Obituaries
Cora Dean Edwards
Home-going Celebration for Ms. Cora Dean Edwards was held Friday, May 27, 2022, at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel in Alexander City with Rev. Eddie Jennings serving as eulogist. Interment followed in New Elam Baptist Church Cemetery.
Cora Dean Edwards was born to Walter and Jimmie Dean Brookins on October 10, 1934. She joined New Elam Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. She served as a deacon’s wife, choir member, missionary president, assistant Sunday school secretary, and mother of the church.
She was a mentor to everyone. She attended the Coosa County Training School in the Cottage Grove community in Coosa County.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She loved her family and flowers.
On May 20, 2022, the Lord called Cora Dean home to eternal rest.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her children, Bishop Eddie Edwards of Rockford, Luretha People of Kellyton, Beverly (Samuel) Leonard of Equality, Vanessa Edwards of Rockford, and Rev. Michael Edwards of Rockford; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lavern Hannon of Rockford; one uncle, Andrew Brookins of Birmingham; one brother-in-law, Calvin Edwards of Kellyton; one sister-in-law, Allie Ivey of Gadsden; and daughter-in-love, Cynthia Edwards of Alexander City.
Alex Joseph Gray
Funeral service for Mr. Alex Joseph Gray, 27, of Alexander City, will be Friday, June 10, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Hanover. Rev. Joe Camp will officiate. Burial will follow in the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Alex passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center. He was born on May 13, 1995, in Opelika to Joe Queen and Connie Presley Gray. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and he loved his church dearly. He loved reading the Bible and talking about the Lord. Alex had a heart of gold and always saw the good in others. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was funny and witty, and always made others smile. Alex was a history buff and loved watching the History Channel. He was an avid Alabama fan. Alex also loved being outside and playing with Mason and Landen.
Alex is survived by his parents, Jason and Connie Gray of Alexander City; father, Joe Queen (Vicky) of Kellyton; sister, Ashley Queen (Cliff Black) of Daviston; brother, Andrew Queen of Kellyton; grandparents, Rebecca Dodwell (Jerry) of Alexander City, Janice Gray (Billy) of Goodwater, and Willie Joe Queen Sr. (Glenda) of Goodwater; nephew, Mason Lee Black of Daviston; aunt, Anita Queen-Venn of Goodwater; uncles, Nick Presley of Alexander City, Tony Queen of Kellyton, and Shane Queen (Daphine) of Goodwater; special cousins, Landen Presley of Alexander City and Colby Maddox of Alexander City; and a host of other cousins; and special friend, Josh Taylor of Lineville.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Vincent Presley; great-grandmothers, Audrey Mae Cunningham, Irene Jones Presley, and Gennell Lewis; aunt, Mishia Ann Presley; and uncle, Christopher Presley.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City is in charge of the arrangements.
Carolyn Yvonne Myers
Mrs. Carolyn Yvonne Myers was born on May 15, 1929, in Birmingham to Charles Bentley Rotton and Lucielle Ryan Rotton. She passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022, at her residence.
Yvonne’s greatest pleasure in life was being a mother. She was a member of Equality United Methodist Church. She was an active volunteer with the Air National Guard at Dannelly Field for many years. She played Mrs. Claus for their Christmas parties and supported the soldiers and their families during the deployments.
She is survived by her children, Joe B. Myers Jr., Stephanie Lynn Arkilic (Victor), Carl B. Myers (So Young); grandsons, Chance Worthington, Christopher Myers; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Bentley Roton.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Joe B. Myers, and parents.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Col. Joe B. Myers Scholarship Fund or to the Equality United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 42; Equality, AL 36026.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Michael Arnold Nelson
A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Michael Arnold Nelson, 68, of Alexander City, was Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the Lebanon Baptist Church. Bro. David Moore officiated.
Mr. Nelson passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at his residence. He was born on June 19, 1953, in Sylacauga to Lee Allen Nelson and Hazel Dean Livingston Nelson. He was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church. He retired as a supervisor from Russell Corp. after 37 years of service. He enjoyed family, fishing, hunting, NASCAR, and Auburn football. He adored his grandchildren and always enjoyed spending time with them. In his life he came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He never failed to help anyone within his means. He was always generous with advice to those who asked for it. He loved his family more than things that had worldly value. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, daddy, and “Paw.”
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cynthia Nelson of Alexander City; daughters, Rachael Elizabeth Hayes of Alpine and Elizabeth Brianna Alley of Alexander City; grandchildren, Christian Hayes, Aiden Hayes, Rylan Hayes, and Riverlynn Russell; brothers, Ray Allen Nelson (Eddie), Roy Nelson and Jack Nelson (Mona), all of Goodwater, Donald Nelson (Carol) of Alexander City; brother-in-law, Louis Culver of Holtville; brother-in-law, Billy W. Moore (April) of Alexander City; special Friend, Donnie Ray Marbury of Alexander City; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Nelson Culver.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Davis Philhower
Graveside service for Mr. Davis Philhower, 84, of Equality, will be Friday, June 10, 2022, at 3 p.m. at the New Harmony Cemetery, Equality. Bro. Jeff Harris will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 10, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at New Harmony Church in Equality.
Mr. Philhower passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022. He was born on June 12, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stout Philhower.
Mr. Philhower moved to Montgomery to serve in the United States Air Force. After his service Mr. Philhower remained in Montgomery and served on the Montgomery police force as a K-9 officer. In 1964 he and his wife, Margaret, founded Southern Shutter Company. He was an aerobatic pilot, hunter and avid fisherman. In 2002 he moved to Lake Martin where he married Norma and enjoyed bee-keeping and watching football.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Norma L. Philhower; brother, Louis Stout Philhower Jr (Mary Verner); son, Steven Philhower (Deanne); daughters, Susan Denham (Leigh), Sandra Philhower (Donna Atcheson), Jonja Collier (Ronnie), Maleia Adams (Keith); grandchildren, Davis Philhower Jr., Hunter Elizabeth Philhower, Mallory Denham Myers (Taylor), Molly Grace Denham, Michael Philhower, Reed Daugherty, Dakota Daugherty, Cameron Adams (Amy), and Jacoby Adams.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jane Young and Peg Atkins.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Children’s of Alabama Hospital: www.childrensal.org/foundation.
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.