Bennie R. Williams died at his home in Gardendale, Alabama, on Monday, December 11, 2017. He was 86 years old. Graduating from Mortimer Jordan High School in 1949 with “decent” grades, Bennie was very active with his class, student government, and with baseball and basketball. It was through his love of sports that he met “the prettiest girl” he had ever seen. He married that girl, Mary Evelyn Johnson, and they spent almost 60 years together before her death in 2011. Bennie joined the Navy after the Korean War broke out and, gratefully, he was never deployed to fight. He ended up on the basketball teams at two of his naval bases. He and Mary moved to his assigned bases, living in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Eventually, they would return to the Birmingham area and start a family. He became an electrical engineer and worked for the Southern Company.

Funeral services for Mr. Williams will be Friday, December 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel with visitation on Thursday December 14, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Bennie, please donate money, goods, or services to someone you know needs help at this time, or to an organization that works with the homeless or families in need.

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Joyce McBride Steele, of Birmingham, was called home by her Savior, Sunday, December 10, 2017, at the age of 86. She was a life-long resident of Birmingham, a 1950 graduate of Ensley High School, retired from Southern Company Services, and a long time member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Joyce was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Ed, for 54 years, until his death in 2007. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Marvin and Rick McBride. She is survived by her son, Andy Steele (Sue); daughter, Lisa Williams, (Al); 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Rush (Jody), Stuart Williams (Haley), Daniel Steele, and Amy Gonzalez (Danny); 3 great grandchildren, Kate and Emily Williams and Daxton Gonzalez; and a brother, Don McBride. The family will gather for a private celebration of her life, a life that was devoted to serving her Lord Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Briarwood Presbyterian Church Mercy Ministry or Sav-a-Life Vestavia.

We am sorry to report the passing of Geoff Huddleston this morning. We will send out the arrangements once we find out. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Micheal “Mike” Griggs, of Hoover, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the age of 66. Mike was a 1974 graduate of the University of Alabama and was employed for 34 years at Alabama Power/Southern Company. He volunteered with the Alabama Symphony, APC Energizers, and SCS Retirees, and was active at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mary Nell Griggs; and his brother, David. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Vanstrum Griggs; 2 brothers, Tillman Griggs (Judy) and Marc Griggs; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 9-10 AM, Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Hwy 150 in Hoover. A graveside service will follow at 10 AM in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South, Dr. Gary Furr officiating. Additionally, the family will receive friends from 1-2 PM at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 2 PM.

Until recently, Mike was the treasurer of the SCS/SNC retirees group and also heavenly involved in the Alabama Power Energizers retiree group.  He will be sorely missed.

Please keep his wife Linda and their families in your prayers.

Claudia R. Herrmann, age 64 of Hoover, AL passed away on November 16, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Inez Roberts. Claudia is survived by her husband, Paul A. Herrmann, III; daughter, Cathy (Laura) Frederick; brothers, William F. Roberts and Owen E. (Pam) Roberts, Jr. Visitation will be Monday, November 20, 2017 from 1 PM until mass time at 2 PM at Prince Of Peace Catholic Church. A private family service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.