Obituaries
Rhonda Jean Bass
Rhonda Jean Bass passed away on February 26, 2023. She was born on March 20, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio, the second of six children born to the late Walter Bass and Dorothy Hudson.
At an early age she confessed Christ and joined New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church. She later moved to Bronx, New York. Upon graduating from Evander Childs High School in Bronx she located back to Wetumpka. She was a devoted worker and dedicated to her career at Samlip. She had a 24-karat heart of gold and was loyal to her friends and family.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Bass Jr.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories one loving son, Derron (Erica) Wood; two loving sisters, Renita Castillo of Wetumpka and Tonya Blanding of New York; two devoted brothers, Norbert (Priscilla) Bass from Wetumpka and Sean (Doreen) Hudson of New York; one loving aunt, Barbara Weedon of New York; devoted cousins, Sandra and Maurice Matthews; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives and many friends. She also leaves behind a special friend, Rickey Lewis Whetstone.
Wright’s Funeral Home in Alexander City handled the arrangements.
James H. Browning Sr.
We are sad to announce the passing of James H. Browning Sr., 91, of Weogufka, born, July 7, 1931, and died March 6, 2023. Though his life on earth was troubled which brought much sorrow, he met the Savior and crossed into the blue. He answered the call to aim high-fly-fight-win during the Korean conflict/War. Go rest high upon that mountain, Daddy, where your Savior awaits with your family and friends. We will look for you at the banquet table. We will continue to live in such a way to make our heavenly Father proud. That’s what life’s about. Psalm 46 and 91.
James H. Browning Sr. was preceded in death by: Orie and Polly Jane Browning, Edith and Skip Storms, Helen and Bob Forrester, Jacqueline S. Browning. James H. Browning’s surviving family members include: Bill and Mary Ruth Browning, Jewel Robinson, the mother of his children, Velma D. Browning, Bob and Valeska Perdue, Jacqueline Perdue, Billy Edwards, Sarah, Josh, Bradley, and Evelyn Williams; Valencia and Ron Keen (deceased), Jon, Krystal, Kayaih, Jeriko Keen; Kevin and Jessica Keen; James Jr. and Virginia Browning, Amanda, Kyle, Ainsley, Jack, and Emma Mountsier; Andrew Browning; Megan, Yuriy, Camden, Brody, Lola Anaprienko, along with numerous other extended family members and friends.
A memorial service at the graveside will be held for James H. Browning Sr. at Locust Grove Cemetery in Keavy, Kentucky.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga handled the arrangements.
Thomas Cleveland
Funeral service for Thomas Cleveland, 98, of Goodwater, was Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Andrews Chapel UMC with Bro. Tim Barnes officiating. Burial was in Hanover Cemetery in Hanover.
Thomas Cleveland passed away on March 4, 2023, at his home in Coosa County. Mr. Cleveland was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Nell; and grandson, Michael Blake.
He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Chesnutt (Glenn) of Wetumpka; son, Gerald Cleveland (Karen), of Austin, Texas; grandson, Phillip Blake (Dee); the late Michael Blake (Julie); granddaughter, Hannah Cleveland (Andrew Walck); great-granddaughter, Lauren McCollum (Kyle); great-grandsons, Logan Blake (Mollie) and Ethan Blake; brother, Buddy Cleveland (Betty); and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Phillip Blake, Ethan Blake, Logan Blake, Kyle McCollum, Tim Cleveland, and Andy Housch. Honorary pallbearers were members of VFW Post 1349 Prattville.
Mr. Cleveland served in World War II and is the recipient of two Purple Hearts. He was a faithful member of Andrew’s Chapel Church in Hanover for most of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Hanover Cemetery Association which can be mailed to Beverly Bass; 2310 Coaling Road; Sylacauga, AL 35151.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the services.
Lee Harper Hamilton
Funeral service for Mrs. Lee Harper Hamilton, 81, of Rockford, was Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Mike Jones officiated. Burial followed in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Hamilton passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at her residence. She was born on March 7, 1942, in Hamilton to George Ben Harper and Julie Josephine Stidham Harper. She was a member of Ray Baptist Church. She loved to sew. Lee was an independent woman. She enjoyed mowing her grass, going to the races, watching Alabama football, and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her sons, Allen Nolen of Rockford, Raford Shaw Jr. (Lisa) of Rockford, and Michael L. Shaw of Goodwater; grandchildren, Christopher A. Nolen, Brittney N. Hepburn (James), Caleb B. Shaw, and Aubrey Shaw (Kayla); 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Hilda Kelly; and brother, Monroe Harper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elzie D. Hamilton; and several brothers and sisters.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Rosie Linda Massengale
Ms. Rosie Linda Massengale was born on March 13, 1950, in Coosa County to the late Joe Massengale and Mrs. Eva Massengale Mitchell. Ms. Rosie departed this life at Coosa Valley Medical Center on March 1, 2023.
She was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Robert Massengale.
She leaves to cherish her memory, siblings: Ms. Betty Massengale, Mr. Joe Massengale, Mrs. Barbara Jenkins, and Ms. Carol Massengale; one aunt, Ms. Elizabeth Ann Shepard; two nephews, Jerome Jenkins and Richard Massengale III; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.
Thomas Jefferson Shockley Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. Thomas Jefferson Shockley Sr., 82, of Equality, was Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Tex Grier officiated. Burial followed in the New Harmony Cemetery-Equality.
Mr. Shockley Sr. passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at his residence. He was born on September 30, 1940, in Equality to Alton Leonard Shockley and Lela Edna Wood Shockley. He was an active member of Balm of Gilead. Thomas owned and operated the Western Sizzlin in Alexander City for two years before selling it to his brother. He started the Equality Volunteer Fire Department and worked as a volunteer fireman for many years. He and his wife loved traveling in their RV to every state in America. His hobbies included fishing, wood carving, carpentry, and he was an avid knife collector.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Catherine Shockley; son, Thomas J. Shockley Jr. (Lynn); daughter, Robyn Gabriella Smith (Wade); grandchildren, Dixie Hall (Chris), Tiffany Evans, Zach Shockley, Kaleb Gray (Emily), Kathryn Gray, Greyson Smith; great-grandchildren, Lela Hall, Payton Hall, Xavier Evans, CeeCee Brown, Charlotte Gray, Tilly Gray; brother, David Shockley; and brother by choice, Ricky Wood; as well as numerous family and friends. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leonard Shockley.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Balm of Gilead Church; 5156 Balm Road; Wetumpka, AL 36092 or to the Equality Volunteer Fire Department; P. O. Box 13; Equality, AL 36026.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.