Obituaries

Mary Joyce Boyd

Mary Joyce Boyd

Aug 11, 2025

Mary Joyce Boyd was born, Mary Joyce Simon, on February 11, 1956, to the parents of Joe Simon and Betty Louise Simon at Bessemer General Hospital. The first-born daughter of nine children after five sons.

Mary found GOD early in life and was a devoted Methodist throughout her life as it helped shape her upbringing.

Mary grew up in Bessemer...

Steven Lucas

Steven Lucas

Aug 6, 2025

Steven "Stebo" Lucas was born the third of seven children to the late Elizabeth Lucas in Birmingham, Alabama on July 27, 1955.

Steve accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

Steve was a graduate of J.S. Abrams High School Class of 1973 in Bessemer, Alabama. He enjoyed many years working in the maintenance and hospitality...

Annie Louise Hill

Annie Louise Hill

Jul 31, 2025

Minister Annie Louise Hill was born on September 14, 1936, in Perry County, Alabama, to Cleveland Mitchell and Irene Long. She was blessed to spend her early childhood in the loving care of her devoted great-aunt, Alice Green. After her aunt's passing, Annie moved to Fairfield, Alabama to live with her mother for a few years and later to Bessemer,...

Mary Ann Farmer

Mary Ann Farmer

Jul 31, 2025

Mary Ann Farmer was born in Beloit, Alabama to Pearlie Carpenter and Clarence Eaton on September 12, 1940.

At a young age, she became a Christian and attended 2nd Avenue Beulah Baptist Church inBessemer, Alabama where she grew in her faith.

In 1957, she graduated with honors from Dunbar High School in Bessemer, Alabama. Next, she was fortunate enough to attend Talladega...

Thelma Jean Hill

Thelma Jean Hill

Jul 30, 2025

Mrs. Thelma J. Hill was born on Monday, July 26, 1937, in Ashland, Alabama, to LM and Nora Adair. She was called home to be with the Lord on July 30, 2025, at the age of 88. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker and neighbor. She was also a devoted wife to the late...

Courte'nay Pierre Dufermeau

Courte'nay Pierre Dufermeau

Jul 21, 2025

Courte'ney Pierre Dufermeau known to many as "Blacc", was born January 19, 1983, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the beloved son of Reginald and Valerie Watkins.

Courte'nay grew up in Bessemer with his parents and siblings whom he loved unconditionally. He later shared an unbreakable bond with his daughter, Kamiya "Cookie" Dufermeau who was the apple of his eye and...

Rosie Lee Billups

Rosie Lee Billups

Jul 12, 2025

Mrs. Rosie Lee Billups, age 94, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, transitioned peacefully from this life on July 12, 2025. Born on June 4, 1931, in Eutaw, Alabama, she was the cherished daughter of the late Roger Coleman and Hattie Hill.

Rosie accepted Christ at an early age and became a dedicated member of her...

Elijah High

Elijah High

Jul 6, 2025

Mr. Elijah High was born to the late Willie and Vianna High and accepted Christ at an early age-a foundation that guided his life of faith, service, and integrity.

A proud graduate of Wenonah High School, Class of 1960, Elijah went on to pursue his passion for mechanics at Bessemer Technical College. His dedication to his country led him to...

Annette Bruce

Annette Bruce

Jul 4, 2025

Annette Douglas Bruce was born on July 4, 1956, the tenth of thirteen children born to the late D.C. Jones and Margeret Hudson Robinson. She was raised in the close-knit Northside community of Bessemer, Alabama lovingly known as "The Field". Annette attended Robertstown Middle School and graduated from Brighton High School.

From a young age, Annette confessed her faith in...

Bobby Lee Perkins

Bobby Lee Perkins

Jun 18, 2025

Bobby Lee Perkins was born to the late Mr. Eddie and Mrs. Sallie Perkins on September 24, 1945, in Columbus, Mississippi.

At a young age, Bobby confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior. He united with the First Baptist Church Ninth Street and remained a life-long member.

He was educated in the Jefferson County Public School system. In 1965, he...

DeVera  Ann Beckwood Burroughs

DeVera Ann Beckwood Burroughs

Jun 15, 2025

Ms. DeVera Ann Beckwood Burroughs was born on September 20, 1949, to the late Mr. Henry Beckwood and Mrs. Annie Beckwood in Bessemer, Alabama. DeVera passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025.

She confessed her love for Christ at an early age.

DeVera was a graduate of Abrams High School class of 1967, where she was an honor student and...

Sandy Alexander Smoot

Sandy Alexander Smoot

Jun 9, 2025

Sandy Alexander Smoot was born on January 20, 1944, to the late Amanda Fowler Smoot and John M. Smoot in Geiger, Alabama. He was reared in Fairfield by his father and stepmother, Jimmie T. Smoot.

He was educated in the Sumter County and Jefferson County School systems. He was a proud 1962 graduate of Brighton High School.

At an early...

Reverend John Watkins Sr.

Reverend John Watkins Sr.

Jun 6, 2025

Reverend Dr. John Watkins, Sr. was the fourth child born to Chris and Alice Watkins, February 4, 1930.

His mother placed him in the company of the people of God, at the 28th Street Church of God, Bessemer, Alabama, at an early age and he would spend many hours with them. It was here that he developed a love for...