March 21 obituaries
Doris
Barnes, 86
Doris Barnes, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away on March 9, 2026. Visitation will be held on Sat, March 14, 2026 from 11 am-1 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 1 pm in the chapel. Burial in Colbert Memorial Gardens. She was a member of Little Bear Creek Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earvin V. Barnes, Jr.; daughter, Virginia Marie Barnes; brother, Darrell Webster; and sister, Kitty Scalf.
She is survived by her son, Kenneth Barnes; sister, Bonnie Wheeler; grandchildren, Chris Barnes and Brando Wheeler; great grandchildren, Ashley Casey.
Pallbearers will be Brando Wheeler, Christian Bravo, Zane McNabb, and Nicholas Wheeler.
Iris Johnston Leigh, 97
Iris Johnston Leigh, born October 20, 1928, passed peacefully from this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion that will be cherished for generations. Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9-10 am at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 10 am in the chapel. Bro. Alan Beasley will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Iris was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Leigh; her parents, James Amos and Minnie Lee Johnston; and nine siblings—seven brothers and two sisters—whom she remembered fondly throughout her life.
She is survived by her children: Greg (Susan) Leigh, Tim (Bobbie Lou) Leigh, and Neva Leigh. She was a proud and loving “Granny” to Anthony Leigh, Marianne Leigh, Katri Leigh Howell, Rachel Leigh, and Max Leigh; and a delighted great grandmother to Carey Mae Leigh and Hadleigh Howell.
She is also survived by her brother, Dale (Shirley) Johnston, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. A long time member of Tuscumbia First Methodist Church, Iris lived her faith through quiet service and daily kindness. For many years, she volunteered in the Helen Keller Hospital gift shop, offering a warm smile, helping hand, and the gentle humor she was known for. Her wonderful sense of humor brought joy to those around her and remained one of her most endearing gifts.
Iris will be remembered for her gracious spirit, her dedication to family, and the laughter she brought into every room. Her love and strength continue on in all who were blessed to know her.
Daniel Brian Turberville, 48
Daniel Brian Turberville. 48, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee.
Betty Joe
Appleton, 88
Betty Joe Appleton, born March 3, 1938, won her victory at the age of 88 on March 10, 2026. She was surrounded and comforted in her final days by the very ones she loved and devoted her life to caring for.
Betty’s early years were spent with her parents Porter and Aulsie McGill, and younger brother Ted, in Minor Hill, Tennessee. It was there she met and fell in love with Ralph Appleton. The two eloped when she was 18 years old. Settling in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, they spent 55 beautiful years together raising their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Betty was retired from E.S. Robbins Corporation where she worked in Human Resources. Although a dependable employee with an admirable work ethic, her heart was primarily devoted to her faith and family. There was nothing this side of Heaven more important to Betty than being a wife, nurturing those she loved, and guiding them to a relationship with Christ. She was an incredibly sweet and selfless person, who lived to make the lives of those around her better.
Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed many hobbies. She adored nature, flowers, plants, and roses specifically. Her personal rose garden was a work of art, and gifting hand-gathered bouquets brought her great joy. She enjoyed reading books of all kinds and was a dedicated student of the Bible. She adored the simple pleasures of cooking, sewing, and swinging on her back porch. But nothing surpassed her love for her children and grandchildren. She was an active presence in their everyday lives, frequently hosting even the great-grands overnight until they grew up. After losing Ralph in 2011, she relocated to Waynesboro, Tennessee to be closer to her daughter Kim and family.
Betty is survived by her daughters Kim Haggard and Pam Wesson, grandchildren Chad, Eric, and Andrew Zills, Tara Hollis, and Anna Beth Haggard, brother Ted McGill, special niece Nikki South, and much loved in-laws Steve Wesson, Jerry Hollis, Jenny, Megan, and Robyn Zills, Phillip South, and Renee McGill. Betty cherished her 10 great-grandchildren, great-niece and great-nephew- all of whom will forever treasure her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents Porter and Aulsie McGill, beloved husband Ralph Appleton, sons Chris and Jeff Appleton, and two special sons-in-law, David Zills and Bob Haggard.
Her life was rich with much love and many sweet moments, and she was grateful.
Services for Betty will be held Monday, March 16th at 1 pm at Waynesboro Church of Christ with Gregg Lee and Mitchell Skelton officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3:30 pm at Colbert Memorial Gardens, Tuscumbia, Alabama. Pallbearers will be Chad, Eric, Andrew, and Carter Zills, Jerry and Dominic Hollis, and Phillip and Wesley South. Honorary pallbearers: Sam, Sean, and Conner Zills.
David Lee
Wright, 78
David L. Wright age 78, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Friday March 13, 2026. Visitation will be Sunday March 15, 2026 from 1:00pm- 2:00pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with service to follow at 2:00pm. Officiating will be Tony Chaney, with burial at Bethsaida Cemetery. David was a member of East Colbert Baptist Church.
David was preceded in death by; Parents James Eli Wright and Viola Chaney, Roosevelt Wright, C.C. Burns Wright, Edna Ann Brannon, daughters, Jalisa Kay Wright and Tarea Shelane Wright.
Survivors include; Michael Lee Wright (Tonji), daughter; Wendy Lanessa Orr (Sanchez) grandchildren include Lakyn Wallace, Codie Wilson (Eric); Christian Testerman (Dakota) Landon Testerman and Kelly Wright. Grandchildren Aalieyah,, Kensley, Preston, Caleb, Ryker, Deklin, Zoey, and Xander.
Linda Jo Hunt Smithson, 82
Linda Jo Hunt Smithson, 82, of Muscle Shoals, passed away peacefully at her home on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held at Colbert Memorial Chapel on March 17, 2026 from 12 to 2. A graveside service will follow at 2 in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Michael South will be officiating the service.
Linda was an active member of Cox Blvd Church of Christ. Linda graduated from Coffee High School and later worked for Walmart for 25 years before retiring. She was married to her beloved husband, Milton Smithson, for 38 years. Known lovingly as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Linda treasured time with her family. She enjoyed traveling the world, cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and spending time outdoors working in her yard. She also adored her beloved dog, Baby Girl.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Smithson; parents, Stinson Hunt and Viola Blackstock Hunt; brother, Jack Hunt; sisters, Fran Lovelace and Joy Baker; brothers-in-law, Frank Lovelace, Jim Baker, Junior Risner; mother-in-law, Bessie Gandy; father-in-law, Clark Smithson.
She is survived by her son, Jay Smithson (Jennifer) of Satsuma, AL; daughter, Robbi Evans of Muscle Shoals, AL; sister, Nancy Stout; grandchildren, Alli Thigpen (Jacob), Jayci Bailey (Justin), Shelby Varol (Berkay), Ryleigh Smithson, Daniel Smithson; great-grandchildren, Hunter Thigpen, Jolee Isbell, Sawyer Thigpen, Jameson Bailey; sisters-in-law, Janice Hunt and Peggy Risner; brother-in-law, Johnny Smithson (Wanda); A host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Larry Hunt, Rodney Risner, Clark Smithson, Barry Smithson, Jacob Thigpen, Berkay Varol.
Special thanks to her caregivers, Juanita Holland, Hannah and the staff of Gentiva Hospice, Sandra Berryman, and Peggy Risner.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Linville Rod
Balentine, 90
Linville Rod Balentine, 90, of Florence, passed away, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Macedonia Church of Christ. The funeral will immediately follow with James Senn officiating . Burial will be at the adjoining cemetery.
Rod was a member of Macedonia Church of Christ and in the Plumber and Pipefitters Local 760. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and being outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Balentine; parents, Cecil and Pearl Balentine; brothers J.C., Burl, Earl, Bobby, and Lonnie Balentine; sister, Mary Gregory.
Rod is survived by his children, Rhonda Hunt (Ken), Sherry Carpenter, Jerry Balentine (Kaye), and Angie Yates (Jamie); sisters, Nita Threet, Etta Balentine, and Rachel King; grandchildren, Kole Balentine, Courtney McSween, Molly West, Riley Balentine, Monica LeMaster, Parker Rutland, and Lauren Yates; 10 great-grandchildren; host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Yates, Parker Rutland, Riley Balentine, Kerry West, Sam LeMaster, and Logan Durham.
Special thanks to James Senn, Julie Weaver, and Preferred Hospice for their great care.
Mae Benjamin August, 91
Mae Benjamin August, born January 26, 1935, in Corinth, MS, and beloved in the Sheffield community, passed away March 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Remembered for her faith, kindness, and service, she was 91. Visitation is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at York Bluff Baptist Church, followed by a service officiated by Chad Holder and Dr. Barry Fleming.
Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Edward George August, Sr.; her parents, Walter and Garnett Benjamin; brothers, Clarence Benjamin and Milton Benjamin; and sister, Sandra Tyson.
She is survived by her children: Edward George August, Jr. of Sheffield, AL; Benjamin Alan August (wife Tammy) of Killen, AL; and Russell Andrew August (wife Jackie) of Navarre Beach, FL. She is also survived by her brother, Dexter Benjamin (wife JoAnn) of Corinth, MS; her grandchildren, Anna Kate Trzaskoma (husband Josh), Ben August (wife Nena), and Zoe August; as well as five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Gary Highfield, Barry Wylie, Tommy Campbell, Jimmy Holland, Mark McLeary, and Ricky Bratton.
Mae was the proud owner of The Hair Port in Downtown Sheffield, where she spent many years not only styling hair and mentoring others, but also building friendships and lifting the spirits of everyone who walked through her door. Her shop was more than a business — it was a gathering place filled with laughter, conversation, and community.
Known for her warm hospitality, Mae was a truly gifted cook. Family, friends, and neighbors eagerly anticipated her famous fried pies and caramel cakes, which she lovingly made and generously shared. Her kitchen was often the heart of many joyful gatherings.
Mae had a deep love for her church family at York Bluff Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshiped and found great joy in fellowship. Her faith was the center of her life. Above all else, Mae loved the Lord, and she lived each day reflecting that love through her kindness, generosity, and devotion to others.
Mae will be remembered for her sweet spirit, her strong faith, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, church family, and the community she served so faithfully.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
In place of flowers, please donate to York Bluff Baptist Church.
Joy C.
Trousdale, 95
Joy C. Trousdale, age 95, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m., at Shady Grove Cemetery.
Anna Tardin
Carton, 90
Anna Tardin was born in Yugoslavia on August 18, 1935. Her Dad was German and Mom Hungarian. After WWII broke out a German officer rode up to the door of their house and told her father that he was to report for duty, and if he didn’t, they would come back and shoot him. After much discussion with her mother, he decided to report. He came home a few times but is listed as MIA in the area of Yugoslavia now known as Bosnia. In the meantime, her Mother was taken to a Russian concentration camp. Ann at nine years old was left to fend for herself, begging for food, after her Grandfather’s death and her two brothers took off for Germany. After a year on her own, she eventually found her Mother, who was rented out by the Russians to work in farmer’s fields during the day. She was then also placed in the concentration camp with her Mother for eighteen months. The Russians lined up the men in the camp and were taking every tenth man for a work detail. The ones chosen for the walk detail were tied together and led into the woods never to be seen again. Those with mental issues were taken on a picnic but didn’t come back.
Anna was playing under a bunk and found some money. Her mother used it to pay the underground that helped them escape with a group of 60. Travel was very dangerous for the group. They hid out in corn fields during the day, eating raw corn and water from cattle troughs in order to survive. They traveled at night and crossed over the border into Hungary. Tito demanded them back. Hungary gave them the option of going back or going to Austria. There, somehow, they were united with her two brothers. Eighteen months later they were approved to come to the U.S. as refugees aboard the troop carrier USS Hanselman. How did Anna and John meet? He requested a family to come and work for him through the Catholic Relief Services. Another family was to come and work for him, but their children developed the measles, so Anna’s family was selected. After a brief courtship, mostly hiding and kissing behind a stack of milk crates, they were married.
She applied for U.S. citizenship in Birmingham and was given three months to learn US history, and the Constitution. Mary was in the first grade at St. Joseph School in Sheffield. Sister Mary Thomas told her that it would be a good learning event. The next morning at the Federal Courthouse, she took her citizenship test along with 163 individuals and their families. Each prospective citizen went up to the Judge and were asked who the President and Vice President were, and print a line that said, “Yes I would like to become an American citizen” and sign it. All those months of studying the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and history of the USA, and that was all they were asked. One of the court clerks asked Ann, “how do you feel now that you are a citizen?” She told him that she didn’t feel any different than she did this morning when she woke up. He patted her and said, “that’s okay, you will one day.”
Raising five children, she was an excellent seamstress and made most of their clothes until they were out of high school. Her Father was a tailor and she inherited his talent. She made three of her daughter’s wedding dresses.
She left this life on March 6, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Louis Carton. She is survived by children Mary Carton, Joseph Carton, Rose Carton Mulqueeny (Dennis), Elizabeth Carton Thompson (Lonnie), and Linda Carton Simmons (Steve). Grandchildren Amanda Thompson Shirah (Shaun), Tony Thompson, David Mulqueeny (Cecy), April Mulqueeny, and Laura Simmons.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church in Tuscumbia, Alabama followed by a funeral Mass. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
John Edward Dawson, 57
John Edward Dawson, 57, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026. There will be no services.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Platkus Dawson and is survived by his father, James Brice “J.B.” Dawson.
Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia is assisting the family.
Kelly Busby
Hardeman, 63
Kelly Busby Hardeman, 63, of Sheffield, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. There will be a private family service at a later date.
Kelly loved flowers and could grow almost any plant. She enjoyed the outdoors and beaches. Kelly also loved her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jean Busby; and brother-in-law, Woodrow Hardeman.
Kelly is survived by her husband, Michael H. Hardeman; daughters, Kathy Hardeman and Danielle Hardeman; stepdaughter, Alissa Hardeman; sister, Kristy Smith; brother-in-law, Danny Hardeman (Debbie); sister-in-law, Donna Hardeman Hardy (Tim); grandchildren, Lyla Wilson, Lillian Wilson, Stella Hardeman, Sosha Gattman, Michah, and Jonah; nephew Hughston Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
Ethan Bradley Rhodes, 21
Ethan Bradley Rhodes, 21, of Florence, AL passed away Friday, March 13, 2026. Visitation will be Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will immediately follow with Larry Burbank officiating. Burial will be at Sherrod Valley Cemetery.
He was a greeter at Sam’s Club and a Member of Rhodesville Methodist Church.
Ethan is survived by his grandparents, Danny Rhodes, Wanda Bradley Bretherick (Ricky), Arlen Holland, and Tamatha Allen ; father, Daniel B. Rhodes; mother, Jennifer Newell; brothers, Dalton B. Rhodes; half brother, Ryland Forsythe; sister, Hannah Rhodes.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Rhodes, Brandon Rhodes, Lucus McFall, Brodie Womble, Skylin Kelley, and Dallan Dorsett.
Charles
Dewayne
Sharp, 65
Charles Dewayne Sharp, 65, of Florence, AL, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026. Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral will immediately follow with Larry Burbank officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Wayne was a road grader operator for the Lauderdale County Road Department. He was preceded in death by his infant brother; grandparents, Herbert and Flora Sharp and Ellie and Eura Young.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Sharp; son, Dylan Sharp (Sena); parents, Charles and Alice Sharp; sisters, Phyllis Palmer (Jamie) and Carmen Graves (Jeff); grandchildren, Emilia Kate Sharp and James Warren Sharp; sisters-in-law, Beverly Haddock and Patsy Stricklin; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Dylan Sharp, Chad Palmer, Zack Graves, Shane Thompson, David Dowdy, and Michael Young.
