By Haley Mitchell Godwin

On Nov. 15, the Luverne Public Library welcomed author Becky Horn Rogers, Luverne native now living in Panama City,  for a book signing event celebrating her newly released memoir, “Breaking out of an Alabama Jail — Life of the Sheriff’s Daughter.” Local residents gathered in the library’s conference room to meet Rogers and hear about her life growing up in a most unusual home: the ground floor of the Crenshaw County Jail.

Rogers’ father, Sheriff Ray M. Horn, served as Crenshaw County Sheriff from 1950 to 1971, with the exception of one four-year term. During his tenure, the Horn family lived on the bottom floor of the county jail, while inmates were housed upstairs.

“Like Otis from ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ we often had ‘weekend guests’ who came because they knew they’d get a hot meal and a place to stay,” Rogers said. “Momma cooked for the prisoners and for us. While there was unrest upstairs at times, I was never scared.”

Rogers fondly recalls “spend-the-night” parties with her cousins and classmates in the jail. Mixing humor with heartfelt reflections in her book, she also tackles difficult topics. As a high school student during the civil rights movement and the integration of schools, she reflects on the injustices faced by African Americans and touches on the Vietnam War. 

She highlighted progress in unity but emphasized the need for further work toward kindness and understanding.

 “There are funny, happy memories, but also touching stories,” Rogers said. “If you grew up in this time, the book may remind you of your own family memories, both good and bad.”

The book signing was an opportunity to purchase a signed copy and also a chance for attendees to connect with Rogers and share their own memories of Crenshaw County. Patsy Owens of Luverne praised Rogers for preserving this unique piece of Crenshaw County history.

“Becky has always been an exemplary citizen,” Owens said. “From her days as a Luverne High School student, to her 25 year career in education at Luverne School and her tenure on the city council. In her book, she has captured memories that are precious to those that share her love for Luverne.”

A Family Legacy

The Horn family legacy of service in the sheriff’s office spans five decades. Rogers’ grandfather, Lennie Franklin Horn, served as chief deputy from 1935 to 1939 and as sheriff for three terms beginning in 1938. 

After Lennie’s death in 1947, his son Homer Green Horn completed his term. In 1950, another of Lennie’s sons, Ray M. Horn, was elected and remained sheriff until 1972. It was during this time that the non-Horn family member held the sheriff position for four years. 

Mary Frances Garner, a first cousin to Rogers, expressed pride in the family’s legacy and the new book. Garner’s mother, Frances Horn Boswell, was a sister to Becky’s father.

“Our Horn family cherishes our rich history and the values instilled by Mama Horn [Willie Raley Horn] and Becky’s book preserves our heritage and ensures future generations understand the unique role our family played in local history,” Garner said. “I grew up spending summers at the jail visiting with Becky and other cousins and I can say that the book is just like its author, funny and full of raw emotion. When I read the book, I could feel the love Becky put into it and her passion for preserving our family’s legacy.”

Writing Her Story

Family history has always been important to Rogers. For years, Rogers said, she dreamed of writing about her family’s unique dynamic and the Horn family’s legacy in Crenshaw County law enforcement. Last fall, after taking a six-week course through Gulf Coast State College’s Education Encore program, she decided to make her dream a reality. 

“Initially, I wanted to create a family heirloom for my daughter and grandchildren,” Rogers said. “But as I wrote, I realized the historical significance of what I was sharing — segregation, integration and life in rural Alabama. It became so much more than I imagined.”

Rogers encourages others to document their family stories. 

“Even if you don’t write a book, record your family’s oral history. These stories will disappear if they’re not captured.”

The book was published by Around the Loop Designs, owned by Beth Rogers of Rutledge, and has resonated with readers, sparking conversations about family, history and community. One Amazon reviewer praised Rogers for her “honest reporting of events and memories of a wonderful childhood in a small town.”

Breaking out of an Alabama Jail is available for purchase at the Luverne Public Library, on Amazon and on Kindle.