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
Betty Swindal Garner
Betty Swindal Garner, 81, of Centreville, died peacefully on Monday, June 22. Betty was born on February 14, 1945, in Perry County. She lived a life centered on family and service to others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warm heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family touched... Read More
Keep Kids Safe in Sun, Water this Summer
With summer in full swing, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System reminds parents and guardians of the risks tied to sun exposure and water activities. Silvia Vilches, a family and child development specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, said being aware of these risks lets families enjoy the season safely. “Being aware of risks of... Read More
Safe Firework Use: Protecting Nature, Homes This July 4th
Fireworks are a festive part of the 4th of July, but they also carry wildfire risk. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers the following tips for safe use this Independence Day. Choose a large, open launch site with little vegetation, staying roughly 300 feet from forests, woodlands, or grasslands and 150 feet from homes and... Read More
Cooking in the Black Belt
Life has been a rat race lately—one place after another. It’s next to impossible to pin me down for any length of time. Between washing windows, scraping paint, the usual loads of laundry, all this summer heat makes me want to do is sit down and read a book in a rocker. Sure, I wouldn’t... Read More




