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Gabriel Emmanuel Freeman, age 7, of Vernon, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at DCH Hospital in Fayette. Gabriel was born on May 7, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Kristina Freeman and Jullian Coleman. He faithfully attended First United Pentecostal Church of Vernon. Gabriel was a kindergartener at Vernon Elementary School where he adored his teachers, Mrs. Nabors, Mrs. CeCe, and Mrs. Tina, all of whom were a tremendous help and blessing to Gabriel and his family. Gabriel was an incredibly happy and loving child despite his sickness. He continually defied all odds by eating, drinking, talking and walking with assistance even when doctors believed he never would. His joyful spirit and determination touched everyone who knew him. Gabriel loved playing Mario Brothers video games and enjoyed watching Thomas and Friends along with many of his favorite YouTube shows. One of his favorite things to do was gather everyone’s phones in the house so he could watch all of his favorite shows at the same time. More than anything, Gabriel loved his family. He had a special bond with his grandfather and shared a close friendship with his cousin and best friend, Khalil. His sweet smile, gentle spirit, and the happiness he shared so freely will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Gabriel is survived by his mother, Kristina Freeman; his father, Jullian Coleman; his siblings, Abree Freeman, Cierra Smith, Demetrius Freeman, Jaime Salinas, Alma Salinas, Ashleigh Garcia, and Hannah Garcia; his grandparents, Ronald and Gail Freeman; his aunts, Mary and Charlotte; his uncles, James, Jimmy, Rich, and Cashonne McKnight; his close cousins, Arianna and Khalil Lange; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, L.C. and Mary Porter.

Funeral services for Gabriel will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Dickinson-Wates Family Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m., service time, at the funeral home.

Bowen Funeral Home serving the Freeman family.

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Retired Master Sergeant Floyd Gaston Shirley, age 92, of Brilliant, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Shirley was born on March 21, 1933, in Itawamba County, Mississippi, to the late LeeRoy and Kirksie Underwood Shirley. He was a 1950 graduate of Tremont High School. Mr. Shirley loved his country and was proud to be an American. He served 5 years in the United States Army before going to the Air Force where he served 15 years. Mr. Shirley completed one tour of duty in Vietnam and also served in Korea and England. It was while stationed in England that he met the love of his life, Shirley Willis.

Floyd Shirley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. Even during his retirement from the Air Force, he remained active and enjoyed staying busy. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Shirley is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley Shirley; his children, Doug Shirley (Van), Steve Shirley (Judy), Yvonne Corkren (Jessie), and Lee Shirley (Ronda); his grandchildren, Keith and Scott Shirley, Chris and Jamie Shirley, Brian Corkren, Jessica Bishop, Sarah Shirley, and Brice, Kyle, and Casey Buck; his great-grandchildren, Blane, Case, Hagan, Bella, and Jameson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shirley was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy Lindley and Levonnie Self.

A memorial service for Mr. Shirley will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield, AL serving the Shirley family.

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Claude Eugene Shook, Jr., age 81, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Winfield, Alabama. Born on December 8, 1944, in Charleston, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Claude Eugene Shook, Sr. and Dorothy Belk Shook.

Claude graduated from East Tallahatchie High School before attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction and lettered three years on the Georgia Tech football team. During his time at Tech, he proudly played under the legendary Bobby Dodd, forever identifying himself as one of the “Dodd Boys.” His loyalty to Georgia Tech never faded—he remained a devoted Yellow Jacket enthusiast throughout his life.

He went on to serve his country with honor as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Claude’s service remained a profound source of pride for his family.

Professionally, Claude built a long and respected career as a building contractor, owning and operating his own company for many decades. His work earned numerous home‑building awards in the Atlanta and Norcross areas, a testament to his craftsmanship, integrity, and unwavering commitment to quality. His passion for construction extended far beyond his career—he truly loved the craft, the process, and the satisfaction of building something that would last.

Claude also enjoyed a lifelong love of golf, cherishing time on the course with friends and family. In recent years, nothing brought him more joy than attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. After many years in Roswell, Georgia, Claude made his home in Ellijay, where he spent the past decade as a faithful and devoted member of Cartecay United Methodist Church.

Claude is survived by his loving wife, Sarah S. Shook; his daughter, Stephanie S. Poulson, and her husband, Jason; his sons, Claude Eugene Shook III, and his wife, Rebecca, and William David Shook, Sr., and his wife, Laura. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sarah Belk Poulson, Catherine Chase Poulson, Elizabeth Kate Shook, Reed Owen Shook, Camille Elliott Shook, Shelton Berry Shook, and his soon‑to‑arrive grandson, William David Shook, Jr. Additional survivors include his sister, Ann S. Canale, and her husband, Bevan; his brother, Lee Belk Shook; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Sr. and Dorothy Shook.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. A military graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield, Alabama, is honored to serve the Shook family.

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Mr. Larry Glenn McGee, age 83, of Winfield passed away on Monday March 2, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 12:00 noon from the Winfield First Methodist Church. The visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon service time at the church. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Winfield First Methodist Church or Wyatt’s Rides.

Bowen Funeral HOme of Winfield, AL serving the McGee family

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