ELEANOR K. CURRY

Eleanor Curry, 90, will be laid to rest on Sat., March 12, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Andalusia with the Rev. Willie Denson officiating. Burial will follow in Marshall Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be today from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Kirk’s Funeral Chapel.

She was the 13th, and last child of James and Viola Jarrett. She was born April 9, 1920, in Opp. When her father could no longer sustain their lives in Opp during the dark days of the Great Depression, he relocated his family to Andalusia, where they joined the Bethel A.M.E. Church family.

Where mother died, Eleanor was only 17, and she went to live with her sister, Willie Mae, in Pensacola, Fla., where she finished high school.

She had a long and fruitful marriage to Arkus Lane, giving birth to four children: Eugene Lane, the late Jacqueline Lane Coon, Regina Lane Martin and Constance Lane Copper. The family resided for many years in New Jersey, where she worked in retail establishments, finally managing a store in Plainfield, N.J.

In 1975, she and her husband returned to her hometown of Opp, where she was active in many aspects of her childhood church home, St. Stephens A.M.E. Church

In 1983, Eleanor and Arkus parted ways, and she subsequently entered into a 25-year marriage to Edward Curry. The couple resided in Andalusia where she once again devoted her efforts to many facets of her second childhood church home, Bethel A.M.E., including Sunday school, choir, homecoming and many other activities. She was also very active in the local Democratic Party, where on occasion, she was called upon to consult with the governor.

She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was a woman of God and an incredible human being. The world is a slightly darker place without her, but heaven just got a little brighter. She will be missed.

HELEN KIRKPATRICK

Helen Kirkpatrick, 80, departed this life on March 6, 2011.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., today, Fri., March 11, at Zion Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Gantt with Kirk’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

She was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Gantt, to the late Augusta J. and Glennie Mae Kirkpatrick.

Religion was deeply rooted as a family value, and the foundation was already set at an early age for her to join the Zion Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Gantt.

She received her education at the Gantt School in Gantt.

Her hearty laugh, sense of humor and loving smile are all fruits of her warm personality that touched many hearts. Her caring, tender spirit shined throughout her family, church, community and beyond. Her passion for talking with family and friends warmed the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She enjoyed cooking and especially listening to and singing her favorite gospel songs. Her greatest joy was her family, and her greatest assets were giving of herself, loving unconditionally, and her willingness to serve the Lord by example of word and deed.

Her unforgettable flare for life will forever be treasured by her family that loved her dearly.

She is survived by four brothers, C. L. Kirkpatrick and Albert Kirkpatrick, both of Andalusia, Jackie (Katie) Kirkpatrick of Columbus, Ga., and Wilford (June) Kirkpatrick of Atlanta; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

THEDA MCDANIEL MAUGHON

Theda McDaniel Maughon, 87, of Andalusia, passed away Thurs., March 10, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., March 12, at Keahey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Harrell officiating. Burial will follow at Stone Lake Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends tonight from 6 p.m. until 8 pm. at Keahey Funeral Home.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Samuel and Tammy Maughon; grandchildren, Billy Maughon, Mark Maughon, Donnie Maughon, Min Maughon and Darrell Loque; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.