REBECCA WATKINS
Rebecca “Becky” Lorene Watkins age 74, of Opelika, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on the morning of May 28, 2026, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Born on June 3, 1951, in Notasulga, Alabama, Becky lived a life devoted to faith, family and caring for others. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose greatest joy came from caring for her family. As a mother, she lovingly raised her children and played an active role in the lives of her grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces and nephews, many of whom she cared for and loved as her own.
Alongside her husband, Theodore “Ted” Watkins, she owned and operated a mobile home park, where they built not only a business, but lasting relationships within the community. Becky was also a longtime devoted member of Living Way Ministries Church in Opelika, where she cherished her church family and faithfully served in the church community.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore “Ted” Watkins; her parents, Marshall Jenkins and Lorene Jenkins; one grandchild, Thomas “Eugene” Day; and multiple sisters and brothers; Alice Walker, Katherine Dubose, Marilyn Smith, Betty Hayward, Larry Jenkins, Roy Jenkins and Genn Jenkins.
She is survived by her three children; Lisa Manley (Jason), Jennifer Day and Shane Manley (Laura); seven grand-children, Triston Manley, Courtney Johnson (Lane), Isabella Tripplett (Mark), Abigail Day, Emerson Day, Thomas Day (Rui) and Karston Manley; four adored great-grand children, Tydus Johnson, Trip Tripplett, Malachi Tripplett and Theo Tripplett; and her four sisters, Joyce Mosely, Dorothy Hudmon, Brenda Holt and Barbara Trivoli. Also to include, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and many dear friends who will cherish her memory forever.
Those who knew Becky knew they were loved. She had a generous heart, a nurturing spirit and a way of making everyone feel welcome. Whether through a holiday get together, a helping hand or simply being there when she was needed, she cared for others without hesitation. Her love for her family was the foundation of her life, and that love will remain with them always.
A funeral service was held on Monday, June 1, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with burial following at Garden Hills Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, family members and friends who provided support, comfort and love throughout her illness.
Though she will be missed forever; her legacy of love, kindness and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
DERRICK LEE WINNINGHAM
Derrick Lee Winningham, born June 18, 1991, in Lake Wales, passed away on May 25, 2026, at one of his favorite places, Panama City Beach.
Derrick is survived by his loving mother, Ellen Saylor; his sons, Joseph Winningham and Bentley Winningham; his stepchildren, Abbey Tillery and Mason Tillery; and the mother of his child, Alyssa Winningham. He is also survived by his sisters, Erica Harrison (Paul) and Christian Winningham; his brothers, Christopher Winningham (Alison) and Dillon Winningham (Kayleigh); and his grandmother, Ellen Preston. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces, Lily Harrison and Aubree Winningham; and nephews, Jayce Winningham, Garrett Winningham, Taylor Carswell and Steven Robinson.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Danny R. Winningham; his father, Danny M. Winningham; his grandfathers, Ronald Lynch and Auburn Preston; and his grandmother, Geneva Lynch.
Derrick worked as an assistant superintendent for Bailey Harris Construction, where he was respected for his hard work, dedication and the relationships he built with those around him.
Derrick was known for his larger-than-life personality, his honest heart and his unforgettable sense of humor. A devoted fan of the Miami Hurricanes football, everyone who knew Derrick knew he proudly stood behind “The U” through every win and every loss — even while living in Alabama. His loyalty to his team was only matched by his loyalty to the people he loved.
Derrick had a heart as big as he was. He never hesitated to tell you exactly how he felt, and he always knew how to make people laugh, smile or give them a hard time in his own silly way. He loved a good TikTok recipe, enjoyed grilling for family and friends and found joy in the simple moments spent together. He brought light and energy everywhere he went, and his presence could never be ignored.
Above all else, Derrick’s greatest joy in life was being a father and spending time with his family. The love he had for his boys, stepchildren and loved ones was immeasurable and the memories he created with them will be treasured forever.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.
JOANN WILLIAMS WALKER
It is with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life well-lived that the passing of JoAnn Williams Walker is announced. She departed this world on May 24, 2026, at the age of 92. JoAnn passed peacefully at her home, just as she wished, after a beautiful day spent with family and friends.
Born on June 26, 1933, JoAnn was the cherished daughter of James Atlas and Mabel Bonner Williams. Throughout her life, she exemplified grace, resilience and a boundless capacity for love. Her childhood was shared with her beloved siblings, Richard, David and Angie, growing up in a home rich with laughter and affection.
JoAnn was predeceased by her parents; her brothers Richard Atlas Williams and David Bonner Williams; and her husbands, Farris Walker, Al Spinks and Herman Blagg. Her legacy, however, flourishes through the lives of those she leaves behind, her daughters Kim Toney and her husband John, and Kay Gillock and her husband Monty. JoAnn was a loving grandmother to Katie Toney, Jed Toney and his wife Joy, Ethan Toney, Kimmie Bothwell and her husband Derick, and Kyler Gillock. She also held a special place in her heart for her “favorite son,” Stanley Sistrunk. Her sister, Mary Angeline Williams McLemore, survives her, carrying forward the family’s enduring bonds.
A dedicated artist, JoAnn spent her life bringing beauty into the world through her art. She believed deeply in the transformative power of creativity, viewing it as a divine gift meant to spread joy and inspiration. JoAnn had a simple, yet profound philosophy: that we all should be surrounded by fresh flowers every day to remind us of the beauty and vibrancy of life. Her artistic spirit touched everyone she met, leaving a lasting impression that transcended the canvas.
JoAnn was a cherished member of the First Methodist Church in Opelika, where she found a community that shared her values of love, kindness and faith.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the incredible team at Home RN, Compassus Hospice her caring neighbors at the Mills at Spring Lakes and her many dear friends who enriched her life with joy and companionship.
A service to celebrate JoAnn’s remarkable life was held on May 29, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika.
A small plaque in JoAnn’s studio reads, “At the end of my life, when I stand before God, I would hope that I have not a single bit of talent left, and I can say I used everything You gave me.”
Indeed, JoAnn used every gift she was given, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, her spirit forever vibrant through the lives she touched.
MELBA WOODALL
Melba Dean Clanton was born in Grove Hill, Alabama, on Dec. 4, 1952, to Maybon and Ruth Clanton. She grew up the middle child of three girls and somewhere in the middle of a slew of cousins, all of whom she loved tremendously. She attended Clarke County High School, where she met Terry, her high school sweetheart who would shortly become her husband of 51 years. She graduated high school in 1971 at which time her best friend, Jadda Becton informed her that she was going to attend college with her in the fall. And she did. She became the first in her family to go to college and she graduated from Auburn University in 1974 with a bachelor of education degree. She would go on to teach for the next 26 years, most of those years as a kindergarten teacher. She was beloved by all she taught, and to this day her family continues to hear from her former students and parents of students expressing how much she meant to them as a teacher. After graduating from Auburn, Terry returned from his first overseas deployment with the U.S. Navy and they were married in Grove Hill, Alabama, on Sept. 8, 1974. They immediately moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where Terry was stationed. It was during his second deployment that she moved back home. When he returned, they moved back to Auburn where she taught school at Smiths Station Elementary School and eventually in February 1980, they welcomed their first-born child, Jeremy Wayne Woodall. A short one year and two days later, they were living in Monroeville, Alabama, when they welcomed their second child, Elizabeth Faye Woodall. Monroeville is where they would spend the next 20 years, raising their children, living close to family, attending First United Methodist Church and making countless memories. Among her closest friends were the women she taught school with which made her retirement in December 2001 very bittersweet. Her next chapter began immediately upon retirement when she and Terry moved to Loachapoka, a short five miles from her favorite place on Earth — Auburn. The next 15 years would be very precious years; they welcomed one grandchild after another and enjoyed countless days, holidays, tailgates and football games with family and friends. She loved a house full of her people, especially if it revolved around SEC football. It was when she was her happiest. When her health was noticeably declining, she and Terry moved into Auburn where she was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her remaining years would prove to be the most devastating. Even still, Terry honored her every single day with his unwavering love and commitment.
To say that Melba was a special lady is quite the understatement. She was quiet and strong. She was stubborn and soft. She meant business and she played. She was stern and warm, comfort and secure. She never wavered in her principles and always stood for what was right. She gave selflessly but also reminded us that “No.” was a complete sentence. She loved music and instilled the same in her children. She played the piano beautifully but would rather do almost anything than play in front of people. She, however, loved dancing and she didn’t care who was watching. She danced until the end and we have no doubt that she still is.
Melba is preceded in death by her father, Maybon Gordon Clanton; her mother, Ruth Dunagan Clanton; her granddaughter, Andie Virginia Shannon; and two very special brothers-in-law Steve Cornell Bumpers (Linda) and John Edward Estes Sr. (Faye). She is survived by her husband, Terry Wayne Woodall of Auburn; two children, Jeremy Wayne Woodall (Holly) of Springville, Alabama and Elizabeth Woodall Shannon (JM) of Auburn; eight grandchildren Kaleb (Kierstyn), Layne, Catherine, Joe, Clanton, Pete, Maybon and Billy. She is also survived by two sisters, Linda Clanton Bumpers of Grove Hill, Alabama and Sonia Clanton Kidd of Brentwood, Tennessee; her brother-in-law, Robert Brown “Brownie” Woodall (Gina) of Andalusia, two sisters-in-law, Ann Woodall Pridgen (Joe) and Faye Woodall Estes, both of Monroeville, Alabama; several nieces and nephews who were all very special to her; John Estes, Jr. (Kathy), Kamie Bumpers Gates, Chancy Pridgen Smith (Jonathon), Maggie Bumpers Garrick (Jason), Jody Pridgen (Adrienne), Jami Sheffield Kaplan (Michael), Mark Sheffield, Ashley Woodall Hanson (Chris), Rebecca Estes, Rachael Estes, Robert Woodall, Jr. (Hannah) and Meg Sheffield Collins (Jordan).
Celebration of Life Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m. at Auburn First Baptist Church in Auburn. Celebration will continue for family and friends immediately following service in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the REACH Memory Care Program, Auburn United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3135, Auburn, Alabama, 36831-3135
