Obituaries

Courte'nay Pierre Dufermeau

Courte'nay Pierre Dufermeau

Jul 21, 2025

Courte'ney Pierre Dufermeau known to many as "Blacc", was born January 19, 1983, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the beloved son of Reginald and Valerie Watkins.

Courte'nay grew up in Bessemer with his parents and siblings whom he loved unconditionally. He later shared an unbreakable bond with his daughter, Kamiya "Cookie" Dufermeau who was the apple of his eye and...

Rosie Lee Billups

Rosie Lee Billups

Jul 12, 2025

Mrs. Rosie Lee Billups, age 94, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, transitioned peacefully from this life on July 12, 2025. Born on June 4, 1931, in Eutaw, Alabama, she was the cherished daughter of the late Roger Coleman and Hattie Hill.

Rosie accepted Christ at an early age and became a dedicated member of her...

Elijah High

Elijah High

Jul 6, 2025

Mr. Elijah High was born to the late Willie and Vianna High and accepted Christ at an early age-a foundation that guided his life of faith, service, and integrity.

A proud graduate of Wenonah High School, Class of 1960, Elijah went on to pursue his passion for mechanics at Bessemer Technical College. His dedication to his country led him to...

Annette Bruce

Annette Bruce

Jul 4, 2025

Annette Douglas Bruce was born on July 4, 1956, the tenth of thirteen children born to the late D.C. Jones and Margeret Hudson Robinson. She was raised in the close-knit Northside community of Bessemer, Alabama lovingly known as "The Field". Annette attended Robertstown Middle School and graduated from Brighton High School.

From a young age, Annette confessed her faith in...

Bobby Lee Perkins

Bobby Lee Perkins

Jun 18, 2025

Bobby Lee Perkins was born to the late Mr. Eddie and Mrs. Sallie Perkins on September 24, 1945, in Columbus, Mississippi.

At a young age, Bobby confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior. He united with the First Baptist Church Ninth Street and remained a life-long member.

He was educated in the Jefferson County Public School system. In 1965, he...

DeVera  Ann Beckwood Burroughs

DeVera Ann Beckwood Burroughs

Jun 15, 2025

Ms. DeVera Ann Beckwood Burroughs was born on September 20, 1949, to the late Mr. Henry Beckwood and Mrs. Annie Beckwood in Bessemer, Alabama. DeVera passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025.

She confessed her love for Christ at an early age.

DeVera was a graduate of Abrams High School class of 1967, where she was an honor student and...

Sandy Alexander Smoot

Sandy Alexander Smoot

Jun 9, 2025

Sandy Alexander Smoot was born on January 20, 1944, to the late Amanda Fowler Smoot and John M. Smoot in Geiger, Alabama. He was reared in Fairfield by his father and stepmother, Jimmie T. Smoot.

He was educated in the Sumter County and Jefferson County School systems. He was a proud 1962 graduate of Brighton High School.

At an early...

Reverend John Watkins Sr.

Reverend John Watkins Sr.

Jun 6, 2025

Reverend Dr. John Watkins, Sr. was the fourth child born to Chris and Alice Watkins, February 4, 1930.

His mother placed him in the company of the people of God, at the 28th Street Church of God, Bessemer, Alabama, at an early age and he would spend many hours with them. It was here that he developed a love for...

Inger Mezetta Clark Hilliard

Inger Mezetta Clark Hilliard

Jun 5, 2025

Inger "Red" Clark, a fun-loving and hilarious soul who had a passion for dressing up and makeup, has left us for the ultimate penthouse in the sky, complete with a balcony view. Born, September 21, 1960, to Willie George Clark and Odessa Mae Clark, who both preceded her in death. Also, Inger was preceded in death by her siblings, Gaynell...

LaQuenta Yvonne Dillard

LaQuenta Yvonne Dillard

May 24, 2025

LaQuenta Dillard, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, minister, and faithful servant of God transitioned peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and grace.

Born on February 16, 1967, in Birmingham, Alabama, LaQuenta was the cherished daughter of Franklin Bernard Heard and Agnes Burrell Heard. Though her father preceded her in death, his memory remained close to her heart...

Jimmy Dee Harris, Sr.

Jimmy Dee Harris, Sr.

May 17, 2025

Jimmy Dee Harris, Sr. was born on March 12, 1950, to Lester Harris, Sr. and Ruth Crochan-Harris in Bessemer, Alabama. On May 16, 2025, he was called home to be with the Lord.

At just 17 years old, Jimmy married his childhood sweetheart, Eloise Banks, on July 21, 1967. She was 15 at the time, and their loving union lasted 58...