Florence Altman Strickland, 97, died peacefully on Jan. 25.

She was preceded in death by husband, John C. Strickland, grandson Jeffrey C. Ryder, son-in-law Carlton Ryder, grandson John Clifford Strickland, step great grandson Andrew McPhalen, parents Hoyt and Lettice Altman, and sisters Nell Sandiford and Mary Hinely.

Survivors include daughter Carolyn Strickland Ryder, grandchildren Butch Swindle (Leah), Nicki Hall (Jeff); son James R. Strickland (Jerry Jean), grandchildren Jo Anne Smith (Larry), and Jenny Barrett (Will); and son H. Eugene Strickland (Amanda), grandchildren Bobby Strickland (Crystal), Rebecca Young (Jonathan); nine living great grandchildren, and four living great, great grandchildren; brother Robert Altman (Dorlene) and sister Myrtle Mercer (Leland).

Strickland and her husband moved to Birmingham from southeast Georgia when they married Dec. 24, 1940, and lived there most of their lives.

She loved playing bridge, board games, and the way one granddaughter designed her Halloween costume each year. The family appreciates the fine care given by everyone at Forest Manor, especially Station 2 and Station 1, along with the crew in the maintenance department.

Services will be Thursday at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville. Visitation will be at 12 p.m. in the Chapel followed by the service in the mausoleum at 1 p.m.

June Glaze Battles, 89, of Birmingham passed away on Jan. 27.

She was a member of Hilldale Baptist Church, now Palmerdale Cross. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lesley Stanford Battles; and her second husband, Judge Milton King. She is survived by her children, L. Craig Battles (Pam), Pam Battles Lee (Ed), Kenneth W. Battles, Sr. (Cindy); her grandchildren, Matthew Battles, Meredith Battles Mejia (Geraldi), Jamie Lee Morales (Alfredo), Harrison Lee, Stuart Lee (Randi), Amanda Berry (Kyle), Wade Battles (Mikayeln); her great-grandchildren, Reece, Trace, and Kristanna Battles, Maylee and Max Mejia, Abigail and Maggie Morales, Levi and Houston Lee, Hannah and Easton Lee, Owen, Nora, and Charlotte Berry, and Sophia Battles.

Funeral service will be held on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service.

Joseph “Joe” Russo, age 52 of Trussville, took flight to his Heavenly home on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betsy Boley Russo; and brother, Phillip Russo. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy Sykes Russo; sons, Andy Russo, Logan Russo and Hunter Russo (Jessica); father, Sam Russo; siblings, Tony Russo (Alan), Amy Spano (Louis), Callie Russo and Nena Russo; family dogs, Kai, Mable Grace, Pebbles and Piper; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joe was a valued employee of Nintendo of America for over 20 years. He was a loving husband and the best father and was loved by so many.

His family will celebrate his life on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel with his service beginning at 7 p.m.

Peggy Ann Reynolds, 60, of Birmingham passed away on Jan. 28.

She was a graduated of Banks High School and attended the University of Montevallo. She was a member of the Church of the Highlands.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jessie Reynolds. She is survived by her children, Kimberly Harris and Christopher Correa; her two granddaughters, Makenzie and Bella; her brother Jerry Reynolds and his wife, Nancy.

From The Trussville Tribune staff reports

Alpha C. Parker, age 91, of Trussville, passed away Feb. 2.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

She was preceded in death by her husband J.D. Parker, son Joe Dennis Parker, parents Dennis and Bertha Collins, brother Calvin Collins, and sister Mildred Kirkland.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Jay (Rebecca), Dennis (Terri), and Lanie (Marcus), niece Molly (Steve), great grandchildren Reagan, Emma, Norah, Lauren, Sarah, Lydia, Lucie and Kaitlyn.

Chapel services will be Wednesday, at 2 p.m. with visitation from 1 p.m. until service time. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.

Robert Charles Hood, age 79, of Odenville and previously of Birmingham, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 29, after a long battle with congestive heart failure.

Hood was born on May 23, 1939 to the late J. Harold Hood and Marie M. Hood, and was educated in the Birmingham City Schools. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1957, and from Auburn University in 1961. Following college, Hood was employed by The Lamson and Sessions Company, where he served for 16 years. He joined O’Neal Steel in 1980, where he served for 24 years, retiring as Vice President of Operations in 2004. In retirement, Mr. Hood greatly enjoyed volunteer work, serving as a reserve deputy with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office for almost 8 years. He later spent countless hours assisting in the rebuilding of Alpha Ranch, a children’s home in Ashville, which was destroyed by the devastating tornado in April, 2011. Hood was a longtime member of South Roebuck Baptist Church, and more recently of Cropwell Baptist Church, both of which he served as a deacon.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hood was predeceased by his brother, John H. Hood, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Diane Dial Hood; his children, Christopher R. Hood and Katherine L. Hood; his sister, Marilyn Jackson (Mike); his nephews, Michael Jackson (Angela) and Roger Jackson (Amy); his niece, Rita Beem (Craig); and his great nieces and nephew, McKenzie Jackson, Libby Jackson, Spencer Jackson, Isabelle Jackson, and Rachel Beem.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to Lakeside Hospice, 4010 Masters Road, Pell City, Alabama 35128, www.lakesidehospice.org http://www.lakesidehospice.org.

The Hood family would like to give special thanks to his nurses/caregivers, Amy Green, Kendra Baxter, Cristy Daffron, and Alena Carroll.

Linda Esco, affectionately known as, Gran went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 4.

She was a member of Gardendale Church of God and frequently visited Solid Rock Church in Pinson. She was a native of Bessemer. Esco was passionate about her faith and serving her Lord. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was employed as a Property Manager and served as a Pastor’s wife for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Climmie Marrey , mother, Elizabeth Blum and brother, Jimmy Maharrey. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, David Esco; children, Charlotte Millican (Don), David Esco, II (Jama), Amanda Long and Sara Long; sister, Mary Glasscock; brother, Dennis Maharrey; step-father, Clifton Blum; four grandchildren, Cora Millican, Rhys Millican, Aidon Esco and Emerson Sherer; numerous nieces and nephews.

Philip E. Morris, Sr, of Birmingham, passed away Feb 5, at the age of 80. He was an active member of The Church at Brook Hills and a participating member of Early Seekers.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

Morris was a lifetime member of the Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union 48 and in his younger years, a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was an active volunteer in Hearts in Hands, Inc and The Lovelady Center. Morris was a skilled woodworker, avid golfer, and was known for his beautiful garden. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and traveling. He will be most remembered by his generous heart, quick wit, and his willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruby Reams Morris; son, Philip E. Morris, Jr (Michele); daughter, Cindy Morris McDonough (Scott); five grandchildren, Laura Lee Morris Grusin (Adam), Shelby McDonough McClure (Buck), Callie McDonough, Melissa Morris and Cory McDonough; and two great-grandchildren, Elijah Grusin and Samuel Grusin.

Ray Glen Arnold, 88, of Crestline Gardens passed away on Feb. 5 after a lengthy illness.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

Born in Trafford, a farmer’s son, Arnold was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. It was during his Army training in New Jersey that he met his soon to be wife, Marilyn Hoffman Arnold, and they shared 61 years of marriage and were long-time members of Irondale United Methodist Church. After his Army duty, Arnold moved to Birmingham, AL where he started his career as a driver, first with Birmingham Electric Company, and later as long haul driver for Blue Springs Hatchery of Leeds. He spent many years bringing tropical fish to residents of the southern states. In his later years, he became a company courier for NSFSB Collateral Mortgage until his retirement.

After retirement, Arnold enjoyed dabbling in wood-working, and performed handyman home improvement projects for many of his neighbors. He always wanted to be able to help people out. Everyone who met him was a friend, and his family and friends always earned a nickname as was his habit.

The son of the late Earcy Arnold and Irene Holt Arnold, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, and is survived by his son, Philip Arnold, of Bartlett, TN and his sister JoAnn Kent (J.W.) of Warner Robbins, GA, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.

The family wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of his caregivers and hospice staff, and the family of Verbon and Leann Latta.

Shirley R. Moore, age 83, of Trussville passed away on Feb. 16.

Moore was a member of Deerfoot Baptist Church. She retired from BellSouth after 42 years of service. Moore is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Herbert Moore; her two sons, Neal Moore and Gregory G. Moore. She is also survived by family friends, David Longmire and Carol Massey.

A chapel service for Shirley will be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville on Feb. 18th at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining cemetery. Pastor James Long is officiating.

Elizabeth Ann Dobbs, 92, of Trussville, passed away Feb. 12.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

She was a member of Trussville First Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband Buster Dobbs, daughter Peggy McGinnis, grandson John Roger Gilbreath, brothers Eugene, Emmett, Ralph, Edwin, Fred, sisters Nell, Maxine, and Ruby.

She is survived by her son David Dobbs (Sharon), grandchildren Donna Causey, Kelley Judson (Mark), and Dori Weldon (Tyler), 2 great grandchildren Bobby and John Whitehead, 3 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Patricia Margaret Bright, 86, passed away Feb. 13 from complications of Alzheimer’s.

She was born April 13, 1932 in Eastaboga, Alabama of Forney and Millie Henderson. Bright lived a full life as a dancer, mother, wife, retail dress store owner, and nursing home administrator. She found numerous opportunities to volunteer and serve her community from Huffman United Methodist Church to Children’s Hospital.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson
Memorial Gardens

Bright was preceded in death by husband, William E. Bright and her grandson, William E Bright, III. She is survived by children, William E. Bright, Jr and Michelle Lawrence; Three grandchildren, Leisa Eman, Ashley Hawkins and Amy Millington and four great grandchildren, Olivia, Anna Kayt, Trip and Briggs Millington.

Audrey Trotter, 91, of Birmingham, formerly of New Orleans, passed away on Feb. 16.

Trotter loved to sew, work on her crafts, and play bingo. She also was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 171.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Trotter Sr.; parents, George and Annie Graff; sisters, Elaine Lyle (Martin) and Gertrude Nunez (Frank); nephews, Coulton Lyle Jr. and Frankie Nunez Jr.; and niece, Patsy Nunez. She is survived by her son, Fred Trotter Jr.; nieces, Shannon Lyle and Anna Badeaux (Paul); nephew, Coulton Lyle (Suzanne); and many other loving relatives and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Fairhaven Nursing Home and Compassus Hospice for the care given to Trotter.

Doris Williams Wehunt of Birmingham made a call to Jesus on Sunday morning at 12:30 a.m. When he answered, she said I didn’t think you would be home this morning, Jesus said, then why did you call Doris? Mom answered, I just wanted to see if you were there. He said, I am, come on home and she did at the age of 85.

Wehunt was a good hearted, loving mother, grandmother and wife. She just reached 64 years of marriage to her lifelong valentine Donald, this past week. Doris loved reading, her sunporch is lined with hundreds of books, she loved to crochet and quilt. She loved searching the sky for those big, beautiful puffy white clouds. She absolutely loved her family, her lifelong friends, neighbors and the entire Hopewell community, where she grew up. Doris worked for The Birmingham Transit Authority, Dial Finance and she was always very active in politics and the election process. She was the Chief polling official for over a decade at voting precinct 1030, L M Smith Elementary school.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

Doris leaves behind her loving husband, and servant, Donald. Two Children, four grandchildren and 1 Great-grandson. Son: Steve Wehunt. Granddaughter: Kristin Cassidy. Grandson: Alexander Wehunt. Great-grandson: Silas Cassidy. Daughter: Lesia Newman. Grandson: Joshua Newman. Grandson: Jason Newman

Wehunt will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Services will be on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be an hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Pinson.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Glaucoma Research or St. Jude’s Hospital. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.

Sue M. Farmer went to be with the Lord on Feb. after a year long battle with various types of cancer. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, James (Bert) Farmer of Trussville; brother, James Mathews of Memphis, TN; son, Mr. Jeff Farmer (Wendy) of Trussville; daughters, Mrs. Catie Hastings (Clark) of Gallatin, TN and Mrs. Jill White (Levi) of McDonough, GA. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Gavin (10), Lawson (9), Owen (9), Leila (8), Jack (7) and Atley (3).

Courtesy of Deefoot Memorial Funeral Homes

She was also loved by many other family members and friends. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated from Messick High School, then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lambuth College in Jackson, TN. She married Bert Farmer on January 12, 1974. Sue and Bert started their family in Memphis, TN, but eventually moved to Charlotte, NC, returned to Memphis, and then lived in Ridgeland, MS for 30 years. After Sue and Bert retired, they decided to move to Trussville in June 2017 to be closer to their six grandchildren. She loved being outdoors. She enjoyed camping with the family, kayaking, waterskiing, and swimming with the manatees in Florida. She was also an accomplished artist, working in various mediums to include painting, clay, knitting and cake decorating.

She was a lifelong Girl Scout, earning her Gold Award as a youth member, leading troops for both Catie and Jill, and working for and retiring with the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi. Services will be held at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home, 5360 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173.

Visitation will be held March 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and March 2  from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with services to follow. Services will be officiated by Rev. David Teel of Trussville First United Methodist Church.

Internment will be at Sulphur Springs Cemetery, Trussville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mustard Seed, where Sue volunteered for many years.

Leslie Michelle Yarbrough, age 54, of Birmingham, passed away Feb. 21.

Yarbrough was employed for over 25 years as a computer programmer with Regions Bank and was preceded in death by her parents James Maurice and Dorothy Yarbrough, and sister Denise Yarbrough.

She is survived by her brothers Richard Yarbrough (Mary), Randell Yarbrough (Kerri), James Michael Yarbrough (Amber), nieces and nephews Jay (Kayla), Josh, Courtney, Raegan, Stephen (Sophie), Danielle, Jacob (Mary), Dakota (Dean), and Brianna, great nieces and nephews A.J., Avery, Cody, and Lyssa and especially her fur babies: Ferrari, Romeo, Lacey and Macey.

Geneva Ferguson, 86, born in Margaret, died Feb. 20.

She was a long-time resident of Birmingham residing most of her adult life in East Lake. In recent years she lived at Highland Lake in Oneonta.

Ferguson loved life to the fullest and loved family more than anything. She was known for her pleasant disposition; the eternal optimist. She was generous and possessed the gift of hospitality. Frequently her home was opened for guest with her table spread; where food was served along with hugs and laughter. Although she had numerous interests and hobbies, playing cards was her favorite past time. Young and old alike affectionately called her Maw Maw. Ferguson was one of the few surviving charter members of the Roebuck Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served in various areas of responsibility including head deaconess, Sabbath school superintendent, head greeter, and children’s ministries leader. Ferguson had the reputation of being one that could get things done. Known as the Tupperware lady, she was employed as a unit manager for over 30 years and conducted Tupperware parties in thousands of homes throughout the Birmingham area. Ferguson was the eleventh of 12 children born to Sam and Jessie Carruba and was the last surviving child of their household. Sam, an Italian immigrant, was a farmer and worked in the Margaret coal mines. Geneva’s husband of 57 years, Ray Ferguson, preceded her in death in 2003. She is survived by one son, Charles (Sharon) Ferguson of Hendersonville, NC, along and two daughters, Claudia (Tony) Gilmer of Birmingham and Carla (Dean) Snider of Brookhaven, MS; five grandchildren, Charles’ two sons Adam and Carson and Sharon’s daughter Heather Buck, and Carla’s two children, son, Jason and daughter Kelli; and three great-grandchildren Eli (Adam’s son), Madison (Heather’s daughter) and Tanner (Heather’s son). Ferguson is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Trussville, March 2 with the viewing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the Service at 3 p.m.

Anna Argo, 87, of Birmingham, passed away March 1, 2019. She was born August 7, 1931 Jefferson County to the late Edger and Jewel Wise.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry Glenn Argo; her son, Steve L. Argo; one brother and one sister.

Mrs. Argo is survived by her sons, Harold G. Argo and Randy J. Argo (Debra); daughters, Rebecca Adams (Norman), Patricia Hines (Steve), Crystal Katakam, daughter-in-law, Joyce Argo, widow of the late Steve Argo, twelve grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, Larry Wise and her sister, Joyce Beard (Donny); numerous nieces and nephews.

She will also be missed by the staff and residents of Fairhaven Nursing Home and Hospice.

A funeral for Mrs. Argo will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Jefferson Memorial Chapel with visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place immediately after the chapel service at Forest Crest Cemetery.

Dorothy Dunn Beach, loving wife, mother and grandmother, age 96, of Birmingham,  was born in Flint Michigan. She passed away on Feb. 23.

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Memorial Gardens

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Beach; two sons, Andrew Paul Beach and Scot Beach; her daughter, Lori Richey. She is survived by three daughters, Susan Beach, LuAnn Ross (Mick) and Jill Jones; grandchildren, Tina (Eddie), Bari, Michael Paul (Jillian), Amy, Erin (Charles), Jason, Kiley, Jessica (Lamar), Josh (Ashely) and Daniel. She also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Stephanie Carle McKinney Sautter, age 68, of Birmingham, passed away March 3, doing what she loved most, reading.

She was born in Houston, Mississippi on December 16, 1950 to Imogene “Jean” McKinney and Joseph “Joe” McKinney. Sautter was raised in Atlanta, Georgia where she attended Chamblee High School. She was a member of the Drama Club while attending Chamblee and graduated in 1968. Later, she attended nursing school graduating from Queens College as a Registered Nurse. She put those skills to work at Princeton Hospital in West Virginia for a number of years before moving to Florida. From Florida, Stephanie moved to Birmingham to be close to her sons.

Stephanie Sautter

Everyone who knew her and loved her knew of Sautter’s love for books and reading, she was an avid reader. In addition to books, she loved playing cards and watching movies. Sautter loved animals as she had many throughout her life, she enjoyed her friends at Regency and she loved her family.

She is survived by her sons Christopher Edwin Sautter, wife Debbie, Michael David Sautter, and his partner Ginger Morris, her Sister Shelley McKinney, Linda Edlund from Florida and Brother Joseph David McKinney from Colorado. Grandchildren include Calli Ann Sautter Atwell and her husband Jordan, Kamron Katelyn Johnson, Joseph Edwin Sautter and Great Grandchild Rylie Kate Ainsworth.

A memorial service will be held at a later date