McCalla Memorial Funeral Home

10/21/2026

Earnest “Buster” Cleburne Davis Jr., born September 15, 1954, in Bessemer, Alabama,
to Marjorie and Earnest Cleburne Davis Sr., returned home to be with the Lord on
October 14, 2026. After a lifetime of living with the limitations of an increasingly broken
earthly body, Ernie has now entered the fullness of a heavenly one — whole, healthy,
and at peace in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly.
Ernie is survived by his beloved, steadfast wife of fifty years, Cynthia Davis; his three
children, Robert “Bo” William (Jenn), John “Matt” Matthew (Gareth) and Amanda
Leanne Connerton (Matthew); his sister, Joyce Bennett (Jerry); his five cherished
grandchildren, and countless extended family members and dear friends who were
blessed by his life. A devoted father and husband, one of his final wishes was for his
children and wife to be together with him at the time of his death, and they were.
Ernie achieved an MBA from Samford University and joined the International Mission
Board in 1986 and served until his retirement in 2008. His years as a missionary took
him and his family around the world, living and serving in places including Macau, South
Korea, the Netherlands, and England. His life was consistently shaped by a deep love
for the Lord and a desire to share the love of Jesus with others. He was a beautiful
example of that love, not only in what he believed, but in how he lived.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991, Ernie faced increasing...

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10/20/2026

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Sharon Gaither, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. Sharon peacefully left this world on October 17, 2026, at the hospital, surrounded by the love of her family, after courageously enduring a series of illnesses. She was 80 years old.

Sharon was born on August 12, 1946, in Champaign, Illinois, to Hayward and Reba Canull. She grew up in a family filled with love, alongside her siblings Betty Harrison, Patsy Martin, Dixie Lenseign, Kathy Butler, Jim Canull, Omer Canull, and Gene Canull. Sharon's heart was forever tied to her roots, and she carried the values instilled in her by her parents throughout her life.

In 1964, Sharon married the love of her life, Terry Gaither, and together they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage. They built a life rich in love and laughter, raising three children and nurturing eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sharon's family was her pride and joy, and her devotion to them knew no bounds.

Sharon was a woman of many passions. Her artistic flair shone through in her love for arts and crafts, especially in creating exquisite flower arrangements and decorating her home for every season. She was an avid traveler, exploring the United States with a sense of adventure and wonder. Sharon was also known for her baking prowess, delighting family and friends with her delicious cakes....

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10/19/2026

Danielle Denise Jolley, 42, was born on November 7, 1983, in Laramie, Wyoming, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She passed away on October 15 at 4:28 p.m. at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, after a long illness and a courageous fight through many challenges.

Danielle was a woman with a kind and loving heart, sometimes almost too kind for her own good. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her compassion, generosity, and love for others were a true reflection of her faith in Christ.

Danielle was a devoted follower of Christ and a Bible study leader. Throughout her life, she faced many trials but continued to fight with strength and determination. She was ready to share her struggles and turn her experiences into a testimony to help and encourage others.

Education was important to Danielle. She earned her bachelor's degree in physiology from Tennessee State University, a master's degree in business, and later attended and graduated from Transformation Ministry—School of Ministry.

Danielle built a career in the food industry, working her way up into management. She took great pride in her work, and the love and respect she received from the people who worked under her showed the kind of leader she was.

Outside of her work and faith, Danielle loved crafting, and diamond painting became a huge part of her life. Above all, she was a devoted and loving fur-baby mama. Her dogs were her world, and the love she had for them...

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10/19/2026

John Ray Corkren was born in Birmingham, AL, on May 10, 1946 to Wilburn “WJ” Corkren and Mildred Elene (Haney) Corkren. John has one sister, Glenda (Douglas) Tyler, of Bessemer, AL. John is preceded in death by both parents and brothers, WJ “Jimmy” Corkren Jr. and Roger Allen Corkren. John passed away the morning of October 13, 2026.

John attended McAdory High School in Bessemer, AL, and joined the United States Air Force in August 1965. He served nearly 27 years, including in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He began his military career with Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force). In 1966, during the Vietnam War, Corkren was stationed at Pleiku Air Base in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. Following his service with Prime BEEF, Corkren transitioned to the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) on multiple occasions, contributing to several major investigations requiring discretion, integrity, and specialized expertise. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Corkren served as a member of the Battle Staff at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

He retired from the Air Force in 1991, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He retired as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Training and Personnel for the entire Southeastern United States.

After military retirement, he worked as the safety director for Deaton Trucking in...

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10/13/2026

Kenneth E. Mann of Bessemer, AL, age 91, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on October 11, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Kenneth was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, an avid fisherman and a faithful member of his community. He was a lifelong member of Eastern Valley Baptist Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life. Throughout his career, he worked at US Pipe and McWane Pipe, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and commitment.

Kenneth’s greatest legacy is the family he loved and the memories he leaves behind. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. Mann and Mary Gertrude Baucum; his beloved wife of 65 years, Belvie Jean Cahela; his son-in-law, Ricky Hudspeath; and his siblings, Etoile Sadderfield, Gail Payne, Bobby Mann, J.D. Mann, Vivian Sims, and Dink Mann.

He is survived by his children, Pamela Jean Hudspeath and Steven Kenneth Mann (Kelly); his sister, Louise Strong; his grandchildren, Kensley Hudspeath, Kelsey Harmon (Reece), Caleb Mann (Maci), Brodie Mann, Lindesé Parsons (Andy), and Ashlé Camp (Jason); and his great-grandchildren, Olivia Reece Harmon, Hudson Parsons, Ellie Parsons, Kalianne Camp, and Lennox Camp.

Kenneth’s family finds comfort in the...

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10/06/2026

James Edward Carroll, Sr., age 88, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at his home in West Blocton, AL. He was surrounded by a host of family members spanning 5 generations.

At his wishes, a graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 13,2026, 11 o’clock, at Hickman Cemetery in McCalla, AL, where most all his family is buried.

James was born on October 6, 1937, to Clarence and Dorothy Carroll. He grew up and spent most of his life in Bessemer, AL, and was the oldest of 9 siblings. His fondest memory of childhood was living in a little log cabin on Parkwood Road.

He was affectionately known as Buddy to his family, Jim to others, and later in life gained the nickname Big Jim.

Buddy left home at the age of 14 to join the U.S. National Guard. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Nancy Barone, of El Paso, Texas. They met while he was stationed there, serving as an airplane mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, his first civilian job was working for the El Paso Police Department.

Jim and Nancy had 5 children, and they moved back and forth from Texas to Alabama while their children were young, before permanently setting roots in Jim’s hometown of Bessemer, AL. Jim was a small business owner, Carroll Trucking Transport and Buddy’s Excavating. In addition, he made a career in law enforcement, holding many different positions through the years, including police officer for...

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10/05/2026

Rebecca Crump Griffith, 78, of McCalla, Alabama, passed away on October 2, 2026. She was born on May 9, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rodney and Henrietta Crump.

Rebecca married the love of her life, James Stickles Griffith, and together they shared 52 years of marriage. Their life together was built on faith, family, service, and a love that was steadfast through every season.

Rebecca was the epitome of a loving mother. She spent her life putting others before herself, not only her children and grandchildren, but friends, students, and even strangers. If one of her children needed her, she would drop whatever she was doing and be there. She loved fiercely and unconditionally, and those fortunate enough to be loved by Rebecca never had to question it.

Teaching was more than Rebecca’s profession; it was one way she loved and served others. She earned her degree in education from Birmingham-Southern College and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She taught in the Jefferson County School System for 25 years and continued teaching for approximately 15 years after her retirement.

Rebecca loved the Lord, and her faith showed not only in her words, but in how she lived her life. She was a member of Christ Community Church in Helena and spent many years serving others through ministry. She participated in three mission trips to Guatemala, volunteered extensively with Samaritan’s Purse, and helped...

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09/28/2026

Sarah Frances Hensley (Rye), 93, of Bessemer died Saturday, September 26, 2026. The
family will greet friends on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at
McCalla Memorial Funeral Home at 4780 Letson Farms Parkway, McCalla, Alabama. Funeral
service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Monte Mills ofTiciating. Graveside service will
be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 650 Circle Heights Circle, Bessemer Alabama at 2:00 p.m.
Sarah was born on July 18, 1933 in Mississippi to James and Maxine Rye. She was a
longtime member of Morgan United Methodist Church. Sarah’s greatest passions were her
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her family, gardening, and crocheting.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, John Hensley. She is
survived by two children – Roland Hensley (Dawn) of Calera and Janice Fields (Jim) of
Springville; Tive beloved grandchildren and three wonderful great-grandchildre.

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09/27/2026

Kerri Lee Nichols, 63, of Birmingham, AL, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday October, 13, 2026, at the Hill Garden within the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Friends and family are encouraged to dress casually and embrace a flair of color to honor her eclectic style.

Kerri was born in Tuscaloosa, AL on October 23, 1962 to Gaston and Barbara Nichols. Kerri would spend her childhood in Tuscaloosa; her adolescence in Nuremberg, Germany; and her teenage years in Sparta, Wisconsin; before settling back down in Alabama in 1980.

Kerri will be remembered for her quick wit, her unique blend of dry and absurdist humor, her charity and empathy, her passion for the arts, and much more.

Kerri was a mother, a friend, an artist, an entrepreneur, and a bohemian. Throughout her life she owned and operated a number of small businesses, notably TapeSouth and Stellar Accounting. A devoted patron of the arts and supporter of local nonprofits across Birmingham, she freely gave of her time and talents. Her passion for helping others and supporting emerging enterprises would be a defining characteristic of her professional life.

Kerri is survived by her son, Nicholas Bennati and his wife Susannah; and her father and stepmother, Gaston and Rebecca Nichols and aunt, Lenora Mitchell

"In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kerri's name to Birmingham Artwalk or Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue."

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09/25/2026

As per the family, all services for Lisa Whitfield will take place in Tifton, Georgia at Bowen-Donaldson Funeral home. The family would like all flower arrangements to be sent to them directly or to the Bowen-Donaldson Funeral home.

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