Madeline Tremarcke Driver, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, in Glenwood, Alabama, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. Born on the last day of 1948 in New Jersey, Madeline’s life was a testament to kindness, compassion, and the joy of giving.
Madeline’s early years were spent in New Jersey, but she found her true home in the Wiregrass area of Alabama in 1983. It was there that she cultivated a life rich in family, faith, and service. A dedicated nurse, Madeline’s career at Ozark Nursing Home was marked by her unwavering commitment to those in her care. Her gentle touch, warm smile, and boundless empathy made her a favorite among both patients and colleagues.
Madeline’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her professional life. She was the loving mother to her sons, Dan Driver (and his wife Jessica) and Michael Hallahan, and daughters, Madeline Hallahan and Annie Loyless Driver. Her love multiplied with the joy of her 15 grandchildren, Hunter, Don, Madilayna, Cali, Emily, Brittany, Timothy, Chelsea, Jalena, and Matthew, who will carry her legacy forward. Madeline was the cherished sister to Lee Tremarcke and Chris Tremarcke, Virginia Zizas, Nancy Lang, and Mary Ann Tremarcke. Her life was built on the foundation laid by her late parents, Fred and Madeline Tremarcke, whose values and love shaped the remarkable woman she became.
Her interests and talents were as diverse as they were heartfelt. Known for her artistic flair, Madeline’s love for drawing often found expression in the beautiful sketches that graced book covers and the cherished artwork that adorned the walls of her family’s homes. Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, and as a devout Catholic, she lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and her enduring commitment to helping others.
To say that Madeline was sweet would be an understatement; her ability to get along with everyone was a rare gift. She was a friend to all, a stranger to none, and her presence was a source of comfort and joy. Madeline possessed the rare quality of never letting on if she was upset, choosing instead to focus on the positive and uplift those around her.
Madeline’s life was a living example of the words that best describe her: loving, friendly, and selfless. She gave of herself freely and without expectation, touching the lives of countless individuals with her generosity and warmth.
The loss of Madeline Tremarcke Driver is felt deeply by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at St. Columba Catholic Church Chapel with Father Thomas LaPointe officiating. Madeline will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. Serving as active pallbearers will be Hunter Myers, Don Driver, Adam Bush, David Brinkley, Timothy Loyless, Sr., and Timothy Loyless, Jr.
Rickey Zander Davis, a man who lived his life with the kind of gusto that could light up the darkest of rooms, has taken his final curtain call on January 28, 2025, in Fadette, Alabama. Born on July 18, 1968, in the sunny state of Florida, Rickey’s life was a journey filled with laughter, horsepower, and a touch of mischief.
Rickey was the kind of guy who could fix anything with duct tape and a smile. He was the handy wizard in a family that cherished his wisdom and his knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary. His parents, Rubin Z. Davis and Luda Mae Baxley Davis, along with his siblings Mary Peacock, Cathy Mae Davis, and Bobby Davis, surely greeted him with open arms and a heavenly chuckle as he joined them in the great beyond.
Left to cherish his memory his son, Bray Davis; daughter, April Davis (David Williams); granddaughter, Emmalyn Annmae Davis; sisters, Judy Gillis and Sherene Hammerbacher; and brothers, James Davis and Ray Davis.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Rickey served his country with honor and brought that same dedication to every aspect of his life. He was a man who loved cars, not just the shiny new ones, but the ones that had stories to tell and memories to share. He was a staple at drag races, where his cheers were as legendary as the cars zooming by.
Rickey’s love for bonfires was only matched by his love for his friends and family. He was the life of every gathering, often found dabbling in the devil’s lettuce, which he claimed added a special flavor to his already colorful tales. His booming voice, shouting his favorite rally cry, “Raise Hell Praise Dale!” could be heard echoing through the night, a testament to his free spirit and zest for life.
The words that best describe Rickey are “handy” and “wise,” but they only scratch the surface of a man who was a mentor, a confidant, and the unofficial mayor of every gathering. He had a joke for every occasion, a pat on the back for every achievement, and a listening ear for anyone in need.
A Graveside Service will be held at a later date, where friends and family will gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a man who taught us all how to live with laughter in our hearts.
Kenny Tatham, passed away on January 28, 2025, in Newton, Alabama. Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Kenny’s warm spirit and jovial nature touched the lives of many throughout his remarkable journey of 50 years.
Kenny’s life was marked by his loving dedication to his family, his passion for life, and his unwavering courage. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, embodied by his wife of 13 years, Becky Tatham, and his cherished children, Kendra Cranford (David), Daniel Hoaglan, Anna Vaughn, Miranda Evans, and Heather Hoaglan. His joy was multiplied by his adoring grandchildren, including Kayden Tatham Ware and seven others who will carry forward his zest for life.
He was a beloved brother to Jimmy Tatham, Candy Christensen, and Paula Kendrick, all of whom shared an unbreakable bond with Kenny that will endure beyond his passing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Tatham.
Kenny’s work ethic was as strong as his character. For 20 years, he navigated the roads as a dedicated truck driver, playing a pivotal role as one of the truck drivers during the tragic events of 9/11. His commitment to his profession and the strength he displayed during times of national crisis showcased his courageous spirit.
Beyond his professional life, Kenny was a man of many interests. His love for his family was paramount, and he was known to be an incredibly supportive figure, always there with a kind word or a helping hand. An avid Alabama fan, Kenny’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious, and game days were always a special occasion in the Tatham household.
Kenny’s adventurous side shone through in his love for riding his motorcycle, a pastime he enjoyed until illness made it difficult. He also had a sweet tooth, with Reese’s peanut butter cups being a particular favorite treat that he was always happy to share—or not, depending on his mood.
His sense of humor was one of his most memorable traits. Kenny was a jokester at heart, always ready with a quip or a prank to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him. His visits to the Oklahoma-Cherokee casinos were not just about the games but also about the laughter and camaraderie he shared with friends and family.
Kenny’s life was a testament to the words that best describe him: loving, friendly, and courageous. His presence was a comfort, his laughter a gift, and his courage an inspiration. He navigated life’s challenges with a smile, and his ability to find joy in every moment has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Kenny’s journey through life was a testament to the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of laughter. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded to embrace each day with the same passion and joy that he did. His legacy will live on, not just in the stories told but in the way we love and support each other, just as he did every day of his life.
OZARK…Mrs. Mary Louise Gonzalez, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday afternoon, January 29, 2025, at her home. She was 83.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penny’s Pantry of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 475 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Gonzalez, daughter of Henry Gonzales, Sr. and Crecencia Gonzalez Gonzales, was a native of Waco, Texas. She was a 1960 Graduate of Waco High School, Waco, Texas and 4 C’s Business College. Mrs. Gonzalez lived in various locations in the United States, while her husband served in the United States Army, prior to moving to Ozark in 1984. Over the past few years, she enjoyed being a “Band Mother” of the Carroll High School Marching Band. Mrs. Gonzalez was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was one of the founding members of the food pantry. In recognition of her faithful service to the church, she was recently awarded Christ the King Medal. Mrs. Gonzalez was preceded in death by her siblings, Beatrice, Carol, Geneva, Henry, Irene, and Richard.
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty-seven years, Juan J. Gonzalez; her children, Christine Herrera, Jackie Dover (Stephen), Henry Gonzalez, Floriselda Molina (Cristian), Brenda Simechak (Matthew), Crystal Kitchens (Christopher), Juan J Gonzalez (Monica); her siblings, Alfred, Bobby, Charlie, Dorothy, Joe, Paul, Pete, and Steve; grandchildren, Randall Herrera, Curtis Herrera, Maria Garza, David Garza, Christopher Gonzalez, InaYa Molina, Catherine Molina, Katelyn Simechak, Alsatia Kitchens, Noah Kitchens, Violet Gonzalez, Scarlett Gonzalez, and Jett Gonzalez; eleven great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Henry Gonzalez, Matt Simechak, Juan J Gonzalez, Cristian Molina, Chris Kitchens, and Eric Cedeno.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Joseph Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson, a pillar of strength and generosity, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on December 22, 1946, in Dale County, Tommy was a beacon of love and support to all who knew him.
Tommy’s life was a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. He was a lifelong farmer, tending to the land with a deep respect for nature and the community that it sustained. His years working with the railroads were marked by the same level of commitment and excellence. Tommy’s education at Wallace Community College and Auburn University equipped him with the knowledge and skills that bolstered his professional endeavors and enriched his personal interests.
A true family man, Tommy’s greatest joy came from being with his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his son, Phillip Thompson and his wife Maegan; his daughter, Ashleigh Funk and her husband Shaun; and his adored grandchildren, Marshall Thompson, Clementine Thompson, Luke Hay, and Mason Funk. Tommy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anice Camp; by his parents, William Dewitt Thompson and Betty Jean Thompson, who instilled in him the virtues that he lived by every day.
Those who knew Tommy will remember him as a man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his ability to solve problems made him a go-to person in times of need. The Sylvan Grove and Midland City community, where he resided for the majority of his life, benefited greatly from his unwavering spirit of service.
Tommy’s interests extended beyond his work and community service. He had a passion for travel, with the Smoky Mountains and Panama City Beach being among his favorite destinations. His love for exploration and adventure was a source of joy and inspiration to his family and friends.
As a member of the Sylvan Grove Methodist Church, Tommy’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. Which reflected his belief in the power of fellowship and the importance of giving back to others.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Tommy will remember him as a loving, generous, and handy man. His ability to fix almost anything was matched only by his willingness to help others. His presence was a comfort, his laughter contagious, and his guidance invaluable.
Jospeh Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson lived a life marked by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his remarkable life. Tommy’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he enriched and the enduring love he shared with his family and friends.
A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 10-11am in the chapel prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.
BIRMINGHAM. . .Daniel Hulen “Danny” Brannon, a resident of Columbiana, Alabama, and a former resident of Birmingham, passed away Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025. He was 75.
Danny Brannon was born July 27, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama to Hulen Brannon and Myra Nell Hand Brannon. He lived his early years in the Old Center community of Henry County, Alabama before moving to Abbeville, Alabama in 1956.
Danny faced many challenges in his life with determination and grit, spurred on by his parents. During his teen years, he became a big brother to his two adoring sisters, Barbara and Leigh.
Danny graduated from Abbeville High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Alabama in 1971. Upon graduation, he immediately began his career at Moses Phillips, a CPA firm in Birmingham. He was the managing partner for many years before Moses Phillips merged with another firm and became Dent Moses in 2016. Danny retired after working at the same firm for forty-seven and a half years.
Danny married the love of his life, Mary, in 1989. They enjoyed many happy years traveling to the beach, to Lake Logan Martin, and on a mission trip to Moldova. His other passions included University of Alabama football, fishing, and reading. His biggest joy was his grandson, Maddox. He was active in civic groups and Valleydale Church for many years, serving as a Deacon, church treasurer, and finance committee chairman.
Danny was preceded in death by his father, Hulen Brannon, and his step-son, Timothy Lee Robertson, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Watkins Brannon, a grandson, Maddox Lee Robertson, both of Columbiana; his mother, Myra Nell Hand Brannon, Abbeville, AL; sisters, Barbara Evers (Charles), Birmingham; and Leigh Watford (Darrell), Newville, AL; nieces, Caroline Evers Phillips (Charles) and their children, Chase and Myra; Audrey Watford Burroughs (Luke) and their son, Jude; and Julianne Evers; nephews, Shelby Hulen Watford (Keely) and Charlie Evers; aunts, Joan Hand Parris and Mary Brannon Mims.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Old Center Church Cemetery, 764 County Road 89, Newville, Alabama 36353 with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Valleydale Church, Birmingham, AL, with Pastor Ross Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valleydale Church “Moldova Missions Fund”, 2324 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35244.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Shelby Watford, Charlie Evers, Luke Burroughs and Charles Phillips.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
