Obituaries

Tonya Sherrel Bell

Tonya Sherrel Bell

Apr 29, 2026

Tonya Bell of Bessemer, Alabama was born on March 21, 1971, to Bobby Joe Bell and Lorraine Davidson. At a young age, Tonya confessed hope in Jesus Christ at Porter Chapel C.M.E. Church.She was a graduate of Brighton High School of the Jefferson County Schools system. She was an honors student, an athlete participating in basketball and cheerleading. After high school, she attended Talladega College and...

Joseph Paul Wesley Jr.

Joseph Paul Wesley Jr.

Apr 25, 2026

Joseph Paul Wesley, Jr., passed away April 25, 2026. He was born in Campbellton, Florida, a son of the late Joseph Paul Wesley, Sr., and Annie Mae Wesley.Joseph was an alumnus of Tennessee State University in Nashville,Tennessee, and served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years. He retired from U. S. Steel after working 30 years...

Marjorie Marlette Burroughs

Marjorie Marlette Burroughs

Apr 16, 2026

With humble submission to God's will, we celebrate the life and legacy of Marjorie "Dale" Marlette Burroughs, who entered eternal rest on April 16, 2026, at the age of 66.

Marjorie was born on November 24, 1959, to Robbie Carr Knight in Birmingham, Alabama.

At an early age, Marjorie accepted Christ, establishing a firm spiritual foundation that would guide her...

Otis James Harris Sr.

Otis James Harris Sr.

Mar 30, 2026

Otis James Harris was born on October 13, 1969, to the late James and Lonnie Mae Crombie of Bessemer, Alabama.At an early age, he accepted Christ. He joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Doctor William H. Walker, Jr.

He was a graduate of Jess Lanier High School, Class of 1990. Otis was an outstanding athlete.

He was employed through...

Olivia M. Bizzell

Olivia M. Bizzell

Mar 29, 2026

Olivia M. Bizzell was born on March 29, 1935 to the late Jerymier and Orline Crawley Moore in Sumpter County, Alabama. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and united with Easter Star Baptist Church in Demopolis, Alabama.

The family relocated to Marengo County, where she attended U. S. Jones High School. The family later moved to...

Carloss Sumpter Jr.

Carloss Sumpter Jr.

Mar 28, 2026

Carloss (C.J.) Sumpter, Jr., a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend was born on July 17, 2003, to Carloss Sumpter and Paris Scott.

At an early age, he confessed to Christ and was a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Victor L. Hawkins, Sr.

C.J. was a proud graduate in the Class...

George Leonard Myhand

George Leonard Myhand

Mar 23, 2026

Deacon George Leonard Myhand, son of the late Willie Myhand and Nancy Winston Myhand, was born on September 7, 1950, at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Chambers County, Alabama.

George Leonard Myhand graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1969. He was drafted to serve in the United States Army in 1971. He served in the Vietnam War until being...

Princess B. Parker

Princess B. Parker

Mar 18, 2026

Princess Brown Parker was born to the late Bailey Brown and Emma Lou Stinson on April 21, 1935, in Tuskegee, Alabama.

During her life, she confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with the ministry at Restoration Revival Tabernacle in Bessemer under the leadership of the late Reverend Leo Jackson. She remained a faithful member of the...

Dr. Willie Antonio Criss

Dr. Willie Antonio Criss

Mar 16, 2026

Dr. Willie Antonio Criss, affectionately known as "Mr. Willie," was born on July 25, 1986, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Minnie P. Criss. As the youngest of his siblings, he carried a joyful, spirited presence that touched everyone around him.

Willie was baptized at a young age at East Percy Christian Church, Greenwood, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor Arron Johnson....