SARA “SALLY” BROOKS OZAN
Sara “Sally” Ann Brooks Kitt Watson Ozan passed away Dec. 11, 2024, at her residence in Opelika. She was 85 years old.
She was born in Opelika on Sept. 19, 1939, to the late Elizabeth Floyd Brooks Ganer and Cecil D. Brooks.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Betsy Brooks Winn, brother, Cecil D. Brooks Jr. and stepson, Michael Ozan.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerome W. Ozan; sons, R. John Watson (Jill) of Houston, Texas, and Parris J. Kitt (Aimie) of Tyler, Texas; daughters, Rebecca Watson Hilyer (Brent) and Holly Watson Surrency (Stephen), both of Opelika; stepdaughter-in-law, Diane Ozan of Houston; stepson, Steven Ozan of San Antonio, Texas; stepdaughter, Lisa Ozan Hester of Muscatine, Iowa; honorary daughter, April Persall (Jeremy) of Huntsville; 21 grand-children and three great-grandchildren; half-brother, Dennis J. Brooks (Deborah) of Huntsville; half-sister, Janice Brooks Joly of Bordeaux, France; and many loving friends and family members.
She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Opelika where she was a member of the morning United Methodist Woman Group and president of the UMW Montgomery Opelika District of the Alabama- Florida Conference. She was a past member of the Lee County Pilot Club and Opelika Civitan Club. She was a Commercial Property Manager for 20 years in Texas and retired as a Commercial Customer Service Representative with J. Smith Lanier & Company in Opelika. She also worked for 4 years as a bookkeeper for the East Alabama Youth for Christ.
Sally was vibrant, loving, and “the life of the party.” She will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
ROSE “ROSIE” GARZA STEVENS
Rose “Rosie” Garza Stevens, 89, of Auburn passed away on Dec. 11, 2024.
Rose was born in Harlingen, Texas, on Sept. 4,1935, to the late Canuto and Julia Garza. She attended Mexico City College where she met her husband, the late William “Bill” Stevens. After marrying, they relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Bill worked for Gillette Safety Razor Company and they welcomed four of their five children. In 1961, they moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to work at corporate office. The Stevens family moved to Opelika in 1973 and to Auburn in 1998. Rose was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed entertaining, gardening, sewing and golfing. She was very active in her church and was recently honored by her diocese for her volunteer service.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mrs. Stevens was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Stevens Taylor; brother, John Garza; and sisters, Josephine Garza Cantu (Emilio) and Juanita Garza.
Survivors include her brother, Jamie Garza (Gloria) of Houston, Texas; children, Deborah Stevens Descheemaeker (Henrie) of Belleair Bluffs, Florida, William Daniel Stevens (Karen) of Birmingham, Jacqueline Stevens Shelton (Jake) of Auburn and Charles Bradford Stevens (Lori) of Birmingham; nine grandchildren, Jesse Taylor and Margaret Leonard (Sean), Will Stevens (Angela), Riley Stevens (Becca) and Nolan Stevens (Tatum), Rosemary Shelton and Knox Shelton, Emily Long (Zach) and Davis Stevens (Haley); and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Dec. 21 at St Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 1100 N. College St., Auburn, at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral mass starting at 10 a.m. A private family burial will follow at Town Creek Cemetery. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose Stevens’ name may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or any charity of your choice.
ELIZABETH “BETH” LOLLEY CARROLL
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Lolley Carroll, lovingly known as Beth. Born on April 7, 1993, in Enterprise, Beth passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love on Dec. 11, 2024, after a courageous six and half year battle with brain cancer. She was 31 years old.
Beth was the beloved wife of Alan Ray Carroll and the devoted mother of Colton Michael Carroll, both of whom she adored with all her heart. She and Alan made their home in Calera, where they were active members of First Baptist Church of Pelham.
Beth is survived by her parents, Michael Lolley (Edna) and Kathryn Butler (Robert); her older sister, Michelle Lolley Green (Brian); her stepsisters, Hannah Grace Dykes and Martha Elizabeth Jones (Caleb); her cherished niece and nephews, Karsyn, Lennon, Brance, Luke and Jackson; and her two beloved dogs, Houston and Waco. She is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins who were an integral part of her life. She was a loving daughter-in-law to Paige and Jeff Carroll, and a sister-in-law to Mallory Brown (Russell). Beth also leaves behind her paternal grandmother, Mavis Bynum Lolley, and her grandmother-in-law, Jo Huddleston.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Rex Rolan Barnes, her maternal grandmother, Nellie Ruth Medley and her paternal grandfather, Robert Earl Lolley. She was also preceded by her grandparents-in-law, Ray Huddleston, Kerry Carroll Sr. and Barbara Carroll.
Beth’s life was defined by her love for Christ, her family, her friends and her deep commitment to serving others. She had a heart for people and was always eager to lend a hand, whether through her work as a physical therapy assistant, volunteering or simply by showing up for those she loved.
Beth lived life fully, loved to dance and spread joy and had an infectious spirit that drew people to her. She was a proud Auburn University alumna whose love for her alma mater and passion for Auburn football were central to her spirit — a spirit that was not afraid.
In June 2018, Beth was given 12 to 18 months to live after being diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma, but God had bigger plans for her. With remarkable strength and grace, Beth defied the odds and lived an incredible six and a hlaf more years, filling each moment with love, faith and courage.
A graveside funeral was held Dec. 15 at Auburn Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in 2025. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Blazer Bolt Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization which directly benefits the University of Alabama Birmingham Division of Neuro Oncology and Children’s of Alabama Neuro Oncology for research of adult and pediatric brain cancer, as well as patient support.
BOBBY RAY (B.R.) REID
Bobby Ray Reid passed away Dec. 11, 2024, at the age of 74. He was born Dec. 14, 1949, in Birmingham.
He graduated from Gardendale High School in 1968 and attended Auburn University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. B.R. was an avid supporter of Auburn Tiger Softball and loved the girls as his own. He was a supporter and contributor to both The Alabama Sheriff’s Girls Ranch as one of the Auburn Santas and the Food Bank of East Alabama. Giving was something he took pride in and looked forward to.
If you knew B.R., you had an instant friend, and a real one at that. He was always the life of any event, and his sense of humor was unrivaled. He would give his last dollar to help someone in need.
Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Robert Reid, his mother, Mary Jean Reid Nations and his daughter, Holly Reid Carlisle. B.R. took great pride in raising his granddaughter, Shelby Carlisle, after Holly’s death.
He is survived by “his other half,” for more than 20 years, Tammy Shannon, and is lovingly remembered by his brother, Rodney Reid (Alice); daughters, Heather Mays (Jamie) of McCalla and Ashley Burt (Peyton) of Auburn; granddaughters, Kyndal and Kate Mays of Tuscaloosa; grandson, Will Burt; nieces Shannon Crull (Luther) and Jan Busby; nephew Bret Reid; great-niece Mary Alice Crull; and great-nephews Charlie Crull, Emory Reid Compton and William Busby.
A funeral service was held Dec. 15 at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, with interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jamie Mays, Bret Reid, Peyton Burt, Earl Jackson, George Hall and Carnell Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers were Travis Harris, Tucker Brown, Eric Riddle and William Rouse.
Donations can be made to The Alabama Sheriff’s Girls Ranch or the Food Bank of East Alabama in B.R.’s memory.
FRANKLIN D. “FRANK” MEZICK
Franklin D. “Frank” Mezick, 91, of Opelika passed away Dec. 10, 2024. He was born July 12, 1933, to Monroe and Anis Roscoe Mezick.
Mr. Mezick was a proud Air Force Veteran. He attended Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church and loved telling people about Jesus. He worked at Opelika Manufacturing for many years as a loom fixer. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his children, Perry Mezick and Mike Mezick. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Diane Mezick; children, Marty Mezick, Robbie (Eric) Jackson, Amy (Bunky) Mercado and Chris (Danni) Mezick; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and best friend, Mike Smith.
A funeral service was held Dec. 13 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery.
CORBIN HAMBY JR.
Mr. Corbin Hamby Jr., 49, a loving son, brother and uncle, tragically passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. Corbin was born to Corbin Hamby Sr. and the late Eddie Loretta Hamby on Feb. 5, 1975, in Lee County.
Corbin, a resident of Salem, was preceded in death by his mother. In addition to his father, he is survived by his sister, Jennifer (John) Doolittle; his brother, Chris Hamby; two nephews, Damarious and Jallen Hamby; and one niece, Kaylan Hamby.
A graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika on Dec. 13. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
NANNIE “NAN” GILLEY SAM
Nannie “Nan” Gilley Samuels, 88, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Dec. 13, 2024. She was born in Eden, North Carolina on Dec. 9, 1936. Nan was a devoted Christian who cherished her Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Nan was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Carson Samuels, parents, Dock and Frances Gilley, and sister, Irene Soyars.
She is survived by a brother, Dock Gilley Jr. (Cheri); children, Dawn Gray (William), and Matthew Samuels (Braley); grandchildren, Lauren Chastain (Shaun), Kensley Lomax (Brian), Mallory Seagraves (Corey), Anna Carson Money (Taylor) and Davis Samuels; great-grandchildren, Bella Grayce, Brody and Barrett Chastain, Grayson and Cooper Seagraves and Eliza Jane Money.
A graveside service was held Dec. 16, at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JAMES (JIM) FOIL
James (Jim) Foil died peacefully at home in Auburn, Alabama on December 16, 2024. He was 89 years old. Jim was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, and graduated from Boyden High School and Davidson College. After school, Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan Carol Thomas. They settled in Salisbury where he worked in the family automobile business for eighteen years. During that time, he was actively involved in church and community affairs, serving in various clubs, boards, and committees.
In 1974, Jim felt called into the ministry and entered Columbia Theological Seminary. He often referred to his time at Columbia as a time of growth, discovery and a renewed sense of purpose. After graduating, he and his family moved to Belton, South Carolina where he served as the minister of Belton Presbyterian Church, USA. In 1996, Jim and Joan returned to Salisbury where he served as the Pastoral Care Minister of the First Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed their first nine years of retirement living on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. In 2009, Joan and Jim moved to Auburn to be closer to family. He quickly became involved in the community and was an active member of Auburn First Presbyterian Church.
Jim was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, deep faith and wise counsel. He loved to fish, cheer on the Clemson Tigers, and always found a way to start a men’s breakfast group whenever he moved to town. He was especially proud of his family.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Lucille Foil; and his sister, Jeri Foil Barkley. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan Thomas Foil; his children, David Foil (Gina), Julie Price (Clay) and Craig Foil (Melissa); six grandchildren, Kate Mouchet (Chase), Brian Price (Ellen), Mark Price (Leah), Mary Ann Cottle (Ryan), Elizabeth Thompson (JC) and Will Foil; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at Auburn First Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to Auburn First Presbyterian Church. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the loving caregivers, Gentiva Hospice and the many friends that so richly blessed Papa Jim’s life.
He always wanted “to leave the campsite better than he found it.”
To God be the Glory!
