As is my custom, my year-end columns highlight the lives of legendary Alabama political figures who passed away during the year.
Elbert Peters, a Republican Party icon, passed away in the waning days of 2023 at age 90. Elbert Peters was Chairman of the Republican Party during the 1990’s. Elbert was Republican before being Republican was cool. Elbert was one of the most stalwart Republicans in Alabama history. He was probably best known for being the driving force and originator of the Madison County Republican Men’s Club. These gatherings were and remain the go-to event for Republican candidates.
Former Second District Congressman, Terry Everett, died in March, at age 87, at his home in Rehobeth. He was a native of the Wiregrass. He served 16 years in Congress from 1992-2008. He had a keen interest in agriculture and the military. Governor Ivey said it best, “during his time on Capitol Hill, he was one of the strongest voices for Alabama’s military bases and veterans.” He was also a stalwart advocate for Alabama farmers.
Robert “Bobby” Timmons, one of the most legendary figures in Alabama political lore, passed away in March at the age of 91. Bobby Timmons served as Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association for 47 years from 1975 through 2022. He was the beacon of guidance and support for sheriffs across the state. Prior to his almost five decades as the Director of the Sheriff’s Association, he served in the Alabama House of Representatives. He was a close ally of Governor George Wallace. He was one of Governor Don Siegelman’s closest and most ardent friends and mentors.
Former State Representative William Thigpen passed away in June at 83 in Montgomery. During his 12-year tenure in the State House of Representatives, William and his wife Betty were mainstays of the legislature. He was on affable and gregarious fellow. When you met him, you felt immediately like he was your best friend. William was successful in business. He founded a manufacturing plant and owned a car dealership in Fayette. He was a very conservative and pro-business legislator. After his time in the legislature, he became an Assistant Director of the ABC Agency for 13 years.
Long time Supreme Court Justice Gorman Houston passed away in September. He was 91. Justice Houston was known as a stalwart, conservative, pro-business jurist.
Legendary Ozark Southern Star Editor and Publisher, Joe Adams, passed away in August at his home on Broad Street in Ozark at 91. The Southern Star had been run by his family since 1867. Joe had been publisher for 66 years. He loved Ozark, his family newspaper, and his alma mater the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide.
Longtime Jefferson County Judge, Quentin Brown, passed away at 77 in July at his home in Birmingham. Quentin had a lot of friends. If you were his friend, you had a true friend. Quentin was a real yellow dog Democrat.
Alabama lost one of the finest ladies to ever grace the Capitol and Statehouse in June. Mrs. Miriam Shehane founded Alabama’s Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) in the 1980’s and was CEO and lobbyist for the organization for over 40 years. She was a dear friend and hero to many victims of crime in our state.
Miriam was a tireless giant for victims of crime. Her dedication and total devotion was instigated by her daughter’s brutal murder. Quenette Shehane was murdered as a student at Birmingham Southern College. Miriam was dismayed by the lack of judicial action and punishment in the prosecution of the murderers. She dedicated the rest of her life to helping victims of crime in our state. Miriam passed away in her hometown of Clio at age 91.
My belief is that Quenette Shehane’s murder, just outside the gates of Birmingham Southern, during her junior year at the prestigious liberal arts school in the late 1970’s was the beginning of the end of the school. Its perilous location averted Alabama’s brightest away from one of Alabama’s most illustrious private colleges. Birmingham Southern officially died on May 31, 2024. The landmark, elite Alabama private college, ended 168 years of excellent education this year.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at [email protected].
