ROBERT MITCHELL “MITCH” ALTON III
Robert Mitchell “Mitch” Alton III, 73, passed away on Jan. 6 with his beloved wife, Dixie, by his side. He leaves countless friends and 60 years of live and recorded music in his wake. Mitch has long been regarded as a fixture of one of Alabama’s best-loved groups, The GateBand, which he founded with fellow musicians and friends while a student at the University of Alabama. He started collaborating with musical friends in bands as far back as Cloverdale Junior High School. Mitch graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, the University of Alabama and Jones School of Law. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity and the Red Elephant Club. He cherished his connections to his alma mater throughout his life. He also served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. Mitch spent much of his professional career as an attorney for the Alabama Department of Transportation. After retiring he and Dixie (Mary Dixon Torbert) made their home in Auburn while Mitch continued to sing lead and harmony vocals for The GateBand. Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, Jacquelyn Garner Alton and Robert Mitchell Alton Jr., and his much-loved little brother, William Andrew Alton.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Jean Garner Alton, and his brother, John Garner Alton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Alabama Community Foundation, P.O. Box 775, Opelika, AL 36801, or a charity of your choice. Mitch’s memory will live on through the music he loved and the people he touched. May those who knew him find comfort in celebrating the life he so richly embraced. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
FUAD AHMED UTHMAN
Dr. Fuad Ahmed Uthman, 88, passed away Jan. 5, 2024. Dr. Uthman came from a prominent and widely respected Kurdish family. In the early 1920s, after the establishment of Iraq’s first government, his father, a visionary figure, became the first governor of Erbil and maintained close ties with the royal family. Dr. Uthman was a luminous and highly talented figure, brimming with energy. He was an exceptional artist, particularly skilled in painting, and had a deep passion for art. He was also a gifted pianist with a profound sense of musicality and once served as a professor at the American University in Beirut.
After studying in the United States, he returned to Iraq to contribute to his homeland. In 1969, he moved back to the United States to further his education at Harvard University’s prestigious School of Design. Afterward, he decided to settle in the U.S. permanently, becoming a professor of architecture at Auburn University. He was a brilliant intellectual who excelled in literature, art, history and writing. Dr. Uthman is survived by his daughter, Susan Hummel. He was predeceased by his son Brian, and Sara Hollingsworth, the mother of his children. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
NICHOLE WILKINSON
With great sadness, we announce that God has called our angel Nichole Wilkinson to Him. Nichole was born on Oct. 5, 2009, and passed away on Dec. 28, 2024. Nichole was beloved as a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She brought joY and light into the world with her smile and kind heart. Nichole excelled at everything she attempted, from horseback to ballet, gymnastics to marksmanship, chemistry to algebra. She loved spending time with her dog, butterflies, art, movie-making and music.
Nichole is survived by her father, David (Meredith) Wilkinson, sisters Ciera (Robert) Price, and Samantha (Bennett) Wilson, her brother Andrew (Victoria) Wilkinson, her grandparents Larry and Nancy Lindsay, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kristin Wilkinson. A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 8, with a service at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Auburn. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
WINNIE FLORINE LEATH
Winnie Florine Leath, age 93, passed away Monday, December 30th at Bethany House in Auburn. Florine was a native of Centre, Alabama, graduating from Cherokee County High School in 1949. She was also a graduate of Holy Name of Jesus Nursing School in Gadsden in 1952 and was a beloved nurse in Centre, Alabama for 40 plus years. She and her husband, Robert (Blo) Leath moved to Auburn in 1993 where they were members of Auburn United Methodist Church and the Joel McDavid Sunday School Class. They were avid supporters of Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for over 60 years. Florine’s favorite sports to attend were Auburn Baseball and Auburn Football.
She is survived by her son Jimmy Leath of Auburn and her brother, Glenn Estes of Arlington, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward Estes and Winnie Davis Estes, her husband Robert Leath, brothers Melvin Estes and Beamon Estes. Honoring her request, there will be no memorial service. The family asks that donations be made in her memory to: Auburn United Methodist Church – Reach Ministry – P.O. Box 3135 Auburn, AL 36831 or Hospice Angels – 1171 Gatewood Dr. Bldg. 100 Auburn, AL 36830
CATHERINE P. BOWEN
Mrs. Catherine P. Bowen, 85, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center after a short illness, with her family by her bedside. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Lorine Davis of Opelika; husband, Robert E. Bowen of Valley; son, Richard (Rick) Bowen of Valley. She is survived by sister, Jeanie Arrington and husband Wendell of LaGrang; granddaughters, Karina (Shawn)McDavit, Rebekah (Hunter) Potts; grandson, Larry Senn; niece and caregiver, Jeanette Gresham and husband Chris of Opelika, Cindy (Josh) Draper of Valley, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. A funeral service was held Jan. 3 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Rev. Cecil Rodgers officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
JOHN ROBERT “SKIPPER” BROCK
Skipper was born Oct. 3, 1942. His father was in the Navy and wrote home To My Little Skipper. He graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School where he was the first of 3 brothers to quarterback the football team. He was also president of the Student Council and president of the Honor Society. He went to Auburn in 1961 where he began co-opting. He worked in the lumber business practically all his life. After graduation he continued working in the lumber business. He helped to establish P. J. lumber into a multimillion dollar export business. He met Linda Richey in the 10th grade and the never separated. They married and went to the Orange Bowl on their honeymoon. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Rose Bowl. They were married 61 years. Skipper has one daughter, Malise (Mike Langlitz); two granddaughters, Mary Michael (Jake Istre), Kathryn (James Trapnell); three great-grandchildren, Kason, Kaylor and Kohen Istre.
Skipper was an avid Auburn Fan belonging to the Talon Society, Alumni Board of Directors as well as serving on many athletic committees. He enjoyed Fairhope Mardi Gras and had many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jane and John Brock; 4 brothers, Tom, Charles, Jeb and Berry Brock. In lieu of flowers the family request contributing to the Alzheimer Association or the National Autism Association. A graveside service was held Jan. 4 at Town Creek Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the vamily with arrangements.
LAGWENN “GWEN” LAZENBY
Lagwenn “Gwen” Lazenby, 75, passed away on December 31, 2024, at her residence in Auburn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar and Beatrice Shiver; sister, Jan Hadley; and brothers Larry (Paula), Mike (Patricia) and Kenneth Shiver. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Lazenby; son, David Lazenby; daughter-in-law Elisha Lazenby; sister Sandra Riley; sister-in-law, Karen Bomberger; special nephew R.J. Phillips; her dog Bandit; and a bevy of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Gwen, a 1967 graduate of Opp High School, was born on Oct. 19, 1949, in Andalusia, Alabama. Following a 15-year career as a banker in the Opelika-Auburn area, she retired from Auburn University where she served as the secretary to the director of the Biological Research Facility. Gwen enjoyed playing Scrabble, reading, dining out, and spending time with her family. A memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Gwen’s family requests donations be made to well-wishers’ favorite charitable organizations. Frederick-Dean Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.
MADISON ROSE DALY
Madison Rose Daly, 18, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 along with her sister, Kayden Lynch. They were joined at the hip. Not only were they sisters, they were also best friends that did everything together. Madison leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Grace Daly-Bausley; mother, Kelly J Daly; father, Timothy Lynch; siblings, Tyler Daly of New Hampshire, his wife Helen and their daughter Cori (niece), Zachary Daly of Massachusetts, Carly Lynch-VanBrocklyn, Tyler Lynch, his wife Amanda and their daughters, Harper and Sophia, AnneMarie and Bethany Lynch; Grandmother, Margo Kilduff; and many other loving friends and family members. Arrangements will be private. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
KAYDEN JEAN LYNCH
Kayden Jean Lynch, 19, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 along with her sister Madison Rose Daly. They were joined at the hip. Not only were they sisters, they were also best friends that did everything together. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kellie Jean Wilbur Lynch. Kayden is survived by her father, Timothy Lynch; step-mother, Kelly J Daly; siblings, Carly Lynch-VanBrocklyn, Tyler Lynch, his wife Amanda and their daughters Harper and Sophia, AnneMarie and Bethany Lynch, Tyler Daly of New Hampshire, his wife Helen and their daughter Cori (niece), Zachary Daly of Palmer, MA, and Logan Kendrick of Jacksonville, FL; Grandfather, Robert Wilbur, Sr; Grandmother, Margo Kilduff; niece, Nevaeh Grace Daly-Bausley; and many other loving friends and family members. Arrangements will be private. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
THOMAS S. “STEVE” CLEMMONS
Thomas S. “Steve” Clemmons passed away peacefully at home with family on Dec. 30 after battling ALS and cancer for over a year. He will be missed greatly, but we celebrate the life he lived and rejoice in the healing he now has in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Steve was born on Dec. 31, 1960, in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary Clemmons, and father- and mother-in-law, Floyd and Gerry Pugh. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rhee Clemmons; children, Eric (Lana) Clemmons and Erin Clemmons; grandsons, Zeke and Luke Clemmons; sister, Pam (Mark) Brooks; brother-in-law, Randy (Roxanne) Pugh; nephew, Ryan (Amanda, Zeb, Annie Pearl) Pugh; nieces, Amy and Ashlee Pugh; and many loving family and friends from Oak Hill Church in Opelika, where he was a member for almost four decades.
Just as Paul wrote in Ephesians 5 and 6, Steve was an example of a husband and father who was above reproach in how God calls a man to treat his wife and family. He had a playful personality and was a natural-born leader. He worked hard and was a gifted craftsman. He would often joke that he was a “Jack of all trades and master of none,” but most who knew, served or worked with him know that he was closer to a “master” of most trades than a “jack.” From his career as a general contractor to his talents with woodworking, electrical work, plumbing, welding/soldering, leather working, lay speaking, or being a shade tree mechanic, there was not much he could not do. His personality and sense of humor, his leadership and work ethic always drew people to want to be on his team. It was a blessing from the Lord to have him in our lives to love us, correct us, teach us and laugh with us.
Celebration of Life services were held Jan. 3 at Oak Hill Church, with Pastors Craig Lee and Dr. Mike Pearson officiating. Burial followed in Garden Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directing. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Oak Hill Church.
EARL P. JOHNSON
Earl Palvis Johnson, 81, passed away Dec. 20, 2024, at his residence in Smiths Station. He was born in Foley, Alabama, on Sept. 19, 1943, to the late Lewis and Thelma Smith Johnson. He was a truck driver all his life and loved racing and baseball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Harold Johnson and Faye Barlow. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irene Johnson; children, Theresa (David) Barnhart, Tim Johnson and Natasha (Stephen) Watkins; grandchildren, Pamela (Job) Barrow, Stephanie (Derrick) Burzynski, Ty Watkins and Addison Watkins; great-grandchildren, Brittany (Zach) Littreal, Adeline Barrow and Liam Barzynski; and siblings, Jean White, Polly Whitman, Clyde Johnson and Gayle Patterson. No services are scheduled at this time. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family with arrangements.
JESSIE FORD HODGES LOWERY
Jessie Ford Hodges Lowery was a loving mother, grandmother and cousin. Jessie was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church and loved her church family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margie Doler; father, Jesse Ford; grandparents, Richard and Daisy Lee Messer and Palmer and Viola Ford; brothers, Chris Ford, Keith Spears, DeWayne Doler and Frank Doler (Janice); and sister, Merita Baker. Survivors include her children, April Dennis (Clayton), Bradford and Aubrie, Ashley Hodges (Brandon Tally) her children Nevaeh, Maddie and JP; brother, Kenny Ford (Donna), sister-in-law, Janice Doler; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation was held Jan. 4 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
