HENRY BENHART ABRAMSON - “FLORENCE -- The service for Henry Benhart Abramson, 75, Route 12, will be at 2:30 p.m. today at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Hal Noble officiating. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Elkins and Son funeral Home, Florence, directing. The body will be placed in the church half an hour before the service. He died Friday, Oct. 24, 1986, at Humana Hospital Florence. He was born in Cloverdale, son of the late Isaac William and Josphine Matilla Abramson. He was a retired dairy farmer. He was a member of Central Civitan Club and a past president, and a member of Florence Masonic Lodge 13, F&AM. He was a disabled veteran, serving in World War II, a member of Lauderdale County Post 11 of the American Legion, a member of the U.S.S. Washington Reunion group, U.S. Navy, and a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Inah Mae Young Abramson, Route 12, Florence; brother, Paul A. Abramson, Florence; sister, Mrs. Ruth Austin, Cloverdale. Memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Central Civitan Club or charity. Bearers will be John Norman Abramson, David Abramson, Edwin Abramson, Paul Austin, Richard Hargett, Marvin Whisenant, L.C. Morgan Jr. and Charles Willis. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Carl Lucky, Frank Potts, Charles Moore, Ray Montgomery, Richard Compton , Wayland Darby, Danny Wylie, members of Central Heights Civitan Club, Men’s Sunday School Class of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Sunday, October 26, 1986

INAH MAE (YOUNG) ABRAMSON - 92, of Florence, peacefully died Friday, June 4, 2010 after an extended stay at Southridge Place. Mrs. Abramson's visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow, with the Reverend Hal Noble, Reverend William H. Smith, Mickey Davis and Reverend Tom Moye officiating. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry B. Abramson, her parents James E. and Annie Bert Young and sisters Lily Katherine Young and Julia Young Hargett. Survivors include niece Melinda Hargett, nephew Richard Hargett, cousins Lena Morgan (husband L.C.), Doris Whisenant (husband Marvin and daughter Allison Whisenant Delbert, Louis Delbert and Maryanna Delbert), sister-in-law Ruth Austin and a host of family and friends. Pallbearers will include Ronnie Brown, Neal Davis, Doug Murphy, Eckard Walker, Marvin Whisenant, and Larry Young. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Abramson, Jack Bissey, Bob Bevis, Bud Cramer, Wayland Darby, Bobby Denton, R.D. Faulkner, Dr. Bob Mann, Charles Moore, Frank Potts, Dr. R.B. Spence, Charles Watkins, Staff at Southridge Place and all past Florence Clinic Physicians and Personnel. Inah Mae graduated from Central High School in 1936 and attended Bob Jones College. She worked as a secretary at the Florence Clinic from 1947-1967 until her marriage to Henry B. Abramson. Inah Mae was active in the Central Alumni Association and was the first Alumnus of the Year in 1989. She was a Charter Member of the Florence Business Professional Women and served as president, secretary/treasurer, district and member of the state board and one of three charter members active for the 50 years of the club's existence. Inah Mae was an active Democrat and influential in local, state and national politics. She served Lauderdale County in many capacities, including Board of Human Resources, the Board of Community Action, Women's Division of Lauderdale County on the State Traffic Commission, and was honored for 40 years of service to the Lauderdale Department of Pension and Services. She received the first Special Citizens Award presented by the Muscle Shoals Chamber of Commerce in 1967. She was recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate in 1995 and received a Senate Resolution in 1999 commending her outstanding achievements, devotion and service to others. Inah Mae joined Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in 1929. She served as Youth Counselor, taught Sunday School, member of the United Methodist Women, Chairman of the History Committee, Chairman of the Cemetery, and served in various other capacities. She assisted in the district office doing secretarial duties as well. She was an active member of the community serving on the Board of Directors at the Central Community Center, and served as Secretary of the Central Fire Department. Inah Mae's life-long philosophy was "If you do other people good and put yourself last, you'll come out on top." Special thanks to Anita South, Scotty South and Southridge Place Staff for their care over the past four years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Central High School Alumni Scholarship Fund and the Central Community Center.
Joy Favors at Find-a-grave

BETTY F. (RUSSELL) AGEE , 75, Florence, Ala., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. today at Colbert Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. in the chapel, with burial to follow at Colbert Memorial Gardens. Officiating is Brother Donnie McDaniel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Agee Sr.; sons, Timothy Bratcher and Thurman Agee; parents, Charles and Ali Mae Russell; six brothers; and one sister. Survivors include sons, Richard Lee Agee Jr., of Tallapoosa, Ga., and Rick and Cindy Agee, of Florence; daughters, Donna and Billy Aycock, of Muscle Shoals, Cathy and Kenneth Thompson, of Tuscumbia, Joni and Billy Dobbs, Angie Murphy, Jan and Paul Parrish, Deb and Steve Rhodes, all of Florence, Donna and Lewis Lopez, of Fairfield, Calif.; brothers, Hiram and Homer D. Russell, of Muscle Shoals; sisters, Catherine Llewellyn, Barbara Jean Jones, Ruth Darnell and Janice Vess; 19 grandchildren and 5 1/2 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Hospice of the Shoals, Jeff, D'arcey, Norma and Debbie at North West Alabama Cancer Center. Colbert Memorial Chapel of the Shoals is directing.
Times Dailey 9 Feb. 2009

JEAN (JOHNSON) ALEXANDER , 52, of 1302 West Montgomery St., Sheffield, died today about 8 a.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James A Cagle, 412 Campbell St., Florence. Mrs. Alexander was a music teacher in Sheffield for a number of years and pianist of the South Side Baptist church, Sheffield, where she was a member. She was a graduate of Wayne University of Music n Detroit and was also pianist of the WMU for Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the South Side church, Sheffield, with Rev. G.T. Prater officiating, assisted by Rev. M.L. Butler and Rev. L.E. Kelley. Burial will be in Jones Hill Cemetery. Survivors are her husband, D.E. Alexander; two sons, Elmer E. Johnson, Florence, and Robert H. Johnson, Monroe, La.; two daughters, Mrs. Cagle, Florence, and Mrs. Ralph D. Wilson, Florence, two sisters, Mrs. Beatrice White and Mrs. W.R. Berry, both of Florence; and nine grandchildren. Active bearers will be Floyd Rogers, James Doss, Roger Murphy Gene Murphy and Gary Mennie. Arrangement by Chisholm.”
Congributed by Mildred Jean Mason -

JIM ALEXANDER , 78, passed away Dec. 31, 2009, at ECM Hospital. Jim was a native of Winston, Ala., a longtime resident of Lauderdale County and a member of the Mitchell Hollingsworth Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ services. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, 2009, at Greenview Funeral Home, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating will be Paul Swindle. Mr. Alexander was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. He is survived by two sisters, Lillian Borden and Viola Glover, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Matt Meyers, Cecil Brewer, Jerry Eaton, Robert Eaton, Darrell Brewer and Jerry Eaton Jr. Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
Source: Times Daily - Ancestry.com

JOEL VENOY ALLEN , 69, of Lexington, passed away Oct. 5, 2010, at ECM Hospital after an extended illness. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lexington, a retired mill operator for Reynolds Metals and a member of United Steelworkers Local 200. Survivors include his parents, Ottis Gentry Allen and Ora Lee Jones Allen, of Peppertown, Tenn.; son, Brian Keith Allen, Rogersville; daughter, Lisa Allen Sinyard, Lexington; brothers, Ottis Coy Allen, Lexington, Terry Lynn Allen, Killen, Richard Keith Allen, Lexington; sister, Janice Allen Booth and husband, Chuck, Lexington; grandson, Zackery Allen Sinyard, Tuscaloosa; granddaughter, Ashley Danielle Sinyard, Tuscaloosa; and special friend, Dinah Bowling Bunnell. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Greenhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Brother Earnie Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Allen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Johnny Allen, Dale Barnett, David Brown, Tommy Fuller, Tim Hanback, Dennis Killen, Larry Newton and Jason Leonard. Honorary pallbearers will be Bradley Putman and Don Bolen. Greenhill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Source: Joy Favors (Find-A-Grave) Published in Florence Times Daily on October 7, 2010

ROBERTA KISSIAH (BROADFOOT) ANDERSON - Funeral services for Mrs. Roberta K. Anderson, aged 70, native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale county, who resided at 506 Campbell street, Florence, and who died suddenly of a heart attack Friday morning at 3:15 o'clock at Campbell's Clinic, Memphis, where she had been removed following a fall three weeks ago in which she suffered a broken hip, were conducted here this afternoon. Rites were conducted at 4 o'clock at the First Methodist church, Florence, by Dr. L. O. Sturdivant, pastor, burial following in Florence cemetery, Brown Service directing. Mrs. Anderson, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Broadfoot, pioneer residents of this section, was a devout member of First Methodist church. Surviving in addition to her husband, W. W. Anderson, of Florence, are two daughters, Mrs. Frank Stockard and Miss Willie Anderson both of Florence; two sisters, Mrs. J. T. Haddock, Florence, and Mrs. William Simmons of Tuscaloosa, and three brothers, Ben, William and Thomas Broadfoot, of Florence. Active pallbearers were Earl Anderson, Price Darby, V. H. Darby, Clyde Anderson, Price Haddock and Douglas Daniels. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. O. D. Ingram, Homer Wesson, Bob Wilson, Jr., Harold S. May, W. S. Pierce, Marcy B. Darnall, Jr., Lawrence Perry, Emmett Daniels, Charles Phillips, W. H. Martin, A. H. Puller, Harvey Ezell, Robert Herston, Andy Burrows, Elbert Burns, Bob Lovelace, F. J. Shelnutt and Ed Hafner.
Contributed by Sharon Rhoades - Find-A-Grave

WILLIAM W. ANDERSON , of 506 West Campbell Street, Florence, died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at ECM Hospital following an extended illness. He was 87. Mr. Anderson had been retired for 13 years and previous to that time was active as a livestock dealer and farmer. He was a life resident of Lauderdale County. He had been a member of the First Methodist Church for many years. Funeral services were at 4 p.m. today from Brown Service Chapel, Florence. Dr. Edwin Branscomb, pastor of the First Methodist Church, and Rev. Shirley Lowery officiated. Interment was in Florence Cemetery. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Frank Stockard Jr., and Mrs. Jack McDade, both Florence; a grandson, Frank Stockard III, Florence; a brother, L. G. Anderson, Chattanooga, Tenn., and a number of nieces and nephews. Bearers were nephews, T. W. Broadfoot, Andrew Haddock, Hollis Broadfoot, Vernon Darby, Price Darby, Herschel Anderson, Earl Anderson, Clyde Anderson, Honorary bearers wee Dr. G. D. Ingram, Homer Hill, Harvey Ezell, Dr. C. F. Luckey, Dr. E. W. Gray, Dr. M. M. Jackson, James Stockard, Louis McCullough, J. L. Goyer, Owen Suilivan [sic], Herschel Kilburn, Jeff Harding, Ike Cody, Lucian Broadfoot, Joe Van Sant [sic], B. F. O'Steen, Sammy Barksdale, Herschel Bunch, Gay Young, George Lee, Bob Walker, A. C. Fox, Ray Hanback. Arrangements by Brown Service of Florence
Contributed by Sharon Rhoades - Find-A-Grave

PETER FONATINE ARMISTEAD one of the oldest citizens in North Alabama, died at his home four miles south of Tuscumbia, Monday night at 9 p.m., after a brief illness. His remains were interred in the Winston cemetery, Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m., Rev. Henry Kingham conducted the funeral services. Mr. Armistead was born at Culpepper, Virginia in 1800, and while a small boy removed with his parents to Lauderdale County, settling in what is known as the "Armistead Place," six miles northwest of Florence. In December 1839, he married Miss Mary Susan Winston, removing shortly afterward to Franklin, now Colbert County, where he has since resided. To the union twelve children were born, only four of whom survive him, G. W. and H. C. Armistead of Colbert County, Mrs. R. T. Bugg of Winchester, Tennessee, and Mrs. Kate McFarland of Florence. He has one brother surviving, George Armistead, a resident of Arkansas.
Source: Vicki Rice (World Connect-Rootsweb) - From "Gathering Up Our Sheaves With Joy", A History of Trinity Episcopal Church 1824 - 1976, Florence, AL ...... "Peter Fontaine Armistead, the first senior warder of Trinity Church, had a 600 acre land grant dated June 5, 1814, and settled there five miles west of Florence, on the Savannah Highway. He died in 1898 at age ninety-five, being at that time, the oldest man in the county."

JANE J. (FAIRES) ARMOUR - On the night of the 11th of June, Mrs. Jennie Armour, quietly breathed her life away at the home of her son in-law, Mr. H.J. Lindsey. She was formerly Miss Jennie Faires and was born in South Carolina, Oct. 23, 1809, and emigrated with her father's family to this country in 1816 and settled on Big Cypress, near where Wesley's Chapel now stands. On August 30th 1831, she married Wm. Faires and moved to Tipton county, Tenn., where she lived with her husband til his death, which occurred on August 6, 1839. She then returned to Lauderdale with the responsibility of rearing three little children, and remained in her widowhood until she was married to Wm. B. Amour, Feb 13, 1848 by whom she raised two daughters and lived a pleasant life until Oct 11, 1881, when he died and again she was left a widow; after which she went to stay with her daughters, Mrs. Henry J. Lindsey and Mrs. Harrison M. Wallace, dying at the home of former as stated above. In young womanhood ! she professed faith in Christ and joined the M.E. Church South, of which she lived a consistent member during the remaining years of a long and useful life. The writer knew her from his infancy up to the time of her death and never saw her perform an action or heard her utter a sentence that was unbecoming in a wife, a mother, a neighbor or a Christian, which can be truthfully said of very few mortal beings. It was a custom with her to lecture her neighbor's children as well as her own to be upright, honest and truthful, and would invariably point them to the Savior. According to the law of nature the last few years of her life she was from extreme old age in very feeble heath. She was in her 86th year, but seemed to suffer but little and complain but little. Four children yet survive her. Two of whom are in Texas, Andrew J. Faires and Mrs. J.A. Bryant. She died as she had lived, in peace with God and all mankind. A long procession of friends and relatives followed ! her remains to their final resting place at Wesley's Chapel. The Rev. Mr. Chappell performed the burial service. May the bereaved and the sympathizing ones meet her in that happy home above the starry skies.
Source: Rootsweb Message Board ---- John L. Austin, Threet, Ala., June 18, 1895

ASRIENNE DIANE ARNETT , 72, of Florence, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Her private interment will be Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Florence City Cemetery. A member of First United Methodist Church, of Florence, she was a graduate of the University of Alabama in 1960 as president of Chi Omega and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Carol Arnett. Survivors include her sister, Carol McLain (Bruce), of Nashville, Tenn.; nieces, Diane McLain Howell, Debbie McLain Garcia; and nephew, Bruce H. McLain Jr. Spry Serenity Chapel, Florence, is directing
Source: Sharon Rhoades - Find-A-Grave

BUFORD E. ARNOLD SR. , 81, Waterloo, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at ECM Hospital. Mr. Arnold was a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. He was of the Baptist faith. He was retired from Martin Industries after several years. He was a World War II veteran. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who adored his family. Mr. Arnold is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Arnold, parents, Mack Arthur and Minnie Mae Williams Arnold, two brothers, a sister, one grandchild, Randy McDougal and two great-grandchildren, Justin McDougal and Katlyn Tidwell. The funeral service will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home chapel, Florence, with the Rev. Roland Parrish officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today at Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Mr. Arnold is survived by his daughters, Janette Dunn and her husband, Benny, Colbert Heights, Geneva Hester and her husband, Wayne, Tuscumbia, Deborah Gean and her husband, Junior, Florence; sons, Junior Arnold and his wife, Betty, Florence, Tommy Arnold and his wife, Mary Ann, Waterloo; sisters, Elsie Smith, Rhodesville, Dorothy Robinson, Florence, Mary Willis, Russellville; brother, C.C. Arnold, Sheffield; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gene McDougal, Dewayne McDougal, Phillip McDougal, Steve Arnold, Mark Smith, and Kevin Patterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Baker and Benjie Dunn. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses in ICU at ECM Hospital, and a special thank you to Dr. Ralph Aquadro and to all of our family and friends for their love, support and prayers.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

M.P. ASHER , a pioneer citizen and the first white child born in Lauderdale county, died last night at his home in this city. He was 73 years old.
Found at Godfrey Memorial Library - Birmingham State Herald, Birmingham, Alabama, 2 May 1896, page 5, column 2

ALFRED TAYLOR AUSTIN , was born July 23, 1892 in Hardin Co., Tenn., the son of the late Gus and Rebecca Lard Austin. On November 11, 1911, he married the former Lillie Parker. Mr. Austin departed from this life June 10, 1972 at the Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, the age of 80 years, 10 months, and 17 days. He leaves other than his wife, two daughters Mrs. Rosie Scott, Waterloo, Mrs. Cynthia Mansel, Boaz, Alabama; one son A.T. Austin, Killen, Ala.; 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Information taken from Virgil Gean’s clergy records.

LILLIE T. (PARKER) AUSTIN , 96, died Tuesday, Nov. 17,1987, at her daughter’s residence in Waterloo. She was a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County, a member of Bumpas Creek Free Will Baptist Church and the widow of Alfred T. Austin. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Bumpas Creek Free Will Baptist Church with the Revs. Virgil Gean and J.B. Harper officiating. Burial will be in New Bumpas Creek Cemetery, Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Tenn., directing. Visitation will be after 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the service. Survivors include daughters, Mrs. Rosie A. Scott, Waterloo, Mrs. Cynthia A. Mansell, Boaz; son A.T. “Taylor” Austin, Killen; half brothers, L.D. Parker, Hardy Parker, both of Florence, Dewey Parker, Owen Parker, Edward Parker, all of Sherman, Texas; 17 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren. Bearers will be grandsons.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL

NANCY ELIZABETH AUSTIN , The funeral for Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Austin, 91, Route 5 Box 433, will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Elkins and Son Funeral Home chapel, Florence, with Virgil Geans and Emerald Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Bumpus Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. She died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1988, at El Reposo Nursing Home, Florence, after an extended illness. She was a native of Lauderdale County and a member of the Baptist Church. Survivors include sons, Ledford Austin, Benton Harbor, Mich., Rayford Austin Florence; daughters, Mrs. Elsie White, Greenhill, Mrs. Edna Hinton, Waterloo, Thelma Austin, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; sister, Mrs. Sarah Phillips, Oneonta; 16 grandchildren; great-grandchildren. Bearers will be Carl White, Wayne White, Billy Floyd Hinton, James Austin, Talmage Austin and Ronald Austin.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL

OTIS LEE AUSTIN , was born June 24, 1924, in Tennessee, the son of Kennie and Martha Benson Austin. Mr. Austin was a farmer in the Ward community of Hardin Community of Hardin County. He was united in marriage to Letha Cox March 28, 1946, Mrs. Austin survives. He was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Austin departed this life July 14, 1967, at Hardin County General Hospital, Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 43 years, no months and 20 days. Besides his wife he leaves one son, Paul David Austin, Ward’s Community; four daughters, Mrs. Ollie Mae White, White’s Creek, Mrs. Mollie Fay Benson, Walnut Grove Community, and Misses Kathy Lee and Bessie Louise Austin both of Ward’s Community; one step-daughter, Mrs. Jim Neill, South Bend, Ind.; 4 grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kennie Austin, Ward’s Community; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Hurt, Ward’s Community, and Mrs. Ada Austin, Holland’s Creek.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Information taken from the clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., prepared by Shackelford Funeral Home of Savannah, Tennessee