EDWINA MORGAN MURPHY

Edwina Morgan Murphy was born on Jan. 12, 1921, in the town of Sunny South, Ala., to James Martin Morgan Sr. and Katherine Mae Morgan. She was a graduate of Thomasville High School and the University of Montevallo, and earned her master’s degree from Troy University.

She married Major Ray Walker Murphy, U.S. Army Air Corp, on Sept. 7, 1946, and moved with him to his hometown of Andalusia where he joined his father’s law practice. They were married 39 years until his death in 1985. Mrs. Murphy adored Andalusia and often introduced herself to newcomers as “the unofficial mayor” (even once famously to the governor while the real mayor was standing nearby). She was renowned for her annual pool party, her license plate “GWT WIN,” her duck head hood ornament and her infectious sense of humor. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church and an avid supporter of the Andalusia Ballet.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Michael Thomas and Susan Wiggins Murphy of Birmingham, Arthur McCoy and Patricia Murphy Carlton of Fairhope, and James Mark and Meryane Martin Murphy of Andalusia; Mike and Susan’s children – Lt. Commander Morgan Wells Wiggins Murphy, U.S. Navy, of Birmingham; Marissa Murphy and Brook Wilson Loper and their children Bennett Wilson, Lydia Helen and Brant Wells Loper of Memphis; Lauren Murphy and Alan Scott Ward and their son Graham Patrick Ward of Dallas; and Meredith Murphy and William Henry McLemore III of Birmingham; Pat and Arthur’s children – Wynn Carlton and Stewart McDaniel Nobles and their children Katherine McCoy, Margaret Wynn and Caroline Murphy Nobles of Fairhope; and Mary Catherine and Joseph Gillespie Law III and their children Lillian Walker, Catherine Roberts and Virginia Evelyn Law of Mobile; and Mark and Meryane’s children – James Martin and Susan Evans Murphy of Birmingham and Richard Michael Murphy of Birmingham. She loved to refer to her family as “the best family in the world.”

Mrs. Murphy died Mon., Aug. 9, 2010, in a Birmingham hospital. A celebration her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia at 10 a.m. on Thurs., Aug. 12, with visitation immediately following the service. A family graveside will follow after the visitation.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia: 403 E Three Notch St., Andalusia, AL 36420.

DELMA SEAY

Delma Seay, 85, of Florala, passed away Sat., Aug. 7, 2010, in a Dothan hospital from injuries received in a truck accident on Highway 331 near Florala on July 23, 2010.

Mr. Seay, a native of Geneva County, was the son of the late Frate and Dollie Wise Seay. His wife, Mildred Robbins Seay, preceded him in death in 2007. He was a veteran of military service in WWII, serving in the 82nd Airborne. He was engaged in farming until his retirement. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Florala and a member of Masonic Lodge 685 F&AM in Florala.

Survivors are two sons, Andrew Seay and wife, Dawn of Gantt, and Ferrin Seay and wife, Wanda of Mexico Beach, Fla.; one sister, Mary Ellen Paul of Pensacola, Fla.; four grandchildren, Jonathan Brian Seay, Andrew Bradley Seay, Christopher Ferrin Seay and Courtney Ann Seay Anderson; and five great grandchildren, Austin Brian Seay, Justin Davis Seay, Conner Davis McDonnell, Bailey Elizabeth Arnold and McKenzie Ann Anderson.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Mon., Aug. 9, at Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Fred Williams officiating and interment in the Smyrna Cemetery.

ALLEN GORDON “GORDY” COOPER

Allen Gordon “Gordy” Cooper, 85, died Fri., Aug. 6, 2010, in the Andalusia Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Covington County on July 26, 1925, and after serving in the U.S. Army, relocated to Vermilion, Ohio, with his loving wife of 60 years, Doris Lane (Betterton) Cooper, and his son, their only child, Jerry Wayne Cooper of Navarre, Fla., each surviving.

In 1987, Gordy and Doris came back home to Loango after retiring. They both loved their land, which they farmed up to the last few years. Family was always their first love, and they both wanted to be close to their home and family again. Both came from large families with many nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, brothers and sisters.

Mr. Cooper is also survived by one brother, W.C. Cooper “Dub” and his wife Gorgene of Vermilion, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles A. Cooper; mother, Frances Elizabeth (Matthews) Cooper; stepmother, Bessie Rae (Suggs) Cooper; brothers and sisters, Ruby Pearl Hutcheson, husband Warren; Vaughn Cooper, wife Vida; Jewel Harrelson, husband W.C. “Cubert,” and Greely Ray Cooper, and wife Jeanette.

He was a lifelong member of AMVETS Post 22 and VFW Post 7576 of Vermilion, Ohio; VFW Post 4388 of Red Level, and American Legion Post 1983.

He rejoined his faith recently and became a member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Red Level.

The family would like to personally thank all the relatives, friends and neighbors who gave generously of their time, love and support to him during his lengthy illness, providing his every need.

Also thank you to the staff of the Andalusia Hospital, Mizell Memorial Hospital and the Veterans Administration, all providing unprecedented medical care and attention.

Thank you to his fellow church members and Pastor Keith Parker for their kind generosity and support.

Gordy is at peace now with the Lord, but his spirit will live forever in all who knew him.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

JOHN CHRISTOPHER HALLFORD

John Christopher Hallford, 43, of Dozier, died Fri., Aug. 6, 2010, at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wed., Aug. 11, from Foreman Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Chad Boswell officiating and burial following in Goodhope Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Linda and Lamar Long of Mobile; his brothers and sister-in-law, Greg (Alexiss) Hallford of Enterprise, Paul Etter of Crestview, Fla., and Bill Mayhall of Andalusia; his sisters and brother-in-law, Sabrina Hallford and Tammy and Doug Sasser, all of Andalusia; his paternal grandmother, Mildred Hallford of Fairhope, Ala.; and his stepmother, Patty Hallford of Andalusia.

He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Hallford.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

KENT EDWIN PORTER

Kent Edwin Porter, 53, of Dozier, died Mon., Aug. 9, 2010, in the Andalusia hospital.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Wed., Aug. 11, at the Dozier Methodist Church with the Rev. Phillip Chance officiating and burial following in the Dozier Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, Laura Porter of Dozier; his daughters, Savina Porter of Dozier, Ashley Porter of Milton, Fla, Miranda Porter of Evergreen, Whitney Abbott of Dozier, Chelsie Porter of Foley and Adrianna Porter of Foley; sons, Kaden Porter of Dozier, Gabriel Porter of Fairhope and Michael Porter of Castleberry; his grandchildren, Zoie Abbott, Kaleb Abbott, Lexus Oates, Nevada Porter, Christopher Porter, Maximums Porter and Matthew Porter; his brothers, Carlton Porter, Daryl Porter and Sherwood Porter, all of Summerdale; his sisters, Brenda and Gayle Porter and Verla Nichols.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Ard, Michael Porter, Gabriel Porter, Jim Faison, Glenn Kimbro and Clayton Blanchard.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.