Feb. 8 obituaries
Mary Stephens, age 80, of Florence, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, January 31, from noon until 2:00 pm at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. She will be laid to rest in a small graveside service at Douglas Cemetery on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Mary (Johnston) Stephens was born on June 25, 1944. She was one of two of the most beautiful twins. Mary and Marie share a brother, Dwight. Along with their parents, Elsie and Varon, the family served and ministered as a pastoral family in Douglas, Alabama. Mary was a preacher’s daughter. She had a wonderful heritage of farm life, people, and knowing who God was at a young age. She graduated from Douglas High School. Sweet Mary had an adventurous spirit. She loved music, friends, art, and her husband, Max.
They met and began dating. They married in her childhood home. They moved to Tuscumbia in 1965. They managed a clothing store called King’s Department Store downtown. The building still stands in historical Tuscumbia.
She was a fixture in King’s Department Store for many years. Later, she worked with doctors managing insurance. She was brilliant and keen in how she saw through people and situations.
Mom loved to make things lovely. She was always stunning and beautiful. She cared for her home and her girls with care and that special touch that made everyone feel welcome. Our bright smiling mother was the penultimate grandmother and great grandmother. She wore the title, Ninnie, with honor. She was always ready to bring assistance and care when called upon.
As her physical health declined, she still was there caring, consoling and making sarcastic quips. She had a quick wit. Today we honor our mother’s life and celebrate her home going to Jesus with the assurance that she knows Him and her faith is now sight. She leaves a legacy of faith with her three daughters, Michelle Mardis (Roger), Kim Ayers (Shannon), and Kelley Hafner (Randy). She also leaves twelve grandchildren and their spouses; twelve great-grandchildren with three babies on the way; a sister-in-law, Betty; and loved nieces and nephews. We are all blessed for having known her and been a part of her lovely family.
The family would like to thank the many people that helped her in her battle with health issues. Dr. Jeremy Thompson and all of the staff at Medical Associates of the Shoals, Dr. Goodman, Katrina Pace, Michelle Berry, April Lamb, and all of the wonderful staff at Affinity Hospice. You all have been so helpful.
Mom made a special note to mention her best friend, Jayne Watson for her entire life. Faye Dawson also has been a wonderful friend to her. She also wanted to recognize Paul and Angel Cantie for their timely friendship and ministry toward the end of her life.
Grandsons and grandsons by marriage will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the church or charity of your choice.
Teddy Roe Mansell, 68
Teddy Roe Mansell, 68, of Tuscumbia, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025. There will be a memorial visitation on Saturday, February 8, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia.
Ted was a native of Dan Diego, California but lived most of his life in the Shoals. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary V. Borden Stults and grandparents, Lum and Mary Evelyn Borden.
Ted is survived by his children, Chasity Self (Bob), Alec Blazier, and Eric Blazier; father, Roe B. Mansell; brothers, Tim Mansell (Teresa), Tony Mansell (Amanda), and Shane Mansell (Alisha); sister, April Richie (Ken); grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Wesley Andrew Holloway, 32
Wesley Andrew Holloway, 32, of Killen, passed away, Sunday, January 26, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6:00PM until 9:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will be Friday, January 31, 2025, beginning at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Paul Holloway, Lynn Holloway, and Vernon Key officiating. Burial will be at Central Heights Community Cemetery.
Wes liked to fish, watch Alabama football, and making music with his babies. He loved going to support his son play football and daughter cheering at Brooks. He was a member of Lighthouse Apostolic Church.Wes always put others first and was a loving and devoted husband and father. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, David Holloway and Harold Wright .
He is survived by his wife, Toni Holloway; children, Peyton and Ellie Holloway; parents, Travis and Teresa Holloway; brothers, Cody Holloway (Cortney) and Jordan Holloway (Elizabeth); special nieces and nephews Kasen, Kinsley, Bellamy, and Blaise Holloway; host of other family members.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Moore, Mark Webster, Tyler Wood, Mark Smith, Daniel Rhodes, and Jeff Hooper.
Honorary Pallbearers Clint Hart and Benjamin Holloway.
Margie Gail
Terry, 72
Margie Gail Terry, 72, of Tuscumbia, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.
Margie was fun loving and always spoke her mind. She loved her family dearly and was deeply loved. Margie was preceded in death by her mother, Lilly Carpenter; father, Russell Terry; and grandmother, Velma Aldridge.
She is survived by her children, Michelle Abbott (Chris) and Kenny Abbott; brothers, Raymond and David; sisters, Lilly and Donna; grandchildren, Kimberly Wellington, Chris Wellington, Jr., Kelsey Wellington, Arabella Abbott, and Kenzly Abbott; great-grandchildren, Brayden Barnes and Mason Aday; and the love of her life, Ted Mansell.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to help cover cremation expenses.
William Thomas Nesmith, 92
William Thomas Nesmith, 92, Florence, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025. Visitation will be Sunday, February 2, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Terry Stubblefield officiating.
Bill was a member of Florence First United Methodist Church. He graduated from Sheffield High School and attended Florence State Teachers College before being called up to active duty during the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Naval Air Service. Bill retired from Reynolds Metals Company after 38 years and was a member of IBEW #558. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Joyce Massey Nesmith; and parents, Arthur Augustus Nesmith and Janey Maud Gray Nesmith.
Bill is survived by his children, William Karl Nesmith (Sharon Metcalfe Nesmith), Robert Ward Nesmith, and Joyce Ann Nesmith (Blane Brown); grandchildren, Summer Marie Nesmith Sikkema (Jordan) and Daniel Alexander Nesmith (Lauren); and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Eli Nesmith, Jonathan Owen Nesmith, Tenley Elizabeth Nesmith, Addison Mae Sikkema, Jack Kenneth Sikkema, and Miles William Sikkema.
Bill was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Pallbearers will be Karl Nesmith, Ward Nesmith, Daniel Nesmith, Jordan Sikkema, BJ Brown, Ben Nesmith, and Jon Nesmith. Tenley Nesmith, Addison Sikkema, Jack Sikkema, and Miles Sikkema will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Florence.
Sean Patrick Holland, 49
Sean Patrick Holland, 49, Sheffield, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025. Visitation will be Friday, January 31, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Dr. Davy Kincaid and Bro. Larry Smart officiating. Interment will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens, Tuscumbia.
Sean was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscumbia. He operated Holland Family Tae Kwon Do since August 2017 as a free ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. He was an instructor and 3rd degree black belt. He also earned a black belt in both Japanese Weapons and Karate. Sean loved teaching and mentoring young people and children. He taught not only discipline, character, and generosity, but also shared his love of the Lord with everyone in his classes. Sean was also a self-taught artist whose paintings he shared generously with everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Earl and Brenda Gail Holland.
Sean is survived by his wife, Cynthia Leigh Holland; children, Alisha Holland, Jonathan Holland, Derek Maples (Sarah), and Taylor Maples (Jamey); brother, Deimer Holland (Carla); sister, April Hayes (Roger); grandchildren, Ashton Maples, Xavier Orr, Bella Maples, Oakley Orr, and Archer Hosea; nieces, Delena Holland and Kristina Stegall (Jeremy); and nephews, Grant Clark, Peyton Franks, Tristan Franks, and Cameron Franks.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Holland, Derek Maples, Taylor Maples, Eagan Marquardt, Shane Jeffreys, and Ben Jeffreys. Deimer Holland, Tommy Ferguson, Aaron Marquardt, and Jeffrey Davis will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Missions Fund or Touch the Future Fund.
Wilma Jean
Lowery, 74
Wilma Jean “Jeannie” Lowery, age 74, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, peacefully passed away on January 28, 2025, at Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home in Killen, AL. Visitation will be Monday, February 3, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Anthony Martin officiating. Interment will be in Glendale Cemetery, Leighton.
Born on July 26, 1950, in Kentucky to the late Samuel and Gwendolyn Warf, Jeannie spent her early years in Ewing, Virginia, where she was surrounded by the beauty of nature and a strong sense of family. She later moved to Lafayette, Indiana, as a teenager, where she met and married the love of her life, Starlon Lowery, in 1971.
Together, they built a life in Tuscumbia, Alabama, raising their two children, Corey and Lisa, in a home that was filled with love, laughter, and the foundation of faith.
Jeannie’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. She had a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord that she carried with her every day. Her faith was evident in the kindness she showed others, the strength she exhibited in difficult times, and the love she shared freely with everyone around her. She was a constant witness to the power of grace, and her love for Jesus inspired all who knew her.
Her home was always open, and it was there that her family gathered around her to enjoy her famous meals—whether it was breakfast for dinner, her indulgent chocolate chip pound cake, or her homemade chocolate ice cream that became a family favorite. Jeannie’s joy in serving others through her cooking was just one of the many ways she expressed her love.
For 38 years, Jeannie worked at Bank Independent, where her warm, compassionate nature made her a beloved friend and coworker to all. She was known for her unwavering loyalty, her beautiful smile, and her ability to bring light into every room she entered.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Gwendolyn Warf, and her cherished grandson, Matthew Lowery. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will continue to inspire her family and friends.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Starlon Lowery; son, Corey Lowery and wife Jennifer; daughter, Lisa Martin and husband Anthony; sister, Joann Burton; brother, Kyle Warf and wife Teresa; grandchildren Logan Lowery and wife Madeline, Presleigh Wynn and husband Chase, Eli Martin, and Knox Martin; great-grandson, Jeremiah Lowery; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Her faith, her love, and her spirit will continue to guide them all.
Though Jeannie is now with the Lord, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her unwavering love, her enduring faith, and her joyful heart. She is now at peace in the presence of Jesus, and her family takes comfort in knowing that one day, they will be reunited with her in eternity.
Pallbearers will Logan Lowery, Eli Martin, Knox Martin, Rusty Frase, Chase Wynn, and Dale Burton.
In lieu of flowers the family would like for any donations to be sent to Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home at 2019 County Rd 394, Killen AL 35645.
The staff at LCNH was so compassionate and caring for our wife, mom, and maw maw. We appreciate everything they did for our family.
Mary Frances Patterson
Ward, 92
Mary Frances Patterson Ward was born on March 2, 1932. Mom went home to meet her heavenly Father on January 29, 2025 at 92 years old. Mom had a precious soul and was loved by many. She would help anyone that needed a meal and would sit with the sick. She was well known for her chocolate syrup and biscuits, brownies and homemade ice cream. Above all Mom loved her family. She was a proud member of Hendrix Chapel Church of Christ.
Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 PM Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Wayne Wood and Nolan Burns officiating. She will be laid to rest at Wesley Chapel following the service.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband J.R. Ward, granddaughter Celeste Wills, parents Bert and Lillie Patterson, sister Lorene Williams and brothers Rubin, Charles, Bert Olive, Bob, Clyde and Jim Patterson.
Frances leaves behind her children Karen Ward, Keith Ward (Waverly) and Kathy Linzey (Tara) and grandchildren Johanna Kearney, Kathy Lafferty (Nathan), Veronica Lamons (Chris), Brandon Linzey (Casey), Jordon Linzey (Victoria) and Katelyn Linzey. She was blessed with 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. She is also survived by her sister Alice Faulkner (Walker) and sister-in-law Glenda Patterson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Linzey, Jordon Linzey, Tucker Linzey, Connor Rosson, Luke Lafferty and Nathan Lafferty.
Special thanks to Station 5 at Mitchell Hollingsworth and to Preferred Hospice for the exceptional care they provided.
Dr. Robert David Mathews
Dr. Robert David Mathews passed from this life on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, February 8, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Sheffield. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the church with Jaina Glaze officiating.
Robert was born in Mobile, Alabama to Condie and Robbie Mathews in October 1940. He graduated from the Medical College of Alabama. Robert achieved the rank of Major in the US Army, serving as an anesthesiologist during the Vietnam War. He earned the Soldier’s Medal (the highest noncombat medal available) and a Bronze Star during his service. In 1975 he and his partner, Dr. Larry Holcomb, established Shoals Urology in Sheffield and Florence. They were later joined by Dr. Mike Yordy and Dr. Mark Smith. Robert retired after working thirty years. He was an avid fly fisherman, enjoying trips to Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, Canada, and Chile. Robert was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, George Dearden; sister-in-law, Pat Mathews; friends, Barry Hightower, Sam Barnes, and Don Armstrong.
Robert is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Leta Mathews; two sons, David “Bo” Mathews (Shannon) and Dr. Brian Mathews (Michelle); five grandchildren, Eavan Mathews (Luke), Rebecca Mathews (Sam), Corrina Mathews (Andrew), Elliot Mathews, and Tessa Mathews; brother, Nick Mathews; sisters-in-law, Jeanette White (Tony), Judy Billmeier (Ray), and Clet Dearden; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends from over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Melissa George Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
David “Mike” Klyce, 77
David “Mike” Klyce, 77, Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, February 1, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Shane Swinney officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
Mike was a member of Tuscumbia Methodist Church and a graduate of the 1965 class at Deshler High School. He was a retired industrial salesman, working for many companies throughout his career. Mike played semi-pro baseball in Memphis and continued to play softball until he was in his 40s. He was an avid Deshler and Alabama fan. Mike was known for his quick wit. He loved and adored his family and friends and was loved and adored by them as well. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenny Klyce; parents, William Young Klyce and Wilma Klyce; and brother, Bill Klyce.
Mike is survived by his children, Jennifer Hatcher (Jason) and Michael Klyce (Tonia); sister, Pat Stevens; grandchildren, Lakin Massey (William), Maddie Foust (Bevin), Will Klyce (Angel), and Katelyn Wingo (Cal); and great-grandchildren, Isabella Klyce, Eric Massey, Jenny Massey, Paislee Foust, and Luke Klyce.
Pallbearers will be Will Klyce, Jason Hatcher, Bevin Foust, Jimmy Grisham, Brian Young, and Dink Smith. The Deshler Dudes will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Shelby Jean Shook, 83, of Hattiesburg, MS, formerly of Cherokee, AL, peacefully slipped into eternity on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Bedford Care Center in Hattiesburg. Mrs. Shook was a member of Allsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed her participation in the Cumberland Presbyterian Women and cooking for church events where she was well-known for her scratch caramel cakes, chess pies, and fried okra. She also loved gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and she never found a tree she did not like as evidenced by the many trees in the yard of her former residence on Allsboro Road in Cherokee. She was a licensed cosmetologist in Mississippi for 55 years, but her life’s priority was her family and devotion to her Lord and Savior and studying His Word. She was a devoted and faithful wife to her late husband, Horace Ray, for 44 years, a loving and encouraging mother to her son, Chad, a doting grandmother to her only grandchild, Laura Grace, and – yes – a canine mom to Chloe whom she adopted after her husband’s death in 2006. Mrs. Shook is survived by her son, Chad Shook of Hattiesburg (Saundra Briley of Kenedy, TX); her granddaughter, Laura Grace Shook of Hattiesburg; her sisters-in-law, Rhonda Bullard of Corinth and Shirley Shook Hardin of Cherokee; her nieces, Roseann Bullard Sellers (Colin) and Tamara Bullard Barnett (Jeb) of Corinth, and Melody Senn (Billy) of Killen, AL; and her nephews, Tim Hollard (Teresa) of Long Beach, MS, Todd Shook (Jana) of Cherokee, and Brandt Shook (Amy) of Foley, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Ray Shook; her parents, George Lester and Mildred Olene Bullard; her sisters, Florine Bullard and Laverne Bullard Holland; her brother, Wayne Bullard; and her brothers-in-law, Danny Holland, Jerry Hardin, and Wayne Shook. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Allsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Scott Sealy and Rev. Ryan Young. Pallbearers include Dr. Tim Holland, Mr. Todd Shook, Mr. Brandt Shook, Mr. Luther Bishop, Mr. Kelvin Burns, and Mr. Kendrick Burns. Interment will be in the Allsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Donations may be made in Mrs. Shook’s memory to Ligonier Ministries. P.O. Box 947595, Atlanta, GA 30394-7595 or French Camp Academy, Office of Development, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745. An online guestbook may be accessed at www. cutshallfuneralhome.com..
Nella Faye
Sherer, 87
Nella Faye Sherer, 87, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 12-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Louie Sherer and son, David Carl Sherer.
She is survived by her sons, Douglas Sherer and Damon Sherer (Dana); daughter, Wanda Sherer; brother, Robert Roberts; grandchildren, Channing Sherer (Christina) and Summer Sherer; great grandchildren, Liam Sherer and Clara Sherer.
Pallbearers will be Channing Sherer, Damon Sherer, Fred Terry, Justin Reeves, and Jeffrey Roberts.
Wendell Keith Dean, 65
Wendell Keith Dean, 65, of, Waterloo passed away, Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025 from Noon until 2:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The graveside funeral service will be at Fords Mill Cemetery beginning at 2:30 PM with David Muse officiating.
Keith was a member of Waterloo United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents E.W. and Tootie Dean.
He is survived by his children, Brad Leadford (April), Monica Whitaker (Justin), and Phoebe Butler (Bobby); grandchildren, Rozlin Dean, Austynn Whitaker, Harper and Daisy Leadford, Ethan and Ryleigh Osterc; brothers, Robert Dean and Steve Dean (Sue).
Pallbearers will be Brad Leadford, Steve Dean, Jamison Dean, J.B. Dean, Justin Whitaker, and Chris Darby.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Dean, Steve Yates, Mike Hart, and Tommy Longshore.
Jeanette Wilson Johnson, 88
Jeanette Wilson Johnson, 88, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 5, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Terry Thomas officiating. Interment will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens, Tuscumbia.
Jeanette was a member of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church and was a retired salesclerk with Rogers Department Store. She is preceded in death by her husband, J. B. Johnson, Jr.; daughter, Rhonda Johnson Warner; brother, Charlie Wilson; and parents, Chester and Inez Wilson.
Jeanette is survived by her son, Randall Johnson (Stacy); brother, Gene Wilson; sister, Frances Wilson Vardaman (Jim); grandchildren, Ben Johnson and Walker Johnson; special sister-in-law, Alene Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Ben Johnson, Walker Johnson, Jim Vardaman, Todd Vardaman, Joshua Vardaman, and Caleb Vardaman.
The family offers special thanks to the staffs of Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing Home and Affinity Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodward Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund.
