Sister Sharon, little sister Sharon, was always a joy to be around. The sound of the piano coming from the kitchen, the beautiful singing voice, ever present smile; the things I will always remember. After graduating from Arab High School , she attended Snead State and was one of the members of the “Freedom Singers”, which evolved into the Snead State College Street Singers. She was a member of Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church in Arab and loved Sacred Harp music. The annual Sharon Jordan Leach Memorial Singing is held on the Saturday before the third Sunday in April every year at Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church. After graduating from Snead she married Greg Leach of Guntersville. She worked in Huntsville. She died in a car accident June 21, 1982. She was a wonderful sister, a friend, and through her I met my life mate, Janet Wilkinson, whom I married January 23, 1977. ~ Written by Terry Jordan
I can add little to Terry's tribute except that on cold, winter mornings, I would go by and pick up Sharon for school. I was always envious of her “make-up” routine which consisted only of mascara and a little lip gloss - she was so naturally beautiful ! I did, however, take advantage of the occasion to slip quietly downstairs and steal a “bye” kiss from my sweetheart. We all still miss her greatly, and we always will. ~ Written by Janet Wilkinson Jordan
June 23, 1958 - May 24, 2010
Patricia "Tricia" Matthews passed away May 24, 2010 due to injuries sustained in a fall at her home. She was hospitalized for several weeks and endured three major surgeries in a heroic attempt to save her life, but the injuries proved too great to overcome. Fortunately, she regained intermittent consciousness several times after her surgeries and we were able to briefly communicate with her, for which we are grateful. Tricia lived her life quietly and preferred anonymity over publicity. Known for her quick wit, vivid sense of humor, and love for exotic and unusual foods, Tricia clearly danced to the beat of her own drum. She was opinionated and outspoken on issues of the day, but extended great warmth and heartfelt compassion to family, friends, and her pets. Tricia's expressed desire was to be cremated and laid to rest in a private family ceremony. It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that we said goodbye to Tricia at such a young age. We will miss her very much and know she will rest in peace with the knowledge that we and others loved her for who she was and always will be in our hearts ~ Written by Mike and Jeff Matthews
July 3, 1958 - April 15, 1992
I first met Joe in the 9th grade when we were both in Mr. Carver's Civics class. Mr. Carver was good friends with my grandfather, R. C. Short, and, because I tried to give the appearance of being studious, I sat on the front row. One morning Mr. Carver gave a written assignment to be completed in class. The room was quiet and everyone was working when a note was passed to me from the back of the room. It was an off colored note, to put it kindly, and it was signed Joe V. Clayton. My face turned several shades of red as I heard suppressed laughter from Richard Bass. When the bell rang I sprinted out of that class as fast as possible, hoping my parents would allow me transfer to Guntersville High School. I heard a voice calling "Sandy" but I didn't slow down until I was in my next class. Joe followed me with a mortified look on his face. He did his best to assure me that he didn't have anything to do with the note and apologized for Richard's crudeness. We all had at least one bad experience in high school, didn't we? From that day forward, Joe went out of his way to prove to me that he was indeed a gentleman. The next significant memory is from 12th grade when the Clayton's barn caught fire and several horses died. Joe was extremely upset over losing his beloved horses. He said he listened to "Candle In The Wind" over and over as he grieved.
I lost touch with Joe V. after high school. Sadly, Joe died in a car accident on April 15, 1992. Just like Norma Jean, Joe's young life was tragically cut short and the town of Arab mourned the loss of a well known citizen. Joe loved a good party, and would have enjoyed hearing Brett Jockell's band at our 35 year class reunion.
For Joe, I hope they have Chevy sports cars in heaven ~ Written by Sandra Gibson
For Joe, I hope they have Chevy sports cars in heaven ~ Written by Sandra Gibson
1957 - 2009
Zoann was very shy when we were in school, but after you got to know her, you discovered that she had a wonderful personality. She was funny, happy, and full of life. Our mothers were both in the nursing field and worked together, therefore, Zoann was like family to me. Her brother and my brother were best friends. Unfortunately, I found out about Zoann's passing a year after she died. I couldn't believe my ears when her brother told me. Zoanne, I think of you often. May you rest in peace ~ Written by Annette Solley Monk
1957 - 2008
We remember Julie as quiet, shy, sweet, and very smart. She was one of the “Grassy” girls – where you found one, you would find the rest. All of us “Grassy” girls stuck together, even in high school. We were all friends from the first grade so our bond spanned many years and many childhood experiences. Kathy remembers going to Julie’s house during her high school years and sharing popcorn and watching TV. Her parents would follow Kathy home to make sure she was safe. That was just the kind of caring people Julie and her family were. We all had a sleepover at Betsy’s house on graduation night to cumulate our years together and bring our childhoods to an end. We then went our separate ways but never forgot each other. Julie we miss you girlfriend, and we will always cherish our memories of you. Written by Kathy Coker Bryant, Kay Sanders Woodruff and Betsy Reeves Holt
After graduation Julie attended Snead State for two years and then went on to Jacksonville State University. She received double degrees in math and computer science. Julie graduated with honors, 9th in the class. After graduation from college, she went to work for NASA in Huntsville. There she met and married David Johnson. They had three children, Brian (now 23), Bethany (now 20) and Jamie (now 16). She was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom while the children were small. When Jamie was two years old Julie and David divorced. Julie went to work for BellSouth in Birmingham where she remained until 2005. While there she met and married Russell Scruggs. She went back to school to take advanced courses in computers. She then went to work with Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Alabama as a computer programmer. In 2008 Julie developed pneumonia and was admitted to St. Vincent hospital in Birmingham. She developed a blood clot in her lungs, went into a coma and went home to be with our Lord April 14 of that year. Written by Robert & Geraldine Andrews, Kay Andrews Elwell, Dennis Andrews.
January 10, 1958 - January 7, 2009
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| Jay, Shawn, Bobby - Last day of school May 1976 |
1957 - 1986
Bobby went to Union Grove School until the 10th grade when he went on to Arab High School. When we were growing up he often attended my church home, Brocks Chapel Church of Christ. Bobby loved to play football and he got along well with his family. After high school he became a photographer. He met his wife Pam in Virginia and they had a daughter. One night in 1986 Bobby and Steve Huggins went to P.J.'s Alley in Guntersville. When they got home Bobby was showing off his new gun when it accidentally went off and killed him. What a tragedy as Bobby could have gone on to do great things with his life. He was the only person I have ever led to Christ, and I have blessed assurance that I'll see him again one day. ~ Written by Nick Walker
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