Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel

08/04/2026

Mr. Robert Earl Coker, 91, a lifelong resident of Arab, Alabama, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Crestwood Medical Center. Born September 12, 1934, in Marshall County, Alabama, he was one of five children born to John Robert Coker and Amy Avis Lawler Coker. Robert Earl was an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran who served during the Cuban Crisis. He and his wife, Gwennell Edmondson Coker, shared more than 72 years of marriage and built a loving, God-fearing home for their daughters. He worked as a computer specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, Alabama.

Robert Earl served as choir director and deacon at Shoal Creek Baptist Church and held the honored distinction of being its oldest active member. He took great pride in his family and was a constant source of support, encouragement, and love. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and gardening, with bush-hogging being his favorite pastime.

Robert Earl is survived by his wife, Gwennell Coker; daughters, June Ellen Coker Cagle and Sheila Dawn Coker Daniel; grandchildren, John David Cagle, Joe Cagle (Lauren), and Zac Daniel (Emily); great-grandchildren, Parker and John Cagle and Emerson and Hollis Daniel; brother, Glenn Coker (Barbara); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Avis Coker; brothers, Tolbert “Sam” Coker and Byron Coker; sister, Jonnise Bucklew; and son-in-law, Randall Daniel....

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08/04/2026

Dear Family and Friends,
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Bruce Zane Berry, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 1, 2026, at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Bruce was born on May 19, 1940, in Arab, Alabama, to Everett and Lera Berry. After graduating from high school in 1958, he attended college and went on to build a successful career with the federal government as a computer specialist. His intelligence, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence earned him a respected career, allowing him to retire at the young age of 55.

Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bruce’s life. He pursued his passion for real estate and enjoyed the excitement of racing, embracing each endeavor with enthusiasm and determination. He was also a devoted Alabama basketball fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Crimson Tide.

Above all else, Bruce was a family man. He shared a loving life with his beloved wife of 68 years, Lillian Berry, and together they built a family that was the center of his world. He was the proud father of three children, a devoted grandfather of eight, and the cherished great-grandfather of 18 great-grandchildren.
His greatest joy came from supporting his family. Whether it was a ballgame, recital, school event, or any activity involving one of his grandchildren, Bruce was there. His faithful presence in...

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07/31/2026

Joseph “Donnie” Michael went to be with his Lord and Savior in the afternoon of July 23, 2026. He was born on July 24, 1945 in Albertville, Alabama. He was one of three sons born to Joseph C and Maimie Luceile Michael.

Donnie was a faithful member of 12th Ave Church of God in Arab, AL. His military service influenced his entire life. His desire to have military sharpness extended into every aspect of his life, including having his yard as pristine as humanly possible. Donnie loved the outdoors and spent many hours in God’s wonderful creation. He was a great sports fan, especially of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves. Donnie’s love of old time Rock & Roll probably started when he was in school with Bob Seger. Some of his favorite music was from ZZ Top, The Eagles and the Doobie Brothers.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Veronica Justice Michael; his daughters, Christine (Matt) Croft, Jessica (Matt) Tackett; his sons, Shaun Reed, Brent (Gwen) Reed; his brothers, Bill Michael, Terry Michael; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Russell DeGroff; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. and Maimie Luceile Michael; his son, Joey Michael; his daughter, Mallisa DeGroff.

The family has decided to follow Donnie’s wishes to be cremated. A memorial service is planned for 2: 00 pm Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 12th Avenue Church of God.
Arab Heritage is...

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07/30/2026

With heartfelt sadness we, the family of Hazel Robinson Childers, age 89, of the Morgan City community announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Hazel, born November 20, 1936 in Marshall County, Alabama passed away at her residence during the early morning hours of July 30, 2026, the daughter of John Doyle Robinson and Eva Odell Waldrop. Her husband, Pastor Herbert Matthew Childers preceded her in death (October 2007). Together they served as leaders of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.
Hazel was a gentle lady with extreme faith. Her main priorities were her faith, spending time with family and her church. She enjoined singing the old Gospel songs, talking with family and friends on the phone, baking cakes, 4 o’clock flowers, and I Love Lucy reruns on TV.
Hazel is survived by her son, Michael Childers (Sheila); daughters, Karen Nobrega (Henry), Vicky Hawkins, (Kenneth), Patricia Bomar (Jason); daughters-in-law, Debbie Childers and Norma Childers; sister, Jackie Jacobs (Tommy); grandchildren, Jamie, Brandon, Matthew, Tammy, Serena, Alan, Kelli, Chris, Shasta, Shana, Dylan and Haley and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Childers; parents, John and Eva Robinson; sons, Danny Childers and Randall Childers, infant daughter; three brothers and two sisters.
Services for Hazel are planned for Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Mt....

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07/30/2026

Robert Neil Parker, Jr, of Albertville, Alabama passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Marshall Medical Center South.

Bob was born in Watertown, South Dakota, to Robert N. Parker, Sr., and Lorraine Jackson Parker, on October 14, 1948. He lived in the small town of Bryant, South Dakota, for 17 years where his dad owned a gas station. He grew up free to roam this small community where he drove a tractor, rode his horse, fished, and hunted with his dog. This idyllic life was interrupted by family circumstances.

Bob had to sell his horse and the family moved to Modesto, California. Bob graduated from high school and immediately joined the Navy. During the Vietnam War he served on the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga. This is the same ship his father served on during World War II.

Once out of service, he married and worked in a munitions plant driving a forklift. After retirement, Bob moved to Albertville, Alabama where he proudly waved his star-spangled banner on his front porch while waiting for the mailman. Bob quickly embraced the southern football tradition and could be heard shouting a hearty “Roll Tide!” Bob was a disabled veteran and a life member of both the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He leaves behind two children, three grandchildren, a brother and sister, and an extended family of relatives and friends.

Bob’s family especially want to thank his military veteran buddies he so cherished.

Services for Bob will...

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07/30/2026

Jill Burden Mitchell, 70, passed away at her residence on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Jill was born January 2, 1956, in Marshall County, Alabama, to John Ray Burden Sr. and Betty Jean Earwood Burden. She graduated from Albert P. Brewer High School in 1974 and earned a bachelor's degree from Athens State University. She devoted part of her career to serving as a special education teacher with Huntsville City Schools. She was a member of the Eva Church of Christ.
Jill was a devoted mother to her two sons and treasured the time she shared with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, love for her family, and the memories she created throughout her life.
She is survived by her sons, Grad Mitchell and Wes Mitchell; her brother, John Ray Burden Jr.; her sister, Joan Pender (Carlton); her nieces, Tammy Burden and Tara Burden; her nephew, Joe Turk (April); a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Ray Burden Sr. and Betty Jean Earwood Burden; and her sisters, Reba Jean Burden Turk and Rebecca Lynn Burden.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, with Ronald Earwood officiating. Thomas Lee Earwood will deliver the obituary. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel will direct the services.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Arab...

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07/30/2026

Joseph “Donnie” Michael went to be with his Lord and Savior in the afternoon of July 23, 2026. He was born on July 24, 1945 in Albertville, Alabama. He was one of three sons born to Joseph C and Maimie Luceile Michael.

Donnie was a faithful member of 12th Ave Church of God in Arab, AL. His military service influenced his entire life. His desire to have military sharpness extended into every aspect of his life, including having his yard as pristine as humanly possible. Donnie loved the outdoors and spent many hours in God’s wonderful creation. He was a great sports fan, especially of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves. Donnie’s love of old time Rock & Roll probably started when he was in school with Bob Seger. Some of his favorite music was from ZZ Top, The Eagles and the Doobie Brothers.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Veronica Justice Michael; his daughters, Christine (Matt) Croft, Jessica (Matt) Tackett; his sons, Shaun Reed, Brent (Gwen) Reed; his brothers, Bill Michael, Terry Michael; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Russell DeGroff; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. and Maimie Luceile Michael; his son, Joey Michael; his daughter, Mallisa DeGroff.

The family has decided to follow Donnie’s wishes to be cremated with a service to be held at a later date.
Arab Heritage is honored to assist the family with arrangements during this difficult time.

07/16/2026

With much sadness, we announce the death of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Mary Ann Sharp. Mary Ann, age 71, was born on May 13, 1955, in South Carolina and passed away on July 14, 2026, at Huntsville Hospital.

Mary Ann was the owner of a housekeeping business and...

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07/14/2026

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Georgia Mae Gibson. Georgia Mae passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 99. Born and raised in the Union Grove community of Marshall...

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06/27/2026

Mrs. Frances Louise Creel, age 74, of the Summit community of Arab, Alabama, passed away early Friday morning, June 26, 2026, at Diversicare of Arab. She was born November 17, 1951, in Cullman, Alabama, one of ten children of Arbel Hooper and Maggie Delaine Thomas Hooper. She was a member of the...

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