July 11 obituaries

Darlene Ellen Hardeman, 74

Darlene Ellen Hardeman, 74, of Sheffield and pre­viously Cherokee, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026. Visitation will be on Sun­day, July 5, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Kenneth Oldfield officiat­ing. Interment will be at Riv­erton Cemetery, Cherokee.

Darlene enjoyed spend­ing her time shopping, baking, and cross-stitch­ing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Da­vid Stanley Hardeman; parents, Herbert and Edna Rickard; brother, Charles Rickard (Dixie); mother-in-law, Lillian Hardeman; and sister-in-law, Joan Parker.

She is survived by her sons, Daniel Hardeman (Susanna) of Birmingham, AL and Matthew Hard­eman (Justin Philpot) of Birmingham, AL; sisters Bonnie Williams (Philip) of Sheffield, AL and Joyce Williams of Alabaster, AL; brother, Roger Renwick (Judy) of Florence, AL; sister-in-law, Kay Rea of Kelso, WA; grandchildren, Camron Hardeman and Dylan Hardeman; neph­ews, Brandon Williams (Missy), Jacob Williams, and Michael Williams; nieces, Halley Russell (Ja­cob) and Natasha Durham (Dustin); and great-neph­ews, Mason Durham, Noah Durham, Miller Williams, Oliver Williams, Braxton Russell, and River Russell.

The family will be serving as pallbearers.

Donald Gene Roden, 64

Donald “Donnie” Gene Roden, 64, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away peacefully after a cou­rageous battle with cancer and other health challenges.

Donnie was a devot­ed husband, father, “Big D”, son, brother, and friend. He was married to the love of his life, Pam, for 41 wonderful years.

Known by many as “Big D,” Donnie never met a stranger. He spent many years working in the car dealership business, where he earned the respect of co­workers and customers alike through his honesty, kind­ness, and strong work ethic. He loved his work family at Ray Miller GMC dearly.

His greatest joy in life was his family. He loved nothing more than spend­ing time with those he loved. Whether he was hunting, fishing, at the ballfield or just enjoying time together, Donnie trea­sured every moment. His grandchildren were the joy of his life and he loved them beyond measure.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Pam Roden; his daughters, Holly Norton (James) and Emily Kelley (Will); his mother, Agnes Roden; his brother, Wade Roden (Christy); and his treasured grandchildren, Bentley, Brooks, Emmie Beth, Davis, and Harper.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hollis Roden.

Donnie will be remem­bered for his generous heart, quick smile, and the unconditional love he gave so freely to his fam­ily and friends. While his presence will be deep­ly missed, his memory will live on in the stories shared and the love that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for the exception­al care they provided to Donnie throughout his bat­tle with cancer. They also thank everyone who offered prayers, love, and encour­agement during his illness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation.

Pallbearers will be Way­land Jarrell, Vic Rags­dale, Corey Hamner, Tim Brown, Jeff Mill­er, Mike Russell, David Ward, and Trenton Roden.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Bishop, John Ben­nett, Dr. Jonathan Wright.

Mary May

Taylor, 68

Mary May Taylor, 68, of Florence passed away, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Vis­itation will be Friday, July 3, 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 Central Heights Community Cemetery.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Taylor; parents Wil­burn and Katherine May; brother, Junior May; sis­ters, Glenda May, Kathy Festa, and Jean Lucy.

She is survived by her daughters, Amy Hines, Heather Bradford (Jona­than), April Maples (Bri­an) ; grandchildren, Aislyn Bunt (Randal), Katy Hines, Andrea Benson, Brayden O’ Neal, John-Owen Brad­ford, India and Phoenix Hughes; great-grand chil­dren, Dawson and Levi Bunt and Carter Gray; host of nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will serve as pallbearers.

Bonnie Suzanne Rickard, 53

Bonnie Suzanne Rickard, 53, Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

She was a much loved member of The Alchemy Group.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her grandpar­ents, Benjamin Harrison Rickard (Evie Nunley Rickard), Whitney Warner Patch (Wesley Audrey Wil­liams Patch); grandchild, Magnolia Louise Patrick.

She is survived by her children, John Patrick (Jesi­ka), Dakota Price (Skyler Price); parents, Virgil and Betty Rickard; brother, Benjamin Rickard (An­gie) and grandchildren, Lilianna Faye Patrick and Rosalee Catherine Patrick;

There will be a private me­morial service for the family.

“I shed tears

for all who have never

felt the exaltation

and the peace envelope their soul

with the knowing

of unconditional love

held in the heart of another

giving them strength

and shelter

when the world

spins too fast

upon its axis

shaking you to your roots…”

From Bonnie’s collection of poetry

Linda Marcela Parker

Brackin, 78

Linda Marcela Parker Brackin, age 78, of Town Creek, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The visitation will be from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at First Baptist of Town Creek.

Linda was a woman who loved her family and God. She was a hard worker, a loving giver, and her big­gest attribute was compli­menting the people around her. In her spare time, she enjoyed biking, watch­ing westerns, Fox news, and Heat of the Night.

She was preceded in death by her son, Carlos Jason Brackin; parents, Lu “Dotson” Mittie Jean Gibson Parker; siblings, Billy Parker, Cecil Parker, Wayne Bird Parker, James Earnie Parker, Doris Ter­ry, Gail Patterson, Jerri Nell Terry, Elliott Parker.

Mrs. Brackin is sur­vived by her children, Scotty Brackin (LeeAnn), Melinda Grissom (Blake Addison), Nikki Shipman (Eddy), Angela Grisham (Titus); sisters, Rhonda Breland, Corrine Mitchell, Faye LouAllen, Ruth Tuck­er; grandchildren, Sum­mer Greeson, Hope Gann, Blake Brackin, Blayne Brackin, Anna Marie Ship­man Elsea, Chloe Grish­am, Josie Grisham, Issac Grisham, and Ila Grisham.

The pallbearers will be Blake Brackin, Blayne Brackin, Blake Addison, Eddy Shipman, Titus Grish­am, Chad Greeson, Isaac Grisham, and Justice Gann.

Amy Kathryn Vaughn

Reed, 54

Amy Kathryn Vaughn Reed, age 54, of Muscle Shoals, AL, passed away at her home on June 30, 2026. There will be a memorial visitation on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funer­al Home of Tuscumbia.

Amy was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and a Christian. She grew up in Russellville, Alabama where she graduated from Russellville High School and was a member of the Marching 100 Band, was a majorette, as well as a member of the Homecom­ing Court, and many other organizations. She attend­ed University of Alabama. She received her Bache­lor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Al­abama in Birmingham. She married and then taught school at Russellville and Muscle Shoals before be­coming a mother. Her two children, husband, and her special fur baby, Kenzie (who rarely left her side) were her greatest loves. She also enjoyed reading.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Rex Vaughn, her grand­mother, Lorene Ledbetter, grandmother, Ella Mae Vaughn, grandfather, Wil­liam R. Vaughn, mother-in-law, Sarah Reed, and father-in-law, Michael Reed, Sr.

Amy is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Michael Reed; her daughter, Kayleigh Reed (fiancé, Jake White); son, Rex Reed; mother, Linda Vaughn; brother, Rodney Vaughn (Amber); broth­er-in-law, Wilford Reed (Sarah); as well as un­cles, aunts, and cousins.

Lester Ellis

Cunningham, Jr., 90

Lester Ellis Cunningham, Jr., age 90, Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednes­day, July 1, 2026. The vis­itation will be 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. The funer­al will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel with Bubba Cole officiating the ser­vice. The burial will be at Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Lester proudly served his nation in the U.S. Army and then worked on the coating line at Reynolds for many years. He was an avid car enthusiast, a devout Ford fanatic, and had restored numerous antique Fords over the years. Lester was a member of the Crown Vic Association since January 12, 1984, Shoals Chapter of the AACA, and attended Redemption Shoals Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les­ter & Ruth Cunningham; brothers, Johnny Cunning­ham, Jimmy Cunningham; sister, Carol Ann Edgil; and granddaughter, Ser­ena Rose Cunningham.

He is survived by his chil­dren, Lester Ellis Cunning­ham, III of Tuscumbia, John Lloyd Cunningham of Prov­idence, RI, William Leon Cunningham of Sheffield; sister, Billie Ruth Hamil­ton; grandchildren, Dustin Ellis Cunningham, Travis Cunningham, Nicholas “Ty” Cunningham, Ethan JW Cunningham, and Cas­sandra Rose Cunningham.

The pallbearers will be Leon Cunningham, Jason Swindle, Bobby Edgil, Tom Mather, Greg Pitt, and Ty Cunningham. The honorary pallbearers will be the Shoals Chapter of the AACA and the Crown Victoria Association.

In honor of Lester and to respect his wishes, we would like dress for this to be casual. Visitors and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite an­tique car shirts. Also, those attending the funer­al and driving in the pro­cession are encouraged to drive their show cars.

A special recognition to Serena & Tom Mathers, Sandy & Mickey Ham­ilton, Dr. Zaman Shah and Amedysis Hospice.

Hazel Stovall, 76

Hazel Stovall, 76, of Florence, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. Vis­itation will be Tuesday, July 7, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at Morrison Fu­neral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jim Fiscus officiating. In­terment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.

Hazel was a native of Cherokee but spent most of her life in Tuscumbia before moving to Florence 10 years ago. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She had a very special relationship with Jonah and enjoyed the time that they shared with each other. She was preced­ed in death by her husband, Harry Stovall, Sr.; parents, Doc and Hattie Wallace; and brother, Clyde Wallace.

Hazel is survived by her children, Wes Stovall (Joanna), Harry Stovall, Jr. (Deanna), and Regi­na Curtiss (Riv); grand­children, Jonah Stovall, Jeffery Stovall, Alivia Leatherwood, Ashley Dar­racott (Zach), Abby Mat­tox (Ridge), Drew Thigpen (Magen), and Adam Curtiss (Meadow); great-grandchil­dren, Aiden Thigpen, Kayse Thigpen, Wyatt Thigpen, Emma Darracott, James Mattox, Noah Darracott, Micah Darracott, and Jer­emiah Mattox; cousin and special friend, Shirley Cole.

Pallbearers are Harry Stovall, Jr., Wes Stovall, Jonah Stovall, Drew Thigpen, Jeffery Stovall, and Aiden Thigpen.

Tony William Allison, 77

Tony William Allison, 77, of Florence, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026. There will be no ser­vices per Tony’s request.

Tony was a native of Lauderdale County and a member of Valley View House of Prayer. He was a timber cutter with Billy Smith Logging for many years and was preceded in death by his parents, Turner and Neat Allison and broth­er, Howard Neal Allison.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Allison; sons, Jamie and Heath Allison; broth­ers, Melvin Jack Allison and Lonnie Edward Allison (Linda); sister, Clara Jane Ray (Norman); grandchil­dren Elijah, Levi (Char­lie), and Charlie Allison; and great-grandchildren, Corrina and Arliss Allison.

The family express­es heartfelt thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hos­pice for their gracious and loving care for Tony.

Michael

Brainard

Griffin, 48

Michael Brainard Grif­fin, age 48, affection­ately known by his fam­ily as “Mikey,” passed away on March 4, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Born on July 23, 1977, Mikey was the baby boy of the family. As the sec­ond youngest sibling, he was admittedly a little spoiled, but that didn’t change the affection his family felt for him. Natu­rally athletic in his young­er years, he brought his energy to the field playing football for the Deshler High School team before graduating with the Class of 1996. A few years lat­er, his path led him to the United States Navy, where he served from 2001 to 2005. During his enlistment, he spent time stationed aboard the USS Nassau as a Ma­chinist’s Mate as part of his life’s unique journey.

To those who knew and loved him best, Mikey was headstrong, naturally fun­ny, and effortlessly chill. He embraced his role as the baby boy by keeping everyone on their toes as the undisputed family co­median and prankster. He was silly and goofy, mak­ing it his daily mission to brighten the days of his siblings, close friends, and everyone he crossed paths with. Beyond his humor, Mikey was the “cool” uncle that all his nieces and nephews absolutely loved. He enjoyed gather­ing with family, bringing his lighthearted spirit and laughter to every room he entered. When it came to family, you could always count on him to show up and be there for you.

His memory, his laugh­ter, and his legacy are carried forward by his only child, his daugh­ter, Syrena (Ryan) Mc­Lean of Baltimore, MD. A true reflection of her father in both appear­ance and personality, she proudly shares his silly, goofy nature, ensuring that his spirit and bright light live on through her.

He leaves behind a large extended family to cherish his memories, including his brothers: Louis (Mat­tie) Smith Sr. of Tuscum­bia, AL; John Griffin Jr. of Lima, OH; and Alex (Elizabeth) Griffin of Morrilton, AR. He is also survived by his sisters: Lois (James) Hampton of Seattle, WA; Mary Simp­son of Lima, OH; Stepha­nie Griffin of Lima, OH; LaDonna (Rush) King of Gulfport, MS; Lisa (Jer­ry) Brenneman of Spen­cerville, OH; and Ullanda Haley of Tuscumbia, AL, as well as a host of niec­es, nephews, and friends.

Mikey is preceded in death by his parents, Wil­lie Ruth Griffin and John Griffin Sr.; his niece, Sher­ee Smith; and his neph­ew, Austin (Red) Morris.

In honoring Mikey, we remember the joy he brought to those around him, the laughter they shared, and the permanent place he holds in our hearts.

Kenneth Lee Abernathy, 73

Kenneth Lee Aber­nathy was born on Sep­tember 18, 1952, to the late Minnie Abenathy Ricks. He was the fourth of eight children. He transitioned peacefully on July 1, 2026, at North Alabama Medical Center, Florence, AL. Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, grand­mother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and brother.

Kenneth professed a belief in Christ at an ear­ly’ age and joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and remained faithful until his health failed.

He was a 1970 Grad­uate of Leighton Train­ing School (LTS) and served in the United States Army from 1970-1974. He also received an Honor’s Award as America’s Disabled Vet­eran on October 30, 2017. Kenneth was employed and retired as a Boiler Maker for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Kenneth leaves to cher­ish his memories a devot­ed wife of 45 years, Letha Ford Abernathy of Leigh­ton, Alabama; two loving sons: Obrien Abernathy and Lzoryien Abernathy both of Leighton, AL; one daughters: and Trac­ey Hamilton of Sheffield, AL; two grandchildren and three great-grandchil­dren; one brother, Robert C. Ricks, Jr. of Frankfort, KY; five sisters, Georgia Davis, Helen Abernathy, both of Leighton, AL; Sallie Gayden, Fannie Goodwin, both of Muscle Shoals, AL; and Gloria Kentcy (Kelvin) of Chat­tanooga, TN; one broth­er-in-law, Norman Ford (Andrea) of Danville, VA; three sisters-in-law, Prudence Ford of Town Creek, AL; Curlie King of Decatur, AL and Amanda Ricks. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.

Kenneth will be re­membered for his gen­erous spirit, warm smile, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Conrad Judson Pate, 87

Conrad Judson Pate passed away from this earth to his heavenly home on July 6, 2026, in the presence of his daughters. There will be a private graveside service at Col­bert Memorial Gardens for his immediate family in celebration of his life.

He was born February 7, 1939, in Blount Coun­ty, AL to Rex Judson Pate and Ruth Lamb Pate.

He was a faithful mem­ber of Valley Grove Bap­tist Church, Tuscumbia, AL. He was a master fixer, okra grower ex­traordinaire, fisherman, and jack of all trades.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Peg­gy Elrod Pate; his wife of 14 years, Faye Pate; his brother, Max Earl Pate; his granddaughter, Chel­sea Suzanne Coulter; and son-in-law, Robert Eaton.

He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Pate Eaton and Suzanne Pate Coulter (Jon); grandchil­dren, Adam Eaton (Kristi­na), Whitney Gubbins (Jo­seph), and Cassie White (Sean); great-grandchil­dren, Addison, Avery, and Miles Shepherd; Peggy Eaton; and Elijah, Jud­son, and Hazel Ingrum.

Michael Lynn Clark, 70

Michael Lynn Clark, age 70, of Florence, AL, passed away peaceful­ly on July 4, 2026 sur­rounded by his family.

Born on July 16, 1955 in Dayton, TN to Rev­erend Orville and Ann Clark. He spent 38 years working as an Ironwork­er for Local 477, where he was known for his work integrity and kind­ness. Beyond his work, Mike was a dedicated husband, father, and Papa with a passion for God, his family and the out­doors. He will be remem­bered most for his gentle spirit and giving heart!

Mike is survived by his spouse and best friend of 48 years, Mammie Clark; his children, Todd (Shannon) Clark and Anna (Josh) Dawson; his granddaughters, Roxie and Harper Dawson; his two brothers, David (Vic­ki) Clark, Gene (Martha) Clark; and his two sis­ters, Sharon (Mark) Bea­ver, Twana (Ron) Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Orville and Ann Clark.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 12-1 pm at Col­bert Memorial Chapel, a service to celebrate Mike’s life will follow at 1 pm with David Clark officiat­ing. Burial will be in Col­bert Memorial Gardens.