Author: Phyllis Hopkins

Funeral service for Sister Dorothy Crosby Napier, 73, was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 1:00pm at Shiloh Baptist Church 111 Everett Cir, Silas, AL with Rev. E.D. Rankins officiating.  Interment followed in Kaiser Hill Cemetery in Melvin, AL.

Dorothy Napier was born May 21, 1950 in Nanafalia, AL to the late Anderson Crosby, Sr. and Addie Lampley Crosby Thomas  She departed this life on March 20, 2024 in Butler, AL in the comfort of her loved ones at her side.

For many years, she was the faithful spouse of the late Edward L. Napier.  She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rankins where she was the church secretary for several years.  “Ms. Dot”, as she was called, loved to shop, garden and cook.  She was a people person who never met a stranger.  One of her best features that captivated all who met her was her smile.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted sister, Vernell Everett, Silas, AL; two daughters, Nacholea Napier (Nikki) of Semmes, AL and Avis Napier of Lisman, AL; a devoted son, Shedrick (Latoya) Napier of Butler, AL; four grandchildren Jerrelle Blakley, Eric Perry of Semmes, AL, Jamya Blakely, Shaniya Napier; a faithful niece, Maryemma Sumlin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Service for Martha Ann Tanks, 81, of Miami, Florida, was held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00pm at John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Lisman, Alabama.

Martha Ann Tanks was born February 15, 1943 to the late Maggie Etheridge and Joe Watson in Halsell, AL.  She was raised up with her grandparents, the late Sollie and Martha Etheridge.  She answered the Master’s call on February 28, 2024 and entered eternal rest.  Martha was preceded in death by her son, Rogerick; her sister, Thelma Nettle; and three brothers, James Ruffin, Willie C. Ruffin, and Ulysses Ruffin.

At the age of 13, Martha was baptized at John the Baptist Church in Halsell, AL.  She married Thomas Tanks in Halsell on May 22, 1961.  Ater marrying, they later moved to Miami, Florida where they remained.  While in Miami, Martha joined the Antioch Baptist Church of Brownsville where she served on the Usher Board.

Martha worked many years for Saxon Paper Company.  She went to Nursing School and started a career as a Nurse at Doctors Hospital in South Miami. She joined her husband, Tom, in their business, Little River Janitorial Services.  She also followed her dream of owning a Day Care.  For twelve years she was co-owner of Vickie’s Learning Center.

Martha leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Thomas Tanks; one son, Darryl (Kareen) Tanks; brother, Wallace Ruffin; four sisters, Susie (Holly) Hampton, Annie (Bobby) Halsell, Betty (Graylin) Eason, Melinda Crockett; granddaughter, Ariel Tans; grandsons, Lydell and Lytrell Tanks; and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.