Bishop Luke Edwards
Homegoing celebration for Bishop Luke Edwards of Eutaw will be 11 a.m. Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Renaissance Theater Multiplex Center, Eutaw, with Min. Clifton Dawson officiating. The body will lie in state from 9-11 a.m. until the service hour. Burial will follow in the Greater Christ Temple Apostolic Church Cemetery, Eutaw. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Greater Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Smith’s Mortuary, Boligee. The Management and staff at Smith’s Mortuary offer our heartfelt and sincere sympathy to the entire family.
Bobby Tony Grant
It is with deepest sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Mr. Bobby Tony Grant, 62, of Aliceville on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at his residence. Visitation was Friday, June 20, 2025, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The graveside home going celebration was Saturday, June 21, 2025, 10 a.m. at New Cemetery, Aliceville. The body of lay in state at the cemetery fifteen minutes prior to the service. Interment immediately followed the graveside service in New Cemetery. Rev. Kenny McCoy, pastor of Solid Rock Holiness Church, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Grant family.

Sgt. Billy Joe Hambright
Funeral services for Sgt. Billy Joe Hambright of Greensboro were held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at noon at Union Grove Baptist Church, Greensboro. Pastor Lester O. Walker officiated services with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Sgt. Hambright lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, June 20, 2025, at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Sergeant Billy J. Hambright was born to the late John A. Hambright Sr. and the late Cora Dell Hambright on March 7, 1959, in Greensboro. He departed this life on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Hambright Jr., Leonard Harris, and his nephew Reginald Aaron. After graduating high school, Billy answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States military and dedicated 27 years of his life to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. He served bravely, including during his time in Iraq, and retired as a proud Sergeant from the National Guard. He wore that title with honor, earning every stripe through sacrifice, discipline, and loyalty. Following his military service, Billy continued to serve with the same dedication in civilian life. He worked at Westervelt Lumber for 40 years, where he retired with the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He was a man who showed up -on time, every time -with his work boots laced, his head held high, and his heart ready to give. But Billy’s impact reached far beyond the military and the workplace. He wore many hats in the community. Whether it was helping a neighbor, mentoring a young man in need of guidance, participating in different charities, or simply being someone others could count on – Billy made his mark. He was known not for his titles, but for his character. For the way he treated people. For the way he led with love and integrity. Billy Hambright was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an uncle, a friend, a soldier, a servant, and a man of God. His legacy will not fade with time- because he didn’t just live in this world; he impacted it. Billy is survived by: his devoted wife Ouita Hambright; five daughters Shaquola (Johnny) McClenny, Tennisha Hambright of Greensboro Venae Hall of Northport, Francesca (Michael) Burrell, and Crystal Hambright of Demopolis; two sons Darius (Fancietta) Collins of Marion, Michael Hall of Moundville; five sisters Mary (Clyde) Ryans, Brenda Hambright, Eunice Crawford, Yolanda Kennedy all of Greensboro, Mattie Vawters of Tuscaloosa; three brothers: Daniel (Elaine) Hambright ofArlington, Texas, Clyde Hambright, and Timothy (Leisa) Hambright both of Greensboro; two adopted grandchildren Starteciya Hambright, Au’Derrion Hambñght of Greensboro; three sister-in laws Jacynthia Brown, Sheryl Simmonds both of Atlanta, Ga., Amanda (Ruben) McCatty of Greensboro; four brother-in-laws Floyd (Lisa) Williams, Diardre Williams of Detroit, Mich., Otha (Janice) Williams of Atlanta, Ga., Gillespie Williams of Greensboro; a special mother-in-law Elizabeth Williams; two special nieces Katoya (Anthony) Quarles of Greensboro, Yaminah (Toyvian) Brand of Tuscaloosa; a favorite cousin Carolyn Brooks of Cleveland, Ohio; 12 beloved grandchildren, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and a special friend, Robert Gray.
Sarah “Inez” Hester
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Funeral services were Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home, South. Visitation was 1 p.m., funeral at 2 p.m., and graveside service followed at Memory Hill Gardens. She passed away at Regency Retirement Village on June 11, 2025. Inez was preceded in death by: her husband Charles Bennie Hester of 57 years; parents Catherine Bell Boyd and Henry Clay Boyd; brother Henry L. Boyd; and many Hester family loved ones. She is survived by her sister Mary Lou Boyd Falls; brother-in-law Drew E. “Skipper” Falls; sister-in-law Dawn Boyd; sister-in-law Nell Hester West; sister-in-law Ann Hester Wyatt; and was blessed with a host of nieces and nephews. Inez grew up in Peterson, and graduated from Holt High School. After high school, she worked at Gulf State Paper Mill until its closure. She then found a new career that she dearly loved at Shelton State Community College until her retirement. Every room Inez was in, she made her presence known and always filled it with laughter. Inez was pure joy wrapped in human form. Her laugh was contagious, her jokes made your stomach hurt, and her smile was radiant, which was never complete without her signature lipstick. She had this incredible gift of making everyone around her feel like they were her favorite person in the world. She had a servant’s heart and would give you the shirt off her back, though she might jokingly ask for it back later. Her character was evident in the way she lived and the way others speak of her today. She was bold, fearless, and was not scared to give her opinion, which everyone loved. Inez had a green thumb and a love for flowers. She also enjoyed going to lunch and shopping with her family and friends. She was an avid fan of Alabama Football where tailgating and good food was a must. Inez loved to entertain in their backyard by the pool, and Inez would never let you go hungry. Inez and Charles made many memories in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they loved to stay on the beach and see all the action. In the last years of Inez’s life, she faced many challenges with her health and never complained of any setback she might have had. She was strong and had a will to live that should be a testimony for everyone today. She loved Jesus and thanked him loudly for the life he gave her and for her family and friends. One of Inez’s favorite pastimes was making silly videos with her family. If you never had the chance to see Inez cruising around Sam’s on a riding buggy, you truly missed something special. Pallbearers were Johnny Falls, Dwain S. Boyd, Jimmy Swindle, Jr., Chad Barnett, Chase Barnes, and Royce Swindle. Honorary Pallbearers are Lee Ballenger and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Coker, her angels at Regency Retirement Village, 15th Street Davita Dialysis, and Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue.
Gladys Elaine Burt LaGrone
Gladys Elaine Burt LaGrone, 78, of Tuscaloosa passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with loved ones by her side. A visitation for Gladys was held Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Tuscaloosa. Following the visitation was a graveside service from 2-2:30 p.m. at External Service Location, Tuscaloosa. Born on May 10, 1947, Gladys was the daughter of the late Rev. Clarence Alonzo Burt and Nancy Jane Stewart Burt. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Ryan Austin LaGrone. She is survived by: her children Al (Carol) LaGrone of Northport, Roger (Donna) LaGrone of Cordele, Ga., Becky (Matthew) Howton of Tuscaloosa, Andy (Mary) LaGrone of Vance; her cherished grandchildren Jordan LaGrone, Bailey (Jackson) Musselwhite, Caitlin (Jacob) Gragg, Kristin Elmore, Drew LaGrone, Colt LaGrone, Clay LaGrone, Reed LaGrone, Jayse Moody, Hunter Howton, Alex Howton, Skiler Howton; her treasured great-grandchildren Jude Musselwhite, Bennett Gragg, Luca Howton; her sister, Linda (Johnny) Shirley of Northport. Gladys devoted over 40 years of her life to nursing — a career that reflected her deep compassion, strength, and tireless care for others. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and lived out her faith through service, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and neighbors. Known for her warmth and outgoing spirit, Gladys truly never met a stranger. Gladys had a deep love for music and especially enjoyed playing the piano — a gift she often shared with friends, family, and her church. Whether at home or in worship, her music brought peace and joy to those around her. Of all the roles Gladys held in her life, none brought her more joy than being “Mimi”. It wasn’t just a name — it was who she was at her core. She found her greatest happiness in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether rocking them to sleep, clapping from the stands, or simply sharing quiet moments at the piano. Her love for them was constant and unconditional — the kind of love that leaves a lasting mark. The memories they carry of her warmth, laughter, and gentle strength will remain a part of them always.
Christeen Robinson
Funeral services for Mrs. Christeen Robinson of Greensboro were held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Greensboro. Pastor Antonio Shelton officiated services with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Mrs. Robinson lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, June 20, 2025, at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Time to be Bonn – Sis. Christeen Robinson was born December 28, 1946 to the late Dec. Tom King and the late Sis. Catherine King. A Time to Serve – Sis. Robinson confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She moved to Flint, Michigan later moved back to Tuscaloosa, AL and reunited with the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, where she served on the Pastor’s Aid Board, Usher Board and a member of the Senior Choir. Her hobby was sewing, she also ran a daycare where she raised several children. Most of all she loved her family. A Time to Die – Sis. Christeen Robinson departed this life June 12, 2025. She is preceded in death by: her parents Tom and Catherine King; a loving husband of 59 years Jonathan Robinson; her son Terrell Robinson; two brothers Henry King , Harold King; four sisters Lillie McDonald, Ida King, Ernestine King, Mattie King. A Time to Mourn – Sis. Christeen Robinson leaves to cherish her memories: four loving sisters Celelia (Freddie) Harris, Ruby King, Katherine King, Patrica (Darryl) Agnew; one brother Bro. Lee King, all of Greensboro; two stepchildren Donnie Robinson of Michigan, Vanessa Dawson; nine sisters-in-law Adell King of Greensboro, Annie Smith of Demopolis, Shirley (Dave) Petway of Atmore, Ollie Williams, Darlene (Lorenzo) Long, Pamela (Johnny) Lawson, Mildred Williams, Jannett Williams all of Greensboro, Gayle Drayer of Birmingham, Ethel Robinson of Moundville; four brothers-in-law Billy Scott, Jackie Dixon, Michael (Christy) Dixon of Birmingham, Anthony (Teressa) Dixon of Indiana. Godchil- dren, Cindy Agnew, Nakita Tanyell Smith, Zion Lewis, Jazelyn King, Careleigh Moss, Mr. and Mrs. Demond Moss; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends that she loved so much.