Obituaries

Lucille Finnigan Dees, a resident of Clopton, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 2, 2025 with her two daughters by her side. She was 71 years old.

Aaron Ronald Allen, 85, of Plant City, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025. Born on September 1, 1939 in Plant City, Florida, Aaron was a beloved member of the community, known for his unwavering dedication to his work, his service, and his family.

Ruby “Celeste” Grubbs Clements, a beloved mother, wife, educator, and devout follower of Christ, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 73. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 3 P.M. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Ken Bush and Rev. Chris Wilkinson officiating and Chapman Funeral Home directing. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery Addition. The visitation for Mrs. Clements was held prior to the service at 1 P.M.

two sisters-inlaw, Willie Nell Cordell and Susan Cordell; many nieces and nephews.

(Yadira), Hayden Paramore, Macy Robinette, and Jack Robinette; great-granddaughter, Camila Paramore; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Everette “Wade” Woodham Jr., 92, of Bartlesville, died Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Reverend James Earl Ward, Sr., a resident of Barbour County, near Blue Springs, died Sunday night, January 26, 2025 at his home. He was 94.

Marilyn Dees Bennett passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 in Gainesville, Georgia at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, DeAnna and Christopher Goellner, following an extended illness. She was born November 25, 1941 in Brewton, Alabama and grew up at Jay Villa Plantation, a large farm managed by her father in Conecuh County, Alabama near Evergreen. Marilyn was an outstanding student and graduated with honors from Evergreen High School and Auburn University. At Auburn, Marilyn was very active on campus including as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. As alumna of Auburn, Marilyn was devoted to Tri-Delta and was a proud and exuberant War Eagle fan! She became a very accomplished pianist and organist at an early age and served as the organist of Evergreen First Baptist Church as a high schooler and was pianist and organist at Louisville Baptist Church for more than 40 years.