Magnolia Chapel Funeral Homes

01/09/2026

Blanche Mae Scarbrough Graham

Blanche Mae Scarbrough Graham, age 87, Northport, Ala., passed away January 8, 2026, at her residence. A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Robertson Chapel Baptist Church with Bro. Ed Golden officiating. Private graveside services will be held later with Magnolia Chapel North directing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Landus Graham; and parents, Frank and Violia Scarbrough.

Survivors include her daughters, Carol Ralston, and Pam Markham; and son, Charles Horne; grandchildren, Jedidiah Ralston (Kristie), Jeramy Ralston (Lynsey), Jaime Pate (Justin), Brent Shirley (Brandi), Barett Shirley (Kayla), Brook Golden (Matt), Ariel Lawley, Adam Horne (Erin), Robin King (Jim), Taylor Payne (Danielle), Caylin Daniels (Josh), and Emma Payne (Logan); and 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

She was a woman of strong faith, a loving mom, grandmother, and best friend. She was a shining light for all and enjoyed every minute of life. She loved dining out and shopping. She was one of the biggest Alabama fans. She was very strong-willed, but most of all, she was always there when we needed her.

Pallbearers will be Jedidiah Ralston, Jeramy Ralston, Justin Pate, Brent Shirley, Barett Shirley, and Adam Horne.

Honorary pallbearers are healthcare workers at The Landings of Northport, caregivers, and the family at Robertson Chapel Baptist Church.

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01/09/2026

James Ward Robertson

James Ward Robertson

November 20, 1959 ~ January 8, 2026

James Ward Robertson, 66 of Tuscaloosa, passed away on January 8, 2026 at Diversicare of Greensboro. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Magnolia Chapel South with Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be held at the chapel one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville.

Loved ones are composing his obituary and we will update here when available.

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01/08/2026

Carolyn Harbin

Carolyn Joyce Harbin (Kinard) January 29, 1949 - January 2, 2026 Carolyn Joyce Harbin (Kinard), 76, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. While a plan had been made to say goodbye later that day, Carolyn - ever creative and known for not always following the "standard plan" - decided she was ready. She took her final breath on her own terms and in her own time, departing with the same gentle independence that guided her entire life.

A lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa, Carolyn's heart belonged in the classroom. During her many years with the Tuscaloosa County School System, the 3rd grade was her favorite. She was a one-of-a-kind educator who looked for the children who needed her most, not only inside the classroom but on the bus as well. Whether it was letting a little boy sit by her to help "operate" the bus doors, helping a shy child find their confidence, or showing a misunderstood student a brand of grace they could only find in her room, she made sure every child felt they belonged. Her classroom was filled with tradition; she loved celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day with apple tastings, and she loved to play The Polar Express for her students, giving each one a silver bell necklace to carry home. Carolyn's faith was the melody of her life. She loved to recreate God's creation through painting and expressed her love for the Lord through the keys of her piano and singing in the choir. She always looked forward to the day she could sing with the angel choir, and her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is finally adding her voice to that heavenly sound. She has joined her beloved infant son, Daniel Harbin, and her father, Talmadge Kinard, in heaven.

She is survived by her husband, George Harbin, her mother, Martha Kinard, her children, David Harbin (Leigh), Sandra Harbin Chapman, and Darrell Harbin (Melanie), her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Valerie; Brooke (Gracie, Travis, Olivia); Ashley (Keeleigh, Rowan); Emily (Maddie, Kathryn, Noah); Michael (Trevor, Trey); Chelsey (Kaitlyn, Colton, Presley, Jet, Anna Michael); Mark (Ella); Elizabeth (Oliver); Ada (Maya, Abby); Conner; and Matthew. her brother, Phillip Kinard, her faithful companion, Her dog, Little Man, and a host of extended family and dear friends, as well as generations of students whose lives were shaped in her classroom.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: Michael Harbin, Mark Harbin, Matthew Harbin, Conner Harbin, Robbie Smith, Drew Doss, and Alex Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers are Tuscaloosa Fire Department, Alabama Fire College, Oak Grove Baptist Church (Pastor Gene Jordan), Crestline Baptist Church (Pastor Clay Womble), Englewood Baptist Church (Pastor Bill Richards), Friendship Baptist Church, Taylorville Baptist Church, Big Sandy Methodist Church, Taylorville Methodist Church, and Church of the Highlands.

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01/07/2026

Evie Thomas

Evie Fendley Thomas, age 84, of Hoover passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. Services will be held on Monday January 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Greensboro Bible Methodist Church with Bro. Steve Vernon officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Maggie Fendley, brothers; Tony Fendley, Billy Blackmon, Melvin Blackmon, Huey Blackmon, George Fendley, sisters; Mary Williamson, Alberta Boswell and brother-in-laws; Faron York and Bobby Bedgood.

Survivors include her husband; James Vernon Thomas, daughter; Pam Thomas Nelson (Mark), sisters; Ann Bedgood, Shirley Thacker (Arlon), Linda York, sister-in-law; Peggy Fendley, and her grandchildren; James Cowan (Madi), Christi Cowan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evie was born in Montgomery, AL and spent her childhood in Selma. She loved her mother, father, brothers and sisters dearly and remained close to them always.

She married James Vernon Thomas in 1961, and they had one daughter, Pam. They lived in Greensboro, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Sylacauga, where she joined the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, before they retired to Hoover. She and Vernon had two grandchildren, James and Christi, who were the light of her life.

She was a member of the Birchtree Swim and Racquet Club for many years, where she enjoyed playing tennis with their league. She also loved spending time with her family at the swimming pool there.

Evie loved music and sang with the choir at Green Valley Church.

She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. No one will ever be able to top her cornbread dressing. Later in life, she looked for easier, quicker cooking techniques and became the self-proclaimed microwave queen.

Throughout their marriage, Evie and Vernon traveled to many places. Some of her favorites were Hawaii, Alaska, a few cruises, and many beach vacations with her family.

Her proudest accomplishment was caring for and loving her family. She was truly adored and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Greensboro Bible Methodist Church.

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01/07/2026

Donald Stordahl

Donald Henry Stordahl passed to his heavenly home on January 6, 2026 at his Tuscaloosa, Alabama home under hospice care with his family. He was born in McIntosh, Minnesota on December 9, 1933; in a heavy snowstorm, his mother was taken to the hospital by a horse-drawn sleigh. He was the youngest of eight children born to Henry and Clara (Shannon) Stordahl. He was preceded in death by brothers, Howard, Kalmer, Emery, Orville, and Ray Stordahl; and sisters, Ethel Stordahl Gillenwater and Marie Stordahl Narum. He was also preceded in death by former wife, Esther Stordahl; and daughter, Kimberly Stordahl Svitak.

Don is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Norma Kocher Knott Stordahl; and numerous children and grandchildren: granddaughter, Grace Svitak Norton of Florida; daughter, Pamela Stordahl Weingartz (Mark) and their sons, Matthew and Jacob of Minnesota; son, Chris (Alecia) Stordahl and their son, Christian of Minnesota; daughter, Alison Knott Karrh (Jim) and their sons,

Miller, Coleman, and Wilson, and their daughter, Harper Louise of Tuscaloosa; and son, Brandon Knott (Michelle Harris) and their daughters Hannah, Hailey, Abigail, and their son Andrew of Washington. Don was a beloved husband and "granddaddy" who adored his family. He is also survived by wonderful nieces and nephews; he was especially close with David Stordahl (Wanda) and Ann Stordahl (Kelly).

Don graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. During his college education, he served two years in the U. S. Army. As the Korean War was ending, Don was on a ship deployed to Korea. He served honorably for a year on the Korean DMZ in the medical division. After college graduation, Don earned a Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) degree through the College of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He served his residency at the Methodist Hospital, as part of the Mayo Clinic system in Rochester, Minnesota. He was assistant administrator in both St. Paul, Minnesota and Kansas City, Missouri. He served as administrator of Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota for several years until moving to Tampa, Florida as a hospital systems consultant with Voluntary Hospitals of America (VHA). While in Minnesota, he also served as the president of the Minnesota Hospital Association.

After leaving VHA, he served as administrator of Vencor Hospital in Tampa for three years. He then opened his own consulting company and consulted for several years before selling the business and retiring.

In retirement, Don volunteered with free medical clinics beginning with service on the Board of the Center for Family Health in Tampa. He then volunteered with Muslim physicians to establish free health care clinics for the uninsured in Tampa and other locations in Florida, offering his extensive knowledge of the regulations for free clinics. He was well respected by the Muslim community and proudly served as Executive Director of the Red Crescent Clinic in Tampa for several years.

As a fun retirement job in Gainesville, Florida, Don owned a franchise of Mountain Valley Spring Water. Drawing upon connections in University of Florida athletics (because of daughter-in-law Michelle's soccer career at the University) and son-in-law Jim's affiliation with Mountain Valley, he earned a contract to provide all water for all UF athletics, allowing relationships with Billy Donovan, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, and others. In the community, he had many notable customers including John Travolta of Ocala.

Don was a strong Christian and believer, always thankful to the Lord for his opportunities to serve. He was a cradle Lutheran, but he and wife Norma also worshiped for several years in the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, where Don always held administrative offices. In 1996 they became involved in the Emmaus community, which led to a great blessing to serve in the Kairos Prison Ministry for several years in Florida and Arkansas. Don was an integral part in several men's prison ministries, both state and federal, as well as assisting Norma and other volunteers in the women's prisons and Kairos Outside. Don was a strong supporter of Young Life in Tampa and appreciated their support and influence in the lives of Alison and Brandon and other teens. Therefore, he continued to support the camp scholarship fund for those who were unable to pay for these valuable experiences.

Don was a student of the Bible who always attended Sunday School and served as a Sunday School teacher for several years. He was especially proud of the single adult Sunday School classes he led; many of the members are happily married to this day. Don and Norma returned to the Lutheran Church in 2008. They attended University Lutheran Church in Tuscaloosa.

As a dad and grandfather, Don attended multiple football games, soccer games, dance competitions, honors presentations, and other events. He was a baseball coach, head of athletic boosters, and always a proud supporter of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed European travel, with a particular fondness for Germany (Berlin and the Black Forest) and France (Paris, Nice, Normandy). He enjoyed many years of annual snow skiing well into his 80s with special memories in the Sierra Nevadas (Lake Tahoe).

Don and Norma enjoyed their life together while following family, starting in Tampa and continuing along a path that would take them to Gainesville, Florida, Little Rock, Arkansas, and finally to Tuscaloosa. Along the way they formed great friendships and relationships with churches and ministries.

The family expresses special thanks to DCH in Tuscaloosa and Hospice of West Alabama for their skilled and empathetic care of our beloved Don.

Service arrangements in Tuscaloosa at University Lutheran Church are pending. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery. Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home in Northport is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to University Lutheran Church, Kairos Prison Ministry, and North Tampa Young Life camp scholarship fund (Young Life, PO Box 46416, Tampa FL 33646). All donations are for the furthering of the Good News.

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01/05/2026

Cecil R. Hinson, Jr.

Cecil Rudolph Hinson Jr., affectionately known as Buddy, passed away December 29, 2025, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Ana Hinson, with whom he built a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and adventure.He is also survived by his children, Susana Hinson Tull (Darrell Tull) and Allan Hinson (Elizabeth Hinson); his grandchildren, Hunter Smith (Leslie Smith), Austin Smith, Emylee Grubb (Jarrett Grubb), Nicholas Tull, Zachary Tull, Jackson York, James Hinson, Raleigh Hinson, and twin granddaughters Milly and Mattie Hinson; and his great-grandson, Solomon Smith.

Buddy met the love of his life, Ana, while serving in the Navy in the Philippines, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Their marriage was the kind most people hope for, built on laughter. They rarely argued, said "I love you" every single day, and found joy in simply being together. Their home was always open, often filled with karaoke, plates of pancit, and what Buddy affectionately called "monkey meat," which everyone hoped-and strongly suspected-was just chicken. More than anything, they shared a lightness about life, never taking it too seriously, and that may have been the secret to a love that lasted more than 55 years.

Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1965 and retiring in 1985 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his military career, he earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His service reflected the same qualities that defined him throughout his life-grit, loyalty, and a deep sense of responsibility to those around him.

He was a storyteller in the truest sense of the word-the kind of man who could turn an ordinary encounter into a full-blown adventure. Every visit came with a tale, some wildly funny, some slightly unbelievable, all delivered with perfect timing. He talked about medical mishaps or a spider tattoo that somehow lost a leg, and just when a story felt too big to be true, you learned better than to doubt him, because somewhere behind the sheetrock in a bedroom closet, there really was an alligator handcuffed to the pipes. In a small town, he was a legendary character, known for his sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unmatched sense of humor. He had a rare gift for saying exactly what everyone else was thinking, but in a way only he could get away with. Life around him was never dull, and the laughter he brought into every room will be remembered long after the stories have been told.

His passion for martial arts was just as defining as his storytelling. He found Brazilian jiu jitsu later in life, walking onto the mat in his late sixties alongside college students and quickly earning the respect of everyone in the room. He received his blue belt in his seventies. He trained hard, rolled harder, and proved every day that determination matters more than age. He attended class the very day he died, doing exactly what he loved. Before jiu jitsu, he and his wife Ana shared years of teaching and competing in taekwondo. Both earned black belts, though Ana proudly outranked him-a fact he never disputed.

He lived with intention, showed up fully, and left the world richer for having been in it. A celebration of life will be held at First Methodist Church on January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service in the Old Fellowship Room.

Honorary pallbearers are U. S. Navy Seabees.

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01/05/2026

Leo Watkins

Leo Jerome Watkins, age 25, of Northport, Alabama, died January 2, 2026 in Northport, Ala. Services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Magnolia Chapel North with Pastor Pat Powell officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing. Visitation will be 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Magnolia Chapel North.

Survivors include his mother, Sheila Norris Watkins; brothers, Kobe Watkins, and Chad Watkins (Jennifer); sister, Ginger Roberts and special sister-in-law, Leah Taylor; niece, Khloe Watkins; nephews, Hunter Watkins, Max Roberts, Cooper Watkins, and Colton Watkins; and his beloved dog, Fluff.

Leo was born on January 20, 2000. He left us a few weeks shy of his 26th birthday. Leo was an avid outdoorsman - he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and appreciated nature. He had a kind, respectful disposition, and was an old soul with a jovial spirit. He loved adventures, going fast, and climbing heights.

Leo loved with his entire heart. He cherished his friends. Leo rarely met a stranger; conversation with others came easily to him.

Leo was naturally curious and spent time researching things that interested him. He enjoyed "tinkering" with and fixing things.

He is already dearly missed by his family.

Honorary pallbearers are Justin Simpson, CRNP, Byron Hocutt, Antonio Diaz, Wesley Phillips, Taylor Guy, Samantha VFD, Arbor Springs Baptist Church, Jerry Jarrell, Terry Smith, Jonas Minor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

01/02/2026

Mary Ruth Styes Burroughs

At the age of 99, our precious Momma and Mawmaw Burroughs, Mary Ruth Styes Burroughs (September 25, 1926 - December 31, 2025), stepped into Glory and into the arms of Jesus. She was cared for by Moundville Health and Rehab in Moundville, Alabama, and Amedisys Hospice. As the heart of our family, her life was a beautiful testimony of Christian faith, family devotion, and a loving kindness that left a lasting imprint on every heart she touched. She was born to Joe Ethard and Willie Belle Styes of Ralph, Alabama. Ruth was the oldest of five sisters, with one older brother. She was a 1944 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, and shortly after married J.T. Burroughs in Aliceville, Alabama. They were married for 61 years until his death in 2005. Together, they raised 3 children and built a long life together. Ruth lived a life defined by dedication and service to her family and community, working as a homemaker, skilled seamstress and quilter, school bus driver, and Sunday school teacher. She was also an amazing cook, especially known for her biscuits and fried chicken. In addition, she was a partner to J.T., helping run their small country store and egg production business in Romulus, Alabama.

She is survived by her 3 children: Faye Leavelle (Dick), Joe Burroughs (Janet), and Kathy Porter (Mike). Grandchildren: David Burroughs (Jackie), Susan Browning (Ronnie), Jenny Holman (Zak), Stephanie Moore (Butch), Christina Crawford (Paul), Bradley Porter (Brittney), and Kristin Robinson (Brian). Great-grandchildren: Alexis Montgomery (Josh), Caid Holman (Brantlee), Hope Browning, Brandon Moore (Hallie), Colton Holman, Grant Browning, Collin Holman, Ethan Moore, Ruthie Holman, Lily Porter, Ava Crawford, Sophie Porter, Caroline Robinson, Matthew Robinson, and Porter Robinson, and one great-great-grandchild, Tyson Holman. She is also survived by her sisters Charlotte Quarles and Nancy Palmer. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dalton Styes, and sisters, Doris Smith and Joanne Burns.

Pallbearers will be David Burroughs, Bradley Porter, Ronnie Browning, Butch Moore, Zak Holman, Paul Crawford, and Brian Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Grants Creek Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, and all friends and neighbors of the Romulus, Ralph, and Fosters communities.

The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. John Warren, the staff of Moundville Health and Rehab, and Amedisys Hospice. We would also like to thank her in-home caregivers Betty Rodgers and Lara Williams.

Funeral services will be on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Grants Creek Baptist Church in Fosters, Alabama, with visitation at 10:00, service at 11:00, and burial afterwards in Grants Creek Church cemetery. Bro. Don Springer and Bro. Steve Strickland will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Oak Ranch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

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01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

12/31/2025

As this year comes to a close, we pause to remember the lives we’ve honored and the families we’ve served. Thank you for trusting us with what matters most.

12/30/2025

Durand "Layne" Berry

Durand “Layne” Berry 5-21-46 to 12-22-2025

Born in May of 1946 to Martin Luther and Mary C. Berry in Saluda, SC. Layne held a host of small jobs including State Trooper in SC until he found his niche with American Laundry Machinery. Layne traveled the Southeast during his tenure and landed in Tuscaloosa AL. He later moved to Tuscaloosa and began working at DCH as their Laundry machinery maintenance. He was a diligent worker and did not retire until 2021.

Layne loved to visit the Mountains and share with family about the many trips and shops he loved to visit, always the candy shop, the Peddler, and the Pancake house.

Layne was a practical joker and quick witted to make those in his company smile and laugh regardless of the situation. He was a listening ear to many of his friends and family. He was also an avid animal lover with his Corky dogs, pony.

Layne was proceeded in death by his parents, second wife of 34 years Dorothy J Berry (2018), his daughter Cheryl Elizabeth Huffstetler (2019) and his son Rand Berry (2023)

He is survived by his first wife Susan Berry, son John R. Berry (Gretchen), his grandchildren Justin Berry and Kayla Huffstetler, sisters, Carol Brooks (Gary), and Barbara Blackwell (Clarence). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren who loved their Pop pop

Pallbearers are Roy Dailey, Shane Holman, John Berry, Justin Berry, Robert Blackwell, and Michael Ross

Honorary pallbearers are The staff at Blue Plate, especially his favorite server Angel, and his breakfast spot Waffle House.

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12/29/2025

Margarete D. Suttle

Margarete D. Suttle, 93 of Brent, passed away December 28, 2025 at Bibb Middle Center Nursing Home. A graveside service at Pineland Memorial Park will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:00 am with Rev. Steve Vernon officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing.

She is preceded in death by her husband James C. Suttle.

Survivors include her daughter, Teresa L. Suttle, sons, James C. Suttle, Jr. and Paul A Suttle, grandchildren, Paul Albert Suttle, Jr. Julie Mandy Suttle Nix, Lacey Suttle Mitchell, and William Russell Suttle.

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