Jan. 24 obituaries
Mary Jane Isbell Lackey, 87
Mary Jane Isbell Lackey, 87, from Leighton, AL passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, January 13, 2026, surrounded by the love and legacy she so faithfully built throughout her life. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 11:00 am -1:00 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 1 pm in the chapel. Bro. Dwight Wilson and Bro. Reggie Bruce will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Born on February 4, 1938, to Homer and Edna Isbell, Mary Jane was a woman of faith, strong family values, and a generous heart. She was a lifelong and devoted member of Spring Valley Baptist Church, where she served the Lord by teaching the children’s Sunday School class for many years. Her gentle guidance, patience, and love helped shape generations of children, many of whom carried her lessons and kindness with them throughout their lives.
Mary Jane was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy came from her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Lackey, and her daughter, Theresa Pounders (Larry), losses she carried with quiet strength and grace.
She leaves behind her loving children: Myron (Janice), Danny (Regina) and Lisa (Mike). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jessica (Torey), Chris (Krista), Daniel (Bradie), Michael, Justin, (Ashley), Caleb (Casey), Sara, Jake and Hannah and treasured great grandmother to 15 great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Mary Jane’s home was always filled with love, laughter and purpose. Her pride and joy were caring for her grandchildren and many special children in her home over the years. She opened her door and heart to all, creating a place of safety, comfort and unconditional love. To many, she was more than a caregiver, she was a second mother, a teacher, and a constant source of encouragement.
Known for her nurturing spirit, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to others, Mary Jane leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched, she will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever cherished.
Pallbearers will be Chris Lackey, Daniel Lackey, Michael Lackey, Justin Isbell, Caleb Lackey, Torey Jeffreys, Darryl Tverberg, and Mickey Oliver. Honorary Pallbearers are Jason Isbell, Jaymeson Kimbrough, Jackson Isbell, and Jarrett Isbell.
Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and Dr. Adam Isbell for all their kindness and care.
Rhonda Darleen Keenum, 72
Rhonda Darleen Keenum, 72, of Tuscumbia, AL passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Visitation will be held at Vandiver Hollow Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 12-2 pm with a service to follow. Bro. Greg Beasley will be officiating. Burial will be in Vandiver Hollow Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bo Keenum; parents, Roy and Ruby Fisher; brothers, Billy Fisher and Jimmy Fisher; sister, Bobbie Fountain, and granddaughter, Jordan Gomez.
She is survived by her children, Amanda Gomez (Pablo), Roy Keenum, Patricia Gomez, Billy Fisher, and April Abbot; grandchildren, Brandon Keenum (Taylor), Tony Fisher, Alex Gomez (Lillian), Victor Simon (Hailey), Alfonso Simon, Weston Fisher, Krystal Gomez, and Maria Simon; great grandchildren, Raelynn Keenum, Bryer Keenum, Marcel Gomez, and soon to be born, Baby Simon; sister, Rebecca Jones (Tony); brother, Ronnie Fisher; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
She loved and looked forward to her routine trips to the mountains.
Joe Philip
Brocato, 93
Joe Philip Brocato, 93, of Sheffield, AL passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. A private graveside was held on Friday, January 16, 2026.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Margaret Brocato; and sister, Pat Brocato Hall.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Gandy Brocato; son, Bart Brocato; daughters, Susan L. Brocato, Tammy Brocato Highfield (Danny); brother, Tommy Brocato (Phyllis); brother-in-law, Gary Gandy (Norma); sister-in-law, Sue Gandy; granddaughter, Hope Highfield (Bradey Shelnutt); and numerous nieces and nephews..
Dorris Devolt
Tolbert, 84
Dorris Devolt Tolbert, age 84, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, strength, and devotion to family.
Dorris was known as a stubborn, hard-working man who took great pride in everything he did. He kept his yard sharp, his responsibilities handled, and his loved ones cared for. If someone needed help, Dorris was there—quietly, steadily, and without hesitation. His work ethic and dedication was evident throughout his life and served as an example to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Tolbert; his second wife, Judy Tolbert; his parents, Joseph Devolt Tolbert and Cheta Mae Tolbert; his sisters Marie Crowden, Dorothy Moreland, Luda May, and Barbara Gandy; and his brothers James Willett (JW) and Bobby Gene.
He is survived by his sisters Peggy Jones and Elizabeth Evans, and his brother Bobby Tolbert.
He also leaves behind his daughters: Melissa (Ben) King, Beverly Tolbert, and Deidra Tolbert Watson (Ryan).
Dorris was a proud grandfather to Lyle (Haley) King, Joseph (Jon) King, and Adam (Danielle) King, and a loving great-grandfather to Kaizlee, Eli, Ansley, Kayden, Gianna, Lukas, Paisley, Raylee, Fennel, and Piper.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Funeral arrangements will be held at Colbert Memorial Chapel on Monday, January 19, 2026 with visitation from 12-2 pm with a service to follow in the chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions…” — John 14:1–3
Dorris Devolt Tolbert will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the quiet way he showed love by always taking care of those around him.
Pallbearers will be Lyle King, Joseph King, Adam King, Josh Rohling, Ryan Watson, Shane Elkins, Ty Joe Fadorson, Chandler Kimbrough, and Devin Patterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Crowden, Terry Crowden, Bryan Jones, Steve Evans, Bradley Evans, Mark Kimbrough, Ricky Rohling, Dwight Moreland, and Ben King.
Rana Hayes
Terry, 54
Rana Terry, 54, met her loving savior on January 16, 2026 She was a strong, loving, and compassionate woman whose faith and kindness were felt by everyone who knew her. Rana faced each day with hope, holding tightly to God’s promises. Throughout every battle she faced, she continued to give glory to God, trusting fully in the miracle she knew awaited her.
Her Heavenly Father saw fit to grant her ultimate healing in Glory. There, she is reunited with her parents, J.L. and Louise Hayes, and her sisters and brothers; Carolyn Tharp, Denice Hayes, Rebecca Hayes, Johnnie Hayes, and Linda and Donnie Hendon.
As a loving and devoted wife of 36 years, she leaves behind her husband, Bennie Terry; their children, Codie Terry, Tyler Terry, and Haley Terry. To her grandchildren she was a lovingly known as Nay Nay, a role filled with endless love and cherished moments.
She was a friend to many and a pillar of faith to all. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her. Though her absence leaves the deepest of aches, her legacy of faith and love will live on in every life she touched.
A memorial service celebrating Rana’s life will be held at New Sockwell Baptist Church Friday, January 23, 2026 at 4 pm. Brother Jamie Ridinger will be officiating.
Romans 8:28
Ella Mae
Malone, 100
Ella Mae Malone, age 100, of Cherokee, Alabama, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Cherokee and spent her entire life deeply rooted in the community she loved.
Ella Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Elson Malone; parents, Roscoe and Ora Lee Jarnigan; brothers, Ray and Hollis Jarnigan; sisters, Earsel Jarnigan and Barbara Joy Ford; infant daughter, Donna Lane Malone.
She is survived by her four children, Karen Smith (Dale), Paul Malone (Carolyn), David Malone (Lori) and Candi Rutland (Mark); eight grandchildren, Kyle Smith (Meghan), Kade Smith (Anna), Carrie Boyles (Brent), Josh Malone (Kristi), Caylee Parker (Will), Beau Rutland (Abby), Tate Malone and Abbie Malone; eight great-grandchildren, Ella Boyles, Nolan Smith, Gracie Boyles, Cannon Malone, Eden Malone, Stetson Smith, Boone Smith and Brooks Malone, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.
Ella Mae was born on February 1, 1925 in rural Cherokee, Alabama. She spent her childhood picking cotton and helping her parents with farm work and learning the value of hard work at an early age. She attended Cherokee Vocational High School. As a young adult, she worked as a switchboard operator in Sheffield, Alabama. When Elson returned home from World War II, the two were married and began their life together in Cherokee.
Ella Mae shared a wonderful life with her husband, Elson. Together they raised four children and proudly operated Malone’s Grocery Store, which served as both a livelihood for their family and a cornerstone of their community. They always made time for fun, despite the demands of work, and whenever they could, they enjoyed traveling to Florida.
The matriarch of her family, Ella Mae cared deeply about the lives and interests of her children and grandchildren. She made it a priority to keep up with everyone, never missing a milestone and was never short of bragging about her grandchildren’s accomplishments. Known for her generosity, she especially loved slipping her grandchildren a little money so they could have some fun.
Ella Mae found great happiness being outdoors on sunny days tending to her flower garden, sitting in her swing beneath the big magnolia tree in her yard and chatting with friends and family. She had a fond love for vanilla milkshakes and never went a day without her Coca-Cola. She loved fashion and always took pride in her appearance. She lived her life joyfully and celebrated each new day – something all who knew her will remember and strive to emulate.
Ella Mae’s legacy of love, generosity and joy will live on through the many lives she touched and the family and friends she cherished so deeply.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee. The service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Josh Malone and Gary Cosby officiating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park, Cherokee.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Smith, Kade Smith, Tate Malone, Beau Rutland, Dale Smith and Mark Rutland.
The family would like to extend our thanks to Alabama Hospice of the Shoals, especially Kandace and Angela. We would also like to thank a very special caregiver, Virginia Risner..
Amanda Denice Borden, 51
Amanda Denice Borden, 51, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. No services are scheduled at this time.
She was preceded in death by her father, Larry “June Bug” Barnett.
Amanda is survived by her loving husband of twenty-six years, Christopher Michael Borden; daughters, Serenity Grace Borden and Jennifer Suzanne Borden; mother, Sherry Fulks; brothers, Chris Barnett and Glenn Barnett; sisters, Candice Smith and Brandy Barnett; grandchildren, Piper Smith, Legend Smith, and Nova Smith; and nieces and nephews, Jacob Smith, Chloe Alfred, Malik Barnett, and Isaiah Sanders.
Marolyn Sharpton McVay, 91
Marolyn Sharpton McVay, 91, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, January 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Steve Slaton officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
Marolyn was a native and lifelong resident of the Shoals and a member of South Highland Freewill Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and enjoyed serving others, which made her an excellent caregiver. Marolyn was preceded in death by her husband, William McVay; son, David Lee McVay; parents, Louis and Eula Sharpton; sister, Helen Isom; twin sister, Carolyn Jenkins; and brother, Elroy Sharpton.
Marolyn is survived by her daughter, Brenda James (William); daughter-in-law, BJ McVay; grandchildren, Matt James (Jo-Lynn), Lori James, Justin McVay, Jeremy McVay, and Jared McVay; great-grandchildren, Sarah James, Will James, Ezra McVay, Bristol McVay, Hattie McVay, and Willow McVay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Matt James, Will James, Justin McVay, Jared McVay, Ezra McVay, and Tommy Deaton. Jeremy McVay, J.D. Choat, Jake Hargett, and Alan McVay, will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family offers special thanks to Allison Miller and the staff of North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice, and Minnie and everyone at Hospitality House in Iuka, Mississippi.
Ronald Gene
McGregory, 78
Ronald Gene McGregory, 78, of Tuscumbia, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 20, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 21, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Ronald was a native and lifelong resident of the Shoals and was a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a retired pipefitter with Pipefitters Local 760 and a Sheffield High School graduate class of 1968. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Billie McGregory and twin brother, Donald McGregory.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Harrison McGregory; children, Shannon Wade McGregory (Carla), Brent McGregory, and Chad McGregory; sister, Judy Wann (Mike); grandchildren, Carson McGregory (Brittney), Sydney Mann (Cody), Addison Horton, Sam Wright, Jack Wright, and Reagan Wright; great-granddaughter, Scarlett Mann; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Sean Terry, Patrick Wann, Carson McGregory, Cody Mann, Josh Landers, and Mark McGregory.
Lenvel Harold South, 86
Lenvel Harold South, 86, of Florence, passed away, Thursday January 15, 2026. There will be a graveside service Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery.
He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was retired from TVA. Lenvel was preceded in death by his wife, Lila South; daughter, Jennifer Kent; son, Michael South.
He is survived by his sons, Wayne South and Jeff South (Patricia) ; grandson, Allen South ( Latoya); great grandchildren, Evan South, Avery South and Syria South.
Jo Ann Burns Agee, 74
Jo Ann Burns Agee, 74, of Sheffield, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 18, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Greg Pace officiating.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice “Bea” Puckett; father, Wacon Burns; brothers, Jimmy Burns and Jackie Burns; and son, Krandel Agee.
She is survived by her children, Corey Agee, Kimberly Funk (Michael), and Audrena Mitchell (Josh); brother, John Burns (Christy); sister-in-law, Phyllis Burns; grandchildren, Ashley Cassel, Patrick Agee, Allison Wheeler, Tyler Vinson, Katelyn Garner, Aleah Jones, Alona Mitchell, and Elijah Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Madison, Olivia and Landon Cassell, Navaeh, Khloe, William, and Amelia Agee, Vivianne and Jon Bradford Vinson, Anniston and Wyatt Garner, and Blakely and Libby Kate Wheeler; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Joyce Marie
Bradley, 83
Joyce Marie Bradley, 83, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. Visitation will be Monday, January 19, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Bruce Blankenship officiating. Interment will be at Harris Chapel Cemetery in Cherokee.
Joyce was a native of Cherokee, Alabama and a member of River Road Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Uyless Ray Bradley; great-granddaughter, Eden Calhoun; parents, Carl and Ola Mae Thompson; brothers, Terry Thompson, Larry Thompson, Carl S. Thompson, and Arthur Joe Thompson; sisters, Mary Lee Elliott, Ruby James, Elsie Waldrep, Jean Tapp, Pauline Holmes, and Lib Hall.
Joyce is survived by her children, Anthony Bradley (Sandy) of Florence and Scott Bradley of Huntsville; grandchildren, Tori Bradley Lee (Cody) of Muscle Shoals and Lexie Bradley Calhoun (Dylan) of Navarre, FL; great-grandchildren, Owen Lee, Amelia Lee, and Haven Calhoun; brother, Jimmy Dale Thompson (Hope); sisters, Linda Smallwood and Kathy Wilbanks; sister-in-law, Ann Thompson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Dylan Calhoun, Cody Lee, Brad Black, Robin Darby, Austin Handley, and Tony Letson.
The family expresses special thanks to Nancy Bynom, the nurses at Cypress Cove, and the palliative care staff at Helen Keller Memorial Hospital.
Milton Raymond Brooks, 85
Milton Raymond Brooks, 85, of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 15, 2026. A private service will be held for the family at a later date.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ludie Brooks; sons, Michael and Thomas Brooks, three brothers; and one sister.
Milton is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Guschke; brother, Russell Brooks; granddaughter, Rachel Guschke; loving partner, Margie Peden; and several nieces and nephews.
Janet Sue
Wright, 69
Janet Sue Wright, 69, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. A private service will be held for the family at a later date.
A native and lifelong resident of the Shoals, Janet was a member of First Baptist Church of Colbert Heights. She retired from Flexco after thirty-three years. Janet was an avid bow hunter, winning multiple State Championships in 3D Archery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oneal Pounders and Edna Sanders; brother, Wyman Pounders; and sister, Gail James.
Janet is survived by her husband, Keith Wright; son, Richie Landers; stepchildren, Elizabeth Keenum (Kevin), Corinne Crabtree (Chris), and Keith Wright (Jennifer); grandchildren, Kaitlyn Landers, Logan Landers, Lexi Wright, Logan Crabtree, and Eydie and Eyla Keenum; niece, Kim James; and nephew Houston James.
Joyce McCrary
Oliver, 78
Joyce McCrary Oliver, 78, of Lexington, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 21, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. A memorial service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Marcus Wilson officiating.
Glenda Janette Sutton, 77
Glenda Janette Griffus Sutton, of Florence, Alabama, was born January 25, 1948, and raised in Marion County, Alabama. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1966 and lived a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to Christ, family, and community.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Janette (Jan) was widely known as a woman of God and a faithful prayer warrior who consistently carried the needs of others before the Lord. Many sought her counsel and prayers, finding wisdom, encouragement, and compassion rooted in her deep love for Christ.
She was deeply committed to Cliff Haven Church of God of Prophecy, serving faithfully in many roles. She also gave many summers in service as a staff member at Camp Boothe, supporting the Church of God of Prophecy camping ministry.
Janette spent her professional career as a Program Director with the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG), where she was instrumental in the development of Senior Day and the Senior Rx Program initiatives that continue to serve seniors across North Alabama.
Janette was preceded in death by her parents, William Wesley Griffus and Ruby Jane Emerson Griffus, her son, William Jason Sutton and her brother, Jack Griffus.
She is survived by her son, Brian Sutton, and his wife, Renee of Cleveland, Tennessee; her sister, Shirley Michael of Vina, Alabama; her brother, Bobby Griffus of Florence, Alabama; three grandchildren, Tayler Moses and her husband Chris of Cleveland, Tennessee; Will Sutton and his wife Hannah of Hazel Green, Alabama; and Makayla Sutton of Moulton, Alabama; three great-grandchildren, Emery, Maddie, and Oakley Moses; and a host of family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Cliff Haven Church of God of Prophecy, 1601 IBEW, Sheffield, Alabama. Visitation with the family will be available from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Services directed by Colbert Memorial Funeral Home. Internment at Colbert Memorial Gardens
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Church of God of Prophecy Global Missions, designated to the One Child Fund – Horizon of Hope Village Orphanage, Philippines. GlobalCOGOP.org/OCF
Donnie Isbell
Byrd, 96
Donnie Isbell Byrd passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 96.
She was a life-long member of Valley Grove Baptist Church where she was saved at the age of thirteen. She was later recognized in the April 19, 2022, edition of The Alabama Baptist
“Someone You Should Know.”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22 from 6:00-8:00 at Colbert Memorial Chapel.
Her funeral will be held at Valley Grove Baptist Church at 11:00 on Friday, January 23, with Interment following at Colbert Memorial Gardens. Dr. Greg Beasley and Brother Ted Vafeas officiating.
Donnie was preceded in death by parents Homer Isbell and Edna Weems Isbell.
Her husband of 64 years, James Junior Byrd.
Brothers: Gunter Isbell, Ray Isbell, Marsell Isbell, Tom Isbell, and Douglas Isbell.
Sisters: Josephine Isbell Oliver, and Mary Jane Isbell Lackey.
She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Byrd (Susan), and Steve Byrd (Mary Kate) all of Tuscumbia. Her grandchildren John Byrd (Michelle) Ardmore, AL and Barry Byrd (Jody) Madison, AL. Her great-grandchildren Elijah Byrd, Abigail Byrd, Josiah Byrd, Makayla Byrd, and Barrett Byrd. She is also survived by her sister Tina Isbell Tverberg and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
Donnie was a member of the Alabama Master Gardeners Association
Pallbearers are John Byrd, Barry Byrd, Elijah Byrd, Josiah Byrd, Barrett Byrd, and Darryl Tverberg.
Honorary Pallbearers are Tina Tverberg, Jennifer Beasley and Phyllis Myhan (Sunday school teachers) and her Sunday school class.
The family would like to thank the Neighborhood Assisted Living Facility, Helen Keller Hospital, Dr. Adam Isbell, Angela Counts, Hannah Rothstein, and Gentiva Hospice for the love and care shown to Donnie.
Jim D. Glock, 70
Jim Glock, age 70, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
A memorial visitation will be on Saturday, January 24th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth Glock
Survivors are his son, Lee Glock; daughter, Kayla Newberrty (Ryan); grandchildren, Laken Glock, Rylik Woodward, and Lola “Little Red” Killian.
