Teresa Ann Smith Woods Thomas

Teresa Thomas

Graveside Service for Teresa Ann Smith Woods Thomas was held Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 1:00pm at Forest Hills Cemetery located at 431 60th St North, Birmingham, AL  35212 with Rev. Perry Macon officiating.

            Teresa Ann Smith Woods Thomas was born December 7, 1949 to the late Martha and Francis Smith, Sr.  She left this world to be with the angels on February 7, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers, Marshall Smith and Francis Smith, Jr.

            At an early age, Teresa confessed her faith in Christ.  She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Woodlawn where she raised her children and served on the usher board for decades.  She was also instrumental in serving on the Food Drive Committee, congregating with church members was a joyful passion of hers.

            She graduated from Rosedale High School then continued her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she studied dental hygiene.  Teresa worked for many years at the Jeff county Dept. of Health (Eastern Division) where she made many kids smile through her time and dedication to her work.  She was well known as the “Dental Lady” by many kids throughout the eastern area and schools where the county sent out trailer operations to enhance their effectiveness.  She retired as a senior dental hygienist after many years of service.

            Teresa is survived by her husband of 39 years, Aldolphus Thomas; her two sns, Charles Cunningham Woods III (Angela) and Lloyd Kyser Woods; stepson, Bryan Thomas; grandchildren, Naomi Ruth Woods, Charles Elijah Woods; two sisters, Gertrude Brooks, Luvater Smith; seven nephews; six nieces; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Claretha Turner

Claretha Turner

Funeral service for Claretha Turner, 69, was held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:00pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Lisman, Alabama with Rev. Jasper Irby officiating.  Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Claretha Turner was born March 5, 1954 to the late Alice Ruth Ruffin and the late Marzine Traylor.  She departed this life for eternity on January 31, 2024 at Anderson Regional Hospital in Meridian, MS.  She was preceded in death by two sisters, Annie Nell Ruffin, Hettie M. Ruffin; two brothers, Hugh Blank Ruffin, Henry Ruffin; and one special friend, George Cade.

Claretha confessed Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Mariah Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, James Turner; one son, Johnny Books; one daughter, Loretha Ruffin, all of Lisman, AL; four sisters, Margaret Ruffin, Annie B. Ruffin, Hettie J. Ruffin, all of Lisman, AL, Pauline Ruffin of Yantley, AL; three sisters-in-law, Melinda Ruffin of Lisman, AL, Dorothy Kisitu of Cincinnati, OH and Annie Turner of Butler, AL; one brother-in-law, Eddie (Branda) Turner; one brother, Herbert Ruffin of Akron, OH; six grandchildren, Jocelyn Brooks, J’ohnee Brooks, Johnny Brooks, Jr., Eric James, J’onn Brooks, Makalya Ruffin; one great grandchild, Arielle Ratliff; and a host of special nieces, nephews, and friends.