Nov. 29 obituaries

 

Melvin O’Neal Jackson, 55

Melvin O’Neal Jackson was born on September 2, 1970, to McKinley Jack­son Jr and Mary Jackson in Colbert County, Alabama.

He joined Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sheffield, Alabama, at an early age. O’Neal graduated from Deshler High School in 1989, where he was an active member of the football team.

For many years, O’Neal worked at Helen Keller Hos­pital. However, his health be­gan to decline as time passed.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, McKinley Jacson Sr and Clara Jackson, along with his aunts and uncle. Among them were William Young, Virginia Summerhill, Sarah E. Jackson, Edward Young, Sharon Miller, Patricia Lloyd, and Mike Lloyd.

O’Neal leaves behind cherished memories of his parents, McKinley Jackson Jr and Mary Jackson, Tus­cumbia, Alabama. He also leaves behind his brothers, Emmanuel Young, Florence, Alabama, Howard Earl Jack­son (Rhonda Welch), Mi­chael Jackson (Laurie), and Dennis Jackson (Tara), both of Tuscumbia, Alabama; and aunts and uncles, Percy Jones (Alice), Robert Jackson (Genise), William Jackson, Marvin Jackson (Yolanda), Sarah B. Jackson, Barbara Young (Jimmy Jr.) and An­nie Morris (Willie); as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ronnie

Leewayne

Maxwell, 50

Ronnie Leewayne Max­well, 50, Cherokee, died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. There will be a memorial held at Pleas­ant Hill on a later date.

Ronnie was a carpenter and of the Baptist faith. He was a loving father and loved life. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, James Lawrence Maxwell and Bet­ty Jean Walker Maxwell.

He is survived by his sons, Matthew Wade Dil­lard, James Nathaniel Max­well; daughter, Jaida Marie Mullins; brothers, William Lawrence Maxwell, John David Maxwell; sister, Ta­jauana Jill Maxwell; uncle, Johnny Lee Walker; niece, Tabitha Maxwell and special friend, Daniel Turberville.

James Walton Aldridge, Jr., 69

James Walton Aldridge, Jr. was born November 12, 1955, in Florence, Alabama. He was a loving son, an amazing husband, a devoted brother, a kind father and a faithful friend. After a long and courageous battle with illness, Walt safely entered the arms of Jesus on No­vember 19, 2025. His faith kept him strong amid the hardest battles. He was as­sured of Heaven and knew that his complete healing was waiting for him just on the other side of the veil.

Walt spent most of his life in the Muscle Shoals area. He was an award-winning musician, singer, songwrit­er, engineer and record pro­ducer. He began his career at Fame Studios working closely with Rick Hall and many other amazing mu­sicians. He has had many songs recorded by various artists and achieved the great honor of being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Ala­bama Music Hall of Fame.

Walt’s other interests in­cluded hunting, fishing, traveling, and woodwork­ing. But his most loved hobby was his garden. He proudly grew his vegetables and flowers every year. He often said it made him feel connected to his own Dad.

More than anything else, though, he loved his fam­ily! His greatest joy came from time spent with them.

Walt was preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Peggy Aldridge and his Brother-In-Law, Toby Faucett. He is survived by his wife, Steph­anie, his children, Rachael Stolt (Matt) and Hannah Al­dridge, and his bonus chil­dren Stephen Kirk (Jenna), Justin Kirk (Taylor), Kelly Allen (Josh) and Christian Kirk; nine grandchildren…Jackson Hillin, Penelope Allen, Emelia Allen, Ellison Allen, Lillian Stolt, Arrie Allen, Harrison Stolt, Mila Kirk, and Wrenly Allen. Walt is also survived by his lov­ing sister, Ramona Faucett (Bunny). Walt had a large extended family as well.

Walt spent approximate­ly 10 years serving as a Professor in the Entertain­ment Industry Department at the University of North Alabama. As a gift to the family, the Entertainment Department is hosting the funeral services for Walt at The Mane Room, located at 310 N Pine St, Florence, AL. Visitation will be Sat­urday, November 22, 2025, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Ser­vice will immediately fol­low visitation. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Park located at 3657 Old Chisholm Rd., Florence AL following the service.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walt Aldridge Entertainment Industry Scholarship. Checks may be sent to: UNA Foundation, UNA, Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632. Reference the Walt Aldridge Entertain­ment Industry Scholarship.

Dorothy Bradford Elledge

Carter, 93

Dorothy Bradford Elledge “Nanno” Carter, of Tuscum­bia, Alabama, passed away on November 20, 2025. Vis­itation will be Sunday, No­vember 23, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The fu­neral service will immedi­ately follow in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Barry Fleming officiating. Inter­ment will be in Colbert Me­morial Gardens, Tuscumbia.

Dorothy was born March 29, 1932, in Colbert County, to Willie Elvin Bradford and Ruby Wallace Bradford. She was known for her kindness, love of her family and Jesus. She spent her life camp­ing with family and friends and enjoyed Sunday School class at York Bluff Bap­tist Church where she was a long-time member. She was also a member of the Beta Club at Deshler High School, class of 1950. She was the first female insur­ance claims adjuster in the state of Alabama. She retired in 1997 with State Farm.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Paula Elledge Johnson (Frank); grand­sons, Tyson Johnson, and Grant Johnson (Whitney); great-grandson, Paxton Johnson; and special neph­ews, David, Steve, and Glenn Bradford. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Carter; son, Terry Elledge; grandson, Clayton Todd Johnson; par­ents, Ruby and Willie Elvin Bradford’ sister, Visa Ber­ryman; and special niece, Shylee Bradford Bevis.

Pallbearers will be David Bradford, Steve Bradford, Glenn Keith Bradford, Jim Bragwell, Bradford Bevis, Cody Pitts, and Chris Stanley.

Our family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Denise Robinson, Shonda Kennedy, Shelia Cox and Ann Anderson for the love, meals, prayers, phone calls and constant support for our beloved Mother and Grand­mother. We are deeply grate­ful to Valli Stutts Griggers, Bennie Stutts Swisher and Glenda Gresham whose love and support meant so much to Dot that she loved them like daughters. Your com­passion will never be forgot­ten. The family extends it’s appreciation to Ben Weaver, Cody Pitts and Chris Stan­ley, devoted family friends of Tyson and Grant for their unwavering support, love and kindness for Nanoo.

Paul Howard Peden, 62

Paul Howard Peden, 62, Leighton, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Visitation will be Sat­urday, November 22, from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Morri­son funeral Home, Tuscum­bia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Mark Mayfield officiating. Interment will be in Glen­dale Cemetery, Leighton.

Paul was a native and life­long resident of the Shoals and a member of Leighton Baptist Church. He loved Nascar and any kind of foot­ball, but especially Alabama and Colbert County. Paul cherished his girls and his grandbabies very much and thought of his son-in-law as his son. He took pride in his work at Colbert Farmer’s Co-Op and loved the work that he did. Paul was preced­ed in death by his parents, Howard and Janet ”Jan” Peden; brother, Larry Peden; sister, Paulette Ledlow; and father-in-law, Paul Grissom.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Tina Peden; daughters, Emily Peden (Megan) and Janna Plunkett (Jake); brother, Leslie Peden; sis­ter, Tina Duncan; and grandchildren, Julianna, Jaxton, Jaycie, and Josie.

Pallbearers will be Jake Plunkett, Jordan Davis, Ty­ler Minor, Casey Ledlow, Brady Ledlow, and Haden Duncan. Todd Berryman, Jaxton Peden, Derek Aycock, and Leslie Peden will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to send a special thanks to a special friend, Jordan Da­vis, for his help and support,

Luisa Lazara Montesino Bright, 83

Luisa Lazara Montesi­no Bright, 83, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The rosary will be Monday, November 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Shoals Catho­lic Church. She will lie – in – state from 11 until 12 p.m. The funeral mass will immediately follow with Father Benny Karimalikkal officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery

Luisa was born in Havana, Cuba in 1942. She and her family fled communism in 1960 and arrived in the USA when she was just 17yrs old. She was hard-working, and nearly single-handedly raised her 3 children, with a wonderful support group that included her parents, sister and brother-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Isabel Lopez, Vicente Montesino, Sr; her broth­er, Vicente Montesino, Jr; her sister, Mayda Mon­tesino; her husband, Bill Bright; and her great grand­daughter, Iyla Bearden.

She leaves behind her son, John Peralta (Maria) from Orlando, Fl; her daugh­ter, Luisa Oswalt (Tommy) from Muscle Shoals; and her son, Felix Peralta (Ele­na) from Music Shoals.

She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Daisy, who, despite living miles away in NC, Face Timed daily, 3 or 4 times a day; her niece, Tuddy, who’s been like another daughter to her; a host of nieces and nephews who loved and cherished her; and all her many grandchildren & great grandchildren who absolute­ly adored their “Abuelita”.

In lieu of flowers you can have a Catholic mass dedicated in her honor.

Norma Faye Manush, 86

Norma Faye Manush, 86 of Tuscumbia, died at Ara­bella Health and Wellness in Russellville on November 19, 2025. Visitation will be at Morrison Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be Monday, Novem­ber 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home with Father Benny Kari­malikkal presiding. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Tuscumbia.

Known affectionately to her family as “Sissy,” Nor­ma was born to Ernest and Hattie Neely Manush on November 6, 1939. Norma was a graduate of Deshler High School in Tuscumbia. She was a 1960 graduate of Florence State College with a Bachelors of Science de­gree in Mathematics. She went on to receive a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1964.

Norma was a mem­ber of Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church.

Norma began her career as a math teacher at Deshler High School before pursu­ing social work. She spent most of her career with the Alabama State Department of Human Resources in Montgomery serving fami­lies and children across the state of Alabama. She began working in the department in the Division of Child and Family Services in 1969 and retired in 1996 as the Dep­uty Director of the Division of Family and Children Ser­vices. Her commitment to helping children and fam­ilies spanned nationally as she served on the steering committees to develop both the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administration as well as the Southeast Regional Adoption Resource Center.

Norma retired in 1996 and returned to Tuscumbia. She loved Tuscumbia and telling people about its rich history which included her uncle Heinie Manush, a Ma­jor League Baseball Hall of Famer. She and her brother, Frank, often opened their home to the public for tours during the town’s annual Heinie Manush Day events.

Norma was a member of the Colbert County Histor­ical Landmarks Foundation and a founding member of the planning committee for the annual Heinie Manush Day. She also served as long time treasurer of the Friends of the Helen Keller Library.

After her retirement and return to Tuscumbia, Nor­ma enjoyed gardening and restoring her family home, which was dedicated as a historical landmark in 2013.

Whether in her successful career with the Department of Human Services or her volunteer work, Norma had a knack for taking charge of any situation and mov­ing things forward. She was strong minded and confi­dent in expressing her views while never shying away from hard work. Norma’s leadership, both profession­ally and in her various civic endeavors, left a lasting im­pression on her community.

Norma is survived by her brother, Frank Manush; and cousins Amy Manush Glov­er (Muscle Shoals), Mark Manush (Huntsville), Stan Manush (Vestavia Hills), Charles Manush (Godfrey, IL), Robert Glen Manush (Phoenix, AR), Sue Manush Wallace (Dallas, TX), Ve­ronica Wright (Huntsville), Mary Jo Kirkpatrick (Amo­ry, MS), Jeannie Goodnogh (Mantachie, MS) and Anna Howell (Madison, MS); and special friends Jenny Beth Nesbit, Ninon and Rich­ard Parker, Carol South, Beth and Reg Lambert, Mi­chelle and Paul McGuire and Maureen Pounders.

Pallbearers will be: Rich­ard Parker, Reg Lambert, Paul McGuire, Bennie Ralph Smallwood, Forest Small­wood and Billy Kirkpatrick.

Donations may be made in Norma’s memory to: Friends of the Helen Keller Library at 511 North Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674.

 

 

Jimmie Verlin Fry, Sr., 77

Jimmie Verlin Fry, Sr., 77, of Tuscumbia, passed away November 17, 2025 at Huntsville Hospital. Vis­itation will be Wednesday, November 19 at Williams Funeral Home from 11:00 – 1:00 pm and a graveside ser­vice will follow at 1:30 pm in Shoals Memorial Gardens.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Lillie Mae Fry; and his sister Shelia Tribble.

Jimmie is survived by his loving wife Joann Black Fry; son, Jimmie V. Fry, Jr. (Dawn), broth­er-in-law, Mike Tribble; grandchildren, Rachel Formby (Owen), Jacob Fry (Megan); and great-grand­children, Caleb Gallien, Bo and Benjamin Formby.

Jimmie was a proud U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran. After his military service, he enjoyed a long career with Champion Paper Mill before retiring. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion and a faith­ful member of Tuscumbia United Methodist Church.

Curtis Ray

Holt, 74

Curtis Ray Holt, age 74, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on November 21, 2025. Ser­vices were held privately.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Dorthy Holt, his sister Lisa Russell, and his brother Rodney Holt.

Curtis is survived by a son, Jonathan Holt. One brother, Randy Holt (Vick­ie), and four sisters: Karen Landis, Rita Fish (Bobby), Wanda Cobb (Greg) and Donna Holt. He is also survived by numerous niec­es, nephews and cousins.

Curtis loved the Lord. He enjoyed collecting unique items and working outside. He was a jokester and en­joyed making people smile.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Paula Gail for being there for Curtis and taking care of him in his final days.

Mary Ann Eady Riddle, 86

Mary Ann Eady Riddle, 86, of Florence AL passed away at home on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She was born in Springville, AL to George C. Eady and Amy Mae Simmons Eady. She married John Tilden Cread Riddle on July 10, 1960. She counted being a dedicated wife, mother, and grand­mother as the greatest joy of her life. Known amongst her family and friends for her unshakeable beliefs and deep faith, she was a mem­ber of First Baptist Church of Florence at the time of her death. Mary Ann is sur­vived by her husband John Riddle, sons John T.C. Rid­dle (Jocelyn) andScott Rid­dle (Kristal); three grand­sons: Devin, Caleb, Samuel; brother Ray Eady (Jane); and multiple beloved niec­es and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Amy Laura Patterson Halpin; brothers and sisters-in-law Joe Eady (Rebecca), Clarence Eady (Mary Faye), and J.B. Eady (Helen). Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21 from 10-11:30 am, at Colbert Memorial Chap­el. The family has elected to hold a private gravesite service after the visitation.

Betty Lou

McCombs

Fuller, 74

Betty Lou McCombs Full­er, 74, of Muscle Shoals, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Novem­ber 22, 2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 26, 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 Bro. Ted Vafeas officiating. Interment will be in Glen­dale Cemetery, Leighton.

Betty was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church in Tuscumbia. She was a former member of Highland Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, and Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscumbia. She taught Sunday School and was a Department Director of young couples with her husband, Bradley. She con­tinually visited the sick in hospitals, attended count­less funerals, and cooked food for those in need. She served the Lord through her actions for others and they were always filled with love. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for five years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ovie Lee and Fred McCombs; and sister, Rebecca Sullivan.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bradley Fuller; daughters, Cindy Vandiver (Jimmy Dale) and Melanie Musgrove (Chet); sisters, Annette Graham and Judy Pearman (Jimmy); grand­children, Jared Vandiv­er (Tori), Ciara Coffman (Augie), Celeste Vandiver, and Jackson Vandiver; and great-grandchildren, Pais­ley Balentine, Jase Vandiv­er, Briar Coffman, Jasper Vandiver, Kinsley Vandiv­er, and Lillie Ann Coffman.

Pallbearers will be Jim­my Dale Vandiver, Chet Musgrove, Augie Coffman, Scott Vandiver, Jared Van­diver, and Jackson Vandiver.