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June 6 obituaries

Lisa Leigh Douthit

Foster, 66

Lisa Leigh Douthit Foster, age 66 of Tus­cumbia, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Helen Keller Hospital.

Lisa worked as an LPN for 45 years at Helen Keller, ECM, and North Alabama Medical Center. She received her 40-year pin while at North Ala­bama Medical Center. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved following and support­ing her kids and grand­kids in all fashions. She loved spending time with her family, especially at the beach and creek. She had a true servant’s heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Jimmy Joe Foster; grandchild, Jor­don; and parents, Charles “Duck” Elton and Jan­ice Anne (Gist) Douthit.

She is survived by her children, Misty Suzanne Stanfield, Jessica Renea Nix (Gregory Allen Nix), Randy Ray Foster (Ashley Brooke Foster); grand­children, Alisha Nicole Bailey, William Andrew Chasteen, Karsen Reid Bruns, Peyton Jett Foster, Sawyer Randall Nix, Madi Kate Foster, Amelia Grace Nix; great-grandchildren, Barrett Drew Chasteen, Micah Drew Bailey, Ruth Ann Bailey, Elias Chris­topher Bailey, two expect­ing; and siblings, Charles Ray Douthit (Beverly Anne), Nona Shelaine James (Phillip Ray).

The visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Thurs­day, May 28, 2026, at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral following in the funeral home chapel with Charlie Douthit officiat­ing the service. The burial will be at Oakwood Cem­etery in Sheffield. There will be a celebration of life at “Roundabout” fol­lowing the graveside ser­vice, hosted by Dr. Heaton and her Cath lab family.

The pallbearers will be Randy Foster, Greg Nix, Karsen Bruns, Drew Chasteen, Charlie Douth­it, Tory Melton, and Ty­ler Spann. The honorary pallbearers will be Peyton Foster and Phillip James.

Walter Park Stamper, 80

Walter Park Stamp­er, age 80, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on May 25, 2026.

He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was a Bronze Star recipient. He loved the Florida Gators.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vik­ki Shiflett Stamper, and parents, Clarence & Francis Stamper.

He is survived by his son, Jason Farmer (Mi­chelle Farmer); grand­children, Amber Farmer, Luke Farmer, Kelli Rue Bachini (Paul Bachi­ni) great-grandchildren, Waylen Rue, Adalynn Rue, and Elise Bachini.

A service is not planned at this time.

Shirley Vaden Lack, 86

Shirley Vaden Lack, of, Florence, passed away, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. There will be a graveside service Mon­day, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM at Canaan Method­ist Cemetery with Tom­my Heaps officiating.

She was a homemak­er and a member of the Church of Christ. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Myron Lack; parents Noble and Myrtle Vaden; sister, Betty Lind­sey; brother Tom Vaden.

Shirley is survived by her son, Mike Lack and special friend Erika Gaut­ney; daughter, Deborah Derrick (Larry); brother, James Vaden; sister, Ann Bevis; three grandchil­dren, five great – grand­children, and three great – great- grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be James Vaden, Randall Vaden, Mike Lack, Wil­liam Thomas, David Cook, and Jeff Lack. Honorary pallbear­er will be Will Irons.

The family would like to send a very special thanks to Sandy Ber­ryman, Sue Cromwell, Helen Irons and Heather Patterson for their lov­ing care to our mother.

Also to Misty Cook for the extra care and Erika Gautney for all the work and time keep­ing the supplies stocked.

In lieu of flowers me­morials may be made to the Lauderdale or Colbert County animal shelter.

Ben Crawford Clifton, Jr., 97

Ben Crawford Clif­ton, age 97, passed away on May 27, 2026, at Lauderdale Chris­tian Nursing Home.

He was a faithful mem­ber of Woodward Avenue Baptist until his health would no longer allow.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bet­ty Clifton, son, Bruce Clifton, and parents, Ben Crawford Clifton, Sr. and Louise Sherman Clifton.

He is survived by his daughter, Beth Clifton McKinney (Florence, AL and niece, Becky Gay (Helena, AL).

There are no funeral ar­rangements at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that me­morials be given to a fa­vorite charity in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home for their love and care.

Mary Susanne Shults

Wadsworth, 83

Mary Susanne Shults Wadsworth passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednes­day, May 27, 2026.

Susanne was born on September 1, 1942. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Roy Shults and Roberta Elizabeth Jones Shults, her beloved sister-in-law, Annie W. Shults, and her precious neph­ew, Robert Allen Shults.

She is survived by her brother, Robert McFar­land Shults, sister, Ellen Milstead (David); brother, Tom Shults (Margo); neph­ews, Travis (Dawn) and Adam Shults; nieces, Sal­ly Shults, Kristen Leaman (Brian), Margaret Scim­one, and Kelly Surber.

Susanne was a member of the First Presbyteri­an Church of Tuscumbia. Susanne was one of the founding members of the Shoals Audubon Soci­ety and participated in as many bird counts as her schedule would allow. She never missed a chance to travel, and if bird watch­ing was a part of the itin­erary, she couldn’t wait to pack her bags. Always up for an outing, Susanne loved a good field trip, local or otherwise. She loved to go browsing for art, pottery, or anything unique and interesting, and then try a new or fa­vorite spot for dining with her friends. She was an active member of the Salvation Army Wom­en’s Auxiliary. Susanne taught at several schools until she found her calling at Deshler High, where she taught Language Arts and Art. Susanne was a member of the Maude Lindsay Study Club and Wildflower Society. She loved her Bunco Group.

The visitation will be 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 01, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscumbia with the fu­neral following at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society, PAWS, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary or their favorite charity.

Maxine Sharon Shelhamer, 84

Maxine Sharon Shel­hamer, age 84, of Mus­cle Shoals, passed away on May 28, 2026, at her residence.

Maxine grew up in Del­hi, LA and graduated from Epps High School. She was very proud to have served in the U.S. Wom­en’s Army Corp 1961 – 1963. She was a longtime member of Valley Grove Baptist Church and taught Bible drill for more than 30 years. Maxine was also a member of Bartlett Lions Club. She devoted most of her life to the care of other people’s children and was always willing to take in wandering souls.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Ronald Allen Shelham­er; and parents, Al­bert & Marie Leggitt.

She is survived by her children, Stephen Shel­hamer of Brandon, MS, Scott (Gena) Shelhamer of Bartlett, TN, Rebecca (Rick) East of Tuscum­bia, AL; grandchildren, Ashley Sherman, Caleb (Beth) Shelhamer, Eliz­abeth Shelhamer, Davis (Gracie) Whitten, Nich­olas Shelhamer, Derrick East; great-grandchildren, Kate Sherman, Ainslee Shelhamer, Ava and CJ Shelhamer, Flora and August Whitten; broth­ers, Lee (Lebby) Coulter, Bruce (Debra) Leggitt; sister, Brenda McCor­mick; brother-in-law, Richard (Sylvia) Shel­hamer, and dear friends Dave & Betty Fallert.

The visitation will be 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Valley Grove Baptist Church. The service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Bro. Greg Davis and Bro. Greg Beasley officiating the service. The burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Caleb Shelhamer, Davis Whitten, Derrick East, Rick East, Trent Harper, and Rod Priest. The hon­orary pallbearers will be the Ladies VII Sunday School Class and the Val­ley Grove Women of Joy.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

In lieu of flowers, do­nations can be made to the Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Ser­vice at midsouthlions.org.

Donald Eugene Belew, 66

Donald Eugene “Don­nie” Belew, age 66, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at UAB hospital.

Donnie was born July 14, 1959 in Mobile, AL to Julius Edward and Eva Horton Belew.

He was a well known HVAC and appliance re­pair technician, with over 40 years in the industry.

He was loved by all that knew him.

In addition to his par­ents, Donnie was preced­ed in death by his sons; David and Joseph Belew, and their mother Rose Hill Belew; brothers, Ran­dy and Jason Belew; and his love, Sandra Hinton.

He is survived by his children, Rachel Belew Gray (Michael), Emi­ly Belew, Donnie Belew Jr., Cassie Hinton Loo­ney ( Paul); grandchil­dren, Lily and Nathan Gray, Kevin, Joseph, and Breanna Belew, Liam Springer, Michael School­ey, and Noah, Autumn, and Aubrey Belew; sib­lings, Carol Belew Hamm (Mickey), Connie Belew Gibson, Barry Belew, and Jeff Belew (Tonya).

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The Me­morial Service will begin immediately after with Wayne Wood officiating.

Franklin

Douglas

Hester, 89

Franklin Douglas (Doug) Hester, 89, of the Red Rock community in Tuscumbia, AL entered his heavenly home on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Doug was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years Mary Catherine Hester, his parents Hugh and Weber Hester, and sib­lings Martha Killian, Ear­leen Zinaman, Miranda Jett, Denton Hester, Glenn Hester, Lawrence (Tom) Hester, Rebecca Nail, Ruth Thompson, Wayne Hester, and Jack Hester.

Doug is survived by his sons Max Hester (Gail) of Standford, KY and Mike Hester (Regi­na) of Tuscumbia, AL; grandsons Kyle Hester (Rachel) of Waynesburg, KY and Dayton Hester (Abigail) of St. Augus­tine, FL; great-grandson Nathaniel Douglas Hes­ter of Waynesburg, KY and great-granddaughter Adelyn Marie Hester of St. Augustine, FL; sis­ters Ann Culberson and Dorothy Malone of Tus­cumbia, AL; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Doug was a proud grad­uate of the class of 1954 at Cherokee Vocational High School where he was se­nior class president, quar­terback and captain of the football team, and a member of the basketball team. Upon graduation he worked at Southern Sash, Diamond Alkali, and the Ford Motor Compa­ny Sheffield plant. After transferring to the Taurus assembly plant in Atlan­ta, Georgia, he retired from Ford in 1992 with 33 years of loyal service.

Doug dearly loved his family, friends, and neighbors and enjoyed tending his small farm in Red Rock. Most of all, he loved God and shared his faith in Jesus Christ through his unique min­istry of distributing “$2 bills”. He was a member of Cherokee First Baptist, Hook Street Baptist, and later attended Cane Creek Church in Red Rock.

A viewing for fami­ly and friends will be on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. A memo­rial service will be held at Cane Creek Church (605 Red Rock Road) on Tuesday, June 2 at 1:00 PM with burial to fol­low at Barton Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dayton Hester, Larry Hester, Randy Hester, Dana Hester, Marc Pres­tera, and William Gist.

The family wishes to extend sincere apprecia­tion to the staff at South­ern Magnolia and Gentiva Hospice for the endear­ing love and special care provided. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Ter­rance Hart and Tennessee River Dermatology and their staff for the many years of dedicated care.

Jerry Burns Mitchell, 60

Jerry Burns Mitchell, 60 of Florence, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026. No services are planned at this time.

Jerry worked as a tool and die machinist for over 30 years. He was preced­ed in death by his wife, Beverly Mitchell; father, Buford Mitchell; moth­er, Faye Tubbs; broth­er, Terry Elliott; sister, Jeannie Hill; and son-in-law, Michael Smith.

He is survived by his sons, Zachary Mitchell and Brandon Mitchell; daughter, Brandy Mitch­ell; step daughters, Ca­sey Filyaw and Cammie Smith; step son, Brad Osborn; brother, Bryan Mitchell; sister, Tammy Uptain; 12 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

LeRoy Franklin Brownell, Sr., 82

LeRoy Franklin Brownell, Sr. 82, of Tus­cumbia, AL passed on May 22, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Colbert Memori­al Chapel. Jeremy Sand­erson will be officiating.

He was a kind sincere and devoted man whose smiling face brought joy to those he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Le­roy and Etta Brownell.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Malone Brownell; sons, Le­Roy Franklin Brownell, Jr. (Deborah) and Craig Braly; daughter, Heide Gerrald; grandchildren, Jessica Kissam (Dustin), Zachery Gerrald, Shel­by Liddell (Adam), Chloe Brownell-Rodriquez (Ga­briel), Cody Braly (Shay­la), and Chase Braly; great grandchildren, Madeleine Braly, Espynn Braly, Lake­lynn Braly, and Jase Kiss­am; and special pet, Abby.

Martha Leola Farr, 79

Martha was born April 14,1947 to Doc and Della Burnett. The youngest of 6 children. Martha did not have children of her own, but she loved spoiling her nieces and nephews. Mar­tha enjoyed gardening and spending time with family. Visitation will be on Fri, May 29, 2026 from 1-2 pm at Colbert Memorial Chap­el with a service to fol­low at 2 pm in the chapel.

Martha was proceeded in death by her parents Doc and Della Burnett, broth­ers Hubert Burnett and Coy Burnett. Sisters Mary West and Vita Warhurst. Nephews Dewayne, Odell, Ernie, Brady and Eric.

She is survived by Hus­band of 30 years Joseph Farr; brother, Roy Burnett; nieces Diane, Rita, Misty and Melba; nephews Ran­dy, Tony, Rodger, and Ja­mie. Also, a host of great nieces and nephews that she just loved to pieces.

The family would like to thank Terrace Manor Nurs­ing Home Staff and hospice of North Alabama staff for all your loving care.

Joe Irvin

Bogle, 84

Joe Irvin Bogle, 84, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on May 27, 2026. Visitation will be on Sun­day, May 31, 2026 from 12-2 pm at East Colbert Church of Christ with a service to follow at 2 pm. Michael South will be of­ficiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Maudie Bo­gle; wife, Joan Bogle and brother, Jerry Bogle.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Bogle; sons, JoJo Bogle (Carol) and Jimmy Bogle (Rena); daughter, Robin Vanhorn (Ken); grandchildren, Mat­thew Vanhorn (Heather), Michelle Vanhorn, Mark Vanhorn (Ginger), Car­lie Bogle (Monty Miller), Emma Williams (Braxton), Jessica Sellers (Evan), Ol­ivia Bogle, and Vance Bo­gle; bonus daughters, Sher­ry McCutcheon (Brian) and Christy Johnson (Jason), and Erin Martin; numer­ous great grandchildren.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flow­ers, please donate to East Colbert Church of Christ Mission Fund.

Frances

Marvaline

Holland, 86

Frances Marvaline Holland, 86, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12-2 pm at Washing­ton Park Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals with a ser­vice to follow at 2 pm. Bro. Daniel Dulaney and Bro. Micah Fleming will be of­ficiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Frances was a member of Washington Park Baptist Church and retired from TVA. She was affection­ally known as Granny to her numerous great nieces and nephews. She had so many hobbies but she es­pecially loved crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Holland; parents, W.A. and Irene Barks­dale; brothers, Ed Barks­dale (Marjorie) and Gene Barksdale (Helen); and sister, Arvaline Barksdale.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Keeton; son, Bobby “Donny” Hol­land (Tammy); brothers, Troy Barksdale, and Bill Barksdale; sisters, Aline Bendall and Jessie Faye Holland; numerous nieces and nephews; and faithful companion, her dog Rowdy.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Lancaster, Wade Inmon, Brandon Holland, Ron­nie James, Billy Horton, and Austin Weaver. Hon­orary pallbearers will be Alan Barksdale, Alton Barksdale, Joe Horton, Greg Barksdale, Dean Scott, and Rodney Scott.

Special thanks to nurses and staff to Enhabit Hos­pice, Wayne Stephens, Pat Mackey, and Linda Alex­ander for their loving care.

Mitzi Jo

Martin, 83

Mitzi Jo Martin, 83, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 4-6 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mary Webb.

She is survived by her children, John Mauk (Jen­nifer) Cindy King (Marty) Chris Mauk and grandchil­dren, Joshua King (April), Zachary King (Frankie), Karlee Mauk (Tyler), and Jackson Mauk (Mae­lyn); sister, Nancy Garrett (Steve); niece, Stephanie Williams; nephew, Scott Garrett (Beth); great niece, Alex Williams and great nephew, Nick Williams.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Col­bert Animal Shelter.

Stella Louise

Bullion, 84

On May 28, 2026 Stella Louise Bullion born April 27, 1942, went to be in the arms of the Lord, sur­rounded by her family who loved her dearly. Stella was a Member of High­land Park Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 12-2 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 pm in the chapel. Bubba Cole, granddaughter, Heather Jackson, and great grand­son, Colton Moss will be speaking. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Rob­ert Lee and Earlie Dav­enport; In laws, Earl and Lizzie Bell Gregory; Her loving children, Milley and Michael Bullion; Brother, Hershel Davenport (Karen); and sister, Marie Weems (J.K.); and Granddaugh­ter, Jessica McBrayer.

Stella was survived by her husband, Edward Bullion; Daughters, Mona Mack­ey (Jake), Michelle Liles (Tony); Step Daughter, Di­ane Gillardo (Ted); Grand­children, Heather Jackson (Clifton), Chris Murphy (Ryann), Tommy Lee Bates (Matilda), Blake Shepard, Natalie Jackson (Trell), Matthew Moss, Ashley Rogers (Shawn) Bobby Joe McBrayer (Lorie) Billy Ray McBrayer (Shana) Vic­toria Bullion, Julie Lee, sis­ter, Evon Rutland (Durell)

Honorary grandson Jamie Mackey (Mon­tana), Stella had a host of great,great-great grandchil­dren and nieces and neph­ews. Special great-great grandchild Millie Bates.

Stella was so loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers will be Chris Murphy, Billy and Bobby McBrayer, Blake Sheppard, Tommy Lee Bates, Matthew Moss, and Colton Moss.

Special thanks to Dr. George Evans, Dr. Jerry Williams and Alana,Ale­na, and Danielle at Al­abama Hospice Care.

Dr. Annie Pearl Croom, 89

Life Reflections

of

Dr. Annie Pearl Croom

Jesus told His followers, “You are the world’s light a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see.

Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your ~ heavenly Fa­ther.” Matthew 5: 14-16

Dr. Annie Pearl Croom, a veteran health and phys­ical education professor, was born on April 25, 1937 in Leighton, Alabama. After fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith, God called her home to Glo­ry on Monday, May 25, 2026 in Florence, Alabama.

She was the eighth child, and the fifth daughter of 13 Children of the late Minnie L. Eggleston Croom and John L. Croom Sr. They were successful scientific cotton and soybean farmers who moved from Leighton, Alabama to Tuscumbia, Al­abama when she was a lit­tle girl. She was preceded in death by brothers, John Louis Croom, Jr. James Croom, Napoleon Croom, Oliver M. Croom, Willie Croom and sisters, Nina Croom Ashley, Carolyn Croom Hallman, Gertha Lee Croom, Vernita M. Croom and Edna Croom Page.

Dr. Croom was reared under her parents God fear­ing, loving, nurturing, care; performing the farm chores and helping to rear her five younger siblings. Her older siblings were excellent role models. The family affec­tionately called her Pearl. She was like this jewel, glit­tering with a beautiful smile, helping others, and letting her little light shine among everyone she encountered.

God gave her a vision when she was a young girl. She saw herself trav­eling, with a suitcase most of her life which meant that she was bless­ed with a gift for teaching and missionary service.

She Confessed Christ at an early ago, and joined First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She was a faithful member until her death. Over the years, she served in various ca­pacities including the Mis­sionary Society, choir and other church activities.

In 1955, Dr. Croom graduated from Trenholm High School, Tuscumbia, Alabama before earning a Bachelor of Science De­gree in Health and Physical Education at Tuskegee In­stitute (University) Tuske­gee, Alabama with a minor in social science in 1961.

Trenholm honored her for high academic achievement in her senior year. Plus, she was honored for three years as an outstanding all-around athlete in basketball, track and field, earning cer­tificates and awards. At Tuskegee Institute she ex­celled in these same sports. Some of her college dis­tinctions, include Track& Field Meets, 1960 Olympic Trials, American Amateur Athletic Union Meets win­ner of first place medals and shields, Tuskegee In­stitute honors in basket­ball, track & field and won certificates, Varsity letters, sweaters, blazers, and won numerous first, second, and third place individual med­als at the Tuskegee Institute Dual Track Meets. She of­ten competed in meets with Wilma Rudolph and other famous Olympic gold med­al winners. The late Dr. Nell C. Jackson, U.S. Olympic Coach and Olympic gold medal winner, was Dr. Croom’s Coach at Tuskegee Institute and the great Alice Coachman, Olympic gold medal winner in the high jump was her supervisor of student teaching at Tuske­gee Institute High School.

By her senior year she had won nine Olympic gold medals in track and field, while simultaneous­ly supporting research on “The Biblical Creation vs. The Scientific Evolu­tion of Man”, and “The Decline of Intercollegiate Sports for Women”; under the tutelage of Tuskegee Institute faculty mem­ber; Dr. Mildred Brown,

She was the recipient of the Dr. Edward L. Jack­son, Ross C. Owens, and Jacquelyn Quinn Scholar­ships; was selected Miss Baptist Student Union and selected to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities in 1960.

In 1961, she started her teaching career and taught health, physical education, mathematics, science, and coached basketball, modern dance club, track and field, and cheerleaders at Lake­side High School in Decatur, Alabama. Mr. C. Leon Shef­field was her principal. She was certified to teach K-12 health and physical educa­tion in four states; Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. She also taught in the Hollywood, Florida, and the Waycross, Geor­gia City School systems.

Annle earned her Master of Arts degree at the Uni­versity of lowa, lowa City, lowa,in 1971, followed by the Ph.D. in Physical Ed­ucation (Pedagogy: Pro­fessional Preparation of Teachers, Curriculum, and Administration) at Flori­da State University, Tal­lahassee, Florida in 1992.

Dr. Croom resided in the state of lowa for 12 years, employed at the Universi­ty of Northern lowa in Ce­dar Falls, lowa, and Coe College in Cedar Rapids, lowa, where she was the women’s basketball coach.

She studied and worked with famous pioneers in the profession of health, physical education, recre­ation and dance, she con­tinued to make her mark in the profession. By di­recting women’s plays, women athletic programs supporting equal oppor­tunity in women’s sports.

Ms. Croom also worked with academic institutional review teams to strength­en the institutions and assisted them with com­plying with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and National Council for the Accreditation of Teach­er Education (NCATE) requirements for reaffir­mation of accreditation.

Her teaching experience spanned 36 years, 24 at the university/college level and 14 in public schools in­cluding Cheney University, Cheney, PA; West Georgia College, Carrollton, GA; Spelman College, Atlan­ta, GA; and Livingstone College, NC. She retired from Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Al, where she served in the Health, Physical Ed­ucation, and Recreation Department. After retiring, she moved to Florence, AL and served as her moth­er’s primary caregiver for nine years, her mother lived to be 101 years old.

She held on to the faith, finished the race and is resting in Jesus’s arms.

The race is not promised to the swift, nor to the strong, but to those who endure to the end. Ecclesiastes 9:11.

Dr. Croom leaves to trea­sure her memories, two sisters, Doris J. Savage (John), Newark, Delaware; Gail Collins,(Alton), Cin­cinnati, Ohio; A devoted niece and nephew, Tiffany Croom Turner, Cherokee, Al and Samuel Brewer, Jr, Florence, Al; Nine other nieces and fourteen neph­ews; and a host of cousins, family friends and others.

Dr. Croom wrote her own obituary in 2009, updates were provided by the family.

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