EMILY JANE OZIER EASLEY

EMILY JANE OZIER EASLEY, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, formerly of the Somerville Community and wife of the late William C. Easley, Jr. died Saturday morning, April 3, 2010 at the Covenant Retirement Center in New Orleans where she had resided for two years. She was 86 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Funeral services for Mrs. Easley were conducted at 2 P.M. Saturday, April 10th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. Larry Kendrick, Pastor of the Somerville First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery, and arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

A native of Somerville, Tennessee, Mrs. Easley was born January 16, 1924, the daughter of Richard Paul Ozier, Sr. and Mattie Lee Farris Ozier, early residents of the area, both now deceased.

A graduate of the Fayette County High School in Somerville, Mrs. Easley completed her education at Memphis State University, where she earned a degree in nursing.

She was married April 7, 1946 to William Clarence Easley, Jr., Cotton Gin Manager for Burdette Gin Company in Leland, Mississippi and World War II Navy Veteran, who preceded her in death on December 4, 1981.

A member of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama, she had been a previous resident of Somerville, Alabama before moving to New Orleans.

Involved in church activities as long as health permitted, Mrs. Easley was an avid reader who enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening.

Survivors of Mrs. Easley include her daughter, Dr. Judy Easley of Minneapolis, MN; three sons: W. Michael Easley (Catherine) of New Orleans, LA; John D. Easley (Debbie) of Somerville, AL and C. Barton Easley (Pam) of Tchula, MS; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Easley was preceded in death by a son, Richard F. Easley; her sister, Frances Hodges and two brothers, Richard P. Ozier, Jr. and Randolph Ozier.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers were Barton Easley, John Easley, Michael Easley and Philip Smith.

The family requests that memorials be directed to "Ladies With A Focus", Shoal Creek Baptist Church, 1077 Shoal Creek Road, Decatur, AL 35603; Phone: (256) 353-7956.