Akins Funeral Home

01/29/2026

Sara Elaine Norman, age 71 of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2026 at the Cottage of the Shoals.

She was born November 11, 1954 to James and Aline Thompson. Sara was a classy lady with a spicy personality. She enjoyed long rides, nature, and front porch sitting. Sara was a proud nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be at a later date.

Sara is survived by her children, Shawn Goodman and Scarlett Allison; grandchildren, Ysabella Goodman, Aaliyah Goodman, and Justice Allison; great-grandchildren, Jason Ray, Carson Goodman, Jesse Noyola, and Messiah Morris; sister, Carolyn Richardson; brother, Larry Thompson (Carol); and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Norman Sr. and parents, James and Aline Thompson.

Sara was born on November 11th, 1954 and passed away on January 24th, 2026 at the age of 71

01/27/2026

Gail Berryman Richey, age 70 of Russellville, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 16, 1955 to Lacy and Nell Berryman. Gail was outgoing, friendly, and will be missed by many. She was a member of Littleville Church of Christ for 56 years.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m.at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, AL, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Hyde Cemetery in Littleville. Gerald Pennington and James Joyce will officiate. Pallbearers will be Stuart Williams, Taylor Williams, Daniel Hyde, Cody Wyatt, Marty Vandiver, and Harlan Hallmark.

Gail is survived by her husband of 54 years, Danny Richey; daughter, Lisa Richey Hayes (Christopher); grandsons, Austin Richey and William Richey; granddaughters, Harley Richey and Shalako Hacker; brother, Danny Berryman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lacy and Nell Berryman; son, Shawn Richey; sister-in-law, Sheree Berryman; and father-in-law, W.H. Richey.

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/gail-richey

Gail was born on August 16th, 1955 and passed away on January 26th, 2026 at the age of 70

01/22/2026

Grace Elizabeth St. Denis (Caston), age 71 of Florance formally from the Mississippi gulf coast passed away on January 19, 2026.

She was born on July 08, 1951 to Grace Nicol. Grace Elizabeth St. Denis (Caston), known to many as Beth, lived nearly 72 years boldly and on her own terms, embracing every chapter, good or bad. With her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, she had a way of turning strangers into fast friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

No Services are planned at this time.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Grace Nicole (Daryl) Goodman; son, Dante Masciello; grandchildren, Vinny Masciello and Olivia Grace Goodman.

She is preceded in death by her son, David Saulkner; and grandson, Kameran Kendrick.

Grace was born on July 8th, 1954 and passed away on January 19th, 2026 at the age of 71

01/20/2026

Morris Kennedy passed away on January 19, 2026, at the age of 84. He was a native of Mississippi, but lived in Alabama since the age of 26.

Morris was a school teacher for 38 years with 35 at Russellville High School. He was a Baptist. Morris served as a lay preacher as pulpit supply and interim pastor for a number of years. He was ordained and pastored Cherokee First Baptist Church for 6 years. Morris was a 1963 graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree. He received a Master's degree in 1968 from the University of North Alabama.
Morris received Jesus as Savior at the age of 27.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, where the service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Brother Chad Holder will officiate. A private burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Justin Boyles, Jason Oliver, Brandon Oliver, Mitchell Oliver, Bill Fuller, and Scotty Hovater.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Willis, Rusty Loden, Joey Loden, Andy Loden, Jerry Baker, Ed Bryan, and Eric Fuller.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Loden Kennedy; son, David Kennedy (Cindy) of Russellville; daughter, Sara Kennedy of Orange Beach; and granddaughter, Katelyn Burrow of Huntsville.

Morris was born on February 28th, 1941 and passed away on January 19th, 2026 at the age of 84

01/16/2026

Thomas Wayne Boyd, Sr., age 87 of Florence, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Glenwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born September 17, 1938 in Goldthwaite, Texas. Thomas was a hard-working family man who enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. He attended Grace Bible Church of the Shoals.

Family will hold a memorial service Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church of the Shoals. Brother Keith Pope will officiate.

Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas Wayne Boyd, Jr. of Tuscaloosa; brother, Charles (Paula) Boyd of Denver, CO; and sister, Opal Boyd of Snyder, TX.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Boyd; parents; and brother, Jerry Boyd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Thomas' honor can be made to the Grace Bible Church's mission fund.

Thomas was born on September 17th, 1938 and passed away on January 14th, 2026 at the age of 87

01/07/2026

Bernice Opal Riggs, age 91 of Russellville, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 14, 1934 to WC and Lassie Gandy. Bernice was a kind spirited Christian who was proud to have her large family and many friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m.at Hopewell Church of Christ in the Lagrange Community, where the service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Pallbearers will be Marty Vandiver, Josh Smith, Jamie Smith, Tyler Smith, Farrell Hatton, and David Saint. Honorary pallbearer, Blake Gann.

Bernice is survived by her son, Billy Riggs; daughters, Joyce (Ray) Blaxton, Jean (Darryl) Swindle, Novise (Kenneth) Saint, Nita Gann, and Cathy Riggs; son in law, Charles Smith; brothers, Harvey Gandy and Jerry Gandy; sisters, Ray Richey, Louise Vandiver, Dorothy Hatton, Barbara Haygood, Fay (Cel) Perez, and Mattie (Jerry) Whitworth; 18 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 31 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carl Riggs; parents, W.C. and Lassie Gandy; son, James Harold Riggs; daughter, Linda Smith; son in law, Leroy Gann; grandsons, Jason Smith and James G. Riggs; great grandson, Kyle Saint; brother, Richard Gandy; and sisters, Sue Hallmark and Brenda Hill.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/bernice-riggs

Bernice was born on May 14th, 1934 and passed away on January 6th, 2026 at the age of 91

01/04/2026

We are proud to be Russellville, Alabama’s ONLY locally owned and family operated funeral home.

Call us at 256-332-1131

www.akinsfh.com

12/26/2025

Julia Gail Glenn, age 62, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2025, at Terrace Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Russellville, Alabama.

Julia was a gentle soul with a heart full of compassion. She had a deep love for animals and an even deeper love for people. Known for her kindness and generosity, Julia was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. To those who knew her, she was a faithful friend, a listening ear, and a steady source of comfort. Her life was rooted in her Christian faith, and she loved Jesus with all her heart, finding peace and strength in her beliefs.

She leaves behind cherished memories in the hearts of her daughter, Jodie (Justin) Rumble; her beloved grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Isabelle, and Mason, who brought her great joy; her special nephew, Jeffrey Vandiver; and her sisters, Janice (B.B.) McCalpin, Jennie (David) Petree, and June Vandiver. She is also lovingly remembered by her niece, Jennifer, and her nephews, Jared and Jason, along with many extended family members and friends who will forever carry her love with them.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Faye Glenn.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Terrace Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, to Nurse Lauren with Hospice of North Alabama, and to her dear friend Tonya, whose compassion, kindness, and presence meant more than words can express during Julia’s final days.

Julia was born on August 8th, 1963 and passed away on December 21st, 2025 at the age of 62

12/26/2025

Leila Moore, age 86, of Phil Campbell, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at North Alabama Medical Center. She was born on June 18, 1939, to Alvin and Flora Baker.

Leila enjoyed traveling and was known for her selfless, generous, kind, loving, and gentle spirit. She often showed her love through food and acts of kindness, always caring for others before herself.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Blue Springs Cemetery in the East Franklin community.

Leila is survived by her sons, Kenneth Lee Moore and Allen Buford Moore; grandchildren, Lora (Jeremy) Clark, Justin Wade Brannon, and Kristin Wallace; great-grandchildren, Makayla Jones, Alex Jones, Daniel Wade Brannon, Xander Trae Brannon, and Jordan Wallace. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Moore; her parents, Alvin and Flora Baker; her son, Jimmy Alvin Moore; her daughter, Sandra Kay Moore; and her great-granddaughter, Lauren Wallace.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com.

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/leila-moore

Leila was born on June 18th, 1939 and passed away on December 20th, 2025 at the age of 86

12/19/2025

Please use the link below to view Mr. Smith’s full memorial page:

https://akinsfh.com/obituaries/tony-smith-dec-2025

Tony Smith, age 67, of the East Franklin Community, passed away on Wednesday, December 18th, 2025, at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield.

Tony loved Alabama football and always looked forward to every game. He loved his community and was always ready to lend a helping hand when he could. To know him was to love him. Tony will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be held Monday December 22nd, 2025, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama where the service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Brother William Borden will officiate. Burial will be at Union Hill Cemetery, East Franklin Community.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Theresa Smith; sister, Susan Behel; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Anthony is preceded in death by his mother, WillaDean Smith; father, Lyndon Smith; and brother, Tim Smith.

The family would like to thank Bob and Jeanne Maggerise for their kindness and guidance. They loved Tony and he loved them. Tony worked for Bob for around 20 years; he has been an awesome influence on Tony. Thank you, Willie Cummings, for letting Tony hang out at your store. Special thanks to Winston County Home & Health for making sure his needs were met.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

Tony was born on November 28th, 1958 and passed away on December 18th, 2025 at the age of 67

12/11/2025

Nadien Madge Frederick, age 98, of Hackleburg, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Nadien was born on February 7, 1927, to George and Rubel Evans.

Nadien Frederick was called to her heavenly home on December 10, 2025. She left us peacefully at the remarkable age of 98. A proud member of the world’s greatest generation, Nadien lived a life defined by resilience, kindness, and devotion to others. Born into a time of great challenge and change, Nadien embodied the strength and selflessness characteristic of her generation. She was most at home in the kitchen, where she poured love into every meal she prepared. Cooking was not simply a talent she possessed, but a gift she shared freely—her way of nurturing, comforting, and bringing people together. Nadien was also an avid quilter, finding joy and meaning in the art of stitching together pieces of fabric to create something warm, beautiful, and lasting. Her quilts—each one crafted with patience and care—became treasured keepsakes for those she loved. Whether serving family, friends, or neighbors, Nadien expressed her generosity through acts both simple and profound. She touched countless lives with her gentle spirit, her steady presence, and her unwavering commitment to caring for others. Her legacy endures in the traditions she passed on, the memories she created, and the love she infused into her family and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives were brightened by her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Hackleburg, Alabama, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. where the service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg, Alabama. Brother Justin Trulove and Brother Sam Morgan will officiate. pallbearers will be Bo Taff, Matt Frederick, Trevor West, Eli West, Andrew Brackin, Matt Lyle, Alfred Pickens, Eric Baker.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth (Donna) Frederick; daughters, Deb (James) Taff and Beverly (Keith) West; daughter-in-law, Gwen Frederick; sister, Shirley Reeves; grandchildren, Brandi (Alfred) Pickens, Leah (Matt) Lyle, Dara (Eric) Baker, Matt (Savannah) Frederick, Bo (Karen) Taff, Jodi (Andrew) Brackin, Trevor (Kristen) West, and Eli West; great-grandchildren, Brayden Pickens, C**t Lyle, Maddie (Tyler) Harris, Drew Williams, Mason Williams, Mattilynn Frederick, Mia Frederick, Alivia Taff, Aiden Taff, Ruby Brackin, Hadley Brackin, Ava West, Griffin West, and Maddox West; special family, Lynn Trulove and family, and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Nadien is proceeded in death by her parents George and Rubel Steel Evans; husband, Edward Frederick; son, Randall Frederick; grandson, Drew Frederick; brothers, Oneal Evans, Donald Evans, Owens Evans; sisters, Helen Wilson, Annie Jo Evans.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/nadien-frederick

10/27/2025

Lesha Irene Pennington passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, October 24, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

She was a devoted Christian who loved her Lord Jesus Christ who she often referred to as her "Prince of Peace". She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Littleville, where she served the children there at every opportunity. Lesha had a strong and courageous spirit, even in the midst of all the battles she faced. She found hope in the scripture Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you.”

The love of her life was her husband, Jeff. He was her lifeline here on this earth, and she often spoke of her deep love for him. Her grandchildren were her light—they could brighten even the darkest days. Lesha was an avid sports fan and could often be found cheering on her favorite football team, Alabama. It’s been said that the neighbors could hear her joyful “Roll Tide!” on game days. She also loved her precious dog, Gunner, who was always by her side.

Lesha is survived by her loving husband, Jeff Pennington; brother, Cass Davis; daughter, Ashley (Adam) Godsey; son, Chase Pennington; grandchildren, Aubreigh, Adleigh, Ryder, Emberly, and Wilder; and special nephew, Will Tharp. She is also survived by her dear friends, Trish and Benne Tharp, who were by her side and whom she cared for deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorthy “Dot” Davis.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to everyone who helped Lesha and her family through this difficult time. They would also like to thank the First Baptist Church of Littleville for all the prayers, meals, and visits. Everyone who was there for Lesha will always hold a special place in the hearts of her family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at akinsfh.com

https://www.akinsfh.com/obituaries/lesha-pennington

Lesha was born on May 15th, 1966 and passed away on October 24th, 2025 at the age of 59