EVANGELINE “EVIE” SPRAGUE POUNCEY
Evangeline “Evie” Sprague Pouncey died at East Alabama Medical Center on Feb. 17, 2025 at the age of 99. She was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Nov. 20, 1925, and as a naval officer’s daughter lived all over the country.
Evie attended Dominican College in California and Hood College in Maryland, graduating in 1947. She married Lt. Samuel S. Coursen in 1949. Following his death in the Korean War, Evie married Dr. Wyatt B. Pouncey. After his death in 1970, she moved to Auburn, where she lived the remainder of her life. She taught the preschool classes at Auburn United Methodist Church for many years, was a Girl Scout leader and in her later years was both a participant and teacher with the Osher Lifelong Learning Center.
Evie was a faithful congregant of all churches she attended through the years, ending at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn. She loved arts and crafts, especially painting and knitting. She knitted countless Christmas stockings which are treasured by her many family members and friends.
Evie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ebba Sprague; stepmother, Marie Sprague; sister, June Sprague; brother, Albert “Tip” Sprague; brother-in-law, Faustin Neff Weber; and son-in-law, John Dennis.
She is survived by her son Samuel S. Coursen Jr. (Denise); daughters, Barbara Steele and Elizabeth Pouncey; grandchildren, Peyton Arnaud (Sebastien), Seth Steele, John Coursen (Perrine), Matthew Coursen (Meredith), Laura Coursen (Alex Cyphus) and Jeffrey Coursen (Bailey); sisters, Kathy Weber and Caroline Myers (Jay); and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Flora Gibson for her many years of service and friendship and the caregivers from Synergy Home Care who took such good care of Evie in her last months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Market of the Food Bank of East Alabama or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
A funeral service will be held March 8, at Holy Trinity Church in Auburn, with interment scheduled for this fall at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
LYNN JORDAN MOSELEY
Lynn Jordan Moseley, 76, of Opelika passed away Feb. 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Lynn was born July 7, 1948, in Selma, the daughter of the Rev. Furman Ezekial (Zeke) Jordan Sr. and Marguerite Traylor Jordan.
She graduated from Bessemer High School and attended Samford University. She married Jack Bernard Moseley on June 29, 1968, in Bessemer.
Lynn was heavily involved with the Emmaus Community and enjoyed all the many walks she was involved in.
Remaining to cherish Lynn’s memory are her husband Jack; children, Jordan (Martee) Moseley and Melanie Moseley; grandchildren, Stewart and Caroline Moseley; brother, Furman Ezekial (Zeke) Jordan Jr. (Terry); nephew, Furman Ezekial Jordan III; nieces, Marla Sellers, Melis Jamison and Mary Charles Dunn; and brother-in-law, Malcolm Moseley.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Hulda Moseley.
Visitation was held March 3 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lynn’s memory may be directed to Emmaus CAEC PO BOX 241571, Montgomery, AL 36124 or a charity of your choice.
VIVIAN MAXINE WELDON
Vivian Maxine Weldon passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Auburn on Feb. 24, 2025. Born on July 20, 1938, in South Dakota, Vivian was a beloved mother, sibling, grandparent and friend to many.
Vivian is survived by her two daughters, Deborah (Robert) Word and Patricia (Bobby) Preston; siblings, Mary Lou Palmer Kaiser Stallard, Frederick Thomas (Alyce) Bard, Verna (Randall) Hanson, David Erickson, Donnie (Archie) Hallan and Carol (Wayne) Geyer; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, whom she adored tremendously. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, John and Irene Kaiser; spouse, Ralph Weldon Sr.; son, Ralph Weldon Jr.; daughter, Laura Jean “Jeanie” Rodgers; and siblings, Donald Palmer, Glen Palmer, Norma Hines, Beverly Seaworth, Lavern Brandt, Carol Bard, Linda Smith and Dickie Erickson.
A memorial service to honor Vivian’s life was held March 1 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.
Vivian’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
REBECCA “BECKY” POWELL
Mrs. Rebecca Powell, 83, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Opelika on Feb. 26, 2025. Rebecca was a long-time resident of Opelika, serving her community as the house supervisor at EAMC for many years and from which she retired after 35 years of dedicated service. Rebecca, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and trusted nurse was born to parents Viola Newman and Edwin Hancock on Dec. 13, 1941, in Tallapoosa County.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. F.M. Powell; mother, Viola Thornton; and father, Edwin Hancock.
She is survived by her sons, James A. Elkins Jr. (Nan) and Matthew Elkins, and her grandchildren, Holly Elkins and Natalie Elkins.
A celebration of life was held Feb. 28, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Rebecca was laid to rest in Garden Hill Cemetery during a private ceremony.
JOSEPH WILLIAMSON JR.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Williamson Jr. on Feb. 18, 2025. Born on Aug. 14, 1957, Joseph was a beloved father, brother, uncle, partner and friend.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Benjamin Williamson and his girlfriend Kristen Shaw; his sisters, Leigh W. Warren (the Rev. Dr. Wells Warren) of Auburn, and L. Adair Taylor of Longmont, Colorado; his nieces, Jennifer M. Warren (Matthew), and Margaret W. Franks; his nephew, Henry Taylor; his great nephews, John Wells Warren and James Warren; his great-niece, Stella Warren; and his loving girlfriend Shannon Eldredge.
From a young age, Joseph developed a deep love for Auburn University Football. The Williamson family frequently traveled to Auburn for football games, creating cherished memories that fostered his lifelong passion for the sport. As an avid fan, Joseph’s dedication led him to travel across the country to attend Bowl Games, celebrating the team’s victories and sharing the excitement with fellow fans. Joseph will also be dearly missed by his loyal canine companions, Ham, Brinkley and Fudge. Joseph’s friend Greg Dickey graciously kept all the dogs together by adopting them.
A memorial service to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held March 14, at 11 a.m. (With light lunch served after.) at The Gathering Place, 877 Old Birmingham Highway, Sylacauga, AL 35150. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sylacauga’s Mignon Baptist Church, 900 Avondale Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150, who regularly opens local warming station for those affected by cold weather in his honor. Joseph never passed a person who was down on their luck, without helping them in some way. Joseph’s kind heart, gentle spirit and love for his family and friends will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace.
SALLY ABERNATHY ROWLAND
Sally Abernathy Rowland, “Moo,” 85, passed way Friday, Feb. 28, at Bethany House in Auburn, following a brief illness.
A native of Ducktown, Tennessee, Moo grew up in the hills of East Tennessee and had a deep love for the area and its people. It was at the Mine City Baptist Church in Ducktown that Moo came to know and love Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of the church and a lifelong follower of Jesus. Until her death, she watched the MCBC services online every week.
In the late 50s, Moo moved to the thriving city of Atlanta to take a job with (the former) South Central Bell Telephone Company. It was there she met Herschel Rowland, who had just completed his service in the United States Air Force. The couple married in 1965 and relocated to Opelika, in 1976, the place she would call home for the next 49 years. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Miracle League of East Alabama and was a member of the Opelika Historic Preservation Society, and the Emblem Club. Professionally, Moo retired from the Opelika City Schools system after many years as an aide. She worked at Ware Jewelers in their Opelika location helping brides create gift registries. It was there she found a passion for working weddings and other events in various capacities. She worked with five-year-olds at First Baptist Church in Opelika for 15 years and was also a loving nanny for the children of close friends. One of Moo’s greatest joys was baking pound cakes for friends, family and others. This gift was her own personal ministry and she baked literally thousands of pound cakes over the years.
Moo’s most favorite roles were those of mother and grandmother. She was extremely devoted to her family, especially as she got older. She had the gift of laughter and often brought the family to tears with her hilarious antics. She could make a full meal out of what seemed like nothing, was known for her “famous” biscuits and was uniquely skilled at sewing and “fixing things.” Moo adored everything about Christmas and passed this love on to her daughters. She put up a Christmas tree in every room of the house and spent countless hours decorating her house each season.
Moo was preceded in death by her parents Cloys E. and June Bennett Abernathy; brother Paul Clayton Abernathy; nephew Richard Clayton Abernathy; and great-nephew Richard Mason Abernathy.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years Herschel F. Rowland; daughters Pamela “Pam” Rowland and Amelia “Amy” Rowland of Opelika; her beloved granddaughters Lindsey (Gary) Harris Pearce of Orange Beach, Alabama; and Elizabeth “Clayton” Harris of Auburn; her grandson William “Jackson” Harris of Auburn, with whom she shared a very deep and special bond; and great-grandchildren Maeleigh Will Pearce and Harris Pearce of Orange Beach.
For those who would like to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests Bethany House (1171 Gatewood Dr. #100, Auburn, Ala. 36830), or the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation (2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Ala. 36801).
The family would like to recognize and thank the staff of Bethany House for their exceptional care and compassion for Moo and for the whole family; they are truly angels on earth.
To honor Moo’s wishes, her burial will be a private event for her family to gather to celebrate her life and her love for her Lord and Savior. There will be no visitation or service.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.
THOMAS MCDONALD EDEN III
Thomas McDonald Eden, III, age 71, of Auburn, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Feb. 27, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1953, to the late Thomas Mcdonald Eden Jr. and Lynn Pleasants Eden.
Tommy is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 41 years Sandra Holleman Eden; He is also survived by his sons Drew Eden (Ashley) and Luke Eden (Rachel); brother Steve Eden (Lynn); sister Eve Golden (Randy); grandchildren Adalyn, Kate, Isaiah, Callie and Camille.
Tommy was a native of Auburn and a true Auburn man. He graduated from Auburn University in 1976. He went on to attend Cumberland Law School where he graduated cum laude in 1980. Tommy practiced law for more than 40 years as a management labor attorney before retiring in 2020 from Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP. He loved cycling, spending time at the beach with his wife and hunting and camping with his sons.
Tommy was a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and caring father and a man who always put his family first. His life was marked by integrity, encouragement, humility, wisdom and a deep conviction to care for the “least of these”. He never met a stranger and always had a glass half full approach to life. Tommy served on the board for Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, the Boys & Girls Club, Auburn Bicycling Committee, and the Community Foundation. One of his greatest joys was found in his weekly to biweekly visits to Red Eagle correctional facility where he ministered to inmates there for over 10 years. He was always eager to share with others about the treasure that he has in Jesus. His legacy of faith and love lives on in the multitude of lives that he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8, at First Baptist Church Opelika. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. Burial will be for family only following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, Big House Foundation, or Samaritan’s Purse. All of these were organizations that Tommy passionately supported.
SARAH GLADYS WILLIAMS
Sarah Gladys Williams, 83, of Auburn, passed away on Feb. 27, 2025. Born on March 5, 1941, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of George and Edith Shanor Hobbs, and the stepdaughter of Audrey LaBorde Hobbs. She was a former resident of the Williamsport, Pennsylvania area.
Sarah spent her childhood years in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Strong Vincent High School. After high school, she obtained a double bachelor’s degree in mathematics and English education so that she was certified to teach in both areas. She then earned a master’s degree in English literature from Gannon University. Sarah taught high school English in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, before taking a few years off to raise her children. Upon resuming her teaching, she taught secondary mathematics in Jersey Shore Area School District until she retired.
Outside of her professional career, Sarah was actively involved in church events. She enjoyed playing the piano. Additionally, her hobbies included completing sudoku puzzles, making iris paper folding cards, playing Scrabble and birdwatching. She took pleasure in spending time with her family. Sarah enjoyed traveling and learning about historical events.
Sarah was predeceased by her husband Lowell Williams, who died in 2023. She is survived by her son Jonathan (Beth), of Largo, Florida; her daughter Gwendolyn, with whom she lived in Auburn, and her brother George (Anne) of Columbia, Tennessee.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Bethany House for their kind compassionate care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 1 p.m. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.jeffcoattrant.com.
DAN “DANNY” J. HAKWKINS
Dan “Danny” J. Hawkins, 75, passed away on March 1, 2025, with his family by his side. Throughout his life, he was known for his deep love of family, his unwavering generosity and a sense of humor that could light up any room.
Danny was born on Sept. 19, 1949, and grew up in Opelika, where he attended Opelika High School and medaled on the school’s diving team. Danny was employed at Ampex for over 30 years in the Maintenance Department, where he started as a maintenance technician and then worked his way up to foreman before becoming the Department Supervisor. Danny owned Hawkins Service Company where he utilized his wide range of skills including electrical work, heavy equipment operation, tree surgery, landscaping, carpentry and OTR truck driving.
Danny was admired for his thick, never-graying hair even at the age of 75 and his signature catchphrases, including his usual greeting, “Hey Redneck!” and his classic remark upon hearing the price of even the smallest purchase, “That’s a house payment in Beauregard.” Danny was an avid online poker player where he amassed a small fortune in unspendable money.
Danny is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Linda Hearn Hawkins; his sister Paulette Scott; and his three children Rhonda Allen (Trent) of Athens, Georgia, Michael Hawkins (Rebecca) of Opelika and Candace Hawkins (Keith) of Beauregard. He was preceded in death by his mother Emma Hawkins Elliott; his sister Paula J. Hawkins; his beloved canine companion Diesel and his granddog Bing.
He was a proud and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to his grandchildren Shai Norrell, Myranda Hawkins (Alex), Sierra Norrell (Colin), Kimberly Kloss (Tristan), Bailey Davis, Lyric Davis, Brayden Smallwood, Brantley Smallwood and his great-grandchildren Charlie, Wesley and Lucy, all of whom brought him immense joy.
Danny never missed an important moment in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, attending school events, sporting events, cheerleading events, karate tournaments and beauty pageants.
Danny’s kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He never met a stranger, and his humor, warmth and wisdom will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.
A service was held March 5 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory with Brother Jackie Prickett officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery at1218 Frederick Road in Opelika.
A reception at Open Door Tabernacle for the receiving of family and friends followed the interment.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JACQUELINE RAMONA ALLEN BROWN
Jacqueline Allen Brown, 87, was born in Madison County, Alabama on Sept. 17, 1937, and passed away at her home surrounded by family in the early hours of Saturday morning March 1, 2025.
She loved to cook for her family and she was a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Jacqueline was preceded in death by husband Lucius Brown; parents Flossie Mae Barlow Allen and Andrew Jackson Allen; five brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her children Andy Brown (Angie), Teresa Cotney, Lee Pinkston; sister Mary Ann Jones; grandchildren Eric Cotney, Janna Palmer, Samantha Lynn Palmer, Jackson Palmer, Chance Pinkston and Zonnon Pinkston; and great-grandchildren.
Visitation was March 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
A service will be Thursday, March 6, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with interment to follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. Pastors Wayne Prickett and Robbie Creed will be officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.