Dorothy Almeda Brownlow Brasfield
Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Almeda Brownlow Brasfield was born on July 28, 1932, in Hale County, Alabama, to the late Will Brownlow and Alice Hardaway Brownlow. From an early age, she embraced her faith at Liberty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Dorothy was a dedicated student, attending the public schools of Hale County before graduating from Druid City High School in Tuscaloosa in 1948. She continued her education at Alabama State University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in education. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to further her studies at the University of Montevallo, the University of Alabama, and Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. She also attended numerous workshops, seminars, and professional conferences throughout her career. Dorothy’s passion for education was evident in her teaching career, which began in Hale County (1952-1959,) before she transitioned to Birmingham City Schools (1959-1985). She spent 15 years at Woodlawn High School, where she made a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues before retiring in 1985. She was an active member of several professional educational organizations. Dorothy was adamant about her faith and dedicated her life to serving the church. She taught Sunday School for many years and used her musical talents to praise God as a pianist. She played a vital role in several church ministries, including serving as a stewardess, a member of the Missionary Department. and taking on other responsibilities as needed. When Liberty and Flatwood merged to become Bass Tabernacle C. M. E. Church, she continued to share her time, talent, and treasure. Her service extended beyond the local church-she was the treasurer of the Tuscaloosa District Missionary Society of the North Central Alabama Conference for many years, which allowed her to travel extensively across the Fifth and other Episcopal Districts. In 1952, Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert Brasfield, and together they welcomed their beloved son, Robert Wayne Brasfield. Dorothy was a devoted mother and caregiver, dedicating nearly twenty years to caring for Wayne as he lived with multiple sclerosis. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to Angela “Angie” Johnson. Wayne entered eternal life on September 30, 1995. Dorothy was the eldest of four siblings, all of whom preceded her in death: Juanita Brownlow McCruter, Willie Brownlow, and Rosa Brownlow Guillebeaux. Dorothy’s love for her family was profound. While there are too many to name individually, she wanted it known that she loved each one deeply. Among those who held a special place in her heart were her nieces, Nichole Guillebeaux and Devyn Guillebeaux whom she cherished as a daughter and granddaughter; her nephew, Steaderick Diggins, who was like a son to her. She is also survived by: her sister-in-law, Joyce Brasfield Adams; brother-in-law, Ophalandus Brasfield; and beloved nieces and nephews: Andretta Raye McCurter, Linnis Darrell McCurter, Laverne Brownlow Ryan, Wanda Faye Brownlow (Robert) Ramsey, Keisha Brownlow; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Somewhere along the way, Dorothy became known to many as “Aunt Dot,” a title she wore with pride. As Aunt Dot, she was a friend, confidante, advisor, and a source of unwavering love and wisdom. She shared her resources generously, always ensuring that those around her felt cared for and supported. Her life was a testament to faith, service, and love­values that will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Services were held Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Bass Tabernacle C. M. E. Church, Akron. Washington & Paige Mortuary directing.
Janet Darcey Haynes
Janet Darcey Haynes, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 9, 2025, in Huntsville. Services were held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Magnolia Chapel South, Tuscaloosa, with Rev. Michael Cobb officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial followed at Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation was held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Born in Tuscaloosa, in 1934, Janet spent much of her life in Columbiana and Tuscaloosa, where she and her husband, James David Haynes, raised their six daughters. She was a devoted member of Moundville Methodist Church, where she participated actively in the choir and cherished her faith. Janet dedicated 26 years to the Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor’s Office, where she worked diligently and rose to the position of Chief Assistant Clerk. Outside of work, she was an avid Auburn sports fan and enjoyed playing cards, golfing, reading, and taking beach vacations. She had a deep appreciation for all types of music and was highly skilled in sewing and home crafts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Cyrus Darcey; her husband, James David Haynes; her daughter, Martha Ann Haynes; and her siblings, Charles Darcey, Delores Darcey Dyer, and Warren Darcey. She is survived by her daughters: Karen Nelson, Wanda (Joel) Gardner, Diana (Anthony) Adamson, Linda (Bill) Andreen, Barbara (Dennis) McAllister, and Mary (Terrell) Etheredge. She also leaves behind her nieces Charlene Darcey Hansen and Lori Darcey Mercer; nephew Glen Darcey; grandchildren David Faulk, Laura Faulk Cook, Robert Gardner, Nathan Gardner, Jasmin Adamson Galarneau, Samantha Adamson Bradley, Austin Adamson, Nicholas Powell, Benjamin Pendegraft, and Joshua Hallman; as well as 18 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are David Faulk, Daniel Cook, Robert Gardner, Nathan Gardner, Samuel Galarneau, Andrew Bradley, Austin Adamson, Nick Powell, Ben Pendergraft. Memorial donations may be made in Janet’s name to Moundville Methodist Church, Moundville.
Mary Elizabeth Drake Lavender
Mary Elizabeth Drake Lavender, 90, of Eutaw passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Greensboro, where she lived until 1962, when she moved to Eutaw. She was preceded in death by: her husband John Dorrell Lavender of Eutaw; by her parents Alpheus Brown Drake and Reba Avery Drake of Greensboro; her brother Walton Drake and Eleanor of Uniontown; her sister Edith Green and Ed of Demopolis; her brother Alpheus B. Drake, Jr. and Betty Jo of Greensboro; her infant sister Minnie Drake of Greensboro. Mary Elizabeth is survived by the following children/ grandchildren: John D. Lavender, Jr. (Beverly) of McCalla; Jan Lavender McGee (Jack) of Eutaw; Paul Drake Lavender (Anne) of Northport; Dr. Paul Drake Lavender Jr. (Cathy) of Tuscaloosa; her namesake Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Lavender of Tuscaloosa; Amy Lavender Rodgers (Joel) and Daniel Lavender of Birmingham; Joshua Case (Laura) of Charlotte, N. C.; Jessica Case Spowart (Mark) of Northport; Dr. Jared Case (Selena) of Fayette; Jake Case (Robbie) of Berry, Kristen McGee of Vestavia. Mary Elizabeth is also survived by many great grandchildren and many special friends who all lovingly called her “Honey.” It is requested by the family that Memorials be made to: Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404. Dr. Jared Case will officiate a private Memorial Service for family at the Mt. Carmel United Methodist cemetery in Perry County on a later date.
Hazel Earlene Livingston
Hazel Earlene Livingston, 83, of Demopolis went to her eternal home on February 8, 2025. She was born on May 21, 1941, in Akron to Mary Lea Thomas and George Ralph Livingston. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her ex-husband William Charles Solomon; her brother Raymond Livingston. She is survived by: her son William Todd Solomon of Gainesville, Va.; her daughter Mary Datrel Chase of Jacksonville, Fla.; and her brother Clark Livingston of Akron; and four grandchildren. Visitation was held from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Mount Hebron Baptist Church, Akron. Funeral service was 1 p.m. Graveside service followed at the church cemetery directed by Kirk Funeral Homes Chapel in Demopolis.
Jessie Lee Rice
It is with deepest sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Mr. Jessie Lee Rice, 70, of Northport on Thursday, February 7, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Visitation was Friday, February 14, 2025, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Saturday, February 15, 2025, 11 a.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Northport. The body lay in state in the church one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the funeral service in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Panola. Rev. Gregory L. Morris, pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Rice family.
Tracie Marie Lewis-Shiles
Tracie Marie Lewis-Shiles, also known as “Yaya.” a remarkable individual, passed away on February 1, 2025. Born in Newburgh, N. Y., on June 18, 1964, to the late Bernice Lewis and Andrew Byrd. She leaves behind a profound legacy. Ms. Lewis-Shiles accepted Christ at a young age under the guidance of Elder Byrant at Soul Saving Station Church in Newburgh, N. Y. During this time, she earned her degree from Sunny New Paltz. She is survived by two nephews whom she raised as sons: Lonze Byrd, Andre Byrd; seven grandchildren she raised; ten siblings: Troy H. Lewis (N. Y.), Pamela Johnson (Tuscaloosa), Andrea Byrd (Greensboro), Lisa Byrd (N. Y.), Cory Byrd (N. Y.), Elle Newkirk (N. Y.) , Brenda Washington (Ariz.), Troy Lewis, (Conn.) Roxaine Lewis (N. Y.) and Joslyn Jackson (Okla.); as well as, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, and aunts. She also leaves behind someone dear to her who loved the Lord. Tracie not only followed this great woman of God, but she also gained a mother, a great leader, an Apostle as her adopted family in the Kingdom of God. She also gained a father her (Paw Paw) Associate Pastor Victor Robertson, a great Man of God followed by V. Q. T. Family of 17 years. Tracie was well­loved; she sened as an usher and Sunday school teacher, deeply loved by her students. She could be difficult at times (LOL), but she never gave up on loving you. Her motto to the Voice of Truth always was “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” Tracie was predeceased by her parents, Andre Byrd and Bernice Lewis; grandparents Everette and Marion Lewis; sibling, John Brock; nephew Thomas Pugh, Jr.; and great nephew Raquan Davis.
Mary Ann Tabb
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Tabb of Greensboro were held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1248 Co. Rd. 21, Greensboro. Rev. J. L. Anderson officiated services with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Mrs. Tabb lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, February 14, 2025, at Washington & Paige Mortuary. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family and friends. Mary Ann Tabb, a beloved matriarch, devoted mother, cherished grandmother and dear friend passed away peacefully with her children beside her on February 3, 2025, at the age of 75. She was a woman of kindness, warmth, and unwavering love, leaving behind a legacy of compassion that touch everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Mary Ann legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she so freely gave. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit will fore guide us,reminding us to be kind, to deeply, and to cherish every moment you have with one another. Sister Mary Ann Tabb was born to the late James Dates and Elizabeth Tucker Dates on December 31, 1949, in Greensboro. Mary Ann received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by: brothers Eddie Tucker, James Dates, Tommy Dates, William Clarence Dates; sister Sally Dates; son Cedrick Tabb, Sr.; granddaughters: Jacque De’Marshay Rox and Dandrille E Shay Tabb. She leaves to cherish her memories: five children Michael A. Rox (Judy) of South Carolina, Terrie A. Harris (Dedrick) of Atlanta, Ga., Cynthia Rox of S. C., Deborah Thomas (Demetrius) of Greensboro, Nicholas Tabb of Greensboro; twenty grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren; four aunties Martha McNeal, Cora Wedner, Izella Pritchard (Walter), Addie Vardiver all of Mobile; three sisters-in-law: Susie Dates of Greensboro, Doris Dates of Macon, Ga., Julia Tucker of Greensboro; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Elma Tubbs
Agnew Funeral Home announces with deepest sympathy the passing of Mrs. Elma Tubbs, 83, on February 4, 2025. Sister Elma Lucile Tubbs “See” was born in Hale County, Alabama on November 6, 1941 to the late Deacon Eunice and Sister Brazzie Tubbs. She confessed Christ at an early age and joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was affiliated with numerous auxiliaries of the church. She was a member of the Little Bethel Chapter #797 Order of the Eastern Star. Sister Tubbs departed this earthly life on February 4, 2025 at Diversecare of Marion, Alabama. “See” leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Savastian O’Neal (Cynthia) Tubbs; one grandson, Savastian De’Onta Tubbs; two granddaughters, Tykesha Rena Crawford and Ta’mia Lana Pasteur; three great granddaughters, Ta’mijala Pasteur, Trinity Pasteur and Tinsley Miller; three sisters, Eunice Reaves, Georgia Booker and Alesia Tubbs; two brothers, Coleman and Chester Tubbs; two sisters-in-law, Juliaette Tubbs and Anne Tubbs; stepmother, Barbara Tubbs; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Veiwing was at Agnew Funeral Home Greensboro, From 12-4 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025. Funeral service were Saturday, February 15, 2025, 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church Greensboro. Rev. Johnny L. Anderson, pastor, officiated. The body lay in state one hour prior to service. Burial was in the church cemetery.