On August 8th, Mary Eleanor Brannon Birdsong peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior. A devoted woman of faith, Mary loved Jesus — and Jesus loved her.
Mary was born on August 28, 1934, to Pillie and Isavell Brannon and was the first of what would be seven children. In 1958, Mary married the love of her life, Henry. Together, they built a legacy of love, faith, and family. They made their home in the Hartford AL area where they raised their children.
She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Susan Glenn (Daniel), Henry B. Birdsong II (Moriel), David Birdsong (Karla), Helen Poteat, and Rebecca Balkcom (Kip). Mary’s legacy also lives on through her 9 grandchildren (Nathan, Ryan, Erin, James, Sarah, Amanda, Johndavid, Bryan and Kristen) 5 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Mary was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.
Mary enjoyed sharing life with her brothers and sisters who are Jan Peterson (Fred), Martha Patillo (Pat), Roger Brannon (Linda). Sister in laws Ginger Brannon and Bobbie Jean Brannon. They all remained close over her lifetime and enjoyed spending time together.
She is preceded in death by her parents Pillie and Isavell Brannon, Her husband Henry Birdsong, her granddaughter Kate Brannon Wells, her brothers Bobby Brannon, Harold Brannon, Earl Brannon and sister in law Marjorie Brannon.
Mary’s life was a testament to grace, strength, and unwavering faith. Her warmth and wisdom will be dearly missed, but her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Bottoms Garden Chapel in Hartford, AL. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeal Home.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations in her honor to Shiloh Baptist Church in Hartford, AL or to a church of your choosing.
Shelton LaVaughn Taylor of Samson, AL passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Hospice Chaplain Joshua Kyser officiating. Burial will follow in Travelers Rest Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
LaVaughn was born in Opp, AL on November 01, 1950. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was known for his hard work in the floor covering industry, working tirelessly to meet the needs of his customers. With little spare time, he would occasionally enjoy a fishing trip with his family and working in his garden. LaVaughn faithfully served his country in the US Army from 1969-1972, during the Vietnam Era.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Wiggins “Nanny”; one brother, Donnie Taylor and his grandparents, Jody and Irene Wiggins, “PaPa” and “Granny”.
LaVaughn is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Brenda K. Holley Taylor of Samson, AL; two sons, Jody Taylor (Brenda) of Dothan, AL and Justin Taylor of Samson, AL; two grandchildren, Colt and Ally Kate Taylor of Dothan, AL; three sisters, Babara Harrison of Andalusia, AL, Deborah Meeks of Burleson, TX and Judy Tanner (Mark) of Tuscaloosa, AL; and a number of very special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt “Thank You” to Aveanna Hospice for their care, compassion and love during this difficult time.
ARITON…Mr. Gearld E. Walker, a resident of Ariton, died Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, at his home. He was 76.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Underwood and Reverend Kent Braswell officiating. Burial will follow in Gospel to the Nations Cemetery in Newton. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Walker, born to Richmond Elvin Walker and Willa Dean Brown Walker, was a proud native of Ozark, Alabama. His roots ran deep in the community where he spent most of his life, and in 2024, he made a new home in Ariton, bringing with him a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and quiet strength.
He worked for many years as an automobile mechanic, a trade that suited him perfectly. He had a knack for fixing things—not just engines and transmissions, but anything that needed a little patience and know-how. Before that, he served his hometown through his work with the City of Ozark, always lending a hand where it was needed. Whether it was under the hood of a car or helping out around town, Mr. Walker was the kind of man who believed in doing things right and doing them with heart.
Long before his working years, Mr. Walker answered the call to serve his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam Era. Though he didn’t talk much about his time in the military, those who knew him could see the quiet dignity and discipline that came from his service. He carried that sense of duty with him throughout his life.
Outside of work and service, Mr. Walker found joy in life’s simpler pleasures. He loved to fish—there was something about being near the water, waiting patiently for a bite, that brought him peace. He could spend hours with a rod in hand, lost in the rhythm of nature. When he wasn’t outdoors, he was often found in front of the TV, watching old Westerns. He had a soft spot for the grit and honor of cowboy tales, and he never missed a good showdown. He was also a passionate WWE fan, cheering on his favorite wrestlers with the same excitement he brought to everything he loved.
And when it came to college football, Mr. Walker was all in for the Auburn Tigers. Win or lose, he stood by his team with unwavering loyalty. Game days were special, filled with anticipation and pride.
But perhaps the most tender part of Mr. Walker’s story was his love for his wife, Onita Peacock Walker. They were married on August 30, 1974, and shared a life full of love, laughter, and companionship until her passing. He missed her deeply, and her memory remained a constant presence in his heart.
Mr. Walker was also preceded in death by his siblings—Willie Pearl Reeves, William Walker, Wayne Walker, Johnny Walker, and Rex Walker. Each loss left a mark, but he carried their memories with grace and quiet resilience.
He was a man of few words but deep feeling. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his dry wit, and the way he made you feel like everything was going to be okay. His life was a testament to loyalty, hard work, and the kind of love that doesn’t need grand gestures to be felt deeply.
Surviving relatives include his children, Angela Lawson (Jason), Ariton, Jason Walker (Krissy), and Kim Arnette, all of Ozark; grandchildren, Hannah Lawson, Destiny Walker, Jessica Arnette, Brianna Lawson, Travis Walker, Brittany Lawson, Michael Arnette, and Jaden Lawson; great-grandchildren, Grayson Besaw and Brexton Taylor; his special cat, “Mean”
Serving as active pallbearers will be Charles Ward, Ben Key, Jason Lawson, and Jaden Lawson.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Betty Jean Martin Cunningham of Dothan passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, at Southeast Health. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 with Dr. J Chris Adams officiating. Interment will follow in the Fadette Pentecostal Ministries Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
Mrs. Cunningham was born January 21, 1938 to the late Malcomb and Ollie Mae Dean Martin. Betty was a great woman of faith who loved her Lord. She enjoyed fishing, antiquing, going to yard sales, and reading a good book. She was loved and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, her husband, Jerry Cunningham, and a daughter, Pamela Jean Diaz, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include her grandchildren: Dustin McKinney (Aimee), Harlie Reid (James), Banesa Diaz (Cade Spann), and Tonya Odom (Jarad); great grandchildren: Braxton McKinney, Westlynn Reid, Everly Odom, and Gage Odom; son-in-law, Aurelio Diaz; other extended family and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Jaci with Amedisys Home Health, caretaker, Doris Gibbs, and nurses: Tristian, and Caleb with Southeast Critical Care for the love and support they provided.
David Carl Crawford of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children, Sims (Missie), Lindsay (Tami), and Kathryn, his grandchildren, Nelson, Tucker, Sarah Frances, William, and Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Darrell (Kent), and his nephew, Mark Bentsen (Melissa) and their two sons, Teddy and Tad. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred and Carl Crawford.
Dave, as he was known by friends and family, was born and raised on a working farm in Peculiar, Missouri, and was the first Crawford to graduate from college. Dave attended the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1962 on an ROTC scholarship, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon graduation, Dave began his enlistment with the United States Navy, where he served from early 1962 through the end of 1966. He was commissioned as an officer and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander as a pilot, primarily flying the Lockheed P-2V Neptune radar plane with his beloved squadron, the VP-18 Flying Phantoms. While stationed in Pensacola, Dave met his bride-to-be, Kathy, and the two married in December 1962. The Navy newlyweds were transferred to Corpus Christi TX, Norfolk VA, Jacksonville FL, and Puerto Rico before settling in Birmingham after Dave’s honorable discharge from the Navy. He continued serving in the Navy Reserves until 1968, when his first child, Sims, was born.
Around this time, Dave accepted his first accounting job with Lybrand, Ross Brothers & Montgomery, P.C., in Birmingham, where he became a certified public accountant and worked for several years. Thereafter, he ran his own accounting firm for about 4 years and then joined the Borland Benefield accounting firm as a partner around 1978. Dave stayed at Borland Benefield until 2005 and served as its managing partner for more than 15 years. After retiring from Borland Benefield, he served as chief financial officer for the law firm of Parsons, Lee & Juliano until 2012. Since CPAs never really retire, he continued his solo accounting practice at Office Park until 2021, when he finally hung up his spurs.
Dave always loved being a CPA, and he truly enjoyed the friendships that developed over decades of serving his loyal clients. As a bonus, the job gave him ample opportunity to chat with his clients about Alabama football, spin a yarn about his Navy adventures, or tell a joke thick with midwestern wit.
A private burial ceremony will be held for the family at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. Thereafter, the family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church (in Canterbury Hall), 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35213. A celebration of life will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Canterbury United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Dave’s favorite places, the National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32508. Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (navalaviationfoundation.org)
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334-983-6604) www.sunsetmemorialpark.com
Johnny Rogers Rials of Samson, AL passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025. He was 81 years old.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Travelers Rest Cemetery in Samson, AL with Rev. Wade Rials officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Samson First Baptist Church in Johnny’s memory.
Johnny was born in Geneva County, AL on September 27, 1943 to the late Andrew Jackson and Ella Alford Rials. He was a hard worker who enjoyed driving a semi-truck all over the country. He was truly the happiest when he was behind the wheel of a “Big Rig”.
In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Michael Rogers Rials; one sister, Evelyn Curto; three brothers, Rev. Homer Rials, Bud Rials and Royce Rials.
Johnny is survived by his one sister, Sara Rials Quiller and husband, Roy of Prattville, AL and one brother, Tommy Rials and wife, Billie June of Samson, AL; one step-daughter, Pam Wise and husband, Murray of Samson, AL and a number of special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
