Magnolia Chapel Funeral Homes

11/13/2025

Sandra Lee Robinson

Sandra Robinson, 67, of Moss Point, Mississippi, passed away on November 5, 2025, at Singing River Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Services will be held at Magnolia Chapel South, on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cedar Oak Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa.

Born on March 17, 1958, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sandra lived a vibrant and nurturing life, rooted in deep faith, family, and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Ruby Knox.

She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Calvin Robinson; her daughters, Alexandra Robinson and Alexandria Robison; her beloved grandchildren, Amyiah, Aiden, and Xavier; and a host of relatives, including her sister, Bonita Jones.

Sandra loved to travel, sing, read, and laugh, bringing warmth and joy wherever she went. She had a profound devotion to the Lord and cherished her Christian faith, going so far as to become a licensed evangelist. Through her many years in the healthcare field, she cared for others with the same generosity, patience, and tenderness she offered her own family.

As a mother, she was strong, fair, nurturing, and protective, guiding her children with a steady love that never wavered. As a wife, she was deeply loyal, devoted, and steadfast, building a life she was proud of.

Her laughter, her voice, and her presence will be profoundly missed, leaving behind a void that will never be filled. She leaves behind echoes of her laughter, the memory of her voice, and a love that time cannot dim. Though she has gone home to the Lord, her faith and gentle spirit will continue to guide all who loved her.

View Sandra Lee Robinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/13/2025

Sandra Robinson

Sandra Robinson, 67, of Moss Point, Mississippi, passed away on November 5, 2025, at Singing River Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2025, at Magnolia Chapel South. Burial will follow at Cedar Oak Memorial Park with Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Born on March 17, 1958, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sandra lived a vibrant and nurturing life, rooted in deep faith, family, and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Ruby Knox.

She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Calvin Robinson; her daughters, Alexandra Robinson and Alexandria Robison; her beloved grandchildren, Amyiah, Aiden, and Xavier; and a host of relatives, including her sister, Bonita Jones.

Sandra loved to travel, sing, read, and laugh, bringing warmth and joy wherever she went. She had a profound devotion to the Lord and cherished her Christian faith, going so far as to become a licensed evangelist. Through her many years in the healthcare field, she cared for others with the same generosity, patience, and tenderness she offered her own family.

As a mother, she was strong, fair, nurturing, and protective, guiding her children with a steady love that never wavered. As a wife, she was deeply loyal, devoted, and steadfast, building a life she was proud of.

Her laughter, her voice, and her presence will be profoundly missed, leaving behind a void that will never be filled. She leaves behind echoes of her laughter, the memory of her voice, and a love that time cannot dim. Though she has gone home to the Lord, her faith and gentle spirit will continue to guide all who loved her.

View Sandra Robinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/12/2025

Ivan Dolsen Johnson

Ivan Dolsen Johnson of Akron, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2025. He was the son of Barbara Payne Johnson Gilley of Mobile, AL. Married to Vivian Anderson of Akron for 32 years, he enjoyed his retirement and his mini-farm. A service in Ivan's memory will be held on November 17, 2025, at 1:00, at Magnolia Chapel South. Pastor Joshua Johnson will conduct the ceremony. A visitation will be held from 11:30-1:00 in the chapel of the funeral home before the service.

Born in Akron, AL, Ivan grew up in Saraland, AL, and attended Satsuma High School, where he graduated in 1967. After finishing school, Ivan moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area, where he was owner and CEO of Metro Comfort Masters. Later, he moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida, and then eventually returned to Akron. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, preserving, and canning. His many family members enjoyed receiving his homemade gifts at Christmas and on other special occasions. Ivan especially loved his Scottish terrier Archie and took him everywhere. A once avid hunter, Ivan made trips every year to the mid and southwestern states of the US to hunt big game. Later, he took three trips to South Africa to hunt and had the adventures of a lifetime. Finally, he was a long-time, loyal University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan and never missed a game.

Those who preceded Ivan in death are his father, I.L. Johnson; his step-father, Hubert Gilley; his siblings, Carol Sanders, Daniel Johnson, and Allen Johnson; two of Ivan’s children, Carrie Johnson and Marcus Johnson; and his grandson, Searcy Elebash.

Left to remember Ivan are his wife, Vivian; his son, Jerry Johnson and his wife Nikki; his step-daughter, Jennifer Elebash and her husband Searcy Elebash; his daughter-in-law Kristi Johnson; and his grandchildren Drew Wheeler; Alex, Christian, Caleb, Autumn, and Zach Johnson; Amanda Nadel; Ashley Kreger; and Vivian Elebash. In addition are other of his siblings Arleen (Ron) Moore, Sharon (Danne) Adair, Lewis (Brenda) Johnson, and sister-in-law Andal Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Dreams Outdoors, a group that takes special needs people hunting. The address is 4701 SR-69 North; Northport, AL 35473; attn Becci Hauser.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South, 6100 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, Al 35405. Interment will be private.

View Ivan Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home is honored to be named Best Funeral Home in the 2025 Official Community Choice Awards.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and to the community we proudly serve.
It’s a privilege to support families with compassion and care.

Check it out now!

11/11/2025

Melody Harper Motes

The family of Melody Harper Motes is greatly saddened to announce her passing on November 3, 2025 at the age of 70 at Tranquility Hospice in Georgia. She was born August 27, 1955, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Johnnie Jones Harper and Joseph Turner Harper of Northport, Alabama. Proceeded in death by her mother and father and sister Bonnie Dale Harper.

Melody is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Motes Hughes (Scott) Grandchildren, Hunter Andrew Skelton, Katlyne Skelton Bordelon (Duncan), Great granddaughter Bella Bordelon, sister, Jo Frances Harper Strickland. Melody is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In her early years, Melody grew up on her family vegetable farm. She was a momma's girl and always stuck to her like glue. When she started kindergarten at Crestmont, she kicked her teacher in the shins for a week because she wanted her momma.

Melody is a very proud alumni of Tuscaloosa County High School Class of 73". She always loved her classmates dearly. Many of them would gather for lunch every few months and homecoming was always a big deal.

After high school Melody attended the University of Alabama where she studied marketing and business.

After attending the University of Alabama Melody was employed by Montgomery Beverage, Lamar Advertising, Southern Linc, and Bellsouth Mobility where she sold the first phones to come on to the market. She covered several counties west central Alabama and became known as "The Phone Lady".

One of greatest loves was being MiMi to Hunter, Katlyne and Bella. The love she had for them was immeasurable and spending time with them was her greatest joy.

Next to her grandchildren Melody loved Carin Terriers, through the years she owned four and all were ridiculously spoiled.

She loved all things flowers and plants. She learned that from her mother. She could save the worst plants and she always loved finding unique plants and re rooting them to give to people. She even had some rooted in cups at the nursing home.

She never went a yard sale or thrift store that she didn’t love. Melody and Mandy would spend endless Saturday’s attending and finding both. While the grandkids didn’t love it, they did enjoy the time with MiMi.

Special people in her life were: Kelly Webster (like a daughter), Phil Pate, Janet Wood Foster, and Tuscaloosa County High Class of 73"

A heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice of Georgia in home care and especially nurses Donna and Stephanie. As well as Tranquility Hospice of Georgia for giving her such loving care.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on November 15, 2025 at 11:00-12:00 for visitation and service at 12:00 at Jennings Chapel Methodist Church, 4001 70th Avenue, Northport, Alabama 35473. Melody requested bright colors be worn at her service.

View Melody Harper Motes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of all veterans.

Your bravery has secured the freedoms we cherish, and your legacy will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your service.

11/10/2025

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve.

11/08/2025

Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender

Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender, Age 95 of Greensboro, Alabama passed away on November 8, 2025 at the Hale County Hospital. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am Wednesday November 12,2025 at Greensboro Baptist Church (908 Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama 36744) with Bro. Dee McGuire and Bro. Tim Douglas officiating. Magnolia Chapel South will be directing. Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am with service to follow at Greensboro Baptist Church. Following the service and visitation burial will follow at Havana Methodist Church ( County Rd 37, Moundville, Alabama 35474)

She is preceded in death by her husband SSG Francis M. Lavender "Frank" Lavender III (U.S. Army - Retired). She is also preceded in death by her parents E. Valcus and Emma Mae Carnathan Lancaster; sisters, R**t Langston (Jim), Catherine Shepherd (Andrew); brother-in-law, Joe Montgomery; aunts, Aline Chism and Earline Ratliff; grandmother, Jureda Noland Carnathan, as well as all other loved ones who have preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Frank M. Lavender IV (Diane) of Greensboro, AL; Faye Lavender Roberson (Keith) of Gulf Shores, AL; Jerry Lavender (Cynthia) of Greensboro, AL; Ann Douglas (Tim) Vincent, AL; her sister, Glenda Montgomery of York, AL as well as nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren: Chelsea Kay Lavender Payne (Taylor), Jerry Wayne Lavender, Jr. (Brittney), Thomas Jason Lavender (Catie), Jessica Leigh Lavender Tinsley (Cal), James Wesley Douglas, Timothy Chase Douglas (Willow), Step-granddaughter Emily Roberson.

Great Grandchildren: Avett William Payne, Amelia Marion Payne, Adlee Lavender Payne, Thomas Levi Lavender, Elleigh Grace Lavender, Lyla Catherine Lavender, Jerry Wayne Lavender III "Tripp", Brooklyn Leigh Tinsley, Ashton Joseph "AJ" Tinsley, Jordan Calvin Tinsley, Owen Wayne Tinsley, Juniper Kaye Douglas, Olive Ann Douglas, Cedar Timothy Douglas.

Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender was born on September 23, 1930 in Pickens County, Alabama and grew up in Northport, Alabama and a was a member of Northport Baptist Church. She graduated from Tuscaloosa County High in 1948 and worked at the Tuscaloosa Department of Pensions & Security. In 1956 she married Francis Marion Lavender III and they made their home in Greensboro, Alabama.

She was a cherished member of the Greensboro Baptist Church for over 40 years and volunteered teaching Sunday school there for many years. Some of her fondest memories was her Sunday school class and praising her Savior through beautiful music with the Greensboro Baptist Church Choir. She loved her church family and was such a blessing to everyone who knew her.

She is known as Grandmother, Billie Grandma, MeMomma and BB. The Lavender family is especially grateful for the assistance provided for our dear mother by Dr. Jeff Laubenthal, Stephanie and staff at West Alabama Family Practice, Hale County Hospital, and Southern Care New Beacon. We are so grateful for her caregivers/friends Ollie Williams, Mildred Williams and Pat Clinton as they brought much sunshine to "Granny's" life. Billie appreciated that so much as she was a caregiver to many people throughout her life.

She always treated others the way she wanted to be treated with living testimony of love and faith. (Matthew 7:12). She was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the lord shown through every aspect of her life where she found joy in prayer, strength in scripture and peace in the promise of eternal life. Her family will be forever grateful for this foundation she so gracefully blessed us with.

Pallbearers: Taylor Payne, Wesley Douglas, Chase Douglas, Jerry Wayne Lavender, Jason Lavender and Cal Tinsley.

Honorary Pallbearers: Her Greensboro Baptist Church family and Sunday School Class.

In Lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to Greensboro Baptist Church (908 Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama 36744) or Havana Methodist Church (715 Co Rd 37, Moundville, AL 35474).

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11/07/2025

Burial or Cremation?

The Consumer’s Guide to Burial & Cremation Options provides an in-depth overview of funeral choices, helping families make informed decisions during

11/05/2025

Gary Boothe

Gary Wayne Boothe, age 71, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., passed away November 4, 2025 at his residence. Magnolia Chapel North is assisting the family with his final arrangements.

His family is composing his obituary. We will update it here when it is available.

View Gary Boothe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/05/2025

This holiday season, give your family the ultimate gift, peace of mind.
By prearranging today, you’ll lock in savings, ease tomorrow’s worries, and ensure your wishes are honored. Don’t wait, start your plan today and give your loved ones the comfort they deserve.
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11/03/2025

Nina Ericson

Nina Whorton Ericson, a woman whose heart overflowed with unconditional love and grace, passed away peacefully in Northport, Alabama, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the age of 73.

Local Services will be as follows: Visitation will be from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday November 6, 2025, at Magnolia Chapel North followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. with Bro. Alan Roggli officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing. Services in Centre, Alabama, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at Perry Funeral Home with Douglas New officiating. Burial will follow in Noah Baptist Church Cemetery with Perry Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Friday, at Perry Funeral Home in Centre, Alabama.

Born to the late Perry and Maude Whorton on August 14, 1952, Nina was raised with a strong foundation of family and faith. This influence shaped her into a person defined by extraordinary compassion and selfless giving.

Nina was the beloved wife of Rod Ericson, and together they built a life centered on the most important thing to her: family. Nina's greatest pride and joy was her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Her defining characteristic was her rare and precious gift for loving people right where they were, offering comfort, support, and acceptance without judgment. Even when facing her own pain, her focus remained firmly outward, always seeking ways to bless others and make their burdens lighter. Her commitment to others was a true testament to her generous spirit, and she was always happiest when she was actively showing love.

A devoted matriarch, Nina found immense delight in her family. She instilled in them the values of kindness and empathy that she lived every day.

Nina is survived by her loving husband, Rod Ericson, their son, Nathan Keys (Madalyn), and her brother, Randall Whorton (Marcella). She was a cherished grandmother to Hope Dockery (Ty) and Jacob Keys, and a devoted great-grandmother to Avery, Adleigh, and Daniel Dockery. She is also survived by many beloved and cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Maude Whorton, and her sister, Pam Roden.

Pallbearers are Jacob Keys, Ty Dockery, Chris Reaves, Shannon Page, Joey Oliver and Coleman Oliver.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Stephen Browne, Dr. E.A. Mangieri, David Hollingsworth and his Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Carroll’s Creek Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama.

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