Obituaries
Betty Jean Jordan
Graveside service for Mrs. Betty Jean Jordan, 91, of Alexander City, was Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. Wayne Cowhick officiated.
Mrs. Jordan passed away on July 8, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and quiet devotion that touched all who knew her.
Born on December 7, 1934, in Tallapoosa County to Andrew Bethel Alldredge and Annie Marie Tennant Alldredge, Betty lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made a house feel like home. She was a strong woman in every sense of the word, and she carried herself with dignity, determination, and a steady spirit that inspired those around her. Throughout her life, she met each season with courage and a practical wisdom that came from experience, faith, and a heart committed to doing what was right.
Betty retired from Russell after a long and dedicated career, where she was respected for her work ethic and dependable nature. She took pride in her labor and understood the value of perseverance. Her years there reflected the same steadfast character she showed in all areas of her life. She believed in giving her best, and that example remained with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Outside of work, Betty was gifted with many talents that brought comfort and joy to others. She was a skilled seamstress who could create and mend with care and precision. She was also a wonderful cook whose kitchen was filled with the warmth of good food and loving hands. Among her many specialties, her famous country fried steak was especially cherished and remembered by those fortunate enough to sit at her table. Betty also had a green thumb and found great satisfaction in gardening. She enjoyed tending to her plants and watching them grow, and her garden reflected the patience and care she brought to everything she did.
Betty also enjoyed reading, and she appreciated the quiet pleasure of a good book. In her leisure time, she liked watching Hallmark movies and Matlock, finding comfort in familiar stories and characters. These simple pastimes were part of the peaceful rhythm of her life and spoke to her appreciation for wholesome entertainment and moments of rest.
Betty will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her talents, and the love she shared so generously. She leaves behind a lasting example of a life well lived, one built on hard work, humility, and care for others. Her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who loved her, and her presence will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Kay Bailey of Kellyton; grandchildren, Chelsey J. (Wesley) Sanford of Caledonia, Miss., Amy B. (Joshua) Brown of Chelsea, Staci Bailey of Alexander City, and Austin Jackson of Alexander City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Ray Jordan; son, Chris Jordan; and her five older siblings.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Betty Jean Jordan.
Orah Dessie Mallory
Funeral service for Mrs. Orah Dessie Mallory, 97, of Equality, will be Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Wayne Cowhick and Pastor Eric Hendrix will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Mrs. Mallory passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Brown Nursing Home. She was born on November 6, 1928, in Hissop, Ala., to Joseph Chandler Robinson and Mamie Kate Cushing Robinson. She was an active member of Equality Methodist Church.
Orah Dessa Mallory was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and enduring devotion to her family, her church, and the many lives she touched throughout her long and meaningful life.
She is survived by her daughter, Bobbie Angelynn (Roger) Jones; her sons, Joseph Aubrey (Jamie) Mallory, Lenox Mikecal (Mary) Mallory, and James Len Mallory; her grandchildren, David Michael (Marie) Mallory, Amy Michele (Kyle) DuBose, Lynn (Tim) Langley, Michelle (Eddie) Patterson, Roger Douglas (Jennifer) Jones, and Gregory Lee (Brandy) Jones; twenty great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Her family was a source of great joy to her, and she treasured each generation with a loving and faithful heart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lenox Aubrey Mallory; her parents; her sisters, Delilah Smith, Nellie Ransome, Ruthie Guy, Jean Yarbrough, and Laurel Hendrix; and her brothers, Timmons Robinson, Willard Robinson, Julious Robinson, J.C. Robinson, Jimmy Robinson, and James Wessie Robinson. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she carried the legacy of her family with grace and dignity.
Orah was a proud graduate of Mississippi State for Women, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her education reflected both her intelligence and her desire to serve others through a life of care and compassion. She carried that calling into her professional life with dedication and excellence, making a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and patients alike.
She served as an instructor of nursing at Central Alabama Community College and also taught in schools in Scottsboro. Her work as an educator was marked by patience, knowledge, and a sincere commitment to helping others grow and succeed. She also worked at Russell Medical for several years, where her skill and steady presence were valued by those around her. Through every role she held, she demonstrated professionalism, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
Orah was a Christian whose faith guided her life in every season. She was known as a proud wife of a minister, and her faith was not simply something she professed, but something she lived daily through her words, her actions, and her example. She was faithful in prayer and devoted to reading the Bible each day, drawing strength and comfort from God’s Word. Her life reflected the values of trust, perseverance, and hope.
She loved gardening, especially roses, and found joy in tending to the beauty of the earth. She also enjoyed canning for her family; a labor of love that reflected her nurturing spirit and her desire to provide for those she loved. She was an avid reader and found delight in learning, reflection, and the quiet companionship of a good book. Her interests were simple, meaningful, and rooted in the life she built with care and purpose.
Those who knew Orah will remember her as intelligent, thoughtful, and faith filled. She possessed calm wisdom and a gentle presence that brought comfort to others. Her life was a testimony to hard work, devotion, and steadfast belief. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and Christian example that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.
Orah Dessa Mallory will be remembered with deep love and respect. Her life was rich in faith, family, and service, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to those who carry her legacy forward.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Orah Dessie Mallory.
Willie Mae Montgomery
Funeral service for Mrs. Willie Mae Montgomery, 79, of Dadeville, was Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Don Waldrep officiated. Burial followed in the Concord Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Montgomery was born on May 19, 1947, in Tallapoosa County to Willis Hastings Ward and Mae Lizzie Aikens Ward and entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2026. She was a faithful Christian woman whose life reflected kindness, devotion, and a deep love for the Lord and for those around her.
Willie was a woman of strong character and gentle spirit. She lived her life with grace, humility, and a steadfast commitment to her family. First and foremost, she loved her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they were the joy of her heart. Her love was shown not only in her words, but also in the many ways she cared for, encouraged, and supported those she held dear.
For more than 30 years, Willie worked at Russell Mills, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic. She took pride in her work and was respected by those who knew her. Her long years of service reflected the same perseverance and faithfulness that she carried into every part of her life.
Willie found joy in the simple blessings of life. She enjoyed watching The Price is Right and loved NASCAR, both of which brought her many moments of enjoyment and laughter. She was also a skilled cook who loved spending time in her kitchen, where she prepared meals with care and love. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, comfort, and fellowship, and many were blessed by her cooking. She was also a skilled gardener, and she took pleasure in tending to her plants and watching them grow. Her hands were always busy with something useful, beautiful, or loving.
As a Christian, Willie trusted in God’s promises and lived with the hope of eternal life. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and it guided her through the seasons of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the memory of Willie Mae Montgomery will remain a blessing to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her steady presence, and the many ways she made life brighter for others. Her life was a testimony to the goodness of God, and her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior.
She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Ann Ennis of Goodwater and Sandy (Clayton) Waldrep of Dadeville; sons, Hugh Darren Montgomery of Dadeville and Daniel (Summer) Montgomery of Alexander City; grandchildren, Curtis Ennis of Roanoke, Nick Ennis of Roanoke, Matthew Montgomery of Jacksons Gap, J.J. Waldrep of Dadeville, and Jacob Waldrep of Dadeville; great-grandchildren, Bentley Ennis, Alana Ennis, Cassidy Montgomery, and Lacey Montgomery; sisters, Peggy Thornton of Alexander City, Linda (Carl) Cotton of Montgomery, and Janice (Virgil) Jones of Eclectic; and brother, Terry Ward of Eclectic.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Hugh Montgomery; son, James Burton Montgomery; grandchild, James Ennis; sister, Rosalie Brooks; brothers, James Alvin Ward, John Doug Ward, Leon Ward, Jerry Ward, and James Ward.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Willie Mae Montgomery.
Jeremiah Lee Pecce
Visitation for Petty Officer Jeremiah Lee Pecce, 25, of Fredericksburg, Va., and formerly of Goodwater, will be Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Petty Officer Jeremiah Lee Pecce, known to family and friends simply as Jeremiah, died on June 30, 2026, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Born on June 21, 2001, in Atlanta, Ga., he lived a life marked by dedication, curiosity, creativity, and a deep devotion to the people and work he loved.
Jeremiah served his country honorably as a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy, where he worked in Aegis fire control. He took great pride in his service and thoroughly enjoyed his work. During his seven years in the Navy, including four years stationed in Hawaii, he built a record of commitment and professionalism that reflected both his strong character and his steady sense of purpose. He served aboard the USS Michael Murphy, where he earned the respect of his shipmates and carried out his responsibilities with focus and integrity.
Those who knew Jeremiah will remember him as a man who was creative, adventurous, and analytical. He was very knowledgeable, inquisitive, and blunt, qualities that made him both memorable and admirable. He had a natural curiosity about the world around him and approached life with intelligence and originality. He was also creative and artistic, with a mind that could see possibilities where others might not. His ability to organize, especially when it came to events, was one of his many gifts, and he brought order and energy to the things he cared about.
Jeremiah loved life, and he embraced it with enthusiasm and sincerity. He loved cooking and found joy in making meals for others. He loved traveling and appreciated the experiences, places, and people that came with seeing more of the world. He had a great admiration for all of his shipmates and valued the bonds formed through shared service and trust. His time in the Navy was not only a career, but also a meaningful part of who he was and how he lived.
Above all else, Jeremiah loved his family greatly. Family life was important to him, and he held close the relationships that shaped his heart and his home. He was one of seven siblings, and that bond remained an important part of his life throughout the years. His love for his family was steadfast and genuine, and it was evident to those around him that he drew strength and joy from those connections.
He is survived by his parents, Brian and Rhonda Pecce; siblings, Marshall J. (Kendra) Gainey, Hailey C. (Chris) Pecce, David J. Gainey, Christopher J. Pecce, Jonathan E. (Amber) Pecce, and Joshua A. Pecce; niece and nephews that he adored, Phillip Gainey, Luke Gainey, Emerson Gainey, Joseph Selph, and Ashleigh Selph; grandparents, Becky Shields, Sue M. Turner, and Arthur Pecce; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jeremiah’s life was one of service, love, and individuality. He met the world with a thoughtful mind, a strong will, and a generous spirit. He leaves behind memories of his humor, his honesty, his creativity, and his devotion to the people and responsibilities that mattered most to him. Though his time on earth was far too brief, the impact of his life will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his friends, and his shipmates. Jeremiah’s legacy is one of honor, courage, and heart, and his memory will continue to live on in the lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to 22aday.org or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) at t2t.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Petty Officer Jeremiah Lee Pecce.
