Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers

In honor of Labor Day, we at Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers want to take a moment to thank our employees for their tireless dedication and care. Your hard work and compassion help families through their toughest times. We appreciate you!

MYTH: Hospice is only available in the last few days of life.
FACT: Hospice is available at any point that a physician certifies that a person has a life-limiting illness and life expectancy is 6 months or less. People live an average of 29 days longer in hospice care than alternative forms of end-of-life care (and often with more comfort, dignity and peace).

Mary Lee Sizemore Smith
March 7, 1948 - August 27, 2024

Mary Lee Smith (Sizemore), born on March 7, 1948, in Phoenix City, Alabama, passed away on August 27, 2024, in Millbrook, Alabama at the age of 76. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary is remembered for her selfless love and contagious laughter.

Mary spent her professional life as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Merrywood Lodge, where she dedicated herself to the care of her patients with the same love and care she reserved for her family. Her nurturing nature was evident both at work and home.

She was a woman of many interests, including visiting yard sales, exploring thrift stores, and reading her Bible, which brought her much joy and peace.

Mary leaves behind a loving family: her husband, William T. Smith; children, William S. Smith, Tracy L. Smith, Misty D. Smith, James T. Smith, and Crystal L. Smith; grandchildren, Kaci L. Stettler, Brandi L. Smith, Thomas J. Smith, Madison R. Lee, Jessica N. Smith, Kollin M. Wochok, Hannah G. Smith, Alec Nix, Zach Stettler, and Loren Smith; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth N. Smith, Evelyn R. Stettler, and Bryson J. Smith. She is also survived by her brother, David E. Sizemore. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Robert Sizemore; brothers, Johnny and Melvin; grandchild, Amanda J. Smith; and an unnamed great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to One for Israel. The Alabama Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama is assisting the family during this time. Mary's legacy of love and care will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

Julia Goolsby Holmes
March 13, 1949- August 26, 2024

Julia Goolsby Holmes, 75, died Monday, August 26, 2024 at her Andalusia, AL home after a multi-year battle with an aggressive form of dementia. Julia was the daughter of the late Earnest and Syble (Inabinett) Goolsby of Opp, AL and was also preceded in death by her sister, Diana Goolsby Blocker and numerous relations. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Holmes; daughter, Amy (husband, Christopher Johnson); grandson, Cameron, and other extended family members.

Julia spent her childhood in Dade City, FL; graduated from Straughn High School in Andalusia, AL; received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Troy University; and earned her doctorate at The University of Alabama. A lifelong educator, Julia served in the Alabama and Florida public schools as a classroom teacher and instructional coach; as the Director of Weekday Ministries and Concord Christian School at First Baptist Church Concord in Knoxville, TN; and as a university professor at East Tennessee State University, Johnson University, and Milligan University in Northeast Tennessee. A strong woman of faith, she also served in her local churches teaching Sunday School classes, working in children’s ministry in multiple capacities, and supporting missions work around the world. She treasured the many friendships formed throughout her life and especially loved re-connecting and keeping in touch with former students, classmates, and colleagues.

Although Julia retired from her career in education to take care of her parents until they both succumbed to dementia, she never quit teaching. In her last years, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandson Cameron, reading to him until her cognition declined and their roles reversed. Even after the loss of intelligible language, Julia continued to “teach” from her wheelchair, using her tray as a desk to do “creative writing” and “reading” children’s literature to her caregivers and family.

Details regarding a celebration of life service for Julia will be announced at a later date. For those wishing to do so, donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Milligan University’s School of Social Sciences & Education.

Will Smyth Saucer
February 13, 1991 – August 19, 2024

Will Smyth Saucer, age 33, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Will attended Saint James School and Troy University. He was an accomplished calf roper in youth, high school, college, and professional rodeo levels. He holds nearly a dozen state titles in multiple rodeo events, including an All-Around Championship award. He was known and well-loved for his contagious smile and generous heart.

Will was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lowery Pearson “Jack” and Barbara James, and paternal grandparents, Nattie and Willie Bell Saucer.
He is survived by his mother, Susan James; father, Billy Saucer; brother, Garrett Saucer (Mary Everette), nieces Lowery and Everette Saucer, special friend, Shelby Sipe and her daughters Bexley and Paisley and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A service to honor his memory will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at Cloverdale Baptist Church, 608 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wesley Church, 608 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106, or The Backyard Church in Auburn, Alabama, P.O. Box 1089, Auburn, AL 36831.

More than 8 million Americans don’t receive the help they need. That number is only increasing.The most recent warning came courtesy of a report earlier this month by the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at The New School. According to its calculations, in 2020, about 20 million Americans ages 55 and up needed assistance with daily tasks essential to living independently, from preparing meals to using the toilet. But almost 40% of those people — more than 8 million Americans -- receive no help at all. Those who can’t get the help they need are at much greater risk of injury, disability and death. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/americas-elder-care-crisis-re-not-ready-rcna129848

Opinion | America is aging into a crisis that we knew was coming More than 8 million Americans don’t receive the help they need. That number is only increasing.

Richard Smith
February 12, 1958 - August 14, 2024

Richard Smith passed away on August 14, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 56 years old.

He was born on February 12, 1958 to the late, Albert Lee and Betty Jane Starnes Smith. He is survived by his loving sisters, Teresa Smith Gregory (Tony) and Susan Smith Harding (Mark); and other friends and family members.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Funeral Etiquette
Paying Respect

At a service with an open casket, it's customary to show your respect by viewing the deceased and, if you wish, spending a few moments in silent prayer. The family may es**rt you to the casket, or you might approach on your own. Viewing the deceased is not mandatory, however, and you should do what is comfortable to you.

Robert A. Barron
August 31, 1951 – August 14, 2024

Mr. Robert A. Barron passed away in Opelika, Alabama on August 14, 2024 with his daughter by his side. He was 72 years old.

He was born in Opelika on August 31, 1951, to the late Mildred Ashley and Luther Barron. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Danny Barron; and stepfather, Dean Carter.

He is survived by his children, Chad Barron, Chris Barron, Kimberly Barron Oates ( Jason), Tommy Niolon ( Shonna), and Timmy Langdon ( Elissa);grandchildren, Alycety, Evany, Jaden, Alexis, Jordan,Destiny, Austin, Patrick, Savannah, Ashton, Tristan; siblings, Cecilia Olivas, Norma Ramirez, Gerardo Barron, Elizabeth Garcia, Adrianna Marquez, Alicia May, Linda Martin; step-mother, Olga Barron; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other friends and family members. He was dearly loved by those
who knew him and will be greatly missed.

NEW REVIELING HEALTHCARE GUIDE Find and compare Medicare-certified nursing homes based on a location, and compare the quality of care they provide and their staffing. A nursing home is a place for people who can't be cared for at home and need 24-hour nursing care.
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Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare Find Medicare-approved providers near you & compare care quality for nursing homes, doctors, hospitals, hospice centers, more. Official Medicare site.

If you recently lost someone, you may be questioning your previous ideas about grief. You may be wondering what is wrong with you because you know you’ll never be the same again. You may not be able to imagine your sadness ever going away.

Let’s explore the concept of grief. We’ll discuss the stages of grief and what they mean. Then we will discuss the role of grief counseling and support groups.

Grieving Process: Not What You Think | Alabama Funeral Homes Most people would define grief as a feeling of great sadness that follows a loss. Since you often hear the two words “grieving process” together, some surmise that the end result of the grieving process is that your sadness goes away. If you recently lost someone, you may be questioning your pre...

Taking care of yourself is crucial in order to effectively care for others. Your parents rely on you, and ensuring your own well-being is crucial for effectively fulfilling your role.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-from-menninger/202312/7-tips-for-parenting-parents

7 Tips for Parenting Parents Caregiving is possible without sacrificing your own life.

Demystifying the Cremation Costs in Alabama
We know that you have a lot to consider when making end-of-life plans.
https://www.alabamafuneralhomes.com/demystifying-the-cremation-costs-in-alabama/

Demystifying the Cremation Cost | Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers Demystifying the Cremation Costs in Alabama We know that you have a lot to consider when making end-of-life plans. Planning your own services may feel surreal, especially if you are facing a life-threatening disease. You may struggle with your choices and may feel torn between what your family membe...

Your testimonials motivate us to maintain our high standards of care and support. We're here for you, always. 334-946-4127
Visit our website to see many more 5 star Reviews https://www.alabamafuneralhomes.com/testimonials/

Funeral Etiquette

What to Do at a Funeral

While at a funeral, be attentive of what’s expected of you. If the family gives any instructions, quietly follow them. The day is about them and the deceased, so guests should make things run as smoothly as possible. It is completely understandable if you cry. Funerals are for paying your respects to the deceased after all. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, it is okay to quietly dismiss yourself from the service so long as you don’t draw attention to yourself. Be sure to avoid any possible distractions. This includes turning your phone off or on silent and leaving it in your pocket or purse during the entire service. Likewise, if you have a persistent cough, bring cough drops to help. If you have young children along, make sure to set expectations ahead of time. Let them know they are expected to be quiet and polite during the funeral. If your child becomes fussy or loud, it is best to take them outside until they calm down.

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.
~Helen Keller

Jacqueline Blue

December 22, 1940 – July 19, 2024

We are beyond sad over the sudden loss of our mom, wife, maw maw, mother-in-law and cherished friend. Jackie Blue will be missed by so many people. She was a lover of nature, dancing, her family and friends. She always put herself last to make sure others were taken care of.


She is survived by the love of her life, husband, Buddy Blue; her daughter, Debi and husband Jim Rodgers; daughter, Cindy Stone; granddaughter, Jennifer; grandson, Matt; great-grandson, Tyler; and great-granddaughter, Kendall.


We will celebrate her life at 11:00am (Central Time) on Saturday, August 3rd, at Wedowee First United Methodist Church, 116 Broad St., Wedowee, AL 36278

RIP mom, we love you! ❤️
12.22.1940 - 7.19.2024

When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.
Snoopy ❤️

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in mom's name to Birds Georgia at https://www.birdsgeorgia.org or the World Wildlife Federation at https://www.nathab.com/? .

How to Find Alabama Obituaries Online
Here are some tips for finding an obituary in Alabama for free. However, if you aren’t able to find one using these common resources, it could be that no one took the time to write one.

How to Find Alabama Obituaries Online | Alabama Funeral Home Before we discuss how to find Alabama obituaries online, it’s essential that you realize that not every person who has died has an obituary written about them. In addition, there’s no legal requirement that an obituary needs to be published in a newspaper or a website that specializes in online ...

Robert L. Blokzyl

November 7, 1943 -July 22,2024

Robert L. Blokzyl of Crookston, MN passed away in Dadeville, AL at the age of 80.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Helen Blokzyl; brother, Charlie
Blokzyl; sister, Eunice Schulz; and son, Jeff Brenna.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rona Blokzyl; children, Mark Blokzyl, Lori Benson,
Jill (Brian) Cook, and Tom Brenna; grandchildren, Ryan and Luke Blokzyl, Jeffery and Jonathan Brenna, Chad Gaunt, and Adam Cook; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Auburn, and Griffin Gaunt.
He was loved and will be greatly missed. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

Celebration of Life service will be held on August 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Red Ridge Methodist Church located at 8091 Co. Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853.

The grief process for children varies depending on the age group, personality, family circumstances, and other factors. If you know a grieving child, here’s some information on how to help them.

Supporting Children Through the Grief Process The grief process for children varies depending on the age group, personality, family circumstances, and other factors. If you know a grieving child, here's some information on how to help them. What's Important to Note About the Grief Process for Children Before we offer advice on supporting a chil...

Honor a lifetime of wonderful memories with the services we offer.

https://www.alabamafuneralhomes.com/cremation/

Alabama Cremations | Alabama Funeral Home and Cremation Cremation Cremations Starting at $995 Call us 24/7 at 334-378-4500 or request more information below. Honor a lifetime of wonderful memories with the services we offer below. Direct Cremation Sometimes, you just want to say goodbye on your own terms, in your