‘A true Southern lady’: Congressman Robert Aderholt announces mother’s passing

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) has announced the death of his mother, Mary Frances Brown Aderholt. She passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in her hometown of Haleyville last Saturday.

In a statement released Wednesday, Aderholt’s mother was called a ‘true Southern lady.’

“Her life was rooted in faith. Mary Frances grew up and was married at Haleyville First United Methodist Church and later became an active member of Fairview Congregational Church near Hackleburg for many years. There she taught Sunday school for more than 30 years where her husband pastored for over 40 years. Her faith was evident in the way she lived her life, always caring for others and offering support and kindness to those in need.”

“After a few years teaching school, Mary Frances became active in the business community, managing both the Haleyville Loan Company and operating her dad’s lumber company in Nashville, Tennessee both of which thrived under her leadership. Her contributions to her community were recognized by many and she was named Haleyville Business and Professional Women’s Club Woman of the Year.”

“Mary Frances Aderholt will be greatly missed by many, but she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her.”

Mary Frances is survived by her son Robert Aderholt and his wife Caroline McDonald Aderholt; two grandchildren Mary Elliott Aderholt (fiancé Grant Whitt) and Robert Hayes Aderholt; her sister Judy Benton and brother-in-law Kenan Benton; sisters-in-laws Jean League and Betty Landers; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at Haleyville Methodist Church located at 12207 9th Avenue, at 1:00pm, with a visitation beginning at 11:30am.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten