July 19 obituaries

Barbara Jane Waldrep

Hairrell, 80

Barbara Jane Waldrep Hairrell, 80, Tuscumbia, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Fu­neral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immedi­ately follow in the funeral home chapel with Scott Liv­ingston officiating. Inter­ment will be in Shoals Me­morial Gardens, Tuscumbia.

Jane was a lifelong res­ident of Colbert County. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and en­joyed reading, crafts, and baking. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, William Hairrell, Sr.; son, Brian Hairrell; and grand­son JayTe Monroe Hairrell.

She is survived by her children, William Hair­rell, Jr., Heath Hairrell, and Heather Hairrell; ten grandchildren; and thir­teen great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Hairrell, Cole Hair­rell, Clint Hairrell, Austin Hairrell, Anthony Hov­ater, and Steve Hovater.

Betty Lou Hester Whitaker, 86

Betty Lou Hester Whitak­er, 86, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Visitation will be Sat­urday, July 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Casey Hagle officiating. Interment will be in Oak­wood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Betty was a member of Parkview Baptist Church, Tuscumbia. She was preced­ed in death by her parents, Ocie and Dessie Hester; brother, Gene Hester; daugh­ter, Sabrina Boshell; and son-in-law, Barry Boshell.

She is survived by her husband, of sixty-seven years, Jimmie Whitaker; daughter, Tammie Coburn (Tom); grandchildren, Jere­my Coburn (Amber), Whita­ker Boshell (Heather), Isa­bell Boshell (fiancé, Isaac Kelly), and Juliana Blagburn (Braden); and great-grand­daughter, Adaline Boshell.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Coburn, Whitaker Boshell, Danny Hester, Cody Hester, Caleb Hester, and Joe Under­wood. Honorary pallbearers are Claude Talley, Braden Blagburn, and Isaac Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, me­morials may be made to Parkview Baptist Church Building Fund.

Peggy Hawn Maynor, 73

Peggy Hawn May­nor, 73, Cherokee, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025. No services are scheduled at this time.

Peggy was a lifelong resident of Colbert Coun­ty. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mack Hawn and Margaret Franks Hubbard; daughter, Katherine Rose Maynor.

She is survived by her husband David Maynor; son, Jesse Hawn ( Alison ); sister, Joyce Johnson; grandchildren, Chelsae Rob­nett, Chandler Hawn, Raney Hawn and Collin Maynor; great-grandchildren, Way­lon Robnett, John Rob­nett and Scarlett Robnett.

The family would like to request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Col­bert County Animal Shelter.

Jody Ramon Turner, 51

Mr. Jody Ramon Turn­er, age 51, of Sheffield AL, passed away on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025.

Mr. Turner was born Sep­tember 15, 1973, in Colum­bus, MS to the late Joe Turner and surviving Diane Turner.

He graduated from La­mar County high school in 1991 and went on to earn a degree from the Univer­sity of North Alabama.

Mr. Turner married his wife Ashley in 2011 in Memphis TN. They were married for 14 years and had their daughter Isabel on Oc­tober 6th, 2011, later joined by his son Zane in 2015.

He worked with mul­tiple companies through­out his life but had much success with Ameripride where he was recognized yearly for his dedication and merit as a salesman.

Mr. Turner loved to spend time in his work­shop, crafting furniture and woodwork projects. He was also an enjoyer of his­tory and research, spend­ing time doing in-depth searches for family history and native american ties.

He will leave a profound impact on those around him. Mr. Turner cared deeply for his family and friends and always meant well with his actions. He followed his children’s lives closely and was heavily invested in their success, sharing wisdom and advice at any turn. Mr. Turner was an advocate for equality and sought out in­justices in the national and local communities with a vested interest in politics.

Mr. Turner is survived by his wife Ashley and children Isabel and Zane Turner. His mother, Diane, uncle Zaedus and his family, as well as his brother Walter and nephew Walter Ira, and niece Wyn­ter Turner, as well as his best friend Brian Vandiver and close cousin that was like a sister, Emily Hatfield.

He is preceded by his fa­ther Joe and grandparents Zaedus Turner Sr, Ruth Thompson Turner, Wil­ma and Johnny Dooley.

There will be a private service held for family.

Gary Wayne Reed, 69

Gary Wayne Reed, 69, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, July 13, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The fu­neral service will be Monday, July 14, in the funeral home chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Ronnie Poag offi­ciating. Interment will be in Guy Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Gary was employed by the Rogers Group. He loved fishing, going to the beach, and Alabama Football. Roll Tide!!! He was pre­ceded in death by his par­ents, Charlie and Dorothy Reed; and brothers, Bobby Reed and Charlie Reed, Jr.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane Reed; children, Jody Reed (Amy) and Kim­berly Reed; stepchildren, Di Barton (Stanley), Jeff Cole (Lindsey), Kyle Cole (Kim), and Dakota McKee (Shay); sister, Brenda McK­elvey (John); grandchildren, Joseph Phipps, Jordan Reed (Kayla), Jayla Reed, Joce­lyn Reed, and Jaylen Reed; great-grandson, Griffin Deming; step-grandchil­dren, Kyia Barton, Gab­by Barton, Amaya Barton, Nate Cole, Alayna Cole, Micah Cole, Tripp Cole, Adrienne Cole, and Kellan Wade; and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Jor­dan Reed, Chris Dalrym­ple, Barney Barnes, Mark Taylor, and James Tank.

Beverly P.

Smith, 87

Beverly P. Smith (née Moore), born in Decatur, Alabama on October 2, 1937, went home to be with our Lord on July 9, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her beloved hus­band, James Smith; and her son, James Steven Smith.

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Kim (Ken); her granddaughter, Katey (Bul­maro); her grandson, Danny (Allysa); eight great-grand­children; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Beverly never met a stranger — everyone who knew her loved her. She spent the last six years in Racine, Wisconsin, close to her family. Beverly loved the Lord deeply and found great joy in encouraging her friends and commu­nity. She cherished col­lecting Precious Moments figurines, and loved craft­ing, crocheting, sewing, and most of all, spending time with those she loved. There was truly no one like her, and she will be deeply missed. She is irreplaceable.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 18, at Morri­son Funeral Home, Chero­kee, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Jason “Tater” Taylor, 43

Jason “Tater” Taylor, 43, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025. There will be a pri­vate memorial service for the family at a later date.

Jason was a lifelong resi­dent of Colbert County. He enjoyed fishing and spend­ing time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jer­ry Wayne Taylor; grand­daughter, Harper Evelynn Taylor; aunt Sherry Gooch; and uncle, Jimmy Simpson.

Jason is survived by his two sons, Tyler Taylor (Ci­ara) and Tanner Taylor (Em­malee); mother, Jamie Tay­lor; siblings, Katina Jaco (Billy), Jermey McCraw (Amanda), Patricia Lynch, and Leanne Harris; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jason especially loved his great nieces and nephew, Parker Rose Jaco, Amelia Jean Jaco, and Asher Garner.

Larry Roland Herston, 59

Larry Roland Herston, 59, of Florence, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025. There will be a private memori­al service at a later date.

He was a native of Flor­ence and was preceded in death by his parents, Ro­land and Frances Herston.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Summer Stan­field (Connor); grandson, Ezra Stanfield; brothers, Phillip Hayes (LaDonna) and Ricky Herston (Maria); sisters, Debbie Rhodes, Sherry Springer (Michael), and Patricia Bailey; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Marty Dwight Evans, 59

Marty Dwight Evans, 69, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, July 13, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at East Colbert Church of Christ, Muscle Shoals. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Michael South officiating. Interment will be in Colbert Memo­rial Gardens, Tuscumbia.

Marty was a member of East Colbert Church of Christ, where he served as elder for thirty-three years. He loved to travel and en­joyed camping and hunting. Marty was an avid runner and a sports fan. He loved baseball and Alabama foot­ball, coached Youth League Baseball for eleven years, and was an inductee in the Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame. Marty liked sit­ting on his porch, drinking coffee and enjoying nature. But his greatest love was God; his wife, Linda; and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marty had a servant’s heart, helping anyone in need. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virglyn Evans; daughter, Amy Beth Evans Wampler; siblings, Charles Evans, James Evans, Wilma Oswalt, Jewel Patterson, and Doug Evans; and in-laws, Bobby and Diane Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Brown Evans, sons, Andy Evans (Jamie) and Adam Evans (Kend­ra); siblings, Wayne Evans, Thomas Evans, David Ev­ans, Judy Patterson, Susan Bevis, and Myrle Dewber­ry; grandchildren, Ashlyn Blackmon, Evan Byrd, Ava Evans, Kinley Wampler, Jacob Evans, Jonas Evans, Swayze Evans, and Ledger Evans; and great-grand­sons, Sammy Blackmon and Lucas Blackmon.

Pallbearers will be Glen Brown, Chris Hulsey, Greg Smith, Brent Wear, Jer­ry Wilcoxson, and Andy Nichols. The East Col­bert Church of Christ Se­curity Team will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to East Colbert Church of Christ Mission Fund, 5075 River Road, Mus­cle Shoals, AL 35661.

Derinda Kay Ford Nalley, 76

Derinda Kay Ford Nalley, 76, Muscle Shoals, entered the presence of her Lord on July 11, 2025. At her request, there will not be a funeral service. Interment will be in Poplar Creek Cemetery.

Derinda dedicated thir­ty-one years of her life teaching kindergarten in Colbert County, shaping countless young minds and loving them like her own. She was a member of Poplar Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis Milton Ford and Benton Corsby Ford; and husband John Nalley.

Derinda is survived by her brother, E.D. Ford (Diann); step-children, Andrea Hill (Kevin), Pam Walker (Ray), Doug Nalley, John W. Nalley III (Erica) and Ashley Isbell (Aaron); Step-grandchil­dren, Hanna, Cooper, Bella, and Jay; nieces, Leanna Byrd (Brad), and Becky Peninger (Marty) and their children, Emily and Wyatt; and a host of cousins and friends.

The family offers spe­cial thanks to Dr. Williams, Dr. Ridgeway, Dr. Isbell, and the nurses at Helen Keller Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poplar Creek Cemetery, Inc., P.O. Box 635 Leighton, AL 35646.

Tammy J.

Diltz, 59

Tammy J. Diltz, 59, Tuscumbia, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Tammy was a member of First Methodist Church, Tuscumbia. She was preced­ed in death by her husband, Richard Lee Diltz, Jr.; and father, Robert L. Cole, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Daniel Cole, Jes­sica Price, Chris Stone, and Kimberly Cunningham (Don); brother, Robert L. Cole, Jr.; and grandchil­dren, Dillon, Elizabeth, Emily, Cameron, and Oliv­ia Cole, Johnny Hopkins, Keaton Hopkins, Edward Price, and Jakobie Stone.

 

Brenda Lee Knight, 84

Brenda Lee Knight, 84, Tuscumbia, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, July 17, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The fu­neral service will immedi­ately follow in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Scott Livingston and Dr. Teman Knight, III offici­ating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park.

Brenda was a 1959 gradu­ate of Bogalusa High School, then graduated from Sulli­van Vocational Technical School. She married Teman Knight, Jr. in 1960, enjoy­ing 64 ½ years together. Brenda worked in Research and Inventory at Crown Zellerbach Corporation, and later she was with H & R Block, doing taxes. Before her membership at Valdosta Baptist Church, Tuscumbia, she was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana, where she served as financial sec­retary and Pastor’s secretary to five pastors over three decades. Brenda taught GAs and Acteens in Boga­lusa. She served for several years as a member of the Adult Choir, and she taught the Children’s Choir. Bren­da was also a member of the Hand Bell Choir. Along with her husband, Teman, she was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Leon­ard and Frankie “Joyce” Lee; and brother, Joe Lee.

Brenda is survived by her children, Dr. Teman Knight III (Darlana), Denny Knight (Ron), and Shari Knight Ter­rell (Ben); brother, Leon­ard Lee; grandchildren, Jay Knight (Leigh), Alana Rob­inette (Jake), Frankie Terrell (Cara), and Alex Terrell; and great-grandchildren, Trynaty Larkins, Adam, Wy­att, and Eliana Knight, and Evie and Bennett Robinette.

Pallbearers will be Ben Terrell, Austin Underwood, Denny Knight, Ron Ruther­ford, Jake Robinette, Alex Terrell, and Frankie Terrell.

In lieu of flowers, memo­rials may be made to Val­dosta Baptist Church, Tus­cumbia, or Heritage Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL.

Sharon Nix Heath, 67

Sharon Nix Heath, 67, of Tuscumbia, AL, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. A visitation will be held at Colbert County Cow­boy Church on Thursday July 17, 2025 from 12-1 with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Truman Sutton will be offi­ciating. Colbert Memorial will be assisting the family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Heath Jr.; son, Jeremy Mansell; parents, George Nix Jr. and Shelby Box Nix.

She is survived by her son, John Heath III; daugh­ter, Katie Lynn Heath; brothers, Ronald Nix and Johnny Nix; sisters, Su­san Riley and Mary Ann Grigsby; grandchildren, Lithiah, Sydney, Joplin, Taylor, Dixie, Dawsyn; great-grandchildren, Evie Blair and Josie Ellen.

Robert Gary Hester, 86

Robert Gary Hester was born on July 23, 1938. He passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 86. Vis­itation will be Tuesday, July 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will be Wednesday, July 16, in the funeral home chapel beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Greg Beasley offi­ciating. Interment will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Robert is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Bonnie Sue Hamm Hester; his sons, Joey Hester (Debra) and Jeff Hester (Suzanne); his grandchildren, Jason Hester, Jeremy Hester, Sara Byrd (Brad), Josh Hester (Elisha), Caleb Clark (Alex), Breanna Morris (Ryan), and James Hester; and elev­en great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Gary and Vida Hester; and his brother, David Hester.

Robert’s grandsons, Ja­son, Jeremy, Brad, Josh, Caleb, and James, will serve as pallbearers.

Robert worked at Mar­tin Supply of Sheffield for 36 ½ years. He retired in 2005, having made lifelong friends with owner, Mr. Don Ruggles, and his family. Af­ter his retirement, he relo­cated to Dothan, AL, to be closer to his sons and their families. There, he attend­ed Pathway Baptist Church.

Robert was a wonder­ful husband and a fantastic father. He never allowed anyone to pity him and his circumstances. He faced his disadvantages head on and never asked “Why me?” In­stead, he lived his life fully with a “Why not?” attitude. Robert traveled across the U.S., making many price­less memories with his wife, mother, and sons. He even made a few beach excur­sions with his grands. He loved his family and had a dream for each new mem­ber added to his family tree.

Robert loved food of all kinds, but his favorites were always made with love for him by his “Bunny”.

We’d like to extend very special thanks for the per­sonal love and care provided by the entire staff at West­side Terrace of Dothan, AL

Robert was an amazing human being, that left an unforgetable impression on everyone that knew him. His legacy will live on through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was equally proud of each and every one of them.

We are all blessed to have been a part of this special man’s life and so happy we got to call him Dad, Grandpa, PawPaw, and Old Grandpa.

Michael Alvin Meadows, 78

Michael Alvin Meadows, 78, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away on July 12, 2025. Vis­itation will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 2-3 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 3 p.m. in the chapel. Bro. Thomas Thornton will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Fuller; late wife, Patricia Meadows; and grandparents, Hum­phrey and Hettie Roden.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Meadows; son Michael Meadows; step­daughters, Tonya McGuire (Brian) and Angie Killien (Heath); grandson, Caleb Meadows; seven step great grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and spe­cial uncle and aunt, Thom­as and Mildred Thornton.

Curtis Ray

Lowry, 90

Curtis Ray Lowry, age 90, of Muscle Shoals, passed away July 7, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenord and Elna Lowry; his wife, Chole Lowry; and his broth­ers, Roger and Ted Lowry.

Curtis is survived by Harold Lowry of Texas, Jerry and Joe Lowry of Indiana, along with sev­eral nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Charles McMahill, Aspen McMahill, Ralph Parrish, Clay Carpenter, Ramon Randolph, Nathan Cox, Evan Ryan, and Tony Saint.

Curtis was an avid hunt­er who found great joy in the companionship of his loyal hunting dogs and the camaraderie of his fellow hunting club members. A devoted husband, Curtis shared 64 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Chole, originally from London, England. Their journey began in Crown Point, Indiana, where they first met. After marrying, the couple settled in Ala­bama, where Curtis would spend the rest of his life. Above all, he cherished cre­ating lasting memories with Chole, the love of his life.

Kalen “KJ”

Hester, 26

Kalen “KJ” Hester, age26, of Tuscumbia, passed away Monday, July 7th, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, July 12th from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. The service will follow at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Brother Da­vid Byrd officiating. Burial will be at Guy Cemetery in Tuscumbia. Pallbearers will be Andy Stricklin, Dee Reaves, Andrew Morgan, DJ Peeden, Tristan Mor­gan, and Jody Skipworth.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grand­mother, Bonnie Nolan.

Survivors are his moth­er, Brooke Hollins; father, Jody Skipworth (LaDon­na); maternal grandfather, Dee Reaves; sisters, Aliaha Hollins, and Candace Hes­ter; brothers, DJ Peeden, Tristan Morgan, Andrew Morgan, and MJ Skipworth.

KJ was a member of First Methodist Church of Tuscumbia. Special thanks to Vanderbilt Hos­pital nurses and staff for their love and care.

Garry J.

Rosenberger, 76

Garry J. Rosenberger, age 76, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama passed away July 5, 2025. A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Saturday July 26th at 9:00 am, Fa­ther Jonathan Howell offi­ciating. Visitation following mass in Upper Parish Hall.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Rosen­berger; mother, Jean Nich­ols; sister, Diane Hartman.

Garry is survived by his wife, Barbara Rosenberger; sons, Shawn and Jay Rosen­berger (Kaylee); grandchil­dren, Chloe, Eve, Camdyn, and Case Rosenberger.

Garry attended the Uni­versity of Cincinnati and graduated with an MBA. Employed with Hunt Man­ufacturing in Florence, Kentucky until 1988 when he transferred to Florence, Alabama as plant manager of Bevis Custom Furniture (HON), vice president of op­erations for ABCO (JAMI), started Insight Solutions small business consulting company, and co-found­ed BNI of the Shoals.

He had many interests serving on St. Joseph School Foundation Board, Rota­ry Club Treasure, Rotary District Treasure, Knights of Columbus Past Grand Knight, Lector for St. Jo­seph Church for 20 years. He never stopped learn­ing, even until the last.

Travel was his pas­sion; he and Barb traveled all over the world. Golf, boating, playing cards, bowling kept him busy.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jo­seph School Foundation at 203 Plum Street Flor­ence AL 35630 or Rota­ry Foundation at PO Box 329 Florence AL 35631 or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brett Barlow and his team at Clearview Can­cer Institute, Molly and Dr. Anthony Kalliath, all the wonderful people in our lives, offering prayers, mor­al, and physical support.

Cindy Lou Jett Boles, 78

Cindy Lou Jett Boles, 78, of Muscle Shoals passed away July 3, 2025. Visita­tion will be Tuesday, July 8th 11:00 – 12:00 noon at Williams Funeral Home. The funeral will start at noon in the chapel with burial following in Tri-Cit­ies Memorial Gardens.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles T. and Bessie Loraine Jett.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband of sixty-one years, Williams J. Boles; daughters, Christina Ben­nett and Cheryl Donelson; brother Charles Richard Jett; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cindy loved attending church at Grace Cross Road, where her faith flourished. She and William shared a passion for fishing and a heart for helping others. Together, they found great joy in ministering at the nursing home each month, bringing comfort and com­panionship to the residents.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to United Fellowship of Christians and Jews.