Obituaries
Carol Ann Barnett
Carol Ann Barnett, 76, of Ashland, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at her residence, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, intelligence, and spirited devotion to the people and places she loved.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barnett were held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater, with Preacher B.J. Marshall officiating. Burial followed in Rock Springs Cemetery in Goodwater.
Mrs. Barnett was born on December 1, 1949, in Syracuse, N.Y., to Bernard Smith and Ann Carr Smith. In 1967 she graduated from Central Tech High School in New York, and she began her college career at Potsdam State before later earning a Bachelor of Science degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. Her education reflected both her determination and her commitment to personal growth, qualities that would continue to define her throughout her life.
Carol Ann devoted her professional life to service and leadership. She worked with the Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency and later served as Chief Financial Officer for Alpha Medical. After moving to Alabama, she continued her career as a magistrate for the City of Ashland. In each role, she was known for her intelligence, her steady judgment, and her ability to carry out her responsibilities with grace and professionalism. She earned the respect of those who worked with her and the appreciation of those she served.
Mrs. Barnett was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater. Her faith was an important part of her life and was reflected in the way she treated others, with warmth, compassion, and sincerity. She lived with a quiet strength and a generous heart, and she was deeply loved by her family and friends.
Mrs. Barnett also had many interests that brought joy to her life. She loved her cats and found comfort in their companionship. She enjoyed acting in theater in both New York and Alabama, where she shared her creativity and expressive spirit. She was also a pianist, and music was one of the many gifts she carried throughout her life. Alongside her husband, Dale, she lovingly remodeled her grandfather’s Millerville, Ala., home, where she resided until her death. That home stood as a reflection of the life they built together, filled with care, effort, and enduring memories.
She is survived by her daughters, Christy B. Gardner (Spencer), and Lorie A. Banister (Rodney); grandchildren, Kylee Brock (Cameron), Megan Marshall (B.J.), and Brooklyn Brown (Isaac); eight great-grandchildren; brother, Alan Smith (Jean); nephews, Douglas Smith and Paul Smith; great-nephews and great-nieces, Peter Smith, Carolyn Smith, Lilah Smith, and Tenzin Smith; sister-in-law, Kathy Jackson (Bruce); brother-in-law, Jimmy Barnett (Tammy); cousins, Linda White, Lee Batts, and Teri Collins; several additional nieces and nephews; and four very special caregivers who faithfully assisted her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Dale Barnett; her parents, Bernard Smith and Ann Carr Smith; her brother, Wayne C. Smith; her father-in-law, Huron Willard Barnett; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beverly and Paul Fain.
Carol Ann Barnett will be remembered as a woman of grace, intelligence, and spirit. She touched the lives of many with her kindness and left behind a family who will cherish her memory always. Her life was one of faith, love, and devotion, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church in Goodwater.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Carol Ann Barnett.
Kimberly Hill

Funeral service for Mr. Kimberly Hill was Sunday, September 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Rockford with Rev. Stanford Benson officiating. Interment followed in the First Baptist Church of Rockford Cemetery.
Ms. Kimberly Hill’s earthly journey began on January 26, 1971, in California to Mr. Billy Frank Hill and the late Corene Elizabeth Hoyett-Hill.
Kimberly departed this walk of life on September 2, 2026, under the care of Chapman Healthcare Center, located in Alexander City.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Corene Hill; brother, Grady Hill; grandparents, Mr. Ocie Hoyett Sr., Mrs. Minola Hoyett, Mr. Lofton Hill, and Mrs. Merrell Hill; and also uncles Ocie Hoyett Jr. and Henry Hoyett.
She will forever be cherished by her loving father, Mr. Billy Frank Hill; brother, Mr. Tracy Hill Sr.; nephew, Mr. Tracy Hill Jr. (Cynthia); great-nieces and nephew, Ms. Alleyah Hill, Ms. Scarlett Hill, and Mr. Sebastian Hill; aunts: Ola Hoyett, Gloria Hunter, Sylvia Anderson, Toni Akinsanya, Billie Hill, and Thelma Hill; uncles: Rubin Hoyett, Perry Hill (Chelsea), Jerome Hill, and Stanley Hill (Agatha); great-aunt, Mrs. Ruby Johnson-Hardman (Butch); as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home in Alexander City.
Shirley Ann Pauley
Funeral service for Mrs. Shirley Ann Pauley, 84, of Jacksons Gap, was Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Jacksons Gap.
Shirley Ann Pauley, known lovingly to family and friends as Shirley, passed away on September 10, 2026, in Opelika at the age of 84.
She was born on May 26, 1942, in Tallapoosa County and carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life. Shirley was a woman of quiet strength, deep kindness, and steady devotion to the people she loved. Those who knew her best will remember her as a loving and gentle soul whose presence brought comfort, warmth, and a sense of home.
Shirley devoted more than 22 years of her life to Russell Corporation, where she was known for her dependable work ethic and faithful service. She approached her work with the same care and consistency that she brought to every part of her life. Her long career reflected her commitment, her perseverance, and the pride she took in doing her part well. She earned the respect of those who worked alongside her and left behind a legacy of dedication and integrity.
Above all else, Shirley treasured her family. She loved them greatly, and her heart was especially full when it came to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in being surrounded by the people she loved, and she cherished every opportunity to have her family together. Her home and her table were places of welcome, laughter, and togetherness, and she made sure that those around her felt cared for and included.
Shirley also had a special gift in the kitchen. She loved to cook, and when she cooked, she cooked for an Army. Her meals were generous, hearty, and made with love. She especially enjoyed good southern cooking, and she took pride in preparing food that brought people together and left them well fed and happy. Her cooking was one of the many ways she showed her love, and it will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to share a meal with her.
Her life was marked by simple but meaningful joys, and she found happiness in the traditions and comforts of family life. Shirley had a way of making others feel at ease, and her gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was the kind of person whose kindness was felt in both small gestures and lasting memories. Her love was steady, her spirit was tender, and her influence will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Anne Duffey Clanton of Jacksons Gap; son, Harold Lee (Kathy) Gray of Kellyton; grandchildren, Maygan Danielle (John) Jones, Kathryn Elizabeth (Riley) Ledbetter, Alison Brooke (Ricky) Howard, Brett Lynn Clanton; Timothy Glenn (Helena) Clanton, and William Kole (Brittany) Bevels; great-grandchildren, Thomas Jones, Westlyn Jones, Charlie Howard, Braxton Clanton, and Grayson Jones; brother, Homer Phillips; and special caregiver, Stacey Ledbetter.
She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Phillips; mother, Zella Belle Patterson Phillips; husband, Charlie Pauley; son, James Darrell Duffey; and brother, James Phillips.
Shirley Ann Pauley will be remembered with love and gratitude for the life she lived and the example she set. Her family and friends will carry forward her memory with affection, honoring a woman whose life was defined by devotion, warmth, and grace. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting blessing to all who were touched by her life.
The family would like to give a special “Thank You” to the staff at Bethany House for the wonderful love and care that was given to Granny.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.langleyfuneralhome.com.
Langley Funeral Home and Cremation Services was honored to serve the family of Shirley Ann Pauley.
