Magnolia Chapel Funeral Homes

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.

View Mary Ruth Styes Burroughs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Durand "Layne" Berry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Margarete D. Suttle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Dawn Michale Simpkins

Dawn Michale Simpkins

August 2, 1958 ~ December 17, 2025

Dawn was born to Kaye and Mary Spencer in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Avondale High School in 1976. She met the love of her life, Michael Dean Simpkins, and they were married December 17, 1977.

They Settled in Avon Township, but loved to travel. Both avid campers and boaters they spent many happy days traveling with their children and eventually grandchildren. Dawn was always up for an adventure.

Driving a school bus was her favorite career and she became very attached to the children in her care. For 15 years she drove a bus at Avondale and later for Sawyerville Headstart in Alabama. After her husband Michael's retirement from General Motors in 2008, the couple traveled nomad style for 7 years, touring the United States. Dawn loved to collect cookbooks and rocks from the various regions of our country. Eventually settling down roots in Akron, Alabama in 2014, they established another home together. Besides cooking, sewing, reading, and crafting Dawn liked to sit on the back deck Michael built her, watching the hummingbirds and other wildlife. She called her haven, The Tree House, as it was built over a ravine and faced the woods.

Dawn is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Michael Simpkins, Sr., son, Michael, Jr. (Dawn), grandchildren, Jenna (19), and Jackson Dean "JD" (13), devoted daughter, Megan, grandson, Ryan (14), son Matthew (Sara), granddaughters, Anna (19), and Casey (17). Also surviving are her siblings Kathleen Gibson and Jeff Spencer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at The Vine Church at 70 Owen Street , Moundville, Alabama 35474

View Dawn Michale Simpkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Start the new year with peace of mind.
As you set goals for the year ahead, take this moment to plan for what matters most, protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are honored.

Resolve to plan ahead today.

12/26/2025

Michael Bretzke

Michael Bretzke, age 51, of Coker, Ala., passed away December 24, 2025 at his residence. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at Magnolia Chapel North followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Tommy Lenoir will be officiating and Magnolia Chapel North will be directing. The family will receive friends after the service in the banquet room of Magnolia Chapel North.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Ryder Howie; and niece, Courtney Simmons.

Survivors include his wife, Dawn Bretzke; daughter, Anna Lenoir (Phillip); son, Jacob Bretzke; sister, Rochelle Howie (Kevin); and parents, Richard and Linda Bretzke; nephew, Austin Howie (Melissa), and their son, Callan; nephew, Bradly Ritzheimer; nieces, Krista and Brooklyn Ritzheimer and Chelsea Agin; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michael Bretzke was born on December 14th, 1974 in Havre, Montana where he lived his early years before moving to Alabama. As a loving husband, son, father, brother, and friend, Mike touched the hearts of everyone around him. Mike moved to Alabama in junior high and finished out high school at Tuscaloosa County High. He then pursued an education at the University of Alabama where he got his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering and later his MBA. Mike worked at PGP Operating for over 10 years and truly loved his job and the people he worked with.

Mike met the love of his life, Dawn Bretzke, in 1997 and together raised two children, Anna and Jacob. His family was his greatest joy and he dedicated his life to supporting, loving, and guiding them.

In addition to his career, Mike loved going to concerts, going to the gym, watching Alabama football games with friends, and grilling, along with many other interests and hobbies. He lived his life to the fullest and loved with all of his heart.

Mike will be remembered for his gentle spirit, compassion, strength, resilience, and the love he poured into every one of his relationships with people. His family and friends will carry his memory with them in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society.

View Michael Bretzke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/26/2025

Even the smallest note can bring great comfort.
Taking time to send a thank-you note after a funeral is a heartfelt way to acknowledge the love, support, and kindness shown during a difficult time.
Today on National Thank You Note Day, we’re reminded of the healing power of gratitude.

12/25/2025

The holidays shine brightest in the light of cherished memories. Wishing you comfort and warmth this season.

12/24/2025

Brenda Selman Rowland

Brenda Selman Rowland, age 78, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., passed away December 23, 2025, at her residence. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Bro. Joe Chandler officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred U. Selman and Aline Selman; brothers, Larry Selman and Freddy Selman; and sister, Patti Selman.

Survivors include her husband, Dale Rowland; daughter, Tiffany Ray; son, Christopher Rowland; brother, Bobby Selman; grandchildren, Destiny Shook, Carmyn Smith, and Ashton Ray Cloud; great-grandchildren, Barrett Shook, Jorja Rae Brown, and Rylan Brown; and niece, Wendy Treglown.

If there are angels on Earth, then Brenda would be one. She loved her family very dearly. She suffered with cancer for 25 years, never complaining and always had a smile for everyone. Words cannot say how much she will be missed.

Pallbearers will be Garrett Shook, Marlon Brown, Kody Selman, Donald Rowland, and Dale Rowland.

View Brenda Rowland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/23/2025

The holidays can be especially difficult for those who are grieving. In this video, grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt offers guidance on supporting a grieving friend during the holiday season. We invite you to watch, reflect, and share with anyone who may find comfort in these words.

This video with Dr. Alan Wolfelt explores how to be support your friends and family who are grieving during the holiday season.