In Memoriam Blanche Simmons


Ms. Blanche V. Simmons, 79, of Madi- son, Ala., died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, in a Huntsville, Ala., hospital. Ms. Simmons was born June 14, 1928, in Moss Point, Miss., to the late King and Maude Seaman Simmons; she had been a resident of Madison for the past five years. Ms. Simmons was raised in Moss Point, was a graduate of Moss Point High School, and went on to re- ceive her Masters Degree from the Uni- versity of Southern Mississippi. She was the band director in Fairhope, Ala., for over 30 years and touched thou- sands of children's lives during that time. She was the first woman president of the Alabama Band Masters Associa- tion. She was a member of East Moss Point Baptist Church, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Ms. Simmons was preceded in death by her only brother, Arnold Simmons. Among her survivors are one sister, Elizabeth Smith and her husband, Melvin of Lau- rel, Miss.; a very special lifelong friend and teacher Ms. Bessie Owen of Madi- son; seven nieces and nephews, Philip Smith, Belinda Ratcliff, Rachel Chaney, Arnold Simmons Jr., Janice Sanchez, Teresa Fulton, and Natalie Lynn.


Julian Stephens


Mr. Julian Stephens Jr., 79, of Anniston died Tuesday, November 20, 2007 in Birmingham. Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Helen Crowder Stephens; his sons, Julian Stephens III and Her- bert Scott Stephens, their wives and grandchildren, Miller Wesley Stephens and Nockoles Shed Stephens, all of An- niston.


A native of Anniston, Mr.


Stephens graduated from Anniston High School in 1946. He graduated from Jacksonville State University and received his M.S. degree from the Uni- versity of Alabama. He served in the U.S. Army and was the director of the


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U.S. Army Band in Fort Lee, VA. Mr. Stephens went on to serve as Band Di- rector at Valley High School, Heflin High School, Wellborn High School and Anniston High School. He later served as Assistant Band Director at Auburn University. He opened Gadsden Music Company in 1969 and retired in 1985. Mr. Stephens was a member of the Anniston Jaycees, the Alabama Jaycees and the U.S. Jaycees. He was also a member of the Chamber of Com- merce, Alabama Band Masters Associ- ation, President of American School Band Directors,


Auburn Knights


Alumni Association, Alabama Cava- liers Alumni Association, Phi Beta Mu national band director's fraternity, YMCA, Anniston Quarterback Club and Parker Memorial Baptist Church.


Dexter Greenhaw


Dexter Greenhaw died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at home. He was born Feb. 15, 1955, in Athens to Dub and Edna Greenhaw. He retired after 27 years as band director in the North Ala- bama area. He was the music director for 17 years at Friendship United Methodist Church. He played with the musical group Denim for 25 years. He is survived by his wife Cindy of Athens; two sons, Zach Greenhaw of Snellville, Ga., and Ian Greenhaw of Athens; his mother, Edna Greenhaw of Athens; one brother, John Greenhaw of Athens; and one granddaughter, Allie Grace Green- haw. He was preceded in death by his father and three sisters, Jean Sharpe, Jane Patterson and Barbara Lipham. Hartselle High Principal Jerry Reeves called Greenhaw a "dear friend" who was an "outstanding band director." Greenhaw was at Hartselle from 1994 to 2004. He also served as band director at Clements High in Limestone County from 1978 to 1986. "He was the kind of teacher you wanted the kids around," Reeves said.


Regina King


Regina Barnes King died on Thursday, October 11, 2007 in Gadsden. She was born on May 30, 1957 in Phil Camp- bell. She is survived by her son Jake; sisters Melissa Tippett and Beth Harris; brother Kenneth Barnes (Pat); nieces and nephews Tabitha Latham, Drew Harris, Erica Barnes, A.J. Barnes; and many former students and friends. Regina earned her Bachelors and Mas- ters Degrees from “T.U.N.A”., the Uni- versity of North Alabama where she was a leading member of the band pro- gram. She began her teaching career at West End High School in Etowah County, and she also served as the band director at Boaz High School and Moody High School. In addition, Ms. King served as the Vice-Chairman and Chairman of District II of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. After her re- tirement from Alabama she continued to teach as the band director at Pep- perell Middle School in Floyd County, Georgia. Ms. King served as an adju- dicator, guest conductor, clinician, and mentor throughout her illustrious ca- reer. Her bands, as well as individual students, consistently earned superior ratings at all levels of performance with many graduates of her program earning music scholarships. Regina was a member of the ABA, AMEA, MENC, and Phi Beta Mu Honor Fraternity. She will be remembered as a director that served as a role model for all. “We all should teach with the passion that Regina exhibited every day of her life.” “No matter what the circumstance, Regina was there for family, friends, students, and fellow music educators.” “I am quite sure that the Heavenly band is playing much better now that Regina has joined them to play her cornet, hear her fellow angels play-off lessons, and help run rehearsals.”


ALA BREVE


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