“Job Well Done”: Pastor Jerome Bonner retires from New St. Paul M.B. Church
Pastor and First Lady Bonner pose with supporting pastors (above) We learn that we’re forgotten within a second by people we just have conversed with; the great Maya Angelou once stated, “People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” Yet, as we live longer, we learn that God will... Read More
Greater 14th Street Baptist Senior Grocery Program benefits community
Jackie Crear, Jaquesia Slater, Tobithean Alexander, Lelita Bonner and Clarence Alexander The members of Greater 14th Street Baptist Church are committed to serving the Bessemer community. Part of their church outreach ministry, the historic church has sponsored a senior grocery program since 2020. The Rev. Jiles Burgines, III, is the minister of Greater 14th Street... Read More
Bessemer Cutoff ADA William R. “Bill” North dies in boating accident
Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff Assistant District Attorney William R. “Bill” North, 64, died over the weekend in an apparent boating accident. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, North’s body was found “at approximately 11:12 a.m. Monday, June 29…near the same location in which he entered the water on the southern portion of Logan Martin... Read More
Sandra Darlene Stone Burnette
Sandra Darlene Stone Burnette (“MaMa”), age 61, of Centreville, Alabama, entered into her heavenly home on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Sandra was born on May 22, 1965, in Marion, Alabama. Sandra was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and great-aunt. She is survived by her loving mother, Dorothy Mae Nichols Stone; her loving husband... Read More
Robert Edwin McCrory, Jr.
Robert Edwin McCrory, Jr., 79, of Sawyerville, died Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home. He was born August 3, 1946. Services were held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Magnolia Chapel South, with Rev. Gil McKee officiating. Burial followed at Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation was held at the funeral home one hour... Read More
Robert Howell Johnston
Robert “Bobby” Howell Johnston, 90, of Tuscaloosa, died peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, George Rufus Johnston and Virginia Johnston; and by his siblings, Ellen Thrasher, George Edwin Johnston, Betty Alice Kynard, Ray Johnston, and Peggy Daniels. Bobby is survived... Read More
Vernice Smith
Vernice “Nicese” Smith, 54, of Greensboro, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, June 24, surrounded by her loving parents, sister, brothers, nieces, and other cherished family members. She was born on November 17, 1971, to Eddie B. Smith and Ruby Love Williams Smith of Greensboro. Nicese accepted Christ at an early age and became a... Read More
Edward Bernard Swanzy
Edward Bernard Swanzy, 89, of Vestavia Hills, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home. He was born July 9, 1937, in Selma, Alabama, to Bernard and Janie Walthall Swanzy. He proudly served his country as a member of the Air National Guard and was a graduate of the University of Alabama. Bernard built a... Read More
Jessie Ray Averette
Jessie Ray Averette, 72, of Marion, died Wednesday, June 24. Jessie Ray was born October 22, 1953, in Alabama. Jessie Ray was preceded in death by Rita Jo Averette, Christopher Ray Averette, Wendy Michelle Averette, Jimmy Wayne Averette, Jackson C. Averette, and Inez Lagrone Averette. Jessie Ray is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Robin Averette... Read More
Howard Eugean Carter
Howard Eugean Carter, 75, of Heiberger, died Saturday, June 27. He was born August 3, 1950. He spent his early life working for Seaman Timber Company. He loved hunting and fishing. Howard will be missed by his three brothers, other family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa; his parents,... Read More