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Mary Kate Champion

Ms. Mary Kate Champion, 80, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away at Crenshaw Community Hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.

Ms. Champion contracted polio at the tender age of 4 years old. Remarkably, she proved to be a true fighter and was one of the youngest to survive her battle with the deadly disease. Unfortunately, it took a severe toll on Ms. Champion and she was left disabled for the remainder of her life. Still, she found her happiness where she could and her family rejoices that she has now reunited with her parents and siblings in Heaven where she has been made whole. 

Ms. Champion was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee & Ruth Pearl Formby Champion, and eight siblings. She is survived by two siblings, Helen Franklin and Robert Champion, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

James Craig Luster

Mr. James Craig Luster, 58, a resident of Dozier, Alabama, passed away in his home on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. A graveside service for Mr. Luster was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug, 19, in Macedonia Cemetery with the Rev. Amos Grayson officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. 

Mr. Luster was an accomplished jack of all trades. He was capable of doing anything he set his mind to, and, if he initially didn’t know how, it was guaranteed that he could figure it out. Those skills certainly came in handy in his work as a general contractor for construction sites. His job fit his personality, as he loved doing anything outdoors. In his free time, he loved farming and raising cattle. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. While his children were in school, you could always find him in attendance at any event they participated in. Above all, his family owned his complete heart, and he was a devoted husband, father, and brother at all times. He was adored by them in return, and they are comforted by all of the cherished memories they shared with him over the years. 

Mr. Luster was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lorene Davenport Luster. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Denise Berry Luster; their two children, James Matthew Luster and Billie Nicole Luster; and two brothers, Murray (Julie) Luster and Steve Luster. 

Active pallbearers were Matthew Luster, Greg Jones, Gavin Mckenzie, Trey Dillon, Will Moses, and Joshua Hinton. 

A memorial service and fellowship immediately followed the service in Macedonia Methodist Church.

Timothy “Tim” Hall

Mr. Timothy “Tim” Hall, 55, a resident of Rutledge, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Aug.16, 2020. A graveside service for Mr. Hall was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug.19 , in Sasser Cemetery with the Rev. Dunford Cole officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. 

Mr. Hall was a beloved member of his community in Rutledge. Everyone there knew him as “the guy on the bicycle,” as he could be seen riding it everywhere he went. He was a proud graduate of Brantley High School, and loved to cheer on his Brantley Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Despite his circumstances, Mr. Hall always had a smile on his face for everyone. He was a sweet soul, and made it easy for people to love him. After his mother’s passing, Mr. Hall was able to successfully adjust without his primary caretaker, and was able to live a full life. His family and all who knew him will cherish the special memories they built with him over a lifetime. 

Mr. Hall was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Jeanette Mitchell Hall. He is survived by his four loving sisters, Alice (Jimmy) Defee, Linda (Randy) Davis, Denise (Ron) Richards, and Pat (Charles) Lowery, thirteen nieces and nephews, and twenty-six great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Active pallbearers were Andy Burgans, Steve Burgans, Clint Hester, Bradley Gorey, Brandon Defee, and Johnthan Defee. 

James Wilburn Compton

Mr. James Wilburn Compton, 94, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. A graveside service for Mr. Compton was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Mt. Ida Cemetery with Rev. Richard Holmes officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. 

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Compton proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. As a member of the 79th Infantry Division, he participated in the European Theater against Germany and Italy. He was captured by the Nazis during the Battle of the Bulge, and spent the rest of his time there as a prisoner of war until the camp was liberated. He faced true horrors like few others while imprisoned, but was fortunate to escape with his life and mind intact. 

After the war, Mr. Compton became a carpenter, and had a hand in building most of the houses in Brantley and Luverne until his retirement. In his free time, he loved being outdoors either farming or gardening. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived for the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for they were his world. He was an incredible role model for his family throughout his lifetime, and he will be sorely missed by all of them. 

Mr. Compton was preceded in death by two wives, Dorothy Sybil Taylor Compton and Callie Lou Parrish Compton; daughter, Sybil Lou Bryan; parents, George and Carrie Lou Carnes Compton; and two siblings, Edna Vae Smith and George Gilmer Compton. He is survived by his three children, James Larry Compton, Eddie Carl (Diane) Compton, and Dorothy Helen (Marvin) Taylor; nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; and his sister, Bradie Lou Hudson. 

Active pallbearers were James Taylor, Adam Bryan, Kenneth Bryan, Anthony Cook, Timothy Chance, and Tim Wells. 

Rayford “Peewee” Lee

Rayford “Peewee” Lee, of Red Hill, died peacefully at Bill Nichols State Veteran’s Home, Aug. 7, 2020 at the age of 84. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He served his country for 22 years serving tours in Korea, Viet Nam and the Philippines. He was a true and steadfast defender of our country and never backed down from any assignment. After his retirement from the Air Force, he went into air conditioning which he loved. He would sometimes get up in the middle of the night to go on an air conditioning call. Rayford loved country music and he loved to dance. He loved Hank Williams, George Jones and Dolly Parton but most of all, he loved Alabama football. His favorite past time was golf which he played every chance he got. He grew up in Luverne, Alabama, in a close knit family of eleven siblings. He never forgot his hometown or his home-town friends and was always ready to have a good time. Rayford was always conscientious about his appearance…shirts and pants to match, shirts tucked in, boots always shined, and his beautiful hair perfectly combed. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann; his daughters, Suzanne Lee and Holly Sadler (John) and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolphus and Bertha Mae Lee and all of his beloved brothers and sisters. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Penny Ree Driggers

Penny Ree Driggers 72 of Brantley, departed this life Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 at Crenshaw Community Hospital in Luverne, Alabama.

Funeral services will be held from Alberton Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Kenny Horn and the Rev. Harry Driggers officiating.

Committal services will follow in the Bullock Community Cemetery. Visitation will be at Alberton Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Survivors include: Husband – Rev. Harry Jefferson Driggers, Sr., Brantley, , Daughter – Rena (Jonathan Earles) Hudson, Brantley, Son – Jeff (Laura) Driggers, Brantley, Sister – Marie Loper, Millry, , Sister – Brynell Brown, Millry, , Grandson – Taylor Driggers, Granddaughter – Sarah (Wesley) Osborne, Granddaughter – Madeline (Quindarius Thagard) Driggers, Grandson – Parker Driggers, Grandson – Mitchell Hudson, Granddaughter – Lauren Hudson, Granddaughter – Caroline Driggers, Granddaughter – Mary Katherine Driggers, Great Grandson – Brayden Osborne, Great Grandson – Cam Lowery, Great Grandson – Bryson Thagard Great Grandson- Greyson James Osborne.

Mrs. Driggers was preceded in death by her father – Maurice Stricklin, Mother – Evie Bryan Stricklin and a Great Granddaughter – Evie Elizabeth Ree Osborne.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Driggers family.