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Betty Joyce Knighten

Ms. Betty Joyce Knighten, 68, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away at Crenshaw Community Hospital on Sunday, November 22, 2020. A graveside service for Ms. Knighten was held at 11 a.m., on November 24, 2020 in Mt. Zion Cemetery with Dr. Sam Tate officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Ms. Knighten was a proud graduate of Brantley High School, and she later furthered her education to become a licensed practical nurse. She was dedicated to serving others through her profession, as she diligently cared for her patients for over 30 years. Even her free time, Ms. Knighten did all she could to help her community. She thoroughly enjoyed her work with South Luverne Baptist Church organizations, especially WMV and Senior Trip planning. She truly loved both her family and her church family. Though they will all miss her tremendously, they are comforted by the knowledge that she is now rejoicing in Heaven with her family that passed on before.

Ms. Knighten was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Naomi Folmar Knighten; her brother, Benny Knighten; brother-in-law, Paul King; and her nephew, Neil Knighten. She is survived by her two siblings, Jo Ann King and Johnny (Judy) Knighten, and her numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

Active pallbearers were Michael King, Ben Knighten, Tim Folmar, Joseph Gardner, Dow Gardner, and Ronnie Gardner.

In lieu of flowers, Ms. Knighten asked that memorial donations be made to the South Luverne Baptist Church Mission Team.

James Larry Compton

Mr. James Larry Compton, 71, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday, November 19, 2020. A graveside service for Mr. Compton was held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, November 21, in Mt. Ida Cemetery with Rev. Keith Morgan officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mr. Compton was the epitome of a hard worker his entire life. He was fortunate to be able to work with his father for many years as they built houses all over Crenshaw County. He was a very strong-willed man, but that determination served him well during his life. He had a brilliant grasp of numbers and the talent to build anything he set his mind to do. In his free time, he often enjoyed both the outdoors as he would fish or hunt, and indoor activities like working on computers. Above all, he was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and they, like the rest of his family, will cherish all of the precious memories they have built over their lifetimes.

Mr. Compton was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn & Dorothy Taylor Compton, and sister, Sybil Bryan. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Latrell-Johnson; her husband, Timothy Leary Johnson; two grandchildren, Alexander Riley Johnson and Payton Michelle Johnson; and two siblings, Helen (Marvin) Taylor and Eddie (Diane) Compton.

Active pallbearers were James Taylor, Adam Bryan, Anthony Cook, Timothy Wells, Alexander Johnson, and Kenneth Cauley.

Debra Jackson Weir

Mrs. Debra Jackson Weir, 65, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away in her home unexpectedly on November 17, 2020.

Mrs. Weir was a proud graduate of Troy State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with a minor in psychology, in 1992. She was a hard-working woman who also enjoyed her free time to the fullest, whether it was riding motorcycles with friends or fishing with her grandchildren. She also was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy with Clanton’s Battery, Company B. She leaves behind many dear family members and friends who will cherish all of the lively memories they made together.

Mrs. Weir was preceded in death by her parents, Jack & Ernestine Tillery Jackson, and her best friend, Raimond Tillery. She is survived by her three children, Alicia Bentley, Leslie (Brian) Caldwell, and Rick (Jessica) Weir; six grandchildren, Amber Hubert, Hunter Bentley, Alexis Caldwell, Dakota Caldwell, Danielle Frazier, and Gage Weir; great-grandson, Remington Ward; and two siblings, William “Billy” (Judy) Shirley and Sherry (John) Debusky.

The family held a graveside memorial service for Mrs. Weir at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Brantley, Alabama with family and friends eulogizing her life.

Brandon Foster Crutchfield

Staff Sergeant Brandon Foster Crutchfield, 32, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at UAB Medical Center from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. A memorial service for SSG Crutchfield was held  on Saturday, November 21, at Godwin Materials in Brantley with Rev. Hunter Pugh officiating.

SSG Crutchfield proudly served his country for thirteen years, including deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, with the United States Army Reserve. During his tours of duty, he received numerous commendations and recognition for his service over the years. He was a jack of all trades, including being a licensed correction officer, but his special skills lay in mechanic work. He spent the last few years keeping the trucks at Godwin Mechanical Services running in great shape. In his rare free time, he enjoyed working on his own vehicles, driving anything with wheels, and fishing. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He cherished his family more than anything else in this world, and was willing to do whatever was necessary to take care of them. He has left them far too soon, but they will treasure every memory they have made with him over the years as more precious than gold.

SSG Crutchfield was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward Eugene Crutchfield. He is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Minnie Comer Crutchfield; their two beautiful children, Sophia Jeanette Crutchfield and Brandon Eugene Crutchfield; his parents, Eddie Eugene & Jackie Ulrich Crutchfield; brother, Eddie Eugene (Maria) Crutchfield Jr; three nieces, Zoie Ward, Chloe Crutchfield, and Piper Crutchfield; and grandparents, Martha Elizabeth Bryant and Jack & Marilyn Ulrich.