Kathy Sandlin White

Kathy Sandlin White’s “wonderful life” on earth came to end on August 5, 2018, two years following her diagnosis of metastatic, triple negative breast cancer. Born on November 4, 1952 in Florence, AL, Kathy moved to Trussville nearly forty years ago and became a meaningful part of her community. After her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 2001, Kathy dedicated much of her personal and professional life to raising money and awareness for breast cancer. With her family, she created “Turn Trussville Pink” and coordinated it for over a decade. She was also instrumental in the creation and operation of the AKW Foundation, the non-profit organization behind “TTP”. Her purpose was to use her circumstances, story, and talents to glorify God and to make a difference in the lives of others. Even after losing her husband to brain cancer, Kathy continued forward in her journey, demonstrating with actions and words that, “all things work together for the good of those who love Him” Romans 8:28.

Earlier in life, Kathy attended Bradshaw High School in Florence and was a very gifted and talented interior designer. While in Florence, she opened, owned, and operated First Impressions for several years. When Kathy moved to Trussville, she continued her career as an interior designer, eventually working as a private consultant for many years in Trussville and surrounding cities.

Kathy did not view her diagnosis of cancer as a “battle” and did not view her death as a “lost fight”. She ran her race with endurance, and told others to simply “believe”, even in the midst of pain. Kathy will be remembered for her energy, her creativity, and her servant’s heart. Her granddaughters will forever remember their “K-Way”, who taught them to “enjoy the journey” and “remember the little things.”

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Audie Victor White, and her father, J.H. “Buddy” Sandlin of Florence. She is survived by: her son, Joshua (Brittany) of Trussville; her daughter Shayna Swann (Brandon) and granddaughters: Sarah Kate, Anderson, and Camille, all of Trussville; her mother, Sarah Sandlin of Florence; her sister, Cindy Schuessler (John) of Florence; her brother, Clay Sandlin of Gulfport, MS; her brother, Jimmy Sandlin of Huntsville, and a host of relatives and friends.

The family will welcome guests for a visitation at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10th. A Celebration of Life service honoring Kathy will be held at the same location on Saturday, August 11th at 2 pm. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens. The service will be officiated by Rev. Blake Jenkins, and pallbearers will be Marty Friedman, Eric Merrill, Rolando Diaz, and Mike, Zack, and Luke Charles. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Turn Trussville Pink at www.turntrussvillepink.com.

John T. Cosby, age 68 of Odenville, AL passed away on August 10, 2018. He was a former resident of Prattville, AL. John attended Moody Parkway Church of God. John is survived by his wife, Charlotte Hogeland, one daughter, two brothers, one sister, numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service for John will be announced at a later date.

Maudie “Estelle” Arrington, age 84, of Gadsden, passed away Monday, August 13, 2018. Funeral services will be 12:00 pm Saturday August 18, 2018 at Collier-Butler Chapel. Rev. Clint Moon and Dr. Vince Whittington will officiate. Burial will be at Crestwood Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Photo submitted.

Mrs. Arrington was a graduate of Etowah High School. She retired from South Central Bell, worked as a union representative for the CWA, was on the state board of the United Cerebral Palsy in Gadsden AL and served as Secretary of the CWA Retirees.

Mrs. Arrington was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bessie Varden; husband, Perry Arrington; siblings, Odell Spalding and John Cleveland Varden, Jr; and brothers-in-law, Jimmy Spalding and Larry Edgar.

She is survived by her daughter, Chita Kite of Gadsden; son, Craig (Debbie) Arrington of Ashville; sister, Gaynell Edgar of Trussville; grandchildren, Brandi (Ryan) Kennedy of Murfreesboro, TN, Blake (Kelli) Arrington of Argo, Brooke (Andy) Griffith of Argo, and Caitlin Kite of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren, Sean Kennedy, Taylor Arrington, Jaden Kennedy, Hartley Arrington, and Reagan Kennedy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Craig Arrington, Blake Arrington, Andy Griffith, Ryan Kennedy and Bill Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James Memorial Baptist Church.

Special thanks to Shepherd’s Hospice in Albertville, AL.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:00 am -12:00 pm prior to the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.

James E. “Jimmy” Massey Jr., 63, passed away on Nov. 26 after fighting serious health problems most of his adult life. While the family is terribly sad to lose him, they are grateful that he is healed and at peace.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial

He was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, on Nov. 4, 1955, son of the late James E. Massey, Sr. and Marcie Lee. He and the former Linda Montano Reid were married on July 9, 1994 and shared many beautiful memories. His career field was in electronics repair, but his special talent for fixing most anything was appreciated by many.

He enjoyed years of special trips to the mountains and the beach, and to visit his family. He looked forward every spring to starting his vegetable garden, sharing his prize tomatoes and piddling around the house; he had a spontaneous and playful nature, and enjoyed recounting stories.

Massey is survived by his wife, Linda, step-son Jonathan Reid, sister, Kathy Tidwell (Scott), sister, Joy Bunt (Don), nephews Aaron and Dillon, nieces Lara, Julie and Lauren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Achatz (Jim) and Jennifer Montano, and in-laws Bill and Peggy Montano.

Jimmy was a loving, caring and devoted husband, son, brother, son-in-law and stepfather who will be greatly missed. In honor of Jimmy’s wishes, a formal funeral will not be held. He always said he wanted it to be an uplifting gathering of friends and family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223.

Francis Luther Joyner, age 97, of Remlap, passed away on Nov. 29.

Mr. Joyner was preceded in death by his son; Steve Joyner, grandson; Michael West; great-grandchildren Emma and Oliver Hicks, sister Christine Meade and his loving wife of 67 years; Evelyn Jane Joyner. Survivors include daughters Judith Wood and Debora Thrasher; son, Isaac Joyner; daughter-in-law, Julie Joyner; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday at 12 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Sammy Hodges officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Pinson with Jefferson Memorial East directing.

Mildred Mickie Gordon Randall, age 85, of Trussville, passed away December 2.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home

She was a member of South Roebuck and Trussville First Baptist Churches, and was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles Dale Randall.

She is survived by her sons Gary Randall (Janet), Gordon Randall (Barbara) and Gray Randall; grandchildren Angel Smith, Jacob Randall, Jamie Justice and Garrett Randall; and great-grandchildren Catherine Randall, Linley Justice and Zoey Justice.

Chapel services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with visitation from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Janet F. Wallis, 88, passed away on Dec. 4.

She was the owner of Harry E. Wallis P.C. public accountants. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Wallis. Survived by four children: Diane, Nancy Hartley (husband Pinky), Bill, and Jim (Wife Vicki), and two stepchildren Selene Patterson (husband Phil), and Harry Wallis Jr.; 12 grandchildren: Julie, John Stewart (wife Christina), Marshall Hartley (wife Rebecca), Courtney English (husband Patrick), Patrick Hartley (wife April), Melissa Hartley (husband Hunter), Kelsey Bain (husband Adam), Nicole Wallis, Kelly Gamble (husband Will), Phillip Patterson (wife Erika), Trevor, and Danielle; and six great-grandchildren: Libby, Wyatt, Austin, Vaughan, Sawyer and Houston.

Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday Dec. 6. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a Chapel Service at noon.

Amelia Ellie-Mae Long, of Moody, Alabama, was born June 23, 2016, and passed away on Dec. 2, 2018, at the age of two.

Amelia was a happy child with a vibrant personality. She enjoyed playing with her big brother. She was a free spirit and was affectionately known as “little Mess”. Amelia was her family’s little princess and touched the hearts of many. She will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Amelia is survived by her parents, Bobbi Laurie-Card and Chance Long; her brother, Brayden Burttram. She is also survived by her grandparents, Stephen Card (Sharon), Laurie Goodall (Aaron), Dean and Shannon Long. A memorial service for Amelia will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Trussville on Friday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. 
Family and friends will gather at 5 p.m.

James Curtis Mabrey, 91, of Cullman, passed away on Dec. 10.

Mabrey was a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Cullman. Mabrey was a loyal employee of Exchange Security, now known as Regions Bank, for over forty years. James started his career as a clerk in the bookkeeping department. He retired in 1990 as Vice President of Regions (then First Alabama Bank). For 25 years he served on the Jimmy Hale Mission board as their treasurer. Mabrey was also a lifetime member of the Masons.

Mabrey was preceded in death by his first son, Randy Franklin Mabrey. Mabrey was survived by his soulmate Ernestine Grimes Mabrey, his daughter Karen Sharp (Clark), and son James Ronald “Ronnie” Mabrey; granddaughters Tracey Pentenbrick (Kenneth), Stacey Allen (Brad), and Danielle Kennedy (Bryan); grandson Austin Sharp; and great-grandchildren: Emily Anne Kerr, Bradley Jay “BJ” Allen and Hadley Grimes Kennedy.

The family will receive friends at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 12. Funeral service to follow with a brief graveside service.

Walton Donald Nelson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec. 10, 2018.

He was born January 23, 1928 to Howard Francis and Velma Hollye (Shell) Nelson. He joined the Navy in 1945 and was on active duty until 1946. In 1951, he joined the Birmingham Police Department, retiring in 1982 as a Sergeant. He was a member of Hoover Lodge No. 644 F. & A. M and the Fraternal Order of Police.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Maurine (Rutherford), and his sister, Frances LaJune. He is survived by a brother, Bobby Hunter Nelson of Trussville, two sons, Walton Donald II of Antioch, California, and William Douglas of Birmingham, grandchildren Walton Donald Nelson III of Davis, California, Leah Kristin Demarcus of Pensacola, Florida, Sarah Elizabeth Nelson of Roseville, California, Tiffany Renee Nelson of Anna, Illinois, great-grandchildren Kylie Sophia Nelson, Gavin Tyler Nelson, and Ava Simone Nelson of Roseville, California, and Gunnar Brame of Anna, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at Jefferson Memorial East in Trussville with graveside service to follow at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial East’s adjoining cemetery.

Shirley Howell, 79, of Germantown, Tennessee, previously of Birmingham, passed away on Dec. 13.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial

Howell was an exceptionally loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a dedicated employee of 35 years at McRae’s Roebuck. Her priorities were helping, encouraging and praying for her family and friends in any way she could, always with a smile. In her final years, Shirley was devoted to worshipping the Lord through Bible fellowship with her friend and brother-in-Christ, David.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Howell; parents, William E. and Lorene C. Weaver; sister, Linda Brown; and brothers, Bobby Weaver and Elbert Weaver. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Nelms (Gene); son, Scott Howell; daughter-in-law, Allie Howell; grandchildren, Bryan Carmichael, Sara Nelms, Will Howell, Kelley Valdes and Kristen Nelms; great-grandchildren, Devyn and Maggie Valdes, and Sadie Dagnan; nieces, Carol Glover and Donna Woods; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 17, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. The funeral service will begin from the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. with Richard Harp officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

Suggested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Diabetes Foundation.

William Austin Lankford Jr., 82, passed away on Dec. 19, 2018.

Lankford attended Auburn University from 1956-1960 finishing with a degree in Electrical Engineering. A stint in the Army Air Corps (117th TAC Recon Wing) took him to France during the Berlin Crisis and upon return, Lankford assumed a role at East Birmingham Bronze Foundry. He invested his entire career in the growth of the foundry, which the family started in 1930, ultimately becoming President in 1981. He was the soul of the organization until the last castings were poured in 2003.

Lankford’s children, John, Jamie and Janet were raised in a farm house he built with his own two hands on a piece of property in Shelby County. He filled their childhood with magical memories of romping through the woods, raising various farm animals and many other adventures.

He helped found a Christian school in Vestavia, started Boy Scout Troop 226 in Hoover. Lankford will always be remembered as a compassionate man. There was no challenge too great and no problem that couldn’t be thoughtfully considered and solved. His outlook on life serves as an inspiration to all who encountered his gentle and humble disposition. Among his countless undertakings as a creative soul and craftsman. Lankford is also known as a builder of friendships and classic wooden sailboats. He and Helen, his beloved wife, of 26 years, logged thousands of miles across the Southeast, attending, entering and, more often than not, winning wooden boat shows.

The duo, known as Pappy and Granny by their 15 grandchildren, opened the doors to their lake house in Pell City for holidays and many impromptu gatherings. Their 4th of July celebrations were things of legend and every trip to the lake was a passport to adventure as each child learned and laughed. His is a story of unbridled curiosity and a creative will that broke the bounds of fear and pushed the horizons of his own imagination.

Lankford is survived by his wife of 26 years Helen; his daughters Jamie Chappel (Mark), Janet Moran (John), sons John Lankford (Laura), Paul Hill (Regina) and John Hill (Michelle); 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. The celebration service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22nd at First Baptist Church Trussville with visitation from 10-11 a.m.

Wilma Ruth Hornsby Moorer, 87 of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018.

Mrs. Moorer was born May 5, 1931 in Arab, AL. She graduated from Arab High School at age 16 and moved to the Eva Coma Home in Birmingham to attend Business School. She performed secretarial work for several years before marriage. She loved spending time with her family — especially with her grandchildren; plus, sewing, antique doll collecting, flower arranging, and gardening.

Mrs. Moorer was a member of Huffman United Methodist Church, the “Loyalty” Sunday school class, and the Flora-Dora Garden Club. She was a long-time East-End Council of Garden Clubs’ blue-ribbon winner with horticulture entries and flower arranging. Also, she was a member of the Birmingham Antique Doll Club.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Susan Moorer-Edmonds and Rodger Edmonds; and Laurie and Ken Buchanan; her grandchildren: Ashley Buchanan, Ryan Buchanan, and Matthew Moorer-Edmonds; brother

Ralph Hornsby (wife Trish Hornsby); sisters: Sara Martin (husband Rev. Doug Martin), Martha Head, and Katherine Farris (husband Terry Farris); plus many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband: Roy Lee Moorer, Jr. and her parents: Artis and Grace Hornsby; grandson Kris Krzistetzko; brother Alfred Hornsby, and brother Waymon Hornsby.

Appreciation is expressed to the care team at Aspire Cahaba and to Comfort Care Hospice.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with service to follow at 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens-East, Trussville.

Rayburn E. “Ray” Smith

Oct. 20, 1928 – Dec. 22, 2018

Rayburn E. “Ray” Smith was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on October 20, 1928. He passed away on December 22, 2018, at his home in Trussville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.Z. and Alyne Smith, and his son-in-law, Rick Jesup. Ray grew up in Lucedale, MS; attended Mississippi State University, and was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Ray graduated in 1950 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, during the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Following his service, Ray worked for Dupont as an engineer in the Construction Division.

He married the love of his life, Lula “Lou” Fancher in 1953. After five years at five sites with Dupont, Ray and Lou moved to Birmingham where he began a long career with Rust Engineering. When he retired in 1986, Ray was Chief Electrical Engineer, primarily focused on the pulp and paper industry. Ray was an active member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and worked as a consult for several years after retirement. He maintained his professional certification until 2013, he was 85 years old.

Ray joined Huffman Baptist Church in 1959 where he served in various capacities including Sunday School Director and was a life Deacon. He also served as an electrician on 19 mission trips with Builders for Christ in various parts of the United States. Ray was a devoted member of Rotary International where he had perfect attendance for 31 years. He volunteered with the yearly Rotary Golf Tournament, and especially enjoyed working with young people at local high schools through Rotary’s Interact Program.

Ray loved his family and friends and took every opportunity to spend time with them. He stayed in touch with his classmates at Lucedale High School and never missed a class reunion.

In addition to visiting all 50 states, he toured much of the world. On some of his trips, he got to play golf, one of his favorite past times. Having the opportunity to putt on the green at St. Andrews in Scotland was a highlight.

Ray leaves his loving wife of 65 years, Lula; his children, Warren Smith (Trish), Cindy Jesup, Lisa Norris (Wayne), Alice Murdoch (Michael); his grandchildren, Dr. Lexie Jesup (Dr. Jason Buckley), Derrick Jesup, Aaron Norris (Dr. Caroline), Ronnie Norris (Courtney), Steven Murdoch, Andrew Murdoch; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Danford and Bernice Brasher; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL on Wednesday, December 26 from 5pm until 7pm. The funeral will be held at Huffman Baptist Church on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at 2pm, with gravesdie service following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Dr. Larry Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huffman Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

Patricia “Pat” Louise Dickey, 75, of Trussville, passed peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 26 with family by her side.

She was born on Sept. 25, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, the second child of the late Lamar and Frances Bryant.  She is survived by her sisters Betty Ann (John) Dixon and Judy (Butch) Mosley, and her brother, Danny (Kathy) Bryant.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Strickland.

In July 1959, Charles Dickey saw her sitting on her front porch swing, noticed her long brown hair and heard the way she laughed; and he said it was love at first sight. After a year-and-a-half courtship, they were married on Dec. 23, 1960, and were fully devoted to each other for 58 wonderful years. Their love and dedication to each other is a testament to them placing God first in their lives, as well as in their marriage.

A loving mother and homemaker, Dickey was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She always made sure that she had everyone’s favorite food on-hand when they came to visit, and made everyone feel welcome in her home.

Her tremendous legacy is reflected through the love and adoration of her whole family and close friends, who lovingly refer to her as “Memommy.” She was a selfless nurturer, as evidenced by the special relationship she also had with each member of her extended family. She was the epitome of kindness and gentleness, always looking for ways to help others, and was a true servant of God.

One of Memommy’s unique traits was her quick wit. Even at the hospital, she entertained us all and won over the hospital staff. One of them said she was her “favorite patient ever,” and another stayed over an hour after shift change just to make sure she was well taken care of.

Her love of dolls, hummingbirds and flowers — her favorite one being roses — was topped only by her devotion to her husband, children, friends and church family.

She leaves her beloved husband Charles “Gedaddy” and their five children: son Steve (Karen) Dickey; son Tim (Lisa) Dickey; daughter Regina (David) Horvath; daughter Rhonda (James) Hindman; and son Brian (Julie) Dickey. She also leaves her fourteen grandchildren and four great-grands, as well as several nieces, nephews and other extended family.

The memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Kirkpatrick presiding. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Fresh flowers in her honor can be sent to Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home.

Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home is located at 5360 Deerfoot Parkway in Trussville.

Betty Jean Weaver Sanford, 89, of Birmingham passed away peacefully on Dec. 22.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Hugh Sanford, Sr; her parents, Doctor Claude Weaver and Ida Weaver; brothers, D.C, Elmus and Ray Weaver; sisters, Mary Belle Self, Dorothy Likis and Madge Marion.

Betty had a special love for her son, John and daughter-in-law Donna, who were always there for her support, encouragement and love. John and Donna’s devotion to Betty and any other requests she made were readily accommodated.

Also, left to cherish her memory are: Sister, Joyce Herndon and being one of eight siblings she had several nieces and nephews, who helped her many times in her golden years.

Sanford attended Phillips High School and Birmingham Business College. Her first job was with Birmingham Trust National Bank and then on to Jefferson Federal Savings, but her real passion and love for make-up and beauty led her to Lovemens/Pizitz/McRae’s where she worked in cosmetics the rest of her career.

Sanford loved the Lord and wanted her family, friends and all she came in contact with to know Him also. For many years, Sanford was an active member of Huffman Baptist Church where she was a member of “The Mary” Sunday School Class.

She dearly loved each and every one of her Birthday Club Group, including Doris and Morris Bryson, Martha and Winston Hearn, Inez and Oliver Holmes and Eula and Mark Ingram. Sandord was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Salvation Army Auxiliary and Birmingham Humane Society. Her creativity and imagination, along with a passion for writing and scripture, made Sandford an entertaining and captivating author of many short stories. She filled numerous journals with her descriptive writings, most of which were love stories. Her dream was for at least one to be published.

Sanford was well-known for many years as a model at The Club and her fashionable style remained throughout her lifetime. There was never too much “bling” for “Ms. Betty”. Enjoying the Florida Gulf Coast with family and friends throughout the years brought her great joy. During the last years of traveling, Sanford enjoyed trips to the casinos and especially treasured week-end trips to the Beau Rivage to play the slot machines where she was thrilled to win (if only a few dollars). This brought a big smile to her and those who were with her.

Sanford loved reminiscing by sharing her numerous photo albums with all. Her zest for life shined in all she did! The family wishes to thank Danberry for her last several years of taking wonderful care of her at a fabulous facility.

Ada Elizabeth Vaughn Davis, 93, of Birmingham passed away on Dec. 26, 2018.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens

She was born to the late Lewis and Mary Vaughn. Davis was a lifelong member of Huffman United Methodist Church and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a Sunday school teacher for preschoolers and for Mary Martha Ladies Sunday School Class for over 20 years. Wherever she went laughter always accompanied her. She took care of her mother and her father during their late years.

Davis was an avid writer. She and cousin Lucy developed a Family Newsletter (News in a Nutshell) to family in several states. She was a genealogy researcher before the days of computers and assisted in writing a book about the Hansford Family. Friends and family called her Liz and she penned the signature Lovingly, Liz as she remembered a very large family on every occasion-birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She always sought out those who needed help and served them relentlessly.

Davis is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, H. Milton Davis. She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Lavender (John) of McCalla, and Rebecca Reed (David) of Somerville; four grandchildren, Amy Rodgers (Joel) and Daniel Lavender of Birmingham, Rachel Evans (Daniel) of Meridianville, and Ariel Reed of Catalina Island, CA; three great-grandchildren, Lily Kate Rodgers and Eli and Carson Evans; one brother, John E. Vaughn (Margaret) of Huntsville, AL; special niece, Carol Waller (Jim) of Locust Fork; dearest cousin, Lucy Rimler of Watkinsville, GA; and a special thank you to Sarah Thrasher, caregiver who loved her like a mother. The family would also like to thank Ascension At Home (St. Vincent’s Hospice) caregivers for their care of Davis.

A visitation will be held on January 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. The funeral service will begin from the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. with Reverend Alan Head officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests no cemetery flowers, but make memorials to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th floor, New York, NY 10001.  The foundation may also be contacted at www.alzfdn.org or (866) 232-8484.

Betty Jane “BJ” Frew, a native and long-time resident of Birmingham, passed away on Dec. 30.

She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Frew on Feb. 20, 1927, in Birmingham. She graduated from high school in 1945 and graduated from Howard College on June 6, 1949. She enrolled at Seminary Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in September of 1950 and graduated with her masters in May of 1952. She served as Youth Director at Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR from June 1952 until April 1955. She later served as Youth Director at Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS from May 11, 1955, until Sept. 28, 1958. In September of 1958, BJ started her journey as Baptist Student Union Director at Hinds Community College; she retired after 35 years of service on June 1, 1992. BJ was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for several years.

She was devoted to her faith and very passionate about her work. BJ is survived by her niece, Carol Lynne Dye (Tom); her nephews, Donald R. Brannon and David F. Brannon (Philip); one great-niece and several great-nephews.

Don Marino, 80, of Birmingham passed away on Dec. 27 in the comfort of his home in Vestavia Hills.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Marino and Nellie Abruzzo and his sister, Mary Fant. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, survived by his wife of 34 years, Sandra Harper Marino. He is also survived by his four children: Tracey Boyd, Melissa Cox (Taylor), Carl Marino (Stephanie), and Chris Salamone (Kristi). He was a beloved grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Conner Boyd, Caitlin Boyd, Charlie Boyd, Walker Cox (Mary Claire), Crawford Cox, Taylor Cox, Chandler Cox, Hana Marino, Claire Salamone, and Emma Salamone.

Marino graduated from John Carroll High School and Auburn University with a degree in Accounting. He served in the U.S. Military and was stationed in France. Don spent his career as a Certified Public Accountant and was a partner in Warren, Averett, Kimbrough, and Marino until retirement. He enjoyed the relationships he built with his clients and valued their friendships beyond his working career.

Marino enjoyed spending his time with family and friends particularly at the beach. He loved woodworking, working in the yard and traveling. He was also passionate about Auburn football and enjoyed heading down to the plains for home games. Grandy, as his grandchildren referred to him, had great love for his entire family and was proud of them.

The funeral will be at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville at 12 p.m. on Jan. 2, with visitation from 11 a.m. until service time. Graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to The Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, AL