THE REV. DR. JOHN “WELLS” WARREN
The Rev. Dr. John “Wells” Warren, 73, was born on Oct. 4, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, to William Michael Warren and Carolyn Glass Warren. He was the third of six sons in a close-knit and devoted family.
Wells lived a life defined by faith, service, education and a deep love for his family and community. He faithfully served the Episcopal Church for decades, most notably as the 10th Episcopal Chaplain to Auburn University at St. Dunstan’s, where he ministered to generations of students, faculty and friends from 1999 to 2018. He also served as Vicar of St. Matthew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Seale, Alabama, and previously held roles at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika, Church of the Epiphany in Tallassee and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Fayette. His ministry extended across the Diocese of Alabama and beyond, including leadership in campus ministry throughout the Southeast.
Ordained to the diaconate in January 1996 and to the priesthood in July of that same year, Wells’ calling to ministry was both profound and enduring. He also served as a dedicated mentor in the Education for Ministry program for many years, guiding others in their spiritual journeys.
Wells was a lifelong learner who valued education deeply. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Auburn University and a Master of Education from Auburn University at Montgomery, both with perfect academic achievement. He completed doctoral coursework at The University of Alabama and later earned his Doctor of Ministry from St. Luke’s School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, graduating with a 4.00 GPA. His dissertation focused on the life and ministry of Bishop William George McDowell Jr.
Before entering full-time ministry, Wells had a distinguished career in education, banking, communications and public service. He held leadership roles including city president of West Alabama Bank & Trust, vice president at Colonial BancGroup and press secretary for former Alabama Gov. Fob James. His professional life reflected his strong leadership, communication skills and commitment to serving others.
Outside of his vocational calling, Wells found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved reading, listening to music, sitting in his garden and watching long-distance cycling. A former cyclist, he completed several memorable rides, including three rides on the Natchez Trace (325 miles), Mt. Cheaha (328 miles) and the Florida Gulf Coast (455 miles). He also enjoyed watching the Tour de France and found both peace and adventure on the open road. In quiet moments, he loved walking his late companions Nick and Rosie, and his beloved dog, Annie.
Wells was married to the love of his life, Leigh Williamson Warren, for 48 years. Together they built a family grounded in love, faith and support. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Meadows Warren (Matthew Warren) and Margaret Elizabeth Warren (fiancé David Gottlieb). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to John Wells Warren II, James Wicker Warren and Stella Rebekah Warren, who lovingly knew him as “Doc,” a nickname that reflected both his academic accomplishments and the special bond he shared with them.
He will be remembered for his presence — steady, dependable and enduring. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the family he cherished and the many lives he touched simply by being who he was.
The liturgy for the Burial of the Dead, followed by the Committal of Ashes in the Columbarium, will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama, where Wells faithfully served from 1999 to 2018, on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. Clergy are invited to wear cassock & surplice. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to CARE Humane Society in Auburn or to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Fayette, Alabama.
ELIZABETH DENSON “LIBBA” LIPSCOMB
Elizabeth Denson “Libba” Lipscomb left peacefully from her home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026.
Libba was born in Opelika on June 28, 1928, to Nimrod D. and Elizabeth R. Denson. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her sister — Nimrod Denson, Charles Denson and Carolyn Channon — as well as by her beloved husband, McAdory Lipscomb, who passed away in 1993.
She is survived by her younger brother, John V. Denson of Opelika; her five children, McAdory (Marilyn) Lipscomb, Jr. of New Milford, Connecticut; Denson (Anne) Lipscomb of Auburn; Freddie (Al) Killian of Auburn; Nim (Tamra) Lipscomb of Auburn; and John Lipscomb of Birmingham. Libba was also blessed with nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Clift (Opelika) High School in 1946, Libba attended Huntingdon College and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) before eloping with Mac in 1949. After short stays in Columbus and Augusta, Georgia, the couple returned home to Auburn in 1952 when Mac purchased Toomer’s Drugstore, where they built their life together and raised their family.
In the early years of her marriage, Libba balanced two full-time jobs — raising five children and helping with the family business. Her devotion to family, however, extended well beyond her own household. A passionate historian and genealogist, Libba dedicated much of her life to researching her proud Rush family heritage. Along with her cousin Rosalind, she co-authored The Rush Memoirs in 1977, a work filled with letters, photographs and vivid accounts of the family’s history prior to the Civil War. Her extensive research collections have been donated to the Auburn University Archives.
Libba was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Jamestowne Society, and for many years she served as the driving force behind the Rush Family Reunion, which gathered relatives from across the country every five years.
She delighted in entertaining her children and grandchildren with legendary Easter egg hunts and, in later years, enjoyed quiet afternoons at home working on jigsaw puzzles or playing Rummikub. Her love of games and her spirited competitiveness may have stemmed from countless marathon bridge sessions and her many years as a devoted Auburn football fan — always proud of her 50-yard-line seats.
Libba cherished her friends, her church and her community. Their love and companionship sustained her throughout her later years. She was known for her welcoming smile, her ever-present cup of coffee and her ability to produce the perfect remedy for any visiting chocoholic.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, April 18, at Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Libba’s favorite charity, The Museum of East Alabama (121 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801), or to a charity of your choice.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
OPAL MATCHEN
With heavy hearts and profound appreciation for a life well-lived, the family of Opal C. Matchen announced her peaceful passing on April 18, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on April 9, 1928, in the warm embrace of Alabama, Opal was the cherished daughter of the late Albert Culberson and Nora Minter Culberson. Her life was a testament to resilience, love and dedication, qualities she inherited from her beloved parents and carried with her throughout her days.
Opal’s journey was one of love and family. She was blessed with a devoted marriage to her husband, Elba H. Matchen, with whom she shared a beautiful life and raised two sons, David E. Matchen and Kenneth R. Matchen (Margie). Together, Opal and Elba nurtured a loving home, instilling in their children the values of kindness and integrity.
Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren Paul Matchen (Jodie), David Matchen, Jr., Kenneth Matchen, Jr. (Amanda) and Dana M. Crocker (Clay). Her legacy continues through her seven great-grandchildren Camden Crocker, Alex Crocker, Olivia Matchen, Parker Matchen, Jacob Matchen, Henry Matchen and Mia Matchen, who will forever remember her warmth and wisdom. Opal’s love extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many nieces and nephews who held her dear.
Opal was predeceased by her husband Elba; her parents Nora and Albert; her siblings Roberta Carver, Gaynelle Milam, Zora Ann Denty, Benny Culberson and Caroline Culberson; and her great-grandchild Vivian Matchen. Though she has left this world, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return.
Professionally, Opal was dedicated to her work at A&P, where she spent many years contributing her skills and passion. Her commitment to her work was rivaled only by her dedication to her faith. She was a long-standing and active member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika, where she found a community of faith and friendship that sustained her for many years until she could no longer attend.
Opal’s life will be celebrated at a graveside service on April 22, at 2 p.m. at the Garden Hills Cemetery with a visitation being held from 12:30 to1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. It is here that family and friends will gather to honor a remarkable woman whose life was a blessing to all who knew her. As her loved ones bid farewell to Opal, they remember her not in sorrow but with gratitude for the love and memories she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of family and the beauty of a life lived in faith.
JOHN LAWSON
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. John Bryan Lawson, affectionately known as Poppy, 81, of Auburn, passed away on April 16, 2026, surrounded by family.
John is survived by his sons Mike Lawson (Jennifer) and Reggie Lawson (Dani); daughter Becca Lawson (Willa); granddaughter Samantha Farmer (Jeremiah); grandsons Britton Lawson and Brandon Moseley (Sidney); granddaughter, Olivia Lawson; great-grandchildren Leighton Farmer, Asher Farmer, Miller Moseley and Madden Moseley; brother-in-law Marvin Hatcher (Lisa).
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Emily Hatcher Lawson and his parents, Bryan Verner and Susan Hinton Lawson.
John grew up in Lincoln, Alabama, and graduated with a Master’s degree in Engineering from Auburn University where he was a member of the Lambda Chi fraternity. John had a successful career in the aggregate business and retired in Auburn. John was an avid Auburn fan and jack of all trades.
The Lawson family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Brandon Johnson and staff, as well as Gwen Sistrunk who took amazing care of him in his later years.
A casual celebration of life will be held at Lawson Lands, 693 Martin Luther King St, Camp Hill, Alabama, on April 25, at 2 p.m. CST. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Spencer Cancer Center. Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of “Poppy.”
HAROLD RONALD “RONNIE” FLOURNOY
Harold Ronald “Ronnie” Flournoy, 66, of Opelika, passed away on April 13, 2026.
Born on Dec. 22, 1959, in Ft. McClellan, Alabama, Ronnie lived a life defined by service, loyalty, humor and a deep love for the people around him. He was, in every sense, the epitome of a servant to his community — a man whose door was always open to anyone in need.
Ronnie spent decades serving his country and community, retiring as a sergeant from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after 30 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served in the United States Army and with the 214th Military Police Company, where he built a legacy of discipline, leadership and quiet strength.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his biological father, Johnny Charles Anglin, Sr. of Augusta, Georgia; and his dad, Earl Flournoy of Opp, Alabama, who lovingly raised him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Pamela Sizemore Flournoy; his mother, Jeannie (Sam) Elmore of Haughton, Louisiana; his brothers, Keith (Julie) Flournoy of Opelika and Johnny (LeAnn) Anglin Jr. of Augusta, Georgia; his sisters, Tracey (Steve) Wyatt of Sylacauga, Alabama, Becky (Jeff) Shean of San Diego, California and Debra Anglin Curry of Augusta; along with a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Ronnie was a proud graduate of Opp High School, Class of 1978, and a lifelong Auburn fan who rarely missed a chance to enjoy a game. Whether he was cheering on the Tigers, working with his hands in the shop or out in the woods hunting, he found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life.
He was a true outdoorsman, a talented woodworker and what many would call a premier grill master. But more than anything, Ronnie was known for his heart. He had a great sense of humor, the kind that could lighten any room and he was always the first to step up when someone needed help — no questions asked.
To his family, he was more than all of his accomplishments. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful son, a loyal brother and, as many would agree, “the coolest brother.” He was also a proud pet dad to Lexi, Mia and Mickey, and a genuine animal lover.
Ronnie lived the kind of life that leaves a mark — not through grand gestures, but through everyday kindness, quiet strength and unwavering support for those he loved.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Susan Parker Porterfield
On Friday, April 17, 2026, Susan Parker Porterfield passed away. She was 74 years old.
She was a local entrepreneur doing things from a video store to a concessions at both Alabama and Auburn stadiums to Cock & Bull Tavern.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Ray Porterfield Sr.; father Homer A. Barnes and mother, Mildred “Mickey” Barnes.
She is survived by her sons Scott Parker and Danny Ray (Jill) Porterfield Jr.; Daughter Jennifer (Shawn) Daley; Siblings Stacey (Lynn) Barnes, Muffett (Lee) Ball and Cathy Carowick. She was blessed with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would also like to thank Mrs. Val Morgan, caregiver, and her associates for caring for Susan.
A chapel service was held Tuesday, April 21, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
