Obituaries Feb. 22 – Mar. 1
Bertha Garrison Self
Hartselle
Bertha Garrison Self (Ma), 90, went home to be with her Lord Feb. 19.
Bertha was born Nov. 15, 1930, to Frank and Etta (Singleton) Garrison.
Funeral service was at Peck Funeral Home Feb. 23 at noon with Bro. Tom Campbell, Bro. Steve Ledbetter and Stephen Cannon Officiating. Burial was at Johnson Chapel Cemetery.
Bertha was a long-time member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. She was also known for her pies and cakes that were shared throughout the community.
Bertha was very content to be at home caring for her family. She loved working in her garden and with her flowers.
Bertha was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, who shared 68 years with her, grandson Justin Self (Curtis), son-in-law Bill Toone, sisters Eldie Mae Coburn, Cora and Dolly Garrison, brothers Mitchell and Irvin Garrison and an infant sister.
She is survived by one son, Jerry Self (Pam); daughters Judy Toone, Berthalene Counterman (Robert), Charlene Self and Darlene McCormick (Delane); grandson Jason Self (Beth); granddaughters Darcie Dean (Marcus), Dena Thomason (Jeremy) and Danielle Teague (Michael); five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jason Self, Wyatt and Ayden Thomason, Eli and Owen Teague, Randy Garrison and Brent Breedlove. Honorary pallbearer was Reid Dean.
Michael “Big Mike” DeLiberali
Falkville
Michael “Big Mike” DeLiberali, of Falkville, passed away at home Feb. 19 at the age of 65.
He was born in Philadelphia June 10, 1955, to parents Guido and Edith DeLiberali.
“Big Mike” loved all sports but especially loved his Philadelphia Eagles and Alabama Crimson Tide.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly Lohr DeLiberali; one daughter, Shiloh O’Dell (fiancé, JD Bowman); special friends Linda Moose and Orlaina Barfield; “adopted kids,” Allan (Brandy) Purl, Kristie Myers, Andrew (Maria) Smith, Michellyn Smith and Melody (Bo) Black; and “adopted grandkids,” Austen (Danielle) Myers, Levi Myers, Maya Ritterbush, Adelaide Purl, Lizi (Nick) Brock, Danielle Workman, Gabby Workman, Izak Smith, Yzya Smith, Ethin Smith, Lucas Ellis, Gabriel Smith, Zayden Smith, Josh Purl and Alex Black.
He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and father-in-law, Robert J. Lohr Jr.
Michael T. Cancilla
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and interment for Michael T. Cancilla, 72, was held Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Hartselle Memory Gardens with Bro. Joe David Bailey officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Cancilla died Feb. 21 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born Jan. 14, 1949, in New York to Michael Cancilla Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Coffey Cancilla. He was employed by Champion International Paper prior to his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Marie DeMeester Cancilla; daughters, Michele Cancilla Andrews (David) and Renee Cancilla Bass (Jeff); brother, Mark Cancilla (Jill); sister, Mary Jo Cancilla LeVine; and grandchildren, Brayden Bass, Karson Andrews and Chason Bass.
Pallbearers were David Andrews, Jeff Bass, Chip Reynolds and friends.
Betty Smith Braun
Hartselle
A graveside funeral service and Interment for Betty Smith Braun, 87, was held Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Shoal Creek Cemetery with Phillip Hines officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Ms. Braun died Feb. 19 at Summerford Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 14, 1933, in Morgan County to Aaron Eugene Smith and Flora Mandy Martin Smith and grew up in the Florette community. She worked at the C&S grocery store in Hartselle, which later became Hometown Market of Hartselle, for 26 years, retiring in 2010. She wore many hats and was known by most as Ms. BB.
She is a member of the Hartselle Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Eugene Smith, and one brother, Billy Van Smith. Survivors include sons Melvin Lavon Blocker (Jane) and Kennith Blocker; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Cecil Blocker and other family and friends.
Gregory Ray Battles
Hartselle
Funeral service for Gregory Ray Battles, 65, was held Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Wade Stover officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Roundtop Cemetery.
Mr. Battles died Feb. 22 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Etowah County to Billy Battles and Edith Johnson Battles.
Mr. Battles was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Battles; sons, Shane Battles, Kevin Battles and Matthew Battles (Carrie Lee); daughter, April Jenkins (Josh); brothers, Phillip Battles and Hoyt Battles; sister, Linda Patterson (Billy Wayne); and 13 grandchildren.
Dwaine Hendrix Howard
Hartselle
Dwaine Hendrix Howard, 76, of Hartselle passed away at his home Jan. 28.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, LoRayne Howard; brother, Avery Howard (Betty); two sisters, Willene Curbow (Don) and Clara Boyer (David); five nephews and one niece; many cousins to whom he was close, with one who was special to him, Denise (Ron) Sisulak and her parents, Charles (Faye) Waugh; and lifelong friend Harold Terry.
Dwaine was born and grew up in Flint, the son of William “Willie” Howard and Lareis Waugh Howard Rock. Both preceded him.
Dwaine served in the U.S. Airforce as a jet aircraft mechanic. He continued to serve his fellow citizens as an amateur radio operator, working with the EMA, by providing emergency communications during local, national and worldwide disasters. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 15 in Decatur, serving with the Honor Guard. He retired from Bellsouth (AT&T).
Dwaine attended Decatur Christian Fellowship Church in Decatur.
The Rev. John T. White and the Rev. Ben Stanley officiated at Dwaine’s service Feb. 2 at Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home Chapel.
Music was also provided by the Rev. Ben Stanley, including his live performance of “I Can Only Imagine.”
Dwaine’s burial in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery was with military honors provided by American Legion Post 15 Honor Guard and the Patriot Riders.
Pallbearers were nephew Jeff Howard, great-nephew Logan Howard, cousins Jerry Waugh, TJ Jones and AJ Clapp and friend Herb Town.
The family would like to thank Hospice of North Alabama and caregiver Linda Gordon for their care and compassion.
James T. “Tommy” Moses
Eva
A graveside funeral service and interment for James T. “Tommy” Moses, 70, was held Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. at Eva Cemetery with Bro. Jeff Allred officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Moses died Feb. 23 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 15, 1950, in Cullman County to O.D. Moses and Marie Young Moses, who preceded him in death.
He was employed by Natural Resources Conservation Services as a soil technician prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Westside Baptist Church at Eva and served the Town of Eva as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. After retirement he enjoyed his tractors and cattle, and his grandchildren will continue to follow in his footsteps with this love. He had wonderful friends throughout all his farming days. He loved collecting toy and pedal tractors. He was always up for finding a deal with his buddy, Aycock. His weekend mornings were spent finding treasures at Lacon Tradeday.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Jane Moses; daughter, Jessica Scott (Tim); brothers, George Moses (Jane) and Larry Moses; sister, Cathy Taylor (David); grandchildren, Arleigh Grace Scott, Zane Scott and Kadie Scott; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Zane Scott, Jeff Adkins, Bryan Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Kenneth Hampton and Barry Hampton. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Eva Volunteer Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers, please “pass it on” with a random act of kindness. To protect our friends and family, please wear your masks and social distance.
Rebecca “Becky” Dean
Hartselle
Rebecca Carol (Robinson) Dean, of Hartselle, died Feb. 24 at Decatur Morgan Hospital.
Becky is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles Dean; two sons, Chuck Dean and Jimmie Dean (Tracy); two daughters, Carol Dean and Kimberly Dean; her sister, Faye Sullivan (Bobby); nine grandkids; and seven great-grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister. She was also “Grandma” to so many others.
Becky was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, Aug. 26, 1944, to Nellie Grace Music and Arthur Robinson. Above all else, Becky was devoted to her family. She was a stay-at-home mom, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her children. She had a passion for walking the downtown area and visiting every yard sale and thrift store in town. To meet and know her was a blessing. As a result of her generous personality, she was loved by many and never met a stranger.
A memorial service will be held by her family at a later date.
She loved to support the downtown Hartselle local businesses, so in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you shop local. We Love You Mom! We Love You Grandma Dean!
Barbara Ann Wallace Lee
Hartselle
Barbara Ann Wallace Lee, 82, of Hartselle, passed away at Cullman Regional Medical Center Feb. 25.
The funeral will be a graveside service March 6 at 1 p.m. at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Randy Ashley will be officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Peck Funeral Home.
Barbara was born in Morgan County Sept. 7, 1938, to Richard and Hazel Wallace. She graduated from Morgan County High School in Hartselle.
She was married to Harold (Pete) Lee June 26, 1959, in Hartselle. They were married 61 years, until his passing this past month.
Barbara is survived by her son, Jeff Lee (Sheryl); granddaughter, Hannah Lee; sister, Betty Ward; and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Wallace; her mother, Hazel Wallace; her sister, Jacqueline Wallace; and her brothers, Marsh Wallace, Roy Wallace and James Wallace.
Barbara worked as a program assistant for many years in the county agent’s office through the Auburn Extension Service in Hartselle. She was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church. Barbara enjoyed traveling with her husband Pete, attending Southern gospel music concerts and conventions and giving gifts to her family and friends “just because.” By far, her favorite thing to do was spend time with her granddaughter, Hannah, and hear about every detail of what was happening in her life.
Pallbearers will be men of Lebanon Baptist Church: Jim Aycock, Ken Blackwood, Bill Dobbs, Mike Garnett, Gary Grantland and Joe Lee.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donations be made to the St. Vincent’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. They were instrumental in their lifesaving efforts after Hannah’s birth.
Louise (Mama Lou) Tucker
Hartselle
Funeral service for Louise (Mama Lou) Tucker, 86, of Hartselle will be March 3 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Cliff Tomlinson officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Herring Cemetery.
Mrs. Tucker was born Aug. 26, 1934, in Winston County to Dewey McKinley Ledlow and Carrie Myrtle Mae Lindsey Ledlow. She passed away Feb. 27 at her residence. She was a member of Cedar Creek Freewill Baptist Church. She was retired from Walmart.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Hardie Ledlow and Michael Ledlow.
She was Mama Lou to everybody. Robert and Louise met when they were young and set the bar high for the rest of her family. She was a Proverbs 31 woman. She loved and lived for her family.
Louise never turned anyone away, and you never went away without eating and drinking coffee. She was one of a kind. Louise loved bluegrass gospel music and loved to sing.
She was married to the love of her life for 62 years, Robert C. Tucker.
Survivors include two sons, Keith Tucker (Jennifer) and Kenneth Tucker (Sherry); two daughters, Karen Nelson (Tim) and Kathy Tucker; four brothers, Clyde Ledlow, Clayton Ledlow, Clinton Ledlow and Donald Ledlow; four sisters, Faye McDonald, Frances Stover, Carolyn Ledlow and Patricia Maze; 14 grandchildren, Jonathon Nelson (Lyn), David Nelson (Amelia), Todd Griffith (Taunton), Heather Watts (Jacob), Tyler Tucker (Tayler), Ashley Green (Garth), Andrea Crow (Tony), Tara Moses (Zach), Sara Tucker, Ashley Frey (Rick), Meggan Drinkard, Cody Drinkard (Heather), Larissa Melcher and Kala Hammel (Dave); 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jonathon Nelson, David Nelson, Todd Griffith, Zach Moses, Tyler Tucker, Jacob Watts, Tony Crow and Garth Green.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Nelson, Landon Strickland, Jude Griffith, Kyker Crow, Pete Hill, Caleb Watts, Brody Watts, Rhett Green and Tucker Moses.
Margaret Weaver Smith
Eva
Funeral service for Margaret Weaver Smith, 88, of Eva was held March 2 at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fred Childs and the Rev. Randy Sellers officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Rock Creek Cemetery.
Mrs. Smith was born Sept. 2, 1932 in Eva to William Hilbert Weaver and Zona Susie Mason Weaver. She passed away Feb. 26 at her residence.
She was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church and the Rock Creek Homemakers Club, a founding member of the Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the North Alabama Antique Tractor Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Goin K. Smith; son, Elvie Edwin Smith; two brothers, Howard Lafayette Weaver and William Hilbert Weaver Jr.; and two grandsons, Jeremy Oakly and Britton Cody Smith.
Survivors include one son, Buren Smith (Janice) of Somerville; two daughters, Regina Mooney (Leon) of Eva and Teresa Bennett (Wayne) of Eva; daughter-in-law, Vivian Lynn; sister, Elaine Watts (James) of Falkville; 18 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Grandsons, Scott Oden, Monte Bennett, Nicholas Smith, Nathan Smith, Michael Bentley and Austin Mooney. Honorary pallbearers were her great-grandsons.
