SARAH VIRGINIA (JENNY) SYLER CLARK
Sarah Virginia (Jenny) Syler Clark of West Point, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her father, Phineas Howard Syler; her mother, Miriam Ann Kirkwood Syler; and her brother, Richard Kirkwood Syler. She is survived by her loving husband, William (Billy) Clark, and daughters, Virginia Clark and Mary Kathryn Clark.
Jenny attended West Point High School and went on to graduate from LaGrange College with a degree in Fine Arts. She spent much of her early adulthood working in photo labs in both Auburn and Atlanta. After returning to her hometown, she worked for West Point Stevens in the internal insurance department before spending many years as a church secretary at West Point First United Methodist Church. She later worked as a secretary for Chattahoochee Hospice and eventually provided home health care assistance for her dear friends, Claude and Kathy Johnson, whom she loved so much.
Jenny was a loving daughter, mother and wife. Her love for art and photography was something she shared with her husband — a lifelong passion passed down to both of her daughters. Her love for animals was profound and lifelong. Jenny was endlessly creative, intelligent and imaginative.
She passed peacefully in the home where she was raised, with her devoted husband of 43 years by her side. Her service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Point, GA on Friday, June 27.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following organizations to help safely and lovingly rehome her animals and provide them with veterinary care. We appreciate any and all contributions of any kind.
Family go fund me link: www.gofund.me/54cba94e.
Beth Wilson’s rescue donation links, who has already helped in unimaginable ways.
CashApp: $BethPWilson
Venmo: @Beth-Wilson-66
PayPal: @bewilson1971
Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette assisted with the arrangements.
HERMAN ALLEN SR.
Mr. Herman Allen Sr., 86, of LaFayette died Monday, June 23, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 29, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in LaFayette with the Rev. Calvin Marshall officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery.
Mr. Allen is survived by his son, Herman Allen, Jr., LaFayette; two daughters Rona (Eddie) Thomas and Chisa (Pierre) Core both of Opelika; four sisters Dolores (Robert) Cash, Peggy Lockhart, both of Concord, North Carolina, Carolyn Howard and Patricia Battle, both of Bronx, New York; sisters-in-law Fannie M. Allen, the Rev. Dr. Mildred Watson, Melanie (Willie) Williams, Ethel (Gary) Freeman, Angela (Clarence) Moody and Akemi (Karelton) Dunovant; brothers -in-law Troy McCants, Alvin McCants, Milton (Tanya) McCants, Herman (Shirlene) McCants, McCarey (Margaret) McCants, Ivan (Nicole) Hugley and Alexions (Nabiya) Hugley; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a special niece, Stephanie Allen, and a host of nieces, nephews other family members and friends.
To share your online condolences, please visit our website at www.vinesfuneralhome.com
Vines Funeral Home Inc. of LaFayette handled the arrangements.
VIVIAN MAGBY MCCANN
Mrs. Vivian Magby McCann, 96, of Sylacauga (formerly of LaFayette) died Saturday, June 21, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Rehope Missionary Baptist Church located at 5267 County Rd. 258 in LaFayette with the Rev. H. L. Jones officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery.
Vivian leaves a legacy of faith, service and education. Born July 8, 1928, in Buffalo, Alabama, she was the daughter of Beodus Otto and Earlie Lee Magby and granddaughter of pioneering landowner Chris Magby.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 30 years, Frederick J. McCann, her parents and her sister Lillian Gates.
Valedictorian of her high school class, Vivian graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1950 with a degree in home economics. She began her career teaching at Phyllis Wheatley High School and later became the first Black woman District Supervisor for Home Economics for the state of Alabama, advancing educational standards during school desegregation.
A dedicated civic leader, she served as president of the Alabama Vocational Association and was active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., as a charter member of Mu Tau Omega.
A lifelong member of Rehope Missionary Baptist Church, she faithfully served in numerous ministries and leadership roles. Vivian loved to travel, enjoyed close friendships and treasured time with her family.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Sarah Giles; nieces Alison Lavette Gates, Pamela Gates Cowings (Everett) and Catheryn Cowings; and many relatives, friends, former students and church family.
Her life was an inspiration of resilience, grace and devotion to community.
To share your online condolences, please visit the website at www.vinesfuneralhome.com
Vines Funeral Home Inc., in LaFayette handled the arrangements.
BRITT WAYNE WELCH
LTC (RET.)
It is with heavy hearts that the Welch Family announce the death of retired Lieutenant Colonel Britt Wayne Welch, age 58, of Camp Hill, Alabama. After a courageous battle with cancer, Britt was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early in the morning of June 29, 2025.
Britt is survived by his loving wife Susie Ellis Welch; his beloved children, daughter Michelle ZJ Welch, his twin sons Britt (Erin) Welch and Matthew (Emily) Welch; his devoted and faithful parents Horace and Shirley Welch; his brother Steven (Shani) Welch; and sister Susan (Ray) Webb.
Britt was also blessed with a multitude of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins along with life-long friends and his faith family at LaFayette Heights Baptist Church.
Britt is a Graduate of Auburn University and recently retired with honors from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 32 years of distinguished service. Britt was deployed and relocated his family multiple times over the years serving wherever his skills and leadership were needed. This included a tour in the Afghanistan war.
Passionate about his Christian faith, Britt became a deacon in order to share the life-giving words of the gospel and God’s great love with others. His faith was complemented by his great sense of humor which enhanced and touched the lives of all who knew him.
Britt will be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, (soon to be grandfather), son, brother, uncle, friend and most importantly as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. CST at LaFayette Heights Baptist Church on Thursday, July 3. Visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m.,prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, Britt’s family is asking for donations to be sent to LaFayette Heights Baptist Church Youth Fund, 1200 AL-77
LaFayette, AL, 36862
Jeff Jones Funeral Home in LaFayette assisted with the arrangements.
JIM FRANK HUGHES
Mr. Jim Frank Hughes, 91, of Camp Hill died Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Russell Medical Center, Alexander City. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 14, at New Hope Baptist Church, 4793 Co. Rd. 89 S. in Camp Hill with the Rev. Edward Milner officiating. The interment was in New Harmony Baptist Church cemetery also in Camp Hill.
Jim was born Oct. 29, 1933, in Camp Hill to his parents, the late Rosie Lee and Joseph Royzell “Buster” Hughes. He was also married to the love of his life, Helen Lewis Hughes, for 39 years. She preceded him in death.
A proud Army veteran who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War, Jim also contributed to the Civil Rights Movement by helping organize transportation during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He built a distinguished career with Atlanta Life Insurance Company and later served as an auditor for the state of Michigan Insurance Bureau.
Jim was known for his humor, positive spirit and love of gardening.
“If life was any better,” Jim often said, “I’d swear it was a frame up!”
He is survived by his sons Jantzen Farrior Hughes and Joseph Frederick Hughes; grandsons Deven Jordan Edward and Tayvon Alexander; siblings Mary Arnastacia (Larry) Prince, Toney (Mildretta) Hughes and Ruthie Lee (Jonathan) Clark; and many extended family and friends.
To share your online condolences, please visit the website at www.vinesfuneralhome.com.
Vines Funeral Home Inc. of LaFayette handled the arrangements.
