Obituaries 10-16-25

PATTERSON HAS A PHOTO

GIVENS HAS A PHOTO

TERESA JEANETTE WHIDDEN

July 31, 1963-Oct. 14, 2025

A graveside service for Teresa Jeanette Whidden, 62, of Waynesboro will 
be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from Hickmon Hill Cemetery in 
Laurel. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 
the Parlor of Freeman Funeral Home.

Born in Laurel on Wednesday, July 31, 1963 to Sherwin Delaine Holifield, 
Sr., and Celia Hickman, she died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at her 
residence.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Scotty and Destinie 
Hickman of Deer Park, Ala.; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Arlene 
Phillips of Laurel, Michelle and Mike Smith of Waynesboro and Celeta 
Goldman of Laurel; two half-sisters and their spouses, Casonda and Bruce 
Davis of Laurel and Melissa and Lemuel Solomon of Sandersville; and a 
host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherwin Delaine Holifield, 
Sr., and Celia Hickman; her brother, Sherwin Duan Holifield; her 
half-brother, Sherwin Delaine Holifield, Jr.; and her sister, Angela 
Delaine Hickmon.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.

Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.

IRA DABBS STANLEY

Dec. 30, 1955-Oct. 13, 2025

A memorial service for Ira Dabbs Stanley, 89, will be at 2 p.m. on 
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 from Wayne Haven United Methodist Church.

"Dabbs," as he was known, was born in Waynesboro on Dec. 30, 1955.

He died on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 in Picayune.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Stanley; two daughters and 
sons-in-law, Tara Stanley and Eric King and Lydia Stanley and Luke Webb; 
his grandchildren and their respective spouses, Gabriel and Angel King, 
Jewliana and Caitlyn King, Jax Alexander Webb and Hazel Marie Webb; 
three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Rosetta and Lilja; two brothers and a 
sister.

ARLEAN DOLLIE MAE MCDOUGLE SMITH

Dec. 8, 1954-Sept. 30, 2025

Funeral services for Arlean Dollie Mae McDougle Smith, 70, of 
Waynesboro, were conducted on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 from New St. Paul 
Baptist Church, with Rev. Cecil Jackson officiating.

Interment followed at New West Cemetery.

Born on Dec. 8, 1954, she died on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 at her 
residence.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Catina Lacey 
of Waynesboro; her daughter, Charlean McDougle of Waynesboro; and a host 
of brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, 
nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ruby McDougle; and 
her husband, Eddie Charles Smith.

McDonald and Sons Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of 
arrangements.

MARY FRANCES MANUEL

Feb. 27, 1948-Sept. 24, 2025

Funeral services for Mary Frances Maneul, 77, of Millry, Ala., were 
conducted on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 from Stonewall Baptist church in 
Chatom, Ala., with Pastor Bruce Johnson officiating.

interment followed at Stonewall Church Cemetery.

Born on Feb. 27, 1948, she was a long-time Seamstress and exhibited 
talents and gifts such as signing, giving and doing hair.

She died on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 at her residence.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Manuel of Millry; her son and 
daughter-in-law, Demorrius and Shaquondra Manuel of Millry; her 
daughter, Carmen Rebecca Nichelson of Chicksaw, Ala.; six sisters; her 
brother, Charles Nicholson of Millry; her grandchildren, Drauquan 
Williams, Demorris Manuel, Jr., Kelcie Manuel and Kacie Manuel; her 
aunt, Mary Turner; her devoted cousin and friend, Hazel McKeller; and a 
host of brothers and sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilmer and Geniva Nicholson; 
and her sisters, Mattie McKeller, Martha Nicholson and Verna Nicholson.

McDonald and Sons Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of 
arrangements.

BILLIE SUE PATTERSON

Dec. 5, 1941-Oct. 8, 2025

Graveside services for Billie Sue Patterson, 83, of Waynesboro were 
conducted on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 from Boyles Chapel Cemetery, with 
Rev. Deke Cochran and Rev. Thomas Cochran officiating.

Born in Wayne County on Friday, Dec. 5, 1941 to the late William "Bill" 
and Mary Langley Burgess, she was retired as a Leather Cutter with Wells 
Lamong Glove Factory in Waynesboro.

She died on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 at Guardian Angel III in Ellisville.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Teressa D. Wooten and 
Melinda S. and Woody Cochran; he brother and sister-in-law, Donnie and 
Bonnie Burgess; five grandchildren and their respective spouses, Jared 
D. Hendry, destine Colby and Elizabeth Hendry, Dexter Cochran, Deke and 
Hayley Cochran and Dakota Touchstone; and a host of great-grandchildren, 
nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie H. Patterson; her 
parents, William "Bill" and Mary Langley Burgess; her grandson, Derek 
Cochran; five brothers and seven sisters.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.

LARRY GIVENS

May 28, 1950-Oct. 6, 2025

Memorial services for Larry Givens, 75, of Chatom, Ala., were conducted 
on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 from Laton Hill Baptist Church in Chatom, with 
Rev. Josh Green, Rev. Mike Chatham, Dr. Larry Turner, Rev. Cheryl 
Lankford and Home Gordon officiating.

Interment followed at Red Bank Cemetery in Washington County, Ala.

Born on May 28, 1950 in Laurel to Ellis Vernon Givens and Opal Wood 
Givens, he was a member of Laton Hill Baptist Church and was retired as 
a Wood Scaler for Boise Cascade PCA in Jackson, Ala.

He was proud to be from State Line. Though he finished high school at 
Waynesboro Central, he often reminded everyone that he was from State 
Line — and was proud of it. Growing up in the 1950's and 60's, he 
formed lifelong friendships and countless memories with his sister 
Debbie, whether it was hiding their horses (Larry's always found its way 
to the pond) or sharing their believed pet monkey, Andy — whose story 
became a family legend.

When Larry's mother told him and Debbie that a baby was on the way, 
Larry sat quietly while Debbie ran crying to her room. That baby girl, 
Abby Elizabeth, became one of their greatest joys.

As a young man, he developed a passion for coin collecting, encouraged 
by his mother, which brought him joy throughout his life. He also 
developed interest in Indian artifacts, antique bottles and most 
anything old. He also excelled in sports — football, track, baseball 
and especially basketball. Known as a "sharpshooter" by The Meridian 
Star, Larry's long-range shots and high-scoring games made him a legend 
in Wayne County. Yet, he often said, "I want to be remembered for more 
than my basketball skills."

He met his future wife, Mona Shea, on Dec. 20, 1968 when she came to one 
of his Mississippi College basketball games. Larry would later say, 
"That's the night I fell in love with my dream girl." That was the 
beginning of a love story that spanned more than 57 years — 54 of them 
in marriage Their relationship was built on deep devotion and faith. It 
endured every challenge and grew into a rare, mature love. Larry often 
called Mona Shea his "sweetheart" and she was the love of his life.

Larry's work ethic was unmatched. Whether at Continental Oil Company, 
where he began his career, or at Boise Paper Mill, where he retired, 
Larry approached every task with diligence and pride. Larry was also a 
pine tree farmer and a wonderful steward of the land and the trees. He 
loved nature and the land, finding joy and peace in caring for God's 
creation. He passed that same commitment on to his children and 
grandchildren.

Most importantly, Larry's life was anchored by his faith in Jesus 
Christ. At 23 years old, in April 1973, he made a public profession of 
faith and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. He often 
said he realized that no one could ever be "good enough," but that 
salvation was found in Jesus alone — the One who lived a perfect life 
and took our place on the cross. Larry believed deeply that when JEsus 
was nailed to the cross, so were his sins — past, present and future.

Even during his final days, his faith never wavered. One evening in the 
hospital, he softly sang the hymn "Because He Lives" through tears and 
weakness:

"Because He lies, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is 
gone. Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living 
just because He lives."

He loved reading his Bible and devotionals, especially in his retirement 
years. His prayer, even above his own healing, was for his children and 
grandchildren to come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Those who knew Larry best would describe him as faithful — to his 
wife, his family, his work and his friends. He lived with quiet 
strength, integrity and deep love.

He died on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at his residence with his loving wife at 
his bedside.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Mona Shea Givens of 
Chatom; his mother, Opal Woods Givens of Jackson, Ala.; his children and 
their respective spouses, Matt and Patrick Givens of Neptune, N.J., Ben 
and Shae Givens of Chatom and Bonnie Givens of Chatom; his sisters and 
brothers-in-law, Debbie and Baron Graham of Waynesboro and Abby and 
Byron Beverly of Coffeeville, Ala.; his grandchildren and their 
respective spouses, Valerie and Rem Cabana, Frasier and Ashley Givens, 
Max Givens, Kate Givens and Ellis Givens; and a great-grandchildren on 
the way, Zoey Cabana.

Pallbearers were Frasier Givens, Max Givens, Cory Beverly, Joshua Box, 
Andrew Box and Chad Graham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission of Hope Ministries, 
14970 Mission Rd., Mobile, AL 36608 or online at 
www.missionofhopeministries/net/donate or to Laton Hill Baptist Church, 
44 Nathan Jordan Rd., Chatom, AL 36518.

Condolences may be sent to the Larry Givens family at P.O. Box 1233, 
Chatom, AL 36158.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.

Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.