Gene Meeks and wife, Jane, of Ranburne; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Darrell Trez Sherrer, 32 of Ariton died Thursday Oct. 2, 2003, from injuries he received from a construction accident in Brooklet, Ga.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Bethel Assembly of God Church in Ariton with the Rev. Robert Hamilton and the Rev. Rocky Ferguson officiating. His body will be placed in the church one hour before service time. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Park in Enterprise. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Ariton Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 244, Ariton,
Ala. 36311.
Mr. Sherrer was a 1990 graduate of Ariton High School and a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church. He was employed with D.L.T. Enterprises and served with the Alabama National Guard.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Paul Sherrer.
Survivors include his mother, Miriam Sherrer of Ariton; grandmother, Eva Newsome of Ariton; several aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
Mrs. Bessie Coleman Allen, 82 of Ozark, died Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 2003, at Pike Manor Nursing Home in Troy after an extended illness.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday Oct. 6, at Woodlawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
Mrs. Allen will be remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother and grandmother who devoted herself to caring for her family.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Joel Allen.
Surviving family include her husband of 50 years, Charles R. Allen; sons, Charles C. Allen (Michelle) of Kingston, Wash., Robert A. Allen (Laura) of Denver, Colo., Gary L. Allen (Terese) of Ozark; and Edward A. Allen of Washington; grandchildren, Justin and Tristen Allen of Kingston, Wash., Melanie and Rachael Allen of Ohio, Gary L. Allen Jr., Jonathan C. Allen and Donna Allen, all of Enterprise; Cory and Brent Brogden of Ozark; and Laura and Jason Allen of Washington.
Mrs. Eva Ruth Wynn Ezell, 94 of Ariton, died Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, 2003, at Ozark Health and Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Holman Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev Ron Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery in Enterprise. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark.
Mrs. Ezell was a native of Houston County and lived in Elmore County and the Mt. Pleasant Community prior to making her home in Ariton. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church near Enterprise.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Will Ezell; her parents, Robert and Lela Cherry Wynn; one sister Leila Mae Davis; and five brothers, Talmadge Wynn, Hubert Wynn, Robert Wynn, Wilson Wynn and Carmel Wynn.
Survivors include one niece, Mary Frances Kirkland of Sneads, Fla.; six nephews, Norman Wynn and his wife, Bernice, of Rocky Head Community, James W. Davis and his wife, Carol, of Cumming, Ga., Buddy Wynn and his wife, Joann, of Mobile, Marion Wynn and his wife, Deanna, of Birmingham, Ronnie Joe Wynn and his wife, Gwen, of Montgomery, and Bobby Wynn of Greenville.
Mrs. Catherine Simmons, 67 of Ozark died Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, 2003, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday Oct. 3, 2003, at Southside Baptist Church with the Rev. Andy Bryan and the Rev. W L. Sheffield officiating. Her body will be placed in the church one hour before service time. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. At other times the family will receive friends at her daughter's home, Debra Childress, 1544 County Rd 18, Ozark.
Mrs. Simmons was born in Skipperville, Ala., July 1, 1936, the daughter of the late John Emmett and Dovie Mae Smith. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother grandmother and great-grandmother. For many years, Mrs. Simmons was employed with Dr. Norman Holman.
She was preceded in death by brother Jack Smith; and a sister, Edna L. Arnold.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ted Simmons of Ozark; two daughters, Debra and Willie Childress, and Renee Simmons and Marley Deloney, all of Ozark; one son, Russell and Niki Simmons of Ozark; two sisters, Evelyn and Bill Carroll, and Hilda Nieves, all of Ozark; one brother Fred Smith of Sylvester Ga.; seven grandchildren, Amy Herring, Chad Casey Chelsi Simmons, Sloan Simmons, Ethan Simmons, Kole Casey and Slade Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Preston
Herring and Maddux Herring; and several other relatives.
Mrs. Liddie Blackmon Hale, 88 of Flowers Avenue in Ozark, died Sunday morning, September 28, 2003, in Dale Medical Center following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday October 1, 2003, at Ozark Baptist Church with the Reverend Greg Aman officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, September 30, 2003. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to service time on Wednesday. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Hale was born and raised in Ozark where she was a homemaker. She was a member of Ozark Baptist Church for over 45 years and a member of the Lydia Sunday School Class. She was an avid seamstress, enjoyed crocheting, arts and crafts. Her outside interests were gardening and fishing. She loved flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Andrews Blackmon and Alto Blackmon.; and a grandson, Alan Hale.
Survivors include her husband, Aubrey Hale, Ozark; two daughters, Brenda Ring and her husband, Keith, Duluth, Georgia, and Barbara Jackson, Ozark; two sons, Dan Hale and his wife, Joycelyn, Ozark, and Randolph Hale and his wife, Tina, Jemison, Alabama; two sisters, Cora Kelly, Rehobeth, Alabama, and Imogene Green, Tennessee; one brother, Wilton Blackmon, Dothan, Alabama; 10 grandchildren, Dan Hale II, Stan Hale, Ray Hale, Dana Womack, Jim W. Jackson Jr., Lynn Floyd, Jay Jackson, John Jackson, Christine Corrao, and Brett Ring; 17 great grandchildren, Whitney Hale, Hannah Hale, Dustin Hale, Jermey Hale, Sara Hale, Lancinda Long, Eric Long, Trey Jackson, Hannah Jackson, Rebecca Jackson, Joshua Jackson, Caroline Jackson, Leigha Jennings, Lake Jackson, Nicole Corrao, P J. Corrao, and Anthony Corrao.
Mr. Henderson Sanders, 52 of Magnolia Street, Ozark, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at his residence.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday Oct. 4, at First Missionary Baptist Church on East Andrew Avenue, Ozark, with the Rev. Dr. S.C. Jackson officiating. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memory Gardens in Ozark. Public viewing will be 2 to 6 p.m. Friday.
The late Henderson Sanders, fondly known as "Jack," was born June 29, 1951, to the union of John Henry Sanders Sr. and Rosie L. Wilson-Sanders in Yazoo City, Miss. Henderson was the first of five children. At an early age, he confessed a hope in Christ and joined New Foundation Church in Yazoo City Miss. In 1977, Henderson reunited with First Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate and leadership of Dr. S.C. Jackson. He faithfully served as a deacon, assistant Superintendent and superintendent of Sunday School, a Sunday School teacher for Class No. 3, church financial secretary and member of the Male Chorus.
In 1957, Henderson attended Humphrey County School in Louise, Miss., and graduated from Montgomery High School in Louise Miss., in 7970. He furthered his education at Alcorn State University in Loman, Miss., where he earned his bachelor of science degree in agriculture. Upon graduation from Alcorn in 1974, Henderson relocated to Mobile, Ala., and Chicago, Ill.
In June 1976, Henderson moved to Ozark, Ala., and began working as a soil conservationist. In 1979, he became employed with the State of Alabama Department of Transportation where he faithfully and conscientiously served for 23 years. During his tenure with the Alabama DOT, Henderson had advanced to highway maintenance superintendent in Ozark.
On Nov. 25, 1976, Henderson united in holy wedlock with Miss Clara Mae Pinkston. To the union, two children were born, Sherronda Michelle and James Henderson.
Henderson was blessed with a cheerful, caring and friendly demeanor. He was well liked and loved by his immediate and church families, co-workers, and the community at large. Henderson was a ray of sunshine to all with whom he came in contact. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
In His infinite wisdom on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at 4:15 p.m., the Lord called Henderson to his Heavenly Home by saying: "Come unto Me and rest, for I have prepared you a place:" He leaves to cherish his beautiful, precious memories a devoted wife, Clara Sanders of Ozark; son, James Henderson Sanders of Ozark; daughter, Sherronda Michelle Sanders of McDonough, Ga.; loviilg father and mother, John Henry Sanders Sr. and Rosie L. Wilson Sanders of Louise, Miss.; two
brothers, John Henry (Barbara) Sanders Jr. of Chicago, Ill, and Willie (Natasha) Sanders of Loman, Miss.; two sisters, Willie Rean Sanders and Jacqueline Sanders, both of Chicago, Ill; eight uncles, Z.C. (Jessie) Sanders, M.C. Sanders, Damon (Betty) Wilson, and Robert Lee (aka R.L.) Wilson, all of Chicago, Ill.; eight aunts, Wallerine (Aaron) Carlvin and Louella (Herman) McCallum of Chicago, Ill., Lillie (the Rev. Maxvin) Winston of Huntsville, Lola (LeTroy) Mayes of Gary, Ind.,
Gladys Rodges and Katie Dumas, both of Chicago, Ill., Lathyree Holton of Louise, Miss.; mother-in-law, Florence Pinkston of Louise, Miss.; eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bruce (Darlene) Pinkston, Dwight (Linda) Pinkston, Tommy Pinkston, all of Louise, Miss., Elaine (Edward.) Cain, Helen (Vincent) . Copeland, Dorothy Pinkston, all of Memphis, Tenn., Haze (Carla) Pinston Jr. of St. Louise, Mo., Robert (Emma) Pinkston of Belgoni, Mexico, Carolyn (Raven) Byrd of Itta Bena, Miss.; two aunts and three uncles, Ivy (Ann) Smith, Lionel Smith of Louise, Miss., Katie Morris of Memphis, Tenn., Ben Dorsey Jr. of Chicago, Ill.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a circle of special, loving and devoted friends.
Mrs. Betty Pylant Murphy, 70 of Ozark died early Friday morning, Sept. 26, 2003, in Ozark Health and Rehabilitation following a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with the Rev. Ron Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark from 1 p.m. Sunday until funeral service time. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Mrs. Murphy was a native and life-long resident of the Ewell Community, member of Ewell Methodist Church, and a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Selma Brown Pylant and Carl Delone Pylant, Sr.; her husband, Paul Murphy; and one brother John Pylant. Survivors include one son, Anthony Murphy; two sisters and one brother-in-law Nell Medley, Jean and J. P Faust; one brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Joyce Pylant; four grandchildren.; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Carness H. McLeod, 76 of Ozark, Asbury Community; passed away Tuesday; Sept. 23, 2003.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday Sept. 27, at St. Rose Baptist Church in Skipperville with the Rev. Jerry Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery. The body of Mr. McLeod will be placed in the church one hour prior to service. Public viewing will be 2 to 6 p.m. Friday.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ina B. McLeod.
Surviving relatives include one daughter, Loretta (Rollan Jr.) Welch of Ozark; two sons, Napolean McLeod of Panama City, Fla., Sedgwick McLeod of Ozark; one sister, Ruby Dixon of Aurora, Colo.; mother-in-law, Sister Lena Dawkins of Ozark; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Kathryn Speller, 74 of Newton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at her residence after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the Asbury United Methodist Church (Asbury Community) with the Rev. R.O. Smith and the Rev. Ryan Bristow officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.
Mr. Seigfred M. Coaker Jr. age 74 of Deese Road, Ozark, died Monday Sept. 22, 2003, at his residence after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Chalkhead Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy West officiating. Burial will be at Chalkhead Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Wiregrass Hospice, 1970 E. Andrews Ave., Ozark, Ala. 36360 or Chalkhead Growth Fund, 495 County Road 35, Ozark, Ala. 36360.
Mr. Coaker was born in Fruitdale, Ala., Sept. 10, 1929. He moved to Ozark in 1951. He was a member of Chalkhead Baptist Church where he served many years as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher and numerous other positions. He retired from civil service at Fort Rucker after 30 years employment. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served in the Korean War where he received the Bronze Star Medal and numerous other awards. He served in the Alabama National Guard.
Mr. Coaker was preceded in death by his father, Seigfred M. Coaker Sr., a sister, Mary Elizabeth Holt.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanette Coaker of Ozark; one daughter, Teresa J. King and her husband, Jimmy of Freeport, Fla.; two sons, John Robert Coaker and wife, Phoebe, of Ozark, Gregory Stanton Coaker and wife, Joley, of Ozark; mother, Esther Coaker of Fruitdale; one brother, James Albeert Coaker of Fruitdale; seven grandchildren.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers and deacons will serve as honorary pallbearers.
