Carolyn Gooden Elliott
Carolyn Gooden Elliott, 82, of Moundville passed away May 4, 2026, at home. Services will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Magnolia Chapel South with Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be held at the chapel one hour prior to service and burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville. She is preceded in death by her husband Wallace Elliott, sons; Johnny and David Elliott, sister; Shirley Frye, and brother Kenny Gooden. Survivors include her son; Scott Elliott (Mary), eleven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Carolyn was born in Alexander City. She was married to Wallace Elliott for 63 years. This union brought three sons. Carolyn was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and neighbor. Pallbearers are Steve Perkins, Daniel Swartz, Jerry Holcomb, Austin Elliott, Avery Hoggle, Anders Elliott, Ashton Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Lisa and Matthew Wooley, her Amazing neighbors, Tuscaloosa Wholesale, Cornbread, Latonda Collins, and Dr. Salinas. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Amedisys Hospice Care.
Jean Golden
Fairchild-Cunningham
Jean Golden Fairchild-Cunningham passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2026. She was born February 19, 1941, in Tuscaloosa. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Bryan Golden; her mother, Neva Golden Smith; her stepfather Earl Smith; her brothers, Forrest Golden and his wife Billie; Oneal Golden and his wife Louise; her sister Joyce Golden Fairchild and her husband Marion; her brother in law, Sonny Whitaker; her son, Charles Fairchild and her son in law Carl Allen. She is survived by her husband, Jim Cunningham; her daughters Danna Fairchild and Leicia Fairchild Allen; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; her stepson Jimmy Cunningham; her sisters, Marie Whitaker and Carol Barham (Paul) along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was a graduate of Tuscaloosa High School and worked as a cosmetologist prior to becoming a licensed realtor. As a realtor, she built a remarkable career and was widely respected throughout her profession. Her career began with Duckworth Morris Garrison Real Estate in Tuscaloosa. She was honored as Realtor of the Year and earned her Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation in 1995. A consistent member of the Million Dollar Club and a perennial recipient of the Duckworth Morris Garrison Club of Excellence Award. She has served on numerous committees with the Association of Realtors, including as chairman of the Awards Committee and the Safety Committee, and as a member of the Nominating, Social, Ethics and Grievance, MLS, and Membership committees. Jean also contributed to the Association’s Adopt-a-School program and was active in the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, where she was recognized as Ambassador of the Year for the Chamber’s membership campaign. Jean was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Tuscaloosa and the Soroptimist Club of Tuscaloosa. She volunteered at the VA Hospital and DCH Regional Medical Center. She truly believed that community service was inseparable from a life well lived. Beyond her many professional accomplishments, Jean had a deep passion for horses. She and her husband Jim were members of the American Quarter Horse Association, the Palomino Horse Breeders Association, the Black Warrior Riding Club and the West Alabama Horseman’s Association. Jean was quoted as saying “Selling real estate has enriched my life, and my clients become lifelong friends.” That spirit of warmth and connection defined everything she did. She will be deeply missed by all who know her. A celebration of life was held graveside at Tuscaloosa Memorial on May 5, 2026, with Pastors Paul and Carol Barham officiating.
Lindsey McCracken Smith
Lindsey McCracken Smith, 45, of Tuscaloosa passed away at home on April 30, 2026. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Magnolia Chapel South with Troy Nicholson officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation was held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. She is preceded in death by her father; Steve McCracken, maternal grandparents; Calvin and Carrie Jarvis, paternal grandparents; Bradley and Ora McCracken, aunt; Carol McCracken and her beloved dog Heisman. Lindsey is survived by her daughter; Lisa Cartwright (Seth), son; Gage Smith, sister; Haley McCracken (Kevin), mother; Cynthia McCracken, granddaughter; Charlotte “Charlie” Cartwright, niece; Kinsley “Brat” James, aunts and uncles; Stan and Leigh McCracken, Sandi Hubbard, cousins; Jonathan Hubbard and his son Miller, Jada Woodruff and her son Brock, John David McCracken, and fur babies; Chloe and Dobby. Lindsey was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. She was a member of the Hillcrest High School Class of 1998. She passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and a circle of friends who will miss her everyday. Lindsey was a devoted Christian who found comfort and strength in her faith, reading her Bible each night. She had a kind heart and a deep love for animals, always dreaming of one day opening a rescue to care for those in need. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures – spending sunny days at the beach or by the pool, shopping (especially joining in on Jennaration lives), listening to live music, and relaxing with a good book. She was also a fan of horror movies, especially the works of Stephen King. More than anything, Lindsey was happiest when surrounded by her family. She loved her mom, dad, children and sister fiercely, with a deep and unwavering devotion that defined her life. She shared a special bond with her Aunt Sandi and Uncle Stan, often turning to them for guidance and advice as she would her own parents. She loved and adored her granddaughter and her niece -affectionately known as “Brat”. Her cousins were like brothers and sisters to her and the bonds she shared with them were strong and lifelong. She also shared a special playful tradition of the game “Gotcha Last”, which she proudly has now “won”, a memory that will bring both smiles and tears to those who knew her best. Lindsey will be remembered for her love, her faith, her laughter, and the way she brought people together. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Honorary pallbearers are Ginger Dewey, Hunter Wade, Niki Morrison, Telisa McWaters, Dr. Chris Taylor, Jason Colvin and the staff of Jennarations. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, or Safe Haven Church.
Roy William “Roy Boy” Upton
Roy William “Roy Boy” Upton, 66, of Aliceville, died May 4, 2026, at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, Selma. Visitation was Friday, May 8, 2026, at Hebron United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas Upton. Survivors include his daughter, Brittney Upton and husband, Billy Woods; brothers, Gene Upton and family of Tuscaloosa, and Ernie Upton and family of Oklahoma City, Okla.; four grandchildren, Z. W. Riley, Fred Riley, Bridges Woods and Charlie Kate Woods and a host of nieces and nephews. Roy was born December 13, 1959 in Macon, Miss., to the late Pete Upton and Elisabeth “Lib” Bridges Upton. He was a retired employee of Weyerhaeuser; retiring in 2009. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Two Roads Autism Center, 3722 Palisades Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 to honor the love he had for his grandson, Z. W. Riley.
Lucy A. Vaughn
Funeral services for Lucy A. Vaughn were Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro. Elder Leon Dedrick officiated.
Lance Eric Waggoner
Mr. Lance Eric Waggoner a resident of Greensboro, Ala., and formerly of Shelbyville, Ill., entered into eternal rest May 7, 2026. Born November 27,1955 in Shelbyville, Ill.. Lance lived a life deeply rooted in the outdoors, in the land, and in the loyal companionship of his dogs and his family. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the Event Center, 9681 Hwy. 69 S., Greensboro. Lance grew up in Shelbyville before his family moved to Collinsville, Ill., where he spent much of his youth. His family later settled in Highland, Ill., where he attended Highland High School, proudly suiting up as a member of the Fighting Bulldogs football team. Lance loved the game and the camaraderie it brought-a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose that would define him throughout his life. After graduating in 1974, he lived in various places before settling in Staunton, Ill., where he and his former wife Peggy Waggoner developed a tree farm that reflected his deep and abiding connection to the land. He later moved to Mulberry Grove, Ill., before ultimately finding his way to Greensboro, Ala., the land he had always dreamed of calling home. In Greensboro, Lance realized a lifelong vision. He purchased his dream property and set about transforming it into something truly special-not a farm in the traditional sense, but a living landscape built for wildlife and the sporting life he loved. He cultivated duck, catfish and crawfish ponds, leveraging every acre with purpose and passion. It was a place of great vision and opportunity, shaped by a man who understood the land and knew exactly what he wanted from it. Lance was an avid hunter who pursued every manner of game with equal enthusiasm through every season. For Lance, hunting was never just a solitary pursuit-it was an event, a tradition, and a celebration shared with the family and friends he loved. Whether it was an early morning in a duck blind or a full day in the field, he made sure the people around him were part of the experience, creating memories that those who hunted alongside him will carry for the rest of their lives. He had a particular love for Boykin Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers, and his dedication to his dogs ran deep. Lance trained dogs and competed in field trials through the Boykin Spaniel Society-a passion he was proud to share with his brother Blake and his daughter Alesha, making the sport not just a calling but a family bond. To Lance, a well-trained dog wasn’t just a tool in the field-it was a partner, and he poured real skill and heart into that work. Lance also cherished his faith and the fellowship he shared with his church and dear friends, who were a constant source of joy and community in his life most recently. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Paul and Marilyn Rose Waggoner, and his brothers, George T. Waggoner and Edward F. Waggoner. Lance is survived by his life partner, Beth Mills; his daughters, Alesha Ronat and her husband Rob of Edwardsville, Ill., and Alexi Marti and her husband Phil of Highland, Ill.; his grandchildren, Etta Ronat, Millie Ronat, and Katelyn Hagler and her husband Blake; his siblings, Blake Waggoner and his wife Shelby, Karla Anderson and her husband Dave, and Karen Premier and her husband Gordon; his sister-in-law, Amy Waggoner; Wendy Deibert, Stormi Kidd and her husband Mark; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends whose lives he touched. Lance Waggoner was a man of the land, a man of loyalty-to his dogs, to his fellow hunters, and to the people he loved. He was a man of vision who didn’t just live on the land-he shaped it, nurtured it, and made it sing. His daughter Alexi shared that vision, seeing in the Greensboro property the same promise and possibility that her father saw, a bond that deepened their relationship and kept her close to his heart. In his final chapter, Lance and Beth were building that vision together, side by side, transforming the property into something greater than either could have imagined alone. Their shared dream was a testament to the life they were creating and the future they believed in. The fields, the ponds, and the land they loved will forever bear the mark of his care, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Forever Wild Land Trust (alabamaforeverwild.com) or another meaningful cause to Lance’s memory. Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC, entrusted with arrangements.
George V. “Chuck” Woods
It is with deepest and heartfelt sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Elder George V. “Chuck” Woods, 67, of Aliceville on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at his residence. Visitation was Friday, May 8, 2026, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1 p.m. at New Canaan Baptist Church, Aliceville. The body lay in state in church one hour prior to the service Interment followed the funeral service in New Cemetery, Aliceville. Rev. Dr. Thomas Wilder, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Birmingham, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Woods family.