Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:38 am Sunday, July 21, 2002

Obituaries for Sunday, July 21, 2002

By Staff
THERMER LEE TOWNSEND
Homemaker
PHILADELPHIA Services for Thermer Lee Townsend will be held today at 3 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Martis Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Fellowship Cemetery in Neshoba County.
Mrs. Townsend, 83, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, July 20, 2002, at Neshoba County Nursing Home in Philadelphia.
Survivors include her daughter, Frances Daniels, two sons, Jimmy Townsend and Billy Tom Townsend, all of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jackie Drake and Mavis Sims and two brothers, Hickman Massey and Willis Massey, all of Philadelphia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Franklin Townsend and her daughter, Tommie Charlotte Fleming.
DIANNE BALL NATALE
Professional keyboard instructor
Graveside services for Dianne Ball Natale will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Daniels officiating. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Natale, 50, of West Palm Beach, Fla. died Monday, July 8, 2002, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach. She was Director of Music at Bobb's Pianos and Organs in West Palm Beach, and had been a professional keyboard instructor for more than 15 years.
She was a graduate of Meridian High School, class of 1969 and Mississippi State University with a bachelor's of arts degree in music. While in high school, she was a member of the school band, Choralaires, Lamplighters, Phi Kappa little sister and the Dusty Social Club. While attending Mississippi State University, she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority, Pi Kappa Alpha little sister and a member of the University marching band and orchestra. While living in Meridian she was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Survivors include her two children, Kimberly and Steven Natale, a sister, Deborah Ball Lau and her husband, Dr. Glenn Lau, a brother, Timothy Ball and his wife,Becky, a nephew Jeffrey Ball, and a niece, Rosey Lau.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jimmy and Jeanette Ball and a brother, Phillip Ball.
Visitation will be Monday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
BARBARA BRIDGES
Graveside services for Barbara Bridges will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Sephus Garrett officiating. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Bridges, 32, of Meridian, died Friday, July 19, 2002, at Riley Hospital. She was a member of Christian Fellowship Independent Methodist Church.
Survivors include three brothers, Jessie Bridges and Johnny Bridges and his wife, Cassy, all of Meridian; and David Bridges and his wife, Sabrina, of Brandon; two nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Mary Bridges.
Visitation will be held today from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Also on Franklin County Times
2 pieces of turnout gear lost during fire
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Two turnout jackets were damaged during a Thanksgiving Day structure fire while firefighters were conducting an interior attack. Fire ...
Council to renew fines and notices
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Enforcement actions for a group of deteriorating downtown buildings will resume after council members voted Dec. 16 in favor of the ac...
Public donations make baby box possible
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — City Council members have approved the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box using funds donated for that purpose. Two different families, ...
EMS train for K-9 emergency treatment
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
FLORENCE – Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jaret Yancey and his K-9 officer Mateo have only been together for a few months, but the pair have already...
West Elementary hosts ‘Polar Express’ celebration
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- West Elementary School marked the Christmas season with a series of activities centered on music, generosity and long-standing holiday...
Innovate Alabama critical to state’s economic future
Columnists, Opinion
December 24, 2025
Alabama has long been recognized for its success in industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Our state offers aggressive incentives and support to at...
Cultura Garden Club celebrates Christmas
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 24, 2025
By Susie Hovater Malone Columnist Christmas for Cultura Garden Club members this year meant gathering around a table, sharing food made with care and ...
THS assistant principal gets championship ring
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown High School’s faculty surprised Assistant Principal Sherry Parker with a championship ring recognizing her role on the 1981 V...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *