WILLIAM L. MAY

William L. (Roy) May, 79, of Fairview Heights, Ill., 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, Mo., 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, Mo.; 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.

 

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, Ala., 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.

 

FAY G. CULLUM

Mrs. Fay G. Cullum, age 78, of Opp, passed away Wed., April 18, 2018, at an Opp nursing facility.

She is survived by her four children: Cathy (Jerry) Smith of Opp, Sandra (Rick) Sullivant of Enterprise, David Hall of Maryland, and Danny (Becky) Hall of West Virginia; her grandchildren, Carrie, Tori, Brad, Tyler, Joey, and Danny; and her great-grandchildren, Branson Bess and Warren Brust. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neville Cullum and her daughter, Tina Farmer.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., April 21, 2018, at Grider Town Cemetery with Bro. Daniel Marler officiating. Keahey Funeral Home of Andalusia is in charge of arrangements.

WILLIAM CARROLL “BUDDY” POWELL

Frankin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his second term, the Golden Gate Bridge opens and Mr. and Mrs. Culbert Powell welcome their third born, William Carroll “Buddy” Powell, into the world. Little did Mr. and Mrs. Powell know, this little bundle of joy would grow and mature into one of the finest living examples of a human being. The day is February 2, 1937; a day that was to be celebrated for 81 years, 1 month and 23 days. As many have said, it is not the beginning or end date on a cemetery marker that truly matters, it is what you did between those dates.

Graduating in 1957 from Moultrie Senior High School, Buddy’s academic achievements were quickly paving the road to success, soon thereafter beginning his college career at Norman College in 1959 and later from Valdosta State University in 1961 where he was presented with a ring upon his completion. Before stepping into the world of education to which his majors were in, he began working at the Belk-Hudson company, known today as Belk.

Then in 1963, he began his beloved teaching career at Norman Park High School. Quickly becoming revered by students, he would later be rewarded multiple times for his teaching excellence. Mr. Powell, as he was affectionately known to his students even after retirement, taught at a number of schools, including Albany High School and South Seminole Jr. High in Casselberry, Fla. What became not only one of his most cherished memories but a high point in his career was when Mr. Walt Thompson called on him to fill a teaching position at Doerun High School. For 13 years, he proudly ingrained his love for academic excellence into the hundreds who passed through his classroom. The student body reciprocated that passion from 1970-1974, when the yearbook was dedicated in his honor. He was also presented with a plaque in 1975 for his tireless devotion to his students. While at Doerun he served as 8th and 12th-grade advisor, yearbook advisor, Spanish and FTA advisor. Then Mr. Billy Mock invited Buddy to teach at Riverview Academy in Baconton, Ga., where he was selected as the 1972 STAR teacher by Miss Sally Short.

As time passed and the world evolved, Buddy decided that it was time to close the chapter that had begun some 33 years earlier, and officially retired in 1995. Being the high energy individual he was, he wasn’t quite ready for complete retirement. After a brief break to begin caring for aging parents, he returned to what he loved best – teaching. After yet another invitation, Buddy accepted a position to teach at the Women’s Correctional Institution in Pelham, Ga., where he taught until 1997.

In the 2000s, Buddy moved to his treasured city of Andalusia, Ala. Here Buddy spent what would become some of his happiest of times. This new beginning was located at 420 East College Street. Friends were abundant and his chosen family would grow almost weekly. His glowing smile and on-point outfits quickly made him stand out in his small town of Andalusia. Even as Buddy aged, he stressed to others never to slow down, and he didn’t. In 2011 an unexpected friendship of two individuals would soon be the highlight of Buddy’s life. This friendship would be with him until his final breath.

Some 81-year-olds have children, others have grandchildren, some have nieces or nephews… Buddy had Jared Boutwell and Gerry Richards. From holidays to special occasions, Buddy always looked forward to his daily visits with “the guys” as he referred to them. For seven years Buddy’s bond with “the guys” would strengthen to what is known as family.

After near-perfect health for 81 years, Buddy was diagnosed with cancer. His optimistic outlook proved powerful, and he immediately began treatments. Within days, Buddy knew his physical body was fading and decided to move in with “the guys” at their residence. The unfortunate side effects and strength of treatment would prove simply too much for his frail body. On Palm Sunday at 12:30 AM, Buddy Powell made his transition to the afterlife.

Buddy would leave a number of people to honor his memory. These would include Jared Boutwell, Gerry Richards, and his beloved granddog – Truman. Other chosen family members include Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and Candy Kyle of Andalusia, Ala., and numerous members of Jared’s and Gerry’s families.

Other survivors include his beloved nieces, Brenda Worrell Gibbs (Donny) of Moultrie, Ga, Debra Lynn Worrell Gillette (Tommy) of Boston, Ga. Great nieces and nephews include Robbie Gibbs, Angie French, Amanda Hart, Michael Hart, and Melissa Hart; and a number of great-great nieces and nephews.

Buddy was predeceased by his loving sisters, Virginia Powell Floyd, Robbie Nell Powell, and Worrell Sadler; and a dear friend, Randall Berry.

Mr. Powell’s remains were cremated and interred in the Historic Westview Cemetery in Moultrie, Ga. A private memorial service will be held by his Andalusia family in May.

Memorial contributions to honor Buddy’s life can be made to the Bellingrath Gardens & Home Foundation, c/o Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL 36582.p

 

 

MARJORIE BROOKS

Marjorie Brooks, age 70, of Andalusia, passed away Fri., April 20, 2018, in a Dothan Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sun., April 22, 2018, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Andalusia with the Rev. Barry Wilkerson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 6592 Brooklyn Road, Andalusia, AL 36421.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Brooks, of Andalusia; daughter, Karen Flynn, of Birmingham; two sons, Brian Brooks (Stephanie), of Pelham; Kevin Brooks (Stephanie), of Vestavia Hills; two granddaughters, Cailyn Flynn, of Chicago; Finley-Grace Brooks, of Vestavia Hills; three grandsons, Sean Flynn, of Mobile; Casey Brooks, of Pelham; Jackson Brooks, of Pelham; two sisters, Charlotte Ward, of Andalusia; Judy Biggs (Carroll), of Andalusia and brother, David Edgar (Geri), of Summerdale.

You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website:   www.searcyfuneralhome.com