Katie R. Raley, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in the warm embrace of Georgia, Katie’s life journey was marked by a profound commitment to her family, her faith, and the joy of creating lasting memories with those she cherished.
Katie’s story began on a sunny day in Georgia, where her life would eventually become intertwined with that of her future husband, Hugh Wilson Raley, in the historic city of Savannah. Their love story was one for the ages, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and the constant buzz of a family on the move. Katie’s passion for sewing wove the fabric of her family’s life together, stitching moments of joy, comfort, and beauty into their everyday existence.
A devoted mother to Jason Raley, Chris (Amanda) Raley, and Cindy Peoples, Katie’s nurturing spirit was a guiding light in their lives. She delighted in the blossoming of her family tree, which grew to include her adored grandchildren, Anna Peoples, Heather (Taten) Wood, Amber Bryant, Cole (Cassie) Raley, Emmalee Raley, Graysen Raley, and Hadlee Raley, and her cherished great-grandchildren, Cecil Foreman, Kayden Martin, Adelyn Bryant, Celia Wood, Declan Bryant, and Bane Raley. Each child brought a unique sparkle to her eye, and she reveled in the role of a doting grandmother, never missing an opportunity to spoil them with love and attention.
Katie’s commitment to her faith was unwavering. As a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church, she shared her wisdom and love for the Lord by attending Sunday School regularly and actively participating in the W. O. W. Ministry. Her kindness and thoughtful nature were evident in every interaction, and she was often described by those who knew her as loving and faith-filled. The sanctuary of Bethel Baptist Church was not just a place of worship for Katie but a second home where she formed lasting friendships and served her community with a generous heart.
Her spirit of camaraderie and fun was infectious, and she could often be found in the company of friends, indulging in a spot of shopping or engaging in a lively game of cards. These simple pleasures were the threads that connected the tapestry of her life, each moment shared adding to the richness of her story.
Katie’s legacy is one of love and devotion, not only to her family but also to her friends and community. She was a pillar of strength and comfort, leaving behind a trail of beautiful memories for all who were blessed to know her. Her brothers-in-law, Parker Raley and Jackie Raley, along with several nieces and nephews, will carry forward the light of her presence, even as they mourn her passing.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edna Reynolds Redding; her beloved husband, Hugh Wilson Raley; her brother, Bill Redding; and her sisters, Jeanette Seckinger, Barbara Meeks, and Ree Tomlinson. Their reunion in heaven is a comforting thought to all who grieve her loss here on earth.
A celebration of Katie’s life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church, where Brother Ricky Plummer will officiate. Katie will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the prayers of those she loved. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 1-2 pm, sharing stories and honoring the remarkable woman that Katie was. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Katie’s honor to Bethel Baptist Church or to Bethel Christian Academy.
Katie Raley’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and her spirit will forever be woven into the hearts of those she touched.
OZARK…Mrs. Lillie Mae Johnson Beaty, a resident of Ozark, passed away late Saturday evening at the home of her daughter, Sofia in Tuscaloosa. She was 67.
Homegoing services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Vanessa McBrewer officiating. Burial will follow in Traveler’s Rest Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Surviving relatives include her three daughters, Michelle Gissendanner, Ozark, Sofia Williams (Johnny), Tuscaloosa, and Kimberly Walton (Antonio), Ozark; three step-children, Brendel Adams, Atlanta, Georgia, Paul Beaty, Birmingham, and Shay Beaty, Enterprise; two sisters, Mary Alice Williams-Greene and Mae Helen Williams, both of New Jersey; ten grandchildren, twenty six great-grandchildren; aunt, Essie Viola Byrd; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends who loved her dearly.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Barbara Smith Deloney, of Dothan, Alabama died peacefully on June 3, 2025, after a long illness. She was born on October 6, 1940, in Ozark, Alabama.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dan Brown Deloney; daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and David Seay and Dana and John Gunter; grandchildren, Daniel (Elizabeth) Gunter, Rebekah (Casey) Carpenter, Anna Seay, Luke (Karis) Gunter, and Matthew (Liz) Seay; great-grandchildren, John Will and Ivy Gunter and Rexford Carpenter; sister Jane (Dennis) Leatherwood and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her father, Ernest Foy Smith; mother, Hazel Matthews Smith; brother, Charles Laverne Smith; and sister, Carol McAlister.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00am at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Bethel Methodist Church in Dale County. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Gunter, Luke Gunter, Matthew Seay, Casey Carpenter, Brandon Deloney and Eric Leatherwood.
Barbara was a 1959 graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama. She was a homemaker who lovingly raised her two daughters. Later, she worked in the banking industry for several years. She loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Covenant Methodist Church.
She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved cooking for family and taking food to others. She and Dan enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful trips together. She will be truly missed.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
COLUMBIA. . .Steven Wayne “Steve” Duncan, a resident of Columbia, died Tuesday night, June 3, 2025, at his home. He was 67.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Gardens of Memory, between Headland & Dothan, with Reverend Jimmy Baxter officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 P.M. Sunday at the mortuary in Headland.
Steve Duncan was born in Montgomery and was raised in Dothan, son of the late John B. Duncan and Betty Jane Frederick Duncan. He lived in Tehachapi, California before moving to Henry County, near Columbia, in 2007. Steve was retired from Troy Construction as a Pipefitter. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and leather working and was an avid Alabama football fan. Steve was preceded in death by a brother, John Mark Duncan.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Lynn Baxter Duncan, a daughter, Alisha Lynn Duncan, Bakersfield, CA; a son, Jacob Duncan, Charlotte, NC; two step-children, Matthew Keel (Ashley), Austin, TX; and Kelly Keyton (Justin), Sharpsburg, GA; a sister, Mary Ann Reeder (Daniel), Headland; four step-grandchildren, Reece McMullen, Jeremiah McMullen, Jada Keyton and Landon Keel.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Anthony Scott Matthews, a resident of Ashford, died Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 67.
Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Friday, June 6, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Reverend Danny Coachman officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the services at the funeral home.
Scott was born November 6, 1957 in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Charles J. and Nellie Danford Matthews. He was raised in Samson and later served as Assistant Police Chief until beginning a 32 year career as a Security Officer at Farley Nuclear Plant. Scott enjoyed doing anything with family including fishing and watching Alabama Football. He also loved taking care of his, Lilly Rose.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Tammy Matthews; sons, Scotty Matthews (Jennifer), Dennie Matthews (Morgan); grandchildren, Chloe and Noah; brothers, Dennie Matthews (Kizzie), Kennith Matthews (Debbie) and his mother in law, Mary Sue Yohn.
OZARK…Mrs. Cora Bell Loucks, a resident of Ozark, died Monday morning, June 2, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. She was 69.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Cary Mauldin and Reverend Kenneth Earles officiating. Burial will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Springs, Alabama. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Loucks, daughter of the late Carl Jackson Rotton and Cherry Voncile Jordan Rotton, was a native of the Almeria Community in Bullock County, Alabama. She lived in various locations in the United States prior to moving to Ozark in 1989. She was retired from the Ozark City Schools at Lisenby Elementary School. Mrs. Loucks enjoyed being with her family, shopping, listening to music, and especially decorating her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Loucks and daughter, Susan Renee Livingston.
Surviving relatives include her son, Steve Livingston (Michelle), Brunswick, Georgia; two step-sons, Jeff Livingston (Janelle) and Douglas Livingston, Jr. (Suzanne); two sisters, Brenda Sue Welch (Earl), Ashford and Shirley Green, Elba, Alabama; three brothers, Herman Rotton (Sandra), Union Springs, Alabama, Gary Rotton, Cowarts, and Dan Rotton, Marbury, Alabama; granddaughter, Renee Livingston; step-children, Chrissi McCallister, Cindi Dooley, Cheryl Cherico (Ted), Curtis Loucks (Corrine), and Craig Loucks (Christie); several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dave Lewallen, Craig Loucks, Michael Brown, Bobby Earles, Billy Wood, and Jason Nelson.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
