Mineral Springs School

Please notify the webmaster (webmaster@mineralschool.org) of the passing of any member of the Mineral Springs School family. (Older obituaries and death notices also welcomed.)

ADKINS, KENNY, age 56, of Vestavia Hills, passed away January 4, 2008. Kenny grew up in Coalburg and attended Mineral Springs School. He was employed with Trinity Contractors for 16 years where he was an Executive Vice President and a principal owner. He was also a Charter Member of Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie J. Adkins and Altha Adkins; and a brother, Tim Adkins. He is survived by his wife, Amy Eagleson-Adkins; daughters, Nicole Adkins and Tabitha Muglach; brother, Joel Adkins; grandson , Hunter Muglach. See Kenny as a second grader in 1958-'59 here and in a more recent photo here.

 

ALFORD, ESTELLE ABNEY, 90, of Watson, went home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2009. She was the oldest surviving member of Mineral Springs Baptist after becoming a member in 1941. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde W. Alford. She is survived by her grandson, Dr. Doug (Michelle) Alford; great-grandchildren, Eli Alford, Caleb Alford, and Seth Alford; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Alford. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

 

BAGGETT, DAVID JOSEPHINE (DENSMORE), age 63, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., ended her walk through life at home with her family by her side on October 22, 2009. David Jo grew up in Fieldstown and attended Mineral Springs School from the first through the ninth grades.  She is survived by her husband Fred A. Baggett and children: Juanita (Barry) Braddock of Fultondale, Ala., and Howard L. (Tracey) McConnell, Jr. of Hixson, Tenn.; stepchildren: Holly G. (Fred) Didden, John Messina, and William Jones; grandchildren: Destini and Faith McConnell, Coleman Braddock, Jennifer Messina, Alexandra Urban, and Sergi Jones; great grandchildren: Jake Messina; sister: Olyve Marie Furgason, and a host of close family and friends. David Jo was a former member of C.W.A. local 3902, and a longtime member of Ladies Auxiliary to the V.F.W., Kelly Ingram Post 668 and the D.A.V. Auxiliary in Birmingham. During her last years, "Granny Jo" (as she was fondly known) dedicated most of her time to volunteering at Gann Middle Valley Elementary School and to substitute teaching at numerous Chattanooga area schools. She loved helping the minds of children grow. In lieu of flowers, "Granny Jo" has asked that contributions be made to Gann Middle Valley Elementary School Library Fund at 1609 Thrasher Pike, Hixson, Tenn. 37343. Her last wish was to be able to provide quality educational reading material to grow and expand the minds of the children of the future she would never meet. David Jo loved Mineral Springs School and was a dear friend and supporter of the Mineral School Web site, providing identifications for photos of many otherwise unknown students as well as generously sharing photos from her own collection.

 

BONINO, KATE (Click here for tribute.)

 

BOOTH,  IRENE, age 94, longtime resident of Coalburg, passed away on May 6, 2007. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. She was a member of Faith Tabernacle in Morris and was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. Irene was preceded in death by her husbands Thomas W. Graves, Sr. and Joseph E. Booth; sons, Thomas W. Graves, Jr. and daughter-in-law Edna Graves, James C. Graves and Donald E. Graves. Irene is survived by her daughters, Betty Graves Wills and her husband Bob, Gloria Graves Pennington and her husband Buck, Rebecca Booth Little and her husband Larry; daughters-in-law, Bobbie Graves, and Sylvia Graves, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren; brother, George Pennington; sisters, Neddie Sligh and Louise Green; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 

CORNELIUS, WILLIAM SR., age 83, of Mt. Olive, died December 25, 2006. He was a retired electrician from P.E.M.C.O. with 30 years of service. He was a member of Mineral Springs Baptist and a Veteran of WWII and member of Masonic Lodge in Mt. Olive. He is survived by his sons, William "Billy" Cornelius, Sr., of Gardendale, Thomas J. (Cindy) Cornelius of Springville, AL; daughters, Sharon (Carol) Thompson of Fultondale, Joy (Wesley) Greer of Woodstock, GA; 1 sister, Daisy Burton of Hoover; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

 

CORNELIUS, WILLIAM M. JR. "BILLY," age 66, of Ashville, passed away August 9, 2011. Billy was born on November 19, 1944, to Bill and Daisy Cornelius. After attending Mineral Springs, he graduated from Minor High School and worked for Toledo Scales until his retirement. He is survived by his children, Angie McIntyre (Kerry), Allision Abbott and Brandon Cornelius, his grandchildren, James, Brandi, Josh, Ashley and Gracie, his brother, Jerry Cornelius (Cindy) and sisters, Sharon Thompson (Carl) and Joy Greer (Wesley).

 

ENGLAND, JOSEPH G. "BUD," age 85, longtime resident of Coalburg and former Mineral student passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. He was a retired electrician and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Survivors include several nieces and nephews, including former Mineral students Jack England, Margaret England Powell, and Faye Gamel.

ELLISON, LINDA HAND, of Gardendale, born July 28, 1957, passed away on May 12, 2010. She was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Crouch Hand. Survivors include her husband, Steve Ellison; father, James Delbert Hand; sister, Carol Hand Brown (Jay); brothers: Jim Hand (Linda) and Doug Hand (Lawanna); cousin Del Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Jerome and Peggy Ellison; sisters-in-law: Denise Hill and Gwen Ward (Kenny); as well as many extended family members and very special friends. She was a very special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews. After graduating from Gardendale High School in 1975, Linda attended the University of Montevallo, graduating from there in 1979. She then worked for more than 30 years with the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources Office of Child Support as a Social Worker. Linda was a past president and active member of Birmingham Adult Christian Singles (BACS). She was also an active member of Central Baptist Church of Gardendale where she sang in the choir. Linda loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and singing praises to Him. She is now at home with Jesus and her mother.

 

FIELDS, HELEN (BRAKE), age 90, of Gardendale, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2007. As a child, Helen lived in "Dogtown" and entered the first grade at Mineral Springs School when the school opened in 1922. A bright student, she was double-promoted from first grade to third grade and again from fourth grade to sixth grade. Although two years younger than most of her classmates, she still graduated at the head of  her class. For about 12 years, throughout the 1950s, Helen served the school and the students she loved as a member of the lunchroom staff. For those students, she will always remain an important part of their Mineral School experience. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Alf Fields. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Blankenship; granddaughter, Louan (Mark) Burgess; two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Annabeth Joyce Burgess; brother, Melton “Doodle” Brake; special friend, Mildred Beatty; her most recent family, Family Comfort Hospice; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. See a mid-1950s Mineral School photo here and a 1997 photo here. For Helen's funeral, her daughter, Joyce, prepared this memorial tribute.

 

GIBSON, MICHAEL "LYNN," age 56, of Altoona, AL, passed away Friday, August 15, 2008. He was from Republic Alabama and attended Mineral Springs School along with his brothers and sisters: Tommie Jean, Judy, Larry, and Jerry Gibson. He was retired from Roadway Express. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom (who worked at Brookside Pratt Mining Company) and Imogene Gibson; brother, Larry (February 25, 2007); and sister, Judy Hood (January 19, 1999). He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Susan Horsley Gibson; children, Tommy, Danny, Jeffery, Wesley, and Angela Gibson Alexander; 12 grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry and David; and one sister, Tommie Jean Gibson O’Breirne.

 

GLIDEWELL, GLADYS LILLIAN, age 82, of Watson, passed away on June 18, 2006. She was a member of Sharon Heights Baptist Church and retired from the Birmingham Board of Education. She was the lunchroom manager at Mineral Springs School from the early '60s until the closing of the school. Her daughter Lou Ann Cornelius (Budgie) of Brookside and son Brent Glidewell (Laura) of Watson attended Mineral Springs. Other survivors include sister Mrs. Mary Lou Williams of Birmingham and brother Mr. Olan Long of Graysville; grandchildren Billy Glidewell (Laura) of Watson, Donny Glidewell of Naples, Florida, and Candace Crews (Scott) of Watson; and great grandchildren Aya Williams and Caleb Crews.

 

GOODE, JACK N., age 73, of Watson, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lucille Goode; brother, James “Ed” Goode and nephew, John C. “Dody” Goode, Jr. He is survived by sisters, Betty J. Cupps and Nell Westbrook both of Watson; brother, John (J. C.) Goode, Sr. (Carol) of Birmingham; sister-in-law, Kathy Goode of Graysville; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and special friend and Caregiver Donald McDonald of Watson.

 

GOOCH, ERNEST LEE, age 70, of Brookside, passed away on October 5, 2007. He was a loving father and husband and was employed with Arlington Properties. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Bittle Gooch; daughters, Debra Clark and Dawn Estis of Mt. Olive; sons, Lee, Alan, and Kenneth Gooch all of Brookside; grandchildren, Amanda Payne, Alicia Clark, Derek, Damon, Corey, Samantha, Jade and Brady Gooch, Destinee, Steven and Zac Estis; great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Madison Bailey and Preston, Crimson and Austin Gooch; brothers, Edward (Sue) Gooch, Donnie (Teresa) Gooch, Roger (Shelia) Gooch and Butch Gooch; sisters, Brenda (Rex) Whitten, Patricia (Dickey) Manley, Ginger Lynn, Frances Pickle and Bobbie (Pete) Smith. See Ernest as a sixth-grader in 1949.

 

HERRON, SANFORD, SR., age 61, of Fultondale, passed away on December 31, 2008. Survivors: wife, Linda Herron; daughter, Melissa (Mike) Welch; sons, Sanford (Kristi) Herron Jr., Virgil Herron; sisters, Jeanette Bellew, Doris Spraggins, Kathryn Kretzschmar, Glenda Herron, Virginia Cook, Naomi Herron, Laura Herron; brothers, Harold Herron, Melvin Herron; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild.

 

JACKSON, LINDA K. (PENNINGTON), age 54, of Hayden, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2006. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Huey Pennington and her brother, James Lee Pennington. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Jackson of Hayden; son, Michael Quick (Jamie) of Gardendale; daughter, Michele Bencs (Michael) of Denver, CO; step-son, Robert L. Jackson, Jr. of Kimberly; grandchildren, Chase Crisler, Alex Crisler, Bailey Bencs, Ethan Quick, Faith Quick and Eric Quick; sister, Janie Brown (Manning) of Decatur; brothers, Steve Pennington (Wanda) of Gardendale and Ronald Pennington (Carole) of Warrior; sister-in-law, Reba Pennington of Gardendale; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Linda was originally from Coalburg and attended Mineral Springs School. See her 2nd grade photo (1959-60) here.

 

LEATHERWOOD, LARRY WAYNE, age 52, of Fultondale, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011. He is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Leatherwood; his father, Orby Leatherwood; his brothers, Danny and Bobby Joe Leatherwood; and his wife, Vickie Gilland Leatherwood. He is survived by his son, Larry Wayne Leatherwood, Jr. (Tanya); daughter, Summer Speegle (Kevin); stepsons, Keith and Chris Gilland; grandchildren, Heidi Leatherwood and Eli, Desiree, and Dylan Speegle; four sisters, Linda Polarie (Mark), Peggy Tineo (Jose), Rosemary Smith (Rick), and Theresa Leatherwood; two brothers, Donald Leatherwood (Amanda), and Jerry Leatherwood; and several nieces and nephews.

 

LeCROY, VERA ANN (LONG), age 65, of Gardendale, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006. She was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church. She retired from the Jefferson County Board of Education. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude LeCroy. "Devoted Mother, Grandmother and Friend" Survivors include daughters, Cindy (John Paul) Madison and Cathy (Jeff) Snider; grandchildren, Johnathan Calloway and Ryan Snider; step son, Richard (Barbara) LeCroy; step daughter, Brenda (Bill) Turner; step daughter-in-law, Lynda LeCroy; seven step grandchildren; two great step grandchildren; and a host of friends. Ann's  parents owned Long's Grocery on Fieldstown Road.

MINYARD, SR. CURTIS LEE, age 76, of Trussville, a former resident of Brookside and the Forestdale area, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2008. He was a Master Sergeant in the U. S. Army, a veteran of the Korean War where he served as a paratrooper. He was also a reserve Green Beret; he was past commander of the Ensley Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; he was retired from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as a mining inspector. He co-wrote a safety manual used nationally by MSHA to train MSHA inspectors and miners.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanette Thomas Minyard; brother, Edward Minyard and sisters, Dorothy Cooley and Ida Mae Nolan. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Bobbie Jean Minyard; children, Judy Bynon and husband Bobby, Julia Kaye Simpson and husband Jim, and Curtis Lee Minyard, Jr. and wife Rose; grandchildren, Sara Bynon, James Robert Simpson and wife Carmen, Jackie Bates and husband Mike, Jonathan Simpson, and Brittany, Tiffany and Brandon Minyard; great grandchildren, Isaac and Katelyn Simpson and Jordan, Hope and Erin Bates; brother, Otis Minyard; sister, Margie Bell; half-brothers, Eugene and Bobby Minyard; several nieces, nephews and friends.

 

MORDECAI, MICHAEL HOWARD, age 58, of Birmingham, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2006. He was a softball player and avid golfer, coached Little League for numerous years, and was an umpire for 39 years. He worked in the coal mines from 1966 to 1986, was a business owner from 1986 to 1988, worked at Thompson Tractor Company from 1987 to 2003, and was employed at Carraway Methodist Medical Center at the time of his death. He was a loving and caring husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda Mordecai; sons, Mike Mordecai, Jr. (Jennifer), and Scott Mordecai (Marcie); grandchildren, Taylor Mae, Jackson, Jacob, Kayla, and Drew Mordecai; mother, Edith Mordecai; brother, Danny Mordecai (Juanita); special brothers and sisters-in-law, Bert and Becky Nicholas, Ruth and Pat Murphy, Chip and Kathy Wyatt, and Vicki and David Morgan. Mike attended Mineral Springs School for several years in the mid-1950s. See a class photo (6th grade 1958-59) here, and a more recent photo here.

 

PENNINGTON, GEORGE, age 88, of Coalburg, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Pennington; and daughter, Elaine Koker. He is survived by his two sons, George Alvin Pennington, Jr. (Deena) and Ralph Pennington (Isabel); three grandchildren, Daniel Koker, Carol Lewis and Ryan Pennington; two sisters, Neddie Sleigh and Louise Green; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

PENNINGTON, KATHRYN A. (ADKINS), age 68, of Fultondale, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive and was retired from Hardy Service Company after 18 years of service. Survivors include her husband, Bob Pennington; sons: Larry W. Stell (Valerie), Frank Pennington (Marla) and Jared Pennington (Jennifer); daughters: Annette Thomas and Amy Hughes (Mark); grandchildren: Summer, Matthew, Jaramy, Asa, Andrew, Luke, Savannah and J. J.; three great grandchildren; brothers: George Adkins (Faye) and Gene Adkins; and a host of nieces and nephews.

PENNINGTON, LOUISE,  age 83, of Ohatchee, formerly of Coalburg, died March 7, 2006. She attended Coalburg Pentacostal Holiness Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Koker. Survivors: husband of 64 years, George Pennington, Sr.; sons, George Alvin Pennington, Jr. (Deena) and Ralph Pennington (Isabel); grandchildren, Danny Koker (Robbin), Carol Lewis (Dennis), and Ryan Pennington; four great grandchildren, Ashley, Earl, Jonathan and Hannah; brother, Roy McDowell; sisters, Ann Youngberg and Virginia Tunstill; approximately 60 nieces and nephews and approximately 100 great nieces and nephews. 

 

PIKE, MATTIE MARIE (SORENSON), AGE 73, of Coalburg, died June 17, 2006. She was a member and pillar of New Hope Ministries. For most of her life, she was a devoted and loving caregiver for numerous children throughout the local area. Survivors include brothers Sander (Betty) Sorenson, Jr., and C.T. (Carolyn) Sorenson and sister Amelia (Mitchell) Robbins. See a school photo of Marie here.

 

PINYAN, ETHEL (CORNELIUS), age 96, life-long resident of Gardendale, died Wednesday, April 26, 2006. She still lived on land that her great grandfather homesteaded. She attended Cliff, Milner, Gardendale, and Mineral Springs Schools (see here Mineral Springs graduation certificate here). She was a homemaker who enjoyed flowers, Fa-So-La singing and family gatherings. She was the oldest member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Watson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; son, Roger; and daughter, Martha Templin. Survivors include daughter, Mary (Robert) Salter; son, J. C. (Dora); son, Bud (Dianne); daughter-in-law, Carolyn Pinyan; brother, William (Bill) Cornelius; sister, Daisy Burton; 12 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

 

SALTER, JAMES ROBERT, age 83, of Gardendale,  died October 17, 2006. He was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church in Gardendale and current member of Union Hill Baptist Church in Oneonta. Mr. Salter retired from U.S. Steel 23 years ago after 37 years of service. He was a 50-year Mason at the Mt. Olive Lodge and a WWII Air Force veteran, serving in Italy in the 15th Air force. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Pinyan Salter; children, Nancy Salter (Dennis) Kerr of Gardendale and Debbie Salter (Jeff) Childress of Gardendale; grandchildren, Kimi Kerr (Josh) Thompson of Mt. Olive and Jaret Childress of Gardendale; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dutton and Cody Dutton; brothers, J. B. Salter of Gardendale, Joe Terry Salter of Adamsville and Danny Salter of Jasper; sister, Joan Lee of Jasper; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

SANDS, RUBY ANN (FAULK), age 63, of Wilsonville, passed away on March 8, 2012. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be truly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Sands; children, Robin Evans, Christopher Goodwin, Brianna Goodwin; stepchildren, Jennifer Galbreath, Joni Money, Jacqueline Sands, Wayne Goodwin, Debbie Goodwin and Pebbles Goodwin; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; mother, Myra Faulk; sister, Brenda Burnette (Danny).

 

SORENSEN, CHRIS JACKSON, age 71, of Mt. Olive, died November 15, 2008. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Mt. Olive. He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he received several Marksmanship Medals. Mr. Sorensen retired from National Can after 40 years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors, he also enjoyed NASCAR and all forms of racing. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dayna Sorensen, brothers, Ernest Sorensen and Freddy Sorensen, sister, Fay Thrasher. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a dear friend to many. He will truly be missed. Survivors include his devoted wife of 52 years, Pat Sorensen; son, David Sorensen; grandchildren, Kala (Wilson) Kennedy and Cody Jackson Abbott; great grandchild, Christopher Kennedy; brothers, Larry (Wanda) Sorensen and Jerry (Debbie) Sorensen.

 

TEEMS, GWENDOLYN (ADKINS) LITTLE, age 72, of Coalburg, died October 19, 2006. She was retired from Fultondale Elementary School, where she was Lunchroom Manager for 26 years. She was a member of Coalburg Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was preceded in death by her sister, Catherine Adkins; parents, Noble and Lillian Adkins. Survivors: husband, Jerry Teems; son, Larry (Rebecca) Little; stepsons, Jeff Scott Teems (Dana) and Brian Lee Teems; daughter, Luanne Little (Johnny); grandchildren, Shelli (Tommy) Simmons, Kasey (Michael) Hammett, Jordan, Hayden, Chandler, and Grayson Teems; great grandchildren, Katyanne, Andrew, Ryan, and Ashley; brothers, Sidney (Wanda) Adkins and John (Betty) Adkins; sisters, Myra Faulk and Doris Little; sister-in-law, Jackie Sapp (Sonny); brother-in-law, Ricky Works (Belinda). Click here for a photo of Gwen as a member of the Mineral Springs Girls 4-H Club in 1948, and here for a photo of Gwen and husband Jerry at the 2005 Mineral School reunion.

 

WIYGUL, MARGARET (GOODE), age 82, of Brookside, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2007. She is survived by sons, Terrill Goode of Watson and Rob (Judy) Goode of Oneonta (both graduates of Mineral Springs School); grandchildren, Terri (Danny) Byrne of Virginia, Marshall (Angel) Goode of Texas, Robin Shapielack of Gardendale and Carol (Michael) Herren of Morris; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Polly Moore of Watson; and brother, Cecil V. Graham of Arkansas.

YATES, JUNE DELANE (LYNN), age 60, and her husband, Joseph Ward Yates, age 69, of Mt Olive, died August 28, 2008. They were members of Sharon Heights Baptist Church. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Carol) Lynn; nieces, Tonya Lynn and Rhonda Cummingham; and many other family and friends. They both were survived by special friends, Lee and Nancy Doss, Byron Doss, Ken and Judy Wolfe and Dave and Mary Conkle.