July 25 obituaries

Nolia Ann

Newton

Lansdell, 81

Nolia Ann Newton Lans­dell, 81, of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at Park Ter­race Cumberland Presbyte­rian Church in Sheffield. A service celebrating her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Shawn Lombard officiating.

Nolia was born in Clan­ton, Alabama, to Lelan Eu­gene Newton and Maxine Mims Newton. She spent her early childhood in Lex­ington before moving with her family to Sheffield, where she graduated from Sheffield High School. She later graduated from Aus­tin Peay State University.

After college, Nolia taught math and science at Tennessee Valley Junior High in Hillsboro. She mar­ried Steven Ray Lansdell, her husband of 52 years, and together they raised their family in Tuscumbia. She retired from teaching and found great joy in be­ing a mom. She was a lov­ing mother to Kim and Brett and a proud grandmother to Cooper and Maddie.

Park Terrace Cumber­land Presbyterian Church was an important part of Nolia’s life. She served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, church secretary, and in countless other ways through the years. She trea­sured her church family.

Nolia was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Steve; her daugh­ter, Kimberly Rhea Lans­dell (Ross); son, Brett Alan Lansdell (Ambree); grandchildren, Madeline Ann Grisham and Cooper Alan Lansdell; brother, Da­vid Eugene Newton (De­nise); sister-in-law, Patri­cia Lansdell Files (Paul); and her niece, nephews, cousins, and many oth­er dear family members.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Em­ily Givens, Samantha Kelly, and Mary Powell of Avean­na Hospice of Sheffield for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memo­rial donations are welcomed to Park Terrace Cumber­land Presbyterian Church.

Diann Russell

Jennings-Kelley, 68

Diann Russell Jen­nings-Kelley went to meet her Savior on July 14, 2026, after a brief battle with can­cer. Though her earthly life came to an end, her faith in Jesus Christ assured her of the eternal life she now enjoys in His presence. She was a devoted wife, moth­er, grandmother, teacher, coach, and faithful fol­lower of Christ whose life touched countless people.

Diann was born in Ox­ford, Mississippi, to the late James Vardaman Rus­sell and Beulah Saunders Russell and was raised in Sardis, Mississippi. Al­though she was born deaf, she never allowed deafness to define or limit her life. She excelled both academ­ically and athletically, grad­uating as valedictorian of the Mississippi School for the Deaf. She then attend­ed Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, served as cap­tain of the women’s basket­ball team, competed in vol­leyball and field hockey, and discovered a love for acting and the performing arts.

Following graduation, Diann devoted more than 30 years to the Mississippi School for the Deaf, where she taught Home Econom­ics and Mathematics while coaching basketball. She considered teaching more than a profession—it was her calling. She believed deeply in her students and poured her heart into help­ing generations of young people learn, grow, and believe in themselves.

Family was the great­est joy of Diann’s life. She was blessed to share more than twenty wonder­ful years with her beloved husband, Jimmy Kelley. Together they enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They trav­eled throughout the Unit­ed States and around the world, creating treasured memories everywhere they went. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Diann found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved sewing, gardening, and fill­ing her yard with beautiful flowers. She was known for making delicious home­made jellies and jams that she delighted in sharing with family and friends. Above all else, she loved her Lord and Savior, Je­sus Christ. Her faith guid­ed every aspect of her life and gave her unwavering hope, strength, and peace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Kelley; her parents, James Vardaman Russell and Beulah Saunders Rus­sell; her brothers, James, Joe, and Jimmy Russell; and her grandson, Benjamin.

She is survived by her sons, Russ Jennings (Brandy) and Kevin Jen­nings; her grandchildren, Damon Jennings (Mer­cedes), Taylor Jennings, Eli Jennings, Emma Jen­nings, and Connor Jen­nings; her great-grandson, Waylon; along with many extended family mem­bers, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were forever enriched by knowing her.

Diann’s life was a tes­timony to perseverance, grace, and faith. She over­came obstacles with cour­age, served others with humility, loved deeply, and lived with joy. Though we grieve her absence, we re­joice in the assurance that she is now whole, healed, and at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who loved her, and her legacy of faith, determination, and uncon­ditional love will endure for generations to come.

A memorial service cele­brating Diann’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Memphis Deaf Church. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the me­morial service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that me­morial donations be made to Memphis Deaf Church, a ministry that was dear to Mom’s heart.

Linda Gail Fields

Marcum, 72

Linda Gail Fields Marcum, 72 of Sheffield, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after a brief illness. There will be no services at this time.

Linda was a native of Ken­tucky and a longtime resident of the Shoals. She was a mem­ber of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Delma Fields; father, James Albert Fields; and sister, Meda C. Gamel.

Linda is survived by her lov­ing children, Samuel Marcum, Jr. (Kelly R.), Jody Lee Mar­cum (Teresa A.), and Adam Jacob Marcum (Kelly D.); brother, James Albert Fields, Jr.; sister, Joyce Ann Rikard; and grandchildren, Jody Lee Marcum, Jr., Austin Glenn Marcum, Kyle Isaac Marcum, and Lilith Grace Marcum.

Patty Lou Young Smith, 80

Patty Lou Young Smith, 80, of Florence, passed away, Wednes­day, July 15, 2026.

Visitation will be Sun­day, July 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The fu­neral service will imme­diately follow with Ted Vafeas officiating. Burial will be at Central Heights Community Cemetery.

Patty was a member of Central Heights Baptist Church and a graduate of Waterloo High School Class of 1963. She was a loving and devoted moth­er and grandmother and will be greatly missed.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Felton L. Smith; parents, Marvin and Emma Young; brother, Donald Young; and sister, Della Brantley.

Patty is survived by her sons, Wesley Smith (Shelley) and Chad Smith (Mandi); granddaughters, Danielle Canup ( Brooks) and Emma Smith (Carson May); grandsons, Cash Smith and Caden Shelton; great-granddaughter, Oliv­ia Canup; great-grandson, Cohen Shelton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Cash Smith, Carson May, Brooks Canup, Steve Smith, Brad Martin, and Caden Shel­ton. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Montgomery, Dale Robinson, Hunter Smith, and Jerrod Martin.

Joyce Nadine Nichols, 78

Joyce Nadine Nichols, 78, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. There will be no ser­vice scheduled at this time.

Joyce was a Colbert County native. She was a member of Limerock Church of Christ and was retired from Walmart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, How­ard and Peggy Inman; sis­ters, Donna Inman and Diane Hargett; and grand­daughter, Shelby Johnson.

Joyce is survived by her children, Donna Vo­gel (Dennis) and Jason Nichols; former husband, Raymond Nichols; sisters, June James and Melis­sa Inman; grandchildren, Bradley Nichols, Montana Trousdale, and Ashwin Nichols; great grandchil­dren, Remi Trousdale and Cooper Zuvich; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mary Wilkes Nichols, 86

Mary Wilkes Nichols, 86, of Leighton, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funer­al Home, Tuscumbia. The service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Tommy Graves officiating. Interment will be at Shaw Cemetery.

Mary was a member of Hatton Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She en­joyed cooking and spend­ing time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “To Jo” Nichols; parents, Levi and Vernice Black Wilkes; brothers, L.G. Wil­kes and Aubrey Wilkes; daughter, Paula Zills; and grandchild, Donnie Zills.

Mary is survived by her sons, Tony Nichols (Trish) of Leighton and Jerome Nichols (Sharon) of Town Creek; grandchildren, Tanya Lawson, Christy Nichols, Braydon Nichols, Cody Beane, and Courtney Stevens; ten great-grand­children; and three great-great grandchildren.

The pallbearers will be Seth Mitchell, Aus­tin Mitchell, Slayton Zills, Hayden Zills, Steve Lawson, Ray Stevens, and Braydon Nichols.

Fannie Maedene Holmes Box, 82

Fannie Maedene Holmes Box, 82, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away on July 17, 2026. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 11 am-12 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 12 pm in chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James David Box; par­ents, Thomas and Rose Holmes; brother, Norris Dean Holmes; and sis­ter, Betty Dearlene Smith.

She is survived by her son, Caleb David Box (LaReda) of Killen, AL; daughters, Kelly Jimenez (Tod) of Muscle Shoals, AL, Kar­la Holden (Andy) of Lex­ington, AL, Kristian Box Johnson (Craig) of Mus­cle Shoals, AL, and Kelly Grace Hollis (Cedric) of Mt Pleasant, TN; 15 grandchil­dren, Jesse (Cayla), Juliann (Corey), J.D., Karis, Kolie, Rebecca (Landon), Isaiah, Zion, Elizabeth, Zion, Isa­bel, Malachi, Ezekiel, Tod (Mary), and Heather (Ste­ven); nine great grandchil­dren, Jace, Addy, Jonesy, Ceely, Elara, Eli, Bent­ley, Khloie, and Kendra.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Holden, Jace Holden, Isa­iah Box, Landon Sander­son, Zion Box, J.D. Box, Corey Marler, Zion Hol­lis, Malachi Hollis, and Ezekiel (Scrappy) Hollis.

Donald Howell Gargis, 93

Donald Howell Gar­gis, 93, of Muscle Shoals, AL died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 1-2 pm at Colbert Memorial Chap­el with a service to follow at 2 pm in the chapel. Pri­vate burial will be in Tri Cities Memorial Gardens.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cora Aline Gargis; Parents, Howell Gargis and Ethel Gargis; granddaughter, Kaitlin Gar­gis; brother, Lindon Gargis; and sister, Sue Tidwell.

He is survived by his sons, Kyle Gargis of Mus­cle Shoals and Chad Gar­gis; brother, Carl “Sam” Gargis; sisters, Margie Gargis and Rosemary El­lis; great grandchildren, Zayden Gargis and Raleigh Gargis. Special thanks to Precilla Rodrigues and Kei­sha for your loving care.

Larry C.

Isbell, 78

Larry C. Isbell, 78, of Spring Valley, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Willie Isbell, and his beloved daugh­ter, Lisa Isbell Pace.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Elsie Faye Davis Isbell; his daughter, Kimberly Jeffreys (Jason); his son-in-law, Greg Pace; his grandchil­dren, Dr. Clayton Pace (Dr. Arielle), Addi Grace Nel­son, and Kason Jeffreys; five great-grandchildren, Beau Charlie and Darby Nelson, Jasper and Leland Pace; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extend­ed family members, and dear friends who will for­ever cherish his memory.

John Horace Kitchens, Jr., 69

John Horace “Kit” Kitchens, Jr. 69, of Tus­cumbia, AL went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be Mon­day, July 20, 2026 from 12-2 pm at Grace Life Church of the Shoals, Muscle Shoals, AL with a service to follow at 2 pm. Bro. Matt Fowl­er will be officiating. Burial will be in Col­bert Memorial Gardens.

He was a faithful mem­ber of Grace Life Church of the Shoals for 25 years. He loved singing in the choir and serving his church in many dif­ferent ways. He was an extremely hard worker and led with faith, integ­rity, loyalty, and respect.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Horace Kitchens, Sr. and Sue Gail Kitchens.

He is survived by his wife of 31 blessed years, Derenda (Glover) Kitch­ens; son, Michael Kitch­ens (Selena); daugh­ters, Magon Flannagan (Corey), Erica Tjona­jong (TJ), Robin Martin (Chris), and Cheyenne Dodd (Josh); sister, Bev­erly Willingham (Eddie) another brother and sister; ten grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Zeb Henson, Ricky Young, John Vance, Charlie Hughes, Jessie Hall, and Lanny Clotfelter.

Special thanks to the members of Grace Life Church of the Shoals for all their loving care and support as well to the nurses and staff of Genti­va Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, Kit would love if you made donations to Anchored in Truth Ministries at anchoredintruth.org.