Obituaries
Linda Maris Williams Giambrone
Memorial service for Ms. Linda Maris Williams Giambrone, 83, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kellyton First Global Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Jackson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kellyton First Global Methodist Church.
Ms. Giambrone passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Chapman Healthcare Center. She was born on February 25, 1941, in Birmingham to William M. Williams and Jewell E. Williams. Linda dedicated her life to raising her children. She also spent many years running her family business in Birmingham. Later, she spent her career at Publix, where she never met a stranger and enjoyed helping people every day.
A faithful member of Kellyton First Global Methodist Church, her spirituality was a cornerstone of her life. Linda’s passion for Alabama football was matched only by her love for reading and the daily challenge of a crossword puzzle. Known for her exquisite cooking, Linda’s famous chicken dressing was a highlight of family gatherings, particularly during the holiday season.
In her latter years, she spent time looking out her window keeping an eye out for her beloved cardinals. Above all, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and fond memories. Linda’s spirit and zest for life will be deeply missed, yet her influence will continue to live on through her family and all who knew her.
She is survived by her son, John (Judit Varga) Giambrone of Destin, Fla.; daughter, Christi (Chris) Jackson of Alexander City; grandchildren, Jacob (Kelsey) Mumpower, Joshua (Audrey) Mumpower, Riley Jackson, Gia Varga Giambrone, Chloe Jackson, and Maci Jackson; great-grandchild, Evy Mumpower; dearest friend, Debbie Chapman; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tami Mumpower; siblings, Howard E. Williams, Billie Jean Mize, and W.M. Williams Jr.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Vincent Law and Heather Alford, NP, as well as the rest of the nurses and staff at Chapman’s Healthcare for their loving and tender care of Ms. Giambrone.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Linda Maris Giambrone.
Dr. James Howard Poole Sr.
Funeral service for Dr. James Howard Poole Sr., 95, of Alexander City, was Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Alexander City. Dr. Steve King and Rev. Max Roden officiated. Burial was Monday, February 10, 2025, at Hillview Memorial Park.
Dr. Poole passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at his residence. He was born on December 6, 1929, in Montgomery to Calvin Syntell Poole and Else Pearl Glasscock Poole. He was a faithful member of Sardis Baptist Church of Boaz then First Baptist Church Alexander City. Howard was a 1948 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School. He then served four years in the Navy on the USS Kearsarge in communications. He was stationed in Alameda, California. Following the 1948-1952 stint serving his country, Howard enrolled at Troy State College where he met the love of his life, Betty Caroline Byrd, who was a Troy sophomore preparing to be a teacher. After a courtship of three years, they were married in June 1955 in Betty’s hometown of Elamville, Alabama. By this time, Howard was attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute (later Auburn University) and he graduated in 1958 from Auburn’s School of Veterinary Medicine with his doctorate.
They welcomed Melissa Gayle and James Howard Jr. while working as a federal meat inspector in South Alabama. He moved his young family of four to the Sand Mountain area when he became the director of the Alabama State Diagnostic Lab in Albertville. At retirement, he was a meat inspector for the State of Alabama.
Papa, as he was affectionately called by his seven grandchildren, spent countless hours gardening on their Sand Mountain hobby farm. He studied and practiced organic gardening before it became cool. His other passion was a 30-year program of developing a line of Arabian horses known for their beauty, athleticism and intelligence.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Byrd Poole of Alexander City; daughter, Melissa Poole (Gary) Poe of Alexander City; son, Dr. James Howard (Melinda) Poole Jr. of Alexander City; grandchildren, Emily (Jeff) Gramse, Heather (O.C.) Omokie, Amber (Ryan) Claudon, Dalton (fiancé – Heather Clanton) Boatwright, Joshua (fiancé – Logan Dover) Poole, Caleb (Kelli) Poole, Lindsey (Taylor) Wesson; sister, Alice Faye Poole (Ben) Taylor; brother, David Oneal (Sherry) Poole; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Ann Poole; and nephew, Eric Taylor.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Dr. James Howard Poole Sr.
