Katherine “Kat” Hinton
It is with deepest and heartfelt sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Our Long Serving, Dedicated, & Precious Team Member Mrs. Katherine “Kat” Hinton, 88, of Aliceville on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at her residence. Visitation was Friday, January 9, 2026, at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1 p.m. at Macedonia Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Aliceville. The body lay in state in the church one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the service in New Cemetery, Aliceville. Rev. Willie G. Fulgham, pastor of Macedonia C. P. Church in America, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Hinton family.
Annie L. Holifield
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie L. Holifield of Sawyerville were held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church, Marion. Rev. C. A. Billingsley of Hopewell Baptist Church officiated services with burial following in the Hopewell Church Cemetery. Mrs. Holifield lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, January 9, 2026, at Washington & Paige Mortuary.
Jerome “Pat” Jernigan
It is with deepest and heartfelt sorrow that Lavender’s Funeral Service announces the passing of Mr. Jerome “Pat” Jernigan, 69, of Aliceville on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa. Visitation was Monday, January 12, 2026 at Lavender’s Funeral Service. The home going celebration was Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1 p.m. at James and Lola Memorial Chapel, Aliceville. The body lay in state in the chapel one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the service in White Cemetery, Eutaw. Rev. Q. Prude, pastor of Providence MB Church, was the eulogist. Lavender’s Funeral Service, Aliceville, 205-373-2420, LavendersFuneralService.com, directing. Survivors are the Jernigan family.
Bryant Melton
Former State Legislator Bryant Melton passed away peacefully with his family at his side on December 17, 2025, at UAB Hospital, Birmingham. Bryant Melton holds the distinction of being the first Black legislator elected in Tuscaloosa since Reconstruction. He was first elected to the Alabama State Legislature in November 1982 and subsequently won re-election seven times, serving with commitment until his retirement in August 2006. During his tenure, former State Representative Bryant Melton sponsored several major bills that significantly shaped local governance. His legislative efforts included: Changing the Tuscaloosa City Commission from a three-member commission elected at large to a seven-member city council elected from single-member districts. Reforming the Tuscaloosa County Commission from a three-member commission elected at large to a four-member commission elected from single-member districts. Transforming the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education from an appointed body to an eight-member board, with seven members elected from single-member districts and the chairman elected at large. Sponsoring and co-sponsoring the Mercedes-Benz Bills, which brought transformative economic development and job opportunities to Tuscaloosa and West Alabama. Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Melton was a dedicated leader in the Tuscaloosa community. He served as the local NAACP chapter president, founded significant annual programs, and was active in various civic and fraternal organizations. His efforts earned him numerous awards and honors, reflecting his lasting legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service throughout West Alabama. Rev. Melton answered the call to ministry, preaching his initial sermon on August 29, 2010, at First African Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. He found peace in fulfilling what he believed was the Lord’s will, often stating, “ It gives me peace of mind when I am doing what The Lord wants me to do.” Funeral services for Rev. Melton were held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at noon at First African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. He is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Holmes Melton, and their three children: Tony Melton, DeLisa Melton Tolbert, and Emily Melton Bell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stillman College, or the West Alabama Sickle Cell Association.
Alexis “Tate” Paige
Funeral services for Mr. Alexis “Tate” Paige of Greensboro were held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Greenleaf Baptist Church, Greensboro. Pastor C. H. Agnew officiated services with burial following in the church cemetery. Mr. Paige lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Public viewing was Friday, January 9, 2026, at Washington & Paige Mortuary.
James Ward Robertson
James Ward Robertson, 66, of Tuscaloosa passed away on January 8, 2026, at Diversicare of Greensboro. Services were held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Magnolia Chapel South with Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation was held at the chapel one hour prior to the service. Burial followed with Military Honors at Oak Hill Cemetery, Moundville. Loved ones are composing his obituary and we will update when available.
Evie Fendley Thomas
Evie Fendley Thomas, 84, of Hoover passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. Services were held on Monday January 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Greensboro Bible Methodist Church with Bro. Steve Vernon officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Maggie Fendley; brothers Tony Fendley, Billy Blackmon, Melvin Blackmon, Huey Blackmon, George Fendley; sisters Mary Williamson, Alberta Boswell; brother-in-laws Faron York and Bobby Bedgood. Survivors include her husband James Vernon Thomas; daughter Pam Thomas Nelson (Mark); sisters Ann Bedgood, Shirley Thacker (Arlon), Linda York; sister-in-law Peggy Fendley; her grandchildren James Cowan (Madi), Christi Cowan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Evie was born in Montgomery, and spent her childhood in Selma. She loved her mother, father, brothers and sisters dearly and remained close to them always. She married James Vernon Thomas in 1961, and they had one daughter, Pam. They lived in Greensboro, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Sylacauga, where she joined the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, before they retired to Hoover. She and Vernon had two grandchildren, James and Christi, who were the light of her life. She was a member of the Birchtree Swim and Racquet Club for many years, where she enjoyed playing tennis with their league. She also loved spending time with her family at the swimming pool there. Evie loved music and sang with the choir at Green Valley Church. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. No one will ever be able to top her cornbread dressing. Later in life, she looked for easier, quicker cooking techniques and became the self-proclaimed microwave queen. Throughout their marriage, Evie and Vernon traveled to many places. Some of her favorites were Hawaii, Alaska, a few cruises, and many beach vacations with her family. Her proudest accomplishment was caring for and loving her family. She was truly adored and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Greensboro Bible Methodist Church.