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Hugh McClendon

october 18, 1940 — march 31, 2023

Hugh McClendon, age 82, of Birmingham, passed away on March 31, 2023.

Hugh was retired from Jefferson County as a Senior Probation Officer and Court Magistrate. He was a member of St. Mark’s the Evangelist Catholic Church. Hugh was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1940, and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, and also obtained two Masters Degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th at the Chapel at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, with the funeral mass to follow at 2:00 p.m. also at St. Mark’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh Morrow and Susie Ross McClendon, as well as brother Jim McClendon.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 59 years Linda McClendon, daughter Sallie McClendon Brand (Jack), sisters Mary Jo McClendon Hand (Bob), Suzanne McClendon Taylor (Joe), granddaughters Lila Brand Mandel (Austin), Reed Brand, and Walter-Ann Brand. Hugh greatly loved his family and The Alabama Crimson Tide.

We love you “Poppy,” and can’t wait to see you again! Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Catholic Church or ProHealth Hospice Birmingham.

Robbie Palmer

march 30, 1938 — march 31, 2023

Robbie Sue Barnett Palmer of Shelby Shores, age 85, born March 30th 1938, died peacefully in her sleep on the eve of March 31, 2023. Robbie Sue was originally from Talladega, Alabama, a graduate of Winterboro high school. Funeral arrangements have been made at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville located at 1591 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, Ala 352023. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and graveside service will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30am.

Robbie Sue was a strong fiery, feisty, woman with a great sense of humor. She grew up with 3 older sisters and a younger brother. After graduating high school, she convinced one of her older sisters to move to Birmingham with her. Robbie Sue started working at the Industries for the Blind. She understood disabilities and challenges, she had contracted polio at 15 months.

Robbie Sue continued to thrive in Birmingham and while her sister returned home, she found another roommate and a different job at Hayes Aircraft, where she met Robert Grayson Palmer, her husband of 64 years as of last July.

Robbie Sue was a homemaker for many years and then later ventured outside the home to work after her children were older. She worked many different jobs but then found several that would shape her as an advocate for children and senior citizens. She worked as a child care teacher, an intake worker in two different overnight facilities that rescued children from abusive homes. She later worked as a teacher in Head Start in Columbiana, and much later, a field representative for the Black Lung Association in Shelby county, driving all over, to locate and inform miners of benefits and resources to assist them with a diagnosis of black lung. Many years later she was manager for at the original location of the Columbiana Senior Citizens Program on the Aging, advocating for a new building and eventually getting to see that vision come true.

Robbie Sue Barnett Palmer is preceded in death by parents: Harvey Lee Barnett and Cora Lee Kelly Barnett, two of three sisters- Agnes Barnett and Alice Barnett Houghston, and one brother, Jimmy Barnett. She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Robert Grayson Palmer, daughter Lea Roxanne Palmer Jones, son, Robert Taft Palmer and one sister, Louise Barnett Sewell.

Suzan Kiser

july 19, 1963 — april 4, 2023

Suzan Kiser, 59, beloved Wife, Daughter, Mother, and Grandmother, was called to her eternal resting place on April 4, 2023. She entered this world on July 19, 1963 in Birmingham, AL, born to Linda Houser. She is survived by her husband Michael Kiser; mother Linda Houser; son Joel Kiser; daughter Sam Kiser; grandsons Ryan Kiser and Riley Kiser-Kilgore. A memorial service will be held on 15 April 2023 at 2pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens.

Herbert McBride, Jr.

april 16, 1938 — april 2, 2023

Herbert Leon McBride Jr. of Trussville passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023, after a battle with Alzheimers, surrounded by his family.

Herb was born in Helena, Alabama on April 16,1938. He grew up in Birmingham and was a graduate of Woodlawn High School. While there, Herb played for both championship football and baseball teams. Throughout his lifetime, his love for Woodlawn continued with longtime friends devoted to giving scholarships through The Kenny Morgan Scholarship Foundation, where he served on the board.

Herb attended Auburn University and Howard College. In 1960, he married the love of his life of 62 years, Anita Harper McBride. He was a member of the 117th National Guard Unit where he served in France during the Berlin Crisis.

Herb dedicated his life to serving others through the Herb McBride Insurance Agency where he retired in 2003. He served on many boards and organizations in Jefferson County, including The Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center where he helped lay the groundwork of the new stadium that is there today. He was a member at Crosspoint Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama.

Herb was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He adored his family and loved celebrating their accomplishments. Herb and Anita were blessed with three children: Debbie McBride Gossett (Tom), Ronnie McBride (Koni) and Donnie McBride (Cori). He was the Papa to Matthew Gossett, Lacey Gossett Gurley (Will), Madalyn McBride Lyle (Kameron), Malorie McBride, Jaxon Waldrop and Presley McBride. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Leon McBride Sr. and Pauline South McBride. He is survived by his sister, Patricia McBride Fallows of Tucson, Arizona. Never meeting a stranger, Herb loved and valued the many friendships that he made throughout his life. He longed to be around people, invested in them and was so curious about the lives of others. When you were around Herb, he made you feel like the most important person in the room. He was very generous and loved by so many. While he will be missed, the impact he made on the lives of others will forever live on.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

A private graveside will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in Trussville, AL.

Margaret Ross

october 8, 1943 — april 4, 2023

Margaret Alice Hay Ross was born on October 8, 1943 in Tampa, Florida to Robert Welborn Hay and Jessie Mae O'Barr. Margaret was raised and attended school in Leeds, Alabama. Margaret studied to become a laboratory technician and worked as such for The Red Cross, Dr. Clark Gravlee and Dr. Joe Bancroft. She loved dancing, decorating, growing flowers, especially orchids and her dogs. But more than anything she loved her family and friends. In 1985 she married Chuck Ross and they had a wonderful life together. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Chuck Ross and her son, Robert Watson. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Robert Welborn and Jessie Mae Hay.

Margaret fought a long and difficult battle with both Crohns Disease and COPD. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Crohns and Colitis Foundation or COPD Foundation.

Margaret's service will be family and close friends at the grave site.

The family would like to sincerely thank Compassus Hospice and Dr. Brian Flanagan with Eastern Pulmonary.

Linda Nix

september 11, 1945 — april 3, 2023

Linda Nell Nix was born on September 11, 1945 and passed away on April 3, 2023. Ms. Nix was a member of Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Nix and her daughter, Stephanie Suzanne Nix. She is survived by her loving son, Brian Nix. The funeral service for Ms. Nix will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Visitation held one hour prior. Pastor Jeff Oates with Palmerdale Cross Baptist Church will preside over the service.

Jane Sandford Poole

april 22, 1945 — march 31, 2023

Helping Children Through the Loss of a Parent

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than when a young child loses a parent. It can be an incredibly challenging circumstance for the surviving parent, who must help their child navigate grief while also going through their season of mourning.

Many parents believe their primary role is to protect their children from intense sadness and to project an image of strength; as such, they try to keep their grief private. It can be healthy for your child to see you shed tears or mourn in some other way. It helps them understand that what they are going through is normal and that it’s okay for them to express their sadness in whatever way is natural.

Something else that some parents do is try to avoid the topic of grief, leaving it as the unmentioned elephant in the room. Again, this inclination comes from a good place but may be counterproductive. The effect can be isolating if your child feels like they cannot talk about death or grief. Always be ready to ask questions and have conversations, but let the child set the tone; if they’re not yet ready to talk, there’s no need to force it.

More than anything, you must listen and reassure your child that you love them and will care for them. Help your child see that there are still things to feel joyful about, even in grief.

205-322-0543

1591 Gadsden Hwy Birmingham, AL 35235

Jane Sandford Poole was born April 22, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama to Jewell Stewart Harwell and Thomas Edward Harwell. She passed peacefully from this earth surrounded by family and friends on March 31, 2023. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jewell Harwell, father, Thomas Harwell, precious husband Elbert Poole and beloved son Randall Dane Sandford. Mrs. Poole graduated from Phillips High School in January 1963 and went to work for Southern Bell. She retired after a long and successful career in 1995. After her retirement, she took a job in the medical field for the next 12 years . One of her greatest joys was her grandchildren. You could always count on seeing her at any sporting event or school function. She married Elbert Poole in 2007. They enjoyed 11 happy years together. She was a member of Cathedral of the Cross (Huffman Assembly) for 37 years and was a devoted Hostess for over 20 years, also serving as head hostess for many of those years. After this time she and her devoted husband Elbert joined Gardendale First Baptist for 9 years to be nearer to their home. Most recently she was an active of The Healing Place in Trussville.

Survivors include sister Montez O’Neal, daughter in law, Cindy Sandford, grandsons Austin and Andrew Sandford and Brandon and Sterling Scott, stepdaughter Rona (Wade) Scott, great grandkids Kavan, Kaleb, Aiden, Lucas, Blakely and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Please join us for a special time of celebrating the life of Jane Poole with her family and friends. Visitation will be on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with services immediately following at The Healing Place Church in Trussville. Reverend Anthony Bellew officiating Flowers or Donations to Youth Missions at Cross Point Church, 8000 Liles Lane, Trussville, AL 35173.

Gene Strickland

august 6, 1938 — march 31, 2023

Gene Gary Strickland, age 84, of Gardendale, AL passed away on March 31, 2023. Gene was born August 6, 1938 to Clarence and Mertice Strickland. He was a native of Brilliant, AL and graduated from Brilliant High School.

Gene was firefighter for the city of Birmingham, AL for 27 years before retiring.

He was a member of North Gardendale Church of Christ.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bertha Strickland; his daughters, Gina West (Charles) and Rhonda Brown; grandchildren, Garrett West, Gary Brown and Chris Brown.

The funeral for Gene will be held on Friday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with visitation for friends and family held one hour prior to the service. A private committal will be held for family only following the chapel service.

Willodean Payne

may 12, 1933 — march 31, 2023

Willodean Wilson Payne of Hoover and formerly Forestdale passed away on March 31 at the age of 89. She recently shared that she had a good life, was tired and ready to go.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton (C.L.) Payne, and sister, Shirley Patton. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Lynn Hamrick (David). She was a loving care giver to my Grandmother and later my Dad. She retired from Durr Surgical Supply in 1990 after 30 years of service and made many lifelong friends.

She had many friends and was a well- loved in the community. There are so many wonderful neighbors: Pat, Joy, Nina, Sri, Jsri and our second family, the Plummers. Mother and Dad had the opportunity to travel upon retirement, many times with our dear friend, Elise. Dana, Dr. Ernst and Merry Gordon were special friends from the Sr. Center. She always felt her best when leaving Steve from The Look and loved him so.