Obituaries
Douglas Bivin Jr.
Douglas Bivin Jr., age 67, of Goodwater, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Donna Kay Bivin; daughter, Dena Yearwood (Marc); step-son, Jeff Scott (Monica); step-daughter, Karen Scott Wilson; step-daughter, Angel Scott West (Willie); brother, Andy Bivin (Carolyn); eight grandchildren, Hunter Scott, Andrew Scott, Savannah Scott, Katie Scott Fowler, Jonathan McCoy, Anna West, Kaci Yearwood, Samantha Yearwood; three great-grandchildren, Elijah Fowler, Millie Fowler, Preston Gardner; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Sr. and Gertrude Bivin; brother, Pete Bivin; sister, Marsha Miller; and grandson, Kenneth West.
A visitation for Douglas will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, 35150; followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tommy Thornton officiating.
Douglas will be laid to rest in Weogufka Family Worship Center Cemetery; 20771 Coosa County Road 29; Weogufka, 35183.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Weogufka Family Worship Center; 20771 Coosa Co. Rd. 29; Weogufka, AL 35183.
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 will direct the services.
Edna Faye Jennings Cook
Edna Faye Jennings Cook of Sylacauga was born February 9, 1930, and passed on October 6, 2023.
Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Gaines Pete Cook; daughter, Regina Clifton; parents, Delilah Fuller and Fletcher Jennings; brothers, FW Jennings, Rev. Melvin Jennings, Douglas Jennings, Ottis Jennings, and Jack Jennings; and her sisters, Omega Landreth and Elizabeth Ann Jennings.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina (Glenn) Brown; grandson, Bo Brown; granddaughters, Scarlet (Lacie) Brown and Kimberly (Bill) Mullins; great-grandsons, William Mullins III and Eli Gaines Mullins; and her son-in-law, Kent Clifton.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the caregivers at Coosa Valley Hospice; Keisha, Misty, and Charity.
A visitation for Edna was held Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Bro. David Vick officiated the service.
Edna was laid to rest in Odena Baptist Church Cemetery; 115 Odena Road North; Sylacauga, 35150.
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.
Calvin Owens
Mr. Calvin Owens, 86, transitioned from this life to his heavenly home peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Birmingham. He was born on November 7, 1936, in Union Town, to the late Isaiah Owens Sr. and the late Annie Mae Jackson. Mr. Owens was preceded in death by 8 siblings and one daughter. Those siblings were May Ola Floyd, Alberta Milton, Isaiah Owens Jr., Booker T. Owens, Henry Morgan, Laura Ann Shaw, Carrie Jones, and Elsie Riggins.
Mr. Calvin leaves his memories to three sisters, Ida Hosea, Izedar Brown, and Amanda Owens; and a brother, Mr. Fredrick Owens.
Mr. Calvin cherished the love of his life and their 62 years of marriage to Mrs. Katie Hoyett Owens, and from this union four children were born: one daughter, Mrs. LeKeya Owens Williams, who preceded him in death. He now leaves his legacy to his three sons, Kerry (Pearl) Owens, Orlando (Lolita) Owens, and Deron (Kertina) Owens. The Owens’ Legacy continues with 8 grandchildren, Kaleb (Kristin) Owens, Zachary, Darius, Kaisia, Danial, Matthew, Tamia, and Keyon. It continues with 3 beautiful great-grandchildren, Prince, Myles, and Kehlani; and a son-in-law, Alton Williams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
During his life journey, Mr. Calvin truly exemplified what it means to be a faithful servant leader and a pillar in the community. He was a devoted family man and served as a Deacon and a Choir Director at Marietta Baptist Church for over 54 years. He found time to share his love for music by accomplishing the title of a four-time Gospel Recording Artist, with the well-known Gospel Quartet called the “Friendly Brothers” as the group’s iconic leader for over 50 years.
In addition, Mr. Calvin served as a City Councilman for the City of Goodwater for over 16 years and an entrepreneur of several businesses. As an employee, he was employed with the following: Sylacauga Marble Quarry, The Coosa County Community Action Agency, The Goodwater Casket Factory, Madix Inc., and The Coosa County Board of Education.
When not working in the community, you could locate and hear him in the bleachers at the local high school games shouting, “It’s all over but the crying,” while waving the white handkerchief. While he had his own family, he still had time to mentor the local neighborhood children. If he was not working with the children in the community, you might find him coaching and playing his favorite sport, baseball.
As you can see, Mr. Calvin dedicated himself to improving the community in which he lived. Those who knew him well, witnessed on most days his joyous personality, which presented itself with a contagious laugh. His kindness knew no bounds, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Mr. Calvin will be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, faithful servant of God, revered community leader, and a lover of Gospel music.
To the family and friends, we hope Mr. Calvin’s legacy will inspire you to be your best self, to follow your dreams and passions, and always support your community.