Elaine L. Ballard

(Margaurite) Elaine Lunsford Ballard died Mon., Sept. 28, 2015, at the Heath Center of Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., after a long illness.

Elaine was born Feb. 27, 1930, to Colon Alonzo Lunsford and Zuba L. (Harris) Lunsford, on their fourth wedding anniversary. She attended school in Andalusia and Niagara Falls, N.Y.

A very accomplished student, Elaine graduated from Andalusia High School in 1948 as class salutatorian, magna cum laude. In addition, Elaine was vice president of the Speech Club and associate editor of the Andy Hi-Lite. She was a member of the National Honor Society, D. O. Club, and tennis team. She continued her support of Andalusia High School as a member of the Class of 1948 Foundation.

Elaine was married on July 15, 1949, to Wilson Ray “Bill” Ballard of Gantt, son of M. C. Ballard and Lena Clark Ballard. Their marriage produced three children, Sharon Ree, Vicki Rae, and Cynthia Ann. Since Bill was career military, Elaine and family were stationed in many locations. In 1959, in Casablanca, Morocco (Africa), Bill was killed in a tragic car accident. Elaine returned to Pensacola where her parents were living to raise her three daughters.

In 1961, Elaine entered the full time ministry, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her ministry brought her great joy and satisfaction. She remained single the rest of her life, devoting herself to raising her daughters and teaching people from the Bible about Jehovah God, his son, Jesus Christ, and his kingdom. Many of her students became her spiritual children and were very dear to her. She also cared for her parents until their deaths in 1996.

In Elaine’s later years, a very special person, Pamela Proffitt, joined her family as an adopted daughter. “Pammie” helped care for Elaine and came to be a loved and devoted family member.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson “Bill” Ray Ballard; her parents, Colon and Zuba Lunsford; her sister, Marjorie D. Cupp; and her niece and nephew, Dale Campbell Griffin and Randall L. Campbell. Patricia Ann Hudson, Elaine’s youngest sister, died on Oct. 6, 2015.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Sharon Lord (Michael) of Pensacola; Vicki Garner (Charles) of Grayson, Ga.; Cynthia Holobaugh (Michael) of Florala; her grandchildren, Kristina Griffin Kinloch (Marc) of Huntsville, Sean Griffin of Tallahassee, Fla., and Zachary Holobaugh (Amber) of Florala; her uncle, Homer Lunsford of Andalusia; her nieces (Barbara Cromer, Terry Ridgdill, Linda Lint, Angela Elms and Lisa Vollenweider); and her nephews (Ronald and Glenn Ballard; and Ronald and Steven Hudson).

The memorial service for Elaine Ballard and Patricia Hudson will be at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 31, 2015, at the Ensley Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 8430 Pittman Avenue in Pensacola. Brother Mitchell Hilson will officiate.

The family will receive the friends after the service at the Ensley Elementary School, 501 E. Johnson Avenue, in Pensacola.

Another memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. in Andalusia on Nov. 1, 2015, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Highway 29 South. The family will receive friends at the Shaw Building after the service.

The family would like to thank family and friends for their loving support during these last difficult years. A special thanks to caretakers Bobbi Johnston, Diane Wilkins, and Judi Rogers, the staff at the Health Center of Pensacola, and Covenant Hospice.

Elaine Ballard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Trahan Family Funeral Home – Pensacola is in charge of arrangements.

Lewis Bass

Mr. Lewis Bass, age 58, of Red Level passed away Sun., Oct. 25, 2015, at Shelby Baptist Medical Center after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 29, 2015, in the Keahey Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Russell Broussard officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

Survivors include his wife, Felicia Bass of Red Level; son and fiancé, Jason Chad Bass and DeAnna Donaldson of Andalusia; brothers, Mark Bass of Andalusia, Riley Bennett Bass of Pensacola, Clyde Kermit (Cheryl) Bass Jr. of Abiline, Texas, Ron M. Bass Wedowee, Ala., and Donnie Huckabee of Brewton; his sisters, Vonda ( Steve) Barton of Geneva, Janie Huckabee of Brewton, Reda Huckabee of Brewton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the America Cancer Society for Research, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Lewis graduated from Andalusia High School and worked many years for Taylor Linen.

 

Murray Norman Bryant

Mr. Murray Norman Bryant, 78, of Andalusia, passed away Tues., Oct. 27, 2015, at his residence.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thurs., Oct. 29, at Cedar Grove Church of Christ with Minister Eddie Boggess officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

A visitation will be held Wed., Oct. 28, from 5:30-8 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home. He will also lie in state at the church 30 minutes prior to services.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Charlotte Stokes Bryant of Andalusia; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Sandra Bryant of Andalusia; daughter, Pam Godwin of Wetumpka; grandchildren, Kriston (Greg) Bush, Matt Bryant, Meghon (Chadd) Tillman, Kayla (Gene) Proctor, Jessica (Andrew) Gibson, and Jamie Bryant; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister and brother-in-law, Madge and Jimmy Cobb of Andalusia.

He was preceded in death by brother, George Bryant.

Pallbearers will be Demon Nolen, David Knowles, B.J. McClain, Jimmy Bass, Roddy Thomasson, and Eddie Lindsey.

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