Obituary

Rachel Suzanne (Sims) Parker

june 18, 1980 ~ august 8, 2021 (age 41)

Rachel passed away in the early morning hours of August 8, 2021, from her battle with pancreatic cancer. Although she lost her fight on Earth, Heaven has gained an angel. Her strife with medical issues first began as a child, yet she overcame and went on to build a beautiful life. Rachel was a kind and compassionate person that befriended many. Her proudest accomplishment were her three children that were truly gifts from God. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be remembered for her sharp wit and humor, as well as her grace and warmth. She loved family gatherings for Alabama football, the joy of music and the art of dance. She attended Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she studied Accounting and went on to become an asset to her profession. Her career started as a Staff Accountant at the firm of Potter, Bryant and Moore, CPA’s. This position led her to Mountain Brook City Schools where she served as the bookkeeper for Mountain Brook High School, working her way to the central office as the Payroll Manager. She recently made a career change to Pelham City Schools as the Payroll Manager where she found her true home. She is survived by her husband, Chris Parker and their three girls, Kaytlinn Marie Parker (19), Karen Margaret Parker (8), and Olivia Suzanne Parker (6). Her father, David Michael Sims and her stepmother, Carolyn, Birmingham, AL, her sisters, Leslie Sims Brown (John), Springville, AL, Dana Sims Pruitt (Lester), her in laws, Gary Parker (Rita), Southside, AL, her sisters-in-law, Andrea Hardin (EJ), Madison, AL, Kellie Arrington (Adam), Glencoe, AL and her beautiful nieces and nephew, Erin Mackenzie Barr, Dorothy Faye Pruitt, Slade Parker Arrington, Sadie Ruth Arrington, aunts, uncles, and cousins, that loved her dearly. Rachel was preceded in death by her devoted mother, Susan Margaret Sims.

Julian Barry Jacobi

march 6, 1944 ~ august 5, 2021 (age 77)

Julian Barry Jacobi aka the Man, the Myth, the Legend of Trussville, AL went to his heavenly home on Thursday, August 5th, 2021, at the age of 77. Barry was born in Charleston, SC on March 6th, 1944. Barry married Lura in 1971. They divorced in March 1984 and quickly remarried 4 months later. It was later found out they did this to receive a new toaster from a Sears newlywed promotion. Barry was also a loving Father of two exceptional and amazing children, David and Traci. Barry was also a grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to a slew of individuals. Barry attended Clemson University where he always informed people he played basketball at. Mind you he did not play basketball for Clemson, he just played at Clemson. After 5 years at Clemson while not obtaining a degree the government decided it would be better if he were drafted as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam war. Barry worked at BellSouth for 35 years. For 28 years he has also been working on repairing the back deck of the house and was no doubt intending to complete the project on the same 35 year schedule. He enjoyed working in the yard and working in the garden. Barry also enjoyed working on cars while weaving a tapestry of obscenities that are still hanging over Trussville as far as we know. Julian was always quick with a joke and known for not holding back his opinion whether one wished to know it or not. The family believes Barry’s main motivation for shuffling off this mortal coil was to avoid changing the d*** light over the stairs in the basement again, which coincidentally lost its light the day after Barry’s departure. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Christ Health Center - https://christhealthcenter.org/donate-now-healthcare-ministry Donate Now | Christian Healthcare Ministry | Christ Health. Donate Now Make an impact in our community. Your investment provides life-saving healthcare and the life-giving message of Jesus Christ to individuals and families in Birmingham. christhealthcenter.org

Gail Keith Wood

july 2, 1936 ~ august 10, 2021 (age 85)

Gail Keith Wood passed away on August 10, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Gentry Guyton, brothers William Brett Keith, Jr. and Wilburn W. Keith. She was predeceased by her parents, William Brett Keith, Sr and Hettie Ruby Wilson and her husband Charles E Wood. Gail was a graduate of Hewitt High School and a member of Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church for many years where she served on the Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, was Church Treasurer, and a member of many other church committees. Gail was a current member of Canterbury United Methodist Church and was an active participant on a number of projects. Gail had a long-storied career in banking and rose as one of the first females to a management position of Vice President. She was listed in “Outstanding Young Women of America”, “Who’s Who in American Women” and “Who’s Who in Alabama. She was active in ABA, NABW and served on the national board of ASWA. As a member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Gail served as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Finance Chair and President. She was a member of The Metropolitan Dinner Club and served as Executive Secretary and Treasurer. For many years Gail shared her love and affection for relatives and friends through her famous Christmas Fudge and enjoyed sharing new recipes with everyone. She was passionate about her family and especially her Grand Dog- Wilson. In lieu of flowers, Gail requested donations made to Embrace Alabama Kids, 3140 Zelda Court, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL. 36106

AJefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and sk Eddie Eddie Seal, Funeral Director perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion. We Make it Personal® , one family at a time.

What are My Choices for a Memorial Service?

Whether you’re thinking about your own passing and the subsequent funeral service- trying to get some plans on a paper for your survivors to follow and adhere to-or else working to put together a funeral for a loved one, you may feel like there are many big decisions to make, and choices aplenty.

Of course, it’s true that there are many choices. And while that may seem a little daunting and disorienting, it is ultimately a comfort: Today’s funeral and memorial services are highly customizable based on an individual’s preferences, beliefs, and needs. Whatever kind of service you wish to have, it can almost always be arranged through the help of a skilled funeral director.

The venue, for example, can be highly variable. Though funeral homes still host the majority of memorials services, there are also many people who choose to have funeral and memorials services in homes, churches or other places of worship, or even outdoors.

Music and multimedia are variable. Speaking with your funeral director, you can make arrangements for a local pianist, singing group, string quartet, or even a live band to provide an accompaniment that is either meditative or lively to the service; or, you can arrange for a full multimedia remembrance-video, pictures, slideshows, and beyond.

Many of today’s funeral services are essentially all-day affairs- gatherings where family and friends arrive not just to mourn but then to linger and to spend time in fellowship together long after the service itself is over. This of course, attends a need for catering and perhaps also for music, both of which a funeral director can help arrange.

Different families express grief uniquely, and every person has varying wishes for their own remembrances. Thankfully, there are funeral arrangements to suit just about anyone and it is entirely possible to record any future wishes through a pre-arrangement conference.

Jefferson Memorial

FUNERAL HOME AND GARDENS

205-322-0543 Betty Jean Bradford

february 12, 1952 ~ august 12, 2021 (age 69)

Betty Jean Bradford, 69 of Trussville, Alabama passed away on August 12, 2021 from complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease. Betty will be remembered as a sweet soul who loved everybody. She had warm eyes and smile on her face every day. Betty was born on February 12, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama to Linton and Ruby Battle. Betty had fourteen siblings. At the age of 7, her mother died and she was adopted and raised by Lois (Walton) Rollins. Betty attended Jones Valley and Holman Elementary Schools. She graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1971. On July 29, 1971, Betty married her loving husband John W. Bradford, Jr. They were married for fifty years. Betty’s hobbies consisted of caring for her family and her home. She accomplished this with a passion. Her love for her family was boundless. Over the years Betty worked primarily as a beautician but also as a dental assistant and as an office manager for a major general contractor. Betty is survived by her husband John of Trussville, AL, son Daniel Edward Bradford (Lisa) of Carmel, California, daughter Amanda Kelly Underwood (James) of Trussville, Alabama, grandchildren Ethan and Avery of Trussville, Alabama and Ella and Jack of Carmel, California. Surviving siblings include Linton Battle, Larry Battle, Terry Battle, Beverly Scannelly, Randal Walton and Rick Walton. She is also survived by numerous friends including her best friend Gail Smith. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Compassus Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Betty at the end of her life. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org)

Myra Wolfe

november 25, 1952 ~ august 11, 2021 (age 68)

Mrs. Myra “Penny” Wolfe, age 68, of Pell City passed away on August 11, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Wolfe was a kind and loving woman who adored her family, friends, Betty Boop, butterflies, and her two adorable fur babies Nelly and Max. Mrs. Wolfe is preceded in death by her husband Martin J. Wolfe; her son, Joseph Percy Acker III, brother, Douglas Chasteen, and her loving parents, Harry and Vivian Chasteen. She is survived by her children Carmen Acker, Misty Wolfe, Chris Acker, and Marty Wolfe III; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her sisters Vivian Gates and Cookie Williams.

Thomas Harold Roller

1945 – 2021

Roller, Thomas Harold, beloved husband and father, age 76 of Ashville, Alabama, died August 8, 2021. Mr. Roller was born in St. Paul, Virginia on March 11, 1945, son of Solomon Rhea Roller and Vena Monda Jessee. After serving in Vietnam, Mr. Roller married the love of his life, Dorothy Cole and they moved to Pinedale Shores, Ashville, Alabama, where he began a 35- year career with South Central Bell. Mr. Roller also served on the Pinedale Shores Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Roller was a selfless and highly intelligent man who devoted his life to caring for his family and his wife of 50 years, Dottie. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Roller, Ashville, Alabama; daughter, Julie (Tim) Humphrey, Southside, Alabama; granddaughter, Brittany (Brett) Page, Gadsden, Alabama; great-granddaughter, Krislyn Ella Page, Gadsden, Alabama; sister, Peggy Horner Tribble, Lebanon, Tennessee; brother-inlaw, Robert E. (Kathleen) Cole, Goodview, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Pat Roller, Lebanon, Tennessee; Neddie Roller, Lebanon, Tennessee, Sandy (Mike) O’Rourke, Boca Raton, Florida; and Teresa Cole, Springville, Alabama. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Please make donations in honor of Tom Roller to your favorite charity or share stories of either Mr. Roller or of your loved ones who have left us with such wonderful memories so that they may be remembered forever.

John Paganelli

august 6, 2021

John Michael Paganelli died at his home on August 6, 2021 in Trussville, Alabama surrounded by family, following a 2 year fight with pancreatic cancer. John was born January 6th, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the eldest child of Mike and Irene Paganelli. He was raised in Cincinnati, and graduated from Purcell High School. During those early years of being the oldest 8 siblings, John developed his hard working, loving, competitive, and childish spirit. John served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, then completed his Masters degree in Mathematics from Auburn University. He moved to Birmingham and had a 26 year career with Alabama Power (Southern Company Services), where he forged lifelong relationships with co-workers. He could be seen running down fly balls for the company softball team, grabbing a select few coworkers for a conference room meeting to watch Young Frankenstein, or even performing as the “Church Lady” at work functions. John cherished his family, friends, golf, and reading. He would smack gum and rip farts on road trips from Alabama to Cincinnati, as he would be super excited to see his siblings. John loved cutting up with people and especially connected well with young people — most likely due to his favorite tv shows of The 3 Stooges, Beavis and Butthead, and The Simpsons. John was rarely far away from a golf club. Whether playing at Grayson Valley Country Club or hitting balls toward the barn, he was always trying to improve his swing. John read many, many books that covered all different genres and never forgot a thing about them. It was impossible to stump him on any historical event. Most of all, John loved his God and was a Christian, so we can all be comforted knowing that he is pain-free and hanging out with Jesus. John was preceded in death by parents Mike and Irene, and brother Dennis Paganelli (2020). He is survived by his wife Phoebe Zandi, daughter Allison Paganelli, son Joey Paganelli (Whitney), brothers Terry (Judi), Tim, Tom, sisters Cathy Kaelin (Jim), Theresa Gorham (Mark), Patty Fox, and Peggy, grandchildren Hayes (13), Tanner (12), Delaney (10), and Hadley (10). During his illness, thoughts and memories shared with his wife, kids, and friends soothed him and brightened his day. John had a fun-loving and playful personality, and he will be dearly missed by many people. His memory will always be in our hearts, and therefore he will always be with us. by Joey Paganelli A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Daniel T. Crowley

aug. 11, 2021 (age 31)

Crowley, Daniel T. age 31, of Trussville, AL passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. He is the son of Randall Crowley and the late Paula Crowley. He was a lifetime resident of Trussville, he graduated from Trussville High School and continued his education at UAB where he graduated with a degree in accounting. He was employed at Triple Lawn Care. Visitation was held on Monday, August 16, 2021 at Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Forest Crest Cemetery at 11:00AM. Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directed services.

Kevin Lee Self

august 12, 1991 ~ august 11, 2021 (age 29)

Kevin Self, 29, passed away suddenly while swimming with friends on August 11, 2021. Born on August 12, 1991 to Steve and Darlene Self in Birmingham, AL, Kevin was fun-loving, kind-hearted, and generous to a fault. He loved all things Irish, even naming his beloved March-born Belgian Malinois puppy Clover. He was passionate about mixed martial arts and was both a student and a teacher at The Cage gym in Hoover. He considered his gym buddies a second family. Kevin was a member of the Faith Baptist Church family in Pinson. He is survived by his daughter, Kyleigh Self, mother, Darlene Self, and sister, Carrie Self, along with his grandparents, Calvin and Margaret Self and Charles and Peg Evans. He was predeceased by his father, Steven Self. The service for Kevin will be held on Wednesday, August 18, at 2:00pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens with visitation from 5-7pm on Tuesday evening.

Rufus A Sasser

february 6, 1930 ~ august 13, 2021 (age 91)

Rufus “Bill” A. Sasser, age 91, of Center Point, AL passed away on August 13, 2021. Bill was a long-time resident of Birmingham, AL. He retired from Roadway Express after 25 years of service as a diesel mechanic. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lila L. Sasser. He is survived by, three sons, Bill Sasser (Cathy), of Nashville, TN, Terry Sasser (Sherry), of Birmingham, AL and Barry Sasser (Jerri), of Lake Park, GA; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Shannon, Sabrina, Blake, Dustin, Melissa, Keith and Kevin; twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Rayford Sasser, of Childersburg. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Jefferson Memorial on Thursday, August 19th from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The funeral service for Bill will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. The burial will take place at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining garden. Reverend Ben Culpepper will be officiating.