SHIRLEY

ANN STEPHENS

Shirley Ann Stephens Watt of Newton, entered the glorious gates of Heaven into the waiting arms of Jesus on Tues., Oct. 24, 2017.

She was born in Andalusia to Emmett Lee and Clara Evelyn Stephens. She lived with her beloved Granny, Mildred Bethuel Stephens in Red Level, and loved to recount stories of her childhood there. She was a cheerleader and crowned Miss Red Level High School; a deserving honor for such a beautiful person, both inside and out.

A devoted mother, Shirley would work tirelessly to provide for her children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a desire to always strive to be their best. She completed her business degree at Troy University in Dothan while raising her children and working multiple jobs. This allowed her the chance to open and own her own business , one of the many things she would do to keep herself busy and also provide opportunities for others.

Shirley was fortunate to marry her soul mate, Tommy, on March 19, 1994. He would prove himself to be not only the love of her life, but a tireless protector and provider. He loved her immensely and would go to great lengths to make her happy. The past year was challenging as she experienced a full recovery from leukemia, but Tommy was her constant. He did everything from cleaning to building a sun porch on their house just so she could “be outside” when she wasn’t allowed to be. She spent countless hours there praying, reading, resting, and enjoying the beauty God had created around her.

Shirley adored her family! Her children were the lights of her life, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest treasures! She loved nothing more than for her house to be full of people, laughter, and the chaos of family. The sweet hugs, late night chats, and time spent with the ones she loved most filled her spirit with joy. She was a tremendous cook and would prepare huge meals for family gatherings. The world has lost the best fried chicken and cornbread maker there ever was. It would make her laugh so loud to know that we said that!

She loved the outdoors, exercising, loved to run, ride her bike, play with her grandkids or her puppies, or even just sit and enjoy a beautiful day. She had boundless energy, an infectious smile and laugh, and the most generous heart one could possess.

Shirley loved her Lord. She drew near to Him in her trials and praised Him through the storm! Never once did she ask, “Why me?” but rather believed that she had a blessed life and that God was with her every step of the way! She was a proud member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, where she was an active member of the Dust Covered Disciples Sunday school class and was also involved in the Ridgecrest Women’s Ministry.

The loss of her is sudden and unexpected but not unlike Shirley, who was quick to get places and always in a hurry. We can imagine her rushing into eternity without hesitation, knowing that we have no doubts about her salvation or her promise to see us all there!

She is preceded in death by her granny, Mildred Bethuel Stephens; parents, Emmett and Evelyn Stephens; brothers, Lamar Burkett and Johnny Stephens; infant son, Randall Derek Carroll; and infant grandchildren, Ashley and Michael Berry.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Watt; daughter, Sonya (Kerry) McLaney, of Hartford; son, Stephen (Nicole) Berry, of Bothell, Washington; granddaughter, Hali (Justin) Phillips, of Slocomb; grandson, Kade McLaney; grandson, Daniel Berry; granddaughter, Mallory Berry; great grandsons, Dawson Phillips and Ridge Phillips (due in November); and other extended family members, friends, and caretakers who are too numerous to list by name!

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 27, 2017, from Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan with the Rev. Bob Sanders officiating. Interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery in Red Level. Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 

JOHNNY

FOY NORRIS

Mr. Johnny Foy Norris, age 89, of Andalusia, passed away on Tues., Oct. 24, 2017, at Andalusia Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 27, 2017, at Foreman Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Billy Boles, Pastor John Hunt, and Brother Lee Joyner officiating. Interment will follow in Stone Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m., prior to services at the funeral home.

Mr. Norris is survived by his wife, Loyse Norris of Andalusia; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Larry Page; sons and daughters-in-law, Karon and Debbie Norris, Shannon and Teresa Norris, and Dexter and Pollyanna Norris; grandchildren, Michael (Shae) Page, Michele Page, Kade Norris, Kameron Norris, Chancey (Dustin) Sayers, Garrett (Jessica) Norris, Haley (Rob) Seaman, Destin Norris, and Adam Norris; 10 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Farris and Barbara Norris, T.J. and Margaret Norris, Carl and Joy Norris, and Paul and Ruth Norris; sisters and brother-in-law, Cora Byrd, Evelyn and George Schubert, and Hazel Soles; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandson, Aaron Wade Norris; brother, B.B. Norris; and sisters, Lucille Bailey, Marie Kelley, and Sara Nadeau.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

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