Elliott “Ely” O’Shea Ashley was born July 29, 1969, in McComb, MS, to the late Deacon Ellis Ashley, Jr., and Evangelist Carolyn R. Williamson Ashley.

He attended Otkens Elementary, Higgins Middle School, Denman Jr. High School, and McComb High School. He also attended Alcorn State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He was a member of the Sounds of Dynamite Marching Band. He was the section leader of the Mighty T.O.P. Drum Section and Founding Father of the Iota Beta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. He later earned his Masters of Education Degree at Alabama State University. Finally, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received an Educational Specialist Degree.

He became an educator and counselor for the Birmingham School System. Because of his love and concern for students, he wrote Bully Brakers. His book was used to combat bullying in school systems across the United States. In recognition of outstanding achievement, Elliott was chosen as School Counselor of the year 2019, for Birmingham City Schools. Elliott was a drummer’s drummer. He didn’t just play the drums but studied drumming every day. This gift made room for him to have a solo performance in an Alabama Power commercial, to play with Jazz great, Cleve Eaton, and provided many more opportunities. He was a minister of music at First Baptist Church of Ensley in Birmingham. As a child, he was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist church in McComb, MS. Elliott accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.

He leaves to treasure his memories: two sons, Elisha and Andrew Ashley of Birmingham, AL; a brother, minister André B. Ashley (Alethia) of Duluth, GA; sister, Shanda Ashley Banks (Prentiss III) of McComb, MS; a loving, caring, and fully devoted girlfriend, Kelly Embry of Birmingham, AL; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Alison Lynn Lambdin, 43 of Washington, PA, formerly of Oak Hill passed away Friday April 3rd, 2020.  She was born October 12, 1976 in Logan, WV, the daughter of William J. Lambdin and the late Susan E. Learmonth Lambdin.

Dennis Joel Zeisler died surrounded by his family in his home on March 30th, 2020 in Norfolk, VA due to Pancreatic Cancer. He was 73.

Dennis was recently retired from Old Dominion University, where he served for 39 years as Director of Bands, Professor of clarinet and saxophone, and Chair of the Department of Music. Early in his musical career, he distinguished himself as solo clarinetist of the famed Michigan Symphony Band under William D. Revelli. He was solo clarinetist with the Detroit Concert Band under the direction of Leonard B. Smith, and a clarinet soloist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. He was founder and conductor of the Virginia Wind Symphony, a professional ensemble comprised primarily of music educators from throughout the area of Southeastern Virginia. Dennis worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the Midwest Clinic. His dedication and vision served as a model for all.

Dennis Zeisler was the 77^th President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. Among his many honors, the Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha for “significant and lasting contributions to the cause of music in America” and the Distinguished Service to Music Medal from Kappa Kappa Psi provide a fitting tribute to a man who will leave a profound and unforgettable mark upon the world of music.

Dennis is survived by his spouse of 33 years, Carol (Corcoran) Zeisler and their two children; Sarah (Adam) Wisiniewski of Norfolk, VA; and Jeffery Zeisler of Washington D.C. He is also survived by his first wife, Kathleen (Perrin) Betts of South Boardman, Michigan and their two children; Nathaniel (Cristen) Zeisler of Los Angeles, CA; and Jennifer Zeisler of Los Angeles, CA; his sister Janice (Paul) Zucker of Falls Church, VA, three grandchildren, Brooke, Perrin and Aubree; twelve nieces and nephews; his step-mother Charlotte (Wert) Zeisler of Canandaigua, NY; and his mother-in-law, Alexandra (Kisla) Corcoran of Arlington Heights, IL. He is preceded in death by his mother Frances (Fleischman) Zeisler and father Kasriel Zeisler.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions on travel and gatherings funeral services will not be held. Instead, we will celebrate Dennis at the first Virginia Wind Symphony concert in the fall when we will toast to him and celebrate his dedication to music, teaching and family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dennis J. Zeisler scholarship fund to provide financial support for instrumental music majors at Old Dominion University. . To give, simply click the link below, select “scholarships” and type “Dennis Zeisler” in the scholarship name box. https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=1c0e01

Sunday March 29, 2020, at the age of 21, Michael Alexander Valdez was taken home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Michael was born on October 6, 1998, in New Braunfels, Texas. He was the only son to Reynaldo Valdez Jr and Sarah Durham Valdez.  He was the absolute light of their lives.   Michael spent his whole life in New Braunfels.  He participated in most sports programs as well as the Boy Scouts where he became an Eagle Scout.  He loved participating in basketball, football, and Music.  Michael was a member of the NBHS marching band and played the tuba. After graduating high school with the Class of 2017, he went on to UTSA to join their music program.  Michael’s plan was to graduate, teach, and write music.

He leaves behind His adoring parents, one grandparent, Rosa Ramirez Valdez, loving aunts and uncles, Janie Valdez Gonzalez and Daniel Gonzalez, Reta Durham and John P. Hernandez and many extended family members.  He was preceded in death by grandparents; Reynaldo Valdez Sr., and Hal John and Georgia Lorraine Durham.

Unfortunately for Michael’s family and friends, he was taken away at an unusual time in our history, and they are unable to gather at this time to celebrate his life and their memories.  There will be a private family service on April 3rd at Sunset Memorial Funeral home at 4pm.  As soon as this time period is over and we are allowed to gather, a Celebration of life is being planned.  More information to come as to when the celebration of life will occur.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Texas Children’s Hospital “A Way To Give” www.texaschildrens.org for cancer research.

Michael “Mike” Scott Westbrook, 54, of Lumberton, died Thursday, March 26, 2020.  He was born on February 6, 1966, in Port Arthur, to Clara Smith Westbrook and Ronnie Mills Westbrook.

Mike graduated from Nederland High School in 1984. Mike then went on to college to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. During his time at Lamar, Mike performed as part of the Lamar Marching Band known as “The Grandest Band in The Land” and was a vested trumpet player under Dr. Ornelas, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Simmons and Dr. Dyess. Mike rushed Kappa Kappa Psi in 1984 and served as President of the Gamma Zeta Chapter in 1989 and 1990. Additionally, Mike is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in which he rushed in 1986. Following his graduation, Mike Westbrook worked as a Band Director at three different schools in the surrounding SE Texas area. Starting at Lumberton ISD, and then moving to Port Neches-Groves ISD, and finally making his way to Hardin-Jefferson ISD. Mr. Westbrook served Public Education for 29 years and served as the band director at Hardin-Jefferson for 13 years.

Mike Westbrook was an astounding trumpet player, although teaching was one of his passions, his playing ability spoke for itself. Mike performed as a member of the Symphony of Southeast Texas starting in 1987 and became a core member in 1991. His other classical project was the “Spindletop” Brass Quintet which he performed in for the better part of 20 years. Furthermore, Mike was an avid jazz trumpeter. Mike on any average weekend could be seen gigging all around Beaumont performing in the horn band “Easy” and as a member of the Remember When Orchestra.

Most importantly Mike Westbrook was a loving and thoughtful person. As a teacher, he always made it a part of his routine to check on his students and make sure that they were doing okay in their non-band related activities. More than anything that added to his jolly demeanor was his great sense of humor. Mike never had a shortage of good jokes and stories to tell to help lighten the mood of a situation. As a husband and father, he always took his love for his wife and three kids everywhere he went.Survivors include his wife, Karen Westbrook; children, Mollie Westbrook, Aaron Westbrook, and Ella Westbrook; father, Ronnie Westbrook of Nederland; siblings, Amy Nelson and her husband, Steven, of Nederland; and Stephen Westbrook and his wife, Ronna, of Jasper; mother-in-law, Barbara Cummings of Lumberton; bother-in-law, Kevin Cummings and his wife, Cindy, of Kountze; and nieces and nephews, Sarah Nelson, Robyn Nelson, Kevin Nelson, Tristan Westbrook, and Koby Cummings.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Clara Westbrook; and grandparents, Eula and Ernest Smith and Jewel and Carl Westbrook.

Mr. Westbrook’s memorial will be held at a later date under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.

Mr. Gerome Anthony Hudson 57, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020.  He was born August 30, 1962, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Verneda (Hudson) Stovaul.

His memories will be cherished by: wife, Betty Jean (Shannon) Hudson of Caruthersville, Missouri; stepdaughter, Mary Shannon of Caruthersville, Missouri; brother, Frank Stovaul of San Jose, California; sisters, Tammy Hill of Pine Bluff, AR; Phyllis Johnson of Little Rock, AR.

Mr. Hudson aka Hud as he was known at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Musical Marching Machine of the Midsouth (M4) was the chief arranger and drill master for over 38 years.  Hud was inducted as a member of the National Honorary Band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi in Spring 81  as part of the Accidental 13 Line.  Hud is #9 Prince Anacrusis.

Hud inspired and rekindled the passion for M4 band and KKY.  Hud shared his life experiences through the decades, and was the voice of inspiration and dedication when the UAPB KKY/TBS Alumni Association was established. UAPB Homecoming of 2018 the UAPB KKY/TBS SW Regional Alumni Association honored Mr. Gerome Hudson with his Life Membership which was so well earned.  Gerome is another beacon of light to this great organization and M4.

Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.  Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Full Counsel Gospel Church Pine Bluff, AR by Rev. Courtney Smith.  Interment in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. His body will lie in-state 10:15 a.m. until service time.

Thomas Alfred “Tommy” Neumann, 72, of Houston, Texas passed away on March 2, 2020.

He was born February 17, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas and was adopted by his loving parents, Alfred and Irene Neumann just days after his birth.

He grew up in Alice, Texas and graduated from William Adams High School in 1966. He was three years old when he met his future wife Barbara in Sunday School. In 1971, Tommy and Barbara were married in Alice.

Tommy began his college career at Delmar College in Corpus Christi. He decided to move to Houston and attend the University of Houston. During his studies, he was able to earn a Bachelor of Music in 1971 and continued his education by earning a Master of Education in 1973. In 1969, while attending the music school, he became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He also spent time working in the Cash Control department at Astroworld. Upon his graduation, Tommy started his professional career with SBISD.

In 1976, he and Barbara welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie into the world and shortly thereafter, in 1979, their son, David.

Tommy remained a strong music advocate and educator in SBISD for a total of 41 years. He loved standing on a podium conducting young minds and humming along to the songs they played. He also loved being the “Voice of the SBISD Halftime Shows” showcasing the “Pride of Spring Branch Marching Bands”. After retiring in 2015, Tommy continued to work as a substitute in music, art and health fitness classes until his very last day.

Tommy joined Boy Scouts in 1956 and worked his way through many ranks and merit badges, attended National and World Jamborees, and earned the coveted Eagle Award on November 17, 1965. Once David was old enough to be in scouting, he joined Pack 677 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Tommy became the Cubmaster from 1987 until 1990.

The Neumann Family was awarded the Mustang District Family Award in 1990. After David was old enough to join Boy Scouts, he transferred to Troop 852 at Terrace United Methodist Church. He served in various roles in the troop as well as Scout Master from 2008 until March 2, 2020. He enjoyed his time working with one of his best friend’s, Howard Huey, and was thrilled that his grandson, Tristan, had joined the Troop. He was looking forward to Mitchell joining within the next few months as well and attending the New Camp Strake Summer Camp.
Tommy was Wood Badge Trained and a trainer. He earned the Silver Beaver award as well as numerous other prestigious awards presented through Scouting. On campouts, Tommy was known for his award-winning cast iron, Dutch oven desserts and Thanksgiving Feasts.

His troop also supported and provided youth leadership at various council and district events including food drives, scout fairs and district Camporees. He took pride in watching young men gain self-confidence and mature into strong leaders. Tommy lived the 12 points of the Scout Oath and Law.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Barbara, his daughter, Stephanie (Shawn) Walton, and son, David Neumann. He will also be greatly missed by his four grandchildren, Tristan and Mitchell Walton (Shawn and Stephanie), Evan and Reese Neumann (David), his two nephews, Gary Lynn DeReese, Jr (Janice), Dylan Ross DeReese (Lisa), niece Molly Moffitt (Sam) and many other family and friends.

Pall Bearers include Howard Huey, Bill Stewart, Todd Walstead, David Moore, Rick Morales, and Michel Beck.
Visitation will be Saturday March 7 from 12:30-2:00pm with Funeral Services immediately following at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. 7901 Westview, Houston Texas 77055
Memorial Contributions can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the Tommy Neumann Memorial Scholarship Fund at Spring Branch Education Foundation, 955 Campbell Road Houston Texas 77024

Dr. John M. Long, age 94, of Troy, AL, died February 24, 2020, at his home.

Dr. Long, who served as director of bands at Troy University from 1965-1996, was a past president of the American Bandmasters Association and is a member of the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors and the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame. In 2010, Dr. Long was named honorary president of the National Band Association, and in 2011, was the subject of a feature piece for CBS Evening News on his continued involvement as conductor of the Southeast Alabama Community Band. In 2012, he was elected Honorary Life Member of the American Bandmasters Association.

He continued to serve the University as Director of Bands Emeritus and Professor of Music Emeritus.

A native of Guntersville, Dr. Long was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, Delta Chi fraternity and Phi Eta Sigma. He was an active guest conductor, speaker, clinician and adjudicator through the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico. In 2005, he was honored by the Alabama Music Educators Association with its Barbara Odom Award for lifetime achievements in music education, and holds the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the National Eagle Scout Association.   Dr. Long was an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, and served Kappa Kappa Psi as the District VIII Governor from 1979-1983

During his 31-year career at Troy University, Dr. Long also served the University in various capacities, including chair of the music department, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and dean of the School of Fine Arts. Two buildings on the Troy Campus bear his name – John Maloy Long Hall and the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor, which houses the NBA’s Hall of Fame.

Under his direction, the University’s “Sound of the South” marching band represented the state in two presidential inaugural parades (Nixon and Reagan) and served as the official band for two presidential visits to Alabama.

“Dr. John M. Long was the Director of Bands from 1965 – 1996. During that time, he built the band program into one of national prominence and quality. He has produced thousands of band directors and musicians who have gone on to careers throughout the United States in all areas of music and music education,” said Director of Bands Dr. Mark Walker.

“Dr. Long loved his students, family, friends, and Troy University. His influence is evident in band directors throughout the country. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered,” he said.

Before coming to Troy University, Dr. Long directed several high school bands in the state of Alabama, including a stint as band director at Marshall County High School before even receiving his high school diploma and Montgomery’s Robert E. Lee High School, recognized as one of the top high school bands in the country during his tenure. Hundreds of his former students have followed him into the career of music education.

Dr. Johnny Long impacted me more deeply than words can describe,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Associate Dean of the College of Education.

“He molded and shaped me into the man I am today, especially during the long hours we spent together when I was drum major of the Sound of the South. he taught me far more about life than he ever did about music, and I take a part of him into my work each and every day,” said Palmer, who was drum major 1992-1994 football seasons.

“TROY is a better place because Johnny Long made his mark here, and I am a better man because of his intentional, 30-year investment in my life. He was truly one of a kind,” he added.

He served in the U.S. Army as a bandsman in World War II, serving in Iraq, Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East.

He completed his bachelor’s degree at Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree at the University of Alabama and received an honorary doctorate from Jacksonville State.

Dr. Peter Howard, Department Chair of World Languages and Classics at TROY and professor of classics, is another former student who was deeply influenced by Dr. Long’s style. In the early 1960’s, he was captain for Long’s band at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery.

“Dr. Long did not simply influence us — he became an integral part of the life of every student he ever taught,” he said. “We now do what we do and are who we are today because of who he was and what he did.”

His survivors include his wife of 69 years, Mary Lynn Long; daughter, Deborra Street of Marion, AL; son and daughter-in-law, John M. (Debbie) Long Jr. of Ragland, AL; granddaughter, Melissa Long Williamson; great-grandchildren, John Cameron Parham and David Patrick Williamson; and sister, Mary McConatha. He was preceded in death by his brother, Sam James Long Jr.

A funeral service for Dr. John M. Long will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Troy, Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 2:00 PM with Reverend Steve Winton officiating. Burial will follow at the Sorrell Chapel on the Troy University campus. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Green Hills Funeral Home Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

Serving as pallbearers will be Paschal Ward, Steve McLendon, John Hillsman, David Mallach, James Smith, Ray Smith, Rennie Mills, and Rod Henley. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Troy Rotary Club, the Wesley-McCartha Sunday School class, and every student who played in one of John M. Long’s bands.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Troy (213 N. Three Notch St, Troy, AL 36081) or to the John M. Long Scholarship Fund (Troy University, 109 Long Hall, Troy, AL 36081). The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Long family.