Obituaries | Week of June 22, 2026

EDWARD LEE RUSSELL

July 20, 1957 - June 16, 2026

Mr. Edward Lee Russell, 68, of Valley died Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at LaFayette Extended Care. Graveside services were held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 1145 County Road 04, Waverly with Rev. Ed Vines officiating. Public viewing was held on Sunday, June 21, at Vines Funeral Home. 

Mr. Russell is survived by his loving wife: Laura Russell; his goddaughter: Taliyah Stone; three sisters: Clarice Davis, Marie Moss (Rev. Mac Arthur Moss) and Nelba Crayton (Henry Lee Crayton Sr.); three brothers: Sonny Russell, Melvin Canady (Lillie Canady) and Timothy Canady (Jodi Canady); sisters-in-law: Mary Canady, Ida Canady, Dorothy Canady and Myrtis Canady; aunt: Yvonne Stone; uncles: Ernest Ray and Chuck; father-in-law: Johnnie Dunn; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 To share your online condolences, please visit: 

www.vinesfuneralhome.com

Vines Funeral Home, assisted the family with arrangements.

MICHAEL STEVE BURKE

Michael Steve Burke, 69, of LaFayette, Alabama, passed away on June 17, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Randolph County, Alabama, on March 12, 1957.

Steve was retired as a welder from Scott Bridge Company. 

Steve is survived by his wife, Jane Lamb Burke, children; Steven Burke of Alex City, Alabama, Melissa Smith of LaFayette, Alabama and Stephanie Burke of Indianapolis, Indiana, sisters; Sherry Kilby of Lula, Georgia, Sandra (Greg) Ferguson of Commerce, Georgia, Lynn Wheeler of Gainsville, Georgia, and brother, Phillip Calhoun of Texas, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mae Calhoun; son, Tommy Burke; and grandsons, Christopher Burke and Dalton Burke. 

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 20, at Jeff Jones Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mike Petrey officiating. Visitation was held at Jeff Jones Funeral Home prior to the service. 

Jeff Jones Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

JESSICA NICOLE FOLDS

Jessica Nicole (Walters) Folds of Lanett was born April 22, 1979 and went to rest in the Lord’s arms on June 10, 2026.

Jessica lived and worked many places in the Auburn-Opelika area. Jessica touched the lives of many with her heart of gold, deep love for everyone and smile that brightened the world.

Jessica is preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Folds; and her father, Keith Walters.

She is survived by her incredible sons: Brand Beckwith (Ansley), Will Beckwith (Kenzie) and Just Beckwith (Charlsie); twin brother, Jason Walters; sister, Sandra Forrest (Timothy); her mother, Jane Walters; and two beautiful grandbabies along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of Jessica’s life will be held on June 28 at her mother’s residence.

CHARLIE LEW 

WILLIAMS

Dec. 8, 1942 - June 20, 2026

Ms. Charlie Lew Williams, 83, of LaFayette died Saturday, June 20, 2026, at her home. Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 26, at 1:00 p.m. CST at Pine Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2181 County Road 162, LaFayette, with Rev. Cecelia Broome officiating.

Ms. Williams is survived by her four sisters: Juanita Samuels, Carrie L. (Donald) Perry and Patricia A. Williams, all of LaFayette and Rose Mary Williams, West Point, Georgia; one brother: Gregory Williams, LaFayette; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

To share your online condolences, please visit: www.vinesfuneralhome.com

Vines Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

JAMES LUTHER 

PHILLIPS

March 1, 1956 - May 23, 2026

Mr. James Luther Phillips, Jr., 70, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland (formerly of Wadley, Alabama) died Saturday, May 23, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. CST at Rehope Baptist Church, 5267 Co. Rd 258, LaFayette with Dr. H. L. Jones and the Rev. William Phillips officiating. The remains will lie in state at the church from noon CST until the funeral hour. The interment will be in the church cemetery. Public viewing will be on Friday, June 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. CST at Vines Funeral Home.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife, Vickie; children: LaShonta Phillips, Carlas Phillips, Trenton Phillips, Tiffany Smith and Jonathan Smith (Porsha); brothers: Rev. William Phillips (Eva), Minister Luther Phillips and Calvin Phillips; brothers-in-law: Bernard Mott (Belva), Vinson Mott (Jackie), David Mott (Susanne), Calvin Mott and Darren Mott (Veronica); nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 To share your online condolences, please visit: www.vinesfuneralhome.com

Vines Funeral Home, assisted the family with arrangements.