Dec. 7 obituaries
Mary Naomi
McCrary, 94
Mary McCrary, 94, Lexington, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Visitation will be Saturday, November 30, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The memorial service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Marcus Wilson officiating.
Mary was a member of Mary’s Chapel Church of Nazarene. She was an assistant dietician at Parkway Medical Center, Decatur. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus Berryman and Mary Berryman; husband, Kenneth McCrary; sisters, Carolyn McCormack and Betty Menne; and grandson, Stacey Grisham.
Mary is survived by her children, Joyce Oliver (Willard) and Bobbie Sandlin; brothers, O’Dwyner Berryman, Billy Jack Berryman, and Jerry Berryman (Brenda); sisters, Lucy Rose and June Hannah (Steve); grandchildren, Tina Marmann (Charley) and April Grisham; great-grandchildren, Kayla King, Molly Dickens (Gavin), Channing Marmann, and Jackson Grisham; great-great-grandchild, Chandler Dickens; special friend, Carlton Springer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John W. Nalley, Jr., 55
Mr. John W. Nalley, Jr., born on June 20, 1941, departed his earthly home for his heavenly home on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
John was an avid baseball and basketball player, a singer in Louisiana College choral group, and served four years in the United States Navy. He was a Christian and prayer warrior, and a church worker and minister. He was Daddy to five children, a sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, a construction worker and pipefitter. He was the author of Puma’s Lair. John was the best protector, friend, and husband to his beloved D.K. He was Jay and Uncle Jay to his family in Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wallace Nalley, Sr. and Pearl Maybell Deville Nalley; brother, Doug Lane; and sisters, Edith Salter, Audrey Chafin, Margie “Pete” Estes, and Carol Stafford.
John is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Derinda Ford Nalley; five children, Andrea Hill (Kevin), Pam Walker (Ray), Doug Nalley, John W. Nalley, III (Erica), and Ashley Isbell (Aaron); four grandchildren, Hanna, Cooper, Bella, and Jay; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Poplar Creek Baptist Church, Leighton. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Phillip Potter officiating. Interment will be in Poplar Creek Cemetery, Leighton.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Donations may be made to Poplar Creek Cemetery, Inc., P.O. Box 635, Leighton, AL 35646.
Jane
McCollum, 95
Jane McCollum, 95, Tuscumbia, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Barrett Long officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
Jane was a member and very faithful servant at First Baptist Church, Tuscumbia, where she taught Sunday School for thirty years. She graduated in 1947 from Deshler High School, then attended Auburn University. Jane was a retired salesclerk at Rogers Department Store and a member of the Service League. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Richard McCollum, Jr.; parents, Billy and Mary Weatherly; and brother, Billy Jr. Weatherly.
Jane is survived by her sons, Richard McCollum (Debbie) and David McCollum (Tessa); sister, Gail Steakley; grandchildren, Michael, Mary Hollis, Emily, and Kathryn; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Boone, John, and Anna; nieces, Carrol and Susan; and multiple cousins.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Chris Taylor, 58
Chris Taylor, 58, Sheffield, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, November 29, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jason Ricketts officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Chris was a lifelong resident of the Shoals. After retiring from AT&T with twenty-eight years of service, he enjoyed using his electronic skills to build car stereo systems. Chris loved his family, friends, and car audio community. He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Taylor; grandparents, James Calvin Pace and Louise Pace; and his faithful companion, “Coby”.
Chris is survived by his children, Lindsay Tucker (Zach) and Ashley Taylor; mother, Glenda Taylor Bruce; sister, Dana Taylor Loeppky (Ian); granddaughter, Renlee Rose; and niece Emma Loeppky.
Pallbearers will be Mike Moss, Tony Baker, Timmy Kennamore, Byron Chapman, Scotty Morris, and Kerr Davis.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Missionary Susan Ricketts at agwm.org.
Gerald Lynn
Henson, 67
Gerald Lynn Henson, 67, Tuscumbia, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024. The family will have a private ceremony at a later date.
Gerald was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Hartman; and brother, Donald Henson.
He is survived by his children, Damian Henson, Bambi Michelle Byrd (William), and Ty Henson; and sister, Sharon Ward (Jim).
The family offers special recognition to the staff at Cypress Cove Center, Tuscumbia.
Charles Anthony
“Rowdie”
Borden, 61
Charles Anthony “Rowdie” Borden, 61, Leighton, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Visitation will be Monday, December 2, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Cowboy Church of Colbert County. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Truman Sutton officiating. Interment will be in Mhoontown Cemetery, Cherokee.
Rowdie was a member of the PBR for thirty-four years and worked as a rodeo clown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kelsey and Peggy Borden; and aunt and uncle, Jimmy and Janet Smallwood.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Borden; children, Jarrett Borden (Brooklyn) and Sophia Borden; aunt, Freida Joiner; uncle, Truman Borden; special sister, Sheila Joiner; and special brother, Doug Vandiver.
Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.
The family offers special thanks to the staff at Helen Keller Memorial Hospital, and to Dr. Karr.
Charles “Randy” Box, 70
Charles “Randy” Box,70, of Sheffield, AL died on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Visitation will be Friday, November 29, 2024 from 9- a.m. – 11 a.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Pastor E.M. Shell will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Box, Sr. and Margie Joyner Box; and brother, Jimmy Box.
He is survived by his brothers, J.C. Box, Jr. (Helen) and Danny Box (Mary); sisters, Carolyn Tibbs, Nelda Mitchell (Sonny) and Kathy Alvey (Chris); children, Michael Box (Jamie) and Matthew Box and Andrew Box (Karrie); numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Robby R. Holmes, 82
Robby R. Holmes, 82, of Florence, AL died on Thursday, November 21, 2024. There will not be any services held at this time. Burial will take place at a family cemetery in North Carolina at a later date. He worked at Tom’s Food as an area sales manager.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary Holmes; and brother, Phillip Holmes.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Holmes; daughter, Heather Holmes; stepdaughter, Teri Olive Wright; brother, Roger Holmes; grandchildren, Lauren Wright, Ted Wright, and Karissa Dollar; and great grandson, Bryson Mansett.
Betty Lou
Sheffield, 95
Betty Lou Sheffield, 95, Leighton, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 3, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will be Wednesday, December 4, in the funeral home chapel, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Terry Herston officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery, Muscle Shoals.
Betty Lou was a member of Mt. Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was a foster grandparent and a volunteer with Easter Seal for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ozzie and Grace Letsinger; and husband, James Sheffield.
Betty Lou is survived by her nephews, James Earl Letsinger, Anthony Letsinger (Darla), John Lance Letsinger, and Phillip Letsinger; great-nieces and great-nephews, Monika Thorn (Erik), Anthony Letsinger, Jr. (Maria), Bryant Letsinger, Benjamin Letsinger, and Ashley Lee (Matthew); and a host of other relatives.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Betancourt, Zachary Betancourt, Julian Letsinger, Dillian Letsinger, Tristan Letsinger, and Evan Thorn.
Carl Franklin Posey, 90
Carl Franklin Posey, 90, Cherokee, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Visitation will be Thursday, December 5, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jeff Davis officiating. Interment will be in Harris Chapel Baptist Cemetery, Cherokee.
Franklin was a member of Harris Chapel Baptist Church and a retired mechanic with the State Highway Department. At the early age of 20, Franklin began singing bass with the Posey Quartet. The Posey Quartet could be heard on WLAY and WVNA on Sunday mornings. The Poseys traveled to various churches throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi, spreading the Gospel through song. Throughout his life, Franklin also sang with quartets known as The Celestials and the Valley IV. He was preceded in death by his son, Terry Posey; and parents, Carl R. and Bertha Taylor Posey.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Peggy Posey; daughters, Rita Robertson (Chris) and Carla Hamm (Marlon); daughter-in-law, Rhonda Posey; grandchildren, Charles Letson (Anna), Chadd Hamm (Chelsea), Craig Hamm, Laura Beth Hammond (Mancy), Latasha Brown (Brandon), Brett Robertson, Devin Goins (Whitney), Elizabeth Harris (Tyler), and Zac Hamm (Maegan); and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren..
Pallbearers will be Doug Garrison, Devin Goins, Craig Hamm, Zac Hamm, Mancy Hammond, and Marlin Roden. Marlon Hamm, Nathaniel Reid, Chris Robertson, and Nelson Wallace will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family offers sincere thanks to the staff of Enhabit Hospice, especially Laura, Julie, and Jennifer. They are deeply grateful for Rita and Chris Robertson’s willingness to open their home with love and kindness in providing a comfortable environment for Franklin’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Harris Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Doris Baker Pride, 92
Doris Pride, 92, of Tuscumbia, AL died on Friday, November 22, 2024. There will not be any services held at this time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olion Baker and Mary Ann Baker; sisters, Ruth Witcher and Blanche Simon.; brother, Elmo Baker.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Carla Goerlich (Jacob); great grandchildren, Kenji Freeman and Miya Freeman.
Betty Lois
Mitchell
Myrick, 91
Betty Lois Mitchell Myrick, 91, of Muscle Shoals, passed away November 27, 2024. Visitation will be Sunday, December 1 from 11:00 – 1:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home with the service starting at 1:00 pm and burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
She is preceded by her husband, Laymon Myrick; daughter, Vonda Myrick; sons, Bobby Myrick and Danny Myrick; grandson, Jason Myrick.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Tonya Staggs (David); sons, Roger Myrick, Jimmy Myrick, Mitchell Myrick. Additional survivors include sisters, Evelyn Thigpen; fifteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Betty was a dedicated nurse who retired from ECM Hospital after many years of service. She had a passion for painting and drawing and loved creating unique angels out of Barbie dolls. Betty was a member of both Faith Tabernacle and House of Prayer, where her faith played an important role in her life.
Celia Robinson Reynolds, 70
Celia Robinson Reynolds, age 70 of Florence, passed away on November 24, 2024. Celia will be dearly missed by those who call her a friend. Her memorial service will be Wednesday, December 11 -11:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Florence, 415 North Seminary Street, Florence, AL 35630. Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She is preceded by her parents Guy and Vonna Faye Robinson.
Celia is survived by her love of 43 years, Samuel Reynolds, her sister, Lynn R. Baker (David), and her two brothers, Guy M. “Mike” Robinson (Susie) and Joel E. Robinson (Connie).
She was a professional College Librarian for 37 years at Henderson State University in Arkansas and at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. Celia sang in the choir of the First United Methodist Church of Florence for 36 years. She loved nature and for 12 years she and Samuel have maintained a private nature preserve that they both found such joy in.
Celia loved writing notes and letters to people she knew, and they were always so very touched by her words. Her messages were interesting, worded beautifully and always personal.
Celia was deeply loved by everyone who met her. Samuel and Celia will always walk hand in hand.
Memorials may be sent to Bethel Springs Cemetery, Lita Gattis, 527 Valley Hill Road, Benton, AR 72019.
Mark Edward Glover, 51
Mark Edward Glover, age 51, of Florence, went to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Visitation will be Saturday, November 30th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at First Assembly of God in Florence. The service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Brother Greg Woodall officiating. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Mark Edward Glover Jr., Eddy Carpenter, Casey Glover, John Glover, Eric Michael and Dewayne Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Mook, Tatum Young, and Leo Glover.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Martha Glover.
Survivors are his loving wife of 26 years, Jessica C. Glover; children, Hope Glover Young (Tatum) and Mark Edward Glover, Jr.; sister, Genny Twiss; brothers, Casey Glover (Penni) and John Glover (Melinda); nieces, Taylor Glover, Avery Glover, and Shanley Smith; Nephew, Leo Glover.
Mark was a longtime member of Florence First Assembly of God and was a dedicated employee with Watco as an operator. He was a family man that always put his family first, including his fur babies Marley and Charlie. He enjoyed spending time in Gatlinburg, watching TV, cheering on the Crimson Tide, cooking with his church friends and trips to Texas de Brazil.
In-lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shylee Smiles Foundation at shyleesmiles.com
Robert “Bob” Sherman
Wode, 95
Robert “Bob” Sherman Wode, 95, of Florence, passed away November 25, 2024. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 27 at Williams Funeral Home from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. The funeral will start at 1:00 pm in the chapel with Adam Richardson officiating and burial following in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
He is preceded in death by his son, David Kelley
Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Ethel Grissom Wode; daughter, Shelia Marks (Jimmy); son, Donnie Kelley Sr., (Pauline); and nine grandchildren. Additional survivors include numerous great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was a devoted member of Petersville Church of Christ and American Legion #11. A proud Korean War veteran, and he cherished his grandchildren deeply.
