CHERRI “RAVEN” SPRATLIN
Cherri “Raven” Spratlin was born at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika on July 15, 1994, and passed away comfortably at her home in Dadeville on Nov. 16, 2024. She was 30 years old.
Raven graduated from Dadeville High School with the honor of “Spirit Girl” in 2014. She was a kind, spirited person who loved all who knew her. She was a fan of arts, crafts, sports and the holidays. Her favorite teams were Auburn and Alabama. Raven was an accomplished in-dividual, having spent much of her life enjoying it to the fullest. She was a great friend to eve-ryone in her life. Not only was she an incredible daughter but she was also a wonderful big sister. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and admired her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her many friends and family.
Raven was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda Gail Spratlin. She is survived by her fa-ther, Tommie Anderson Spratlin, and two younger sisters, Ashley Jade Spratlin and Carolyn Kaye Spratlin.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. with a service following at 5 p.m. at Lake Martin Funeral Home & Cremation, located at 16797 U.S. Highway 280, Dadeville, Alabama 36853.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
KENNETH MICHAEL GOREE
Kenneth Michael Goree, 70, was born in Opelika on March 12, 1954, and passed away Nov. 19, 2024, at Bethany house in Auburn.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Miles Goree; parents, William L. Goree Sr. and Jewell Goree; mother and father-in-law, Charles and Mary Nell Miles; sisters-in-law Julie and Delia Goree; nephews, Jimmy Karl Goree Jr. and David Darnell; great-niece, Abbey Darnell; siblings, William L. Goree Jr. (Jill), Danny R. Goree, Jimmy K. Goree (Pam) and Susan Goree Goslin, all of Opelika; nephews, his namesake Christopher Michael Goree of Atlanta, Jeremy (Jennifer) Goslin of Opelika, Bradley Goslin of Pensacola, Florida; nieces, Jill Goree Darnell and Shellie (Jeff) Goree Smith of Opelika and Jeannie Goree (Josh) Peden of Pensacola; great-niece, Grace Darnell (fiancé K.C. Moore), Danielle Goslin; great-nephews, Jackson Darnell, Davis Peden, Grayson Smith, Grant Smith and William Goslin; and cousin, Linda (John) Murchison of Niceville, Florida.
Kenny married the love of his life, Cindy, on July 27,1975, in Cusseta and was married to her until the time of her death in November 1987. One of Kenny’s proudest accomplishments was serving in the United States Marines Corps, which he joined in 1975. He completed basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina, and was later stationed in Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan. An Opelika Daily newspaper clipping published in 1975 states, “Goree received an early promotion to private first class for his superior performance in all phases of training, which emphasized physical conditioning, discipline and teamwork.”
Kenny worked many years in the maintenance department at East Alabama Medical Center and later followed in his father’s footsteps as a truck driver for D&J Enterprises Inc. for 16 years. He was happiest when he was fishing, enjoying time on the lake, camping and restoring old boats.
Perhaps the greatest testament to Kenny’s strength was the way he faced Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite the battles, pain and uncertainty, Kenny never gave up or complained. His fight was a tough one mirroring the man he was.
Visitation will be held in the parlor at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, at 1 p.m., followed by a graveside service with military honors at Garden Hills Cemetery at 2 p.m.
The family would like to thank Lafayette Extended Care for the love and compassion shown to Kenny. Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
ROY CARL WILCOX
Roy Carl Wilcox of Auburn passed away on Nov. 14, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on Feb. 4, 1933, to Thomas Allan and Ida Hall (Green) Wilcox.
He attended Mars Hill College in North Carolina and graduated from Virginia Polytech Institute with B.S. and M.S. degrees. During his time at Virginia Tech, he was a member of the Corp of Cadets. Additionally, he was a member of the National Guard when he resided in Virginia. He received his Ph.D. from University of Missouri at Rolla.
He taught 10 years at Virginia Tech and moved to Auburn in 1969, where he was a materials engineering professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Auburn University for 28 years. He and his wife Joanne remained in Auburn after his retirement. He was a long-time member of and Sunday School teacher at Grace United Methodist Church. He was an avid wood carver focusing on birds and flowers. In later years, his interest turned to wood turning, and he made intricately designed bowls and vases.
Roy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joanne (White) Wilcox; two children, Karen of Atlanta and Warren (Jenny) of Columbus, Georgia; grandchildren, Ace, Rise, Rhiannon and Jude; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. A private burial at Town Creek Cemetery will follow. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Food Bank of East Alabama.
DEBORAH (DEBBIE) KAY GUNN
Deborah (Debbie) Kay Gunn, 72, of Opelika passed away Nov. 9, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Jimmie Hood; brother, Danny Hood; father-in-law, John Gunn; and mother-in-law, Bell Gunn.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Steve Gunn; sons, Shane (Rachel) Gunn and Wayne (Maria) Gunn; seven grandchildren, Charles Johnson, Brian (Britney) Gunn, Austin Gunn, Kacie (Logan) Dixon, Rayden Gunn, Nicholas Gunn and Xander Gunn; great-grandchild, Jackson Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-law and other family members.
A Funeral Service was held Nov. 19 at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
MARGARET “HAZEL” ODOM ELLIOTT
Mrs. Margaret “Hazel” Elliott, 95, of Auburn passed away Nov. 12, 2024. She was born on April 25, 1929, in Walker County to Charlie and Ila Odom.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, John Elliott, and an infant daughter, Margaret Ann. She is survived by her two sons, Joe Elliott (Wanda) of Chelsea and Greg Elliott of Auburn; a brother-in-law, a step granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at Auburn Church of Christ on Nov. 17, and Hazel was laid to rest next to her husband in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
TERESA DIANE JENKINS
Teresa Diane Jenkins of Opelika was born to June Whitlow Jenkins and the late Ellis Clyde Jenkins Sr. on Nov. 19, 1968, and passed away on Nov. 13, 2024. She was 55 years old.
Teresa was a lifelong resident of Lee County and a graduate of Beauregard High School. She will be remembered as a loving and caring person with a heart of gold. She especially loved her pets, with Gizmo being her pride and joy as her last pet companion, and they are now reunited in Heaven.
She is survived by the love of her life, Patrick Pate; her mother, June Jenkins; brother, Ellis Clyde Jenkins Jr. (Teressa); three nephews, Todd, Jonathan and Taylor Jenkins; and aunt, Glenda Eubanks (Tex).
A funeral service was held Nov. 18 at Watoola Methodist Church, with Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Watoola Cemetery Fund.
DR. SUSAN SPRATLING MCDONALD
On Nov. 7, 2024, Dr. Susan Spratling McDonald, devoted wife and loving mother, passed away at the age of 71.
Susan was born on July 18, 1953, in Savannah, Georgia, to John and Peggy (Godfrey) Spratling. The daughter of an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and the oldest of three girls, she spent her early childhood traveling around the United States and the world. The family settled in Albertville, where Susan and her sisters would grow up and spend the remainder of their childhood.
Susan graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a B.S. degree in occupational therapy and a Master of Education degree in Rehabilitation Science. For the next 25 years, she practiced clinical occupational therapy, working with a wide range of ages, disabilities and specialties.
Susan returned to the classroom in 2001 to educate, create and develop the next generation of occupational therapists. Susan spent this era of her career leaving lasting impressions on her students and creating a loving and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. She received her doctorate from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, where she established and served as director for the occupational therapy doctoral program. Her career was her true calling, and even in retirement, Susan continued to serve on the Board of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association.
Susan married Dr. William David McDonald on April 10, 1981, and they enjoyed 43 years of marriage together. Their son, William Paul McDonald was born in 1984, and daughter Elizabeth Ann McDonald joined the family in 1988. The McDonald family called Hampton Cove their home, where they made many lifelong friends.
In her personal life, Susan was a natural leader and problem-solver in everything she touched. Her love for her family ran deep, and she will be remembered as a supportive, engaged, and loving mother and Nana. She set an example to serve your community and love your neighbor with empathy and without judgment. A wonderful cook, Susan often hosted dinner parties, and her one-of-a-kind Christmas cookie trays were a highly anticipated neighborhood tradition. Susan loved to travel and cherished her time on the beach under an umbrella with a book in her hands. Among countless other wonderful qualities, Susan passed on her love of reading to her grandsons.
Susan was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Larry Spratling. In addition to her husband, son and daughter, she is survived by her mother, Peggy Spratling; sisters, Kay Whitten and Margaret Gurley; grandchildren, Whit and Henry Simms; and several nieces and nephews.
A small, private funeral service was held in Auburn, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisting with arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held in Huntsville at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Susan’s family requests donations to the United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville.
ANDY KNOWLES
Andy Knowles was born in Valley on Dec. 20, 1959, and passed away at age 64 at his home in Opelika on Nov. 12, 2024, surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lurline Knowles; parents-in-law, John and Winnie Dawkins; and granddaughter, Lydia Freeman.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Dawkins Knowles; children, Tony Knowles (Meghan) and Christy Freeman (Derek); bonus children, Amanda Tarvin (Scott), Amy Sloop (Steven) and Matt Williford (JoBeth); grandchildren, Madelyn, Cole, Hudson, Kinley, Coralyn, Tabitha, Jackson, Julia, Kylie, Connelly, Hunter, James, Clara and Lottie Anne; siblings, Jerry Knowles (Diane), Wade Knowles (Cindy) and Beth Gentry (Oliver); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Andy was a dedicated father to two, embraced his role as a bonus dad to three, and took joy in being the proud grandfather of 14 wonderful grandchildren. He never missed a celebration or special moment with them.
Fourteen years ago, Andy met the love of his life in a story that remains a bit of a mystery, but their bond was undeniable. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with laughter and cherished memories.
He was a respected business owner and truck driver. Andy was always ready for the long haul, taking pride in the work that kept him on the road. He was also a successful dirt track racer. Andy was not just a father and grandfather; he was a good man, known for his kindness and generosity. He touched the lives of many, earning the respect and love of friends and family. His laughter and warm presence will be greatly missed.
Perhaps the greatest testament to Andy’s strength was the way he faced cancer. Despite the battles, the pain and the uncertainty, Andy never gave up. His fight was a fierce one, driven by his love for his family and his determination to keep going.
A funeral was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Nov. 15 with Rev. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
JANET “JAN” MAY TAYLOR
Jan Taylor, wife, mother and friend to many, peacefully ended her struggle with Alzheimer’s on Nov. 12, 2024.
Born April 30, 1949, to Granville and Ila Haddock May in Central, Alabama, Jan was the oldest of four daughters. A childhood spent in the country instilled in her a strong work ethic as well as an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
The May family moved to Florence in 1960. In the seventh grade, she met Mark Taylor, who would eventually become the love of her life. In 1967, they graduated from Coffee High School, and Mark followed Jan to the University of Alabama where she was very active in the Kappa Delta sorority. Mark later transferred to Auburn University to start his life’s path in construction law. They were betrothed in 1970 and Jan transferred to Auburn where she graduated with a degree in education in 1971.
After a short stint in Gulfport, Mississippi, and a couple of years in Gainesville, Florida, they returned to Auburn where Jan began her teaching career and earned a master’s degree in education. Jan’s teaching career in gifted education spanned 25 years in Alabama, Texas and Colorado. In 2006, Jan and Mark moved back to Auburn for the fourth time, and Jan became busier in retirement than while teaching. She cherished her time with Auburn United Methodist choir friends, her handbell group and reconnecting with her longtime friends. Jan was always involved, whether it be the AU Campus Club, University Club, AUMC Food Bank, book club, bridge group, garden club or monthly cocktail meeting. Even after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Jan remained active with her social activities as best as she could.
Jan and Mark traveled to 48 of the 50 states and over 20 countries internationally. Among the many things she enjoyed throughout her life were animals, all kinds of crafts, music, dancing, the arts, sports, flowers, nature, travel and people. She loved children, education, and learning, which made her a natural to become a remarkable teacher. She made friends easily wherever she lived and had a gift for showing kindness, compassion and acceptance.
In addition to too many friends to name here, Jan leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Mark; son, Josh and his wife Stacy of Opelika; daughter, Molly of Denver, Colorado; sisters, Bonnie O’Steen of Florence, Debbie Heard of Decatur and Amy Hudson of Birmingham; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Jan’s caregivers over the last two years: Mercede Bronson-Thomas, Tonya Bronson and Betty Ballard. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the professional and compassionate care of the staff at Bethany House where Jan spent her final 12 days.
A service was held at AUMC on Nov. 18, with Dr. Cory Smith officiating and Gary Klarenbeek providing musical inspiration. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
BILLY GENE PROVOW
Billy Gene Provow, 90, died peacefully at his daughter’s home in Midlothian, Virginia, on Nov.11, 2024. He was born on May 8,1934, in Paris, Tennessee, to Eugene Harvey and Amelia Lee Provow. We celebrate his homecoming to be with Jesus, and family and friends who have gone before him.
Bill retired in 1982 from the U. S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the Engineer Corps. He served in the Army for 27 years, 11 months and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Bill taught at Auburn University’s ROTC Department from 1964-1966, and that is where he met his beloved wife, Joyce Teel. They were married for 54 years until Joyce died Dec. 1, 2020.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Amelia Provow; sister, Faye Smith; brother, Ray Provow; and brothers-in-law, Ray Burnett and Michael Knott.
He is survived by his sisters, Aster Burnett of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Nancy Knott of Dover, Tennessee; three children, Bonnie Chandler (Bruce) of Opelika, Lee Provow (Sarah) of Ball Ground, Georgia, and Sandi Swaringen (Steve) of Midlothian, Virginia; six grandchildren, Nikaley Chandler, Chad Provow (Rachel), Emily Prine (Joe), Eric Chandler (Leah), Logan Swaringen and Austin Swaringen; eight great-grandchildren, Yardley Provow, Palmer Provow, Parker Prine, James Chandler, McKinley Prine, David Chandler, Emerson Prine and Luke Chandler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Nov. 17 at Frederick Dean Funeral Home. Lee Provow gave the eulogy and Logan Swaringen spoke. Taylor Teel officiated, and Tamara Teel sang. Pallbearers were Eric Chandler, Joe Prine, Chad Provow, Austin Swaringen, Ernest Teel and Les Teel. Interment followed at Memorial Park Cemetery, Auburn.
JOHN R. GLISSON
John R. Glisson, 68, of Opelika peacefully passed away on Nov. 9 at East Alabama Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on Nov. 8, 1956, in South Carolina to Glenn & Jessie Glisson. After John graduated from Auburn High School in 1975, he ran a few local businesses with his father. John then spent over 25 years working with Terminix and S&S Pest Control before retiring to a peaceful country setting within the city. John was a great man with a large amount of integrity. He was a long-term member at the local Elks Lodge and enjoyed playing golf with close friends. John was a man of few words but gave great advice. He loved his family and always found the light in the darkness for all of them.
John was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, John Dikes. John leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his legacy his wife, Sarah E Glisson; sisters, Betty Hardwick, Nancy Creel and Glenda Griggs; two daughters, Stacy Smith and Emily McCorey; stepchildren, Elizabeth Dickinson and Michael Dikes; grandchildren, Daphanie Stewart, Miranda Stewart, Austin Stewart, Tyler Webb, Peyton Webb, Mckenzie Webb, Chad Dikes and Jordan Dikes; and five great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
