SAPP, Clarice Pugh "Mama Sapp", 93, a resident of New Orleans, LA, died Tuesday, May 16, 2000 in an out-of-town hospital. Funeral was Saturday, May 20 from the Chapel of Tharp-Sontheimer-Laudumiey Funeral Home. Burial followed in Resthaven Cemetery. She was a retired seamstress and school teacher in New Orleans at St. Phillips Catholic School. She leaves to cherish her memories three sons, Walter Sapp of Tuskegee, Richard and Vander Sapp, both of New Orleans, LA, one daughter, Pansy
Sapp-Robinson of Las Vegas, NV; 13 grandchildren and 20 g-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. The Tuskegee News, May 25, 2000

SCONIONS, Pinkie Eloise, a resident of Tuskegee, died Saturday, June 3, 2000 in Tuskegee. The funeral was Thursday, June 8, from Peoples Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brenda E. Jones officiating. Peoples Funeral Home directed. She leaves to mourn her loss, a son, Arvin R. Bush; a grandson, Arvin R. Bush, Jr.; one sister, Mary (Sarance) Darden; two nieces, one nephew and relatives and friends.   The Tuskegee News, June 15, 2000

SEXTON, Mrs. Alice Howard, a resident of Tuskegee, Alabama, died Tuesday, December 5, 2000. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2000 at 11:00 am from Solomon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Tuskegee, AL with Dr. R. M. Richmond, Sr officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Grove cemetery, Tuskegee, AL. McKenzie's Funeral Home staff will be directing. Her survivors include; two grandchildren, Gwen Drisker, Tuskegee, AL and Billy (Donna) Drisker, Jacksonville, FL; four great grandchildren, Tiawanis, Tuskegee, AL, Tameka, Atlanta, GA, Brickney and Ashley Drisker, both of Jacksonville, FL; two great great grandchildren, Charniqua and Kamary Sexton, both of Tuskegee, AL; one sister, Janie Daniels, Robbins, IL; a special nephew, Robert Burton, Tuskegee, AL and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, 2000 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at McKenzie's Funeral Home Chapel. The Montgomery Advertiser, December 10, 2000

SHEPPARD, James Hoyt, 79, of Shorter, died at his residence Tuesday March 14, 2000. The funeral for Mr. Sheppard was Thursday, March 16 from Bradford's Chapel United Methodist Church in Shorter. The Revs. Mike Gaby, Curtis Coleman and George Huskey officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery with Corbitt's Funeral Home directing. Mr. Sheppard was a life-long resident of Macon County and was a farmer. He served on the Administrative Council of Bradford's Chapel Church and was president of   the Macon County Cattlemen's Association, president of the Macon County Farm Bureau and a member of the Macon Academy Board o of Directors. He also served as a medic in the U.S. Army. Mr. Sheppard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann Sheppard of Shorter; three daughters, Betty (Richard) Carr of Shorter, Martha (Wayne) McClendon of Franklin and Jane (Jeff) Bellew of Tallassee; two sister, Margie Johnson of Shorter and Nadine Fischer of Franklin; a brother, Loftin Sheppard of Shorter, eight grandchildren and two g-grandchildren. The Tuskegee News, March 23, 2000

SIMMONS [ WEBB-MARTIN], Annie Kate - 54, of Bristol Borough, died suddenly Wednesday at her home.   Born in Tuskegee, AL, June 17, 1932 to the late William Webb and Hannah Thomas-Webb.  Surviving are eight sons, Frederick D. Martin, Jr of Trevose,   Leon Martin of Willingboro, NJ, Lewis Martin of Bristol Borough, John Simmons, Vincent Simmons, Victor Simmons, and Michael Simmons, all at home; Rodney Simmons of Fort Campbell, KY; four daughters, Barbara Martin of Bristol, Renee Simmons, Wanda Simmons and Rose Simmons, all at home; her mother Hannah Webb of Levittown; two sisters, Jessie Harris of Trevose and Johnnie Glenn of Cleveland; two brothers, Izear Webb of Trevose and Milton Webb of Levittown and 11 grandchildren.  Funeral services were held at the P. Rosamond Gray Funeral Home, Bristol, PA.  The Rev. Joseph Wright officiated.   Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Willow Grove.

SISTRUNK, Virginia, a longtime resident of Tuskegee, died March 9, 2000 at the Morningside Assisted Living Facility in Auburn. Services was Sunday, March 12, from Tuskegee Methodist Church. Burial followed in Tuskegee Cemetery and Rev. Oliver Mize officiated. She is survived by numerous relatives including her second cousin, Sue Daniels of Opelika. Miss Sistrunk was a graduate of the University of Alabama, but was an avid Auburn fan.  The Tuskegee News, March 16, 2000

SLOCUMB, Charlton McTier, 87 of Perform. Funeral services were held Monday, May 15, 1972, at 2:00 p.m. from the First Methodist Church in Perform, with the Rev. Ernest Dover officiating.  Mr. Slocumb a native of Macon County and former resident of Notasulga, Alabama, moved to Perform eight years ago following retirement from a cotton and farm interest business. He was an honorary member of the official board of the Reform Church, a Mason and Shriner.  He died, Saturday, May 13, 1972 in North Pickens County Hospital.  Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Erin D. Slocumb and a daughter, Miss Beth Slocumb of Reform; and a number of nieces and nephews. Burial was in Graham Memorial Cemetery in Reform, Alabama.
Contributed by Beth Slocumb Fazekas

SLOCUMB, Mrs. Irene, born May 23, 1822, died at Notasulga, Alabama, March 11, 1910.  She was the mother of ten children and her husband preceded her to the better land.  She had been very feeble for a number of years and for the last three confined to her bed. When she realized that the end was near, she said to those around her, "Well, I'm just waiting patiently, I'll soon be at rest and I want you all to meet me up yonder."  The loving care and devotion with which her only single daughter Emma ministered to her every want night and day was beautiful.  She petted her as a little child and never worried no matter how constant the calls.  Though the mother could not speak during her last days, yet the expression on her face showed clearly that Emma alone could smooth her pillow or change her body. Three days before dying, she had the family called that she might bid them goodbye. This she did, asking them to meet her in heaven. Then she rested quietly and peacefully until the end. Thus closed the scenes of a life she nobly.  Contributed by Beth Slocumb Fazekas  March 1910

SLOCUMB, [MIMS] Rebecka Gertrude, was born in Fort Valley, Huston County, Georgia, September 11, 1851, and died near Notasulga, Macon County, Alabama. April 12, 1892.  We can mention but a few of the events of the life between these two dates.  her father died while she was yet a child, and her mother, Mrs. Sarah M. Mims, afterwards married Mr. Wood, whose name now bears in the loneliness of widowhood.  She was married to R. E. Slocumb, October 25th, 1866, which union resulted in nine children, all boys but one.  Two of the boys preceded her to the Beulah Land, leaving six boys and a little girl with their father to mourn the loss of a cheerful, bright, good wife and mother.  She was converted and joined the M. E. Church, South a Liberty Chapel when about fourteen years of age.  She lived a consistent active member of the Church from that time until God called her into the Church, triumphant on high.  When able, she rarely failed to fill her place in church Sunday School and enter heartily and symphatetically into the exercises.  She seldom found any impossibilities in divine service.  She had the happy art of doing her household work, preparing herself and children and getting to Sunday school in time--an example for mothers, worthy of imitation.  She was a true Methodist of old Methodist stock, such as the Mims and Youngs of Houston and the Reddings and Johnsons of Monroe County, Georgia.  She loved her church and was true to its doctrines and discipline and self-sacrificing for its progress.  Of course, it is not surprise that such a woman died well.  She was feeble for several months before her death, but always bright and cheerful.  When at last she realized that the end was near, she tried to send messages to her pastor, relatives, and friends, but most of them were lost on account of her weak voice.  This being done, she began to praise the Lord, saying, "Jesus.  Blessed Jesus!  What would I do without Jesus?  May the Lord comfort the bereaved ones, and fill her place in Church.  A. I. Cousins, Loachapoka, Alabama.  Contributed by Beth Slocumb Fazekas, grand daughter. September 1851

SLOCUMB, Robert E., was born in Newtown County, Georgia December 6, 1845 and died in Notasulga, Alabama, March 5, 1911. He was converted when 10 years old, but for some reason did not join the church till some time later.  He was first married on October 25, 1866 to Miss Rebeka Gertrude Mims and his second marriage was on November 22, 1898 to Mrs. Fannie C. Cameron.  To the first union were born nine children--eight sons and one daughter.  Four of his sons preceded him to the other world, and the other four, his daughter, and his wife survive him. As a citizen, Brother Slocumb, ranked among the finest and was held in hight esteem by all who knew him.   In the Church, he was always faithful, and while he served well night all his life in an official capacity, the church never suffered because of any lack on his part.   As a Steward, he measured up to the requirements of the discipline.  He loved his Church, his Pastor, and his Pastor's family. He did not have to tell them he loved them, for this constant attention and tender sympathy would soon convince them that he did.  When any in town were sick, his Pastor was informed and if any were in distress he went to their rescue.  He was an unassuming man and never seemed to know his own worth to the Church.  It would seem useless to say that such a man died in triumphant faith.  It is expected that such men die as they live, leaning on the everlasting arms.  So lived and died R. E. Slocumb. Contributed by Beth Slocumb Fazekas March 1911

SMITH, [BROWN] Beulah M. - 62, native of Tuskegee, died Monday at her home in Mobile.  Survivors include her husband Daniel Smith; three sons, Danny Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Lyndon Smith and Antonio Kelvin Smith, both of West Palm Beach, FL; two daughters, Veronica Tyrell Thabit and Symathia Smith, both of Mobile; a sister Sadie Izzard of New York; two brothers, Timothy Brown of Texas and William Brown of Auburn, AL; four half-sisters; a half-brother; and six grandchildren.  Lovett's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SMITH, Frank, 69, of Tuskegee died Monday, March 20, 2000 at the VA Hospital. Funeral was Saturday, March 25, from Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Notasulga with Rev. Roger Lynch Sr., pastor. Burial followed in church cemetery with Webster-Progressive Funeral Home staff directed. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Christine Smith, Tuskegee; six
siblings, Evon Shelton, William (Louise), Charles (Mary) Smith, all of Detroit, MI; Calvin (Ledia), Clarence (Ella Louise) and Lawrence Smith, all of Youngstown, OH; and many other loving relatives and friends. The Tuskegee News, March 30, 2000

SMITH, [PACE], Beverly Ann  - 39, born in Tuskegee, she died in Tuskegee on June 20, 2000.  A former Connecticut State Trooper, she worked at the Connecticut Department of Corrections for 14 years.   Survivors include her mother, Barbara Cannon of Tuskegee, two brothers, Bert and Craig Sims, both of Springfield, CT, a stepson, Gary L. smith Jr., of Springfield; her grandmother, Alice Pace of Tuskegee, and her stepfather, Willie Cannon of Tuskegee.   The burial was held Saturday in Ashdale Cemetery, Tuskegee.

SMITH, Sara Elizabeth - 87, of Florence Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2000 at her residence.   She lived in the Bessemer area for 67 years and was a resident of Florence for the past year.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William Cooper Smith and by four brothers and one sister.  Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary & Charles Jager of Birmingham, her son and daughter-in-law, William Cooper and Debbie Smith of Birmingham; grandchildren and spouses, Merri Lynn Livingston & Steve, Charles Stephen Jager & Annalisa, Leigh Ann Albright & Ed., James Cooper Jager & Joy, Susan Elizabeth Bedsole & Richard, James Robert Hurt, Jr, & Courtney, JoAnna Hurt & William Myers Smith; 13 great grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews.

SMITHERS, Bobby - 62, of Notasulga died Wednesday, June 7, 2000 at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. A graveside service was held for Mr.Smithers on June 9 from Memory Gardens Cemetery in Notasulga. The Rev. Billy Allen officiated and Corbitt's Funeral Home directed. Survivors include: his wife, Patsy Smithers, Notasulga; two daughters, Patsy Richardson, Notasulga, and Belinda Smithers, Lenoir City, TN; four sons, Jeff Smithers, Georgia; Bobby Smithers, Tony Smithers, both of Sweetwater, TN; Terry Smithers, Atlanta, GA; his mother Bertha Tinnel, Lenoir City, TN; three brothers, four sisters; and two grandchildren.  The Tuskegee News, July 15, 2000

SPARKS, Mrs. Everline, age 53, a resident of Tuskegee, AL, died Tuesday, October 31, 2000 in an out of town hospital. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 6, 2000, at 11 am from Macedonia Baptist Church. Pastor David Love officiating. Burial at Ashdale Cemetery. Burton's Funeral Home Staff directing. Survivors include: husband, Samuel Sparks, Jr., Tuskegee, AL; mother, Queen Ester Austin, Tuskegee, AL; four children: Pamela (Timothy) Smith, Union Springs, AL, Brenda (Leslie) Crumble, Montgomery, AL; Samuel(Cassandra) Sparks, Tuskegee, AL, and Douglas (Roxanne) Sparks, Anderson, SC; seven sisters: Mary Queen Sparks, Tuskegee, AL, Gail, Dorothy, Diane  and Jackie Austin, all of Detroit, MI, Jeanette and Christine Austin,  both of Cleveland, OH; five brothers, Roman(Beatrice) Austin, Jr.,  Fort Davis, AL, Eric (Sherneil) Austin, Tuskegee, AL, Eugene and  Walter Austin, Detroit, MI, Dexter Austin, FL; thirteen grandchildren; great-grandmother, Hess Taylor,Opelika, AL; mother-in-law, Ella Sparks, Tuskegee, AL; five sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; four aunts; a number of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends. Family hour will be held Sunday, Nov. 5, from 6-7 p.m., Burton's Funeral Home Chapel. The Montgomery Advertiser

STEWART, Victoria Evonne (Vicky) was born in Tuskegee, to Harding and Mary Browning on July 15, 1946 and suddenly departed this life on June 7, 2000 at home in Upper Marlboro, MD. She was 53 years old. Vickie was the second child of a family of nine children. She graduated from Tuskegee Institute High. she was funeralized Monday, June 12 from Stewart Funeral Home in Washington, DC, with the Rev. John N. Robinson officiating. She confessed Christ at an early age and joined the Midway Baptist Church. She served as an active member until she relocated to the Washington metropolitan area where she met and married William McKinley Stewart. From this union two children were born. Vickie dedicated 28 years of service to the U.S. Postal Service. She was a devoted wife and mother, a loving and outgoing person who devoted her time to her grandchildren. She will be cherished by her husband of 31 years, William Stewart, one daughter, Tiffany Victoria Stewart; three grandchildren, LaNeika Stewart, Tatyana Brown and Tiwann Davis; her father, Harding Browning Sr., and mother Mary F. Browning, both of Tuskegee; three sisters, Lenora Jones of Mitchellville, MD, Judy Mason, Tuskegee, Rosemary Turner, Opelika; three brothers, Harding, Alfred and Rev. Melvin Browning of   Tuskegee; sisters-in-laws; one Aunt, two uncles; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends. Vicky was very special to many people. She had a heart of gold. Her presence will be greatly missed. but a wonderful memory to cherish.  The Tuskegee News

STRONG, J. C., 84, of Notasulga, died March 27, 2000 at the Wetumpka Nursing Facility in Wetumpka. Funeral was Wednesday, March 29 at the First Baptist Church in Notasulga. Rev. Billy Allen officiating. Burial followed in Notasulga Memory Gardens. Survivors are two daughters, Loretta Moseley and Martha Hill, both of Wetumpka; three sons, Billy Wayne Garrison, Notasulga, Paul Edward Strong, Montgomery, and James Charles Strong, Jr., Florida City, FL; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one sister, Mary Esther Speaks. Tallassee. Mr. Strong was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Louise Strong, and two daughters, Anita Ward and Rebecca Allum. The Tuskegee News, April 6, 2000, page B-6