Obituaries week of Sept. 28
Jackson Wesley Watson
Priceville
Jackson Wesley Watson
Priceville
On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Jackson Wesley Watson passed away at his family home on Shoal Creek Road. He was born on December 22, 2005 to James Wesley and Nicole Gardner Watson in Decatur. A beloved son and loving brother, Jackson was an exceedingly intelligent young man who did well in his educational pursuits at Priceville High School. He had a kind, empathic soul that could sense the needs of others and brighten their day with his quick wit. His compassion extended to the animal kingdom with his St. Francis of Assisi-like connection to animals. He will be remembered as the true light he was to his family and friends. Jackson has joined his maternal grandmother, Cherie Bell Gardner, in eternal peace. Jackson will always be cherished by his loving parents, Wes and Nicole, his brothers Hunter Watson (Marygrace Sims Watson; children: Sadie and Piper Watson) and Jacob Watson, sister Harleigh Watson, his paternal grandparents Jack and Libby Watson and maternal grandfather Billy M. Gardner. No services are planned at this time.
Charles Almon Cole
Hartselle
Charles Almon Cole, 73 of Hartselle was born January 22, 1949 to Oakley Almon Cole and Ella Evelyn Poole Cole. He passed away Friday, September 16, 2022 in Decatur. No services have been planned. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Walter Eugene Cole and William Henry Cole. Charles was a member of the South Decatur Church of God and a member of CDD for many years where he loved all his friends and staff. Survivors include three brothers, Mark Steven Cole, Oakley Lamar Cole, and Phillip Anthony Cole. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family.
Wilson Leon Hicks
Hartselle
Mr. Wilson Leon Hicks, 79, died on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at his
residence. He was born November 14, 1942 in Morgan County to Bennie West
Hicks and Opal Levenia Junkins Hicks. Mr. Hicks was employed by Overnight Transportation, as a truck driver, prior to his retirement. He loved to travel, fishing, gardening, bald eagles and hummingbirds. He loved his Akita dog “Bear.” He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include Deborah Holderfield; son, David Hicks; daughter, Lilly Ann Holderfield; sisters, Carolyn Theodoropoulos, Paralee Aycock, and Reba Clark; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. No services are scheduled at this time.
Joey (JoJo) Bryant
Hartselle
Funeral service for Joey (JoJo) Bryant, 53, was held Wednesday, September 21,
2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Gunter
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Lebanon
Baptist Cemetery. Mr. Bryant died on Saturday, September 18, 2022 at his residence. He was born April 5, 1969 in Morgan County to Frankie Joe Bryant and Kathy L.
Burgans Winsett. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, throwing horse shoes and watching wrestling. He was employed by General Electric prior to his passing.
Preceding him in death were his grandmother, Ruby Burgans, his stepfather,
Warren Winsett and an aunt, Helen McGoldrick. Survivors include wife, Sherry Bryant; son, Frankie Bryant; father and stepmother, Frankie Joe Bryant (Sharon); mother, Kathy L. Burgans Bryant. Pallbearers were family and friends.
Deryl Sharp
Priceville
Funeral service for Deryl Clinton Sharp, 71, was held Friday, September 23,
2022 at 11 a.m. at Fairview Church of God with Bro. Greg Hill and Bro.
Milan Dekich officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mr. Sharp passed away on September 19, 2022 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born February 9, 1951 in Morgan County to Alvie Berford and Mireta Sharp. Deryl was a proud lifelong resident of Priceville, a 1969 graduate and valedictorian of Priceville High School and attended Auburn University. He was a member of Fairview Church of God and served as a Sunday school teacher most of his adult life. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Morgan Farmer’s Co-op. He retired from USDA/NRCS. Deryl started farming
with his father in the 1970s and continued farming until his death. For 49
years, he loved what he did. Deryl is survived by Jennifer Sharp, his loving wife of 27 years; daughters, Koleta Mitchell (Patrick), Diana Armstrong (Chase); and three
sons, David Sharp (Vandy), John Austin, Jeff Austin. Mr. Sharp had 12 grandkids, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell, Logan Austin, Savannah Austin, Jocelyn Armstrong, Wyatt Armstrong, Makayla Janollari, David Sharp Jr., Dawson Sharp, Brooklynne Austin and Jayden Austin. Deryl also leaves behind two sisters, Judy Berry (Cecil) and Connie Kelso (David) as well as nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were John Austin, Patrick Mitchell, Jeff Austin, Chase Armstrong, Rodney Berry, Bobby Sharp, Michael Grantland, and Carleton Turney. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren.
Billy H. Oakes
Valhermoso Springs
Billy H. Oakes passed away Monday, September 19, 2022 at Hospice
Family Care. He was born December 3, 1936 in Morgan County to James Oakes
and Veatrice Mills Oakes.
Billy Oakes was self-employed most of his working years as Oakes Oil
Company. He was the Kendall Oil Distributor in North Alabama for many years.
When he quit that job, he started working at his service station at Lacey’s
Spring, Alabama. He was there until July of 2021. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gladys R. Oakes. She worked at the Huntsville Times for 45 years before she retired. He also had a son, Jared who died as a baby. He has two daughters, Tamara Kennedy (Mike) and Crucy Hubbard (John). He also has three grandchildren, Carter Strawn,
Kennedy Strawn and Mia Kennedy. He is also survived by a sister, Glenda
Cavender (Kenneth), and three nephews, Larry, Keith and Jeff Cavender.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clark Oakes and
wife Helen. He was a member and elder of Valhermoso First Christian Church for many
years. There will be a graveside service directed by Peck Funeral Home of
Hartselle at the First Christian Church Cemetery in Valhermoso on Saturday,
September 24, 2022 at 11 a.m. officiated by Bro. Mickey Johnson. No visitation has been scheduled. Pallbearers were Keith Cavender, Jeff Cavender, Jeff Holmes, James Russell, Jason Hale and Bruce McLellan.
Dale Elaine Starrett
Hartselle
Dale Elaine Starrett, 67, died Wednesday, September 14, 2022. She is survived by her mother, Josephine Lucile Leatherwood Mitchell; daughter, Wendy Dawn Holbrooks; sisters, Kathy Russell and Patsy Hughes and her grandchildren, Hannah Holbrooks and Hunter Holbrooks. A graveside celebration of Dale’s life was held Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Graham Cemetery in Jefferson County, Ala. Please visit mossservicefh.com to leave condolences for the family. Moss Service Funeral Home assisted with the directing.
Margie Bartlett Wilhite
Falkville
A funeral service for Margie Bartlett Wilhite, 85, of Falkville was held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home. Burial was at the Wilhite Family Cemetery. Margie passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville. She was born April 29, 1937 to Lee Monroe and Addie Pearl Mathis Bartlett. She is preceded in death by her husband, James William Wilhite and her daughter, Venetia Carol Wilhite Calvert. Survivors include sons, Daniel Kevin Wilhite (Leigh Ann) and Kenneth James Wilhite; two grandsons raised as sons, James Garren Wilhite (Dana) and Anthony Shane Wilhite (Laura); brother, Euell Bartlett; grandchildren, Daniel Wilhite (Heather), Blake Wilhite, Cory Wilhite and Riley Wilhite; great grandchildren, D.J. Wilhite, Madelyn Wilhite, Rebekah Wilhite, Landon Wilhite, Aiden Wilhite, Ethan Wilhite, Abby Kuykendall, Arin Kuykendall and Sylas Carrico.
Joseph Ferrel Blagburn
Hartselle
Joseph Ferrel Blagburn, 67, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at
River City Center in Decatur. He was born March 15, 1955 in Morgan County
to Paul Odus Blagburn and Annie Beatrice Bishop Blagburn. He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber, working in production, prior to his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronald Blagburn and two sisters, Martha Borden and Sheire Ward. Survivors include sisters, Carrie Myers and Wanda Blagburn; brothers, Garland Blagburn and Mark Blagburn and a host of nieces and nephews
There was a private family memorial service held. No public services were
scheduled.
Freddie Puckett
Hartselle
Funeral service for Freddie Puckett, 70, was held Saturday, September 24,
2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Gunter and
Bro. Aaron Warnick officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was
in Hartselle City Cemetery. Mr. Puckett died September 20, 2022 at his residence. He was born December 2, 1951 in Morgan County to Ira “Buddy” Puckett and Arvilla
Engle Puckett. Freddie was a lifetime resident of Hartselle. He was a graduate of Jefferson State College with an applied science degree. He worked for Hartselle
Hospital as a respiratory therapist for 15 years then moved to his career
with Peck Funeral Home, where he worked for almost 40 years as an embalmer
and funeral director before his retirement. He came out of his retirement
and worked for friends at Messmor Goodwin Funeral Home for almost three more
years. Freddie was a proud grandfather of Payton and Paige Nelson and Livia Pierce,
they were always in his conversations; he was married to the love of his
life, Imogene and his girls were his joy. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lamar and Ray Puckett and two sisters, Doris Meadows and Gail Lee.
Survivors include wife, Imogene Fowler Puckett; daughters, Angela Puckett,
Rachel Nelson (Jonathan), and Stacey Pierce (Blake); brother, Joe Puckett (Brenda);
sister, Hilda Turney (Alan); three grandchildren, Payton Nelson, Paige Nelson and Livia Pierce. Pallbearers were Joe Puckett, Otis Couch, Jonathan Nelson, Blake Pierce,
Kenneth Hawkins and Steve Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Speegle and Jeff Hinkle.
Robert “Bob” Elliott
Laceys Spring
Funeral service for Robert “Bob” Elliott, 85, was held Saturday, September
24, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Valhermoso Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Craye
Hall officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Valhermoso Baptist Cemetery. Mr. Elliott died on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at his residence. He was born July 12, 1937 in Madison County to William Thomas Elliott and Betty Elizabeth Fanning Elliott. He was a member of Valhermoso Baptist Church and a member of the American Legion, (Morgan City Chapter.) He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran. He was employed by BAMSI in the textile industry prior to his retirement. His parents preceded him in death. Survivors include wife of 54 years, Linda Elliott; daughters, Pam Riley and Melinda Scott; son, Robert “Robbie” Elliott, Jr.; four grandchildren, Clara Duncan, Mindy Wilbanks, Mandy Synder and Bobbie Jean “B.J.” Scott; eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Danny Pierce, Ricky Wayne Moore, Michael Ray Moore, Cecil Taylor, Steve Edmonson and Bud Hopkins.
Mary Patricia “Pat” Houston
Hartselle
Mary Patricia “Pat” Houston
Hartselle
Funeral services for Mary Patricia “Pat” Houston, 90, of Hartselle was held
Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Hartselle First United Methodist
Church with Reverend Bobby Ray Halbrooks, Reverend Doug Wells and Reverend
Mike Pope officiating with burial in Hartselle Memory Gardens Cemetery and
Peck Funeral Home directing. Mary Patricia “Pat” Houston died Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at her residence. The oldest of seven children, she was born September 12, 1932 in Manchester, Kentucky to David Hyde and Lucy Mayfield Hyde. As a devoted
Christian, she served Hartselle First United Methodist Church in many roles,
such as youth leader, a member of the administrative board and as President
of the United Methodist Women. Pat graduated as valedictorian from Clay County High School in Manchester, Kentucky. She graduated from Louisville General School of Nursing as a registered nurse and in 1981 she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in education from Athens State College (Athens State University.) dfv. She began her nursing career in Florence, Ala. at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in 1954. Pat
and her husband, Harry, moved to Hartselle in 1958 where she worked at
Pineview Hospital and, later, at Decatur General Hospital. While working as
a registered nurse, she went back to school to earn her degree in education,
majoring in biology and special education. After approximately 27 years in
the nursing profession, she began her second career as an educator in the
Morgan and Lawrence County school systems. She retired from R.A.
Hubbard High School in 2012. Pat was always willing to lovingly serve her
family as a wife, mother and grandmother and to serve others as a servant
of God. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 63 years, Harry, a
brother, Dave Hyde, and a sister, Kathryn Hyde Jackson. Her survivors are a daughter, Michelle Cleveland (Craig) of Hartselle; two brothers, Bruce Hyde (Doris) and Ronnie Hyde (June) of Brownstown, Indiana; two sisters, Marie Hyde Stephenson (Sidney) of Hartselle and Ruby Jean Hyde Porter (Albert) of Crawfordsville, Florida; two grandsons, Eric Cleveland (Jamie) of Hartselle, and Houston Cleveland of Houston, Texas; two
great-granddaughters, Anya and Alora Cleveland of Hartselle; and numerous
nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Eric Cleveland, Houston Cleveland, Glenn Thompson, Eric Summerford, Sidney Stephenson, James Stephenson, and Scott Stephenson. A special thank you goes to Enhabit Hospice, especially to Michelle King,
for the wonderful care given; to Joyce Williams, Cedderricka White, and the
team of caregivers for their loving care they gave that made it possible for
in-home care. The family requests memorials be made to the Good Samaritan Fund and The Hope House at Hartselle First United Methodist Church or to the Hartselle
Tabernacle Association.
Willie Jo Summerford Monroe
Hartselle
Funeral service for Willie Jo Summerford Monroe, 81, was held Saturday,
October 1, 2022 at 12 p.m. at Hartselle Church of Christ with Phillip Hines
and Todd Barrier officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was
in Hartselle City Cemetery. Mrs. Monroe passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. She was born October 27, 1940 in Morgan County to James Jackson Summerford and Ruby Morris Summerford.
Willie Jo was a very faithful member of the Hartselle Church of Christ, participating in the Lads to Leaders program for many years. She was always helping people in any way possible and took great pride in her work. She was the administrative secretary for Peck Funeral Home working in the office for 53 years. She loved to cook for her family and community. She was well known for her sourdough bread and supplying bread starters for those who wanted to try their baking skills. She was recognized in the Decatur Daily
as the “Best Cook” in North Alabama. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and aunt, and was affectionately known as “Miss Willie.” Preceding her in death were her husband, Ed Monroe and siblings, Ralph Summerford, J.J. Summerford (Jr.), Margaret Campbell, Stella Brown, Hugh Summerford and Louyn Summerford, and her parents. Survivors include son, John Monroe; brother, Jack Summerford; sisters, Rachel Fowler, Nina Johnson, and Sandra Anglea. Pallbearers were Keith Ballard, John Appleton, Randy Summerford, Will Summerford, Jason Summerford and Jeremy Summerford. Honorary pallbearers were Summerford cousins and Peck Funeral Home employees.
Mary Ruth Grimes Mullins
Hartselle
A graveside service for Mary Ruth Grimes Mullins, 83, was held at Hartselle City Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2022 with Pastor Bobby Decker from Bethel Baptist, son-in-law, John Cochran, nephew Rev. George Grimes and Rev. Bert Bunner officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Mullins was welcomed into the arms of Jesus Tuesday, September 20, 2022. She passed at her home. She was born February 11, 1939 to James Sylvester and Samantha Victoria Calfee Grimes. She was employed before retirement at Palco Telecom in Huntsville. Mary loved reading her Bible and books, visiting the library, quilting, and praising the Lord. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist in Hartselle, Ala. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William (Bill) Adrain Mullins; her parents, Sylvester and Victoria Grimes; three brothers, James Calfee Grimes, George Wendell Grimes and Lessley Vernoy Grimes. Survivors include daughter, Kaye Cochran (John); son, Greg Mullins (Stacy); granddaughter, Kay Cochran Moore (Jacob); grandson, Johnny Cochran; great-grandsons, Connor Moore, Carden Moore and many loved nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Greg Mullins, Jacob Moore, Connor Moore, John Cochran, Johnny Cochran and Rev. George Grimes. Honorary pallbearer was Carden Moore. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory to Bethel Baptist Church in Hartselle, missions or general fund.
Scotty Gordon Atkins
Hartselle
Funeral service for Scotty Gordon Atkins, 55, was held Sunday, September 25,
2022 at 3p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Russell Woodruff
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Forrest
Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Atkins died Thursday, September 22, 2022 at UAB Hospital. He was born Tuesday, April 25, 1967, in Morgan County, to Arthur Gordon Atkins and
Marie Elizabeth Hill. He was employed at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in sales prior to his passing. Scotty was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He
loved his granddaughter and spending time with her. He enjoyed off-roading,
horses, being outdoors, and loved classic cars and trucks and Jeeps. His father preceded him in death. Survivors include wife, Renae Nash Atkins; daughter, Lauren Atkins Wynn (J.D.); mother, Marie Hill Atkins; sisters, Sheila Atkins Cook, Karen Atkins Brock, and
Stephanie Atkins Holmes; grandchild, Aubrey Grace Wynn. Pallbearers were Jimmy Wallace, Stanley Legg, Ken Winkle, Paul Dewberry, Chris Patterson and Jeremy McAbee.
Honorary pallbearers were Craig Nash and Sam Gugliotta, in lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Wiley James
Decatur
Wiley James
Decatur
Funeral service for Wiley James, 78, was held Sunday, September 25, 2022 at
11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Otto Wood officiating and
Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Falkville City Cemetery. Mr. James died on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at his residence. He was born July 27, 1944, in Morgan County, to Prentiss Dennis James and Daisy Bell Nelson James. He was employed by the Sexton Canning Company, for more than 37 years prior to his passing. He was a good husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Garland and Herman James. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Southern Care New Beacon Hospice, Tina Chisolm, Sara Hillis, Chaplain Otto Wood, Lori Kemp, Cindy Sorter and Cindy Rodriguez. Survivors include wife of 54 years, Brenda Gail James; daughters, Abbi Self (Randy)and Amy Montez (Michael); grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jay Hart (Taylor), Aubrey, Addison and Wyatt, Savannah Hart (Cody), Noah, Liam, Austin, Allie, and Alyssa, Emma Harmon and Kylie Harmon; siblings, Martha Ann Garrison (Gary), Eveyn Martain, Elizabeth Styles, and Freddie James (Jane). Pallbearers were family and friends.
Helen Foote Johnson
Hartselle
Funeral service for Helen Foote Johnson, 76, was held Tuesday, September 27,
2022 at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Nathan Green
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was in Bell Springs
Cemetery. Mrs. Johnson died Saturday, September 24, 2022. She was
born September 25, 1945 in Morgan County to Arthur Homer Foote and Geneva
Elenor Goad Foote. She was employed by Service by America in the vending
industry. She was a Baptist in her faith. She loved baking and cooking and
was always thinking of others. Her outlook on life was “A stranger is a
friend you haven’t met yet.” She was preceded in death by her husband, James
E. Johnson and a grandchild, Bryan Johnson. Survivors include son, Michael Johnson (Bonnie); daughter, Teresa Hills; brothers, Richard Foote and Jerry Foote; sisters, Frances Shaneyfelt and Debbie Leach; grandchildren, Jason, Gregg, Joshua and Melissa; great grandchildren, Alex, Maliki and Jonathan; great-great grandchild, Rowan.
