The Alabama Beacon

Marie “Ree” Williams Parker, 66, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, at Park Place Nursing Home in Selma. Sister Marie Williams Parker was born on December 5, 1959, in Hale County to the late Albert Williams and Rebecca Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Rebecca Williams; her husband, Richard Parker;...

Williams brings community roots to District 6 council seat

A former member of the Bessemer Coalition for many years under the leadership of the late Mayor Quitman Mitchell Jr., Valerie Williams believes the city of Bessemer deserves leadership that listens, works hard and fights for opportunities for the city’s children and seniors. Her background taught her that perseverance, hard work and staying true to...

Porter declared elected to council’s District 2 seat

At a recent meeting of the Bessemer City Council, with a quorum present, incumbent Councilman Chester W. Porter was declared duly elected to the office of City Council, District 2. Porter was the only person who filed a statement of candidacy for the District 2 seat before the deadline. Mayor Kenneth Gulley was directed to...

SOUTHERN STYLES: Devoted couple celebrate 50th anniversary at Grace Life Baptist Church

The Rev. Sam and Dr. Wanda Manning of Bessemer recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The renewal of vows and a reception were held at their home church, Grace Life Baptist Church at Shadow Lake in McCalla. The church’s senior pastor, Brother Joel Frederick, officiated at the ceremony. Their grandson Cole Adams walked his grandmother...

A chat with Louise Tommie, past president, West Jefferson County Historical Society

For years, Louise Ayer Tommie of Bessemer has been an ardent historic preservationist. A native of Greenville, this engaging lady is a past president of the West Jefferson County Historical Society. Louise is unwavering in her support of the society and loves serving as chairman of the historical society’s McAdory House on Eastern Valley Road....

Chapman elected to school board’s District 5 seat

Omar Chapman, executive director of the Bessemer Public Library, was elected the District 5 member of the Bessemer Board of Education in the runoff election Tuesday, Sept. 22. A resident of Bessemer for more than 30 years, Chapman defeated incumbent Margie Varner 306 votes to 246. “I want to thank the citizens of Bessemer, specifically...

Greater 14th Street Baptist Church continues to feed the needy

Doing the Lord’s work, Greater 14th Street Baptist Church in Bessemer has remained faithful in serving the community. On Saturday, Sept. 26, members of the church arrived early to prepare for another food box giveaway at the church, 418 14th Street South. They gave away 175 boxes that day. Tobithean Alexander is chairman of the...

U.S. Steel breaks ground on $475 million Fairfield expansion

U.S. Steel broke ground Monday, Sept. 21, on a $475 million quench and tempering facility at its Fairfield Tubular Operations, the company announced. The heat-treating line is meant to improve the strength and durability of the oil country tubular goods made at Fairfield, the pipe used by energy exploration and production customers. The company expects...

Alexander unseats Gulley; Williams, King, Chapman and Aikerson win in runoff