Just posted the Sep. – Oct. 2023 newsletter Volume 35 Issue 5.

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James Franklin Goodwin was born in Saks, Alabama, on March 26, 1942, to his parents Dorothy and Horace Goodwin. He grew up in Saks and Golden Springs and graduated from Anniston High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Civil Engineering. While he was at Auburn, Jim met and fell in love with a fellow Anniston native, Niena Williams. They married on March 20, 1965. After completing Officer Training School, Jim joined the Air Force as a Captain. Their first assignment was at Beale Air Force Base outside of Marysville, California. It was there that Jim and Niena welcomed their first daughter, Kathryn Dain. After two years, they were reassigned to the Air Force base in Blytheville, Arkansas, where their second daughter, Julia Frances, was born. At the end of his four years of service, Jim took a job with Alabama Power in Birmingham, where he and Niena welcomed their third daughter, Jennifer Leigh.

In his long tenure as a civil engineer in Birmingham, Jim worked at Alabama Power, Southern Company, and Georgia Power. He was a greatly admired manager and mentor for many young engineers over the years. After retiring from the power industry, Jim felt the need for a new outlet in the business world and took a job as head of construction for UAB, where he oversaw the construction of the Shelby Research Building and the Student Health and Wellness Center, among other projects. After retiring from this second career, he enjoyed spending time with his family at the lake, attending countless Auburn football games, being a loving grandad to his seven grandchildren, and doing small construction projects and jobs around his own-and his daughters’ houses. He and Niena also enjoyed traveling with friends, including a recent cruise to the Caribbean Islands.

Jim and Niena are long-time members of Canterbury United Methodist Church and have been very involved in the life of the church. It was through volunteering with the church that Jim especially lived out his faith by serving others. He also loved the Sunday School class that he and Niena were a part of for decades and all of the close friends they made there.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Horace Goodwin and Dorothy Goodwin Minshew. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Niena Williams Goodwin. Their love story truly is one that their children and grandchildren strive to emulate. Jim is also survived by his daughters, Kathy (Beau) Byrd, Julie (Shawn) Gillis, and Jennifer (Nate) Schmidt; his seven grandchildren, Walker (Sarah) Byrd, Carter Byrd, Caroline Gillis, Ava Gillis, Elliott Schmidt, James Schmidt, and Owen Schmidt; and many other family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 22, at 10:30am at Canterbury United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 9:30am in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Canterbury United Methodist Church.

Click here to link to the funeral home obituary.

Grace Kyser Miller Prigmore went to be with her Savior on August 12, 2023.

Grace Miller (October 27, 1926 — August 12, 2023)

Grace was preceded in death by her husbands, John D. Kyser of 51 years, Bill Miller of 5 years, and Edwin Prigmore of 4 years, her parents, Harris C. Sparks and Mary Sparks, sisters, Martha Jane Sparks, Sara Jean Sparks, Evelyn Trammel and brother, Harris Sparks, Jr.

She is survived by two nieces, Sherry Trammel Wilson & Ellen Kyser Godfrey, two great nephews, Ryan Wilson & Evan Jamel Wilson, and best friends, Janet and Larry Gunter.

Grace was born on October 27, 1926, and lived 90 of her years in Birmingham, AL. She retired from Southern Company Services with 43 years of service. She was a longtime active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. She was very active in Eastern Star and loved to travel.

In 2016 she moved to Huntsville, AL, and lived in the Brookdale Senior Living Community until December 2022. She then moved to Barfield Health Center in Guntersville, AL where she stayed until God sent his angel on Saturday, August 12, 2023, to take her to her heavenly home.

Grace will always be remembered for her servant’s heart. She always looked for someone she could help and take care of. She really did not like other people taking care of her, but she was always very appreciative.

I can hear God say to her “Well done my good and faithful servant”. She will surely be missed by many.

A funeral for Grace was held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 12 noon with visitation held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Ridge Crest Baptist Church, 7789 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Al 35173.

We have just learned that SCS retiree Dale W. Wyatt passed away on July 19, 2023. No services are scheduled at this time. The family will hold a Memorial Service at a later date.

Glenn Elwin Baker, age 92, of Birmingham, Alabama died peacefully attended by his family on July 14th after an extended illness. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family, friends, and his church. He was a man of strong character, and he led his family with a sense of purpose, direction, and mission. Glenn was born February 12, 1931, in Birmingham, Al. He was preceded in death by his wife Bertha (Bert) Corn Baker, his parents Robert Lee Baker and Wylline Webb Baker, and his precious granddaughter Shelley Anne Baker.

Glenn graduated Phillips High School, class of 1950 and then attended Auburn University. He honorably served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. Glenn went to work for Southern Company Services and remained there until his retirement.

Glenn married the love of his life, Bertha Jane Corn, in 1956. They shared a love for their family, their church, Auburn football, their dogs and travel for the next 51 years.

Glenn was a founding member of Faith Chapel of Huffman in Birmingham. After moving to Springville, Alabama, Glenn became an active member of Spring Valley Baptist Church. After the loss of his wife Bert, Glenn relocated to the Inverness, Alabama area. Continuing to grow in his faith, Glenn was dedicated to attending Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Glenn is survived by his sons, Steve Baker (Kim) and Barry Baker (Zac); brothers Harold Baker and Terry Baker (Fran); grandsons Allen Baker and Todd Baker; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and countless dear friends.

Burial services will be held Tuesday July 18th at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens located at 1591 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, AL 35235, phone (205) 322-0543. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., service at 10:00 a.m. with graveside service to follow.

Pastor Chris Jones will lead the service. Pallbearers will be Allen Baker, Todd Baker, Brandon Baker, and Daryl Johnson.

The golden evening brightens in the west; soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia, alleluia!

Click here to link to the funeral home obituary.