Leaning on Jesus

Family and friends ask the same question: “How are you doing?” So I have asked Jesus to help me offer an answer that is positive and hopeful. First, I want everyone to know that I do not feel sorry for myself and I am not angry with God for allowing me to have cancer. After all, my heavenly Father let me live 90 years without cancer, and that I celebrate with gratitude. My simple answer contains the three words of a song I love: “Leaning on Jesus.“ It is not a great hymn, just a sweet chorus I have enjoyed singing for years: “Learning to Lean On Jesus.”

Singing these few words has often opened my heart to the peace Jesus delights in giving us in times of trouble: Learning to lean,

Church Directory

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-2482

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2117

Learning to lean

I’m learning to lean on

Jesus

Finding more power than I’ve ever dreamed

I’m learning to lean on

Jesus

Sad, broken-hearted, at an altar I knelt

I found peace that was so serene

And all that He asks is a childlike trust

And a heart that is learning to lean

As my physical strength weakened, I turned to a “Moses” staff, then later a strong walking stick. Finally, I am at the mercy of a walker that I call “Wally.” Wally enables me to continue living by myself. I have had to learn to do ordinary tasks with one hand because the other hand has to have a good grip on Wally.

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-750-5338

Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177, Opelika 334-476-1531

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ

What does it mean to lean on Jesus? Basically, it means to trust him, abide in him, live in him, and obey him. Though physically I am weak and unsteady, I can receive power, spiritual power, by staying connected to Jesus. To lean on Jesus is affirm that he is the Lord of my life, the face of God, the Helper I have needed for the entire journey of my life.

I can celebrate what God said to Isaiah by recognizing that Jesus is the right hand of God:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). I rejoice that the right hand that upholds me is the hand of my Lord Jesus.

The word “lean” conveys

500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika

University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com

Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

CHURCH OF GOD

Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 510 Groce St. Opelika, AL 36830 706-610-0547

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

EPISCOPAL

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 beautiful symbolism. A husband and wife lean on each other for strength when hardships occur. A friend can lean on a friend for support in difficult situations. John Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides, islands off the coast of Scotland in the South Pacific. There he discovered that while the natives had words for house, tree, stone, and the like, they had no words for love, joy or peace. Worst of all, they had no word for “believe.”

John was frustrated, helpless to explain to the natives how to believe in Jesus. One day as he sat in his hut, an old man entered and slumped down in a chair. Exhausted from a long journey, the man said, “I’m leaning my whole weight on this chair.”

Immediately, John Paton

UNITED METHODIST

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

Grace United Methodist Church 915 E. Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36831 334-887-7003

GLOBAL METHODIST

Christ Methodist Church of Auburn 434 E. Magnolia, Auburn Worship at Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika

Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) neighbor as ourselves. Fortunately, there was a water fountain outside the sportsplex, so I drank plenty of water there before I started my round. I ate my pear about halfway through and finished playing before the hot part of the day began. But I learned my lesson. From now on, water will be at the top of my list of things I take with me. First things first, right? cried: “That’s it!” And from that day, for the primitive tribe, “Believe in Jesus” became “Lean your whole weight on Jesus.” So leaning my whole weight on Jesus is trusting Jesus with the here and now. It is affirming that Jesus has me, and he has my predicament in his hands. Leaning on Jesus is obeying him, loving God and loving one another. It is taking seriously the idea that God has put us together in the Body of Christ so we can love and care for each other. It is rejoicing that my brothers and sisters are standing by me, cheering me on through whatever must be faced. In recent months the love, prayers and support of my family and friends have been an

Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.

See ALBRITTON, page A15

334-707-3949

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Pkwy., Opelika

Oak Hill Church

2506 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika, www.Oakhillopelika.com

Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL

Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach

S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

MADELINE WIX

A memorial service for Madeline Aprile Wix, 62, of Opelika was held Aug. 31, 2024, at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.

Madeline was born in Connecticut on Aug. 23, 1962, to Joseph and Rose Aprile. She graduated from Leto High School in Tampa, Florida, and then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, where she married Robert Wix Jr. Madeline became a resident of Alabama in 1985. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.

She is survived by two sons, Robert Wix III and William Wix; a sister, Roseanna Kelly (Ron) of Tampa; a brother, Mike Aprile; five grandchildren that she loved dearly: Destanii Leona Foxworth Wix, Benjamin Wayne Wix, James Willard Wix, Kayson Wyatt Hinson and Hazeliegh; and seven nieces and nephews.

Madeline will be dearly missed by both her family and friends.

TELLIS D. (TED) HUDSON

Tellis D. (Ted) Hudson, age 90, died Sept. 1, 2024, at his home in Auburn. Tellis was born in Coffee County, one of eight children born to Randall and Etta Hudson. He graduated from Elba High School and enrolled at Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in poultry husbandry. He was employed in scientific jobs and completed his working career at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, where he worked for 23 years until his retirement in 1995.

Tellis is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kate Farris; three children, Gregory Tellis (Marie) and Jeffrey Scott, both of Auburn, and Michael Gordon (Casey) of Equality; grandchildren Steven, Crystal, Mary, Emily and Samuel; and greatgrandchildren Evelyn, Ezra, Sarah, Collin, Lucian and

Tempest.

A memorial service was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on Sept. 4, with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.

NOUCHANH SILAVANH

Nouchanh Silavanh, 85, born Jan. 28, 1939, passed peacefully on Aug. 26, 2024.

She was born in Vientiane, Laos, and moved with her family to Opelika in 1985.

Nouchanh was the cherished wife of her beloved husband of 65 years, Khamphath, with whom she shared 11 children and a lifetime of love and companionship. She was a devout Christian for 39 years and a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Nouchanh was a devoted mother to her children, Somsagath (Syamphone), Manilath (Syphanthong), Anonglak (Praseut), Aloune (David), Kongkeo (Monekham), Manivanh (Phouthalom), Manivone, Amphone (Vantha), Bangone (Bounthanh), Saysamone (Noy) and Nipakhone. Her unwavering love and guidance shaped their lives in countless ways.

She was a proud grandmother to Nitda, Anna, Tony, Phillip, Nina, Darla, Brenda, Kevin, Lena, Palina, Andra, Joseph, Alex, Allen, Julie, Catherine, Lexa, Leo, Belle, Cloud, Cristian, Brayleigh and Sky, and a loving great¬-grandmother to Sebastian, Naudia, Malynna, Preston, Madilynn, Kayden, Emerson, Camden, Mace, Ezra, Harper, Olive, Haven, Silas and Callum. Nouchanh’s legacy of love and kindness will live on through each of them.

Nouchanh will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to her family, and the deep love she had for all those around her. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.

A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home on Sept. 1. May she rest in eternal peace.

BOBBY JACKSON JOHNSON

Bobby Jackson Johnson passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. He was 88 years old.

Bobby was a lifelong businessman who started out selling seeds and cards and delivering groceries on a bicycle as a child. He later served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, during which he attained the rank of corporal and received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for Service in Germany.

After returning from service, he opened his first store, Johnson Electronics. He ran BJ’s Clothing Store and founded Coy’s Pawn Shop on South Railroad Avenue in historic downtown Opelika. He then founded B&G Septic Service with Gene Gilbert to serve the Beulah area. With his experience, he built a community in Magic Rock Mobile Home Park. He was a beloved member of the historic Pepperell, Opelika and Beulah communities. He left his mark on the lives of many.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents John Luther and Katie Bell Johnson; his brothers Tommy Clem and Winford Ray Johnson; his sister Ellen Hixon; his son Kenneth Johnson; and his grandson Thomas Horne. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years Dr. N. Melinda Johnson; four daughters Sandra Horne, Dianne “DeeDee” Brenneman (B. Ryan), Rachel Allgood (Christopher), and Joyce “Jackie” Johnson; his sister Glenda Adcock; 12 grandchildren Jamey Pratt, Felicia and Bradley Horne, Belle and Blythe Brenneman, Jackson and Quinlan Allgood, Kayla Haga (Andrew), Blake Fitzgerald, and Adam Johnson; 14 greatgrandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren, along with amazing friends who were like family, including Gilbert Ransom. A funeral service was held at Frederick Dean Funeral home Sunday, Sept. 1. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

WILLIAM H. “BILL” SMITH

William Henry “Bill” Smith, 84, passed away on Aug. 25, 2024, in Auburn.

Born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Hopewell, Virginia, Bill was a beloved husband and revered father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.

Bill dedicated a decade of his life to the US Air Force, serving as a pilot from 1959 to 1969. Following his military career, Bill pursued his academic passions, achieving a Ph.D. in Economics from Kansas State University.

Professionally, Bill was a respected member of academia; he was a professor emeritus at Troy University. His contributions to the field of economics were significant and left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.

Beyond his professional life, Bill was an avid photographer and woodworker, skills that he honed with great patience and precision. He also enjoyed puzzles, which reflected his love for problem-solving and intellectual challenges.

Bill’s quiet and reserved demeanor was a hallmark of his personality. He cherished his family deeply, a love that extended to his dog, Dottie, who was a constant and loyal companion. He is survived by his wife, Anna Matkin Smith; brother, Walter; sons, Glen and Jeff; daughters-in-law, Suzi and Kristi; grandchildren, Drew and Katy; and greatgrandchildren, Corley, Alden, and newborn Nora. His life will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew him.

EVELYN JOHNSON SENN

Evelyn Johnson Senn, 84, passed away at Bethany House on Aug. 28, 2024. She was born on Feb. 21, 1940, in Opelika to the late B.H. Johnson and Lillian (Bob) Cunningham.

Evelyn graduated from Opelika High School in 1958. She was a beautiful and talented majorette for OHS. She worked for many years for the Opelika School System as an aide in different schools. The most recent was Northside Intermediate School in the computer lab.

Evelyn was a member of Providence Baptist Church, where she taught different Sunday School classes for many years. She loved her church and her church family very much. Her friends loved her and checked on her every day. She worked and managed the church library for many years. Although we are thankful she has been reunited with so many that she loved, she will be missed by so many here, too. She loved her pets and was a big fan of Florida State Football and the New York Yankees. These things will remind us of her and will cause a smile in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Cary Lamar Senn Jr. of Auburn, and brother, B.H. (Bubber) Johnson Jr. She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Melanie) Senn , Tim (Tammy) Senn and Jeff (Rachel) Senn; grandchildren, Maggie (Thomas) Ingram, Kenslei (Drake) Sasser, Abbey (Will) Abner, Casey Senn, Heath (Taylor) Senn, Cullen (Morgan Emerson-Fiance) Senn, Jeffrey Senn, Kate Senn, Aliyah Broach and Alexa (Trent Clark-Fiance) Broach; great-grandchildren, Claire Ingram, Cade Ingram, Gentry Senn, Deuce Sasser, Lettie Anne Sasser and Molly Senn; sister-in-law, Lei Johnson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hank and Jane Elliott; niece, Laura Lee (Zack) Bumpus; nephew, Scott (Donna) Elliott; greatniece, Christina (Michael) Riva and great-nephew, John (Mollie, fiance) Bumpus.

A service was held Aug. 30 at Providence Baptist Church

East Campus with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. FrederickDean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. If you would like to make a donation to the Lee County Humane Society in her honor, that would be appreciated.

MARTHA CHRISTINE HOYT SANCHEZ

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mom, Martha Christine Hoyt Sanchez, 77, of Opelika, who left us peacefully on Aug. 29, 2024, at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta. She was surrounded by her loving family after a short but courageous battle with an aortal tear.

Christine was born to William and Martha Hoyt in South Bend, Indiana, on March 3, 1947. She graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1964 and worked as a secretary and mother her entire life.

Christine was married for 34 years to her soulmate, John Sanchez, who preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 2014.

Mom was absolutely the heart of our home and family. She raised the three of us: Emi (36), John (42) and Don (51), and you could always count on her to brag about one or more of us, or maybe all of us at the same time. She was the quintessential caregiver, always taking care of those around her. We are all blessed to have been raised in a loving home and become the adults we are today in her likeness. As a grandmother to Kanan (2) and Hugh (7), she was the “fun gamma,” always playing and spoiling them rotten.

Obviously, her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound. It is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.

Goodspeed Mom! We will see you in heaven and once again rejoice together.

A funeral service was held Sept. 4 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.