Obituaries

Pearleen M. King

Pearleen M. King

Jan 11, 2026

Pearleen King was a woman of unwavering love, quiet strength, and endless compassion. She was the heart of her family, a source of comfort, and a guiding light whose presence made everything feel safe and whole. To know her was to be loved deeply and genuinely. She was born on February 4, 1948, in Bessemer, Alabama, to the late Henry...

Tracie  Lequita Gray Lewis

Tracie Lequita Gray Lewis

Jan 10, 2026

Tracie Leaquita Gray was born October 25, 1965, to Linda Ann Thornton and the late Elbert Lee Gray, Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. Tracie was the first of two siblings with one sister, Tammy Marks.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:07 a.m., Tracie went to Glory at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL surrounded by her children, her sister, and many more...

Bettie Jean Bailey

Bettie Jean Bailey

Jan 6, 2026

Bettie Jean Bailey, affectionally known as "Bettie B," was born September 30, 1939, in Columbus. Mississippi to Eddie Perkins and Sally B. Jones.

Bettie was known for her kindness, strength, dedication, faith, cooking, sense of humor, being outspoken, and memorable quotes and scriptures.

A TIME TO BUILD

Bettie confessed her life to Christ at a young age. For 60+ years,...

Patricia Walker Pharris

Patricia Walker Pharris

Jan 3, 2026

BIRTH

Ms. Patricia Walker Pharris was the first child born to Benjamin and Oreeda Walker on February 28, 1942.CAREER

Patricia was a devoted nurse whose life was defined by compassion, service and unwavering dedication to the care of others.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

EDUCATION

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Eddie Lee Shelton

Eddie Lee Shelton

Dec 25, 2025

Eddie Lee Shelton was born October 20, 1951, in Pineapple, Alabama, to the late Emma Waters Shelton and the late Eddie Lee Cunningham.

He went to school in Beatrice, Alabama. Then, his family relocated to Bessemer, Alabama in the early seventies.

For more than 30 years, he was a dedicated worker at Coca-Cola Bottling Company before retiring.

He was preceded...

Chief King Colley

Chief King Colley

Dec 22, 2025

King Solomon Colley was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 30, 1944, to the late James W. Colley and the late Mae Anna Barnes Colley.

King attended Wenonah High School in Birmingham through the eleventh grade and completed his senior year at Eutaw High School in Eutaw, Alabama, graduating as Valedictorian in 1962. In 1979 King earned an Associate Degree...

Carl Earl Barnes

Carl Earl Barnes

Dec 21, 2025

Carl Earl Barnes, Sr. was born in Woodward, Alabama to the late Willie Barnes and Willie Mae (Russell) Pippen on April 4, 1930.Carl accepted Christ at an early age and he joined First Baptist Church Woodward. For many years, he was a faithful Choir member and served as President of the Senior Choir as well as a Church Trustee.

He was...

Lizzie Delores Bester

Lizzie Delores Bester

Dec 18, 2025

Lizzie Delores Biddles Bester was born on January 2, 1936, in Bullock County, to Roosevelt and Lillie Lee Biddles.

At an early age, she confessed hope in Christ and joined South Elyton Baptist Church under Reverend Pinson. She united in holy matrimony on September 4, 1954, to Odell Bester, Sr. Later, she joined New Antioch Baptist Church (previously Little Antioch...

Bertha Mae Witt

Bertha Mae Witt

Dec 17, 2025

Bertha Mae "Bert" Gaines Witt was born on March 29, 1941, in Dallas County, Alabama, to the late Mr. Alonzia Gaines, Sr. and Mrs. Lucille Gaines.

She was educated in the Dallas County School System and graduated from Dallas County Training School in 1959.

Bert dedicated several years of faithful service as a surgical technician at Highland Hospital (presently UAB...