RALPH O’NEAL COTTON
Ralph O’Neal Cotton passed away peacefully into his heavenly home on Aug. 8, 2024, at Bethany House after battling pancreatic cancer.
Ralph was born Feb. 1, 1946, to Tela and Clara Ward Cotton.
Ralph is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 49 years, Jane Champion Cotton; his bonus children, Terry (Jan) Crocker Jr. and Andy Crocker; granddaughter, Hannah Crocker (Zack) Hammond; sister-in-law, Doris Cotton; nieces, Kandi Cotton (Tommy) Tatum, Telatha Cotton (Jim) Traywick and Kellie Cotton; aunt, Nelleen Ward; cousins Barbara Gail Ward, Eddie Ward, Dwayne Ward, James Ward and Teresa Ward; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents; his precious sister, Jane Cotton Fuller; brother, Gene Cotton; in-laws, A.B. and Estelle Champion; and nephews, Bubba Cotton and George (Butch) Ioannides.
Ralph attended Pepperell School, Opelika High and received a BA degree from Auburn University in secondary art education. He taught at Ridgecrest Christian School for several years, then became the art teacher at Scott Prep until they merged with Lee Academy. After Scott Prep, he started working at East Alabama Medical Center in the graphics department where he worked for 40 years.
Ralph was also the pastor of Father’s House Christian Fellowship Church for over 25 years. One of the many joys of his life was sharing and teaching the good news about his savior, Jesus Christ.
Ralph was a talented artist and musician. He was a beacon of joy, known for his infectious laugh. His huge sense of humor and ability to bring laugher into any situation was a testimony of his joyous spirit. He had a giving heart and loved being with friends and meeting people. He had a gift for making people feel loved and appreciated.
While we mourn his death, we also celebrate his remarkable life and profound impact on all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, service and faith in Jesus Christ will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Funeral services for Ralph were held Aug. 12 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Internment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
The family acknowledges with sincere appreciation the staff of Bethany House and Spencer Cancer Center and to Dr. Kevin Jackson. They also want to thank their many friends for their comforting messages, love and prayers as Ralph and Jane went through this journey — a journey that Ralph traveled with such grace and dignity.
The family ask that instead of flowers, please contribute a donation to Father House Christian Fellowship (214 Morris Ave, Opelika), St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your favorite charity in Ralph’s name.
GLENN W. LONG
GLENN W. LONG
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Wilson Long, 90 of Auburn, who was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Selma, passed away after a short illness on Aug. 6, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center.
Glenn earned his Eagle Scout Honor as a young man. He graduated from Auburn University and later earned his post-graduate degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Glenn was a 23-year veteran, serving overseas in Germany and Korea and in the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Pentagon in 1979, he moved to Auburn, where he earned an additional undergraduate degree from Auburn University and would later work for AU’s Center for Government Services until his retirement.
Glenn was preceded in death by his son, Raymond W. Long; brother, William R. Long Jr.; and parents, William R. Long Sr. and Myrtis Nee Wilson Long.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 69 years, Anne W. Long; son, Glenn W. Long Jr. (Janine) of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Ina Long of Hoover; four grandchildren, Amanda Long, Robert Long, Samuel Long and Walker Long; and two great grandchildren, Harper and Maverick Long.
A military graveside service will be held at the Montevallo National Cemetery at 11:45 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 16.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers.
BETTY JEAN MAYBERRY SHERWOOD
BETTY JEAN MAYBERRY SHERWOOD
Betty Jean Mayberry Sherwood went to be with her Lord Aug. 11, 2024, at age 88. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by family.
Betty was born June 15, 1936, in Beauregard to George and Erma Mayberry. She was preced-ed in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Kenneth W. Sherwood; her sisters, Barbara Ann Martin and Mavis Stevenson; and her eldest son, Steve Sherwood.
Betty is survived by her children, Sandra (Tommy) Lowery, Kenny (Diana) Sherwood, Randy (Diana) Sherwood, Jennifer (Tim) Hughes, daughter-in-law, Dawn Sherwood; 13 grandchil-dren, Jim (Heather) Lowery, Scott (Tamiko) Lowery, Nick (Madison) Sherwood, Beth (Will) Sosebee, Jeremy Sherwood, Dixie (Bart) Stamper, Dustin Blair, Amy (Earl) Anderson, Nathan Hughes, Alison (Marc) Woodall, Ashley (Jay) Vales, Tyler (Ashley) Sherwood, and Hunter (Kristen) Sherwood; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Margaret Huguley, Ruby Cunningham, Janice Rumsey, Ben (Lelia) Mayberry, Jerry (Marcia) Mayberry; sister-in-law, Rose (Leon) Johnson; and Brother-In-Law, John (Melanie) Sherwood.
Betty grew up and attended school in Beauregard and was a life member of Providence Bap-tist Church.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, storytelling and shopping. She loved fami-ly trips to Panama City Beach and Branson. Her hobbies included collecting and reading cookbooks, working in her flower beds and gardening. She was renowned for her strawberry cake and chicken and dressing. Her heart was her family, and until the last day of her life she was planning “Sunday Dinner.”
A service was held at Providence Baptist Church East Campus on Aug. 14, with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Burial followed at Providence Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family is grateful for the caring staff at Compassus Hospice and Comfort Keepers care-givers, Mary McNatt and Gayle Gomez.
Donations may be made to Providence Baptist Church.
THELMA J. SOSEBEE
THELMA J. SOSEBEE
Thelma J. Sosebee, 94, of Opelika was born on May 24, 1930, in Gainsville, Georgia, and passed away on Aug. 8, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Sosebee; her parents, Claude and Ellen Louise Loggins; and son, Darrel Sosebee.
Thelma is survived by her children, Donna (Randy) Waldrop, David (Tammy) Sosebee and Koyt (Daphne) Sosebee, along with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A service was held Aug. 12 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
JOSHUA “GIA” CHISOLM
Joshua “Gia” Chisolm was born June 20, 1985, and passed away Aug. 4, 2024, at the age of 39.
A funeral service was held Aug. 10 at Jeffcoat -Trant Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.
RILEY KATE WALLER-HOLDER
RILEY KATE WALLER-HOLDER
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our precious baby, Riley Kate Holder, who left this world on Aug. 6, 2024. Born on July 22, 2024, Riley Kate graced our lives with two weeks of love and light. Though her time with us was brief, the impact she had on our hearts is immeasurable.
In those precious days, Riley Kate brought joy and hope to our family, showing us the true meaning of unconditional love. Her tiny hands and feet touched our souls, and her innocent eyes reflected the beauty and purity of life.
Riley Kate is survived by her parents, Blake Holder and Megan Waller, who cherished every moment with their beloved child. She will be forever remembered by her grandparents, Charles and Cheryl Waller, Sharie Holder and Jason and Teri Klepper. Riley Kate will also be remembered by her aunts, Kristin Waller and Lindsie Klepper, and her uncle, Trey Holder, who were blessed to have known her, even for a short time. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Shane Holder.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the love and support of our family and friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Aug. 9.
Please consider donations in Riley Kate’s name to support the Montgomery Baptist South Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at https://baptistfoundation.org/waysto-give.
NANCY THORNTON
NANCY THORNTON
Nancy Thornton passed away in Auburn on Aug. 5, 2024.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Dorris Hogan, and her sister, Diane Hogan. She is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Bill Thornton of Au-burn; children, Julie Wood, Steve Thornton (Patti) and Lee Thornton; grandchildren, Jeremy Wood, Michael Wood and Abby Thornton; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorris “Dee” Hogan (Murray); nephew, David Tillman; niece, Kathy Gullion; and three great-grandchildren.
Nancy graduated from Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1957. She married Bill on Aug. 8, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia. They moved to Auburn in 1963. Nancy earned two graduate degrees from Auburn University. After a long and distinguished career, she retired as editor of publications produced by the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. She was a devoted member of Lakeview Baptist Church, where she served in many volunteer and leadership positions.
Nancy’s family is incredibly grateful for the kind, loving and professional care offered to her by the staff of Magnolia Place since 2016. Her family would cherish any gift made on her behalf that contributes to the research, treatment and ultimate cure of Alzheimer’s disease or any other cause that is close to the heart of her friends.
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