Viola Beatrice Diggins
Funeral services for Ms. Viola Beatrice Diggins of Sawyerville were held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at noon at Friendship Baptist Church, Akron. Pastor Samuel Ezell officiated services with burial immediately following in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Akron. Ms. Diggins lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, November 14, 2025, at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Viola Beatrice Diggins, 83, of Sawyerville, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at DCM Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, Viola Beatrice Diggins was born on April 3, 1942, to the late Joe and Rachel Scott Diggins of Hale County. She attended the schools of Hale County School System. She confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Whitsett Baptist Church, Newbern. Upon moving to the Akron area, she joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. There she remained faithful until her death. She dedicated over twenty-six years of service to Peco Foods. Tuscaloosa, and retired in 2006. She is known for her compassion, gentle spirit, strong faith in the Lord, and her unwavering dedication to her family. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, reading, crossword puzzles, and sharing words of wisdom with everyone she encountered. She was preceded in death by her parents, six sisters, and three brothers. Viola’s life and memory are cherished by: her son, Scottie (Cassandra) Diggins, Sawyerville; her only grandchild, Joycelyn Diggins of Tuscaloosa; one brother, James (Delsa) Diggins of Demopolis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and a special friend, Ella Bell Bension, who she talked to daily.
Ivan Dolsen Johnson
Ivan Dolsen Johnson of Akron, passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2025. He was the son of Barbara Payne Johnson Gilley of Mobile. Married to Vivian Anderson of Akron for 32 years, he enjoyed his retirement and his mini-farm. A service in Ivan’s memory will be held on November 17, 2025, at 1:00, at Magnolia Chapel South. Pastor Joshua Johnson will conduct the ceremony. A visitation will be held from 11:30-1:00 in the chapel of the funeral home before the service. Born in Akron, Ivan grew up in Saraland, and attended Satsuma High School, where he graduated in 1967. After finishing school, Ivan moved to the Atlanta, Ga., area where he was owner and CEO of Metro Comfort Masters. Later, he moved to Gulf Breeze, Fla., and then eventually returned to Akron. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, preserving, and canning. His many family members enjoyed receiving his homemade gifts at Christmas and on other special occasions. Ivan especially loved his Scottish terrier Archie and took him everywhere. A once avid hunter, Ivan made trips every year to the mid and southwestern states of the US to hunt big game. Later, he took three trips to South Africa to hunt and had the adventures of a lifetime. Finally, he was a long-time, loyal University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan and never missed a game. Those who preceded Ivan in death are his father, I.L. Johnson; his step-father, Hubert Gilley; his siblings, Carol Sanders, Daniel Johnson, and Allen Johnson; two of Ivan’s children, Carrie Johnson and Marcus Johnson; and his grandson, Searcy Elebash. Left to remember Ivan are his wife, Vivian; his son, Jerry Johnson and his wife Nikki; his step-daughter, Jennifer Elebash and her husband Searcy Elebash; his daughter-in-law Kristi Johnson; and his grandchildren Drew Wheeler; Alex, Christian, Caleb, Autumn, and Zach Johnson; Amanda Nadel; Ashley Kreger; and Vivian Elebash. In addition are other of his siblings Arleen (Ron) Moore, Sharon (Danne) Adair, Lewis (Brenda) Johnson, and sister-in-law Andal Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Dreams Outdoors, a group that takes special needs people hunting. The address is 4701 SR-69 North; Northport, AL 35473; attn Becci Hauser. Funeral arrangements are being made by Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South, Tuscaloosa. Interment will be private.
Randy Sneed
Funeral services for Mr. Randy Sneed of Greensboro were held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Newbern. Pastor James Williams officiated services with burial immediately following in the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery. Mr. Sneed lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, November 14, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Randy Sneed was born in Newbem, on November 5, 1958, to the late Ethel L. Sneed. While growing up, he enjoyed dancing and attending the Newbern Baseball Games. During his early life, Randy attended the Cahaba Center, Uniontown, and Selma. While there, he participated in various activities and sports. His most notable achievements include the many awards, plaques, medallions, and trophies he received while participating in the annual Special Olympics Events. For many years, Randy worked at Newbem Mercantile, where he arrived bright and early each morning to greet customers with his warm smile. His kindness and cheerful personality touched countless lives in Newbern’s close-knit community. Randy joined First Baptist Church, Newbern, under the leadership of Pastor James L. Williams. He remained a dedicated and faithful member until his health began to fail. On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Randy entered into eternal rest at his residence. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel L. Sneed; brother, Tom Holifield; sister-in-law, Amber Carr; niece, Amy Elizabeth Carr; and nephew, Brandon J. Woods. Randy leaves to cherish his precious memories: a loving and devoted brother and caregiver, Jimmie Carr; two sisters, Gloria Harris, Sharon Wilson (Joe); brothers, Willie Carr (Michelle), James A. Brown (Joyce); three aunts, Lizz Mixon, Frances Bell, Dot Blake; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Randy will always be remembered for his remarkable courage, strength, and genuine love for people.