Laura Kyser was awarded the Tagged For Greatness Scholarship at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Banquet held Friday, May 2, in Montgomery, AL. Laura is the daughter of Townsend and Kelly Kyser of Greensboro. Kyser will graduate from Southern Academy and plans to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in Nursing. The honoree was one of 160 students awarded $152,750 in scholarships by the ACF, which serves to engage in educational and scientific activities to improve the beef cattle industry in Alabama and educate youth on the importance of beef cattle in Alabama. The ACF provides the opportunity to make tax deductible donations for the educational work of the foundation and is largely funded by the sale of the “Cowboy Tag” vanity license plate. Throughout the year, the ACF supports numerous organizations and events which help to educate and train future generations of the livestock industry. The ACF has awarded scholarship money each year to Alabama youth with more than $1.5 million being awarded to date. Kyser is pictured above with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association President Keith Glover of Greensboro.
Bertha Louise Grice, 89, was born March 18, 1936, and died December 4, 2025, after a brief illness. She transitioned to be with the Lord on that day. Bertha was born to the late Archie and Isabella Grice and was the youngest of 10 children. She was reared by her parents in a Godly home and confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She joined Greenleaf Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dan Hope, where she remained... Read More
Lois Jean Bishop Lee, 61, was born June 29, 1964, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Pearlie Bishop and Joe Perry, and died December 7, 2025. She accepted Christ at an early age. Lois enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and family. Her oldest son, DeMondre “Dre” Bishop; her father, Mr. Joe Perry; her grandparents, Ida Mae and Hayward Lee Bishop; and her sister, LaChandra Bell, preceded her in death. Lois leaves her cherished husband, James Lee, of Sawyerville, Alabama; her son,... Read More
Hazel O’Neal Ellis Patterson, 67, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was born January 8, 1958, in Sawyerville, Alabama, to Harry Lee and Susie Etta Ellis, and ascended to the kingdom of heaven on December 5, 2025. She was called by many names from those who loved her—Hazel, “Haze,” Grandma, and Gammy—but her most cherished name was “Mom.” She confessed faith in Christ at an early age and joined Springfield Baptist Church in Sawyerville, Alabama. She remained at Springfield before later joining The... Read More
Deacon Herbert Pickens was born October 7, 1948, and died November 30, 2025. On a bright and sunny morning, October 7, 1948, God blessed the late William Pickens, Sr. and Virginia Pickens Allen with twin boys, Herbert and Howard Pickens. Herbert received his early education in Newbern, Alabama, and graduated from Sunshine High School in 1966. He continued his academic pursuits at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 1969, Herbert... Read More
John Johnson, 69, died Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was born July 22, 1956. John was called to eternal rest on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sawyerville, Alabama, where he served in many capacities. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Ms. Willie Mae Marshall of Sawyerville, Alabama; two sons, Jonathan Wilson (La-Sonya) of Pueblo, Colorado, and John Ross (J.R.) Johnson (Le’Nika) of Calera, Alabama; a caring significant other,... Read More