Gladys Irene Massey
By Staff
August 25, 2008
Gladys Irene Hale Massey, 95, passed away Aug. 25 at Russellville Health Care. She was born on Sept. 2, 1910.
Massey was an elementary teacher who taught 42 years in the Russellville City Schools, the Sheffield City Schools, the Franklin County Schools, the Cullman County Schools and Chicago Public Schools.
In the course of her career, she earned an enduring reputation as one of the Shoals area's most effective reading teachers and is remembered for her generosity and special care shown to disadvantaged students. She has frequently been described by many former students as the best teacher they ever had.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators.
She was a graduate of Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama), working for years to obtain her degree. Later she commuted to Nashville over weekends and summers to earn her master's in elementary education from the George Peabody Institute, now a part of Vanderbilt University, and taught evening courses to World War II veterans to support her efforts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Lorena Hale; brothers, Guy, Roy and Gresham Hale; sister, Ruby Langcuster; and husband, John Bolton Massey, a former teacher, Franklin County Schools superintendent and municipal judge.
She is survived by her nephews Cecil (Suzanne) Langcuster and Athel Glenn Hale; nieces, Sherry Whitehead, Nancy Kelley, Pat Stevenson and Jean Goodson; and great-nephews, Jim (Beth) Langcuster and John (Christy) Langcuster.
Visitation is Saturday, Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home in Russellville, followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Franklin Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will include Brian Pace, David Scruggs, David Hester, Stratt Byars III, Grant Atkins and Dr. John Evans. Honorary pallbearers include all of the surviving teachers who worked with Massey during her 42-year career.
The family thanks the Senior Ministry Committee of Russellville First United Methodist Church, whose members visited Massey diligently and brought love, friendship and hope. The family expresses special thanks to Rev. Clinton Busler, who frequently administered to the deceased; his wife, Mary Ann; and Rev. Allen Beasley, FUMC senior minister.
Thanks also to the staffs of Country Cottage, Russellville Health Care and Wiregrass Hospice for their unfailing dedication and care. May God's tender mercies follow you wherever you go.
Spry Memorial Chapel will assist the family. To sign the register book and to offer private condolences to the family, go to www.sprymemorialchapel.com.
Larry D. Yocom
August 26, 2008
Larry D. Yocom, 57, of Hamilton passed away Aug. 26, 2008 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss.
He lived his entire life in this area and was a member of New Hope Methodist Church.
The funeral service will be Friday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville with Ricky Mann officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation was held Aug. 28 at the funeral home.
He is survived by his brothers, Danny (Brenda) Yocom and Lanny (Mary) Yocum, both of Hartselle, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.C. and Gladys Yocom, and sister, Launette Walker.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People First, 156 County Hwy. 76, Haleyville, AL 35565.
Pinkard Funeral Home will be directing.
