Martha Belvin Dixon

Martha Belvin Dixon, age 102, passed away at her home surrounded by close friends on Dec. 16, 2017.

She was born in Covington County on Sept. 1, 1915. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie Brewer Belvin and Robert L Belvin; her sister, Allie Dunn; and her husband, Solon Dixon.

She leaves behind a special friend, Joyce Sharpe, and a host of devoted friends.

Martha was a proud veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Meteorological Service at the Pentagon. She and Solon were great benefactors to many causes in the county and region through both personal funds and through the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, with a special interest in support of education at all levels, natural resources conservation, the arts, and health and welfare. Auburn University, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, Lyman Ward Academy, and Camp ASCA were particular regional interests. Their gifts of land, funds, and other support made the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, the premiere field forestry and wildlife conservation education facility in the nation, possible.

After Mr. Dixon’s death in 1986, Martha continued to support their endeavors, serving as the President of the Dixon Foundation Board of Directors until 2001 and continuing her involvement until shortly before her death. She was a generous person with an active mind, interest in all things, and great compassion for people from all walks of life. Her clarity of mind and wit survived until the very end of her life. Memorial arrangements are not complete and will be announced at a later date. Flowers are not requested at this time.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, 12130 Dixon Center Road, Andalusia, AL 36420 or to a charity of your choosing.

 

LOUISE MCDOWELL

Mrs. Louise McDowell, 92, of Andalusia, passed away on Mon., Dec. 18, 2017, in Mobile.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wed. Dec. 20, at Stone Lake Cemetery with Foreman Funeral Home directing. A short visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Drew and Nancy McDowell of Wilmer, Ala.; 41 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Tina Barfield of Winter Haven, Fla.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

 

DONNA

MYRICK ELLIS

Mrs. Donna Myrick Ellis, 78, of Andalusia, passed away on Sat., Dec. 16, 2017, at Andalusia Hospital.

Funeral services will be Tues., Dec. 19, from Foreman Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Jim Carpenter officiating. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home. The graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, in the New Hope community of Columbus, Miss. Brother Tim Lee will officiate the graveside service. A visitation will also be held from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Wednesday at Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Miss.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Ellis of Andalusia; a daughter and son-in-law, Shawnna Ellis and Neil Bailey of Helena, Ala.; one son and daughter-in-law, Hale and Corina Ellis of Lawrenceville, Ga.; four grandchildren, Hannah Harmon, Natalia Ellis Schiltz, Francesca Ellis, Justin Harmon; and one great-grandchild, Katarina Schiltz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 1736 Beersheba Road, Columbus, MS 39702.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

NELLIE “FLAY” OWENS

Mrs. Nellie “Flay” Owens, age 93, of Andalusia, passed away Fri., Dec. 15, 2017, at a local nursing home. Flay was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Bay Minette, Ala. She loved her God and her church, her family, cooking and gardening. She had an amazing sense of humor and had a great love for people.   She enjoyed playing cards and dominoes and listening to music at the adult activity centers. One of her greatest joys was planting flowers in her yard – and in anyone else’s who would let her.

Flay is survived by her three children, Brenda (Guy) Ballard of Spring, Texas, Samartha (Jim) Sage of Bay Minette, and Vickie (Robert) Kitchens of Andalusia; her sister, Jean Fuqua of Andalusia; and 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, three sisters, and one granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at noon Tues., Dec. 19, 2017, at Keahey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Andalusia Memorial Gardens with Keahey Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m.. until noon Tues., Dec. 19, 2017, at Keahey Funeral Home.

Those wishing to extend a word of condolence may do so at www.keaheyfuneralhome.com.