Vonda Lee Stewart Allred

NORTHPORT Vonda Lee Stewart Allred, age 78, of Northport, died March 27, 2009, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2009, at Sunset Funeral Home with Bro. George Shaddix officiating and Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years and the love of her life, Lt. Col. Bobby C. Allred, Sr.; her parents, Carl and Geneva Stewart; and her brother, Carl David Stewart.

Survivors include her son, Bobby G. Allred, Jr. of Panama City, Fla.; her daughters, Pam Lyons (Mel), Susan White, and Jeanie Shanahan, all of Northport; her grandchildren, Mel Lyons (Leah) of Northport, Tiffani Lyons of Birmingham, and Joanna Borntrager (Michael), Brittany Shanahan, and Taylor Shanahan, all of Northport; her great-grandchildren, Elliott Lyons, Ella Kate Lyons, and Joshua Borntrager, all of Northport; and her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Frances Stewart of Jasper and Mrs. Dorothy Allred of Sipsey. In addition, she loved the other surviving members of her extended family (nieces, nephews, etc.) who are too numerous to mention; each and every one of them were very important to her.

Vonda was born June 16, 1930, in Sipsey, Alabama. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the most important thing to her on earth! She was a devoted member of Northwood Hills Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, was involved with mission work, and sang in the choir. Vonda loved her church family and missed going to church when her health failed. Her faith in the Lord allowed her to endure many life trials with grace and dignity.

Vonda was an excellent officer's wife when her husband was in the Army and was very active in the Officers' Wives Clubs on the bases where they were stationed. Vonda's greatest gift was the love and generosity she shared with her family and friends. She was perceived by many as the sweetest person on this earth!

Pallbearers will be Bobby C. Allred, Jr., Mel Lyons, Jr., Mel Lyons, III, Michael Borntrager, Jr., Tim St. John, and Charlie Collins.

Honorary pallbearers are all the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and physical therapists at home, the hospitals, at rehab, and at Hospice of West Alabama who cared for her during her illnesses.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.