EDWARD WILLIAM LAMPTON , 63, 1553 Houston Street, died October 31, 1974 at ECM Hospital. The funeral will be on November 1, 1974 at Williams Chapel Cemetery, Waterloo, Alabama, conducted by Rev. Virgil Geans. Morrison-Elkins Funeral is directing. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Evie Lena Lampton.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Information taken from clergyman’s records of Virgil H. Gean, Sr., compiled by Morrison-Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama.

EVIE LENA LAMPTON - The graveside service for Mrs. Evie Lena Lampton, 84, Glenwood Convalescent Center, Florence, Alabama will be at 10 a.m. today at Williams Chapel Cemetery, with Rev. Virgil H. Gean officiating. Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, is in charge of arrangements. She died Friday, May 24, 1991, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, Florence, after an extended illness. She was a native of Tishomingo County, Miss., and had lived in the Florence area since 1972. She was a member of North Wood United Methodist Church and the widow of Edward Lampton. Survivors include a sister, Myrtle Murphy, Florence, Ala.; three nieces and four nephews.” Bearers will be great-nephews.
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

LILLIAN LOUISE LANDRUM passed away peacefully Monday morning, Feb. 23, 2009, with her loving children at her bedside. Her funeral service will be 3:30 Wednesday afternoon in the chapel of Elkins Funeral Home. Her family will receive friends in the parlor from 1-3 p.m. Family friend and minister, Howard Caperton, will officiate at Lillian’s service. Burial will follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. After 20 years as a devoted military wife and mother, Lillian enjoyed all kinds of flowers and gardening. Her favorite pastimes were crocheting and enjoying the outdoors. She and her husband, Charles, were faithful members of Cloverdale Church of Christ since 1973. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles Louis Landrum Sr.; parents, Hubert and Vera Sego Wright; and her grandson, Lee Parr. Lillian is survived by her children, Christine Parr (Al), of Harrisburg, Ark., Viva Vaden (Donald), of Florence, and Charles Landrum Jr. (Jewel), of Florence; grandchildren, Lee Parr’s wife, Misty, Angela Babenko (Sasha), Will Parr, Nick Vaden, Jessie Landrum, Jamie Landrum and Ryan Vaden. Pallbearers will be Al Parr, Donald Vaden, Sasha Babenko, Will Parr, Nick Vaden, Jessie Landrum, Jamie Landrum and Ryan Vaden. Lillian’s children sincerely appreciate the care given to their mother by the staff of Station Four at Mitchell-Hollingsworth and the staff of ECM fifth floor. You may sign the online register at elkinsfh.com. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News
ANOTHER OBIT: Lillian Louise Landrum passed away peacefully Monday morning, Feb. 23, 2009, with her loving children at her bedside. Her funeral service will be 3:30 this afternoon in the chapel of Elkins Funeral Home. Her family will receive friends in the parlor from 1-3 p.m. Family friend and minister, Howard Caperton, will officiate at Lillian's service. Burial will follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. After 20 years as a devoted military wife and mother, Lillian enjoyed all kinds of flowers and gardening. Her favorite pastimes were crocheting and enjoying the outdoors. She and her husband, Charles, were faithful members at Cloverdale Church of Christ since 1973. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles Louis Landrum Sr.; parents, Hubert and Vera Sego Wright; and her grandson, Lee Parr. Lillian is survived by her children, Christine Parr (Al), of Harrisburg, Ark., Viva Vaden (Donald), of Florence, and Charles Landrum Jr. (Jewel), of Florence; grandchildren, Lee Parr's wife, Misty, Angela Babenko (Sasha), Will Parr, Nick Vaden, Jessie Landrum, Jamie Landrum and Ryan Vaden; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Parr, Allie Parr, Paris Babenko, Katya Babenko, Blankeli Parr; brothers, Ovid Wright (Bobbie), of Waterloo, Earl Wright (Pat), of South Bend, Ind., and Kenneth Wright (Jeanette), of Collinwood, Tenn. Pallbearers will be Al Parr, Donald Vaden, Sasha Babenko, Will Parr, Nick Vaden, Jessie Landrum, Jamie Landrum and Ryan Vaden. Lillian's children sincerely appreciate the care given to their mother by the staff of Station Four at Mitchell-Hollingsworth, and the staff of ECM fifth floor.
Source: Sharon Rhoades at Find-A-Grave

MAGGIE DALEY LARD was born May7 14, 1901 in Hardin County; the daughter of John and Nannie Franks Daley. She married Wesley Lard, who preceded her in death in 1948. Mrs. Lard departed from this life July 18, 1971 at the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 4 days; leaving three daughters: Mrs. Betty Tilley, Mrs. Lucille Highland, and Mrs. Pauline Jones, all of Waterloo, Alabama; seven sons, James Lard, Ollie Lard, and John D. Lard, all of Waterloo, Ala.; Charles Lard, Milford Lard, and Hollis Lard, all of Savannah, Tennessee; and Howard Lard of Portage, Indiana; twelve grandchildren and one brother, Harold Daley, Lake City, Arkansas.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason -

MILFORD LEE LARD - The funeral for Milford Lee Lard, 58, Route 1, Box 466, was at 3 p.m. Friday at Bumpus Creek Freewill Baptist Church with Jimmy McKee and Virgil Gean officiating. Burial was in New Bumpus Creek Cemetery, Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Tenn., directing. He died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1992, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, Florence. He was a distributor for Southland Merchandising Co. and an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Inez Scott Lard, Waterloo; son, Dannie L. Lard, Waterloo; daughter, Mrs. Joanie L. Burns, Florence; sisters, Lucille Highland, Pauline Jones, both of Waterloo, Betty Tilley, Savannah, Tenn.; brothers, Ollie Lard, James Lard, Charles Lard, Hollis Lard, all of Waterloo, John D. Lard, Savannah, Howard Lard, Gary, Ind.; five grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence AL

BESSIE ODELL LEE - The funeral for Mrs. Bessie Odell Lee, 110 Oak Drive, will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Tuscumbia, with the Rev. Samuel Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia. Thompson and Son Funeral Home Tuscumbia, directing. The body will be placed in the church one hour before the service. She died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1988, at her residence. She was a life-long resident of Colbert County and a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the senior choir, the missionary society and the decorating club. Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Vinnie Lee Fletcher, Tuscumbia; step-father, Jessie L. Fletcher, Tuscumbia; brothers, Tom Belue Jr., Florence, Charles Belue, Tuscumbia; sister, Mrs. Dorothy B. Mayes, Muscle Shoals; nieces and nephews. Bearers will be deacons and friends.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence AL

CHARLES E. LEOPARD was born Aug. 26, 1929 in Athens to Charles E. Leopard II and Ruth Leopard. He had lived in Lauderdale County since the age of 19. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine Brewer Leopard. He is survived by two daughters, Debbie Burnett and Diane Leopard McClanahan; two brothers, John Leopard of Athens, and Ernest Leopard of Nashville, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Stephanie Palmer, Angela Barnes, Audrey Woods and Grant McClanahan; three great-grandchildren, Ashton, Seth and Chase; and nine nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Kneeland Hibbett, Jack Hilliard, Bill Farris Sr., Robert Fanning, Tim McClanahan and Brian Lee. Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Elkins, Jerrell Ingle, Bill Hankins, Lee Wilson and L.L. Whitten.

ELIZABETH MARIE LETSINGER age 57, of Leighton, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at Morrison Funeral Home. Her funeral service w3ill be at 2 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with Terry Herston and Joe Van Dyke officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Her body will be placed in the church one hour before the service. Mrs. Letsinger was a life-long resident of Colbert County and a member of Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was an elder at the church and a stated clerk for the Hope Presbytery for several years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ozzie and Gladys Letsinger, and sisters, Jeanell Letsinger Crowden and Laura Grace Letsinger. She is survived by her brothers, Anthony Let singer (Darla), Phillip Letsinger (Toni), Thomas Letsinger (Salana); special aunts, Betty Sheffield, Esther Speegle; nieces and nephews, Stephanie Heupel, Deidre Moore, Monida Thorm, Tony Letsinger, Brittany Letsinger, Ashley Letsinger, Spencer Letsinger, Benji Letsinger and Bryant Letsinger; several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and other family members. Pallbearers are Wayne Evans, Emmett Derrick, Jim Cassell, Henry Loftin, Tony Letsinger, Spencer Letsinger, William Lewis and Michael Clemmons. Honorary pallbearers are Bennie Frank Letsinger, James Earl Letsinger, Jackie Foster, Tom Thrasher and the elders and ministers of Hope Presbytery of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Honor guard, Benji Letsinger, Bryant Letsinger and Daniel Betancourt. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brittany Letsinger mission trip at brittanyletsinger.theworldrace.org. To sign her online guest book. Visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Times Dailey, Florence AL

JERRELL GORDON LEWEY , 59, 1129 Lee Highway, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 1986, at Humana Hospital Shoals, Muscle Shoals. He was a member of Valdosta Church of Christ, a retired machinist from Ford Motor Company and a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy. The service will be at 2 p.m. today at Spry Funeral Home chapel, Sheffield, with Gary Puryear and Gilbert Kretzer officiating. Burial will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Florence. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Jean Etta Lewey, Tuscumbia; son, Kenneth Ray Lewey, DeRidder, LA.; daughter, Glenda Faye Foster, Tuscumbia; brothers, David Lewey, James Lewey, both of Tuscumbia; four grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Bearers will be James Byrd, Archie Hester, J.T. Willingham, Raymond Kimbrough, Edd Clemons and Harvey McHan
Source: Mary Lewey at Find-A-Grave

MARGARET (FOWLER) LEWIS - Note: the tomb shows date of birth 7 Apr. 1882 and death 21 Jun. 1968. “ Mrs. Margaret Fowler Lewis, 86, Murphy’s Chapel Community in North Lauderdale County died Friday morning at 4:30 at ECM Hospital. She was the widow of Hubert G. Lewis. Born in Wayne County, Tenn., she had lived most of her life in Lauderdale County, and was a member of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. Services will be conducted Sunday at 4 p.m. from Murphy’s Chapel Church by Rev. Virgil Gean. Burial will be in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery, Shackelford Funeral Home, Savannah, Tenn., directing. The body will be at the home on Savannah Hwy. until time for services. Surviving are four daughters, Miss Elma Lewis, Waterloo; Mrs. Zola Jones, Tampa, Fla.; Mrs. Jewel Hill, Decatur; Mrs. Lucilla Lee, Sheffield; a son William Fred Lewis, Waterloo; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason from a Florence Newspaper

CHARLES E. LEWTER , 77, of County Road 600, Rogersville, AL, died Friday, November 16, 2007, at his residence. Memorial services will be held Friday, November 23, at 2 p.m. at Ardmore Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Jeffrey Rowan and Billy Shannon officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 12 noon until service time at Ardmore Memorial Funeral Home. Charles Lewter was born in Limestone County, AL, on October 1, 1930 to William Edward and Virgie (Shannon) Lewter. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ronald Edward Lewter; a sister, Mary Mullins; and a brother, Nolen Lewter. He was a plant manager for Pet Milk and a retired car salesman. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Florence, AL. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Lewter of Rogersville, AL; sons, Charles Randall Lewter of Athens, AL, Jeffrey (Pam) Rowan of Gadsden, AL; daughters, Sherrian Denise Lewter of Rogersville, AL, and Bradie Catherine Lewter of Rogersville, AL; a brother, Calvin Lewter of Bessemer, AL; a sister, Carolyn Coulter of Ardmore, AL; grandchildren, Michelle Eppard of Douglasville, GA, Michael Lewter of Kennesaw, GA, Tony Dusty Howard of Rogersville, AL, Brook Rowan and Blake Rowan both of Gadsden, AL; two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Serenity Eppard; and numerous cousins
From "Your Community Shopper"

J.D. LILES , 44, West Mobile Street, Florence, Alabama, died December 22, 1971. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist. The funeral will be December 24, 1971 at Murphy’s Chapel church, with Virgil Gean officiating. Morrison- Elkins Funeral Home will be directing. Survivors include his father, Mr. Johnnie Liles; mother, Mrs. Velma McDonald; daughter, Mrs. Bonnie Jenkins; one grandchild; one sister. Mrs. Wilma Cochran.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason
Information taken from clergy records of Virgil H. Gean, compiled by Morrison-Elkins, Tuscumbia.

JAMES PELHAM LIPHAM - Funeral services for James Pelham Lipham, 78, Elkmont, were Wednesday, October 5, at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Fred Lackey and Joe Curtis officiating. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery. Mr. Lipham died Monday, October 3, at Athens-Limestone Hospital. He was a former manager of First Alabama Bank of Elkmont, deacon of First Baptist Church of Athens and Lion Club Member. He served as a volunteer worker of Elkmont Nutrition Center for several years. Survivors include his wife, Sara H. Lipham, of Elkmont; sons, Glenn Lipham, of Huntsville, James Roger Lipham, of Minor Hill, Tenn., Gerald W Lipham, of Chesapeake, Va.; brothers, Lloyd Lipham, of Highlands, N. C., Estel Lipham, of Valdosta, Ga., Billy Ray Lipham, of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters, Pauline Clark, of Valley, Christine Craven, of Tuscaloosa; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - East Lauderdale News, October 6, 1994

LOUIE LOFTON , 67, of Madison passed away Tuesday. He retired from NASA in 1999 where he was an aerospace engineer. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Lofton. Survivors include his wife, Martha Allen Lofton of Madison; daughters, Felecia Walker, Donna Watts, and Karen Couvillon, all of Huntsville; stepdaughter, Claudia White of Madison; stepson, Corey White of Killen; eight grandchildren; parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Lofton of Hattiesburg, Miss.; three sisters, Doris Traylor, Rosemary Pittman, and Linda Burnham all of Hattiesburg; brother, Eddie Lofton of Picayune, Miss.
Source: Trusvan (Find-A-Grave)

LUTHER B. LONG , who died in Italy on December 30, 1943, was shipped back to the States and rites were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. Rev. Tom McConnell officiated and interment was in Mitchell Cemetery, McConnell-Service directing. VFW was in charge of arrangements. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Demp Long of Appleton, Tenn. Survivors include ten brothers, Luther Long of Athens, Edward Long of Decatur, Aubrey Long of Newburg, James, Lester, Douglas, Eugene and Otto, of Wolf Springs, Lester and Junior of Belle Mina; and one half-sister, Mrs. Edgar Graves of Pulaski.
The Alabama Courier, March 10, 1949

IDA ARVILLA LOVELACE - “Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Murphy’s Chapel for Mrs. Ida Arvilla Lovelace, 42, 1213 Dayton, Florence. Rev. Virgil Geans will officiate and Beecham Funeral Home of Loretto has charge of arrangements. Mrs. Lovelace died at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Survivors include the widower, Roy Lee Lovelace; one son, Wade Douglas Shook, Florence; the mother, Mrs. Artha Skelton, Florence; two brothers, Walter Skelton, Brilliant, and Elmer Skelton, Cloverdale; four sisters, Ruby Skelton and Ruth Roberts, both of Florence, Marie Cox, Memphis, Leona Guthrie, Huntsville. Active bearers will be Jim Cochran, Roy Goodman, Trennon Goodman, Vernon Creasy, Rayburn Goodman, and James Dixon. The body will be at the home of the mother at 1113 Vine St.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Florence Newspaper
Note: the tomb shows date of birth, 19 Jan. 1923 and death 3 Sep. 1965.

MARVIN VIRGIL LOVELACE , 58, Florence, Rt. 6, died Sunday at 1 p.m. after an illness of four years. He was a native of Lauderdale County, a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, Steamfitters Local No. 760 and Florence Masonic Lodge No. 14. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 3 p.m. from Pleasant Hill Methodist Church by Rev. Sam Graham and Rev. J. Ross Rush. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens, Morrison-Elkins of Florence directing. Masonic rites will be conducted at the graveside. The body will be at the funeral home until being placed in the church one hour prior to service time. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Della Young Lovelace; two daughters, Mrs. Billie Faye Posey, Beuna Park, Calif.; Mrs. Barbara Jean Collum, Florence, Rt. 6; five brothers, Clyde, Floyd, Earl, B.P., all of Florence; Frank, Long Beach, Calif., a sister, Mrs. Carrie Dusenbury, Florence, S. C.; five grandchildren. Bearers will be members of Florence Masonic Lodge.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

JESSICA DIANE (HAYES) LYNDON , 64, of Florence, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. Mrs. Lyndon attended Coffee High School and was retired from TVA. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Spry Serenity Chapel, Florence. Her funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel, with Eddie Wix officiating. Interment will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Hollis Armstrong, Jason Hovater, Rodney Kirk, Bobby Bryant, Josie Stanley and Hillard Romans. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lyndon, of Florence; mother, Virginia Wix and husband, Edward, of Sheffield; son, Michael Lyndon, of Ashville, N.C.; daughters, Theresa Cagle, of Good Springs, Tenn., Darlene Jones, of Florence; special cousin, Jo Carrol Garrett, of the Lagrange Mountain community; and five grandchildren. A special thanks to Dr. Anthony Kalliath and staff, Dr. Stanley Clarke and staff and Southern Care Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Spry Serenity Chapel, Florence, is directing.
Source: Sharon Rhoades at Find-A-Grave