Frankie Joe Benison
Funeral services for Mr. Frankie Joe Benison of Greensboro, Lock 5 community, were held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at noon at Mars Hill Baptist Church, Lock 5. Pastor Nathaniel Carter officiated services with burial immediately following in the Drummer-Mickens Cemetery. Mr. Benison lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Frankie Joe Benison better known as “Joe, Papa,” “Papa Joe,” “Joe Frank,” and “Joe Brown.” was born September 4, 1960, in Greensboro to Catherine Benison and Clarence Garrett. He graduated from Sunshine High School in 1978, and later attended Shelton State Community College in carpentry. Joe confessed in Christ on July 23, 2023, at Mars Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Nathaniel Carter. Joe was a hardworking man. He was an employee with Dairy Fresh for 25 years and later he begin working at R&D Maintenance for 10 years until his health started to fail. Joe departed this life on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa. He leaves to cherish his memories: his mother Catherine Benison; father Clarence (Lillie) Garrett Sr.; his devoted wife of 34 years Phyllis Drummer Benison; his loving and devoted “twin” daughter  Kia (Shedrick) McGuffie; two grandkids Khloe “KoKo” and Khyrell McGuffie; one sister Cheryl (Cedric) Simmons; four brothers Sederick “Tony” Benison, Brian Benison, Marvin Benison, Marcus (Ebony) Benison; one half-sister Laurie Garrett; three half-brothers Clarence Garrett Jr., Leon (Shelley) Garrett, Kevin Garrett; two aunts Betty Benison, Carrie Battle; two special uncles Alex (Jeannie) Drummer, Issac (Linda) Bell; three nieces Khalia Benison, Rineicia Rhone, Ta’Nija Drummer; eight nephews Kamari Benison, Marcus Benison, Jr. “MJ,” Reginald Stevens, Pharris Stevens, Pharris Stevens, Jr. “PJ,” Cade Benison, Karson Benison, Jayden Joseph; one sister in law Judith Drummer; a devoted God daughter Charae Clements; a devoted friend Pricely “Buddy Love” Drummer; and a host of other friends and relatives. 
Ruth LaVerne Creel
Ruth LaVerne Creel, 82, of Moundville passed away April 9, 2025 at Hospice of West Alabama. A graveside service was held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Kinard Cemetery in West Blocton with Bro. Rick Mitchell officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation was at Magnolia Chapel South from on Monday prior to the graveside service. She is preceded in death by her husband Roy Creel, parents; Marvin and Ora Lee Foster, sister; Dora Ann Foster Oglesby, and her step daughter; Marcia Creel Clinner. Survivors include: her sisters Judy Foster Darnell (Fred), Connie Foster; grandchildren Michael Creel (Lauren), Morgan Creel Boyd (Landon), Matthew Weaver, Cameron Clinner; 8 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Michael Creel, Landon Boyd, Bryant Holmes, Derek Yeager, Chris Stewart, Chandler Holmes, and Patrick Maxwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Weaver and Cameron Clinner. LaVerne Foster Creel was born September 25, 1942, in West Blocton, to Ora Lee (Morse) and Marvin Foster, the second of four daughters. She graduated from West Blocton High School. After studying business and finance, she began her career in Birmingham, Alabama. She later relocated to Tuscaloosa and pursued a career primarily in mortgage lending, with financial institutions including First Mortgage Company, Real Estate Financing, and Regions Mortgage. She retired from Regions Bank in 2007, after a successful career as a loan originator. The primary reason for her move to Tuscaloosa came in 1974, when she met and married the love of her life, Roy Creel. They were happily married for almost 48 years until his death in 2022. While she was successful in her professional life and a loving daughter, wife, sister and aunt, she found her greatest joy in being Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She could be counted on for wisdom, advice, support and unconditional love. She always saw the best in all those she loved, encouraging them to reach their full potential. LaVerne Creel was a woman of great faith in God, demonstrated by the way she served and loved others. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Ronnie Leon Hill
Funeral services for Mr. Ronnie Leon Hill of Tuscaloosa was held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Washington & Paige Mortuary Chapel, Greensboro. He lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Ronnie Leon Hill was born to Sallie Ellen Hill and Otha Williams in Greensboro. He is survived by: his wife Vickie Hill, of Tuscaloosa; two sons Kendrick Jones and Hyniken Hill, who also reside in Tuscaloosa; Renetta Jones and Moqueela Hill, both of whom live in Tuscaloosa; four brothers  Barry-Rose Hill of Tuscaloosa, Larry-Beverly Hill of Sawyerville, Wayne Hill of Tuscaloosa,  Otha Williams Jr. of Georgia; three sisters Melinda-Jimmy Green of Tuscaloosa, Sheryl Williams of Georgia, Amanda Williams of Greensboro; one sister-in-law Virginia Hill of Tuscaloosa. He was preceded in death by: both parents; his daughter Koneitia “Koko” Jones; four brothers David Hill, Monroe Hill, Donald Williams, Hilliard Williams; three sisters: Sandra MaGee, Delois Williams,  Regina Williams; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 
Irene Lake
Irene Lake of Moundville, 100, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025. A visitation for Irene was held Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. to at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Tuscaloosa. Following the visitation was a graveside service at 11 a.m. at Memory Hill Gardens, Tuscaloosa. Irene was preceded in death by: her husband M.T. Lake; her parents Marth J. Cook and James Porter Hill; her brothers William Hill, Howell Hill, Charlie Hill; her sisters Beulah Wetchen, Mae Gunderson, Cecile Phelps, Ollie Reimann, Irma Hill, Montene Hill, Martha Christian. Irene is survived by: her sons Michael Terry Lake (Beth) and Stephen Lake; her grandchildren Stefanie Deal (D. J.), Kevin Lake and Patrick Lake (Laura); her great grandchildren Alleigh Deal and Emily Deal. Irene Hill Lake, 100, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace. Born on the first day of spring, March 20, 1925, in Perry County, Ala., Irene was the embodiment of renewal, warmth, and quiet resilience. She was raised in Moundville, one of 11 children born to Martha Cook Hill and James Porter Hill. Family was always at the heart of Irene’s life, and she carried those values with her through every chapter. Irene was married to her beloved husband, M.T. Lake, for 70 years. Their love story was a rare and beautiful one. They knew each other their entire lives and shared a bond that only grew stronger with time. She retired from DCH Regional Medical Center in 1987, after 17 years of dedicated service. Known for her gentle spirit and steady hands, she was deeply respected by colleagues and patients alike. Irene was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from caring for others, nurturing not only her family but also the flowers and gardens she loved so dearly. With a green thumb and a tender heart, she found peace in planting beauty and growing love. Irene will be remembered for her unwavering love, her grace, and the deep roots she planted in the lives of those who knew her. Serving as pallbearers were Kevin Lake, Patrick Lake, D.J. Deal, Joseph Deal, Garrett Jamorski, David Busby. Serving as honorary pallbearers are the caregivers and staff of Crimson Village, Aspire Rehab and Heritage Healthcare and Rehab; Manner Nickson, Alice Sanders and Valeria Merriweather.
Elmer D. Pope
It is with deepest sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Mr. Elmer D. Pope, 72, of Carrollton on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center, Columbus, Miss. Visitation was Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Friday, April 18, 2025, 12 p.m. at New Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Carrollton. The body lay in state in the church one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the funeral service in New Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery. Rev. Tonnie Jones, pastor of Pine Grove M. B. Church, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Pope family.
Queentria Ward
Funeral services for Ms. Queentria Ward of Akron were held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at noon at 1st Baptist Church Akron. Rev. West Moore officiated services with burial immediately following in the New Akron Cemetery. Ms. Ward lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Ms. Queentria “Queen”/”Lady Bug” Ward was born to Brenda Taylor and Royal “R. L.” Ward both of Akron. Queentria united with the First Baptist Church of Akron, at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Billy Thornton. She was a proud graduate of Hale County High School, Class of 2017, where she built lifelong friendships and created memories that her loved ones will always cherish. For the past six years, Queentria was employed at Phifer Wire, where she was known for her beautiful smile, dependable spirit, and kind heart. Her time there wasn’t just about work-it became a place where she formed meaningful friendships. She had begun making plans to purchase her first home, a milestone she was incredibly proud to be approaching. She was also near completion of a Pharmacy Technician program, reflecting her passion for helping others and her desire to build a career. Queen was driven, focused, and excited about the future. “Ladybug” had a deep love for her family and friends and cherished the time spent with them. She enjoyed traveling and making lasting memories. Her loving spirit, caring heart, and big dreams touched all who knew her. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact of her life will never be forgotten. She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother Brenda Taylor of Akron; her father  Royal “R.L.” Ward of Akron; her sisters Moesha Bell, Shonta Rollins both of Tuscaloosa, Jalaela Taylor of Akron; her brothers Brodderrick Ward, Christopher (Dimetra) Rollins both of Akron,  Rodney Davis of Sawyerville; a grandmother Mamie Taylor of Akron; aunties Lula Taylor of Birmingham, Dinna Taylor and Rosa Spence both of Akron Stephanie Taylor of Greensboro, Cynthia Taylor of Ralph, Celia Mae Manassa of Detroit, Mich.; uncles Cornell Powers, Jimmy Hayes, Willie D. Hayes all of Tuscaloosa, Steven Taylor Taylor of Greensboro, Edward Hayes of Moundville; four nieces, three nephews, two great nephews; a special sister Tymesese Crout of Tuscaloosa; special friends, all her Phifer Inc. Family, TaWaina ‘McAboy Tuscaloosa, Johnny McCory of Akron; a host of other family and friends.