Frederick-Dean Funeral Home

04/21/2026

Planning for death is a thoughtful and considerate act that can significantly ease the burden on your family during a difficult time. Here is a list of ten things to help everyone be prepared.
1-Create essential legal documents: will, power of attorney, healthcare directives
2-Review and update beneficiary designations regularly
3-Organize important documents and account information
4-Plan and potentially pre-pay for funeral arrangements
5-Discuss end-of-life wishes with family members
6-Consider long-term care insurance and financial planning
7-Write a letter of instruction with key details and passwords
8-Make a plan for sentimental items and business assets
9-Share your values and life reflections with loved ones
10-Consult with legal and financial professionals for proper ex*****on
Remember, planning ahead shows love and consideration for your family's future well-being.

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Susan Parker Porterfield
08/19/1951 - 04/17/2026

On Friday, April 17th, 2026, Susan Parker Porterfield passed away. She was 74 years old.

She was a local entrepreneur doing things from a video store to a concessions at both Alabama & Auburn stadiums to C**k & Bull Tavern.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Ray Porterfield, Sr. , father, Homer A. Barnes and mother, Mildred "Mickey" Barnes. She is survived by her son's, Scott Parker & Danny Ray (Jill) Porterfield, Jr. and daughter Jennifer (Shawn) Daley. She is also survived by siblings Stacey (Lynn) Barnes, Muffett (Lee) Ball and Cathy Carowick. She was blessed with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. The family would also like to thank Mrs. Val Morgan, caregiver, and her associates for caring for Susan.

Visitation will be April 20, 2026 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in the Parlor.

A Chapel service will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 12:30PM at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2:00PM at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

04/19/2026

Thank You Clergy! At Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory, we have had the privilege of witnessing the dedication and compassionate support provided by our area's beloved clergy. Through their teachings and spiritual counsel, they help us navigate grief and how it affects the families we serve.

04/18/2026

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF™️
Loss is a fact of life, and so are the reactions that follow, but the grief that accompanies significant loss is frequently misunderstood. Here are some of the more commonly held myths and misconceptions about grief, along with the facts to dispel them:
https://grief.com/misconceptions/

04/16/2026

Information on healthy aging and more from the National Institute on Aging at NIH
Some common misconceptions about aging.
https://mailchi.mp/nih.gov/what-are-common-misconceptions-about-aging6256219?e=8d6303e031

04/16/2026

Harold Ronald "Ronnie" Flournoy
12/22/1959 - 04/13/2026

Harold Ronald “Ronnie” Flournoy, 66, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on April 13, 2026.

Born on December 22, 1959, in Ft. McClellan, Alabama, Ronnie lived a life defined by service, loyalty, humor, and a deep love for the people around him. He was, in every sense, the epitome of a servant to his community—a man whose door was always open to anyone in need.

Ronnie spent decades serving his country and community, retiring as a Sergeant from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after 30 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served in the United States Army and with the 214th Military Police Company, where he built a legacy of discipline, leadership, and quiet strength.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his biological father, Johnny Charles Anglin, Sr. of Augusta, Georgia, and his dad, Earl Flournoy of Opp, Alabama, who lovingly raised him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Pamela Sizemore Flournoy; his mother, Jeannie (Sam) Elmore of Haughton, Louisiana; his brothers, Keith (Julie) Flournoy of Opelika, Alabama, and Johnny (LeAnn) Anglin, Jr. of Augusta, Georgia; his sisters, Tracey (Steve) Wyatt of Sylacauga, Alabama, Becky (Jeff) Shean of San Diego, California, and Debra Anglin Curry of Augusta, Georgia; along with a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Ronnie was a proud graduate of Opp High School, Class of 1978, and a lifelong Auburn fan who rarely missed a chance to enjoy a game. Whether he was cheering on the Tigers, working with his hands in the shop, or out in the woods hunting, he found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life.

He was a true outdoorsman, a talented woodworker, and what many would call a premier grill master. But more than anything, Ronnie was known for his heart. He had a great sense of humor, the kind that could lighten any room, and he was always the first to step up when someone needed help—no questions asked.

To his family, he was more than all of his accomplishments. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful son, a loyal brother, and, as many would agree, “the coolest brother.” He was also a proud pet dad to Lexi, Mia, and Mickey, and a genuine animal lover.

Ronnie lived the kind of life that leaves a mark—not through grand gestures, but through everyday kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering support for those he loved.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

04/15/2026

Elizabeth Denson "Libba" Lipscomb
06/28/1928 - 04/12/2026

Elizabeth Denson “Libba” Lipscomb left peacefully from her home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026.

Libba was born in Opelika on June 28, 1928, to Ni**od D. and Elizabeth R. Denson. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her sister—Ni**od Denson, Charles Denson, and Carolyn Channon—as well as by her beloved husband, McAdory Lipscomb, who passed away in 1993.

She is survived by her younger brother, John V. Denson of Opelika; her five children, McAdory Lipscomb (Marilyn), Jr. of New Milford, Connecticut; Denson Lipscomb (Anne) of Auburn; Freddie Killian (Al) of Auburn; Nim Lipscomb (Tamra) of Auburn; and John Lipscomb of Birmingham. Libba was also blessed with nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Clift (Opelika) High School in 1946, Libba attended Huntingdon College and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) before eloping with Mac in 1949. After short stays in Columbus and Augusta, Georgia, the couple returned home to Auburn in 1952 when Mac purchased Toomer’s Drugstore, where they built their life together and raised their family.

In the early years of her marriage, Libba balanced two full-time jobs—raising five children and helping with the family business. Her devotion to family, however, extended well beyond her own household. A passionate historian and genealogist, Libba dedicated much of her life to researching her proud Rush family heritage. Along with her cousin Rosalind, she coauthored The Rush Memoirs in 1977, a work filled with letters, photographs, and vivid accounts of the family’s history prior to the Civil War. Her extensive research collections have been donated to the Auburn University Archives.

Libba was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Jamestowne Society, and for many years she served as the driving force behind the Rush Family Reunion, which gathered relatives from across the country every five years.

She delighted in entertaining her children and grandchildren with legendary Easter egg hunts and, in later years, enjoyed quiet afternoons at home working on jigsaw puzzles or playing Rummikub. Her love of games and her spirited competitiveness may have stemmed from countless marathon bridge sessions and her many years as a devoted Auburn football fan—always proud of her fifty-yard-line seats.

Libba cherished her friends, her church, and her community. Their love and companionship sustained her throughout her later years. She was known for her welcoming smile, her ever-present cup of coffee, and her ability to produce the perfect remedy for any visiting chocoholic.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Libba’s favorite charity, The Museum of East Alabama (121 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801), or to a charity of your choice.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

04/15/2026

Rev. Dr. John “Wells” Warren
10/04/1952 - 04/13/2026

The Rev. Dr. John “Wells” Warren, 73, was born on October 4, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, to William Michael Warren and Carolyn Glass Warren. He was the third of six sons in a close-knit and devoted family.

Wells lived a life defined by faith, service, education, and a deep love for his family and community. He faithfully served the Episcopal Church for decades, most notably as the Tenth Episcopal Chaplain to Auburn University at St. Dunstan’s, where he ministered to generations of students, faculty, and friends from 1999 to 2018. He also served as Vicar of St. Matthew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Seale, Alabama, and previously held roles at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika, Church of the Epiphany in Tallassee, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Fayette. His ministry extended across the Diocese of Alabama and beyond, including leadership in campus ministry throughout the Southeast.

Ordained to the diaconate in January 1996 and to the priesthood in July of that same year, Wells’s calling to ministry was both profound and enduring. He also served as a dedicated mentor in the Education for Ministry program for many years, guiding others in their spiritual journeys.

Wells was a lifelong learner who valued education deeply. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Auburn University and a Master of Education from Auburn University at Montgomery, both with perfect academic achievement. He completed doctoral coursework at The University of Alabama and later earned his Doctor of Ministry from St. Luke’s School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, graduating with a 4.00 GPA. His dissertation focused on the life and ministry of Bishop William George McDowell, Jr.

Before entering full-time ministry, Wells had a distinguished career in education, banking, communications, and public service. He held leadership roles including City President of West Alabama Bank & Trust, Vice President at Colonial BancGroup, and Press Secretary for former Alabama Governor Fob James. His professional life reflected his strong leadership, communication skills, and commitment to serving others.

Outside of his vocational calling, Wells found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved reading, listening to music, sitting in his garden, and watching long-distance cycling. A former cyclist, he completed several memorable rides, including three rides on the Natchez Trace (325 miles), Mt. Cheaha (328 miles), and the Florida Gulf Coast (455 miles). He also enjoyed watching the Tour de France and found both peace and adventure on the open road. In quiet moments, he loved walking his late companions Nick and Rosie, and his beloved dog, Annie.

Wells was married to the love of his life, Leigh Williamson Warren, for 48 years. Together they built a family grounded in love, faith, and support. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Meadows Warren (Matthew Warren) and Margaret Elizabeth Warren (fiancé David Gottlieb). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to John Wells Warren II, James Wicker Warren, and Stella Rebekah Warren, who lovingly knew him as “Doc,” a nickname that reflected both his academic accomplishments and the special bond he shared with them.

He will be remembered for his presence—steady, dependable, and enduring. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched simply by being who he was.

The liturgy for the Burial of the Dead, followed by the Committal of Ashes in the Columbarium, will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama, where Wells faithfully served from 1999 to 2018, on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. Clergy are invited to wear cassock & surplice. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to CARE Humane Society in Auburn, Alabama, or to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Fayette, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.