We are gathered here today to celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable woman, Willie Mae Dawsey Freeman, affectionately known to us all as Willie Mae. Born on November 5th, 1950, in the warm and welcoming city of Dothan, Alabama, Willie Mae was a beacon of light and love until her peaceful passing on January 29th, 2025, in Alabaster, Alabama. She was a woman of remarkable faith and boundless love, and her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her.
Willie Mae was the cherished daughter of Willie Grayson Jr. and Mary Ella Dawsey Kennedy, who preceded her in glory along with her beloved son, Xavier Freeman. Her radiant spirit is carried on through her devoted children, James Freeman III and Aisha Freeman; her adoring grandchildren, Brittany, Justin, Joshua, Jordyn, Emerson, and Dylan; and her seven great-grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye. She also leaves behind her loving sisters, Marjorie Cook, Bessie Brown, and Linda Copeland, who will miss her dearly.
From her early days at E.R. Grimsley Colored High School in Ashford to the time she earned her bachelor’s in theology from Minnesota Theology Graduate School of Ministry in Dothan, Willie Mae’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith. She nurtured her spirit within the walls of St. James Baptist Church in Dothan, where she was not just a member, but a pillar of the community.
Willie Mae’s professional journey was marked with dedication and a strong work ethic, as she served as a switchboard operator and later as a supervisor. After 25 years of committed service, she retired from GTE, leaving a legacy of professionalism and camaraderie.
But beyond her professional achievements, Willie Mae was a mother figure to all, with an open door and an even more open heart. Her home was a sanctuary for anyone in need, and her ministry was not a task but her hobby, her passion, and her life’s work. She had the unique ability to relate everything to the Word of God, finding lessons and comfort in the sacred text that she shared generously with others. Willie Mae was easy to talk to, always ready with a comforting word, a piece of wisdom, or a fervent prayer.
Faith-filled, loving, and selfless—these words encapsulate the essence of Willie Mae. She embodied the love of Christ in every action, every word, and every prayer. She was a living example of the scripture she held so dear, and her influence extended far beyond the walls of her home and her church.
To speak of Willie Mae is to speak of a life well-lived and a faith well-kept. She was a woman who planted seeds of love and kindness wherever she went, cultivating a garden of fellowship that bloomed with the flowers of community and togetherness. In every role she embraced—whether as a mother, grandmother, sister, or friend—Willie Mae exemplified grace and selflessness.
Willie Mae, we thank you for the love you’ve given, the wisdom you’ve shared, and the example you’ve set. Your journey on this earth has ended, but your spirit soars in the heavenly realms. Rest now in the arms of the Lord, good and faithful servant, until we meet again.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11 am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor Albert A. Williams officiating. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
We are saddened to announce the death of our dad, Robert Ralph Chumney. Dad passed away on January 16, 2025, and is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Ann Chumney of Webster Springs, WV and his second wife, Jeanie Bleigh Chumney from Ireland, WV. His daughter, Ruby Victoria Chumney and his grandson, Wesley James Chumney as well as 6 brothers and two sisters.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Deborah Ann and Dale Moulton from Bartow FL and Rachael Chumney residing in Tuscaloosa AL. His grandchildren, Drew (Cindy) Retton, Brett Retton, Ashley Retton, Victoria Osborne and Joshua Wade Chumney. His great grandchildren, Logan, Derek, and Isaac.
He is also survived by two living biological brothers, Wallace and Harvey Chumney and a brother in love, Pete Blythe as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Madrid AL as a young adult dad found not only his sweetheart Pat but also his love for the hills in Wild Wonderful West Virginia. A longtime resident of Philippi he worked for many years at the local mines before being forced to travel for work. Once mom passed away he fulfilled their dream of living in the middle of nowhere by building his home in Ireland WV where he was a beloved part of the community for close to 30 years.
Dad was an Army Vet and a member of UMWA, IBEW, American Legion, and even President of the Lions Club in Ireland WV.
His life was devoted to providing for and taking care of his family and being a good friend and neighbor to those he encountered. He has left us with his greatest treasures his integrity and his faith in God. To quote our dad, “Everything is right where it’s suppose to be.”
Per his request he will be cremated with a Celebration of life to take place on March 15, 2025, at The Madrid Baptist Church in Madrid, AL from 10-12. He will later be laid to rest beside mom at the Corley United Methodist Cemetery in Belington, WV.
William “Bill” J. Murphy, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Flowers Hospital. He was 85.
Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor David Watson. Burial will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until service time.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Albert O. Murphy and Ruby Murphy, from West Point, MS, and five brothers Thomas, Albert Jr., Winfred, Harvey, and Freddy.
Survivors include his wife, Nell Counts Murphy; son, Billy Murphy (Stephanie); daughter, Linda Edgar (Bruce); three grandchildren, Tia McDaniel, Sierra Rice (Mitchell), and Cody Murphy (Kayla Alligood); three great-grandchildren, CJ McDaniel, RaeAnn McDaniel, and Bella Rice; numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Infant David Kurt Williams of Enterprise, AL passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2025 at UAB Hospital.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents, Gordon Olson, Ivan and Doris Huffcutt.
Survivors include his parents, Grant Craig and Sarah Ann Williams, Enterprise, AL; Maternal grandparents, Patricia and Kurt Olson, Wilmington, NC; Paternal grandparents, Heather and Craig Williams, Bentonville, AR; Maternal great-grandmother, Marie Olson, Wilmington, NC; Paternal great-grandparents, Mary Cole, Indianapolis, IN, Joseph and Jan Virgin, Indianapolis, IN, Gene and Diana Williams, Indianapolis, IN, Bob and Cathy Marlin, Westfield, IN; 3 aunts, Hannah Olson (Pat Menne), Wilmington, NC, Hope Williams (Ryan Frow) Indianapolis, IN, Claire Williams (Jake Borlund), Bentonville, AR; uncle, Jason Johnson, Waupaca, WI; 4 cousins, Sheppard Borlund, Shaw Borlund, Michael Johnson, Evan Johnson.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com .
Madeline Tremarcke Driver, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, in Glenwood, Alabama, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. Born on the last day of 1948 in New Jersey, Madeline’s life was a testament to kindness, compassion, and the joy of giving.
Madeline’s early years were spent in New Jersey, but she found her true home in the Wiregrass area of Alabama in 1983. It was there that she cultivated a life rich in family, faith, and service. A dedicated nurse, Madeline’s career at Ozark Nursing Home was marked by her unwavering commitment to those in her care. Her gentle touch, warm smile, and boundless empathy made her a favorite among both patients and colleagues.
Madeline’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her professional life. She was the loving mother to her sons, Dan Driver (and his wife Jessica) and Michael Hallahan, and daughters, Madeline Hallahan and Annie Loyless Driver. Her love multiplied with the joy of her 15 grandchildren, Hunter, Don, Madilayna, Cali, Emily, Brittany, Timothy, Chelsea, Jalena, and Matthew, who will carry her legacy forward. Madeline was the cherished sister to Lee Tremarcke and Chris Tremarcke, Virginia Zizas, Nancy Lang, and Mary Ann Tremarcke. Her life was built on the foundation laid by her late parents, Fred and Madeline Tremarcke, whose values and love shaped the remarkable woman she became.
Her interests and talents were as diverse as they were heartfelt. Known for her artistic flair, Madeline’s love for drawing often found expression in the beautiful sketches that graced book covers and the cherished artwork that adorned the walls of her family’s homes. Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, and as a devout Catholic, she lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and her enduring commitment to helping others.
To say that Madeline was sweet would be an understatement; her ability to get along with everyone was a rare gift. She was a friend to all, a stranger to none, and her presence was a source of comfort and joy. Madeline possessed the rare quality of never letting on if she was upset, choosing instead to focus on the positive and uplift those around her.
Madeline’s life was a living example of the words that best describe her: loving, friendly, and selfless. She gave of herself freely and without expectation, touching the lives of countless individuals with her generosity and warmth.
The loss of Madeline Tremarcke Driver is felt deeply by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at St. Columba Catholic Church Chapel with Father Thomas LaPointe officiating. Madeline will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. Serving as active pallbearers will be Hunter Myers, Don Driver, Adam Bush, David Brinkley, Timothy Loyless, Sr., and Timothy Loyless, Jr.
