Luverne Journal obituaries for Dec. 10, 2020

Published 4:04 pm Friday, December 11, 2020

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Mary Lott Phillips
Mrs. Mary Lott Phillips, 76, a resident of Honoraville, Alabama, and formerly of Florida, passed away unexpectedly at Southeast Health in Dothan on Friday, December 4, 2020.
Mrs. Phillips was a strong, independent woman who believed you could fix anything with bungee cords and duct tape. She leaves behind a powerful example of how to live in this world to all those who knew and loved her. She was generous to a fault, opening her home and her heart to everyone. She also had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. She spent much of her life coordinating proper nutrition for her patients at Healthsouth, where she made excellent use of her love for cooking and baking. She usually went out of her way to make the holidays special for both her patients and co-workers with her cheerful spirit and heartwarming decorating skills.
Mrs. Phillips was also a tremendous advocate for women and children, including volunteering her time at a battered women’s shelter. Above all, she was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother possible. She always put her family first, which also included the many she considered family too. She will be sorely missed by all of them, but she has left behind an incredible legacy for all of them to strive to live up to.
Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Phillips, and her parents, Edward Austin & Barbara Lorene Lott. She is survived by her four children, Sheila Phillips Diehl, Penny Bowman, Charles Ray (Maryanne) Phillips, and Shannon Phillips; five grandchildren, Gabrielle Byrd, Daniel (Michelle) Byrd, Michael (Christian) Byrd, Jaimie Pereira, and Camilla Byrd (Justin Redding); seven great-grandchildren, Leon Pereira, Karinna Pereira, Jasmine Pereira, Daija Pereira, Raelyn Byrd, Harper Byrd, and Benjamine Pereira; three siblings, Loy (Jeanette) Lott, Paula (Kenneth) Brown, and Clay (Jackie) Lott; and many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Luvene Beasley Pippin
Mrs. Luvene Beasley Pippin, 96, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully in Montgomery on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. A graveside service for Mrs. Pippin was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 5th, in Live Oak Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Nulph officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.
Mrs. Pippin dedicated her life to taking care of others. She raised her children in a warm, loving home where she took pride in everything she did for them. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing that gift with others. She was often the go-to for many looking for a loving babysitter. She lived a long, full life, and her family now rejoices that she is walking with Lord and Savior now.
Mrs. Pippin was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Pippin; two children, Judy Pippin and Lamar Pippin; and her parents, Willis & Addie Bell Holley Beasley. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Virginia & Tony Calhoun; eight grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren.

Hilda Frances Horne
Ms. Hilda Frances Horne, 65, a resident of Glenwood, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 30, 2020. A graveside service for Ms. Horne was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 7th, in Providence Cemetery with Rev. Johnny Jones officiating and Turners Funeral Home directing.
Ms. Horne dedicated her life to providing a loving & caring home for her entire family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her generosity extended to everyone she knew. She had a fondness for her favorite music & her dip. She could often be found fishing on many beautiful days. Though her time on this earth has ended far too soon, her loved ones can find comfort in all of the treasured memories they made together over the years.
Ms. Horne was preceded in death by her parents, John L. & Jessie Catrett Horn; three siblings, Tommy Horn, Wayne Horn, and Wynette Holmes; and several other brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her three children, Hilda Rene Glover, Danny (Hanna) Killingsworth, and Jessica Killingsworth; eight grandchildren, Andrea (Rashad) Brundidge, Santanna (Tay) Greene, Adrian Jordan, Bethany Jordan, Gage Killingsworth, Emma Navarre, Isabella Killingsworth, and Katlyn Navarre; five great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Kamia, Elena, Brooklyn, and Faye Faye; and her sister, Mary Duncan.
Active pallbearers were Danny Killingsworth, Gage Killingsworth, Jaylen Smith, Rashad Brudidge, Tay Greene, and Allen Navarre.

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Sidney W. Jackson
Mr. Sidney W. Jackson “Jack” Jr, 95, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The family held a private graveside service for Mr. Jackson on Saturday, December 5th, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Rev. Darren Easter officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.
Jack grew up in Petrey, Alabama, graduated from Luverne High School, and went on to attend the University of Alabama where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business. While at Alabama, he was the president of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, and met the love of his life, Bobbie. He also joined the ROTC, and later served in Germany following WWII. After his service, he became a successful and respected businessman in his community. He was an officer and owner of W.L. Petrey Wholesale Company, was a founder & board member of First Citizens Bank of Luverne, and a real estate developer. He was also honored to become a deacon of the Luverne First United Methodist Church. Jack continued to work at Petrey for over 60 years, making the round trip from Luverne to Petrey over 15,000 times.
Jack was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends. He was a founder of Crenshaw Christian Academy in 1968, and strongly believed in a good education for his children. He also loved to have a good time. Jack was an avid golfer, world traveler, and loved all types of sporting events that involved football, basketball, or baseball.
Jack had a low key, but dynamic personality. He could light up a room without being flashy, and had a gift to make you feel welcome and wanted without being overbearing. The standard takeaways from those who met him was “the nicest man ever,” “they don’t make them like that anymore,” “what a fine man,” and “just a great guy.” In his later years, he and his special friend, Mary West, loved to cook, go out, and spend time together, including Troy football games. He was close to his brother Jim, who was his across the street neighbor for over 50 years. They were known as the “best brothers ever,” and every day they would work crossword puzzles, and Jim would exercise Jack, a great recipe for staying active 95 years.
People sought Jack’s advice, which he would subtly parse out when least expected, the type of advice that would stick. He set the example for his family and friends by doing and giving, especially of his time, and by being the type of leader everyone should be. He was not a hurried or temperamental man. He was there for them, always, and he is still here and will be missed. He was, as they say, one of a kind.
Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie H. Jackson; parents, Sidney “Sid” Sr & Myra Petrey Jackson; and sister, Betty Gibson. He is survived by his four children, Lee Jackson Moncus, Celia Jackson (David) Partlow, Sidney W. (Alyson) Jackson III, and Leslie Jackson (Frank) Moody; twelve grandchildren, Sidney Petrey Bagwell, Leslie Moncus (Bowen) Chapman, Janie Lee Moody Moncus, Mary Jane Partlow (Branham) Moore, Beeson (Stephanie) Partlow, Jack (Sarah) Partlow, Cece Partlow, Maggie Partlow, Sidney W. (Lysa) Jackson IV, Sarah Haden Vance, Diana Katherine (Adam) Meter, Townsend Vance, and Susannah Jackson; six great-grandchildren; beloved brother, James “Jim” William Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, & friends.
Active pallbearers were Sidney Jackson IV, Adam Meter, Beeson Partlow, Jack Partlow, Branham Moore, and Bowen Chapman.
The family would like to express their profound & deep gratitude to Mr. Jackson’s caregivers, Angela Cowart, Martha Shepherd, Renetta Blair, and Mable Levens.
Any memorial donations may be made to the Luverne Public Library, 148 East Third Street, Luverne, Alabama 36049.

Ronnie Lynn Taylor
Mr. Ronnie Lynn Taylor, 71, a resident of Lapine, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. A graveside service for Mr. Taylor will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, December 3rd, in Berea Cemetery with Brother Jack Cates officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.
Mr. Taylor spent many a year on the road as a long-haul trucker, but it enabled him to see many parts of this beautiful country. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first in every way. His loved ones are grateful for all of the many years they had together, and take comfort in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering, but walking those “streets of gold” in Heaven.
Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his grandson, Grant Taylor; father, Richard David Taylor Sr; mother & stepfather, Amie & Melvin Reeves; and three siblings, Ruby Milsted Evans, Richard David Taylor Jr, and Herbert Taylor. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Janice Butts Taylor; their three sons, Randell Taylor, Dexter Taylor, and Eugene (Sandi) Taylor; four grandchildren, Harleigh Taylor, Amie Taylor, Jeci Taylor, & Logan Taylor; two brothers, Donnie (Margaret) Taylor & Eddie (Zoe) Taylor; two sisters-in-law, Annette Taylor & Janet Taylor; and numerous nieces & nephews.