William Walter “Bill” Shelnutt, August 23, 1936 – June 28, 2016.

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, friend to all who knew him, and a leader of young men and women nonpareil.

William Walter “Bill” Shelnutt

Bill was born in Birmingham, and was graduated from Woodlawn High School where he played for the City and County championship football teams, and was voted second team all-state honors. Although he was offered many college scholarships, Bill opted to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

After his Honorable Discharge, he continued to serve his community as a Birmingham Police Officer, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. After retirement from the force, Bill served as Chief of Police for the Jefferson State Police Department.  During all this time, and thereafter, Bill exercised the passion of his life – training young men and women to excel at athletics – especially track and field. He never got paid; his reward was seeing his young athletes excel.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Joyal and Bernice, and by a sister Jane Easter. He leaves behind his loving wife, Patsy, and their three children: Shay (Paige), Shane (Christy), and Shannon, (Tony); his brothers Robert “Bob”, and Joyal, “Budd”; his sisters Joy Edwards and Jill Hayes: as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and dear friends.

Services are to be held at the Palmerdale United Methodist Church, this Saturday July 2nd at 11 O’clock A.M. Officiating are the Reverend Kevin Payne, and the Reverend Tony Jones. In lieu of flowers make donations to Royal Family Kids Camp through Palmerdale Methodist Church, P.O. Box 192, Palmerdale, Al 35123.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. 2 Timothy 4:7

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Keri Vernon Muth, age 38, of Trussville, AL passed away on June 28, 2016.

Keri Vernon Muth

Keri was born in Port Huron Michigan. Her father served in the U.S. Army so she did a great deal of traveling throughout her childhood. She graduated from East Limestone High School in 1997 in Athens, AL and later attended Calhoun Community College where she majored in Business. Keri was a National All Star Cheerleading Champion.

She was a loving wife and mother; she enjoyed spending time on the beach and had a huge love for animals, especially her dogs.

She is survived by her loving husband of 10 years, Patrick Van Muth; her five year old daughter, Kailey, Muth; her parents, Keith and Denise Vernon; her sister, Krista Sizemore (Michael); her grandparents, Rudy and Sharon Vernon, of St. Clair Michigan; her niece, Kennedy Freeman; her nephew, Kip Sizemore; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her funeral will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 1^st at Jefferson Memorial Chapel with visitation held two hours prior.

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Emery Star Owens, passed away at two months old in Talladega County on June 28, 2016.

She was a member of Church of the Highlands. Emery was a fighter from the day she was born. She was full of life. She came into this world as “Mommy’s best friend” and “Daddy’s girl”. In the short time we were blessed with her she loved to cuddle and smile. She loved her big brother and tummy time.

Her funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2nd at Jefferson Memorial Chapel. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 1st from 5:00 p.m. until 7 p.m.

She is survived by her parents, Jarod and August Owens; brother, Sawyer Owens; grandparents, Starling Zackeous Fox, Jr., Sharon Pruitt, Joel and Cindi Owens, and Denise Maddox; great grandparents, James and Ann Pruitt, Vivian Gray, Regina and T.J. Owens; aunts and uncles: Sherry and Dustin Parker, Zack and Jenna Fox, Roy Smith, Windy Gazaway, David Owens, Jody and Sonya Payne, Danny Lee and Vivian Maddox; cousins: Bryant, Avery, Aiden, Sienna, Tessa, Logan, Shelby and Valerie.

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Beverly West Turner, age 80, of Trussville, AL passed away on July 6, 2016.

She was a graduate of Philips High School, and later graduated from Birmingham Southern with a BA and then received her Masters from the University of Alabama.

Beverly studied abroad in Costa Rica, and taught, as well. She retired from Jefferson County Schools after several years of service as a Spanish teacher. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Center Point and a former member of Roebuck Park Baptist.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Turner, Jr.; parents, Maurice and Marie West; sister, Riedel West. She is survived by her children, Jay Turner (Paige), Rob Turner (Patti) and Lara Gowder (Bret); grandchildren, Heather, Claire, Colin, Jack and Luke; numerous nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville with visitation held two hours prior. Burial will follow the chapel service at Midway Cemetery in Adamsville. Dr. Philip Nation is officiating.

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Marjorie Setliff Holt, age 85, of Birmingham, Alabama, died on July 24, 2016.

She was born in Villa Rica, Georgia on January 31, 1931 to Walter and Eunice Setliff. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Osburne Holt, her parents, and her granddaughter, Sheila Gammage. She is survived by her daughters, Rachel (Ken) Cushing and Patty Gammage; granddaughters, Christy Gammage, Erin C. (Travis) Grant, and Jennifer C. (Chandler) Bares, and great-granddaughters, Audrey Gammage, Brooklyn Grant and Savannah Grant; one sister, Louise Balentine and several nieces and nephews.

At the time of her death, Marjorie was a member of the Vestavia church of Christ and had been an active member with her husband for many years at the Inglenook, Huffman, and Sun Valley churches of Christ. Marjorie loved her family and friends and, above all, her Heavenly Father. She spent countless hours, especially at night, reading her Bible. She loved to sing hymns and especially enjoyed the acapella singing at Vestavia during her final years when her once-strong voice had weakened.

After her children were grown, she decided to learn to paint and spent endless hours perfecting her new talent. The walls in her home were covered with oil, acrylic and watercolor masterpieces. Especially treasured by family are family portraits she painted.

Special thanks to all the employees of Greenbriar at the Altamont who have lovingly cared for our mom and to Betty Goldsby, her sitter and companion, who has been like a member of our family for over 12 years, and to New Beacon Hospice.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 28^th from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with a funeral service held at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville, Doy Moyer officiating.

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Lewis “Cooter” Simpson, age 80, of Trussville, AL passed away on July 25, 2016.

Lewis “Cooter” Simpson

Cooter loved his friends and family dearly and was dearly loved by all of them. Cooter had a passion for the community of Trussville the residence. He enjoyed working for the city of Trussville for several years before retiring as a public works director. He served on the fire department of Trussville and police department for over 50 years.

Lewis bonded deeply with those he served with at the fire department. He enjoyed working with them and spending time with them. Cooter will be greatly missed by so many.

He was preceded in death by his son, Terry Simpson; parents, Otis and Bertha Simpson and his mother-in-law, Pearl Whatley. Cooter is survived by his wife, Betty Simpson, of 61 years; grandson, Richard Matthew; brother, Jerry H. Simpson (Martha); sister-in-law, Patsy Stone (Joe); nephew, Jay Simpson (Emily) and their daughter, Alyson; nieces, Kristie Brown and Rhonda Sherwood and their families.

His funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 30^th at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service, Reverend Norman Lecroy officiating.

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Joe Edd Hocutt, age 80, of Trussville, AL passed away on July 26, 2016.

Joe loved his family, friends and country.  He was born December 31, 1935, to Felix N. and Hattie Hocutt in Fayette, AL.  Not only did he grow up and fall in love with a Trussville girl, but also the City of Trussville.  After serving in the Air Force, they chose Trussville as their home.  He was proud to give back to the community by being very active in several organizations.  He volunteered with the city fire and police departments for many years.  Joe worked with others that had a vision to make sure the youth had a place to participate in sports.  He coached so many young boys, supported Hewitt-Trussville band and the school sports programs.  He was on the city council and served as Mayor Pro-Tem.  He is a Past Master of Georgiana Davis Lodge #338 and was named Treasurer-Emeritus.  As a member of Golden Rule Chapter #6, Order of Eastern Star, he served many times as Worthy Patron and was appointed to serve as Grand Sentinel for the State of Alabama 2006-2007.  Joe was also a Shriner and member of American Legion.  He retired from the US Postal Service.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kermit Hocutt and Travis Hocutt; and in-laws, Wilson and Verdie Channell.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Channell Hocutt; children:  Marlene (Scott) Lovelady, Joe (Catherine) Hocutt, Darlene (George) Watson and Edwin (Vicki) Hocutt; grandchildren:  Scotty (Jenni) Lovelady, Keith Lovelady, Logan Hocutt, Julia Hocutt, Trey Watson and Courtney Hocutt; great granddaughter, Allie Scott Lovelady; nephews:  Brinley (Martha) Hocutt, Timothy (Kathy) Hocutt and their families.  Joe was blessed with a great extended family and a host of dear friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Monday, August 1st at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Rule Chapter #6 for cancer and ESTARL mailed to 1075 Oak Grove Road, Springville AL 35146.

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Shirley Ann Tanner, age 79 of Trussville, AL., passed away on July 30, 2016.

She was a graduate of New Market High School and also St Vincent’s School of Nursing. She was a member of Palmerdale First Baptist and retired from St. Vincent’s Family Practice after 40 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy A. Sisk and Lorene F. Sisk, and her sister, Maoma Sisk Massie. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Charles C. Tanner, Sr.; sons, Chuck Tanner (Donna) and Steven Tanner (Kerri); brother, David M. Sisk; grandchildren, Sterling A. Tanner, Luke Tanner, Kate Tanner and Brecker Tanner.

The funeral service for Mrs. Tanner will be held on Wednesday, August 3^rd at 12:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with visitation held two hours prior. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service. Pastor Ron is Cox officiating.

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Grover Lee Armstrong, age 90, of Irondale, AL passed away on July 31, 2016.

He was a Birmingham native and was a member of South Roebuck Baptist Church. He was a WWII veteran who served in the Navy. He was inducted in the Talladega Hall of Fame Racing Pioneers in 1996.

He is survived by his son, Brooks Armstrong (Debra) and his grandchildren, Christopher and Savanna Armstrong.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on Friday, August 5^th at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends will gather at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.

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Mary Ellen Watkins, age 96, of Center Point, AL passed away August 3, 2016.

Mary Ellen Watkins

She was a former member of Clearview Baptist Church and retired from Jefferson Home Furnishing after serving a sales associate for several years. She was a very hard working and outspoken woman who was very devoted to her family. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother that helped raise three of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Norman Watkins; son, Kenneth Wade Chesser; daughter, Mary June Gardner; son-in-law, Charles Douglas Gardner.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Smith (Lynn); sister, Bobby Crawford; grandchildren, Debbie Flinn, Jerry Halfacer, Wayne Gardner, Tracie Bulkeley, Kellie Sue Zach, Tereasa Dodds and Allen Chesser; numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Her graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville on Monday, August 8th, Pastor Scott Burton officiating.

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Roderick Alan Hill, 66, of Trussville, Alabama went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 13th, 2016.

Roderick Alan Hill

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 5, 1950, Roddy grew up in East Lake, graduated from Banks High School and attended Auburn University graduating with a degree in Forestry. He spent his early career in Selma, Alabama where he worked in land management. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard serving our country in Panama, Dominican Republic, Germany, Bosnia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Roddy enjoyed reading, poetry, music and Auburn football. Always eager to tell a story from his childhood or college, Roddy loved talking to people.

Roddy was preceded in death by his mother and father, Charline Manning Hill and Joseph Clyde Hill; brother, Joseph Clyde Hill, Jr.  He is survived by his wife, Linda Farley Hill of Trussville, Alabama; sister, Susan Hill McLaughlin (Don) of Springville, Alabama; daughters, Becky Hill Rogers (Jeremy) and Brooke Hill Cremers (Chris); four grandchildren, Anne Stewart Rogers, Hudson Rogers, Hayden Cremers and Catie Cremers; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, devoted friends, two dogs and two birds.

Family visitation will be Wednesday, August 17th at 9 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Jesus Harvesters Ministries or Samaritain’s Purse – Operation Heal Our Patriots.

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Etta Mae Odom Mitchell Tingle, Age 92 of Trussville, passed away on August 18, 2016. 

Etta Mae Odom Mitchell Tingle

Mrs. Tingle was born in Good Springs, Alabama, daughter of a coal miner.  She graduated high school at Cordova High School.  After the high school graduation ceremony, the graduates reassembled at which time Etta Mae and Ralph were married with her high school class in attendance.  Ralph left shortly thereafter for service in the U.S. Army during WWII. 

She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Trussville, where she was the founder of the church’s Joyland kindergarten. After graduating from Samford University with a degree in Elementary Education, she taught at Hewitt Trussville and Hillview Elementary schools.  Mrs. Tingle team-taught for 17 years at Hillview Elementary School with her partner, Bobbie Andrews.  She also received her Master’s Degree in Education, and her Advance Academics Certification earned at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Furthermore, Mrs. Tingle had completed all of the academic requirements for her doctoral degree in Elementary Education.  She retired from the Jefferson County school system in 1988 as a second grade school teacher. 

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Etta Camille Mitchell and former husbands, Ralph Q. Mitchell, Sr. and Aubra A. Tingle.  Mrs. Tingle is survived by her son, Ralph Q. (Sheree) Mitchell, Jr.; her granddaughter, Jennifer Camille Mitchell (Danner) Kline; and two great-grandchildren, Anne Camille Kline and Everette Mitchell Kline. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Grover Walker Chapel in The First Baptist Church of Trussville.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service.  The committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Elmwood Cemetery. 

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Molly loved sports, especially fast-pitch softball. As a pitcher, she loved competition, and she experienced a lot of success at Clinton High School, with Mississippi Blast, and through her 4 years at Millsaps College. Equally as important as the sport to her, Molly valued her teammates, who became lifelong friends. She also loved to coach, first with the Mississippi Blast tournament ball team in Clinton, MS and later with the Twisters in Birmingham AL. In addition to coaching and private lessons, she drove all over Alabama to attend “her girls” high school games and signing days. Those girls would tell you that she had a passion for softball as well as for life, and she wanted her teams to be successful on and off the field. Her authentic, engaging personality and a contagious smile were assets wherever she went. She had an uncanny ability to connect with people and build community in any situation.

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Jack Milton Neill, 99, of Birmingham passed away September 14 . Jack was born January 31, 1917 to Jack M. and Flora Neill. He grew up in Norwood and graduated from Phillips High School. He served his country in World War II and was an Army Captain in the Military Police. He worked in sales during his career, and retired from Johnson-Rast and Hayes Realty.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Jack Neill, of Birmingham, brothers Ed and Barclay Neill, and his sister Ann Higgins.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anne (Thornton) Neill, children Jack Neill, III, of Birmingham, Frank Neill of Aspen, Colorado,  Pattie Neill of Trussville, one grandson, David, of New York City, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel Friday September 16, 2016 from 2:00- 3:00 PM and interment at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to Woodlawn Methodist Church.

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Deana Bailey Hemphill, age 47, of Trussville, passed away on September 13, 2016.

Deana Bailey Hemphill

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Trussville. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Frank “Pa” Waldrop; her grandparents, Robert and Jane Bailey; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Neal Sr. and Betty Hemphill. She is survived by her husband, Neal Hemphill; her daughters, Taylor Hemphill Johnson (Hunter) and Bailey Hemphill; her parents, Jerry and Glynda Bailey; her grandmother, Gloria “Nanny” Waldrop; her sister, Ashley Trammell (Adam); and her niece and nephews, Brady, Jordyn, and Camdyn Trammell.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Trussville. A visitation will be held at the Church from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

Over the past 3 years when Deana began this journey, God has blessed our family as well as numerous others with a special presence of God’s love that was displayed through D’s everyday life. She knew this journey was part of God’s plan for her life and she never wavered from her faith. She was a shining light for God and she will never be forgotten. We give God all the glory, honor, and praise for her precious life that has touched so many. Her legacy will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org .

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Sybil Absher Johns, age 92 of Trussville, AL passed away on September 24, 2016.

She was a member of Ninth Avenue Baptist Church. She owned her own beauty shop for many years and still worked as a beautician in her early 90’s.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alton Johns, sister, Verlia Honeycutt and her grandson, Jody Johns.

Chapel services will be held on Wednesday, Sept 28 at 2 p.m. with burial in Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. Reverend Dewey Corder will officiate. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until service time.

She is survived by her son Bobby Johns (Karen), daughter Judy Jackson (James), sisters Jewell Carney, Iva Thomas (Joe), brothers Dewey Absher (Fae), Farris Absher (Martha), Kyle Absher, grandchildren Kaci Johns, Frank Jackson (Sunny), Cindy Freeman (Charles), great grandchildren Christy Wester (Blake), Bailey Jackson, Harry and Jackson Freeman, great great grandchild Mackenzie Wester.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Affinity Hospice. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.

From The Trussville Tribune Staff Reports

HOMEWOOD – Homewood Middle School was on lockdown Thursday morning after an argument at the Dawson Family of Faith Recreation Center.

The incident stemmed from an argument on the basketball court, according to al.com.

Officers responded at 7:39 a.m. on reports of a disorderly male playing basketball, and witnesses told the police the suspect was involved in a dispute and possibly went to his vehicle to retrieve a weapon.

Police found the suspect and detained him for questioning.

The middle school was placed on a brief lockdown as a precaution. Police said there was no immediate threat to anyone at the school.

The suspect was released after being trespassed from Dawson property.

Joe Edd Hocutt, age 80, of Trussville, AL passed away on July 26, 2016.

Joe loved his family, friends and country.  He was born December 31, 1935, to Felix N. and Hattie Hocutt in Fayette, AL.  Not only did he grow up and fall in love with a Trussville girl, but also the City of Trussville.  After serving in the Air Force, they chose Trussville as their home.  He was proud to give back to the community by being very active in several organizations.  He volunteered with the city fire and police departments for many years.  Joe worked with others that had a vision to make sure the youth had a place to participate in sports.  He coached so many young boys, supported Hewitt-Trussville band and the school sports programs.  He was on the city council and served as Mayor Pro-Tem.  He is a Past Master of Georgiana Davis Lodge #338 and was named Treasurer-Emeritus.  As a member of Golden Rule Chapter #6, Order of Eastern Star, he served many times as Worthy Patron and was appointed to serve as Grand Sentinel for the State of Alabama 2006-2007.  Joe was also a Shriner and member of American Legion.  He retired from the US Postal Service.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kermit Hocutt and Travis Hocutt; and in-laws, Wilson and Verdie Channell.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Channell Hocutt; children:  Marlene (Scott) Lovelady, Joe (Catherine) Hocutt, Darlene (George) Watson and Edwin (Vicki) Hocutt; grandchildren:  Scotty (Jenni) Lovelady, Keith Lovelady, Logan Hocutt, Julia Hocutt, Trey Watson and Courtney Hocutt; great granddaughter, Allie Scott Lovelady; nephews:  Brinley (Martha) Hocutt, Timothy (Kathy) Hocutt and their families.  Joe was blessed with a great extended family and a host of dear friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Monday, August 1st at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Rule Chapter #6 for cancer and ESTARL mailed to 1075 Oak Grove Road, Springville AL 35146.

Joel McCalla Jones, Age 70,  born October 1, 1946 in Birmingham, AL,  passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15, 2016 in Maryville TN.  He was preceded in death by his father Everette Earnest Jones, Sr. and Grace Williams Jones of Trussville, AL.  He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Gina Harris Jones of Maryville, TN, son Patrick Jones, daughters Margie Colburn, Ashlee Davidson, and Lindsay Shepard.  Grandchildren: Dessa Colburn, Hannah Jones, Lily Colburn, Lanna Davidson, Maddie Kae Jones, Elizabeth Davidson, Natalee Davidson, Denallee Shepard, Hadlee-Rose Davidson.  Sisters: Mary Jones Davis, Patricia Jones Tucker, Jean Box and brother Everette E. Jones, Jr.

Joel was a great Craftsman and a perfectionist in all he did.  A loving father, grandfather and husband.  A graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School and Jacksonville State University. He currently was a Broker and employed at Wallace and Wallace.  He owned Jones Environmental Construction, G. H. Jones Construction, and Black Bear Inspections.

Family and friends will assemble for the Graveside service on Tuesday October 18, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville, TN at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Gilbert Harris officiating. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com