Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

08/22/2026

Iris Pauline “Polly” Benefield, 96, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026. She was born May 9, 1930, in Jefferson County, Alabama to the late James Belton Baker and Jessie E. Vernon Baker. She retired from Bellsouth/AT&T after 30 years of service. She was a member of Minvale Baptist Church and was the oldest living member of the VFW Women’s Auxilliary.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Glenwood Cemetery with Rev. John Keefe officiating.

She is survived by her step-son Jeff Benefield; nephews Steven Baker (Betty) and James “Jim” Baker (Helen), nieces Sheila Miller and Rhonda Tapley; and numerous great-nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands LV Burt and Doyal Benefield and brothers Bob, Fred, Ralph “Buddy” and James Belton Jr. “JB” Baker.

Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.

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08/22/2026

08/21/2026

Linda Jean C***s Gifford, 83, of Rainsville, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026, at her home. She was born June 2, 1943 in Decatur, Illinois to the late Earl and Beatrice Darnell C***s. Linda was a selfless, loving nurturer who spent her entire life caring for children – both her own and others. She taught two- and three-year-olds in Sunday School and in daily childcare. The first love in her life was Jesus and next was her family, whom she loved fiercely. She adored her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nana.

Funeral services will be 5 p.m. Tuesday at Wilson Funeral Home with her grandson Tyler Perrydore officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the 5 p.m. hour of service.

She is survived by her children Samantha Perrydore (Allen) and Stephen Gifford (Chasity) and grandchildren Ethan, Jacob, Tyler, and Hannah Perrydore.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years Jack Gifford, her parents Earl and Beatrice C***s, and her sister Gloria Borger.

The family extends special gratitude to the Senior Care Unit of DeKalb Regional Medical Center and to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice, especially Wendy, Amanda, and Andrea for their exceptional care.

Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.

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08/21/2026

For a room to receive friends, a chapel for life celebrations, or simply a quiet corner to reflect, you'll find it at Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne. Staff members are here to guide you. For more on our facilities, call (256) 845-9150. This is President and Funeral Director Amy Highfield Justice.

08/20/2026

As students head back to school, please slow down, stay alert, and watch for children near buses, crosswalks, and neighborhoods. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference.