Ethel Brasfield
Agnew Funeral Home announce with deepest sympathy the passing of Mrs. Ethel Brasfield on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Ethel Carter Brasfield was born on November 16, 1957, to the late Mr. Ben and Mary Harris. Ethel joined church at an early age. She was a member of New Pentecostal Holiness Church and joined Shekinah Glory Holiness Church of Akron. Ethel departed this earthly life on July 11, 2026 to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: a loving and devoted husband of forty-one years, Mr. Joseph Brasfield of Akron; daughter Angela (Bobby) Nobels; sister Eva Lee (Willie) Fields of Sawyerville; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a special grandson Joshua Lucious; two brothers Benjamin (Willie Bell) Harris of Sawyerville, Nick Harris of Sawyerville; two sisters-in-law Autherine Palmer of Akron, Betty Carter of Greensboro; two brothers-in-law Isiah (Bertha) Brasfield, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Larry (Tawanda) Brasfield of Indiana; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Viewing was held at Agnew Funeral Home on Monday, July 20, 2026. Funeral service was held at Agnew Funeral Home, Greensboro, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. Interment was at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Akron.
Burnett Coats, Jr.
Funeral service for Mr. Burnett Coats, Jr. of Huntsville was Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Reynolds Chapel Church, Co. Rd. 48, Newbern. Pastor Roger Melton officiated. Burial followed in the Weaver Family Cemetery. Mr. Coats lay in state one hour prior to start of services. Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro, directed. With profound love, honor, and cherished memories, we celebrate the life and legacy of Burnett “Burnie” Coats, who was born November 9, 1949, in Tuscaloosa, and peacefully departed this life on July 8, 2026. Burnie was born to the late Burnett Coats, Sr. and Lillie Dora Coats in Tuscaloosa. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at Reynolds Chapel Church, Newbern. From his early beginnings, he developed the strength, determination, and values that guided him throughout his remarkable life. he was a man of integrity, compassion, and dedication who made a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know him. Burnie was known for his generous spirit, inner strength, and remarkable ability to bring joy to those around him. He has a special affinity for laughter and was often remembered for his warm sence of humor, his ability to brighten a room, and the happiness he shared through genuine moments with family and Friends. His kindness, resilience, and loving nature left an unforgettable impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Burnie proudly dedicated 28 years of honorable service to the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career reflected his commitment, leadership, discipline, and love of country. After retiring from the army, Burnie continued his service to his nation by working for the federal government for the remainder of his professional life. His lifelong dedication to service demonstrated his strong sence of duty, responsibility, and commitment to helping others. Beyond his career and service, Burnie was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He shared a loving marriage with his life Mi Kyong “Tina” Coats, and together they created a life filled with love, family, and treasured memories. He took great pride in his children Corey Burnett Coats, Darin James Coats, and Jeanna Burnett Coats, and the love he shared with them will continue to live on. Burnie was preceded in death by: his parents Burnett Coats, Sr. and Lillie Dora Coats; sisters Juanita Boykins and Sylvia Coats. He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife Mi Kyong “Tina” Coats; children Corey Burnett Coats, Darin James Coats, Jeanna Burnett Coats; siblings Mary Jo Wiggins, Mable Woodward, Deborah McLaughlin, Bernard Coats (Laurice Coats), Diane Ward, Steven Coats (Patricia Coats, Christopher Coats; a special nephew Michael Coats who was raised by his parents, a special cousin/brother Johnny Coats; along with extended family members, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and all who were touched by his life. Burnie’s life was one of service, sacrifice, love and devotion. He leaves behind a legacy built on faithfulness to his family, dedication to his country, generosity towards others, and the joy he brought through his laughter and presence. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set, and the memories he created will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Steven “Jack” Martin
Steven “Jack” Martin was born on January 10, 1969, to the late Eartha Mae Martin and Johnny Quarles. At an early age, Steven confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior. He loved spending time with family and friends and was known for his quiet strength, caring heart, and memorable smile. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying the company of these he loved, Steven made lasting memories that will forever be treasured. Steven departed this life on June 30, 2026, alter being preceded in death by his beloved mother, Eartha Mae Martin; his father, Johnny Quarles; and his grandmother, Fannie Martin. Me leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted sister, Patricia Gee, Akron; loving aunts, Barbara Jackson of Akron, Alabama, and Betty Purcell, Westbury, N. Y.; his special cousin, Ben Quarles; his good friend, James White; host of cherished cousins with whom he shared many wonderful memories, loving nieces and nephews whom he adored, along with many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his life and legacy.
Douglas R. Nelson
Douglas R. Nelson, 79, of Tuscaloosa, passed away July 13, 2026, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Magnolia Chapel South at 11 a.m. with Bro. Greg Walker officiating, and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation was held at the funeral home Monday, July 20, 2026. Burial followed at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Duncanville. He is preceded in death by: his father Homer L. Nelson; mother Mary Smith Hall Nelson; his brother Kenneth L. Nelson. Survivors include: his wife Martha Sue Nelson; daughter Krista Jordan (Carey); sons Tom B. Nelson (Windy), Matthew Nelson (Summer); sisters Becky Jones, Barbara Langford (Allen), Deroma Hewett (Billy); brother Homer Leon Nelson, Jr.; grandchildren Bailey Nelson (Kathryn), Chloe Jordan, Reagan Nelson; great grandchildren Blaire Nelson, Abby Kate Elmore; many nieces and nephews. Doug was a man who believed in always staying busy with something. From his time in the Army Reserves, to his time at BF Goodrich, he never met a stranger. His true passion in life was pointing people to Christ Jesus in his own way. Whether that be delivering food to them our sweet momma cooked or helping them with a project they had going. He also enjoyed times spent at the hunting club on work days or preparing, planning, and cooking meals to fellowship with others. On occasion he would go out on a hunt. He also enjoyed fishing with his boys, grandson, nephews and several long time fishing partners. All of those trips to the woods and water would usually provide several meals for the family, friends or most importantly someone in need. Everything always had a goal of helping others and pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ. He truly lived his life as a servant for the Lord Jesus Christ. He showed that in the way he lived each day and in the way he cared for our momma, his wife of 55 years, until his very last breath. Pallbearers will be Corley Odom, Jeff Gilbert, Charlie Ernest, Brian Dickerson, James Allen, Rex Shanner, Kevin Nelson, and Bailey Nelson. Honorary pallbearers will be Members of Liberty Baptist Church, friends from Valley View Baptist Church, Dr. Billy Joy, and members of the Sandy Fork Hunting Club.
Earl Smith
In loving memory of Mr. Earl Smith of Moundville’s homegoing service was Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Moundville. Pastor David Bennett, Sr. officiated. He lay in state one hour prior to service. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Moundville. Viewing was Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1-5 p.m. at Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro. Washington and Paige Mortuary, Greensboro, directed. Mr. Earl Smith, 63, of Moundville peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Hospice of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Earl was born on January 4, 1963, in Hale County, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Smith. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Mary Carol Fountain, and three nephews, Michael Ball, Jr., Christopher Fountain, and David Weatherspoon. Earl received his education in the Hale County School System and was a proud graduate of Hale County High School, Class of 1981. He furthered his education at C. A. Fredd Technical College, where be earned a certification as a welder. Throughout his career, Earl was employed by R. C. Zeigler, Highway 69 Army Barn, and Moundville Metal Works, where he worked faithfully until his health began to decline. Earl was a devoted fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, but if there was one thing he loved talking about even more than football, it was welding. He took great pride in his craft and always believed he was among the very best, a confidence backed by the quality of his work and the respect he earned from those who knew him. Earl leaves to cherish his precious memory: loving sisters Geraldine Marcus, Barbara (Shelton) Rich, Willie Mae (Tim) Buckhanna, Daisy (Michael, Sr.) Ball, Carolyn (David, Sr.) Weatherspoon, all of Moundville; A brother-in-law, James Henry Fountain, Sr., of Tuscaloosa; aunts, Brenda (Henry) Lewis, Julia (Cal) Brame, Doris Crawford of Tuscaloosa; stepchildren: KeAundra Hutton, Shaunda Sparks, Cierra Chandler, all of Tuscaloosa; although Earl had no biological brothers, he was blessed with two men whom he loved as brothers Mr. Martin Russell of Tuscaloosa, his lifelong friend, Mr. Willie Charles Spence, Sr. of Moundville; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Howard R. Smith, Jr.
In loving memory of Howard R. Smith, Jr. Celebration of life was July 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Greensboro. Pastor Willie Smith officiated. He lay in state one hour prior to service. Burial followed at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Howard R. Smith, Jr. was born on September 21, 1935, in Hale County, to the late Howard R. Smith, Sr. and Amelia Hill Smith. On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Howard peacefully departed this life at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, N. Y. Howard grew up in Hale County, Ala., and graduated from Hale County Training School in 1955. On December 1, 1962, he was united in holy matrimony to Rosa (Rose) Nell Childress. From this union, five children were born, and together they raised their family with love, strength, and perseverance. In the late 1960’s, he relocated to Harlem then in the 1970’s, the family moved to the Bronx, N. Y. He was employed at the Pitehell Packing Company until his retirement in 1986. Aware of the temptations, challenges, and inequalities his children faced growing up in the inner city, Howard was a firm disciplinarian who believed in teaching responsibility, respect, and accountability. He stood by his principles without compromise. As those who knew him often recall, when he said something, he meant it, “The end.” Howard was well respected and affectionately known as “Sweetman” by his wife, “Skut” by his family and friends, “Smitty” within the neighborhood. He enjoyed reading, following sports, and listening to music. He gave back to his community by volunteering at the Redeemed Christian Church, in the Bronx, N. Y. food pantry, where he faithfully served those in need. He was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 45 years, Rosa N. Childress Smith; his son, Julius C. Smith; his parents, Howard and Amelia; his sister, Gracie (Ben): his brothers, Allen (Lillie) and George (Hurtline); and his brother-in-law, Joe. Howard leaves to cherish his precious memories: sons Clem Bell, of Birmingham, Howard R. Smith, III of Brooklyn, N. Y., Roosevelt Smith, of the Bronx, N. Y.; daughters CaSandra Howard, of South Hills, Mich., Anita K. Powell of Indianapolis, Ind., Rosa Smith of the Bronx, N. Y.; two amazing grandchildren whom he loved dearly Tiffani S. Powell of Indianapolis, Ind., DeShaun T. Powell of Shelby Township, Mich.; brothers-in-law, Theodore Childless (Rosalyn) of McCall, Major Childress (Deborah) of Atlanta, Ga., Roosevelt Childress (Theresa) of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters-in-law, D. Marie Howard of Birmingham, CaSandra Melton (Wesley) of Marion; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his love and wisdom.
Terri Margaret Wyatt
Terri Margaret Wyatt, 59 of Moundville passed away July 10, 2026 at home. Graveside services were Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery with Ken Robertson officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Robertson and Jean Harper. Survivors include her daughter, Brittany O’Quinn; son, Richard Skelton; sisters, Tammy Carter and Tina Millwood; brothers, Tony Robertson and Timbo Robertson; and grandchildren, Natalee Redick and Garret George. Pallbearers were David Carter, Adam Carter, Timbo Robertson, Tony Robertson, Mike Cook, and Shayne Sexton. Terri Margaret Wyatt was a resident of Tuscaloosa the majority of her life. She was a full of life woman who loved her family, especially her grandchildren that she bragged on every chance she had. She loved gardening and being outside. Despite many health challenges she was always upbeat and strong willed. She will forever be missed and in our hearts.