Details

Mrs. Mary Ann Farley, age 85, of Brilliant passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Sunset Manor Norsing Facility. Mrs. Farley was born on December 28, 1940, in Bragg City Missouri, to the late Lynn and Myrle Barnett Wilburn. She was a member of Brilliant Church of Christ, where she attended for many years, and more recently attended Gold Mine Church of Christ with her son. Mary dedicated many years of her life to hard work, first with Mack Industries and later with Winston Furniture, where she remained until her retirement. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading a good book, going out to eat with family and friends, and spending time with those she loved most.

Mrs. Farley is survived by her children, Terry Autrey, Tommy Autrey, and Tina Martin (Clint); her grandchildren, Tyler Autrey, Levi Autrey (Haley), and Jonathon Autrey; great granddaughter, Lyra Autrey; her daughter-in-law, Tracy Autrey; her sister-in-law, Mancy Wilburn; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Farley was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Farley; her son, Tim Autrey; her daughter-in-law, Connie Autrey; her siblings, Bill Wilburn, Lott Wilburn, and Jim Wilburn; and her sister-in-law, Dee Wilburn.

Funeral services for Mrs. Farley will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Brilliant Memorial Gardens. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. service time at the funeral home.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield, Alabama serving the Farley family.

Details

Shirley Mae Guin ascended to heaven to be with Jesus Christ on April 25, 2026, at the youthful age of 90.

Shirley was born to Louis and Margaret Metzner on Christmas Day in 1935 in Bristol, Wisconsin. Shirley was the proud mother of a wonderful, blended family of ten children. Her immense capacity to love only multiplied with each generation.

She was given the heartfelt name “Grams” by her closest granddaughter, Natasha Linley Patterson, with whom she shared a uniquely close and deeply special relationship—a title she wore like a badge of honor as she became the beloved matriarch to a vast legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At the young age of 78, she proudly mastered Facebook, using technology to stay connected and marvel at pictures of all the kids growing up. Her unwavering faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life, and she passed that legacy of love and devotion down to her enormous family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, LeRoy Guin, who passed away in June 2014; her cherished son, Eddie LaFave; and her adored grandson, Jeff Bird. After being widowed, she deeply missed LeRoy every day, and her family finds great comfort in knowing they are all beautifully reunited in heaven.

She is survived by nine wonderfully blended surviving children, twenty-five grandchildren, fifty great grandbabies, and five great, great grandchildren.

A small memorial service will be held on September 25, 2026, at Bowen Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. in Winfield, Alabama. Immediately following the service, Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband at White Springs United Methodist Church.

Details

Carolyn Sue Samuels, age 77, of Carbon Hill, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Walker Baptist Medical Center. Carolyn was born on June 6, 1949, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, to the late Ralph Keene and Pauline Manasco Keene. She was a devoted member of Nauvoo Church of God. Carolyn was well known throughout her community for her hard work. She spent much of her life as a business owner, operating Carolyn’s Cut and Curl in Eldridge, and the Curb Market in Eldridge, where many fondly remember her for the delicious boiled peanuts she served. When she wasn’t working, Carolyn enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves, shopping, spending time outside, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Mrs. Samuels is survived by her husband, David Samuels; her sons, Terry Samuels (Andrea) and David Samuels Jr. (Vicki); her grandchildren, Lauren Lawrence (Jason), Brittney Tidwell (Heath), Logan Samuels (Laci), Jacob Samuels, Alexzandra Samuels, David Samuels III, Austin Shedd, and Felisha Prosser (Bill); her great grandchildren, Sam, Ellie, Maggie, and Mary Britton Tidwell, Laney, Lydia, and Jacey Lawrence, Riley and Charley Hood, and Cody Prosser; her siblings, Judy Tittle (Roger) and Frankie Keene (Brenda).

Mrs. Samuels was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Pauline Keene; her sisters, Barbara Estill, Faye Whitt, and Peggy Whitt; and her brother, Thomas Keene.

Funeral services for Mrs. Samuels will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. from the Nauvoo Church of God with burial to follow in the Kelley Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Friday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. service time at the church.

Bowen funeral Home of Winfield, Alabama serving the Samuels family.

Details

Diane Dillard Franks, age 76, of Louisville, Kentucky, formerly of the Guin and Winfield area, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Diane was born on September 26, 1949, to Floyd and Mildred Dillard in the Bluff community of Fayette County, Alabama. She attended Wayside School and graduated from Winfield High School in 1967. The place and people of her early years remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Willet Hardin, and her beloved son, Samuel Dean Franks.

Diane is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Steve Franks; her son, Jay S. Franks and his wife, Lynn; and her treasured grandchildren, Lydia, Abigail, and Everett Franks. She is also survived by her siblings, Floyd Dillard and his wife, Angi, Elaine Price, Lavonne Glover, and Shelia Nix, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Diane’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished the time she spent with those she loved, especially her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness and pride. She had a thoughtful and creative spirit and found joy in making the world around her more beautiful. Over the years, she loved remodeling and decorating her homes, always creating spaces that felt warm, welcoming, and uniquely her own.

She also enjoyed cooking and gardening, and she expressed her love for others in the many thoughtful ways she cared for them. Whether through a meal prepared, a home made beautiful, a garden tended, or simply time spent together, Diane had a special gift for making those around her feel loved.

She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her creativity, her warmth, and the quiet strength she carried throughout her life. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral services for Diane will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 11:00 a.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. service time at the funeral home.

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