Laura Ruth Jordan Barrett

 

A memorial service for Mrs. Laura Ruth Jordan Barrett, 97, of Alexander City, will be at a later date.
Mrs. Laura Ruth Jordan Barrett, lovingly known as Laura to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 9, 2026. Born on November 14, 1928, to Ethridge Monroe Jordan and Etta Mae Jordan, Laura’s life was characterized by her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and her service to her community. She was an active member of Hillabee Baptist Church.

Laura’s legacy is cherished and will be carried on by her adoring family. She is survived by her four children: Lea Anna Meadows (John Austin) of Equality, Laura Cotney (Jim) of Equality, Len Gary Barrett (Sandra) of Alexander City, and James Monroe Barrett, also of Alexander City. Her love, wisdom, and dumplings will forever be remembered by her grandchildren: Michael (Amber) Barrett, Kenneth “OJ” Melton, Crystalea Joiner (Jamie) Bowman, Gabe (Brandy) Barrett, Lauren (Jason) Bryan, Elgie (Kristin) Joiner, Allison Cotney (William) Collar, Tess Cotney (Jake) Field, Abby Cotney, Darryl (Suzanne) Meadows, and Kelsey Meadows (Adam) Kendrick. Her great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy, include Micah (Amy) Anderson, Analeigh Melton, Baylee Meadows (Jordan) McDonald, Carson Meadows, Landon (Courtnie) Meadows, Carley Melton, Layken Grace Joiner, Sadie Joiner, Ellie Joiner, Elijah Bowman, Maria Barrett, Lydia Barrett, Jacob Barrett, Brie Barrett, Madalyn Kendrick, Cooper Kendrick, John Peppers, and Josh Peppers. Laura also leaves behind numerous cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L. G. Barrett; her grandson Jacob David Barrett; and her parents.
Laura’s professional and volunteer life was marked by her compassion and leadership. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star and was honored as the Lady of the Year for Alexander City in 1964. Her spirit of giving was further exemplified as a founding member of the local Hospice, where she offered comfort and care to many.
Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. Laura’s dedication to her beliefs was evident in her love for reading and studying her Bible. She was a beacon of wisdom and faith, providing guidance and support to all who knew her.
Laura’s interests reflected her creative and nurturing spirit. She had a passion for playing the piano, and her hands were rarely still, as she found joy in sewing, quilting, knitting, needlework, and crocheting. These handmade treasures will remain as a testament to her love and talent.
Above all, Laura cherished her role as Grammy. Her family was her pride and joy, and she poured her love into every hug, every story, and every lesson she shared. Described by those who knew her as wise, faith-filled, and loving, Laura’s presence was a gift to her family and to the community that she served so selflessly.
Laura Ruth Jordan Barrett’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and faith. Her memory will be held in the hearts of those she touched, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. As we reflect on her remarkable life, we are comforted by the knowledge that her legacy of love and faith will endure. The blessings shared from her outward beauty and her internal love and grace will live on in everyone she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the County Line Baptist Church Cemetery; 233 County Line Church Rd.; Cragford, AL 36255.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Laura Ruth Jordan Barrett.

 

Johnnie Mae Maxwell

 

Sunrise: June 2, 1939

Sunset: January 5, 2026

Her Early Life

Our dearly beloved Johnnie Mae Maxwell was born on June 2, 1939, as the fourth of nine children to John Ocie and Minnie Bell Crawford in Coosa County, Ala. She enjoyed school, fishing with her father and siblings, learning how to sew and crochet from her mother, and spending time with her “Grandma C” (Lucille) and her aunt “Ro” (Rosetta), and eventually playing on an all-girls basketball team. Johnnie Mae confessed Christ at an early age at Peace and Goodwill in Rockford, Ala. Johnnie appreciated her southern upbringing and cherished the experiences she had with family and friends while growing up there. She carried those fond memories with her as she journeyed to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1965 with her late husband, Jather Lee Maxwell; son, Arnold Lee; and daughter, Teresa Ortolaza – as they searched for better employment opportunities. Upon arriving in Boston, Johnnie Mae was met by her siblings: JB Crawford, Oscar Benjamin Crawford, and Louise Miller, who had already settled here.

Her Love & Labor

When she first arrived, Johnnie tried to work alongside her older sister Louise, a long time nurse at Mass General Hospital, but quickly learned that the medical field made her squeamish. Johnnie then pursued work at Color Picture in Roxbury where she worked for many years while pursuing higher education through the OIC Training program, which taught her keypunching and typing skills. Johnnie would go on to apply those skills at the New England Merchants Bank (Bank of New England) where she did payroll work for numerous years before retiring in the mid-1980s. Johnnie would eventually go on to dedicate her time and energy to nurturing her granddaughter Shanice. She made sure they had fun together after Shanice “got her lesson out,” and later joined Generations Inc. as a volunteer to help elementary school students with reading, writing, and math at the Joseph Lee K-8 School and the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club after-school program.

In her spare time, Johnnie used the skills her mother taught her and created and sold handmade dresses; she loved to sew, crochet, and shop. Johnnie Mae also had a genuine green thumb and loved all kinds of flowers and plants, which adorned the inside and outside of each home she had. She liked to challenge herself through jigsaw and crossword puzzles, word searches, crossword puzzles, and paint by number canvases, as well.

Johnnie Mae truly loved the Lord. From her early days in Boston, she was a member at St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Rafe D. Kelly for many years. She later joined Timothy Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Harry D. Gerald on January 1, 1991. Johnnie Mae was later consecrated as a Deaconess on September 21, 2003, by Rev. Dr. Larry Green Sr., a position she deeply valued. Over her 35 years as a member, Deaconess Maxwell was extremely faithful in her serving and giving. She actively participated in many ministries such as: the

Diaconate, Annie Mae Broughton Missionary Society, Sisters in Christ, Flower Ministry, and Senior Choir. She took part in Noon Day Prayer and spearheaded the Prayer Line with the late Sis. Lillie Pearl Clanton for many years, before working alongside Rev. Ruthanne Darby. Deaconess Maxwell also taught Vacation Bible School and was a team leader for the Music Ministry and Prayer Ministry.

Mother Maxwell was a dedicated servant of the Lord, and praised Him fervently throughout her final moments. While able, she would take every opportunity to speak about God to anyone, and wouldn’t hesitate to correct people in love. Mother Maxwell could also discern what others were going through, and always knew just what to say.

She would often use her Southern charm and jokes to bring a smile to people’s faces and get them laughing; she enjoyed seeing people’s countenance lifted. Mother Maxwell never hesitated to pray with people or speak a word of encouragement either. She would give what she had to those in need, as well. A hard worker and true servant of the Lord, Mother Maxwell exuded quiet confidence and exercised diligence in all she did.

Her Long-Lasting Legacy

Johnnie Mae Maxwell was preceded in death by four brothers: JB Crawford (Juliette), Jeremiah Crawford, Oscar Benjamin Crawford, and Ocie Crawford; as well as two sisters: Louise Miller and Allie Lee Simpson. She leaves to celebrate her memory and legacy: son, Arnold Lee Maxwell; daughter, Deaconess Teresa Ortolaza (Josue); granddaughter, Minister Shanice Maxwell; two sisters, Mary C. Goggans and Beatrice Warden (Billy); two sisters-in-law, Katie Crawford and Donette Crawford; and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, friends, and people who have been positively impacted by her selfless love, genuine kindness, heartwarming humor, and fierce faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her services were held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Timothy Baptist Church on 35 Highland Street; Roxbury, MA 02119. Professional services entrusted to Davis Funeral Home on 89 Walnut Avenue; Roxbury, MA 02119.