Lauderdale County, Alabama

WILEY SIMPSON (Contributed by Alvin Newman, 17 May 2008; Source: Memphis Press-Scimilar, Thursday Aug. 15, 1963, 
Published in Memphis, TN)
Wiley Simpson retired mill-wright & carpenter, died at 10 last night at Methodist hospital. Mr. Simpson, who lived at 5 East Dempstar, had been in ill health three years. He was 80. He was born in Florence, Ala. & moved to Memphis 51 years ago. He leaves his wife, Mrs.. Nina Logan Simpson; two sons, Clint and Shannon Simpson and his daughter, Mrs. Joyce Segretto, all of Memphis; six grandchildren and a brother. T. S. Hinton Funeral Home in Charge.

 

W. REEDER SMITH DIES AT HOME AT CLOVERDALE. (Contributed by G. Kelley; Source: The Florence Times, Thursday, 29 Dec 1932, p. 1)
W. Reeder Smith, 72, one of the oldest residents of the county, passed away at his home near Cloverdale Wednesday evening at 7:45 o’clock, following a lingering illness. Funeral services will be held Friday at Wesley’s chapel with Rev. B. H. Seay of the Methodist church conducting final rites. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Brown directing.
Deceased, who had lived in that section for many years, is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lucile Bates, of Cloverdale, and one sister, Mrs. G. L. McCorkle, also of that section.

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MR and MRS WILLIAM B. STEVENSON (Source: The Florence Times, 19 May 1916, p. 6.)
OLD CITIZENS DEAD. On Wednesday morning of last week Mrs. William B. Stevenson died at the home of her son, Mr. John C. Stevenson, five miles north of the city. Mrs. Stevenson had attained the age of 74 years, and had been rapidly declining in health the past three months, due largely to the infirmities of advancing age. Her husband passed away on the 22nd of April, preceding his wife to the grave eighteen days.

 

MRS. O. STEVENSON (Source: The Florence Times, Friday, 29 Jul 1895, p. 3, col. 5.)
Mrs. O. Stevenson, mother of Mr. W. B. Stevenson, died on Thursday last, at the home of Mr. Jas. Statom, several miles north of Florence, at the advanced age of 89 years.

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JOHN R. STUTTS (Contributed by Judith M. Miller, 8 May 2002; Source: Florence Times,  4 June 1909)

Mr. John R. Stutts, a patriarch of Greenhill beat died Monday morning last, after an illness of 9 days of heart trouble, aged 80 years in March last. He is survived by his wife,, a sister to our townsman Mr. T. E. Johns and 6 children:  William and Wren Stutts and Mrs. Mary Harrison , children of his first wife and Dr. H. L. Stutts, Jesse W. Stutts and Miss Lizzie Stutts.  The interment took place Tuesday morning when a large congregation attended the solemn services.  Mr. Stutts was born and reared in the same community in which he lived his long life.  Probably no man in the county had a larger circle of kinsmen than Mr. Stutts and it is said of him that he had probably entertained more people at his hospitable home than any other man in the county.  He was a man of most hospitable and generous impulses and was never so happy as when he was active as host to those of his large circle of friends and kinsmen.  In his death an old  patriarch has passed away.  Peace to his ashes.

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Mrs. Lucy Stutts (Contributed by Judith M Miller; Source: Lauderdale Times, 21 May 1872, page 3)

Died in this county on last Friday the 17th near Cowpen, Mrs. Lucy Stutts, wife of W.W. Stutts.  Mrs. Stutts was an amiable lady and highly respected by all who knew her. The bereaved husband and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community.

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CAPT. C. A. TENGE (Contributed by Lee Freeman; 5 Feb 2005; Source: “Died” Florence Journal, Thursday, July 22, 1869, p. 3.)
At his late residence in this town on Sabbath morning, the 18th instant*, Capt. C. A. Tenge, in the sixtieth year of his age.
Captain Tenge was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, whence he emigrated at an early age to the United States. In 1832 he settled in Tuscumbia, where he resided till 1851, when he moved to Florence, where, as in Tuscumbia, he was much esteemed for his quiet, gentlemanly deportment and probity of character. Captain Tenge was a useful citizen, and his death is sincerely regretted. His afflicted widow has the condolence of the community in this her day of sorrow. The mortal remains of Capt. Tenge were buried by the side of his son in the Cemetery at Tuscumbia; the benevolent Order of Odd-Fellows of Florence, assisted by their brethren in Tuscumbia, took charge of the body, and consigned it to the silent tomb under the impressive ceremonies of that benevolent brotherhood. Tribute of Respect. At a called meeting of Cypress Lodge, No. 31, I. O. O. F.*, held in the Lodge Room at Florence, on Monday, the 19th of July, A. D. 1869, the following committee, to wit: Geo. W. Karsner, Peter R. Garner and Wm. B. Wood, were appointed to draft resolutions, expressive of the sense of this Lodge, upon the death of our brother C. A. TENGE, who departed this life Sunday, 18th July, inst.** The committee submitted the following report, which was adopted WHEREAS, Since our regular meeting, and one in which our worthy brother, C. A. TENGE, participated, it has pleased Almighty God, in His inscrutable Providence to remove from us, and from the anxieties and cares of earthly life, our beloved brother and associate C. A. TENGE. Whilst we with becoming resignation bow to the [bar?] of Omnipotence, yet, we with proud satisfaction revert to the exemplary life and good deportment exhibited by him, during his brief affiliation with us. Be it therefore Resolved, That this Lodge, deeply feeling the loss it has sustained, takes this method of manifesting its bereavement. Resolved, That this Lodge would convey to his afflicted widow, the sympathising [sic] expression of its condolence, and tender to her the warmest assurance of an Odd Fellow’s sympathy, in this sad hour of her bereavement. Resolved, That as a mark of respect to our deceased brother, the Regalia of our Lodge be clothed in mourning for Thirty days, and that the members of this Lodge wear the badge of mourning some length of time. Resolved, That these Resolutions be entered upon the minutes of the Lodge, also a copy of the same furnished the widow, and that the FLORENCE JOURNAL and North Alabamian and Times, be requested to publish the same in their next issue. GEO. W. KARSNER, PETER R. GARNER, WM. B. WOOD, Committee.

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DEATH TAKES MRS. TERRELL. Funeral Services Are Conducted Today. (Contributed by G. Kelley; Source: The Florence Times, Monday, 16 Sep 1935, p. 1)
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Terrell, aged 71, died at the residence in Oakland community, West Lauderdale county, Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.  Surviving in addition to her husband, Carroll Terrell, are three sons, James Anderson and Pew and Griffin Terrell, all of Florence, and two daughters, Mrs. Ann Richardson, of Cloverdale, and Mrs. Lina O’Neal, of Pittsburgh, Pa.  Funeral services were conducted this afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home of Pew Terrell, 909 Royal avenue, Florence, with Rev. C. C. Godbey, pastor of St. James Methodist church, officiating. Interment followed in Florence cemetery, Fielder directing. [NOTE: She was the widow of John A. Anderson who was a son of William R. Anderson.]

 

ROBERT ALLEN THORNTON ( 1908 - 1973 ) (Source: Florence Times/Tri-Cities Daily, Monday, 5 Mar 1973, p. 1) 

Services Today. Funeral services for Robert Allen Thornton, 64, former Lauderdale superintendent of Education, were held today at 3 p. m. Thornton was assistant director and counselor at Allen Thornton Area Vocational and Technical School, named in his honor, at the time of his death. He died Saturday following heart surgery at University Hospital in Birmingham. Thornton served as superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools from 1953 to 1969 and had spent most of his professional life teaching and administering education programs in the county. Services were held at Morrison-Elkins Chapel in Florence with Dr. O. S. Gamble officiating. Burial followed in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. A member of North Wood United Methodist Church, he is survived by his widow, Christine Thornton, Florence; one sister, Mrs. Birdie Shaw, Florence; one brother, John M. Thornton, Greenhill. Active pallbearers were Phillip Gamble, Roy Price, Johnny Johnston, Hollis Smith, Don Littrell, Warren Parker and David McFall. Lauderdale County Schools closed at 12:45 p.m. today for Thornton's funeral. [NOTE: Robert Allen Thornton was the son of William A., and Ella H. Thornton. His parents were born in Tennessee.]

MRS. THRASHER BURIED TODAY. Final Rites Held At Wesley Chapel. (Contributed by G. Kelley; Source: The Florence Times, Wednesday, 4 Jun 1930, p. 1)
Funeral services for Mrs. Fannie Thrasher, aged 72, of Cloverdale were held this morning at 10 o’clock at Wesley’s Chapel, with Rev. S. W. Brooks in charge. Interment was made at the cemetery there, Morrison and Phillips being in charge of arrangements.  Mrs. Thrasher died Tuesday morning at 4:30 at El Reposo sanitarium, near here. She had been a life-long resident of this county. The active pallbearers were Carl Koonce, Sam Haddock, Allen Hendrix, D. M. McCorkle, and Lee Anderson.  Mrs. Thrasher is survived by seven daughters, Mrs. Elmer Hitchcock, Mrs. T. E. Thrasher and Mrs. R. J. Darby, of Florence; Mrs. Kornie M. Adams, of Waterloo, and Misses Sallie, Mary Jo and Maud Thrasher, of Sheffield; three sons, Pugh Thrasher, of Cloverdale, Willie Thrasher, of Florence, and John Thrasher, of Sheffield; one brother, Reeder Smith of Cloverdale, and two sisters, Mrs. Marion Bevis of Waterloo, and Mrs. G. L. McCorkle of Florence.

 

CART TILL (Source: Florence Times, Friday, 22 Feb 1901)

IN MEMORY. It becomes my painful duty to record the death of Cart Till, who departed this life
on Jan. 30, 1901, after a brief illness of five or six days. He was about 25 years of age, and was the son of Edward and
Eliza Till. His remains were laid to rest in the Canaan cemetery.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. R. M. Archibald. 
Cart leaves behind him a father, two sisters a brother and a host of relatives and friends who sadly mourn his departure. May God comfort the hearts of the bereaved ones, and in this hour of trial may they learn to
trust Him more and more who does all things well. Lovingly dedicated to the memory of him
by his cousin, Birda Sharpe, Smithsonia, Ala.

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MR. GEORGE WALTERS (Source: Florence Times, Friday, 19 Oct 1900, p. 1)

“East Florence News” Mr. George Walters died at his home near town last Thursday morning after a very painful illness of several months. Mr. Walters was one of the most industrious and successful farmers in the county. 
 

MR. JOHN B. WEAKLEY, SR. (Source: Florence Times, Friday, 29 Jul, 1898)

FATAL RUNAWAY. Mr. John B. Weakley, Sr., Accidentally Killed. Our community was shocked on Saturday evening last at the announcement of the sudden and violent death of Mrs. John B. Weakley, Sr., one of out [sic] most widely known and prominent citizens. Late in the afternoon of Saturday Mr. Weakley had started for his country home, about two miles north of the city on the Chisholm road. ON the wagon with Mr. Weakley, were Messrs. James Statom and Wesley Butler. The gentlemen were seated on empty boxes, Messrs. Weakley and Statom sitting in front. In descending the steep hill near Mr. Lawlers’ home, the sudden jolting of the wagon over stones three the gentlemen forward upon the mules, which, taking fright, ran wildly down the hill. Mr. Weakley’s pants, near the foot, were caught in a strong iron hook on the single-tree and he was dragged some distance. He was severely bruised about the head and body, and lived only a few moments after the accident. He was tenderly cared for by a number of neighbors who had hastily gathered. His body was immediately brought to his home in the city, and on Sunday afternoon, after religious service conducted by Rev. J. H. Lacy was interred in the city cemetery. Mr. Weakley was a son of the late General Saml. D. Weakley, and father of Hon. John B. Weakley, Jr., Mayor of Florence. He was born and reared here, where he has a large circle of relatives and friends, who heard of his untimely death with profound sorrow. His wife and six children survive him, and to them the sympathies of our whole community are extended.

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Died in Florence, Alabama on February 2d, General Samuel D. Weakley. (Source: Florence Times, Saturday, 6 Feb 1897)

The subject of the above was born near Nashville, Tennessee, October 2d, 1812; he was a son of Samuel Weakley, a highly respected citizen of Tennessee who emigrated from Virginia at an early date, and a nephew of Col. Robert Weakley who fought during the revolution and was a noted man in his day. Samuel D. Weakley came to Florence to live in 1831. His brother, Harvey was chief assistant to General Coffee in the land office. After the death of General Coffee, Harvey was appointed to the office of General Land Commissioner for Alabam. [sic] A large portion of the State was still unsurveyed and Samuel D. Weakley was put in charge of one division of the surveying force. His promptness, accuracy, and integrity soon gave him prominence in his line of business, and until the land office was finally wound up many years afterwards, Sam Weakley was the most trusted employee. By careful and close attention to business, he had accumulated a handsome competency by 1848. At this time the Cypress Cotton Mills Company was reorganized, Capt. Alex. Coffee and Samuel D. Weakley buying out the interest of A. d. Hunt and the estate of Cassity. The firm of Martin, Weakley & Co. began with one modest factory In a few years by good management they owned three fine cotton mills. Their income was sixty thousand dollars per annum in 1860. General Weakley’s success in life was due to his inflexible honesty and strong common sense. Like most strong men he was devoted to his friends. He was a friend of education and a liberal subscriber to the Normal College, and one of the original trustees of that institution. Samuel D. Weakley was a notable man in his day, who lived nearly seventy years in Florence, and who in his prime was a power in the community. He married Miss Eliza Bedford June 30 1836. Mrs. Weakley and four children survive him. 

 

General S. C. Weakley. By the death of General Samuel D. Weakley another of the old landmarks of Florence is removed. He was the son of Samuel D. Weakley, one of the early settlers of Tennessee who was known far and wide as a broad-minded man of high impulses. General Weakley was born October 2, 1812, in Davidson county, Tennessee, and was therefore in his eighty-fifth year. He came to Florence in 1831 and was married June 30th, 1836, to Miss Eliza Bedford who, with three daughters and one son, mourn his loss. In the early days Mr. Weakley was engaged in merchandising at the river landing in Florence as a receiving and forwarding merchant. Afterward he was connected with the U. S. land office at Florence, and was for some time a government surveyor. General Weakley was a man with many strong characteristics, of the highest standard of commercial honor, and owing to this and a strong intellect, he had accumulated many years prior to the late war a handsome fortune. He bought an interest in the Cypress Mills from A. D. Hunt, associating himself thereby with A. D. Coffee, James Martin and A. J. Dyas. The enterprise proved very profitable, and in connection with other investments, brought to him a large fortune, enabling him to own at one time several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of property in the city of Chicago. He was public-spirited and broad-minded citizen, having assisted largely in the building of the Synodical Female College and the Florence Wesleyan University, and in building to Florence the M. & C. railroad. In the latter company he was a large stockholder and for several years a director. General Weakley for several years owing to his advanced age has taken no active part in politics or public affairs, but when he was younger and more vigorous he was very active and prominent in politics, being in early life identified with the Whigs, but on the advent of the Know Nothing party he became a staunch Democrat. In the home circle he was a kind and indulgent parent. He leaves four children: Mrs. Kate Moore, Mrs. Narcissa Milliken, Miss Jemima Weakley and John B. Weakley, Sr., to who the sympathies of the entire community is extended in their loss. One more link with the olden time is broken. H.

The death of General Weakley, recorded above, was very sudden, though he had been complaining more than usual of heart and stomach trouble. On Wednesday morning he walked down the street to see a friend, Mr. James Burtwell, and stopped at one or two points on the street. In one of the business houses he was noticed to be very pale and in moving towards a chair, was seen to be falling. He was caught in the arms of a couple of men, and before a physician could be summoned, he, without a struggle, passed away.

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LUCINDA CATHARINE WEBB (Contributed by Angela Morgan Cox, 18 Mar 2000; Source: Florence Times Sept. 14, 1895)

Mrs. Lucinda Catharine Webb was born November 7, 1830. Her maiden name was Beckham. She was married to Rev. William J. Webb, who has been a faithful Free Will Baptist preacher for twenty-seven years or more. They were joined together in matrimony Aug. 11, 1847. This union was blessed with eleven children, forty-one grandchildren and four great-grand-children. Sister Webb professed faith in Christ in 1857 and joined the Free Will Baptist church at Mount Olivet, where she lived a faithful and acceptable member until her death, July 21st, 1895. She was patient, through her sickness lasted near ten months. She never murmured nor complained, but was always easy pleased and loved to talk about God and Heaven. She was truly a good woman. As the duties of brother Webb was to go and preach, she was always ready to stay at home, take care of the children and look after everything that he might work for the Lord. For over forty-seven years she lived to share the joy or grief of her husband and was always ready to help in any way needed. She was kind to all; every one that knew her respected her for her model Christian character. She had no enemies. I never heard her speak unkindly of anybody, nor any one speak unkindly of her. So she lived and died in the midst of her friends. Some time before her death she called the family around her bedside and requested them all to meet her in heaven. She was very anxious about her children who had not been converted-some in the Indian territory, some in Texas. She wanted to see them before she died, but was willing to leave them in the hands of God. Dear children, prepare to meet your dear mother in a better world, for according to her life, though she is gone, you all know where to find her. And to the dear old servant of God, her husband, I will say, trust in the Lord, Who said, "Blessed are the dead  which die in the Lord from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Now to her dear husband and the children and friends, in the language of the poet when he wrote on hope and said: "Hope looks beyond the bounds of time, When what er now deplore, Shall rise in full immortal prime, And bloom to fade no more." May the good Lord bless, convert and save all her children, and when time shall be no more and God shall call us all home, we believe we shall know each other there. Dear brother Webb, be faithful a few more days and the Lord will say, "It is enough, come up highter." No doubt sister Webb will be at the door watching and waiting for you and her children.

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Rev. William Jackson Webb (Contributed by Angela Morgan Cox, 18 Mar 2000; Source: Florence Times Sept 25, 1903)     Rev. William Jackson Webb was born in Lauderdale county, Alabama, June the 30th, 1827, and departed this life on August 27th, 1903.The deceases professed religion at Mt. Olivet church August 23, 1860; and in August 1868, he was licensed a minister in the Free Will Baptist church at old Mt. Olivet. On Aug. 11, 1847, Bro. Webb was married to Miss Lucinda E. Beckham. This union was blessed with 11 children; 56 grandchildren, and 20 great grand children. He was actively engaged in the work of the ministry for over 35 years. At the time of his death Brother Webb held the position of county commissioner in Lauderdale county. His funeral was preached by the Rev. J. J. Tune, assisted by the writer after which his body was laid to rest by the side of his wife in old Mt. Olivet cemetery. the large crowd at the funeral and burial was strong evidence of the high esteem with which he was regarded by his neighbors and friends. In all the relations of life Brother Webb proved himself to be true and faithful. In the death of this good man the church of which he was a member has lost a useful minister, the county a good citizen; the neighborhood a good neighbor, and his family a devoted father, all of whom have reasons to mourn, Peace to his ashes."  J. W. Lee

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A.C. WESSON, 79, TAKEN BY DEATH (Contributed by Wendy Cabler, 6 Jun 2005; Source: Florence Times, 19 Nov 1942)
Funeral Services Will be Conducted Thursday. Alexander Campbell Wesson, 79, died at the home of a son, William, Florence, route 2, this morning at 9 o’clock after several weeks illness. Deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Claborne Wesson, pioneer settlers of Lauderdale county. He was a consistent communicant of the Sherrod Valley Church of Christ in the Oakland community. Surviving are his widow: Mrs. Mary Jane Wesson, Florence, route two, two sons, William, Florence, route 2, Floyd, Chattanooga, four daughters, Mrs. Louisa Holliman, Mrs, Myrtle Clemons, Mrs. Susie Hanback, Mrs. Etta Sadler, all of Florence. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock at the Sherrod Valley Church of Christ by Farris Smith, minister of the East Florence Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the cemetery there, Fielder’s will be in charge. Pallbearers will be Tom Carroll, Reeder Rhodes, H. L. Wright, George Irons, and Percy Wright.

A. C. Wesson Was Buried Thursday (Contributed by Wendy Cabler, 6 Jun 2005; Source: Florence Herald, 24 Nov 1942)
Funeral services for Alexander Campbell Wesson, 79, who died at the home of a son, William Wesson, Florence, Route 2, Wednesday morning after several weeks illness, were held Thursday afternoon at Sherrod Valley Church of Christ with Farris Smith officiating. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne Wesson, pioneer settlers of Lauderdale county, Mr. Wesson was a communicant of the Sherrod Valley church in the Oakland community. 
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary Jane Wesson, Florence, Rt. 2, two sons, Williams, Florence Rt. 2, Floyd, Chattanooga, Four daughters, Mrs. Louisa Holliman, Mrs. Myrtle Clemmons, Mrs. Susie Hanback, Mrs. Etta Sadler, all of Florence.

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MRS. NANCY WHITE (Contributed by Judy K. Sanders, sandking@usit.net, 15 Mar 2001; Source: Maury Democrat (Maury Co., TN, Thursday, December 21, 1922)

Mrs. Nancy White, aged 81 years, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed women of the Culleoka community, died Saturday at the home of her sons, Marshall and  Robert White, with whom she had resided a number of years.  Mrs. White's death followed an illness of about three weeks during which time her recovery had been despaired of.  She is survived by nine children, her husband having preceded her to the grave many years ago.  Mrs. White was a native of Alabama, but had spent most of her life in this county.  She was a member of the Christian church and was regarded as a splendid Christian character by all who knew her.  The funeral services were conducted at old Gibsonville church in Giles county Sunday afternoon by Prof. S.F. Logue.  Interment was in the family cemetery. Nancy Jane Yancy was in the 1850 Lauderdale Co., AL. census as a 6 year old.   She married in Lauderdale Co., AL. in 1856 to William A. King.    They were in the 1860 Lauderdale Co., AL.   They had 4 children and all were born in Lauderdale Co., AL.   William A. King died in 1864 and she was left a widow, thus her move to Giles Co., TN. where she married James White.   They moved to Maury Co. sometime between 1880 and 1900 and she died there in 1922.  

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GEORGE W. WHITEHEAD (Source: Florence Times, Friday, 22 Feb 1901)

OLD CITIZEN DEAD.  Mr. George W. Whitehead, one of the oldest and most worthy citizens of East Lauderdale, died at his home at Whitehead, on Thursday of last week, at the ripe age of 71 years. Mr. Whitehead had been in delicate health many years, but the immediate cause of death was heart failure. He was a good man, and widely and favorably known.

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WHITEHEAD (Source: "Whitehead" Community news, The Florence Times, Friday, 8 May 1908)
Death of a Prominent East Lauderdale Citizen. ...We are sorry to report the death of our friend, Esquire James Whitehead, which occurred last Wednesday. He had been in declining health for some time. He leaves a wife, a number of children, grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. He will be greatly missed, as he had been magistrate quite a number of years and filled the office with credit.

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ALLISON ANDREW WILLIAMS 1 Feb 1876 - 19 Mar 1960 (Contributed by Frank Williams, 8 Aug 2005)
A. A. Williams Funeral Today. Allison Andrew Williams, 84, 2246 Chisholm Road Florence, died at 10 am Saturday at EMC Hospital after a sudden illness. Mr. Williams was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County, a member of the First Methodist Church of Florence and had practiced law in Florence for 58 years. The victim began his law practice while working with C. W. Ashcraft. He also taught the Men's Bible Class for 35 years at the First Methodist Church and had been employed by the First Federal Savings and Loan Association since its organization. A member of the Golden Cross, the Lauderdale County Bar Association, he was a member of the Florence Chamber of Commerce. Funeral services will be held today at 3:30 pm from the First Methodist Church with Dr. Lambuth Archibald officiating assisted by Lamar Plunkett. Burial will follow in the Florence City  Cemetery. Surviving are his wife Mrs. Florra Wisdom Williams; four daughters Mrs. William Walker of Birmingham; Mrs. James Lawrence, Tampa, Fla.; Mrs. Lucille Garlock, Newark, N.J.; and Mrs. Grady Patrick of Florence; two sons, R. N. Williams, of Petersville; Grady O. Williams of Marietta, Ga.; Four half brothers, Virgil and Roy Williams, Lexington; Herbert Williams Rome Ga,; and D. M. Williams of Florence; three half sisters, Mrs. Willie McGee, Mrs. Ruby Johnson and Mrs Villard Brown all of Lexington; 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren. Active bearers will be Ed Colebeck, W. H. Mitchell,Jr., Bert Haltom, Sam Robinson, George Barnett, Jr., Arnold Teks. Honorary bearers will include Dr. C. F. Lucky, Dr. L. L. Hibbetts, Hiram Holtsford, employees of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Members of the Lauderdale Bar Association and members of the Men's Bible Class of the First Methodist Church. The body will be at the residence until time for services.

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DEWEY MILTON WILLIAMS, SR. 24 Jun 1905 - 21 Nov 1995 Son of Stith Milton Williams (Contributed by Frank Williams, 8 Aug 2005)

Dewey Milton Williams Sr., 90, 214 Simpson St., Florence, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1995,after a brief illness. Visitation will be noon-1:30 P.M. today at Greenview Funeral Home, Florence. The grave side service will be at 2 p.m. today at Greenview 
Memorial Park, Florence. Officiating at the funeral will be Rev. Aubrey Gaskins. He was a native and lifelong resident of this area. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Williams, Florence; son, Dewey M. Williams Jr. and wife Ann, Florence; daughter, Carolyn Bevis and husband Leonard, Haleyville; stepson, Joe Skipworth and wife Christine, Winston- Salem, N.C., grandchildren, Dewey Williams III and wife Judy, Rogersville, Christi Williams and Carol Lynne Bevis, both of Florence, and Beau L. Bevis, Haleyville; great-grandchild, Andrea Williams; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lizzie Earline Joiner Williams. Pallbearers will include friends and Sunday School class members. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church for 50 years and was a Deacon Emeritus. He was the last surviving child of the pioneer family of Stith M. and Fannie Elizabeth Williams of Lexington. He was known for his love of music and of restoring Reed organs.

 

STITH MILTON WILLIAMS 25 Dec 1852 - 7 Aug 1921 (Contributed by Frank Williams, 8 Aug 2005)         

In the death of Brother Stith M. Williams Lexington Lodge No 613 A. F. & A. M., has lost a faithful and active member. He loved the principles of the Order and was always interested in its welfare. The death of Brother Williams is a solemn reminder that this earthly life is at best short and that death is certain. While his memory shall live in the hearts of his loved ones and friends, he is enjoying the glories of a happier life beyond. Brother Williams was born December 25th, 1852 and died August 7th, 1921. He leaves behind him a devoted wife and eleven children to morn his departure. Seven of
these are sons and four daughters. Therefore be it - Resolved,- That in the death of Brother Williams, Lexington Lodge has lost a valuable member. Resolved,- That we bow our heads in humble submission to the will of the Supreme
Grand Master, who doeth all things well. Resolved,- That we tender to the bereaved family our sincere sympathy and pray
heavens consolations. Resolved,- That a copy be published in the Florence Times and also be spread on the
minutes of the Lodge. W. G. Nethery, L. M. Foster, G. H. Smith

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S. M. Williams Dead. At the advanced age of sixty-nine years after an illness extending over a period of
several months, Mr. S. M. Williams passed away last Sunday afternoon at his home near Lexington. The interment took place Monday at the family graveyard, after appropriate services by Revs. Flowler and Blackman under the direction of the Masonic Lodge, of which Mr. Williams had long been a member. Mr. Williams was the father of Mr. A. A. Williams, a prominent member of the Florence bar, and had been the father of fourteen children of which eleven and also his
widow survive him. Mr. Williams had a wide acquaintance throughout the city and county and was highly respected and esteemed.

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MRS. MINNIE WITT (Contributed by Grace Wright Carver of Wayne Co., TN) 

IN MEMORY.  Mrs. Minnie Witt was claimed by death early Friday morning, December 24th at the Eliza Coffee. Memorial Hospital. She leaves to mourn her death, her daughter, her mother, Mrs. Adeline Cagel, several brothers
and sisters, her husband, two little boys, Reeder Raymon, and one little girl, Beatrice and a host of relatives and friends.
She was all that was noble and good. She was a devoted wife and mother to know her was to love her. She had not an enemy. The funeral services were held by Brother Haddock on the 25th and she was laid to rest in the Murphy's Chapel Cemetery. To those left behind, even in their sorrow there is one happy thought. You can go to meet Minnie in a bright and better world where there is no pain or sorrow. [Note: The following obituary was among the collection of Grace Carver's mother. There is no date or clue as to which paper this may have appear in.]

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MRS. MARY J. WRIGHT (Contributed by Tammy Davis, Feb 2005; Source: Florence Times, Florence, Lauderdale, AL, Wednesday, July 13, 1938, p. 6)
Mrs. Wright, 90, Goes to Reward. Cypress Inn, Tennessee, Woman is buried today. Mrs. Mary J. Wright, aged about 90, died this morning, a few minutes after midnight, at the home in Cypress Inn, Tenn., after an illness of four and one-half years. A native and lifelong resident of Tennessee, Mrs. Wright was the widow of the late James Wright, having made her home for the past 40 years at Cypress Inn. Surviving are four sons, W. A. Wright of Cypress Inn; Sharper Wright of Florence; Joe Wright of Winston County, Ala., and Marion Wright of Threet's Cross Roads, and a daughter Mrs. Mary Martin of Cypress Inn. Funeral services were conducted this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Christian church at Cypress Inn, with Elder E. C. Holt of Florence, a minister of the Church of Christ , officiating. Burial followed in Hayes Cemetery near Cypress Inn, Brown Service, Florence, directing.

Funeral Rites Held for Mrs. Wright (Contributed by Tammy Davis, Feb. 2005; Source: Florence Herald, Florence, Lauderdale, AL, Friday, July 15, 1938, p. 8)
Funeral rites for Mrs. Mary J. Wright, aged about 90, who died Wednesday morning at the family residence at Cypress Inn, Tenn., following an extended illness, were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Christian church at Cypress Inn, with Elder C.E. Holt, of Florence, a minister of the Church of Christ, officiating. Burial followed in the Hayes Cemetery, near Cypress Inn, with Brown-Service, Florence, directing. Mrs. Wright was a native and lifelong resident of Tennessee and had made her home at Cypress Inn for the past 40 years. Surviving are four sons, W. A. Wright of Cypress Inn; Sharper Wright, of Florence; Joe Wright, of Winston County, Ala., and Marion Wright of Threet's Cross Roads and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Martin, of Cypress Inn, Tenn. [Note: Researched by Tammy Collier Davis, Tlcd1961@sbcglobal.net]