Obituaries

Jerry Lewis Johnston

 

Jerry Lewis Johnston, 82, of Childersburg, was called home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2026, in the loving presence of his family. Jerry was born in Sycamore to the parents’ Thomas Milton and Lillian Lee Johnston. Jerry turned 82 on October 21, 2025.

Mr. Johnston is survived by his loving wife, Jeanice Johnston; his son, Barry Johnston; and his daughter, Regina Chapple (Brian). Jerry has three wonderful grandchildren, Scotty Brassel, Jennifer Moore (Alex), and Emilie Chapple. Jerry is also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Jacen Johnston, Ryleigh Brassel, Kaylee Johnston, and Colton Brassel.

Jerry was a graduate of Winterboro High School in 1962. He joined the National Guard right after graduating from high school. Jerry spent seven years serving in the 123rd division of the S&S Company from the Goodwater, Ala., station until honorably discharged on September 30, 1969. In 1963, Jerry married his soulmate, Jeanice.

Jerry was employed at Kimberly Clark in Childersburg for 35 years. He excitedly signed his retirement papers the day his last grandchild, Emilie Chapple, was born in 2002.

Jerry enjoyed his retirement years vacationing with his wife, Jeanice, at the beach or in the mountains. He spent several weekends introducing his grandchildren and later great-grandchildren to the wonders of the beach or mountain getaways.

Jerry is a lifelong member of Sycamore United Methodist Church.

In addition, a little-known fact to many was Jerry’s incredible cake decorating abilities. He held the families’ highest award for figuring out how to sneak a slice, camouflage the hole with potato chips and icing for a flawless finish.

Visitation was held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Sylacauga, on January 26, 2026. The funeral service followed at the same location in the Chapel.

Pallbearers included David Jones, Ronald Hobbs, Alex Moore, Scotty Brassel, Drew Davis, and Jason Johnston.

The final resting place is Tallasahatchie Cemetery, located at 3332 Tallasahatchie Road, Alpine.

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.

 

Martha Belshaw Rittmann

Marty Rittmann passed away on January 15, 2026, due to complications from Pulmonary Fibrosis and COVID-19. Born on December 10, 1952, in Jordanville, New York, she moved to Birmingham, Ala., at a young age. She moved to Rockford, Ala., with her husband, James Donald Rittmann, to pursue her career in teaching; Her next 30 years were spent educating the children and families of Coosa County. In her retirement, she continued to serve her church and her community as a volunteer by participating in numerous food drives, serving as a member of Coosa County’s Children’s Policy Council, performing quality assurance for Coosa County’s Department of Human Resources, serving those in need by completing their taxes for free through Volunteer Connections, and so much more. She cherished time with her family almost as much as they cherished every moment with her. Her magnetic smile, quick wit, and eagerness to help others will be remembered fondly.

A memorial service for Martha will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church on February 7 at 11 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to wear a mask to protect others in attendance.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you give the gift of reading to a child, something that was a lifelong passion of Martha’s. This can be achieved by supporting your local library, donating books to a child welfare organization of your choosing, or simply making time to read with a child in your family.

 

In honor of the many lives that Marty touched, her family is working to collect your favorite stories and images of Marty. They will be creating a memorial collection of these stories to preserve the love she sowed throughout her life. To contribute to this collection, please scan the QR code below; this will take you to a website where you may share your favorite memories of her.