Obituaries
Ora Lee Brewer
Mrs. Ora Lee Brewer, 90 years old, passed away peacefully at her residence in Sylacauga on December 19, 2025.
She was born on Monday, October 7, 1935, in Fayetteville, Ala., the daughter of the late Curtis and the late Annie Lee Glenn Shaw.
She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Jack D. Brewer; one daughter, Sharon Brewer Mitchell; her parents, Curtis and Annie Lee Shaw; and two sisters, Dorothy Shaw Smith and Alma Shaw Jennings.
She is survived by three sons, Jack Brewer (Kathy) of Weogufka, Byron Brewer and Ken Brewer of Sylacauga. Her grandchildren are Rhonda Brewer, Dr. Jaclyn Rivers (Gary), Susan Jones, Whit Mitchell of Sylacauga; Warren Mitchell (Jessica) of Deatsville, Ala., Tina Rainwater (Jesse) of Huntsville, Tammy Brewer, and Bridgette Brewer. Her great-grandchildren include Carleigh Mae Rivers, Tripp Rivers, Grace Jones, Caroline Jones, Naomi Campbell, Jack Mitchell, Tucker Mitchell, Blaze Fathulla, Josh Brewer of Sylacauga, Cooper Mitchell, Cole Mitchell, Crews Mitchell of Deatsville, Cadence Kiser, Lona Rainwater, Chloe Rainwater, and Gunner Rainwater of Huntsville. She is also survived by her sisters, Laverne Green of Sylacauga and Kathryn Brewer of Kahatchee; her double first cousin, Margaret Wesson (Dudley) of Millbrook; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial service was held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home in the Chapel on December 22, 2025, with Reverend Jimmy Dale Abrams and Reverend Tim Wilson officiating.
The final resting place was Marble City Cemetery, located at 500 West 4th St., Sylacauga.
Pallbearers were Warren Mitchell, Whit Mitchell, Lee Butler, Chris Butler, Tim Wilson II, and Derrick Wilson.
Flowers accepted or donations in memory of Ora Lee Brewer can be made to the building fund of Sylacauga Church of God, 106 S Main Ave, Sylacauga, AL, 35150.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the services.
Susan Ehmann
Mrs. Susan Ehmann, 78, of Alexander City passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at her home. She was born on September 17, 1947, in the Panama Canal to Ernest Dykes Sr. and Chris Butterworth Dykes. The world lost one of the greatest women ever created – our mother, grandmother, and beloved Mommom.
This incredible woman raised her two daughters and, when she didn’t have to, stepped in to raise her granddaughters, as well. Our mother was one of the sweetest, most selfless people you could ever meet. She helped anyone in need, even when things were tight at home. She truly understood what it meant to care for people and their families.
She would give you the shirt off her back if it meant someone else wouldn’t suffer. God doesn’t make many people like her. My sisters and I will be forever grateful for everything she gave us and for all the ways she shaped our lives. She was the best Mommom to our nieces and nephews, and an amazing grandmother to her grandbabies. I know they will never forget her love.
We are truly honored for everything this beautiful woman gave us in her life. We love you forever, Momma – until we meet again.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Ehmann of Alexander City; daughters, Lisa (Scott) Watson of Alexander City, Jessica Price of Goodwater, and Jennifer Price of Alexander City; grandchildren, Gabi Watson, Zach Watson, Soleil Price, and Juniper Ingram; brother, Ernest Dykes Jr.; step-son, Thomas Ehmann of Phoenix, Ariz.; and step-daughter, Kimberly Nelson of Bensalen, Penn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Donna Farley Price; sister, Nancy Bannon; brothers, Bobby Dykes and Wayne Dykes.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and aides at Enhabit Hospice for their amazing and gracious care of our mom.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Susan Ehmann.
Garland Miller “GM” Gallaspy Jr.
Garland Miller “GM” Gallaspy, Jr., of Chelsea, Ala., passed away on December 23, 2025. He was surrounded by the love of his family. Though known formally as Garland Miller Gallaspy Jr., he was simply “Jim” to most and affectionately called “Kamo” by his buddies. To those who mattered most, he was “Poppy.”
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Crosby Gallaspy, whom he met at Mississippi State University – thanks, as he liked to say, to a set of pretty legs, big brown eyes, and a short mini skirt. The Lord knew exactly what He was doing when He blessed that hunting, fishing, baseball-loving Mississippi country boy with three daughters: Rachel (Jeremy) Bailey, Lesley (Greg) Hardin, and Andrea (Jonathan) Maddox.
Jim is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Shelley) Gallaspy, Hank (Sara) Gallaspy, and Cherie (late Woody) Bond; along with nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins who will miss him dearly.
Jim’s proudest role was being Poppy to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his eldest granddaughter, Jessica, and his family finds comfort in knowing she was waiting to welcome her Poppy home. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Lane Hardin, Mary Beth Bailey, Brooke Bailey, Nathan Maddox, Andrew Maddox, and Hannah Maddox.
Raised in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Jim was the eldest child of Garland Miller “Mac” Gallaspy Sr. and Ellouise Fancher Gallaspy. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Agricultural Science and proudly served in the Army Reserves in his twenties. Jim dedicated his professional career to public service, serving as Alabama Department of Public Health’s Director, Milk Branch.
In addition to his service with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Jim held officer positions for numerous organizations on a state and national level dedicated to safeguarding the integrity and safety of the nation’s dairy products and food processing practices. He proudly collaborated with regulators and industry leaders across the country. Jim took great pride in this work, knowing it protected both public health and the livelihoods of those within the dairy and food processing industries.
A loyal fan, Jim loved cheering on his favorite team, Mississippi State – “Go Dawgs!” – but nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandson, Lane, play ball. Being a “girl dad” his entire life, Lane gave him a welcome break from all things girlie. Still, Jim loved his girls fiercely and spent countless hours proudly watching them cheer, twirl, and swim, cherishing every moment.
He cherished his friendships gained through Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Diamond Mountain Hunting Reserve, work colleagues, his Sunday School class at Meadowbrook Baptist Church, and many friends he considered family.
Jim will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on through the love he poured into his family, the laughter he shared with friends, and the steady example he set as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
The funeral service was held Saturday, December 27, 2025, in the Radney-Smith Chapel. Pastor Chris Jones officiated. Serving as pallbearers were Jeremy Bailey, Jonathan Maddox, Greg Hardin, Lane Hardin, Fancher Gallaspy, Hugh McDonald, and Ross Sargent. Interment took place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Talladega Highway, Sylacauga.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Meadowbrook Baptist Church, www.meadowbrookbaptist.org/contact-giving.
Robbie Forbus Martin
Funeral service for Mrs. Robbie Forbus Martin, 96, of Equality, was Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Equality Methodist Church. Rev. Wayne Cowhick officiated. Burial followed in the Equality Methodist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Martin was called home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025. She was born on November 10, 1929, in Coosa County to Adie Elisos Forbus and Ethel Veleria Spraggins Forbus and lived a life full of love, hard work, and faith. Robbie touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and dedication.
Robbie retired from a career at Russell Mills, where she retired as a Supervisor. She epitomized the virtues of leadership and compassion, influencing her colleagues with her wise counsel and kind heart. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence were inspirations to many and are still remembered fondly.
Robbie’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. She was a faithful member of Equality Methodist Church, where she worshiped and served with unyielding devotion. Her faith was active and unwavering, evident to all in her daily words and deeds. Her relationship with Christ was a beacon that guided her through life’s journey and now into eternal rest.
Her many interests were infused with the joy of sharing with others, as evidenced by her love for tending her garden. Robbie’s yard was a testament to her care, brimming with beautiful flowers that mirrored the beauty of her spirit. She found serenity and pleasure in this pastime and cherished the natural beauty of God’s creation.
Robbie’s sense of community was manifested through her volunteer work at the Equality Volunteer Fire Department. With selfless dedication, she was always ready to lend a hand, save a life, or provide comfort in times of need. Her actions were often silent but always significant, touching lives in ways that words could never capture.
A masterful cook and baker, Robbie delighted in preparing meals for her family and sweet friends. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, a place of warmth, where the aromas of her delicious dishes brought happiness to both friend and stranger alike. Eating Robbie’s home-cooked meals was not only a gastronomic pleasure, but also an experience of her love and hospitality.
In her quiet and gentle way, Mrs. Robbie Forbus Martin embodied the love of Christ, the patience of Job, and the wisdom of Solomon. She was a treasure to those who knew her, and her memory will remain vibrant, like the garden she so lovingly tended. Robbie has now joined the heavenly choir, and as we honor her memory, we take solace in the assurance that she is at peace in the arms of her Savior.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Dianne (Alan) Farmer of Deatsville and Gloria Joyce Teague (Terry Teague, deceased) of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; son, Houston Marlin (Judy) Martin Jr. of Goldville; grandchildren, Seth (Sadie) Teague, Caleb (Connie) Teague, Jana Teague (Gerry) Hernandez, Bridget Farmer (Josh) Cook, and Terri McFaden (Houstin) Gay; grandson-in-law, B.J. Parson; great-grandchildren, Stella Teague, Cadence Hernandez, Autumn Hernandez, Leo Teague, Bethany Parson, Hudson Parson, Eli Parson, Riley Cook, Raegan Cook, Avery Cook, Carter Cook, Brantley Gay, Ava Gay, Cadence Gay, Caelyn Gay, and Briella Gay.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Houston Marlin Martin; son, George Ronald Martin; and grandchild, Nicole Farmer Parson.
The family will accept flowers or donations may be made to Equality Methodist Church or to their cemetery fund: 281 AL Hwy. 259; Equality, AL 36026.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Robbie Forbus Martin.
