MADELINE WIX
A memorial service for Madeline Aprile Wix, 62, of Opelika was held Aug. 31, 2024, at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.
Madeline was born in Connecticut on Aug. 23, 1962, to Joseph and Rose Aprile. She graduated from Leto High School in Tampa, Florida, and then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, where she married Robert Wix Jr. Madeline became a resident of Alabama in 1985.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Wix III and William Wix; a sister, Roseanna Kelly (Ron) of Tampa; a brother, Mike Aprile; five grandchildren that she loved dearly: Destanii Leona Foxworth Wix, Benjamin Wayne Wix, James Willard Wix, Kayson Wyatt Hinson and Hazeliegh; and seven nieces and nephews.
Madeline will be dearly missed by both her family and friends.
TELLIS D. (TED) HUDSON
Tellis D. (Ted) Hudson, age 90, died Sept. 1, 2024, at his home in Auburn. Tellis was born in Coffee County, one of eight children born to Randall and Etta Hudson. He graduated from Elba High School and enrolled at Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in poultry husbandry. He was employed in scientific jobs and completed his working career at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where he worked for 23 years until his retirement in 1995.
Tellis is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kate Farris; three children, Gregory Tellis (Marie) and Jeffrey Scott, both of Auburn, and Michael Gordon (Casey) of Equality; grandchildren Steven, Crystal, Mary, Emily and Samuel; and great-grandchildren Evelyn, Ezra, Sarah, Collin, Lucian and Tempest.
A memorial service was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on Sept. 4, with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.
NOUCHANH SILAVANH
Nouchanh Silavanh, 85, born Jan. 28, 1939, passed peacefully on Aug. 26, 2024.
She was born in Vientiane, Laos, and moved with her family to Opelika in 1985. Nouchanh was the cherished wife of her beloved husband of 65 years, Khamphath, with whom she shared 11 children and a lifetime of love and companionship. She was a devout Christian for 39 years and a member of Northside Baptist Church.
Nouchanh was a devoted mother to her children, Somsagath (Syamphone), Manilath (Syphanthong), Anonglak (Praseut), Aloune (David), Kongkeo (Monekham), Manivanh (Phouthalom), Manivone, Amphone (Vantha), Bangone (Bounthanh), Saysamone (Noy) and Nipakhone. Her unwavering love and guidance shaped their lives in countless ways.
She was a proud grandmother to Nitda, Anna, Tony, Phillip, Nina, Darla, Brenda, Kevin, Lena, Palina, Andra, Joseph, Alex, Allen, Julie, Catherine, Lexa, Leo, Belle, Cloud, Cristian, Brayleigh and Sky, and a loving great¬-grandmother to Sebastian, Naudia, Malynna, Preston, Madilynn, Kayden, Emerson, Camden, Mace, Ezra, Harper, Olive, Haven, Silas and Callum. Nouchanh’s legacy of love and kindness will live on through each of them.
Nouchanh will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to her family, and the deep love she had for all those around her. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home on Sept. 1. May she rest in eternal peace.
BOBBY JACKSON JOHNSON
Bobby Jackson Johnson passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Bobby was a lifelong businessman who started out selling seeds and cards and delivering groceries on a bicycle as a child. He later served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, during which he attained the rank of corporal and received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for Service in Germany.
After returning from service, he opened his first store, Johnson Electronics. He ran BJ’s Clothing Store and founded Coy’s Pawn Shop on South Railroad Avenue in historic downtown Opelika. He then founded B&G Septic Service with Gene Gilbert to serve the Beulah area. With his experience, he built a community in Magic Rock Mobile Home Park. He was a beloved member of the historic Pepperell, Opelika and Beulah communities. He left his mark on the lives of many.
Bobby was predeceased by his parents John Luther and Katie Bell Johnson; his brothers Tommy Clem and Winford Ray Johnson; his sister Ellen Hixon; his son Kenneth Johnson; and his grandson Thomas Horne.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years Dr. N. Melinda Johnson; four daughters Sandra Horne, Dianne “DeeDee” Brenneman (B. Ryan), Rachel Allgood (Christopher), and Joyce “Jackie” Johnson; his sister Glenda Adcock; 12 grandchildren Jamey Pratt, Felicia and Bradley Horne, Belle and Blythe Brenneman, Jackson and Quinlan Allgood, Kayla Haga (Andrew), Blake Fitzgerald, and Adam Johnson; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, along with amazing friends who were like family, including Gilbert Ransom.
A funeral service was held at Frederick Dean Funeral home Sunday, Sept. 1. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
WILLIAM H. “BILL” SMITH
William Henry “Bill” Smith, 84, passed away on Aug. 25, 2024, in Auburn.
Born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Hopewell, Virginia, Bill was a beloved husband and revered father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Bill dedicated a decade of his life to the US Air Force, serving as a pilot from 1959 to 1969. Following his military career, Bill pursued his academic passions, achieving a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University.
Professionally, Bill was a respected member of academia; he was a professor emeritus at Troy University. His contributions to the field of economics were significant and left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
Beyond his professional life, Bill was an avid photographer and woodworker, skills that he honed with great patience and precision. He also enjoyed puzzles, which reflected his love for problem-solving and intellectual challenges.
Bill’s quiet and reserved demeanor was a hallmark of his personality. He cherished his family deeply, a love that extended to his dog, Dottie, who was a constant and loyal companion. He is survived by his wife, Anna Matkin Smith; brother, Walter; sons, Glen and Jeff; daughters-in-law, Suzi and Kristi; grandchildren, Drew and Katy; and great-grandchildren, Corley, Alden, and newborn Nora.
His life will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew him.
EVELYN JOHNSON SENN
Evelyn Johnson Senn, 84, passed away at Bethany House on Aug. 28, 2024. She was born on Feb. 21, 1940, in Opelika to the late B.H. Johnson and Lillian (Bob) Cunningham.
Evelyn graduated from Opelika High School in 1958. She was a beautiful and talented majorette for OHS. She worked for many years for the Opelika School System as an aide in different schools. The most recent was Northside Intermediate School in the computer lab.
Evelyn was a member of Providence Baptist Church, where she taught different Sunday School classes for many years. She loved her church and her church family very much. Her friends loved her and checked on her every day. She worked and managed the church library for many years. Although we are thankful she has been reunited with so many that she loved, she will be missed by so many here, too.
She loved her pets and was a big fan of Florida State Football and the New York Yankees. These things will remind us of her and will cause a smile in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Cary Lamar Senn Jr. of Auburn, and brother, B.H. (Bubber) Johnson Jr.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Melanie) Senn , Tim (Tammy) Senn and Jeff (Rachel) Senn; grandchildren, Maggie (Thomas) Ingram, Kenslei (Drake) Sasser, Abbey (Will) Abner, Casey Senn, Heath (Taylor) Senn, Cullen (Morgan Emerson-Fiance) Senn, Jeffrey Senn, Kate Senn, Aliyah Broach and Alexa (Trent Clark-Fiance) Broach; great-grandchildren, Claire Ingram, Cade Ingram, Gentry Senn, Deuce Sasser, Lettie Anne Sasser and Molly Senn; sister-in-law, Lei Johnson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hank and Jane Elliott; niece, Laura Lee (Zack) Bumpus; nephew, Scott (Donna) Elliott; great-niece, Christina (Michael) Riva and great-nephew, John (Mollie, fiance) Bumpus.
A service was held Aug. 30 at Providence Baptist Church East Campus with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
If you would like to make a donation to the Lee County Humane Society in her honor, that would be appreciated.
MARTHA CHRISTINE HOYT SANCHEZ
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mom, Martha Christine Hoyt Sanchez, 77, of Opelika, who left us peacefully on Aug. 29, 2024, at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta. She was surrounded by her loving family after a short but courageous battle with an aortal tear.
Christine was born to William and Martha Hoyt in South Bend, Indiana, on March 3, 1947. She graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1964 and worked as a secretary and mother her entire life.
Christine was married for 34 years to her soulmate, John Sanchez, who preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 2014.
Mom was absolutely the heart of our home and family. She raised the three of us: Emi (36), John (42) and Don (51), and you could always count on her to brag about one or more of us, or maybe all of us at the same time. She was the quintessential caregiver, always taking care of those around her. We are all blessed to have been raised in a loving home and become the adults we are today in her likeness. As a grandmother to Kanan (2) and Hugh (7), she was the “fun gamma,” always playing and spoiling them rotten.
Obviously, her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound. It is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.
Goodspeed Mom! We will see you in heaven and once again rejoice together.
A funeral service was held Sept. 4 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
JAMES A. “JAY” BARNES JR.
James A. “Jay” Barnes Jr., 74, of Opelika passed away on Aug. 25, 2024.
Born Nov. 30, 1949, in Opelika, Jay was a beloved figure in his community, known for his loving nature and jovial spirit. Jay’s life and legacy will be celebrated by all those he touched with his generosity and warmth. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on through the memories cherished by his loved ones.
Jay proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Vietnam Veteran, a period during which he demonstrated immense courage and dedication to his country. Following his military service, Jay enjoyed his career at Auburn University, where he was well-respected by his colleagues and students alike.
A man of many interests, Jay relished the simple pleasures of life. He loved Alabama Crimson Tide football. He was an avid fisherman, often found on Lake Martin or Lee County Lake. Music filled his home and heart, often with a cold beer in hand surrounded by people he loved, sharing stories and laughter. He cherished the times spent at Orange Beach with his family, looking for seashells or simply enjoying the views. Jay was particularly fond of the holiday season, a time he spent baking with his wife and grandson and shopping for the perfect gifts for his family and friends.
Jay was a loving husband to Barbara, a devoted father to his daughter, Beth Sargent (Chris), and a doting Pawpaw to his grandson, Joel Davidson. He is also survived by his siblings, Steven Barnes (Pam) and Tammy Blue.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Clinnie Mae Arwood, and his grandfather, George “Paw” Arwood Sr.
A visitation was held Aug. 30 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
STEVEN CHARLES MOSIER
Steven Charles Mosier slipped into the arms of his Savior on Aug. 27, 2024, at Bethany House in Auburn.
Mr. Mosier was a communication tech for AT&T for almost 35 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Raker Mosier; children, Mark Steven Mosier (Debbie) of Covington, Georgia, John Cameron Mosier (Hannah) of Syracuse, Utah, and Melodie Joy Wood (Chris) of Opelika; and grandchildren, Leah Mosier, Estler Mosier, Cameron Mosier, Kenna Wood and Jacob Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles VanBuren Mosier and Evelyn Schlegel Mosier.
A funeral service was held Aug. 30, with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
