GABRIEL ADJEI
A visitation was held on Sunday, July 5, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at Church of the Highlands East Campus on Monday, July 6.
JODI DARLENE COOK
Jodi Darlene Cook, 67, of Opelika, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama.
Born on Jan. 8, 1959, in Opelika, Jodi was the daughter of the late Otis W. Hollis and Bobbie F. Hollis. She was a graduate of Smiths Station High School and retired after a successful career as an accountant.
Jodi was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She shared 29 blessed years of marriage with her beloved husband, Rosville “Buddy” Cook Jr. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully attended church throughout the years. She often reminded those around her, “God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good,” and found comfort in her favorite scripture, John 3:16.
Known for her generous heart and caring spirit, Jodi never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. She loved cooking, canning, spending time at the beach, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, watching hummingbirds, tending to her yellow roses and making memories with family and friends. She also took pride in always having her nails perfectly done. Above all, she will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering faith and the love she shared with everyone around her.
She is survived by her husband, Rosville “Buddy” Cook Jr.; her daughter, Bobbie Jean Wright, of Opelika; her son, Matt Clark (Cindy), of Auburn; her stepson, Lee Cook (April), of Taylorsville, Utah; her brother, Andy Hollis (Ashley), of Foley, Alabama; her grandchildren, Jason Clark (Karli), Austin Clark, Abigail Shelley (Stephen), Hunter Wright, Logan Wright, Ty Cook (Bayley), Kami Cook, Brandon “Taylor” Holmes and Justin Holmes; her great-grandchildren, Greyson Cook and Collin Cook; along with numerous cousins, extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis W. Hollis and Bobbie F. Hollis, and her stepdaughter, Jeannie Tulisa McGee.
A memorial service celebrating Jodi’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 1 p.m. CT at Living Waters Ministries Center, located at 3005 Lafayette Parkway in Opelika.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
JOHN STALLINGS
John Robert Stallings, 85, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.
John was born on March 20, 1941, in Goodwater, Alabama, to George Robert Stallings and IzzieLean White Stallings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Robert Stallings and IzzieLean White Stallings.
John proudly served his country for 30 years in the Alabama National Guard, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). During his distinguished military career, he was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Following his military service, John retired from the Opelika Water Works Board after 16 years of dedicated service. Beyond his career, he was a talented musician, vocalist and guitarist who found great joy in sharing his love of music with family, friends and his community. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his family and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Worthington Stallings; his son, Mike Veasey and wife, Gwen Veasey; his grandchildren, Michael Veasey and wife, Adrianna Veasey, and Mallory Bode and husband, CJ Bode; his cherished great-granddaughter, Riley Mae Veasey; his children, Stacy and Scott; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
John’s legacy of service, music, love and dedication to his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Isaac Kervin officiating.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for the prayers, love and support shown during this difficult time.
SUE BRUNSON
With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of their beloved momma, Sue Starling Brunson, who passed away peacefully on July 3, at the age of 72.
Born on June 12, 1954, in Columbus, Georgia, she touched countless lives with her kindness, unconditional love and support.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who always put the needs of others before her own. Whether through her warm smile, comforting words or selfless acts of love, she made everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for.
She enjoyed cooking for her family, listening to music and watching her favorite shows. She is survived by her husband Charles Brunson of Salem; son Charles Brunson Jr., and his wife Jamie Brunson; daughter Felicia Brunson Tucker; her grandchildren Jason Kilgore his spouse Cherry, Kendal Freeman her spouse, Errin, Tripp Brunson and Paige Brunson; her great-grandchildren Karter Freeman and Kash Freeman; and sisters Joyce, Sandy and Wanda.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother and her brothers.
Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the love she gave us and the memories we will cherish forever. Her legacy of love, kindness and resilience will continue to live on through all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on July 9 at 1 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate her life and share in remembering the remarkable woman she was.
Forever loved, deeply missed and never forgotten.
LUCIUS BEDSOLE CHASTAIN
Luke Chastain, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Compassus Bethany House in Auburn.
Born and raised in Jackson, Alabama, Luke was the son of the late Dock L. Chastain and Cora Downey Chastain. He lived a life marked by faith, service, devotion to his family and a love of the outdoors.
Luke graduated from Auburn University in 1958 with a degree in Industrial Management. While at Auburn, he was active in the Wesley Foundation Choir and ROTC and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi. After receiving his commission, he proudly served for 12 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of captain.
Luke enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career with South Central Bell, retiring in 1991 as Network Operations Manager.
A man of deep faith, Luke was a lifelong Methodist and a dedicated choir member. He was a founding member of Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, where he faithfully served and worshiped.
Luke loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting with his grandchildren. He was also an active member of the Auburn Rotary Club and treasured the friendships and opportunities for service it provided.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane May Chastain; his daughter, Lucia Carter (Burt); his son, Ken Chastain (Nena); grandsons, Mitch Carter, Kyle Carter (Katherine), Reid Carter, Trey Carter (Olivia) and Lt. Luke Chastain (Elisa); granddaughter, Lauren Chastain Rayl, M.D., (Trevor); his cherished great-grandchildren Charlotte, Ebie, James and Holland Carter, Landon and Asher Rayl.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, located at 1061 Shug Jordan Parkway, Suite 505, in Auburn, or to the Food Bank of East Alabama, located at 355 Industry Drive in Auburn.
Luke will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his humble spirit, his dedication to family and the kindness and integrity with which he lived his life. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
