Dec. 27 obituaries
Shailyn Alize
Kirby, 11
Shailyn Alize Kirby, 11, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, December 19, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Colbert Heights First Baptist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Dr. Seth Hood officiating.
Alize was the most loving child. She had an impact on everyone she met and was loved by all. Alize loved singing and dancing and was the light of everyone’s life. She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Opal McBride; and nephew, Khaza Mullins.
She is survived by her mother, Twanta Kirby; father, Derek Ayers; grandparents, Greg and Teresa Hamm and Larry and Miranda Kirby; brother, Preston Kirby; sisters, Tiffany Kirby, Lily Mae Kirby, and Kacie McBride; uncles, Nick Kirby (Sammi), Larry Kirby, and Starsky Kirby; aunt, Charlie Hall; and many nieces and nephews who loved her so much.
The family expresses special thanks to all the emergency workers, and to the Lauderdale County Detention Center and everyone who has donated to Alize’s Memorial.
Billy Earl
Howard, 81
Billy Earl Howard, 81, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by his family. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Bobby Howard and Randy Michael will officiate the service.
Billy was a native and lifelong resident of Colbert County. He was a truck driver and enjoyed watching NASCAR, football, and westerns. He also enjoyed listening to music and talking with those who called him on the telephone.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Robin Howard; daughter, Belinda Evans; parents, Eddie Earl and Ione Howard; brother, Jerry Steve Howard; and great grandchildren, Bella Terry and Bryant Terry.
He is survived by his children, Cam Brown (Jay) and Jamie Howard (Regina); brothers, Bobby, Jackie, and Greg Howard; sister, Mary Ann Michael; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and baby Sprinkle due in April 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital.
Bradley Alan Bloomingdale, 74
Bradley Alan Bloomingdale, 74, of Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. A private service will be held for the family at a later date.
Bradley was a proud veteran of both the US Coast Guard and the US Navy.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Charlene Bloomingdale; children, Rachael Bloomingdale and Jared Bloomingdale; and grandson, Bradley A.P. Bloomingdale.
Mary Louise Bowser Carter, 94
Mary Louise Bowser Carter, who was born Feb. 18, 1931, on Main Street in Tuscumbia, Ala., some three blocks from the Ivy Green birthplace of Helen Keller, passed away from natural causes into the arms of her Loving Father on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 under Hospice care at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing Center in Florence, Ala. She was 94.
She was the daughter of the late John Harper Sr. and Mary F. “Mayme” Sherman Bowser of Tuscumbia.
Mrs. Carter, who was salutatorian of Tuscumbia’s Deshler High School in 1948 and lieutenant governor at Alabama American Legion Girls State in summer 1947, had a long and active career in education and charity in the Colbert County and greater Muscle Shoals area.
She was swept off her feet by former Vanderbilt football player Sam Carter of Sheffield in the late 1940s, and they were married in Tuscumbia on Dec. 8, 1950 – 75 years ago. She married Sam at the age of 19 just after finishing her semester final exams at Florence State (now University of North Alabama) earlier that week. The couple relocated to Sheffield where Mrs. Carter resided for the rest of her life.
She did keep a strong bond with her Tuscumbia roots from the 1960s onward as a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church, which opened with OLS parochial school in January 1960. She also maintained her duties as a church secretary, organist (she began playing at church services at the age of 12 in 1943), a choir member for 50-plus years, taught Catholic Youth Organization classes, and was president of such groups as the church’s Altar Society and Parent Teacher Association throughout her years there.
She also participated in such groups as the Junior League Follies, the Sheffield Public Library and support groups for Sheffield HS athletics for several decades and later began multiple office and bookkeeping duties at Sam Carter Oil Company in Sheffield.
Mrs. Carter joined her mother Mayme with a lifetime love of crossword puzzles, Sudoku, travel, and enjoying sports on all levels. Besides her alma mater UNA, she loved the Auburn Tigers, Vanderbilt Commodores and Mississippi State Bulldogs for many years while attending dozens of regular-season and bowl games from the time that she married fellow sports fan Sam.
She used to tell the family that she would take a low-key approach in the stands as the wife of Sam when he officiated numerous high school football games, some of Florence State’s first football games after the Lions rejuvenated that program in 1949 and Little League Baseball All-Star Games throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
She always was a great fan of musician Taylor Hicks and cherished autographed photos of Hicks and her favorite Auburn player – Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton.
She is survived by sons Bo (spouse Joanne) of Carrollton, Texas, and John (Amanda) of Muscle Shoals, daughters Ann (W.L. Butler) of Sheffield and Georgia Turner of Ormond Beach, Fla., along with granddaughters Ashley (Nick Howell), Rebecca (Dee Clark), and Jessica (Jason Frost), grandson Nic Allsbrooks (Effie), and great-grandchildren Aubrie Moss, Riley Howell, Darien Clark, Davion Clark, Evan Frost, and Wiley Carter Allsbrooks, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Sam, brother John Bowser and son Bob Carter.
Pallbearers for the service will be Tom Bowser, Bob Bowser, Dan Thompson, Reece Thompson, Nick Howell, and Dee Clark. Honorary pallbearers are employees of Carter Oil Company.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Dec. 19, at noon at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church, 200 East Commons North, in Tuscumbia with Father Benny Karimalikkal and visitation in the church sanctuary from 10-11:30 a.m. and Rosary at 11:30 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment will take place after the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery adjacent to the church grounds.
Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Sheffield Library, 316 N Montgomery Ave, Sheffield, AL 35660; and Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church, 200 East Commons North, Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
James Earnest Brown, 70
James Earnest “Buddy” Brown, 70, of Colbert County, Alabama, passed away on December 15, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, December 18, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Roger Bond and Dennis Smith officiating. Interment will be in Poplar Creek Cemetery, Leighton
Buddy was born on December 8, 1955, in Colbert County, Alabama, where he lived the majority of his life and built a life deeply rooted in his community. A true jack of all trades, Buddy was known for his ability to work with his hands and tackle just about any task put before him. He took pride in his skills, his work ethic, and in helping others whenever he could.
Those who knew Buddy will remember him for his practical knowledge, dependability, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. His greatest pride was his family, and he always took care of them in every way possible. His presence and contributions left a lasting impression on family, friends, and neighbors alike.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, JC and Shirley Brown; and sister, Sheila Saint.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kim Brown; aunt Nina King; brother-in-law, Wendell Saint; Dale Saint, nephew; sons, Kevin and James Brown; daughters, Kim Trapp (Brad), Laurel Smith (Dannon), and Kara Denton (Will); and grandchildren , Kaylie and Collin Brown, Brittani and Trenton Brown, Tasha and Misty Trapp, Rayleigh and Abby Smith, and Aiden and Cora Denton.
Pallbearers will be Kevin, James, Trenton, and Collin Brown, Brad Trapp, and David Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Will Denton, Dannon Smith, Muscle Shoals Fire Department, and Tuscumbia Fire Department.
Robert Franklin Newton, 70
Robert Franklin “Honda” Newton, 70, Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, December 20, from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee. The service will immediately follow with Timothy Yarbrough, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park, Cherokee.
He was a very hard-working man. “Honda” was a devoted father, friend and provider for his family. He would give anyone the shirt off of his back if needed and loved his grandchildren, family, camping, ballgames and going fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reeder and Elsie Newton; brother, Chester Newton; daughter, Ashley Newton McClung; parent in laws, Rev. “Bud” and Barbara “Bob” Hamm.
“Honda” is survived by his wife, Sherrie Newton; daughter, Tonya Willis (Tony); brother, Alford Newton (Patricia); sisters, Ann Jackson (Dan), Jean Reeder (Ronnie), Martha Ellis (Glenn); grandchildren, Tyler Willis ( Stephanie), Katelyn Bascomb (Daniel), Shay Willis ( Chase Taylor), Gracie Yarbrough (Alex), T.J. Yarbrough, Cayson McClung; great-grandchildren, Elaina, Elijah and Easton Willis, Gunner, Isabella, Kinsley and Josie Bascomb, Aidan and Haiden Vargas; special niece, Pamela Marks (David).
Pallbearers will be Tony Willis, Tyler Willis, T.J. Yarbrough, Daniel Bascomb, Cayson McClung, Dillon Green and Randolph Speegle.
Jackie Lee Bates, II, 39
Jackie Lee Bates II, 39, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 23, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Seth Hood officiating. Interment will be in Hyde Lake Cemetery, Colbert Heights.
Lee was a member of First Baptist Church of Colbert Heights, and a member of the Shoals Car and Truck Club. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, James Church; grandparents, Virgie and Charles Speegle; and grandfather, Bobby Bates.
Lee is survived by his sons, Haiden Bates and Riley Bates; mother, Tressa Church; father, Jackie Bates; sisters, Aundrea Weeks (Kenneth) and Tiffany Claunch (Cole); the mother of his children, Hailey Bates; and nieces and nephews, Wesley Weeks, Avery Claunch, Rayna Claunch, Spencer Weeks, and Hartley Claunch.
Pallbearers will be Kenneth Weeks, Cole Claunch, Daniel Speegle, Anthony Speegle, Chris Speegle, and Corey Speegle. J. T. Parker, Josh Emory, Tommy Murray, and Jacob Murray will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Annie Elladee Riddle, 92
Annie Elladee Riddle, 92, of Muscle Shoals, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025. The family will hold a private family service. Other arrangements will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
Martha Jean
Hall, 82
Martha Jean Hall, 82, Cherokee, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 12 noon in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Newburg Community Franklin County, Russellville Alabama.
Martha was an Administrative Assistant for the Public School System. When asked if she had fun when she was younger, Martha replied, “Oh boy, I’ve been having fun since the first day I got here!” She was preceded in death by her son, William Fredrick Hall; parents, Curtis and Lillie May Seay; siblings, Mattie Mae Pace, Betty Whitman, Dorthy Chaney, Thomas Seay, Walter Seay, Curtis Seay, Jr., Jack Seay, Rayburn Seay, Jerry Seay, Dewayne Seay and Sherrell Seay.
Martha is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ernest Monroe Hall; children, Teresa Ann Mercer, Regina Jeanette Salik, Brenda Gayle Hall and Sharon Denise Hall; sister, Carolyn Tudor; grandchildren, Terry Lee Hall, Christopher Scott Hall, Christa Magrane, Kelly Mercer, Savannah Hall; great-grandchildren, Ryan Hall, Brayden Hall-Ofner, Christopher Hall, Jr., Kylee Greenlee, Samantha Greenlee, Karma Shoeman, Eleanor Moura and Willow Hall.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Shelby Jean
Daniels, 79
Shelby Jean Daniels, 79 of Florence, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025. The family will have a private service at a later date.
Shelby was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Stanley Daniels; sister, Virginia Hollins; and brother, J.B. Smith.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Hendon and her husband Phillip; grandchild, Morgan Hendon; sisters, Bea Carter and Brenda Parrish and her husband Jimmy; and several nieces and nephews.
Johnnie Fay
Vinson, 85
Johnnie Fay Vinson, 85, of Sheffield, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. A private service will be held for the family with interment in Vandiver Hollow Cemetery.
Johnnie was a devout Christian. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Lee Vinson, sons, Bobby Joe Vinson and Roger Vinson; and parents, John and Clayton Ruth Smitherman.
Johnnie is survived by her children, Anthony Vinson, Darlean Ray, Ricky Vinson, and Glenda Crittenden; and grandchildren, Matthew Vinson, Hayden Vinson, Breanna Vinson, Morgan Vinson, Patricia Spires, Christy Crittenden, Tyler Ray, Kirsten Barrow, Erica Misenhimer, and Belinda Vinson.
H.D. Jones, 81
- D. Jones, 81, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 23, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Benjamin Luttrell officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
- D. was a member of Valdosta Baptist Church, Tuscumbia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Jones; parents, Hugh Jones, Sr. and Stella Jones; sister, Nell Rikard; and brother, Hugh “Shorty” Jones, Jr.
- D. is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Jones (Dale) and Jennifer Beyersdorf (Brad); sister, Linda Gayle Wimbs (Sonny); sister-in-law, Linda Jones; grandchildren, Jordyn Uselton (Blake) and Juliana McLane (Eli); great-granddaughter, Maci Kate Stewart; and a host of nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Nephews and great-nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Larry Dewayne Thornton, 67
Larry Dewayne Thornton, age 67, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, passed away on December 20, 2025.
Larry was born on November 17, 1958. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Pop, and a loyal friend to those fortunate enough to know him. His greatest joy came from his family, whom he loved deeply and fiercely.
Larry shared 47 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Katy Thornton, a partnership built on love, commitment, and devotion. He is also survived by his daughters, Misty Thornton and April Burnett; his son-in-law, Lawrence Burnett; and his cherished and only granddaughter, Khloe Burnett, who held a very special place in his heart.
A lifelong Alabama football fan, Larry took great pride in cheering on the Crimson Tide, finding joy in game days and sharing that passion with those around him.
He will be remembered most for the love he gave so freely—as a husband, a dad, a Pop, and a friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Larry will be cremated at Colbert Memorial Gardens. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public service or viewing, with arrangements limited to immediate family.
Lena Mae
Palmer Pilkilton
Jones, 85
April 10, 1940 – December 16, 2025
Lena Mae Pilkilton Jones, age 85, formerly of Tuscumbia passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, in Florence, Alabama, where she moved to be closer to her devoted son Dwight Pilkilton. She was a member of the Cox Boulevard Church of Christ.
Lena was born April 10, 1940, to late Walter Lee and Beatrice (neé McElyea) Pilkilton in Barton, Colbert County, Alabama. She was the fourth in a family of 12 children.
She was widowed by husbands: Paul Grady Byrd (d. 1981), Max Stanley Palmer (d. 1990), and Charlie Ralph Jones (d.2012) who was truly the love of her life. She is also preceded in death by her siblings Helen Lazetta Bolden, Sara Estelle Pilkilton, Ida Corsbie, Donald Pilkilton, Walter Lee Pilkilton, Jr. Dorothy Jewel Liles, Barbara Ann Alsobrooks. She is also preceded by a son, Walter Lee Pilkilton, III who lived less than a day.
Survivors include brothers David (Sue) Pilkilton, Jimmy (Anitia) Pilkilton, Marty (Lula) Pilkilton, sister Wanda Sprague, and son Paul Dwight Pilkilton.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff a El Reposo Nursing facility for their constant care and compassion throughout these difficult years. They would also like to thank Mrs. Violet Grant for caring and being such a good friend for Ms. Lena while she was able to be home, as well as all the many nurses and caretakers over the years.
Robert Eugene Parnell, 66
Robert Eugene Parnell, age 66 of Muscle Shoals, passed away on December 16, 2025. Visitation and Services will be held at Williams Funeral Home on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 pm. Services will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel with Tommy James officiating.
He was preceded in death by his father Clyde C. Parnell.
Robert is survived by his wife of 26 years Shelia Parnell. His mom Edith J. Parnell. Two stepsons: Gregory Hayes and Jason Hayes (Megan). Three sisters: Lisa Keith (Randy), Michelle Berryman (Stanley), and Shannon Bevis (Lee). Four grandchildren: Jada Gasque, Mason Hayes, William Hayes, and Rylan Hayes. Robert was very much loved and will be missed by all his family including sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, his nieces, nephews and cousins.
Robert enjoyed life. He loved playing cards and working on boats. In his retirement years he enjoyed being a driver for Long-Lewis. Robert was that gentleman who never met a stranger and he had a genuine personality that made everyone feel welcome and you felt as if you had always known him. He was quite a unique person.
James Briscoe King, 92
James “Jimmy” Briscoe King, 92, of Leighton, AL, passed away on December 12, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family and loved ones. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Leighton United Methodist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Mike Rosser and Bradley Hipps officiating.
Jimmy was born on April 2, 1933, in Leighton, the second son of Lawrence Henderson King and Lucile Briscoe King. Jimmy lived an adventurous childhood in Leighton before attending high school at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN, and college at Auburn University. Jimmy proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in El Paso, Texas. On June 25, 1955, Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, Polly Morgan, and they were married for one month shy of seventy years. They raised their three daughters on their farm in Leighton, a home they both nurtured for the rest of their lives.
Jimmy was a genuine cowboy, happiest on the back of a horse. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jimmy farmed the land, raising crops and cattle. He gained notoriety as an avid horseman, breeding and training horses. He raised and trained champion American Quarter Horses, racehorses, cutting horses and calf-roping horses. He mentored other horsemen and women, and competed in shows, ropings, and rodeos. Jimmy was a longstanding member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Cattleman’s Association. He passed on his passion for horses and competition to his daughters and grandchildren, two of whom he loved to watch as they became world class ropers. Jimmy founded his business, Circle 5 Outfit, around 1985 as a distributor of Centaur fencing. Today, Circle 5 Outfit operates as a family business.
Jimmy was a pillar of the Leighton Community. He had a strong faith and was a lifelong member of the Leighton Methodist Church. He served as a local Boy Scout leader and left a lasting impression on his scouts.
Jimmy was a lively storyteller and took a strong interest and pride in preserving the rich history of Northern Alabama. A true local historian, he maintained and generously shared the personal archives, artifacts, and records of his grandfather, Frank R. King, and many other family members. He contributed greatly to the development and renovation of the Leighton Museum, and its new location features a King Room in the family’s honor. “Mr. King” was often invited to share his stories at community events and to enrich the education of local students. His family and friends also enjoyed his daily stories, full of a deep knowledge of Southern history, vivid details, and always with a witty sense of humor.
Jimmy’s legacy extends beyond Leighton. In 1996, he and Polly were instrumental in founding Alabama’s Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride, which has raised a total of close to $4.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His love for the children of St. Jude was evident in his commitment to the success of this fundraising event over the past three decades.
To quote Jimmy’s favorite story ending, “And if that’s not the way it was, that’s the way it should’ve been.”
Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Ann Jones, Sally Rosser (Mike), and Allison Remsburg (John Berkeley); grandchildren, Laura Rosser, Jessy Remsburg, Morgan Jones (Alex), James Rosser, and Rebecca Remsburg; great-grandson, Brayden Remsburg; sister-in-law, Josephine Morton (Ed); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Polly Morgan King; his parents, Lawrence and Lucile King; his brother, Henderson King; and sister-in-law, Charlotte King.
Pallbearers will be Morgan Jones, James Rosser, Lyle King, Adam King, Joseph King, Will King, and Brayden Remsburg. Honorary pallbearers will be Lawrence King, Ben King, Gordon Fennel, Rick Preuit, John Berkeley, and Raymie Neal.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all of Jimmy’s caregivers, who provided kind and compassionate care and became like family over the years. They also extend deep appreciation for the entire Enhabit home health and hospice teams, who provided excellent care for our Daddy/Papa.
To honor Jimmy’s passion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, please consider a donation to Saddle Up for St. Jude, Alabama. Donations can be sent to: SDR, 110 E. 5th Street, Tuscumbia, AL, 35674. Please make checks to NADACD (Northwest Alabama Fundraisers Against Childhood Diseases Group).
