MARY LEE LITTLE GOGGINS

A much loved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Mary Lee Little Goggins peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at the age of 79, surrounded by the family she loved, who returned that love and devotion of their beloved matriarch. She inspired all with incredible strength of mind and body to bravely confront and fight cancer.

Mary Lee, of Andalusia, Alabama, was born on Feb. 16, 1939, in Covington, Ohio, and reared in Mobile, Ala., by her grandparents, Fenton and Mary Boggs. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don Forrest and Janina Boggs Little; her husband, Marvin Goggins; her granddaughter, Alexandra Blackwell; and her niece, Sheila Long.

She is survived by her children, Tim and Richard (Kim) Blackwell; her grandchildren, Grayson and Cephia “Suzie” Blackwell; her sisters, Betty Little Long, Jo Little Horne; her brothers, Don (Elaine) Little, Delmas Little, Vern Little, Gene (Mary) Little, Kenneth (Glenda) Little, and Leland (Kristen) Tanner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and more loving family members.

Mary Lee had a kind soul, a thoughtful heart, a wise wit, a strong work ethic, a good sense of humor and a warm personality that endeared her to all. Most recent memories will be remembered fondly as Mary Lee was a master seamstress, a business partner and cattle farmer. In her youth, she was a leader also and helped to keep her large family in line. As a teen, she became a member of the Rainbow Girls. Then during her lifetime, she mastered many talents all while keeping a loving home for her family. Mary Lee raised her children and supported her immediate and extended family with great skill and loving patience. Her great legacy will be her love for her very large family. As a true Southern matriarch, her happiest moments were spent with a house full of family and pets, which always included huge meals that were deliciously prepared with everyone circling the kitchen table afterwards for card games, puzzles, sewing, and family bonding. Truly, a close-knit family that she loved to entertain as she was an excellent cook that sewed on her own apron strings. And in turn, her large beloved family then took loving care of Mary Lee at her sister Betty’s house in the last few years.

Favorite pastimes were reading, visiting with friends, and serving her church and members with worship décor, outreach, and SS. Mary Lee looked forward to traveling with family and friends, and she went coast to coast and overseas but was always happy to return to her beloved Alabama farm, where she lovingly raised limousine cattle. Andalusia is where Mary Lee and Marvin retired after relocating from many U.S. states when her husband worked with BF Goodrich. One of her favorite moments was bottle-feeding and raising a calf in the backyard that played with the kids and dogs so well she named the calf Mona who became a long-time farm companion.

Mary Lee will be deeply missed by all who knew her kind and beautiful spirit. We are better for having known her and will remember her always, and will continue to honor her memory in days to come.

A private interment for family members will be Sat., April 21, 2018, at the River Falls Cemetery in Red Level.

The family will meet with friends on Sat., April 21, 2018, between 1-2 p.m. prior to the memorial service in the narthex at the First United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held on Sat., April 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Andalusia with the Rev. Jason Thrower and the Rev. Tim Trent officiating. Special music will be presented by her brother and sister-in-law, Pastor Gene and Mary Little.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mary Lee Goggins to First United Methodist Church, 403 East Three Notch Street; Andalusia AL 36420.

The Foreman Funeral Home of Andalusia is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the online family guest book and send condolences at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

WILLIAM L. MAY

William L. (Roy) May, 79, of Fairview Heights, IL, passed away at 12 a.m. on Tues., April 17, 2018, at his home. He was born July 5, 1938, in Andalusia, as the son of the late Edwin L. May Sr. and Ava Glenn (Tate) May. He married Helga E. (Strauss) May on August 17, 1996, in St. Charles, Missouri, and she survives. He retired in 1999 from Monsanto after 34 years of dedicated service as an industrial engineer. Roy loved playing golf and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth May Cobb and husband, William Cobb of State College, PA; son, William (Ty) Tyler May and wife, Beth May of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Kai May, Amelia May and Lili Cobb; brother, Edwin L. May Jr. and sister-in-law, Darien May of Andalusia; niece, Ava Louise May; nephew, David Edwin May; stepsons, Steven F. Baker and wife, Maria Teresa A. Baker of St. Louis and Timothy D. Baker and wife, Lisa M. Baker of St. Charles, Missouri; step-grandchildren, Jessica N. Szapanski, Erica C. Baker, Amy E. Baker and Danielle J. Baker as well as other extended family and friends.

In celebration of his life and in accordance to his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of floral tributes, please support your local animal shelter or Humane Society.

Irwin Chapel of Glen Carbon, Illinois in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com