Obits: ARE FREE and MUST come from the Mortuary, probate judge or company taking care of arrangements. Additional information (such as personal messages/thank you messages) will have to be charged. No Exceptions! Please email them to [email protected] or fax them to 205-652-4466. Cards of Thanks, personal family messages and photos must be paid for before they can run. Photos are $15.00 for each run with the obituary. Page updated on Thursdays.
Tony MacArthur Dent
A celebration of life for Tony MacArthur Dent of Montgomery, formerly of Panola, who passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, was 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Greater Salem A. M. E. Zion Church, Panola. Rev. Arthur L Gilliam, III, church pastor. Interment followed in Salem Memorial Garden. He lay in state one hour prior to service time at the church. McInnis Mortuary of Livingston entrusted with all arrangements. The McInnis family along with the management and staff of McInnis Mortuary extend heartfelt and sincere sympathy to the entire bereaved Dent family.
Jessie Pearl Gilmore
Jessie Pearl Gilmore, 77, of Ward was born January 31, 1948, to the blessed union of the late Johnny Edward and Annie Bell Ward Gilmore. She peacefully transitioned and entered into eternal rest on March 10, 2025, at 8:55 a.m. surrounded by loving family at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham.
Service of remembrance and life celebration was Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 12 p.m. from Cooper’s Mission C. M. E. Church, Jachin. Rev. Luther Edwards was the officiating pastor, with Sister Renee Pringle serving as Mistress of Order. Ms. Gilmore lay in repose one hour prior to funeral time. Interment followed in the family plot of Ward Chapel Cemetery, Ward. Visitation was Monday evening from 2-5 p.m. in the Weatherly Chapel. To the entire Gilmore family, we at Weatherly Funeral Home offer to each of you our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Our prayer remains that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of bereavement.
Luther Lee Hinton
Mr. Luther Lee Hinton, 79, died March 16, 2025, at Ochsner Rush Medical Center, Meridian, Miss. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Praise Nation Worship Center, 3806 Dove 2, Cuba, Ala. Apostle Dwayne Watson will officiate with burial in Cagus Cemetery, Cuba. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the chapel of Hardaway’s Funeral Services, Inc., from 1-6 p.m.
Judy Lee Brackin Hereford Martin
Judy Lee Brackin Hereford Martin, born May 25, 1943, to Willie Lee and Byron Brackin, in York, Ala., was called home to her Lord Jesus Christ, March 11, 2025.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her first husband Roy Hereford, Jr.; and her second husband John L. Martin. She is survived by: her brothers Barry Brackin (Macky), Buddy Brackin (Donna); her children Leanne Peacock (Rob), Trey Hereford, Rachel Griffith (John), Samantha Hereford; her stepchildren Pam, John (Alma), Lamar Martin; her grandchildren Derek Hereford (Samantha), William Peacock, Nichole Peacock, Anna Weimorts, Meredith Weimorts; her great grandchildren Chloe Ferrin-Peacock, Beckham Bergeron-Hereford, Brooks Hereford. She spent most of the first 50 years of her life in Faunsdale. She graduated from Marengo County High School, Thomaston, in 1960. In 1964, she graduated from Judson College. It was at her beloved Judson that she met the two women who would be her dearest friends and sisters for the rest of her life, Glenda Rumsey and Ann Tysinger. “Place” was a very important concept in the life of Judy Martin. Her home, whether in Faunsdale, Tuscaloosa, or Marion, was always a warm welcoming place for friends and family to gather. Wherever she lived she was always very involved in her community.
While in Marengo County, besides being involved in her husband’s businesses and her children’s school, she contributed her extraordinary gifts to many organizations including: the Farmers Federation board, the Red Cross, the Marengo County Cowbells, and the governor’s “Year of the Child” commission. After Roy died, she went to work at Judson College, another of her special “places.” She worked in various capacities at the college including as the Director of Alumni Affairs, Director of Admissions, Vice President of Development and Assistant to the President. She also served as President of the Alumni Association and was recognized as a Distinguished Alum. She was also very proud of her Black Belt roots and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area. She was a great advocate for local artists and artisans and served this group, enthusiastically celebrating them through her association with the Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston and Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center in Camden. And then there was Marion.
When she and John moved to Marion and restored their beautiful home on Clay Street, the town of Marion, Judson College and Marion Military Institute would all benefit. They worked tirelessly with several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Sowing Seeds of Hope, Renaissance Marion, UA Honors College, and Teach for America on coordinating service projects that would improve the viability of the town and the surrounding area. Finally, her faith was very important to her as were her chosen places of worship. She grew up attending both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Faunsdale, as did all the Presbyterians and Methodists in the community, but she was a lifelong Methodist and was active in the Faunsdale Methodist Church until it closed its doors. After moving to Marion she joined the Marion Methodist Church, a place she and John loved. And now she goes to her next and most special place to be with her Lord and Savior and to join those she has loved who have gone before. A memorial service for Judy Martin will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Marion Methodist Church with visitation at 10 a.m., and a celebration of life at 11 a.m. with Rev Len Hurston officiating, and Kirk Funeral Homes, Marion Chapel directing. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Marion Methodist Church, or PEO International are much appreciated.
Mary Ruth Boyd McGaha
Graveside services for Mary Ruth Boyd McGaha, 80, of Meridian, Miss., formerly of Livingston, were held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at at Myrtlewood Cemetery, Livingston, with Rev. Daniel Fortenberry officiating. Visitation was held at Bumpers Funeral Home in York. Mary McGaha passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Diversicare, Meridian, Miss. Born on June 9, 1944, in Birmingham to Phillip Marshall and Ruth Lavender Boyd, she was a retired homemaker. Known for her kindness, she had a genuine love for people and was incredibly selfless. Mary was truly one of a kind, always enjoying a good laugh and bringing joy to others. She cherished playing dominoes and card games, especially when surrounded by her family. With a big heart, she never met a stranger, and her family meant the world to her.
As a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her only daughter, Myrtle Ruth Culpepper and husband Jason of Meridian, Miss.; brother, Herbert Boyd and wife Emily of Birmingham; five granddaughters, Heather Walters, Abigail Culpepper, Sara Culpepper, Jordan Culpepper, and Samantha Culpepper all of Meridian; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Lee McGaha; parents, Phillip Marshall and Ruth Lavender Boyd; sister, Ruby Baty and husband Tommy; and sister, Jackie Moore and husband Dean. Pallbearers include Ashton Dickerson, Phillip Moore, Daniel Lane, Jason Creekmore, Ty Thomas, and Carlos Gonzalez. Visit bumpersfuneralhome.com to sign the online register and post condolences to the family. Arrangements entrusted to Bumpers Funeral Home of York.
Albert Moore
Mr. Albert Moore, 82, of Gulfport, Miss., died March 12, 2025, at his home in Gulfport, Miss. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12 p.m. at May’s Cemetery, Bluffport 21, Livingston. Rev. Tyrone Thomas will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Hardaway’s Funeral Services Chapel, from 2-5 p.m. Hardaway Funeral Services, hardawayfuneralservices.com, directing.
Buddy Lynn Vail
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Buddy Vail, 59, of Duncanville on Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born February 20, 1966, in Joplin, Mo. He grew up in Welch, Okla., and then after college moved to Duncanville. Buddy was a cherished husband, a devoted father, a loving grandfather, and a friend to all. He was known for his servant’s heart, BIG personality, and passion for hunting. Buddy was full of life and his radiant smile lit up every room. Buddy left an impact on people, but most of all he left a legacy that will be carried on forever by his family. Though he is gone, his spirit will forever remain in our hearts. It’s not goodbye, but see you later.
Buddy is survived by: his wife Jaclyn Dawn Vail; his daughter Kristin Ann Lee (Josh) of Moundville; and his daughter Megan Vail Black (Evan) of Northport; his parents Leon and Sandra Vail of Duncanville; his sisters Shannon Lynn Thompson of Duncanville, Patricia Sue Boles (James) of Guntersville; his grandchildren Bo Brandon Lee, Kash Tucker Lee, Riggs Warren Lee, Emerson Ruby Lee, Buddy Braelynn Black. Buddy was preceded in death by his grandparents Vernon and Lenora Vail, Buddy and Virginia Jones. A visitation for Buddy was held Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 12-2 p.m. at Valley View Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. A committal service for the family followed at Memory Hill Gardens, Tuscaloosa. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Aberle, Stewart Atkins, Scott Bullard, Trae Conner, Ryan Costanzo, Anthony Dickman, Heath Dorman, Scottie Parham, Tab Swann. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Barry Andress, Wendell Barton, Evan Black, Matt Caddis, Trey Dorman, David Elder, Barton Elliot, Chris Hawley, Derrick Jones, Josh Lee, Chad Wyatt and Danny Glover. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to EQUIP Ministries, Inc – PO Box 1374 Livingston, Al 35470, and to Baseball Country – Baseballcountry.com.
Lula L. Washington
It is with deepest sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Mrs. Lula L. Washington of Tuscaloosa, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa. Visitation will be Friday, March 21, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11 a.m. at New Salem Baptist Church, Unity Cemetery Rd., Aliceville. The body will lie in state in the church from 10-11 a.m. hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service in New Salem Cemetery, Unity Cemetery Rd., Aliceville. Rev. Dr. Herman Peters is the pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, Aliceville. Min. Dorothy Robinson, daughter of Mrs. Lula L. Washington, will be the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing.
Survivors are the Washington, Peoples, and Robinson families.
Kinnley Watkins
Mr. Kinnley Watkins, 72, of York died March 13, 2025, at Anderson Regional Medical Center, Meridian, Miss. Services are incomplete at this time. Hardaway Funeral Services, hardawayfuneralservices.com, directing.
Bernice Williams
It is with deepest sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Ms. Bernice Williams of Pickensville on Thursday, March 17, 2025, at DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa. Visitation will be Friday, March 21, 2025, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, 2:30 p.m. at St. John MB Church, Pickensville. The body will lie in state in the church from 1:30-2:30 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service in St. John MB Church Cemetery, Pickensville. Rev. Henry Williams, pastor of St. John MB Church, will be the eulogist.Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Williams family.