HENRY NEIL BAKER
Henry Neal Baker, 77, passed away on Oct. 14, 2025, at his home in Little Texas, Alabama.
Neal served in the Army National Guard for six years. He made his lifelong career working for and being a member of Local Union 52 Plumbers and Steamfitters for 56 years. He was a hard-working, reliable worker and he was excellent at his trade. Neal was well known for lending a helping hand to his family, neighbors and friends. He was very talented in his design for details and problem solving.
Neal married the love of his life, Sarah Ann Kirk, and they built a loving family together. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Neal provided for his family and led them by ex-ample, teaching them to be loyal and trustworthy. He was a man of his word. He was a loving husband, the best father any child could wish for and an amazing Paw Paw. There were many great memories made during fishing and hunting trips, holidays and working on the road with his friends and family. He was a very good man and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Ann Kirk Baker; daughter, Keeley Baker Marrs (Gary); son, Michael Neal Baker (Shanna); grandson, Brady Streetman; granddaughter, Maci Baker; bonus grand-children, John Marrs, Haley Marrs, Lily Marrs, Brianna Abney, Ren Fuller and Lane Fuller; brother, Stanley Baker (Linda); sisters, Carol Richardson (John) and Brenda Selman; brother-in-law, Stanley Kirk (Sylvia) and numerous nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Ann Baker; parents, Frank and Olean Baker; brothers, Larry Baker and Johnny Baker; and father and mother-in-law, William and Sally Kirk.
Funeral services were held Oct. 18 at Little Texas Tabernacle. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
MARY ELEANOR KIRK
Mary Eleanor Kirk, also affectionately known as Ty, passed away Oct. 12, 2025, surrounded by her large and loving family.
She was born in 1936 to Dewitt and Inez (Day) Horn in Tallassee, where she excelled in pitching softball and defending her siblings. In 1952, she married Willie Lenard Kirk Jr. and moved to Little Texas, Alabama. The couple’s 72 years of marriage started a large family including their children, Donna Kirk, Debbie Jones, Willie Len Kirk III (Debra), John Mark Kirk (Tracy) and Mary Dedra Kirk. Ty was also the proud Grandmother/MawMaw/GiGi to Jimmy Jeff Keebler, Deidra Lynn Osberg, Shane Mangum, Jason Kirk, Jonathan Kirk, Mary Katherine Kirk-Costas, Anna Claire Kirk Hart, Sarah Elizabeth Kirk, 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
In her final days she shared happy memories that included cooking for her family, deep sea fishing trips with friends, traveling with her husband and relaxing at Lake Martin. She will always be remembered for the loving care she provided her family, her quick wit and putting up with the shenanigans of her rambunctious bunch.
Services were held Oct. 16, at Little Texas Tabernacle in Tuskegee and graveside, with Robert Spratlin and Rev. Katie Kirk-Costas officiating.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
ROBERT “LAFAYETTE” PITTS
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Lafayette Pitts, known affectionately to family and friends as Lafayette, passed away on Oct. 12, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center.
Lafayette was born on April 25, 1949, in Headland, Alabama, to the late Robert and Jewel Pitts. He graduated from Beauregard High School, attended Auburn University and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University.
Lafayette began his distinguished military career at an early age, enlisting in the Alabama National Guard. He rose to the rank of sergeant before being selected to attend Officer Candidate School. Following his commissioning, he continued to advance through the ranks, retiring in 2004 as a lieutenant colonel after 34 years of dedicated service. At the time of his retirement, he served as the State Surface Maintenance Officer. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards recognizing his leadership and commitment to his soldiers, who loved and respected him deeply.
Beyond his military service, Lafayette was a devoted community leader. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post No. 18 for three years and was a proud member of the Elks Lodge for over 50 years, where he achieved Life Member status.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, whom he affectionately called “Nikki”; children, Jeffrey (Jessica) Pitts, Angel (Russell) Moore, Mandy (David) Dinger and John (Kelley) Brant; and cherished grandchildren, Josef (Megan) Fuller, Elizabeth (Josh) Billings, Clayton (fiancée Taylor) Fuller, Kristen (Ryan) Adams, Savanna Cooper, Ethan Brant, Brayden Pitts, Katie Dinger, Ivey Brant, Olivia Moore and Lucy Moore; great-grandchildren, Brantley, Caroline, Claire, Ashton, Brady, Baylor, Baker, Brady and Bear; brothers, Larry (Peggy) Pitts and Terry (Vivian) Pitts; his “second mom,” Marcella Pitts; and sisters, Ka-ren McClain, Marcia (Maurice) Chandler and Sherri Britton.
Lafayette will be remembered for his strong leadership, deep love for his family and country, and the countless lives he touched through his service and friendship. His legacy of integrity, kindness and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A funeral service was held Oct. 16 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.
CHARLES YATES SR.
Charles Yates Sr. passed into eternity surrounded by family at East Alabama Medical Center on Oct. 15, 2025.
Charles was proceeded in death by his son, Edward Yates; his parents; and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laura; daughter, Amanda (Bradley) Howington; sons, Charles (Alise) Yates Jr. and Jimmy Yates; sister, Iris (John) Simpson; 11 grand-children, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a special cousin, James Coe.
A Celebration of Life was held at Open Door Tabernacle on Oct. 17, followed by a graveside service at Holt Cemetery.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
JOHN FARLEY STEWART JR.
John Farley Stewart Jr. was born Aug. 1, 1944, and passed away Oct. 14, 2025.
A funeral service was held Oct. 19, 2025, at the East Campus of Providence Baptist Church in Opelika, with interment following at the church cemetery, officiated by Dr. Rusty Sowell. Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
CHRISTY CHAMBERS BURNETTE
Christy Chambers Burnette, 54, of Opelika passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2025.
She was born on Jan. 17, 1971, in Opelika and remained a beloved member of her communi-ty throughout her life.
Christy was preceded in death by her father, Willie Chambers. She is survived by her loving husband, G. Keith Burnette; sons, Trent (Kara Beth) and Tyler; mother, Rose Chambers; sis-ters, Tiffany (Alan) Bryant and Teri Klepper (Jason); mother-in-law, Sandra Page; brother-in-law, Richie Burnette; and several nieces, nephews and cousins who adored her deeply.
A visitation was held at Frederick Dean Funeral Home on Oct. 14, followed by a graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Billy H. Clark.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many special friends who showed Christy and her family such love and support during this time. Christy will be remembered for her kindness, compassion and warmth she shared with everyone who knew her.
MARY VIRGINIA SEGREST AYSCUE
Mary Virginia Segrest Ayscue of York, South Carolina, (formerly Tuskegee, Alabama) passed peacefully in rest on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 and has started her eternal walk with Jesus.
She was born in Tuskegee, on June 20, 1939, to parents Malcolm and Ophelia Segrest. She married Jack Ayscue Sr. and together, they had five children: Patricia A. Dunn, Mary K. Ayscue, Jack Ayscue Jr., David L. Ayscue and Amy L. Ayscue.
She is predeceased by her father, Malcolm Segrest; mother, Ophelia Segrest; husband, Jack Ayscue Sr.; daughters: Mary K. Ayscue and Amy L. Ayscue; her son, David L. Ayscue; her brother and his wife, Eugene and Gayle Segrest; brother, Billy Segrest; Brothers-in-law: Bill Fondren, Mac Walden and Robert Tyson; and her sister-in-law, Pat Segrest.
Those left to cherish in her memory are her daughter, Patricia A. Dunn (Roger Dunn); brother, Jack Ayscue Jr.; granddaughter, April R. Carpenter (Steven Carpenter); grandsons: Wesley N. Dunn, Clay “Sean” Thornton and Joshua W. Thornton; great granddaughters: Emma G. Carpenter and Olivia B. Carpenter; sisters: Helen Fondren, Rosa Walden and Linda Tyson; brothers: Howard Segrest, Dennis Segrest and Wayne Segrest; and sister-in-law, Ruth Segrest.
She was a waitress for many years at the Torch 85 Restaurant in Tuskegee, and then was employed at Package Products in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She was of the Baptist Christian faith and was formerly involved with The Order of the Eastern Star.
She was fond of Country music, dancing and sharing stories of her life and memories with family and friends. She enjoyed looking and dressing her best as well as keeping a neat and tidy home.
Her family is left to carry on and share the lasting impact of her kindness, compassion, wisdom, warmth, work ethic and most of all, love.
Our family and this world has lost a truly wonderful woman and matriarch.
A funeral service was held Oct. 20 at the Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Tuskegee, with burial following in the Pleasant Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
CHRISTINE MARY ANNE CICCI
Christine Mary Anne Cicci, 73, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away Oct. 14, 2025. She was born Feb. 2, 1952, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chris embodied a spirit of love, family, loyalty, generosity, education and dedication to a life of service to others.
Chris grew up in a family of 11 children. As the oldest girl, she helped raise and serve as a role model to her younger siblings — a role she cherished throughout her life.
She earned a degree in elementary education from Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania and taught third and fourth grades at Poff Elementary in Hampton Township, near Pittsburgh. She later received a master’s degree in language communications from the University of Pittsburgh. During that time, she met and married her husband, David. Chris taught at Poff until 1980, when their first son, Corey, was born.
In 1981, Chris, David and Corey moved to Arlington, Texas, and later to Austin in 1982, when David returned to graduate school. In 1983, their second son, Darby, was born. Chris enjoyed her time in Austin — raising their boys, teaching preschool and taking chemistry and biology classes at the University of Texas in preparation for a career shift to the medical field.
In 1987, the family moved to Auburn when David accepted a faculty position at Auburn University. Soon after, Chris completed the requirements for admission to Auburn’s School of Pharmacy, which she began in 1988. She quickly fell in love with the profession and excelled as a student while managing a household and raising two young boys. After graduation, she joined the pharmacy department at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) near their home.
At EAMC, Chris served as a staff and intensive care pharmacist before becoming clinical pharmacy manager and residency program director. During her time there, she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida and continued her career at EAMC for 29 years.
In 2018, Chris and David retired together, enjoying travel, time with close friends and visits with their beloved granddaughters — who lovingly called her “Grandma Beanie.” One of her favorite adventures was living in New Orleans for two years, where she and David became involved in background acting for TV shows and movies. They later continued this hobby in Atlanta after returning to Auburn. In all, Chris appeared in more than a dozen productions.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Smith, whom she often spoke of with loving remembrance.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, David; sons Corey (Christine) and Darby; and two granddaughters, Everly and Hallie, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brothers John, Jim, Paul (Monica), Pete (Joyce), Bill and Brian (Shelley); sisters Kathy Gordon, Patty Carr, Barbara (Jeff) Watts and Paula (Jim) Bayer; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her family and lifelong friends hold dear the treasured memories of laughter, wisdom and unwavering support she shared. Chris lived a life of caring, humility, love, generosity and service. Her family is proud of her legacy and grateful to have been part of her life. She will be deeply missed for her smile, wit, knowledge, character, loyalty and love.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Auburn. Interment will follow at the church columbarium, with a luncheon afterward in the church hall.
PAUL MARSHALL
JOHNSON
Paul Marshall Johnson passed away in Auburn at sunset on Oct. 1, 2025, at the age of 79, following sudden complications from a long illness. His wife, Peggy, and his children, Charles and Laura, were at his side holding his hands as the sun went down over the water.
Paul was born on March 14, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Charles Woodson Johnson and Frances (Ebbs) Johnson. His earliest memories were of Boerne, in the Texas Hill Country, where his father established his first medical practice, making house calls to farms and ranches throughout Kendall and Kerr counties. He later spent most of his childhood and high school years in San Antonio, graduating as valedictorian of Thomas Jefferson High School and forming lifelong friendships.
He enrolled at Rice University in 1963, where he studied political science and economics, graduating summa cum laude in 1967. He was selected for Phi Beta Kappa and went on to pursue graduate study in political science at Stanford University. After completing his M.A., he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. Paul served one year at Fort Bliss and one overseas in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay, where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
In 1971, he returned to Stanford, where he married his college sweetheart, Dr. Armanda “Peggy” Sittig, in 1972. The next year, Paul was appointed fellow and resident director of the Stanford–Warsaw University student exchange program. Paul and Peggy spent a year in Warsaw — a memorable experience that would furnish a wealth of stories over the years, including the time the University of Warsaw Library censors, out of an excess of caution, forbade him access to a copy of his own published work.
After returning to the United States, Paul completed his graduate studies at Stanford in 1976 and was awarded a Ph.D. in political science in 1978. The couple moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Paul accepted a lectureship at Yale University, later becoming an assistant professor of political science until 1981. He was a scholar of comparative political systems, political economy, and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Between Yale and his new position at Florida State University, Paul and Peggy welcomed their first child, a son. During their seven years in Tallahassee, they welcomed their second child, a daughter, in 1986. He later taught at the University of Houston, Rice University, and UC Santa Cruz before joining the Department of Political Science at Auburn University in 1991, settling permanently with his family in “the loveliest metropolitan statistical area on the plains.”
At Auburn, Paul taught courses in political economy, intelligence, and research methods. He helped inaugurate Auburn’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 2001 and served as department chair from 2001 to 2006. He retired in 2012, continuing to teach one course per semester as professor emeritus until 2016.
A proud Texan, a dedicated teacher, and a thoroughgoing dad, Paul loved San Antonio and the Hill Country, gardening, and sharing detailed investment advice with anyone who asked. He was endlessly curious, an inveterate researcher, and held strong opinions on Mexican food and barbecue. Known for his wry humor — and his corny jokes — he had a gift for making conversation easy.
A highlight of each year was the annual fig harvest, when far-flung relatives arrived to help pick ripe figs from his Brown Turkey fig trees and turn them into homemade jam. An avid genealogist with contacts across the country, he never tired of recounting the stories of his reputable and disreputable ancestors — including his father’s family in Mississippi and his mother’s in western North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Armanda; his children, Charles and Laura, and their spouses; beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins in Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.; and many friends and students in Auburn and throughout the country.
A memorial service will be held at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben St., in Auburn, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation — Kerrville Rebuilding and Recovery Fund, 1700 Sidney Baker St. Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028, www.kerrtogether.com/donate-money or
Rebuild Hot Springs, P.O. Box 4, Hot Springs, NC 28743, www.rebuildhotsprings.org.
