Spry Memorial Chapel Funeral

08/08/2025

Dorothy Lorene King, age 92, of Russellville, passed away on Friday morning August 08, 2025, at Terrace Manor Nursing Home.

Dorothy was born September 28, 1932, to parents Jannie & Odie Roden. She was a member of Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church. She drove a school bus for 40+ years for Tharptown School, and when she retired she continued to substitute driving a bus for Tharptown and Russellville City, until the age of 84. She loved driving a school bus and watching any kind of ballgames, especially Alabama Football and Atlanta Braves Baseball.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Newton King; parents, Jannie & Odie Roden; sister, Martha Seahorn, and her sons, Bobby King and Thomas King.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, sister, Delois Lawrimore, sister, Jean Grisham, brother Curtis Roden (Rachel), son, Ronald King (Darlene), daughter Fay King, son Randy King (Renay), Donna King (widow of Bobby King), Geraldine King (widow of Thomas King). Grandchildren, Brandi Riggs (Jimmy), Bethney Britton (Barry), Jared King (Lindsay), Todd Brown (Robin), Jessica Fischer (Dave), Josh Brown, Stephanie Bean (Kevin), Stephen King (Amanda), Marissa Evans (Jason), Micheala King (Jonathon Ho**er) and mother Amy King, Loren Bullard (Luke), great-grandchildren Gabby Riggs, Colton Riggs, Hailey Mitchell (William Copeland), Brock Britton (Peyton), Braxton Mitchell, Josie King, Trace King, Stacy Brown, Macy Brown, Karrah Nichols, Kaden Nichols, Karson Bean, Masie Bean, Ryilee King, Emilee Mashburn, Ben Mashburn, Will Evans, Lane Evans, Madalyn Evans and Grant Ho**er, great-great-grandchildren, Ellie Britton and Daxton Copeland; and a host of nieces & nephews.

The visitation will be 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Bobby Amos and Bro. Stanley Hargett officiating the service. The burial will be at Bethsaida Baptist Church.

The pallbearers will be Braxton Mitchell, Karson Bean, Brock Britton, William Copeland, Kevin Bean and Jonathan Ho**er. The honorary pallbearers will be Kaden Nichols, Trace King, Colton Riggs, Will Evans, Lane Evans, and Grant Ho**er.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

08/06/2025

Mary Elizabeth “Izzie” Jett, age 44, of Russellville, passed away on Tuesday, August 05, 2025 at Russellville Hospital.

Izzie attended Shades Valley International Baccalaureate High School. She was just a few hours short in earning her Master’s Degree. She was extremely talented at writing, singing, and playing music. Izzie was a special lady with a wonderful gift of worship and was very involved with worship songs at Restoration Ranch, Redemption Outreach Church and Russellville Dream Center. She will be very missed by everyone that was blessed to know her.

She is survived by her mother, Janet Turner Atkins (Rusty Dooley) and daughter, Emily Madison Jett.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Leah Caroline Nelson; father, Steven Atkins; and her grandmother.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

08/04/2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Adelaide “Addie” Julia Betz, a devoted wife, mother, beloved family member, and cherished friend. She left this world peacefully on July 26th at the age of 86, at Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing & Rehab in Florence, Alabama.

Born on January 19, 1939 in New York, Adelaide brought light and warmth wherever she went. She was the loving and steadfast wife of Robert Betz, a proud Navy sailor, whose service she supported with unwavering strength and grace. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, dedication, and love—a true partnership that inspired all who knew them.

Adelaide embraced life with open arms and an ever-present smile. Her joyful spirit was contagious, her laughter filled every room, and her compassion touched the hearts of many. She was a loving wife of 58 years and daughter but also a devoted godmother to two treasured girls, whom she loved as her own and guided with kindness and care.

She was preceded in death by husband, Robert Betz, her father, Robert Ruess and mother, Julia Ruess and close family friends, Frederick & Dana Burns. She is survived by her son , Jerry Betz and her god daughters, Erika Burns Sullivan and Regina Burns Cantrell.

Though she may be gone from our sight, her love, laughter, and light will forever remain in our hearts.
"Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. The date and time will be announced.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.

08/01/2025

Annette Crowden Saint, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at her residence in Phil Campbell.

Annette was a kind woman who loved her family very much and always took care of everyone. She raised probably over half the kids in Phil Campbell because her house was always warm and welcoming, you could get something to eat, or just a comforting place to be. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Christy Saint (Tommy), Heath Saint (April); grandchildren, Austin Saint, Ethan Saint, Garrett Crowden, Aidan Day; sister, Carolyn Pratt; brother, Scott “Buddy” Crowden; and a host of nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years William Delton Saint; son, Tracy Shea Saint; parents, Robert & Christine (Weems) Crowden; brother, Anthony “Tony” Crowden; and sister, Carmen “Candy” Crowden.

The visitation will be 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 03, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in the chapel with Bro. Robbie Tidwell speaking at the service. The burial will be at Tharptown Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Austin Saint, Garrett Crowden, Aidan Day, Ethan Saint, Landon Fell, and Eric Mills.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

08/01/2025

Jonathan Daniel Myrick, better known as Jhonner, age 41 years old, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his residence.

Jhonner was a special one-of-a-kind guy. He played football in high school, loved Alabama football, and enjoyed music with his friends. He was a great friend who could always make you laugh.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Zoe Myrick (Blake Jarrell) and her mother, Tiffany Crawford; parents, Paden & Sherry Myrick; siblings, Jamie Myrick (Rebekah), Jessie Myrick; nieces, Raegan Myrick, Jacie Mae Myrick; uncle, Tony Myrick (Diane); cousins, Lacey Austin (Matt) and Finleigh, Trey Quinn & family, Chad Quinn & family; as well as a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his BFF Yvonne Russell; his lifelong friends, Alan Hicks (Laura), Wesley Holden (Heather), Jacob Robinson (Erin), Kody Wyatt (Morgan), Zack Allen (Whitney), Matt Crum (Ashley), Chris Bentley (Heather), and many others.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Daniel & Sarah Fuller, Jim & Hazel Myrick; cousin, Benjamin Quinn; and Elmo Martinez, Robert Holden, and Bill Russell.

The visitation will be 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 02, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Bro. Dennis Steward and Bro. Trevor Hallmark officiating the service. The burial will be at Gargis Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Wesley “Strap” Holden, Alan Hicks, Jacob Robinson, Zack Allen, Chase Hicks, Kody Wyatt, Mark Hall, Joe Lane, Mitch Rhea, Eric Warhurst, Turner Richardson, Tony Myrick, and Jacob Hill.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone above for your love, care and what you meant to Jhonner. Also, we want to thank the first responders for your kindness for our family.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/28/2025

Joshua Lee Chaney, age 43 of Russellville, tragically drowned by swimming near McFarland Park in Florence on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Joshua was very loving, hardworking man who was always willing to help anyone. The family rejoices in knowing that he met Jesus two weeks ago, became a Christian, and was baptized. He was a devoted Auburn fan. He was “100 % a momma’s boy” who especially loved his momma, his daughters, his grandchildren, his family, and his friends.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughters, Brianna Chaney (Trent Risley), Ashlee Smith (Shane); grandchildren, Ella Risley, Genesis Risley, Charlee Risley, Ava Hutchins, Logan Smith, Karson Smith; mother, Rina Chaney; siblings, Tim Chaney (Christy), Larry Chaney (Vicky), Jonathan Chaney; step-siblings, AJ Johnson, Marie Johnson, Emma Randolph; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rickey Eugene Chaney; brother, Brian Chaney; and all of his grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the 2nd Chance Rehab Center for leading Josh on a straight path and loving him like family. Also, we want to thank all of the agencies involved in the search which included the Florence Police Department, Florence Fire and Rescue, Colbert County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Marine Police, and Sheffield Police Department, Dive teams, watercraft, and drones who were utilized in the operation.

Since this was a very tragic accident, the family is needing and asking for any donations to help cover the funeral costs. They would appreciate any donations or prayers that you can offer. These donations can be brought to Spry Memorial Chapel or called into the funeral home, 256-332-1122.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/23/2025

The time for the graveside service for Annie Lou Peppers was listed originally as 1:00. That was our mistake. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The graveside service is at 11:00 a.m. at Shady Grove Cemetery.

07/23/2025

Annie Lou Peppers, age 98, of Phil Campbell, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Annie Lou was born on October 31, 1926, as one of eight children. She grew up during the Depression and knew how to stretch a dollar. She worked as an inspector with Blue Bell for over thirty years and worked hard to provide for her sons. She loved to have company and enjoyed cooking for them. She was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church in Phil Campbell. She was extremely talented in making beautiful quilts that she quilted by hand.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her sons, Michael Peppers and Kenny Peppers. She is also survived by her special niece, Jenny Miles (Darrell), as well as several other nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frances Seth Peppers; parents, Parker & Mattie (Thomas) Evans; siblings, Willie Partain, Gladys Nichols, Eve Arnold, Genell Preston, Dick Evans, Mickey Evans, and Ralph Evans.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Old Shady Grove Cemetery. Bro Sammy Taylor will speak at the service.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks the nurses and staff of Alabama Hospice of Shoals, Christian Lauderdale, and Jasmine for your love and care of our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Old Shady Grove Cemetery, c/o Michael Peppers, 1315 Pike Avenue, Phil Campbell, Al 35581.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/21/2025

Jimmy Wayne “Higgins” Smith, age 64, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Wayne was given the nickname “Higgins” in junior high and it stuck with him throughout high school. He worked as a steel worker at Constellium for over 20 years. He loved fishing and found ways to go fishing even right up to the end. He loved listening to music and his favorite artist and song was Eddie Money "Take Me Home Tonight. He was a devoted Alabama fan, Roll Tide.

He is survived by his fiancé Karen Malone-Belk; son, Jaxon Smith; grandchild, Raylan Wayne Smith; brother, Rodney Smith (Kesli); niece & nephew, Dylan Smith, Kendra Sampson; aunt, Kay Fuller; several cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Leon & Betty (Fuller) Smith.

The visitation will be 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. The burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.

The pallbearers will be Rodney Smith, Danny Nelms, Dylan Smith, Dylan Darby, and Heath Hale

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of North Alabama for the love and care of our family.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/20/2025

Connie Mae Wilson Lawson, age 79, of Russellville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at her residence.

Connie retired from years of working at HD Lee’s. She was a care giver for many years, even taking care of her husband until his final breath. She was a truly remarkable woman who excelled as a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. She always loved to laugh and watch people.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Cindy Kimbrough (Mike), Van Lawson (Elaine), Sherry Young (Tommy), Teresa James (Byron); grandchildren, Linda Bohannon (Brandon), Nikki Moore, Josh James, Tyler James (Carissa), McKenzie Luster (Peyton), Chris Lawson (Candi), Nathan James, Alana Cheek, Memoree Cochran (Anthony), Ashton Wimberley (Justin); great-grandchildren, Timothy Dotson, MaKayla Dotson, Easton Arnett, Zoe Moore, Liam James, Lindley James, Ivy Luster, Ellie Lawson, Roxi Cochran, Piper Cochran, Kruz Cochran, Dax Wimberly, Ella Blayke Wimberly; siblings, Betty Mathis , Ann Campbell, Billy Wilson (Glenda); sisters-in-laws, Angel Harris, Sandra Cagle; and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Earl Lawson; parents, Hazel East, Willie “Billy” Wilson; sister, Bobbie Martin; grandparents, Maudie Mae Wells and PE Wells.

The visitation will be 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Timothy Dotson officiating the service. The burial will be at Knights of Pythias Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Josh James, Tyler James, Peyton Luster, Chris Lawson, Keith Mathis, and Van Lawson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to her sister-in-law, Angie Harris, who once lived with Connie and took such good care of her. Also, we want to thank Sandy Posey, Jessica Tharpe, Lindsey Potter, Mandy Horton, Greta Boutwell, and everyone at Hospice of North Alabama for your love and care of our family.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/20/2025

Melvin Jerrell Johnson, age 72, of Phil Campbell, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his residence. He was born April 25, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Melvin was a loving husband, father, brother, and just all around a good man. He spent his entire life working and living for his four children and his wife, Donna. He sacrificed himself to help others.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Jo Mills Johnson; children, Crystal Lohenis, Kim Wilson (Kenney), Amy Rupley (George), Kevin Johnson; grandchildren, Kayla Cooper, Kendra Lindsey (Rick), Mack Baker (Caden), Thomas Baker, Tommy Rupley (Brittany), Samantha Huguley (Johnathan), Caleb Rupley (Keariston), Dylan Wilson, Madison Wilson; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Brenda Vuletich, Jerry Johnson (Susie), Judy Wright (Mike), Shelia Bentley (Ershel), Sandra Juarez; special nephews, Michael Vuletich, Joshua Baker as well as a host of other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death his mother, Lexie May Poss; and father, Melvin C. Johnson (Mutt)

The visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The burial will be at Spruce Pine Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Mack Baker, Thomas Baker, Tommy Rupley, Alex Cooper, Ayden Cooper, and George Rupley. The honorary pallbearers will be Kenney Wilson, Steven Moore, Rick Lindsey, Shane Baker, and Eli Leavell.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for your support, kindness, and prayers during this difficult time.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

07/17/2025

Larry Wayne Cothrum age 51, of Russellville, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his residence.

Larry was a good man with a big heart. He loved fishing and was an avid Alabama fan. He enjoyed spending time with his son, grandson, his nieces & nephews, his family and his friends. Larry fought a good fight, but his body was tired. We have peace knowing that he is healed and in the arms of Jesus.

He is survived by his son, Brandon Cothrum (Shelby Hollins); grandson, Brantley Cothrum; mother, Diane Bass (Mark); siblings, Joanie Hall (Brett), Brandon Cothrum (Erica), Faith James (Tyler); uncle, Carl Williams; several nieces & nephews; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Cothrum, grandparents, Jimmy & Sue Williams, Henry & Gladys Cothrum and three angel grandbabies.

The visitation will be 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow in the chapel at 1:30 p.m. with Bro. Nick McSpadden officiating the service. The burial will be at Gray Rock Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Brandon Cothrum, Nathan Gray, Chase Green, Brett Hall, and Braden Hall.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Alabama Hospice for your love and care.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To give private condolences, please visit our website at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.