Dr. Robert H. Dinius 1925-2012

 

Dr. Robert H. Dinius died at his home in Auburn, on July 27. He was born on April 15, 1925, in Lincoln, Ill., where he was a varsity athlete at Lincoln High School. After graduation he entered the Army. He was a Sgt. and a medic and served in the Italian Campaign of World War II. After the war he received a BS degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he met his wife of 62 years, Sally Holton. He worked for a while as a chemist for Swift and Company and Celotex. Robert then entered the University of Missouri and received a MS degree. He continued his studies at Florida State University, receiving his PhD and doing post-doctoral work in chemistry.

Robert accepted a position in the chemistry department at Auburn University in 1961. He was a member of Sigma Xi and the National Academy of Science. After his retirement from Auburn, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries, supporting AU athletic teams, and traveling in an RV through the US, Canada and Mexico. He also enjoyed spending time at their Lake Martin home, where he was an avid reader of scientific articles. He loved his pets: Shamoo, Rhapsody, Susie I, Susie II, and Susie III.

Survivors are his wife, Sally, of Auburn, and sister Libby Gray of Indianapolis, Ind. and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on July 30, with services following in the chapel at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lee County Humane Society, 1140 Ware Drive, Auburn, would be welcome.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed. www.jeffcoattrant.com

 

 

Huey Long Conway1935-2012

 

Huey Long Conway, Sr., 77, of Sturkie, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at East Alabama Medical Center. A memorial service was held at the Vines Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette on July 22, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Richard Canon Waller officiated the service.

Survivors include a devoted wife, Mary Launa McMolin Conway, Sturkie; one son: Huey (Teresa) Conway, Jr., Horton; two daughters: Fredricka (Kevin) Schuh, LaFayette and Katie (Arlin) Spraggins, Little Texas; 12 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Conway’s death is a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Anglican Mission Church of the Resurrection, P. O. Box 253, Salem , AL 36874.

Vines Funeral Home, Inc., LaFayette, handled the arrangements.

 

 

Etta Dean Moore 1930-2012

 

Etta Dean Moore, 81, of Auburn, passed away on July 27, at Oak Park Retirement Center. She was born on Nov. 29, 1930, in Town Creek. Moore had been a resident of Auburn for the past 16 years.

She was the youngest of four children. Before moving to Auburn, Moore lived in Greenville, where she was a public school teacher. After graduating from high school, Moore married James Paul Moore who had just returned from service in the US Navy during WWII.

Moore attended Auburn University after their marriage and graduated from the College of Agriculture. After having five children, Moore returned to school and earned her teaching degree from Troy State University and later her master’s degree from the University of Montevallo. She taught in the Greenville school system for over 25 years before moving to Auburn to be closer to her family.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers Porter Kimbrell and Fred Kimbrell, and her sister Edna Terry.  Two of her daughters, Donna Moore and Debra Moore, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters Kathy Denman of Carbondale, Colo. and Kim Moore of Snowmass, Colo., and her son Larry Moore of Auburn and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. Moore enjoyed her retirement in Auburn with her family, friends and pets. She loved to cook, garden and attend Auburn University athletic events.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Mrs. Moore was held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 2, with visitation at 1 p.m. in the Founders Chapel at Auburn United Methodist Church in Auburn. Burial services took place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts honoring Mrs. Moore be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral & Crematory directed.

 

 

John Edward Thrasher 1942-2012

 

A memorial service for John Edward Thrasher, 70, of Auburn was held at 2 p.m. on July 28, at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel. Reverend Ben McDavid officiated. Visitation was Saturday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., one hour prior to the service at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Thrasher was born on Feb. 18, 1942, in Colbert County. He passed away on July 24, at East Alabama Medical Center. He had been a resident of Opelika for the past 38 years, and was retired from Uniroyal, Inc. with 25 years service. Thrasher served in both the United States Navy and the Naval Reserve. He spent many years coaching recreational league baseball and softball. He also served as a volunteer at East Alabama Medical Center for a number of years. He was preceded in death by parents, Lewis and Ruby Thrasher; grandchild, Olivia Thrasher; and sister, Betty Black.

Survivors include his wife, Eva Jo Landrum Thrasher of Auburn; daughter, Lori Thrasher (Dean) Rogers of Opelika; son, Dennis Edward (Lucy) Thrasher of Auburn; five grandchildren, Chris, Amber, Brandon, Parker, and Megan; sister, Peggy McKeithen of Gulf Shores; and two brothers, Robert Thrasher of Tuscumbia, and Bill Thrasher of Cumming, Ga.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be directed to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

 

 

Dennis R. Whitaker 1942-2012

 

Dennis R. Whitaker, 69, of Auburn passed away at his home on July 26. He was born on Nov. 22, 1942, in Atlanta, Texas. Whitaker had been a resident of Auburn for the past 12 years. Chaplain Lt. Colonel Whitaker served in the U.S. Army and retired after 23 years. Following retirement he was employed at East Alabama Medical Center as a clinical therapist for a number of years.

Whitaker is survived by his wife, Sandy J. Whitaker of Auburn; three sons, Daren (Jennifer) Whitaker of Columbus, Ga., Kyle (Christine) Whitaker of Holly Springs, Ga., Drew Whitaker of Holly Springs, Ga.; five grandchildren, Adah, Amelia, Emily, and Tyler Whitaker and Bailey Filush-Glaze; sister, Donella Lowery; two brothers, Daniel and Donald Whitaker; and two special friends, Jenny Filush and Lisa Glaze.

A funeral service for Whitaker was held on July 30, at 10 a.m. at Auburn First Baptist Church. Reverend Scott Lee officiated. Burial was Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Boy Scouts of America.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

 

 

Peggy S. Fluker 1928-2012

 

A memorial service for Peggy S. Fluker, 84, of Auburn was held at 3 p.m. on July 29, at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel. Reverend Dale Peterson officiated.

Fluker was born on March 9, 1928, in Navarro, Texas. She passed away on July 25, at East Alabama Medical Center. Fluker had been a resident of Auburn for the past 52 years. She was a homemaker and had been employed at the Auburn High School, Dean Road School and the office of the Auburn superintendent of education. She had also been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Auburn and the Auburn University New Comers Club. Peggy graduated from Corsicana High School and Navarro College in their first graduating class.

Survivors include her husband, Billie J. Fluker of Auburn; three daughters, Diane (Steven) Barnard of Auburn; Karen (James) Tate of Melfa, Va., Kathy (Mike) Hamrick of Eufaula; 13 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and sister, Betty (Tracy) McGaha of Corsicana, Texas.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com

 

 

Carol Judy Kent 1932-2012

 

Carol Judy Kent passed from this earthly life on July 26, in Auburn. Kent was born in Potomac, Ill. to Olen David Judy and Ruby Crawford Judy, on April 20, 1932. She was the youngest of six children. She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, George F. Kent of Auburn.

Kent’s childhood and young adult years were spent on the family farm near Potomac, in Vermillion County, Ill. The Judy home was a lively place, and Carol was a bright and active child. She enjoyed being outdoors, riding horses, socializing, and life on the farm. Even as a young woman, she exhibited an uncanny ability to bring beauty and light to everything and everyone around her.

She attended Illinois State at Normal. In 1952 she married Fred J. Stella. They lived with their three children in Downer’s Grove, Ill., near Chicago, until cancer took his life. Carol moved with her children to Columbia, Mo,. in 1967, to be near her brothers and their families.

Carol and George met in Columbia, and were united in marriage in 1973. They enjoyed a life rich in family and friends. They shared many interests, including travel, and explored much of Europe together. They also enjoyed many glorious days on the beaches of Lake Michigan and the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Kents retired to the Auburn area in 1991.

Kent was a member of Auburn United Methodist Church and the Joel McDavid Sunday school class. She was a member of the Auburn Woman’s Club and was actively involved in PEO. She was initiated into PEO Chapter IT in Columbia, Mo. in 1988, was a member of PEO Chapter G in Montgomery, and PEO Chapter E in Auburn..

During her years in Columbia, Kent served on the Missouri Arts Council, the Missouri Symphony Society and the University of Missouri Friends of Music. She was an advocate for the arts and lifelong lover of opera, orchestra, chamber music and art.

Her expertise in the kitchen was legendary among friends and family, and she enjoyed experimenting with new and challenging dishes. She was a generous and encouraging teacher, sharing her love of the culinary arts with her children and grandchildren. Many of her recipes are now long-cherished traditions.

Kent was an avid reader, and her travels spawned a particular interest in books about historic people and places. She was also an accomplished seamstress and decorator. Her remarkable sense of style shaped every activity, from flower arranging to fashion.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was actively involved in all of her children’s and grandchildren’s interests and activities, encouraging their pursuits with her presence and her example.

Kent is survived by her husband, George F. Kent of Auburn, and their children: April Stella MacDonald (John) of Auburn; Reid Stella (Constance) of Kansas City, Mo.; and Catherine Kent Ballance (Bob) of Boulder, Colo. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Julia MacDonald, Claire MacDonald, Samuel Stella, Olivia Stella, Francesca Stella, Lora Hall Boyd (Will) and Emily Hall. Three siblings also survive: David Judy (Margie) of Potomac, Ill., Dan Judy (Audrey) of Columbia, Mo., and Marthann Judy Day of Peoria, Ill. Her first husband, Fred J. Stella, Jr.; a son, Scott K. Stella; and two brothers, Scott Judy and Allen Judy, preceded Kent in death.

A memorial service celebrating Kent’s life was held at 1 p.m. on July 30, in the Founders Chapel at Auburn United Methodist Church. A private family service was held at the graveside.

Memorial gifts honoring Mrs. Kent may be made to the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Endowment Foundation for United Methodist seminary students: P.O. Box 241661, Montgomery, AL. 36124-1661, or the PEO Continuing Education Fund, Alabama Chapter, P.O. Box 908, Montrose, AL 36559.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed. www.jeffcoattrant.com

 

 

Lucy Ann Gillam

1925-2012

 

Lucy Ann Gillam, 87, resident of Auburn, passed away at her home on July 20. Funeral services were held on July 27, at 11 a.m. at Bell Missionary Baptist Church  with interment in Westview Cemetery.  Pastor Mark X. Lee and Bishop A. L. Dowdell officiated.

Gillam was a member of Bell Missionary Baptist Church where she was a former member of the Gospel Choir and a member of Philista Chapter O.E.S. No. 184. In 1959, Gillam graduated from Jones Beauty School, Tuskegee and later opened Lucy Beauty Shop. She was also a former employee of Auburn University Housing, W. T. Grant and K-Mart where she was known as the “Blue Light Lady.”

Her remains laid at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

Survivors include: sons, Nathaniel (Gwen) Fountain Sr. and Roosevelt (Ophelia) Lockett both of Buffalo, N.Y.; daughter, Elaine (Herbert) Hunter, Auburn; sisters, Velma Gulley, Mobile, and Maple (Jimmy) Williams, Columbus, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Alice Thomas, Cleveland, Ohio and Viola Thomas, Gosport; nine grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; host of other relatives and friends.

Peterson and Williams Funeral Home directed.

 

 

Mavis Sanders Johnson 1926-2012

 

The funeral service for Mavis Sanders Johnson, 86, of Auburn, was held at 11 a.m., on July 27, at Farmville Baptist Church. Pastor Tom McClendon officiated. Burial followed at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on July 26.

Johnson was born on Feb. 15, 1926, in Henry County. She passed away on July 25. She had been a resident of Auburn for over 66 years and retired after 27 years as a rural mail carrier. She was an extraordinary wife, loving mother and grandmother and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 69 years, R. E. Johnson, four sons, Mike (Sandy) of Rock Hill, S.C., Kyle (Donna) of Montgomery, Rick of Buford, Ga., Tim (Lynn) of Hendersonville, N.C., and seven grandchildren, Michael, Scott, Shelley, Lori, David, Ryan and Ricky, sister Martha (Alfred) Faison of Dothan, brother Beauford (Jean) Sanders of Houston County and Ronnie (Cheryl) Sanders of Dothan. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy M. Sanders.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Farmville Baptist Church or Hospice Advantage.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

 

Chaney Brooks Jr.

1920-2012

 

A graveside service for Chaney Brooks Jr., 92, formerly of Auburn was held at 2 p.m. on July 27, at Westview Cemetery. Bishop A. L. Dowdell officiated.

Brooks passed on July 19, at Huntsville Hospital.

Survivors include one brother, Jasper Brooks, Auburn; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.

Peterson and Williams Funeral Home directed.

 

 

Angela Pressley Brooks

1970-2012

 

Funeral services for Angela Pressley Brooks, 42, were held on Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. from True Deliverance Holiness Church Evangelist. Evelyn Weaver officiated. Bishop Nolan Torbert, Pastor. Interment followed in Pine Level Cemetery.

Brooks, a resident of Opelika, passed away on July 27, at East Alabama Medical Center. She was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

She laid in state at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral.

Survivors include her  children, Torrie Pressley, Marquel (Renee Mitchell) Pressley, Antario Brooks and Anteria Brooks; grandchildren, Tianna Pressley and Marquel Pressley Jr.; sister, Annessia Pressley; brother, Gary Pressley; fiancée, Julius Shealey; grandmother, Mary Helen Berry; aunts, Cynthia Berry, Rosetta Pressley, and Althelda Rowell; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Peterson and Williams Funeral Home directed.

 

Victor P. Cherry, III

 

Victor P. Cherry, III, passed away on Wednesday morning, Aug. 1, at 5 a.m.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.