Debra Kay Helton

By Staff
February 16, 2007
Debra Kay Helton, age 47, of Haleyville, passed away Friday, February 16, 2007.
Mrs. Helton was a member of Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her mother, Amie Jean Gravitt; and a sister, Gwen McDougal.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2007, at Pinkard Funeral Home with Stan Galloway officiating. Interment was in Littleville Cemetery.
Mrs. Helton is survived by her parents, Walter and Sue Gravitt; her significant other, Ricky Porter; three children, Amie Jones, Joshua Skeens and wife Holly, and Sheila "Sam" Hunderman and husband Scott; four brothers, Steve Dye of North Tazewell, VA, Sonny Gravitt of Haleyville, Timmy Dye of Haleyville and Tony Dye of Haleyville; five sisters, Teresa Cagle of Cordova, Pam Gravitt Jackson of Double Springs, Diane Raper of Anniston, Donna Fitzgerald of Acworth, GA, and Peggy House of Kissimmee, FL; and twelve grandchildren.
Pinkard Funeral Home assisted the family.
Billy Gene Hooper, Sr.
February 19, 2007
Billy Gene Hooper, Sr., age 73, of Russellville, was surrounded by family and friends as he passed away Monday, February 19, 2007, after an extended battle with cancer.
Billy was a member of First Baptist Church, Russellville. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served as president of the Red Bay Lions Club. He was born in Colbert County but spent the last 50 years in Franklin County.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ellis and Dena Hooper. He is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine Byars Hooper; two daughters, Lesa Hooper Williams and Andrea Williams Pinkard; two sons, Billy "Bill" Gene Hooper, Jr. and wife Susan, and James Brent Hooper and wife Carol; his grandchildren, Kevin Williams, Jessica Williams, Mandy Hooper, Trey Hooper and James Brent Hooper, II; his great-grandchildren, Joshua Pinkard, Maggie Pinkard, Haydn Pennington and Hayli Pennington; four sisters, Florence Hodge, Marilyn Farr and husband Wallace, Pauline James and husband Edward, and Dot Benson; and a brother, Bobby Hooper and wife Carolyn.
Billy was a business owner throughout most of his career. He took great pride in the family business he started more than 25 years ago. He established, managed, and maintained his desire to succeed in life. Many friendships that were made from Alabama to Texas will always be remembered.
Billy was a very devoted family man. His wife of almost 50 years was always the apple of his eye, his pride and joy. He always had a smile along with much advice for all of his children and grandchildren. He loved hard work and joking with family and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2007, at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Gene Balding and Bro. Jackie Shelton officiating. Pallbearers were Jimmy Byars, Brente Jeffreys, Jerry Hood, Earl Miller, Billy Lansdale, Mike Powell, Dan Parker and Jimmy Jackson.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to all the doctors and nurses who cared for him at UAB and Decatur General during his illness, especially Dr. Marshall Urist, Dr. Charles Prickett, and Dr. Lisle Nabell. Much gratitude goes out to the staff of Southern Care Hospice for their care, devotion and love during this difficult time.
Nettie Herring Ligon
February 17, 2007
Nettie Herring Ligon, age 85, of Memphis, TN, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2007, at Methodist North Hospital.
Mrs. Ligon was a native of Franklin County but lived in Memphis for the past 43 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest R. Ligon, II.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2007, at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville with Dr. Gene Balding officiating. Interment was in Knights of Pythias Cemetery.
Mrs. Ligon is survived by four sons, Ernest R. Ligon of Memphis, David Ligon of Germantown, TN, Thomas Ligon of Memphis, and Barton Ligon of Nesbit, MS; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pinkard Funeral Home assisted the family.
Hazel Lorene Roden
February 14, 2007
Hazel Lorene Roden, age 87, of Haleyville, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2007.
Mrs. Roden was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin and Lora D. Rickles; her husband, Richard J. Roden; and seven sisters and five brothers.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2007, at Pinkard Funeral Home Chapel with Mickey Crane officiating. Interment was in Winston Memorial Cemetery.
Mrs. Roden is survived by two children, Shelby Roden Parker of Flint, MI, and Dale Roden of Cordele, GA; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Pinkard Funeral Home assisted the family.