Debbie passed away December 21, 2025 with family and friends by her side following a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was a life long resident of Clay, Al. Debbie was born November 3, 1960 in Mobile, Al and would be adopted on December 13, 1960 by Gerald and Barbara Mead. Debbie is preceded in her death by her mother, Barbara A. Mead. Debbie is survived by her father, Gerald Mead, husband Johnny Ray, children Laine (Michael), Colton (Allison) and grandkids Kensley, Baylor and Bryer and a host of other family.

Debbie spent her career working for Southern Company. She met many of her closet friends through Southern Company. Debbie was part of a close group of friends known as, The Queens, whom she held dearly as her closest friends. Debbie had a personality that would light up a room with an infectious smile. Debbie’s pride and joy that she loved the most was her grandkids.

The family would like to thank the support of The Queens, family and friends during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held for Debbie Friday January 9th, 2026 from 1:00-3:00pm at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Al.

Click here to link to the funeral home obituary.

Juan Andres Blanco, 76, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at Emory Hospital in Decatur, Georgia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lynn; his daughter, Teresa (Tesi); his son, John Andrew (Andy), and daughter-in-law, Monica; and his two cherished grandchildren, John and Charlie Blanco.

Born on August 18, 1949, in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, Juan’s early life was shaped by the Cuban Revolution, which led his family to immigrate to the United States in the early 1960s. They ultimately settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where Juan met his future wife, Lynn, at Hemphill Elementary School and they continued their schooling together through West End high school.

Juan earned his degree in Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and spent 44 years with Southern Company Services. He was known throughout his career for his integrity, authenticity, and reliability—qualities that defined both his professional and personal life. Juan and Lynn were married on August 13, 1971, and in 2016 they moved to Johns Creek, Georgia, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Above all else, Juan’s life was defined by his devotion to his family. He was a loving husband, a loving and thoughtful father, and a deeply proud grandfather. Always available and unfailingly present, Juan offered guidance, encouragement, and care to those he loved, placing their needs and happiness above his own.

Juan found peace and joy at the beach, where he loved spending time with his family, watching the waves roll onto the white sands—memories that echoed those of Cuba from his childhood. In Georgia, he also found community through the Peachtree Miata Club, enjoying weekend drives through the North Georgia mountains and the friendships that came with them.

Juan’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply, the values he embodied, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Berta Obana; his father, Andres Ferreiro Blanco; and his sister, Berta Teresa Blanco McGuire.

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Announcing our 2026 Officers!  Be sure to thank them for their volunteered efforts that keep this organization going.

Pictured Left to Right: Dave Lisenby (Treasurer); Fred Ehrensperger (Auditor), Rick Rice (Vice President), Jim Ripple (President), Ken McElroy (Ex-Officio and Fellowship Chair), Ray Kinsaul (Board Member), Ed Davidson (Board Member), and Cary Campbell (Website)

Not Pictured: Jim Gordy (Secretary); Board Members: Greg Allison, Nick Santoro, Trudy Strain, and Karen Troncalli; Committee Chairs: Mary Romano and Sharon Venz (Arrangements); Patsy Evans (Member Care); Rick Graham (Membership); Charlotte Graham (Newsletter); and
Beverly Lisenby (Programs).

Just posted the Jan. – Feb. 2026 newsletter Volume 38 Issue 1.

Click here to view this new issue and the latest list of all newsletters.

Mr. Eugene Stewart Ellison, Jr. passed away December 21, 2025. The funeral service for Mr. Ellison, 75, of Oxford, Alabama, was held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Golden Springs Baptist Church. Dr. Roland P. Brown officiating. Interment follwed at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Talladega.

Mr. Ellison was a 1969 graduate of Lincoln High School where he played on the basketball team and was a member of the band. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1972, and served at duty stations around the world, including Thailand. He was honorably discharged in January 1978. Mr. Ellison went on to graduate in 1979 from Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He retired in February 2013 after a 34-year career with Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear, and Southern Company. Mr. Ellison was a member of Golden Springs Baptist Church and taught the Sonshine Sunday School Class for many years. Mr. Ellison will be remembered for how he shared his words of wisdom and showed his love to his family and friends by cooking and providing to others. He served on the Boards of the Calhoun County Quarterback Club as well as the HOA of Meadow Lakes.

Mr. Ellison is preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Ruth Brownlow Ellison, and his brother-in-law, Don Cason.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Ellison; sons, Jaylon Ellison and his wife, Lauren, and Jonathan Ellison, and his wife, Amanda; stepchildren, Amanda Douglas and Jim Douglas; grandchildren, Bryson Ellison, Grace Ellison, Stewart Ellison, Chloe Douglas, and Cason Douglas; a sister, Julia Bline and her husband, Michael; brothers, Ray Creel, Fred Ellison and his wife, Jenny, and Jeff Ellison and his wife, Tammy.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Ellison to the new Children’s Building at Golden Springs Baptist Church, 3 Robertson Road, Anniston, AL 36207. Contributions may be made online at www.goldensprings.org/give.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com.

K.L. Brown Memory Chapel
620 Golden Springs Road
Anniston, AL 36207
(256) 231-2334

Click here to link to the funeral home obituary.