Dec. 20 obituaries

Kayleigh Victoria Page, 29

Kayleigh Victoria Page, born June 28, 1996, passed away tragically in a car ac­cident December 7, 2025, leaving her family shattered and forever changed. At just 29 years old, Kayleigh was a cherished daugh­ter, devoted mother, lov­ing wife, the best sister anyone could ever have, and a bright, irreplaceable light to all who knew her.

Kayleigh’s heart was an­chored in her love for her family. Her greatest joy was being “Mama” to her pre­cious daughter, LilahJune Elizabeth Janeway, whom she adored with every part of her soul. Kayleigh built her life around love — ten­der, fierce, and uncondition­al — and her presence made every room gentler, warm­er, and filled with laughter.

She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Lilah­June, and her loving hus­band, William Anthony Jane­way, Jr., who shared with her a deep and meaningful bond.

She is also survived by her mother, June Page, who held her from her first breath, and by Steve Page, who became the father she grew up with and who will forever cherish the years he had raising her.

Kayleigh leaves behind a large and devoted family who loved her endlessly; sisters, Kylee Page, Isabel Crump, Nicole Page-Cra­mer, Brianna Page, and Emma Page; brothers, Ste­phen Crump, Hunter Hester, Austin Page, Derek Cramer, and Matthew Page; grand­parents, Stephen and Ora­pid Pharis, and Dale Page.

She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, niec­es, nephews and cousins.

Each of them carries cherished memories of Kayleigh — her laughter, her kindness, her humor, her fierce loyalty, and her deep love for family, a love she now shares from Heaven.

Though her life was heart­breakingly short, Kayleigh’s impact was profound. She lived with compas­sion, grace, and a love that touched countless hearts. Her legacy will live on in her daughter, in her fam­ily, and in every life her beautiful spirit touched.

We hold tight­ly to God’s promises in these darkest hours:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

We trust in the goodness of God’s perfect plan, even when our hearts cannot un­derstand it. In His timing, He called Kayleigh home, and she answered His call with the fullness of His love surrounding her. Though we grieve deeply for the loss we feel here on Earth, we also rejoice in Heaven’s gain. Our comfort comes from knowing she is held in His arms, restored, and wrapped in a peace that sur­passes all understanding.

Kayleigh’s light will nev­er fade. She will be forev­er loved, forever remem­bered, and forever missed.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4

William Robert Blaxton, Jr., 82

Bobby Blaxton, Jr., 82, of Sheffield, passed away on Tuesday, Decem­ber 9, 2025. No services are scheduled at this time.

Bobby is survived by his daughter, Sheena Blaxton.

Mary Elizabeth Posey, 84

Mary Elizabeth Posey, 84, of Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, Decem­ber 9, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Marty Posey; son, Mat­thew Byrd; and parents, Elbert and Katie Swindle.

She is survived by her children, Mike Byrd, Mark Byrd (Angela), and Nichole Byrd (Jeremy); grandchil­dren, Jeremy Byrd, Niki Odell, Aldani Byrd, and Thomas Ivey; great-grand­children, Brayden Byrd, Addison Byrd, Paris Odell, London Odell, and John­ny Henson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ja­son Swindle, Jeremy Byrd, Jeremy Ivey, Brayden Byrd, and Edward Swindle.

Kenneth Allen Thompson, 72

Kenneth Allen “K.T.” Thompson, 72, of Tus­cumbia, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Visitation will be Sat­urday, December 13, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morri­son Funeral Home, Tuscum­bia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Greg McNatt officiating. Interment will be in North Carolina Cemetery, Killen.

K.T. was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was pre­ceded in death by his parents, Lucius and Opal Thompson; brothers, Earl Hills and David Hills; and sisters, Linda Creasy, Sue Tuck­er, and Wanda Thompson.

K.T. is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Cathy Thompson; children, Lucas Thompson (Lacey), Dustin Thompson (Nicole), and Jennifer Thompson; brother, Felix Thoomp­son; grandchildren, Ian Thompson, Bella Thomp­son, Aubrey Thompson, Leeland Seymore, Preston White, and Karson White; and loving family mem­bers, Anna Russell, James Parker, Lily Sanderson, Wyatt Sanderson, Delilah Vinson, and Maisy Parker.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Thompson, Lucas Thompson, Ian Thomp­son, Ronnie Creasy, James Trotti, and James Parker. Chandler Dobbs will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Stephanie Lynn McDowell, 56

It is with unimaginable sadness that I share the pass­ing of my wife, Stephanie McDowell, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Friends and family will be received on Sunday, December 14, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A private grave­side service will be held for our family at Oakwood Cem­etery, Tuscumbia, with Ron­nie Poag officiating. Family will serve as pallbearers.

Stephanie was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but spent most of her life in the Shoals area. She graduated from Sheffield High School with the Class of 1987. Stephanie was the kind of person who never knew a stranger. She could have a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and make them feel seen and valued. To her, everyone was a friend even if they weren’t aware of it yet. She believed deeply in peo­ple and was always willing to help, especially those who were willing to help them­selves. Her heart, her gener­osity, and her quiet strength touched countless lives.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, Wil­liam Reilly and Delores Jean Moore; aunt, Susan Bernard; and uncle, Jerry Bernard.

She is survived by her loving husband, Shawn McDowell; children, Jor­dan Fields, Shelby Fields, Macey Cook (Phillip), and Cameron Carpenter (Ma­rissa); grandchildren, Drew Cook and Dani Cook; and cousins, Brad Bernard (Em­ily) and Andrew Bernard (Melissa) and their children.

Stephanie was my part­ner, my best friend, and the anchor of our family. Los­ing her has left a void that can never be filled, but I am grateful for every moment we shared and every mem­ory we created together.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of North Alabama, espe­cially her nurse, Miranda Carlisle. Also, thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts.

You will forev­er be in our hearts.

Leland D.

Preston, Sr., 71

Leland D. Preston, Sr., 71, of Muscle Shoals, a devoted father and doting grandfa­ther, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, sur­rounded by those who loved him. Known for his honesty, loyalty, and one-of-a-kind spirit, he was a great friend to many and someone oth­ers could always depend on.

For more than 50 years, he worked in concrete and logistics, contributing to the growth and develop­ment of the Shoals area. His dedication, knowledge, and strong work ethic left a lasting mark on the commu­nity he cared so much about.

Leland lived his life with quiet strength, humility, and a deep sense of respon­sibility. As a grandfather, he was gentle, patient, and endlessly loving. As a friend, he was steady and true—someone who showed up, stood by others, and meant every word he gave. His honesty and depend­able nature earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him.

Leland was preceded in death by the love of his life for fifty-one years, Melissa Aday Preston; granddaugh­ter, Sophie Lee Cochran; un­cle and aunt, Bo and Ora Mae Robinette; brother, Lester Glenn Preston; sister, Mel­lissa Ann Preston; and sister-in-law, Hollie Aday Hogan.

He leaves behind by his children, Amy Bankhead (Thomas), Teresa Street (Atif), Karen Cox (Ricky), and Leland “Bo” Preston, Jr. (Becky); brothers-in-law, Rickey Aday (Diane) and Stephen Aday; sisters-in-law, Sandra Romans (Jim­my) and Sheila Hill (Mike); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nu­merous nieces and nephews who will forever honor his memory and carry his legacy forward with pride and love.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 14, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, De­cember 15, in the funeral home chapel beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Alan Bal­lentine officiating. Family and friends will gather to remember a remarkable man whose kindness, hard work, and unwavering dependabil­ity touched so many lives.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Cox, M. Atif Jawaid, Bo Pres­ton, William Smith, Thomas Easley, and Tim Richardson.

Wesley Martin Luther, 66

Wesley Martin Luther, 66, of Waterloo, passed away, December 10, 2025. There are no ser­vices planned at this time.

James Briscoe King, 92

James Briscoe “Jimmy” King, 92, Leighton, passed away on Friday, Decem­ber 12, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Leighton Method­ist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow in the church sanc­tuary. Interment will be in King Cemetery, Leighton.

Jackie Fox, 95

Jackie Fox, 95, of Flor­ence, passed away on Tues­day, December 9, 2025. There will be a graveside service for Jackie on Fri­day, December 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Tri-Cities Me­morial Gardens in Florence.

Jackie was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. She worked many years as a Registered Nurse and was a member of Corner­stone Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her sons, De­wayne and Gary Barnes.

Jackie is survived by her daughters, Von­da Green (Wayne) and Debbie Diviney; and nu­merous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Family members will serve as pallbearers and Tyler McKinney is an honorary pallbearer.

The family expresses spe­cial thanks to the staff of El Reposo Nursing Facility.

Garland Wayne Carruthers, 76

Garland Wayne Car­ruthers, 76, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, De­cember 13, 2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, Decem­ber 17, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The fu­neral service will immedi­ately follow in the funeral home chapel with Roger Bond and Brent Wear offi­ciating. Interment will be at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Wayne was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Vietnam. He was a former police officer with Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals Police Departments, the former fire marshal with Muscle Shoals Fire Department, and business owner. Wayne loved to fish and to race dirt cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Christine Hamm; first wife, Mollie Faye Carruthers; sons, Lanny and Franky Carruthers; brother, El­vis Hamm; sisters, Sharon Blackstock, Sara Moore, and Farion Ann Carter; and lifelong friend and fa­ther-in-law, Leland Keeton.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Audra Car­ruthers; children, Tobey Carruthers (April), Braxton Carruthers (Annabel), and Chelsea Carruthers; special mother, Mollie Malone; mother-in-law, Judy Kee­ton; brother, Doc Hamm; sisters, Deanie Watson (Al­ton) and Brenda Wilbanks; granddaughter, Mackenzie Carruthers and one grand­child on the way; a host of nieces and nephews; and his grand dogs, Whiskey, Zillah, and Boudreaux.

Pallbearers are Braxton Carruthers, Cody Howard, Terry Lewis, Josh Putnam, Chuck Gibson, Jr., and Dan­iel McBay. Honorary pall­bearers are Bob Wassen, Curtis Putnam, Chuck Gib­son, Sr., and Dean Leslie.

The family expresses special thanks to Ame­disys Hospice and espe­cially April Gargis, his rock during his illness.

Lorene Wise

Bailey, 104

Lorene Wise Bailey was born to George C. and Cora Floyd Wise, along with her twin sister Irene on Jan­uary 11, 1921, in Kansas City, KS. She departed this life on December 12, 2025, at Madison Hospital, surrounded by her nieces.

At a young age she ac­cepted Christ and was bap­tized at Lesley Temple CME Church. Lorene was raised in Tuscumbia, AL. She graduated from Tren­holm High School in 1940.

Lorene attended Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) and briefly taught in a one-room school­house in the Colbert County School District. Lorene mar­ried her high school sweet­heart Prince Bailey in 1946.

Lorene and Prince moved from Tuscumbia, Alabama to Lorain, Ohio where many of Prince’s family members lived. Lorene worked in the Medical Records Depart­ment at St. Joseph’s Hospi­tal for many years and was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. She remained in Lorain until after Prince’s death.

In 1994, Lorene returned to Tuscumbia to be near her Alabama family. She united with St. Paul AME Church in Tuscumbia. Lorene was an outgoing person and in­volved herself in programs and seminars traveling all over the US with family and friends. In 2020, Lo­rene moved to Madison, AL, again, to be near family. Lorene remained a faithful member to St. Paul AME Church keeping in constant contact even with the chal­lenges presented by their distance. Lorene moved to Huntsville, AL in ear­ly 2025, to be even closer to her loving niece, Nedra.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Floyd Wise; her sisters Roberta Wise Webb and Irene Wise Hamer; and niece Cora Bonita Hamer Speight.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews Gwen­dolyn Hamer (Robert, Sr.) Yarbrough of Statesboro, GA; Nedra Hamer McDan­iel of Huntsville, AL; Donna Webb Brittain of Cleveland, OH; James (Charisse) Webb of Tampa, Fl, Teresa Webb Law of Cleveland, OH; Nathan (Carolyn) Webb of Cleveland, OH; Gwendolyn Hanks of Chicago, IL; Terry Speight, spouse of the late niece Cora; great nieces and nephews, great-great niec­es and nephews and many cousins. Her special cousins include Harold and Frankye Calloway, Raymond and Elaine Eggleston, Louisiana Floyd, Bridget Floyd, Ron­ald and Kathryn Boyd, James D. Floyd, Tracy and BeLin­da Ragland, Earlene Bailey, Jacqueline Greenhill and Kerry and Jerry Schrader.

Lorene was mother to many though she had no biological children.

Lorene will surely be missed by her countless godchildren, nieces, neph­ews, cousins, and friends.

Lamoine Frances Roques, 83

Lamoine Frances Roques, 83, of Sheffield, passed away on Tues­day, December 9, 2025.

Lamoine was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a world traveler and an incredible chef. She had a love for wildlife, especial­ly birds, and enjoyed work­ing in her gardens. But her greatest love was her family. Lamoine was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Roques; and parents, Jo­seph and Veronica Collara.

She is survived by her children, Donna Lynn Fucich (Lee), Richard Charles Osborne, and Da­vid Allen Roques; brothers, Steve Collara and Joseph Collara; sister, Judith Mul­let; grandchildren, Jackson Roques (Edwin Torcele­ro), Clayton Roques (Mia), Mollie Fucich, Kaitlyn Fucich, and Alexa Fucich; great-grandson, Mason; and beloved pet dog, Reggie.

Clifton Leon Jackson, Sr., 76

The sunrise for Mr. Clif­ton Leon Jackson, Sr., was July 3, 1949, to the late William and Cora Jackson and his sunset was December 11, 2025.

He was a gradu­ate of Sterling High School class of 1967.

He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honor­able discharged in 1971.

Clifton was proceeded in death by his parents William and Cora Jackson; broth­ers: Mr. Charle Jackson and Larry Jackson; sisters: Ester Roots and Yolanda Bennett.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and de­voted wife Mrs. Margaret Jackson; two daughters: Deborah Goodwin of Shef­field, AL, and Stephanie Jackson Wilson of Birming­ham, AL; one son: Clifton Leon Jackson, Jr. (Heath­er) of Muscle Shoals, AL; six grandchildren: Taylor Jackson, Madison Jackson, Clifton Leon Jackson, III, Debreiana Goodwin, Jaelin Goodwin, Alisicia Good­win, and Sophie Wilson; five great-grandchildren: Kingston Jackson, Kashton Hughes, Onxy DeCourley, Nevaeh Daniel, and Landon Coffey; three brothers-in-law: Bobby (Terri) Moore of Muscle Shoals, AL, Leroy (Pat) Moore, and Charles Moore of Tuscumbia, AL; five sisters-in-law: Debo­rah (Jim) Johnson, Alice Abernathy, Pam Moore of Tuscumbia, AL, Barbara Moore, Eyvonne Moore of Sheffield, AL, and Kathy Febles of Montgomery, AL, and a host of nieces, neph­ews, cousins, and friends.

David Leonard Lovelace, 52

David Leonard Lovelace, 52, of Florence was born on February 9, 1973 and passed away suddenly, Monday, December 8, 2025. Visita­tion will be Thursday, De­cember 11, 2025 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Morri­son Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel with Tom Smith and James Senn officiating. Burial will be at New Hope Church of Christ Cemetery.

David was a lifelong res­ident of Florence. He was an operator for the Lauder­dale County solid waste department for 32 years.

Before David was old enough to go to school, he enjoyed going to the Central Volunteer fire department, later in life he became a member. He learned his fire­fighting skills from his fire­fighting family and his late father Chief Terry Lovelace. He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting in Tennessee and watching Alabama Football. He loved his fur babies, An­nabella, Ruger, and Grace. He thought of his cowork­ers as family and enjoyed the time he spent with them.

He is preceded in death by his father, Terry Allen Lovelace; grandparents, Grace and Tom Helton, Virginia and Grady Smith.

He is survived by his fi­ancé, Amanda Richey, and her daughter Cassidy; moth­er, Elaine Smith Lovelace; brothers, Kenneth Love­lace and Mike Lovelace (Charlotte); host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his brothers and sisters at the landfill and Central volunteer fire department.

Pallbearers will be Joel Brown, David Hale, Cleve Miles, Troy Rickard, Chris Rhodes, and Keith Vaughn.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Hughes, Ricky Byrd, and past and present volunteer firemen.