Obituaries week of June 14
Beverly McDonald
Danville
Graveside service and interment for Beverly McDonald, 89, was held Friday, June 9, 2023, at 3 p.m at Stroup Cemetery with Bro. Donnie McDonald officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Mrs. McDonald died Monday, June 5, 2023, at National Healthcare in Moulton. She was born February 20, 1934, in Morgan County to Curtis Stroup and Eva Lee Stover Stroup. Mrs. McDonald was a Christian and loved listening to the word of God being preached. Her family was everything to her, she loved them and also loved her grand dogs. Beverly helped with the quality of life for so many people in her community. She never met a stranger and welcomed any and every one into her home. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Buddy McDonald and Carl Woodall; three children, Ronnie McDonald, Debbie Thomas and Carlette Woodall and one sister, Jerrie Stroup Legg. Survivors include two sons, Donnie McDonald, Danville and Anthony “Pacer” Stroup (Tina Flowers), Danville; one daughter, Cindy Woodall, Hartselle; two sisters, Helen Kirby, Danville and JoAnn Robbins, Danville; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great- great-grandchild. Pallbearers were Dwight Legg, Major Sherman, Kenny Thomas, Garrett Legg, Joe Thomas and Bobby Robbins. Honorary pallbearers were Josh Collier, Cash Wallace, Connor Ord and Jackson Steed.
Thelma Craft Henderson
Somerville
Graveside service for Thelma Craft Henderson, 90 of Somerville was held Friday, June 9, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe, La. with Mulhearn Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Henderson was born March 28, 1933, in LaSalle Parish, La. to Christopher Columbus Craft and Lieuella Oglesby Craft. She passed away Friday, June 2, 2023, at her residence. Thelma graduated from LSU January 1965 and Tulane. She married Marvin D. Henderson, March 9, 1986 at East Highland Baptist Church. Thelma worked at Head Start and was head cook and a social worker. She was known by her family as Tenny. She was the oldest of nine children and she was a strong, wise nurturer and she helped everyone she could. She helped and worked at the Caring Place. Her sense of humor and her determined perseverance bolstered countless people throughout her life. She loved and we loved her. Survivors include daughter, Christine Johnson; sister, Evelyn Duval; three granddaughters, Shannon West, Kira Johnson and Michelle White.
Randal McCleskey
Hartselle
A celebration of life for Randal McCleskey, 62, was held Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Neel Methodist Church from 2-4 p.m. Mr. McCleskey died Monday, June 5, 2023, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born October 5, 1960, in Morgan County to Robert Franklin McCleskey and Nevada Marie Bullard McCleskey. Mr. McCleskey’s occupation was an extruder operator for the J.M. Smucker Food Company. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Waylon McCleskey. Survivors include wife, Melinda McCleskey; son, Forrest McCleskey (Ashley); daughter, Randi McCleskey Boyd (Connor); stepdaughter, Brooke Tankersley (Nick); brother, Danny McCleskey (Brenda); sister, Nancy Hurley; seven grandchildren. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family.
Christy Evans
Hartselle
Funeral service for Christy Evans, 51, was held Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Peck Funeral Home directing. Miss Evans died Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at her residence. She was born June 18, 1971, in Morgan County, to Steve Evans and Becky Sue Smith Evans. Christy was a good mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include daughter, Jonna Wooten; brother, Mark Evans; one grandchild; caregivers, (aunt and uncle) Nicole and Bruce Smith.
Fate L. Webster
Decatur
A memorial service for Fate L. Webster, 88, of Decatur, was held Sunday,
June 11, 2023, at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Decatur with
Rev. Frederick “Tripp” Brogdon, III, officiating. Mr. Webster died Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He was born August 25, 1934, in North Carolina to Columbus Booth Webster and Lula Jane Austin Webster. After a distinguished career in the U.S. Airforce, Mr. Webster retired as a
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) after 30 years of service. He served in various
places around the world, including six years at the Pentagon with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a two-time recipient of the
Distinguished Flying Cross award, and received five Vietnam Service medals, and fourteen air medals. Following his military career, he started a new career with the Boeing Co. His last major assignment was with the International Space Station as a Systems Test Engineer, retiring in 1995. Mr. Webster served in many roles in the Hartselle community including as president of the Chamber of Commerce and in the development of Earth Park. He was also instrumental in the restoration of the historic Hartselle Emporium (now the Freight House Restaurant). He was an active member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Mr. Webster was preceded in death by his parents, his late wife Millie Fortune, and eight brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Linda Webster; his children, Douglas “Marty” Webster, Christopher Eugene Smith (Paula); Amy Webster Carlson (Troy),
Denise Smith Richardson (Stan); four grandchildren: Jason Carlson, Hayden
Richardson (Katerri), Hunter Richardson, and Madison Smith; and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
George William “Billy-Spears” Sims
Hartselle
Funeral service for Billy-Spears Sims, 86, was held, Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Hartselle First Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Wells and Rev. Mike Pope officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial was held in
Hartselle City Cemetery. Mr. Sims died Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born October 5, 1936, in Morgan County, to John Vol Sims and Margaret Marie Freeman Sims. He was employed as the Plant Foreman for Monsanto of Decatur, prior to his retirement. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Preceding him in death were his wife of 50 years, Catherine Ann Sims; a son, John Dunaway Sims; his parents and two brothers, Johnny and Jackie Sims. Survivors include son, George William Sims, II; sisters, Rose Marie Ellis (Joel) and Luann Adams (Mike); six grandchildren, Matthew Chunn (Kimberly), Will Ellis, Sarah Terry (Jay), Andrew Sims, CeCe Sims, Catherine Sims and Libby Sims; four great grandchildren, Alliee Chunn, Laikelyn Chunn, Brooks Wallace and Keaton Terry. Pallbearers were Will Ellis, Jay Terry, Andrew Sims, Matthew Chunn, Jon Watson and Wes Watson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the First Methodist Church of Hartselle, Alabama- Good Samaritan Fund.
Linda Jackson
Hartselle
Linda Jackson, 73, died Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Decatur Morgan
Hospital. She was born May 22, 1950, in Jefferson County, New York, to
Howard Jackson and Edna Bertha Allen Jackson. Born in Wadertown, New York and raised in Chaumont, New York, she worked for 32 years at Northland Electric before moving to Alabama. After her move, she worked for Russell Forrest Products until her retirement. She loved
gardening, bird watching, baking, playing games of any kind and crocheting. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and was an animal lover. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Paul Gibson. Survivors include daughter, Marnee Pleasant (Rooker); three grandchildren, Gaelin, Andra and Karah. No services were scheduled at this time.
Eric Noel Bailey
Leighton
Funeral service for Eric Noel Bailey, 30, of Leighton was held Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Danny Winningham officiating with burial in the Hopewell Cemetery in Leighton with Peck Funeral Home directing. Eric, who was born January 22, 1993, in Decatur, died Friday, June 9, 2023, in Athens. Eric was employed by Greg Ford in the concrete construction business and cherished time with his children and family. He enjoyed racing, boating, motorcycles, hunting, fishing and Alabama football. He was a volunteer firefighter and was always the life of the party and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina Faye Cornelius Clemmons and a brother, Jonathan Glenn Bailey. Survivors include fiancée, Taylor Littrell; son, Eric Noel Bailey Jr.; daughter, Lacie Rae Bailey; three stepdaughters, Kaylee Jo Shook, Kamrie Elizabeth Ann Shook and Kirra Faye Shook; father, Noel Jay Bailey (Brandy); brother, Hunter Walley; sister, Justice Nicole Hambley; stepfather, Marvin Jeff Clemmons; four nephews.
Terry M. Lambert, Wil Akers, Micheal Santos, Sunshine Austin Grissom, Cody Simmons and Greg Ford served as pallbearers.
Bradley Hugh Fitzgerald
Danville
Funeral service for Bradley Hugh Fitzgerald, 68, of Danville, will be Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Danville Baptist Church with Bro. Joe David Bailey and Bro. Jack Bailey officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be at Herring Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-2 p.m. at the church. Mr. Fitzgerald died June 10, 2023, at his residence. He was born July 9, 1954, in Cullman County to James Hugh Fitzgerald and Mavis McCaghren Fitzgerald. Mr. Fitzgerald was a parts manager at Newberry’s Refrigeration in Lakeland, Fla. for more than 30 years. He retired in 2018 and moved back home. Mr. Fitzgerald was a 1972 graduate of Danville High School; he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University. He was a member of Danville Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading, doing crosswords and watching sports, especially Alabama football and New York Yankee baseball. He loved his wife and family and will be greatly missed. Mr. Fitzgerald was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Joyce Pierce Fitzgerald. Survivors Include one daughter, Stephanie Holaday (Kevin). two sons, Chris White (Sandi) and Stephen White (Helena); one brother, Joe Fitzgerald (Debby); three grandchildren, Garrett Holaday (Emily), Savannah Holaday Lynch (Justin) and Christian White; three nieces and nephews, Summer Sparkman (Daniel), Errett Fitzgerald (Jessica) and Cali Thornton (Charlie). Pallbearers will be Garrett Holaday, Justin Lynch, Nicholas Newberry, Christian White, Errett Fitzgerald and Johhny Hayes. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Holladay, Jerry Warren, Jack Summerford, Bill Marshall, Tim Newberry and Mac Fitzgerald.
Sandra “Sandy” Mahaffey
Eva
Funeral service for Sandra “Sandy” Mahaffey, 63, will be held, Saturday, June 17,
2023, at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steadman Livingston
officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home. Mrs. Mahaffey died Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. She was born March 14, 1960, in Morgan County, to James Conner and Ruby
Rice Conner. She was employed by the Snack Shack as a cook, prior to her passing. Sandy
was a free-spirit who loved unconditionally, especially her great grandchild. She enjoyed plants, fish, all wildlife, music and art. Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother: James Anthony Conner, her grandparents and a grandchild: Savannah Oden. Survivors include
son, Avery Price; daughter, Jessica Oden; sisters, Hope Livingston, Faith White, and Charity Taylor; four grandchildren, Emily Humphries, Jordan Oden, Jayden Oden and Abby Oden;
one great grandchild, Silas Humphries
Billy-Spears Ray Spears
Hartselle
Billy-Spears Ray Spears
Hartselle
A memorial service for Billy-Spears Ray Spears will be announced later. Mr. Spears was born on April 5, 1945, in Talladega, Alabama to Gaines and Willie Spears. Billy-Spears died June 9, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Spears worked as a diesel mechanic for West Point Stevens transportation department. He loved his career, and he loved race cars. Billy-Spears held track records in Phenix City, and he was a crew chief for Billy-Spears Simons. Aside from racing cars, Mr. Spears loved Alabama football. Billy-Spears Spears was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Mr. Spears was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Michael Shane Spears. Survivors Include wife, Diana Spears; three sons, Jason Ray Spears, Brian Michael Spears, and Billy-Spears Ray Spears, Jr.; daughter, Amy Lynne Spears; nine grandchildren, Kaytee Mayes (Maurice), Jada Spears, Addisyn Spears-Allen, Asa Spears, Brian Michael Spears, Jr., Ariana Lynn Bowen, Caden Lamar Spears, Payton Brystol Martin, and Willow Kayle Spears, Brycin Cash Spears and one great grandchild, Reese Mayes
Blenda Alvis Foshee
Hartselle
Funeral service for Blenda Alvis Foshee, 76, of Hartselle, will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Walter Blackman officiating. Burial will be at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Mrs. Foshee died June 10, 2023. She was born July 23, 1946, in Morgan County to Edward Burton Alvis and Elizabeth Louise Nelson Alvis. Mrs. Foshee was an administrative assistant with SCI prior to her retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Winford E. Foshee; and a brother, Mitchell Alvis. Survivors Include one daughter, Donna Foshee Stewart (Jay); one brother, Daniel Alvis; one sister,
Glenda Riddle; three grandchildren, Jacob Stewart (Kimmie), Hailey Stewart and
Josie-Claire Stewart. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
