CHARITY VICTORIA JONES
Charity Victoria Jones was born April 10, 1970, in Clay County, Alabama. After a hard battle with cancer, she was called home on Dec. 3, 2025. In her final months, she was cared for by her niece, Misty Wilson, and surrounded by her family in her childhood home. She was 55 years old.
Charity is survived by her siblings Tammy Sue Spraggins, Michael Ray Jones (Lora), Pam Jones (Tammy Lee); her children Declan Anthony Youngren (Mallory), Rebecca Leigh Youngren (Matt); and an abundance of nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Glenda Sue and father Lonnie Ray.
Charity was a fighter and had overcome many obstacles in her lifetime, including multiple brain surgeries and losing her leg in 2024. She had an infectious laugh and a mischievous sense of humor everyone will know her for. Her presence will be dearly missed.
Visitation was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
ANN FORD KIRKLEY
Ann Ford Kirkley, 87, of Auburn, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Ann was born on July 25, 1938, in Wedowee, Alabama. She was an only child born to Willie Mae and Robert Bev Ford. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Luther Kirkley.
Ann’s father served as Sheriff in Randolph County Alabama.
Ann graduated from Randolph County High School in 1956, where she was a cheerleader. She attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), now Auburn University. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. After college she married Luther Kirkley of Fayette, Alabama. She worked at Notasulga High School from 1960-62. She left teaching to devote herself to being a mother and assisting her husband in his family business, Kirkley Floor Covering, in Auburn.
In 1980 Ann returned to college to attain a master’s in education from Auburn University. Upon completion of her master’s degree, she was employed as a second grade teacher in Macon County Alabama. She taught until her retirement in 1998. She loved teaching and adored her students and coworkers in the Notasulga community. Teaching was her calling in life. Those were the happiest years of her career.
Ann was a faithful member of Auburn United Methodist Church where she served as a community leader. She loved her church family dearly.
Ann is survived by her son Ken Kirkley (Robyn); her daughter Kerri Ann Kirkley Needham, (both of Auburn); her grandson Daniel Kirkley; great-grandson Brody Kirkley; Brody’s mother Lakin Kirkley; a special cousin Jimmy Croley of Phenix City; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ann was actively involved in her community over the many years. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, volunteered at East Alabama Medical Center, Woman’s Club of Auburn, the Retired Teacher’s Association, the Red Hat Society, the Campus Club, the Sewing Club and various other organizations.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Breast Cancer Association, Christ Methodist Church or the New Hope Rescue in Opelika.
A special thanks and recognition to the many caregivers that cared for her. Special appreciation also to Tracey Brown, Niquitha Dawson, Ruth Durr, Melissa Hughley, Juanita Morgan and Dornita Welch.
ESTHER J. BUFFORD WATERS
It is with heavy hearts that the passing of Esther J. Bufford Waters, who left this world on Dec. 7, 2025, at the age of 79, is announced. Born on Nov. 24, 1946, Esther was a cherished daughter, beloved mother and she was affectionately known as Nanny to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was a friend to many. She lived a full and vibrant life, marked by her unwavering love for family and her compassionate nature.
Esther was the daughter of Bruce Bufford and Mary Diggers Bufford. She grew up surrounded by the warmth of her family and carried that love into her own life. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Lawrence Waters, who was her partner in life and in love. Esther is also preceded in death by her brothers Rusty Bufford and Leo Bufford, who she loved dearly.
Throughout her life, Esther was a dedicated mother to her two sons, Alan Waters (Paula) and Wesley Waters. She took immense pride in her role as a mother, nurturing her sons with love and guidance. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy: M.D. Waters, Patrick Waters, Luke Waters (Erica), Andrew Waters (Blythe), Olivia George, Izabelle Paul (Stephen), Victoria Paul (Marcus) and Matthew Beane; along with a host of great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Esther was also survived by her beloved sister, Mary Ann Crumpton, with whom she shared a bond that transcended time and distance. Together, they created countless memories that will be cherished by their family for years to come.
Esther’s funeral service will be held at Union Christian Church on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at Union Christian Church beginning at 1 to 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Little Texas Cemetery, Pastor Jeff Damron will officiate.
Esther J. Bufford Waters was a remarkable woman whose spirit touched everyone she met. Her laughter, compassion and love will forever echo in the hearts of her family and friends. She leaves behind not only a legacy of love but also a family that will honor her memory by living life with the same warmth and kindness she so generously shared.
RITA RENEE RIVAS CHANDLER
Rita Chandler died peacefully in her beloved Auburn, Alabama on Dec. 3, 2025. Born in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 9, 1932, her 93 years were lived with love, devotion, duty and deep faith in her Savior Jesus.
After numerous moves around the country, she ended up in Alabama, where she graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham in 1950. College days brought her to Auburn University where she majored in education, graduating with her BS in Education in 1954. It was as a freshman on a beautiful fall day in 1950 when she met the love of her life, Gene Chandler. They graduated from Auburn, married the very next day and were blessed to celebrate 71 years of marriage.
Rita excelled in many different roles throughout her life, as a first-grade teacher, a Girl Scout leader, teaching English as a second language and a card ministry where she touched hundreds of people with her handmade creations. But, the roles she loved, and had the greatest influence, were as a wife, mother and as “MamaRita” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The impact she had on her future generations will pay dividends for eternity. Rita often said her only regret in going to heaven was being separated from her beloved Gene. The love and devotion she exhibited to her husband and family has been a beautiful example to her family and friends. She has given us all a worthy goal for which to strive.
Rita was preceded in death by her father and mother, Thomas and Mary Rivas (Sr.) and her brother Thomas Rivas (Jr.). She is survived by her husband W.E. (Gene) Chandler of Auburn; daughter Linda Lott (Chuck) of Advance, North Carolina; son Tom Chandler (Robin) of Birmingham; grandchildren Kathryn Chastain (Aaron), Tyler Chandler (Kayla), Hannah Lott (Jordan, engaged) and Tripp Lott (Elizabeth). She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Annie, Jacob, Sophie, Nora and Thomas Chastain; and Lillian, Chloe and William Chandler.
A celebration of life service will be held at Frederick Dean Funeral Home Chapel on 1801 Frederick Road in Opelika, at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, with visitation at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food Bank of East Alabama, 355 Industry Drive, Auburn, AL 36832.
Rita and Gene were part of a small volunteer committee that, in conjunction with the city of Auburn, created the Food Bank. It has grown and expanded through the years, feeding thousands in the seven-county operation. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with all arrangements.
NORMAN BAYNE CRANFORD
With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Norman Bayne Cranford, who departed this life peacefully on Dec. 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Bayne, as he was affectionately known, passed away at Bethany House in Auburn, following a brief decline in health.
Born on Nov. 12, 1937, in Greensboro (Hale County), Alabama, Bayne lived a life filled with curiosity and kindness. A gentle soul with a vibrant, loquacious spirit, he brought warmth, humor and wisdom to every room he entered. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his storytelling, compassion and unwavering love for lifelong learning.
Bayne was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Katie Bayne and George Madison Bayne; his loving parents, Cathryn McMillan Bayne Cranford and Col. Norman Jones Cranford; and his devoted spouse, Mary Joan Atkins Briggs Parrott Cranford.
Bayne is survived by the family he affectionately and proudly called his “adopted” family: his stepson Brian Jon Briggs; daughter-in-law Kathe Kelley Briggs; granddaughters Amy Kelley Briggs and Lisa Marie Briggs Potter along with her husband Daniel Glen Potter Sr; and his beloved great-grandson, James Edward Potter. One of Bayne’s greatest joys was receiving monthly photos of James from Idaho, which he cherished dearly and collected in his “man cave.”
As the son of a military father, Bayne often reminisced about the 18 major moves his family made throughout his lifetime — memories that shaped his adaptability, resilience and wide-ranging curiosity. A dedicated scholar, he completed several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University in 1979. He retired as a Laboratory Assistant from Benchmark Engineering in Auburn. His thirst for knowledge was endless. An avid reader of newspapers and National Geographic magazines, Bayne immersed himself in subjects such as geology, dinosaurs, Catholicism, Scotland and medical science.
Bayne’s passion for geology manifested into an impressive collection of rocks, geodes, fossils and rare stones — treasures he shared proudly with friends and family. He also enjoyed the simple comfort of watching HGTV with his caregivers and held a special fondness for his longtime caretakers Paris Mixon and Linda Alexander, whose companionship and care brought him much joy.
Bayne leaves behind a rich legacy of love, wisdom, laughter and stories that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him. His memory will be cherished forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bayne’s honor to Compassus Hospice Care, Bethany House or St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn.
KAREN DAVIS OWENS
Karen Davis Owens 65, passed away on Dec. 7, 2025, after a long-fought battle with lung cancer.
Born on May 27, 1960, in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Reese H. Davis Jr. and Jenell B. Davis, Karen is preceded in death by her father Reese and grandparents John E. Brown, Jewell Railey Brown, Reese H. Davis Sr., and Esther Davis
Karen is survived by her mother Jenell B. Davis; her husband Rocky Owens of 37 years; her daughter Natalie Owens Johnson (Christopher/Chris); siblings Reese Davis (Bo), John (Scott) Davis (Marcia), Charlayne (Layne) and Davis Howard (Alan); aunt Barbara Keaton; her beautiful grandchildren Julie Elisabeth and Owen Robert Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and close friends. Karen also wanted to include Alice Grace and Mary Braden as part of family.
Before going on to be with the Lord, Karen was a member of Pepperell Baptist Church. Before that she served on Sunshine Leader Class with husband Rocky at Farmville Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church which she was very active with the children’s department as well.
Karen is remembered for her love of Jesus Christ, giving nature, outgoing personality and love for family. She began her first love for childcare at her mother’s ABC Daycare while attending AUM, later graduating with LPN from Southern Union Community College. Her passion for children continued while being a private nanny, working at several daycares, also while using her LPN degree working at various doctors’ offices and hospitals.
Karen’s greatest pride and joys are her daughter Natalie and beautiful grandchildren Julie and Owen.
Karen would like her death to be full of celebration and not sadness. “I will always be looking down from Heaven, Love you all!”
In lieu of flowers, Karen would ask to donate directly to an Autism Support of Alabama.
The service was Dec. 10, at Pepperell Baptist Church.
God Bless you all!
