March 1 obituaries
Susie Law
Softly and tenderly Susie Law eased into her final rest on February 13th, 2025. Born Anna Sue Smith, on July 24, 1930, she grew up in a loving family in Scottsboro. After High School, she went on to study at Florence State Teachers College, and fell in love with her only love, Ben Law. After graduation, she worked for a time in Washington DC, then they married and started a vibrant family. Susie started teaching school as soon as her youngest child was in kindergarten. As her calling and her gift, she taught hundreds of children in First and Second Grade at Brick, Hatton, and Leighton Elementary schools. As an English major, her focus was correct grammar and reading, which she passionately encouraged in her own children, as well. She loved reading and could read a book a day! Susie taught Sunday School, was a girl scout leader, president of the PTA, and a cub scout pack leader. She was a member of Cox Boulevard Church of Christ for over fifty years. In all of these activities, music was a constant. Susie was an avid singer and if she wasn’t singing, she was probably humming a tune. She played the piano and sang with The Sweet Adeline Quartet. Her children all learned to sing on road trips, some all the way to California and Washington D.C., where she kept them busy with music and harmony. She loved travel and people. Her joy was infectious and her smile and friendliness made it easy for her to talk to anyone and everyone! Her family and friends will miss that dazzling smile and cheerful personality but rejoice that she has gone to join her Lord.
Susie is survived by her loving children, Cathy Condra, Laura Whitten (Randy), Sam Law (Tina) and Joy Pschierl (Walter); grandchildren, Ashley Moore (Ben), Lacie Crawford (Robyn), Austin Whitten (Natalie), Dillon Whitten (Cheyanne), Holli Gailey (Sid), Matt Glass (Suzanne), Andrew Law (Abby), Jessica Law, Ben Pschierl (Brooke ), and Tobias Pschierl; eleven great-grandchildren and her brother, Charles Smith (Carolyn).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Law; parents Charles Dugan and Gladys Scoggins Smith; and sister, Janis Olson.
The family wants to especially thank her dear friend, Sherry James, for always remembering her and her most loving and skilled caretakers, Leigh Pinkard, Denise Ergle, and Margaret Brewer who have become family.
There will be a celebration of her life at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia on Saturday, February 22. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am and the Ceremony will begin at 11:00. Officiating the service will be Larry Kilpatrick, who has been a longtime close friend.
Calvin Arthur “Skip” Cain, 75
Calvin Arthur “Skip” Cain, 75, Sheffield, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, February 23, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
Skip was known as “Skip the Magic Guy”. Of all the paths he could have taken, Skip willingly and wholeheartedly chose a career in educational entertainment using his magic tricks. He traveled extensively, sharing his gift with so many. He participated in twenty-six tours for the Department of Defense, entertaining US troops and their families overseas. He traveled to several schools across the country, delighting and amazing countless children. Skip took great pride in his trade, sharing as much joy as he could to as many people as possible. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marjorie Cain.
Skip is survived by his wife, Brenda Cain; daughter, Melissa Rockwell; stepchildren, Stephanie Banks (Mark) and Ashlie Alred Davis; brother, David Cain (Vicki); sister, Jeanne Layne (Larry); seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family offers sincere thanks to Skip’s nephew, Junior Riner, and members of the community for their assistance to his family.
Truman Carl “T.C” Hallmark, 79
Truman Carl “T.C.” Hallmark, age 79 of Muscle Shoals, went home to be
with the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2025. The family will receive
friends for visitation on Friday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00
p.m., at Valley Grove Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at
1:00 p.m. with Bro. Greg Beasley and Bro. Benji Kimbrough officiating. A private interment service will follow in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
A life-long resident of the Shoals, T.C. was born on August 18, 1945, to the late Alonzo Travis and Alma Burleson Hallmark. He was a retired safety director of Reynolds Metals but also worked for Ford Motor Company and Books-A-Million. T.C. was a lifelong member of the Jaycees. He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents, along with brothers W.T. Hallmark and Monroe Hallmark.
One of T.C.’s greatest passions was his service to the Lord at Valley Grove Baptist Church. At Valley Grove, T.C. served in various capacities, including deacon, Sunday school teacher, coordinator of senior activities, and choir member, and was involved in many other outreach opportunities.
It was a joy of his to build birdhouses and give them away as he witnessed to others.
The other great joy of T.C.’s life was his family. He was the most happy when he spent time with his family and told them often how blessed he was. Those left to mourn his loss and miss him the most are his beloved wife of over 60 years, Norma Jean Tillman Hallmark; children, Kim Hallmark Kimbrough, Carla Hallmark McGregory (Shannon), and Wendi Hallmark Thornton (Tommy); sister, Barbara Hallmark Thompson; grandchildren, Jake Kimbrough (Katherine), Mackenzie Kimbrough, Carson McGregory (Brittney), Sydney McGregory Mann (Cody), and Greyson Thornton; and great granddaughter, Scarlett Jane Mann.
Pallbearers include his grandsons and nephews Danny Hallmark and Dan Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Valley Grove Baptist Church Deacons – Wayne Jeffreys, Larry Allen, Ray Counts, Johnny Nixon, Chad Shell, Rusty Harper, and Brandon Burleson. Also, Larry Reid, Lloyd Baker, Doug Myhan, Don Bradford, and Jim Sanderson.
Bobbie Ann Fountain, 69
Bobbie Ann Fountain, 69, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jim Fiscus officiating.
Bobbie was a member of Vandiver Hollow Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ruby Fisher; brothers, Jimmy Fisher and Billy Roy Fisher; and niece and nephew, Jimmy and Rhonda Fisher.
Bobbie is survived by her husband of thirty-one years, Leroy Fountain; son, Scott Pennington (Christy); daughters, Tonya Weeks (Anthony) and Debbie Cowan (James); sisters, Rebecca Jones (Tony) and Rhonda Keenum (Bo); brother, Ronnie Fisher; grandchildren, Amy Reed (Jody), Caleb Pennington (Trinity), Amanda King (Lance), Patrick Lewis, Hanna Lewis (Trea), Franklin Pennington (Ashley), Kaylee McDill (Daniel), Ethan Cosby, and Monika Pennington; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at North Alabama Medical Center.
Julia Ann
Alexander Dodd Sides, 66
Julia Ann Alexander Dodd Sides, 66, Tuscumbia, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, February 28, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Valdosta Church of Christ, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the church, with David Conley officiating. Interment will follow the service. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 1, at the family home from 2:00 p.m. until dark.
Julia was a member of Valdosta Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Irene Alexander; daughter, Sharlie Turpin; and husband, Mark Sides.
Julia is survived by her children, Chris Dodd (Jennifer) and Beth Lawler (Collins); brother, Maurice Alexander (Debra); sister, Pamla Whiteside (Philip); grandchildren, Annie Sherrod (Jeffrey), Christopher Dodd (Bella), Tory Turpin, Abby Wellington (Dayton), Mikelyn Fredrick (Aiden), Sophie Jamerson, Alexandria Dodd, Lyndsay Tramontono, Lanny Turpin, Patton Dodd, Bentley Dodd, Gabriel Lawler, Harrison Lawler, and Sharlie Dawn Dodd; and great-grandchildren, Amarah Grissom, Alexander Miles, Jenesis Sherrod, and Bexley Dodd.
Pallbearers will be Dayton Miles, Lawson Young, Corey Puckett, Jeffrey Sherrod, Jaydon Miles, and Aiden Cowart.
Jess Willard Gurwell, Jr., 82
Jess Willard Gurwell, Jr., 82, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the residence of Tanya Barksdale, daughter, 202 Elliott Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Jess retired from United Pacific Railroad. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, as well as the Moose Lodge. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife of sixty years, Ursula Gurwell; brothers, Russell Gurwell and David Gurwell; sister, Connie Jenkins; father, Jess Willard Gurwell; and mother, Rosemary LeValley Gurwell.
Jess is survived by his daughter, Tanya Rosemary Barksdale (Mike); granddaughter, Amber Rose Bockus; and nephew, David James (Angela).
Enola Gay
Watson
Peden, 67
Enola Gay Watson Peden, 67, Leighton, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date.
Enola was a member of Leighton Baptist Church and was a believer and faithful follower of Jesus. She enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids and she put a smile on many faces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cletis and Evelyn Watson; several brothers and sisters; and extended family members.
Enola is survived by her husband, Wayne Peden; children, Mandy Peden (Scott), Kitty Peden, Cynthia Watts (Tyler), and Josh Peden (Talena); brothers, Greg Watson and Tom Watson; sister, Sharon Borden; and grandchildren, DiShawn, DaVeah, Zoey, Brayden, Jackson, Alexis, Johnathan, Colt, and Paul.
Sandra Lavon White, 75
Sandra Lavon White, 75, Sheffield, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, February 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Florence Ward. The funeral will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the church with President Eric Stevens presiding. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Sandra was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Russellville Ward. She was a talented craftsperson, enjoying quilting, knitting, and sewing baby blankets. She was preceded in death by her husband, R. T. White; daughter, Ebba Shavon White; sisters, Virginia Berryman, Shirley Ann Moore, and Inez Zills; brothers, Herbert Preston and Arnold L. Preston; and grandchildren, Rachel L. White, and Benjamin T. White.
Sandra is survived by her children, Robin T. White, Jonathan P. White (Sophie), and Rebecca W. Caldwell; siblings, Patricia Preston, Johnny Preston, and David Preston; grandchildren, John Meares (Haley), Timothy Meares (Anna), Justin Caldwell (Amber), Jason Caldwell (Stephanie), Jacob White, Michelle K. Hampton (Eric), Julie A. Lowery (Billy), Sydnay D. White, Lindsay Rogers (Justin), Daniel C. White (Julia), Christa D. Gonzales (Ron), Tiari J. White, Brianna E. Vance (Sam), Amanda G. White, Elizabeth R. White, Lillian S. White, and Jonathan P. White, Jr.; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be John Meares, Tim Meares, Justin Caldwell, Jason Caldwell, Jacob White, and J. Patrick White. Daniel White will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Judy Carol
Carson, 67
Judy Carol Carson, 67, Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, February 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will be Sunday, February 23, in the funeral home chapel beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Steve Hood officiating. Interment will be in Guy Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
Judy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved sewing and quilting, and she loved Jesus. She was preceded in death by her parents, Quinton and Mildred Grissom; brothers, Doug, Danny, and Ronnie Grissom; sisters, Elise Davis and Linda Nichols; brothers-in-law, John D. Spires and Tom Nichols; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Grissom.
Judy is survived by her, husband Mark Dick; children, Jason Grissom (Michelle), Micheal Aycock (Melissa), and Nikki Ulrich (Sammy); sisters, Betty Spires, Inez Hanners (Bobby), Irene Phillips (Dennis), and Reba Newell (Greg); brother-in-law, Jimmy Lee Davis; sisters-in-law, Brenda Grissom and Ada Grissom; grandchildren, Ethan Aycock (Santana), Taylor Aycock, Brayden, Kerah, Jaxon, and Gabriel Grissom, Jaden Lowery, and Emily, Daisy, and Rylee Ulrich; great-granddaughter, Anna Aycock; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Julia Ann “Peggy” Smith Sledge, 87
Julia Ann “Peggy” Smith Sledge, 87, Cherokee, went to her Heavenly Home on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, February 23, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Gatus Cheatham officiating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park.
Julia was born November 5, 1937, in Russellville, Alabama to Velma Malone Smith and Leon Elvin Smith. She was the wife of Ervin Pride Sledge. She was retired from Sheffield Housing Authority, where she worked for about thirty years. Julia was preceded in death by her husband; parents; in-laws, Mamie and Grady Sledge; stepdaughter, Terri Sledge Terry; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy Leon and Betty Fuller Smith.
Julia is survived by her sons, Randall Lee Sledge and Thomas E. Sledge; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Davis Sledge; grandchildren, Zachary Thomas Sledge; Jeremy Ivey, Michael Ivey; and Julia Elisabeth Oliver (Justin); great-grandchildren, Logan Thomas Sledge, Taylor Anne Sledge, and Thomas Ivey; nephews, Rodney Lee Smith (Kesli), Jimmy Wayne Smith, Dylan Lee Smith, and Jaxon Wayne Smith; and nieces and nephews from the Sledge family whom Peggy loved very much.
Emma Lucille Walker, 84
Emma Lucille Walker, 84, of Muscle Shoals, AL, passed away on February 15, 2025. Visitation will be held at Colbert Memorial Chapel on Friday February 21, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Colbert Memorial Chapel on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 12 p.m. Rev. Clarence Thompson and Pastor Rufus Goodloe will be officiating the service. Burial will be held at Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Emma was known for her love of cooking and her unique collection of salt and pepper shakers, which she spent decades curating. Her greatest joy in life was the time spent with her loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Walker; sons, Jimmie Walker and Cecil Walker; parents, Walter Lee Smith and Goldie Smith.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Walker Jr. (Bernice), Thomas Walker, and Kevin Walker; daughters, Ranell Ricks (Arthur) and Emma Thompson (Clarence); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Johnson, James Robinson, Terry Phillips, William Lewis, Korel Pruitt, Rickey Green, and Michael Horne.
Bertha Jean “Bolton” Fisher, 65
Bertha Jean “Bolton” Fisher, 65, of Russellville, AL died on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 12-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Bro. Scott Coffey will be officiating. The burial will be in Vandiver Hollow Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Bolton and Evelyn McCollum Bolton, and grandson, Jackson Fisher.
Bertha is survived by her son, Billy Fisher; daughters, April Simon (Justin) and Patricia Gomez (Casto); sister, Joyce Black; grandchildren, Tony Fisher, Alex Gomez (Lillian), Krystal Gomez, Victor Simon, Alfonso Simon, Maria Simon, and Weston Fisher; great grandchild, Marcel Gomez; special nieces, Amanda Gomez, Angie Bogus, and a host of other nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Tony Fisher, Alex Gomez, Victor Simon, Alfonso Simon, Brandon Keenum, and Marshall Ortiz. Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Fisher
Glenda Ann Nix, 58
Glenda Ann Nix, 58, of Leighton, AL passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. Bro. Truman Sutton will be officiating. The burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
She was a member of the Cowboy Church of Colbert County.
Glenda loved fishing, camping, and yard saling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and playing cards.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Norton and mother, Margie Parker.
Glenda is survived by her husband, Ronald Nix; daughters, Alicia Melson (Andy) and Morgan Butler; sisters, Brenda Scott (Stacy) and Pat Terry (Greg); grandchildren, Mackenzie Ledlow (Wesley), Bryson Butler, and Kinsley Melson; and great grandson, Bentley Ledlow.
Pallbearers will be Stacy Scott, Johnny Nix, Justin Murphy, Dan Grigsby, Randy Riley, and Matthew Horton. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Murphy and Henry Parker.
James Harold Riggs, 73
James Harold Riggs, 73, of Tuscumbia, AL died on Monday, February 24, 2025. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 12 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Leighton, AL. Bro. Roger Watson will be officiating. He was a cattleman who also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his dad, James Carl Riggs; son, James G. Riggs sister, Linda Smith; sister-in-law, Margie Wright (Mike); brother-in-law’s, Gerry, William, Elven Bratcher, and Leroy Gann.
James is survived by his wife, Cathy Bratcher Riggs; mother, Bernice Gandy Riggs; daughters, Tracy Malone (Steve) and Connie Smith (Leon); brother, William “Billy” Riggs; brother-in-law, Ralph Bratcher; sisters, Joyce Blaxton (Ray), Jean Swindle (Darryl), Novise Saint (Kenneth), and Nita Gann; grandchildren, Jamie Smith (Nikki), Josh Smith (Courtney), Matt Smith (Kayla), Stephanie Terry (Nathan), Kelley Handley (Justin), Trent Miller Riggs, and Alyssa Riggs; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Dwight Coats, Marty Vandiver, Larry Richie, Tim Garrison, Bill Hatton, and Jamie Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Vandiver and Farell Hatton.
Special thanks to the staff of Compassus Hospice for their loving care and special friends Dwight Coats, John Roland, Mike Hellums, and Milton Hatton.
Delorese
“Tootsie” Jean
Watkins, 71
Delorese “Tootsie” Jean Watkins, 71, of Florence, passed away, Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 12:00PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral will immediately follow with Rodney Shewbert officiating. Interment will be at Sheffield Oakwood Cemetery.
Tootsie was funny with a big heart. She was a mom to many and always helped others in need. She always put others first. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her love of family and friends, music, dancing, and being a bit fussy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Reba and Hoyt Price; daughter, Renee Austin; grandson, Manly Riddle; sisters, Marlene Troy, Edith Hallmark, Laura Gooch, Barbara Reeves, and Shelia Kay Ogle; brothers, Jimmy Castle and Bill Castle.
She is survived by her children, Katrina Dillard and Jerry Watkins Jr,
grandchildren, Isaac Dillard, Lakien Dillard, Taylor Watkins and Chloe Watkins; brothers, Mickey Price, Dennie Price, and Ronald Frazier; sisters, Charlene Campbell, Loretta Johnson, and Deborah Berry; 3 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be David Allen, Jonathan Glaze, Ryan James, Isaac Dillard, Daniel Price, and Christian Armstrong. Honorary pallbearer will be Taylor Watkins.
The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice, especially Lindsey Rideout and Katie Holt. Also a special thanks to Lindsay Watkins for taking care of her during her sickness.
Robert Elwood Frawley, 96
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Elwood Frawley, 96, of Sheffield, who left us on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Services to honor his memory will be held at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church in Tuscumbia, with Father Benny Karimalikkal officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the Rosary following at 10:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Robert retired from Weyerhaeuser as a Branch Manager. He was a member of Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church and a member of Knights of Columbus Council #6661. He was an avid swimmer and a devoted Alabama football fan, always cheering for his beloved team. He treasured family camping trips and had a passion for golf, enjoying the sport with friends and family alike.
Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Robert married the love of his life, Mary Nancy Baird, on September 30, 1950. Together, they built a beautiful family and moved to North Alabama in 1969. Robert was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Sr. and Rachel Little (Frawley) Cline, and his brothers, Stanley, John, Richard, and James. His son-in-law James and his daughter-in-law Kathy.
He is survived by his children, Jean Anne Rea, Robert Thomas Frawley (Georgia), Steven Jay Frawley, Christopher Edward Frawley (Yu-Ting), and Joseph Martin Frawley (Elizabeth). His nine grandchildren Jessica, Jennifer, Jamie, Kimberly, Ginger, Stephanie, Taylor, Allison and Garrett. His twelve great-grandchildren Abby, Margaret, Bella, Ellie, Oliver, Hayden, Madison, Evelyn, Vivian, William, Samantha and Elouise.
The Frawley family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for their excellent care provided to Robert.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to Robert’s heart. His loving spirit, dedication to family, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
May he rest in eternal peace.
