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Southern Oaks Funeral Home, 2110 W Highway 914, Somerset, KY (2026)

03/23/2026

Mary Ann Compton, a beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was known for her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to those around her.

Mary had a passion for running her firework business, where she connected with her community and made lasting friendships. She also enjoyed selling purses and took great pride in her beloved yorkie, Abigail, who brought her endless companionship and happiness. Mary had a strong faith in the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Compton; her parents, Cynthia and Henry Lowe; her brothers, Delford, Ben(Linda), Kenny, Aaron, Moses John, Ray, and Alfred Lowe; her sister, Easter Lowe; and her daughter, Antonia Mattie Jeffers.
Mary is survived by her loving children: daughter Melissa (Kris) Gilbert of Somerset, and sons Robert (Tonya) Mattie and Auturo Mattie of Williamsburg, Kentucky. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jacob; Leslie (Emily) Barnett; and Jonathon (Benny) Barnett; Justin; Lucas (Alyssa) Ridner; Nate Ridner, all of Somerset, Kentucky; as well as Shon Gilbert and Kenzee Gilbert of Somerset, Kentucky; great-grandchildren: Oliver Barnett and Bentley Ridner.
She is also survived by her brothers Silas (Billie) Lowe of Smoky Junction, Tennessee, and Paul Lowe of Helenwood, Tennessee; and her sister Ruth (L.B.) Crabtree of Huntsville, Tennessee and several nieces and nephews.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her warmth, strength, and devotion to her family will never be forgotten.

Pallbearers will be: Jonathon Barnett, Nate Ridner, Leslie Barnett, Shon Gilbert, Lucas Ridner, Justin Ridner, Silas Lowe, and Paul Lowe.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11am in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Jonathon Barnett officiating. Burial will follow in White Oak Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Compton Memorial Fund. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Mary Ann Compton.

03/23/2026

Mr. Charles Plymesser, age 69, of the Slate Branch Community, passed from this life on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Jean Waddle Care Center.
Charles was born on April 24, 1956 to the late Russell B. Plymesser and Ann Alice Price Plymesser in Covington, Kentucky.
He was of the Baptist faith, and he enjoyed gardening, flower gardens, and sitting on the porch waving at everyone as they passed by.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sisters: Bessie Plymesser and Linda Plymesser in Covington, Ky and his caregiver: Ellen Sullivan. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Charles Plymesser.

03/23/2026

Charles D. Smart
September 4, 1937 – March 3, 2026

Charles D. Smart, originally of Houlton, Maine, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, surrounded by family. In his younger years, he proudly served for many years in the National Guard. He later worked for A.E. Staley in Houlton, Maine, where he remained until his retirement. In recent years, Charles and his wife relocated to Somerset, Kentucky, to be closer to family.

Charles was known for his love of science fiction—especially the works of Stephen King—as well as his lighthearted, slapstick humor that brought laughter to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Roger; daughter, Karen; nephew, Timothy; and son-in-law, Gregory.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Noreen of Somerset, Kentucky; his daughter, Lynn Lezotte of Levant, Maine; grandchildren Nichole Zuger of Science Hill, Kentucky, Joseph Lezotte and Christopher Lezotte of Bangor, Maine, and Madison Winslow of North Carolina; and his sister, Pamela Richardson of Houlton, Maine. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Charles will be remembered for his humor, his love of storytelling and science fiction, and the care and dedication he showed to his family. Throughout his life, he was a steady and supportive presence for his children and grandchildren whenever they needed him.

03/21/2026

Shirley Louise "Nana" Wicker, 91, of Somerset, Kentucky, peacefully passed from this world to her eternal life, in the arms of Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior, in her home on March 19, 2026. Shirley was born on May 8, 1934, in Hindman, Kentucky, to loving parents, Mark and Allie Combs. Shirley lived her life exemplifying her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her dedication to her family, her church community, and so many close, lifelong friends, that are cherished and adopted as family.

Shirley grew up in Hindman, Kentucky with her four sisters and one brother: Vivian Amburgy, Joyce Terry, Ennis Davidson, Madilyn Fields, and Rex Combs. Shirley knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a wife, mother, and a teacher. She pursued her education at Alice Lloyd College located in Pippapass KY, where she met the love of her life, Clyde Wicker. The two were married on December 26, 1952, by the Justice of the Peace in Alexandria, Virginia when Shirley was just 18 years old. Their marriage, of 67 years, centered on Christ, enduring devotion, and the life they built together, until Clyde's passing, is a testament to their commitment to their faith, family, and their church friends and community.

With a devotion to daily Bible reading, Shirley was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and dedicated educator at home, at church, and as a school teacher. Shirley was able to fulfill her childhood dream of teaching, first as a mother, second as a lifelong Sunday School teacher, as well as teaching third and fourth grade in Norwalk, Ohio, where Clyde and Shirley resided for thirty years. They retired together and moved to Winter Garden, Florida where they continued to co-teach fourth and fifth grade for twelve years at Foundations Academy, a Christian School that was a part of the First Baptist Church they attended. Shirley taught her favorite subjects, reading and The Bible. Through teaching, Shirley enriched the lives of countless students and their families that still call her "Nana."

Shirley and Clyde devoted their lives to the building up of the Church and the continuous fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ. They were founding members of Victory Baptist Church in Norwalk, Ohio. They were active members at First Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Florida, and became members, at its infancy, at Potters Place Church in Somerset, Kentucky where they remained active in service to the church for over three decades. Shirley and Clyde were devoted servants to the Lord, empowered by the strength, joy, and peace they found grounded in their praise and worship for all things, to God. Shirley and Clyde ran their race of endurance together and they finished well.

Shirley is also known for her blessed admiration for all things beautiful, and her pure enjoyment of the beauty of creation around her. She loved all things pink, and she loved flowers. Her most favorite flower was any flower that was pink. She loved birds and enjoyed bird watching and naming them from her living room window in the last home Clyde built for them as they lived out their retirement years together. Clyde and Shirley enjoyed traveling together, and they made a point to stop and smell the flowers and watch the birds throughout their traveling adventures. They loved and enjoyed being entertained by their fur babies Isaac and Beau. She loved words, and if she didn't have a book in her hand, she was writing stories, prayers, and memories in her journal, or writing handwritten letters to those she loved. Shirley enjoyed listening to sermons and Christian music, and was often heard singing or humming her favorite hymns throughout the house. Two of her favorite hymns were "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "It is Well with My Soul" which reflect her deeply rooted hope in her coming eternal reunion with her Lord and those she missed that had gone home before her. In the midst of all of her joys and all of her grief this life brought, she would humbly remind us, that "Momma always told me life is like an uphill climb up a mountain railroad," but “It is Well with my Soul."

Shirley's legacy is carried forward: daughters Angelia Wicker, Lisa Grimes and Son-in-Law, Scott Grimes; granddaughters Tiffany Miller, Vanessa Wicker, Rachel Bell; grandsons Shepard Grimes and Elijah Wicker; great-grandchildren Nickolas Hires, Ryan Martin, Meghan Baker, Aspen Thomas, Alaia Thomas, Easton Thomas, Re*****on Bell, Casen Grimes; and great-great-grandchildren Lance Hires, Phoenix Martin, Magnus Martin, Miles Hires, Wren Daly, Atlas Martin, Reese Daly, Ellie Wicker, Titus Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Wicker, her youngest daughter Michelle Sutherland; great-grandson Aaron Spurlock, and her siblings.

May Shirley Louise "Nana" Wicker's Life and memories we hold dear remind us of the peace, kindness, and comfort He provided through Shirley because she allowed her life to be used as an instrument in the hands of her Savior, loving all that were blessed to know and love her.

Please join us as we celebrate Shirley's Life on Tuesday March 24th 2026, for visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Celebration of Life Service will follow directly after at 1:00 pm. with Bro. Kevin Hampton and Bro. Thomas Howard officiating. Visitation and Service will be at Southern Oaks Funeral Home, 2110 KY-914, Somerset, KY 42503. Burial will follow in Southern Oaks Cemetery.

Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Shirley Louise “Nana” Wicker.

03/20/2026

Robert E. Raynes, age 81 of Wayne County, Kentucky, passed from this life on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Wayne County Hospital.
He was born on February 19, 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana, son of the late Wiley and Zella Stringer Raynes. Robert was of the Baptist faith. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and a member of the American Legion. He was a well-known and accomplished musician in the 1980’s and the founding member of The Lonestar Band. He enjoyed going fishing, watching UK Basketball, and loved his dog, Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ginger Raynes; daughter, Michelle Gunter; brother, Cleveland Raynes; and a grandson, Bryan Dishman.
He is survived by sons, Robert Raynes, Jr. (Charlene) of Monticello and Rick Raynes (Lana) of Science Hill; daughter, Marsha Dishman of Monticello; grandchildren, Tammy Crabtree, Bobby Coffey, Robert Raynes III, Austin Raynes, Zachary Raynes, Jamie Owens, Charlie Dishman Jr, James Robert Dishman, Shannon Peters, Nick Gunter, and Chance Gunter; and nineteen great-grandchildren.
There will be a private Memorial Service held at a later date.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Robert E. Raynes.

03/19/2026

Mrs. Jo Ann Johnson, age 69, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Russell County Hospital.
Mrs. Jo Ann was born on March 2, 1957 to the late William Valentine and Anna Banks Valentine in Louisville, Kentucky.
She was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed bingo, shopping, was very thrifty, enjoyed thrift stores and Goodwill. She loved to get up and go. She cherished her grandbabies and fur babies “Queenie” and “Pee Wee”. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Along with her parents, Mrs. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, MC Johnson Jr. and a brother, James Valentine.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, MC Johnson III and his wife (Savannah) of Bronston, Ky; brothers: Ivan Valentine (Jeanie) and Bill Valentine (Karen); sisters: Patricia Carter and Eliza Johnson; grandchildren: Aaliyah Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, and Ashanti Haynes.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 1pm-3pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 3pm. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Jo Ann Johnson.

03/18/2026

Wynona Marie Stringer, age 50, of Ferguson, Kentucky, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Hospice of Lake Cumberland.
Wynona was born on August 11, 1975 to Thurston Mounce and Janet Bray Mounce in Somerset, Kentucky.
She was a member of West Somerset Baptist Church. She loved singing in church and was an amazing artist. She taught Sunday School for over 33 years at West Somerset and taught Sunday School for several years in Belize, Central America where she lived from the age of 6 to 18. She grew up in a missionary family, and her heart was always focused on doing God’s work. She enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends.

Wynona was preceded in death by a sister, Lajuana Maria Mounce.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 31 years, Stephen Stringer, her parents, Thurston and Janet Mounce, her daughter Mia Marie Stringer of Ferguson, and her sisters: Tawnya Mounce-Amburgey (Kevin Amburgey), Mari Mounce Messer (Nathaniel Messer), Luisa Mounce, Reina Reed Raymond, her brother, Juan Mounce (Maritza Mounce)
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:30am to 1pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Bro. Brandon Wilson, Bro. Larry Butte, and Bro. James Floyd officiating. Burial will follow in White Lily Cemetery.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Wynona Marie Stringer.

03/17/2026

Denise L. Baird, age 62, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Monday, March 16, 2026 at UK Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
Denise was born on March 14, 1964 to the late Darvin Perry and Joanne Strunk in Cincinnati, Ohio.
She was of the Christian faith, a member of Potters Place Church, and member of Women’s Prayer Group. She loved the Lord, her family, animals, and shopping. Denise was a very special person, soft-spoken, and had a sweet demeanor.

Along with her parents, Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Baird, and a brother, Steve Perry.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sons: Joshua Baird (Amanda) of Whitley City, Ky and Chad Baird (Mandy) Sevierville, TN; brother Mark Perry of Denver, CO; sister Debbie Montgomery of OH; grandchildren: Jacob, Isaac, Abigail, Andrew, Alexis, Jeremiah, Elijah, Cameron, Bailey, and Mason.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 11am to 1pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Bro. Kevin Hampton officiating. Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Denise L. Baird.

03/17/2026

****Graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at 1:00pm at Silas Morrow Cemetery***

Timothy R. Hammond, age 71, of Monticello, Kentucky, passed from this life on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Rockcastle Respiratory Care.
He was born on June 30, 1954 in Wayne County, Kentucky. He was survived by one daughter, Jessica Balwinski and one grandson, Tyrion Balwinski, as well as 5 brothers, Thomas, Jerry, Lewis, Melvin, Robin and one sister, Matha Tibbs, nieces Sandra West, Christina Hammond, Ashley Ivie, Rukia Hammond, nephew Joe Hammond and special nephew Declan Bussell and great nieces Cadynce West, Xaivea West, and nephew Shawn and Zackery.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father Joe and Mary Hammond of Delta, Ky, as well as two siblings, Phillip and Christopher Hammond and one nephew Johnathon Hammond.
In accordance with Timothy’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Timothy R. Hammond.

03/16/2026

Loren “Zick” Dewayne Zickefoose

October 9, 1943 – March 13, 2026

Loren “Zick” Dewayne Zickefoose, age 82, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, with his children by his side.

Zick was born on October 9, 1943, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to Orval Eugene Zickefoose and Gayle Alene (Stull) Zickefoose. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree, attending Iowa State University, where he studied engineering.

Zick spent the majority of his career working in the telecommunications industry, a profession that took him across the United States. Throughout his career, he lived and worked in Iowa, New Jersey, Nebraska, California, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Maryland before retiring. In retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of living on the water, eventually settling on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, where he lived aboard his boat.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and treasured the many camping trips he took with his family across the United States. Zick also enjoyed traveling internationally, visiting destinations including Mexico, Europe, and Australia. An experienced sailor, he captained private sailing trips to the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, the Azores, and beyond with his brother Keith joining him for an adventure or two.

Zick enjoyed working with his hands and was skilled in carpentry and home projects. He built furniture, completed countless handyman projects, constructed his first retirement home himself alongside his brother Mark, and helped finalize the design of his beloved houseboat.

An avid reader, Zick maintained a list of the thousands of books he read over the years. He enjoyed watching Fox News—especially The Five—and spent many hours playing cribbage and solving Sudoku puzzles. Above all, he was known for always having a story to tell.

Zick is survived by his children, Bryan (Natasha) Zickefoose and Kelly (Frank) Quinby; his grandchildren, Dakota (Kelsi) Zickefoose, Carter (Savanna) Quinby, Tia (Brock) Byford, and Simon Quinby; his sister, Nancy Sasseen; and his brother, Oren “Keith” (Tammy) Zickefoose. He is also survived by three great grandsons, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and his dear friends Jeff and Cindy Factor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mark and Phillip Zickefoose; his sister, Patricia “Lynn” Messer; and his granddaughter, Jordan Zickefoose.

In keeping with Zick’s wishes arrangements will be private and the family will not be holding a public service. Those wishing to honor his life may consider donating to the Jean Waddle Care Center (Hospice) in Somerset, Kentucky, whose staff provided compassionate care during his final days. Donations can be made at: https://hospicelc.org/donate/.

03/14/2026

Wonnie J. Winkler, age 55 of Burnside, Kentucky, passed from this life on Friday, March 13, 2026 at her home. She was born on July 4, 1970 in Hamilton, Ohio, to Ronnie and Linda Huffman Berry.
Wonnie was a Licensed Practical Nurse and of the Pentecostal faith. She enjoyed line dancing, the outdoors, and board games. She loved cooking, cookouts, joking, art, drawing, working jigsaw puzzles, and playing video games. She especially loved her dogs, Jasmine and Max. Wonnie will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Terry Hampton. She is survived by her husband, Donnie Elam of Trenton, Ohio; her parents, Ronnie and Linda Berry of Burnside; her sons, Bobby (Amy) Winkler of Oxford, Ohio, Joey Winkler of College Corner, Ohio, and Sherman Winkler of Bath, Indiana; a brother, Shane (Pam) Berry of Oxford, Ohio; a sister, Jodi Hampton of Bluffton, Indiana; and four grandchildren, Kylie Winkler, Izzy Winkler, Noah Winkler, and Dallas Winkler.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Walden officiating. Burial will be in Southern Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to New Life Church, 222 Murphy Avenue, Ferguson, KY 42533.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Wonnie J. Winkler

03/12/2026

Leslie James "Les" Lacey, of Somerset, Kentucky, began his next great adventure, passing from this life, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Les was born on July 5, 1947, in Derby, England, one of six children born to the late James Richard and Laura Stevens Lacey.

Les was one of those rare individuals who accomplished everything he hoped to accomplish. He longed to sail the open ocean, chasing wonder and beauty most of us only see in dreams. In his own sailboat, he made several solo transatlantic crossings, sailing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and many other distant waters. Never one to be tethered to the land or sea alone, Les, unencumbered and free-spirited, also learned to fly. He was rated on several types of planes, spent years flying gliders, and even became an accomplished parasailer.

Les grew up in Derby, England, where, as a young man, completed a six-year apprenticeship at the Rolls-Royce Aeroengine Plant. He later served two years in the British Army in the Signal Corps, worked as a commercial fisherman, and a radio officer for the Marr Company.

In the late 1980s, Les set sail for the United States to help a marina expand its houseboat fleet. His tinkering and magnificent mind designed a double-decker houseboat, developed all its systems, and eventually worked with a manufacturer to turn the design from a concept to reality. His work continued through a number of special projects across the United States and Canada.

Despite conquering the land, sea, and sky, his greatest expedition began on July 22, 2000, on Sanabel Island, Florida, when he married the great love of his life, Linda S. Cooper of Somerset, KY. Over the years, you could find them building canoes by hand, running their own coffee shop, traveling the world, and, most importantly, to paraphrase their favorite poet, Kahlil Gibran, letting love be a moving sea between the shores of their souls.

Carrying Les' legacy forward are his wife; his sister Iris Lacey of Long Eaton, England; brothers Alan Lacey of Long Eaton, England, and Stephen (Jo) Lacey of England; brother-in-law Donald (Linda) Cooper of Russell Springs, KY; niece Carys Lacey and nephew Zak Lacey of Oxford, England; and niece and nephew Heather (Marty) Kazsuk and Bryan (Lacy) Cooper of Russell Springs, KY.

In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by his older sister Betsy Lacey Rawlings, his beloved younger brother Martyn Lacey, his favorite aunt, Hazel Stevens Baguley, and his Father- and Mother-in-Law, James F. and Eudora Cooper.

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

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