Verna H. Huggins

HUGGINS, VERNA HUTSON "Grandma", 84, of McCalla, Alabama, passed from this life to the next on May 16, 2012, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Grandma was born on March 24, 1928, in Iron River, Michigan, and was retired from The City of Bessemer, and as a dispatcher for the Bessemer Fire and Police Department. She was a lifelong member of Tannehill Valley Baptist Church. Grandma loved and was beloved by her four children: John C. Huggins (Kathy) of Chelsea, Alabama; Dr. Cathy Alexander,M.D. (James) of Newnan, Georgia; Andy Huggins (Teresa) of Bucksville, Alabama; and Jimmy Huggins (Tracy) of Bucksville, Alabama: her nine grandchildren; Shannon Huggins Braddock (Tom), Dr. John "Jay" Huggins, M.D. (Tina),Sarah Alexander Jelkin(Chad), Travis Alexander (Jennifer), Christina Huggins Vanderford (Matt), Sarah Huggins Logan (Hank), Ashlyn Huggins, Jami Huggins, and Bethany Huggins; and her seven great-grand children; Gary Lacy Jr., John Lacy, Will Huggins, Hunner Vanderford, Adrienne Huggins, Joshua Braddock, and Baby Vanderford, due in October. She is also survived by her brother, James Henry Hutson, (Billie) of Pell City, Alabama, sisters-in-law, Barbara Huggins of Chunchula, Alabama, Ruby Huggins of Thomasville, Alabama, and Ann Huggins, of Mobile, Alabama; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Elma Rhee Luker, of Whatley, Alabama; cousin, Nelda Pate of Bessemer, Alabama, and several nieces and nephews. Grandma was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Silas Huggins, her parents, Sarah Dozier Hutson and John Washington Hutson, her brother, John Nathan Hutson, sister-in-law, Jane Catherine Hutson, and infant sister, Vivian Hutson. Grandma was a source of great strength and courage for all of us who knew and loved her, especially after the sudden death of Grandpa in 1989. She remained strong and forged a new life for herself after retirement, travelling extensively and celebrating each new adventure with full exuberance, always living life to the fullest. Love of family and friends were the hallmark of her life. We thank God for her life and celebrate knowing that she left us her legacy of love of family, and of resilience in life. The family would like to express deep appreciation to Pat Brown for her love and support in caring for Grandma. Also many thanks to Frances Bright and all the great people at New Beacon Hospice for their special care and support in caring for Grandma. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17th, from 6 to 8 P.M. at Tannehill Valley Baptist Church, McCalla, Alabama. Funeral services will be held at the church on Friday, May 18th, at 2 p.m., with interment following at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Bessemer, Alabama.

Verna H. Huggins

March 24, 1928 - May 16, 2012