Grissom High School In Memory

ASHLEY ELIZABETH FOUST PURANDARE '06
July 28, 1988 ~ January 25, 2026

Ashley Elizabeth Purandare, 37, of Huntsville, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Ashley was born on July 28, 1988 to Ken Foust & Carol Johnson both of Huntsville Alabama.

She was preceded by her father, Ken; her second dad, Grady Johnson; her grandparents, Earl & Helen Foust of Hollypond and Aldridge & Dora Childers of Eva.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ravi; her loving children; son Azrael Hozian, daughter Ember Purandare, and bonus children Jaden & Eralyn Purandare. Also her loving mother, Carol Johnson; bonus sister, Lisa Lane (Frank) of TN. Ashley is also survived by an uncle, Burl Childers (Ann) of Eva; aunts, Linda Foust Grajewski (Joe) Charlotte Hall of Huntsville, Bonnie Roper (Dwight) and Sandra Childers both of Eva; Her special friend and cousins, Josh Grajewski and Adrienne Guyton (Jeff); and a host of other cousins and so many friends who loved her.

A funeral service will be held at Hillwood Baptist Church on Monday, February 2nd, beginning at 2:00 PM.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.

TAMRA YUVONNE GARRISON WATKINS '88
October 17, 1969 ~ October 20, 2022

Mrs. Tamra Yuvonne Garrison Watkins, of Huntsville Alabama, passed away at Diversicare of Huntsville on October 20, 2022 at the age of 53.
Mrs. Watkins was born in Arab Alabama to Marvin Terry Garrison and Janice Marie Nolan on October 17, 1969. She was a homemaker who enjoyed art, and painting in her free time. She loved animals and she also had a passion for teaching. She enjoyed watching Auburn football, and loved spending time with her family and friends. She attended church at New Canaan and Brindlee Mountain. Mrs. Watkins’s family will be holding a celebration of life at the New Canaan Baptist Church – Union Hill community of Morgan County on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 12 p.m. with Brother Robert Cruise officiating the service.
Mrs. Watkins will be greatly missed and remembered by her daughter; Shayna Jackson and her husband Austin, her brother; Joseph “Joe” Garrison, and granddaughter Kyleigh Watkins.
Mrs. Watkins is preceded in death by her son; William Hunter Watkins.
The family of Mrs. Watkins has elected cremation.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.

LORI SUZANNE MCCULLOUGH WHITESIDE ‘80
September 22, 1962 ~ August 21, 2025

With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Lori Suzanne McCullough Whiteside of Huntsville, Alabama, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on August 21, 2025 at the age of 62. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

In the hush of twilight, as the stars twinkle in silent homage, we reflect on the legacy Lori leaves behind and her impact on the lives of her loved ones. Though Lori may no longer walk among us, her spirit lives on in the memories held dear by her family and friends, a guiding light that illuminates their paths in times of darkness.

She was predeceased by: her brothers, William, David and Mason; and her granddaughter Leah. She is survived by: her husband Brant; her daughters, April (Robert), Ashlin (Robby) and Rachel; her parents, Suzanne and Mike; and her sisters, Melissa and Janet. She is also survived by other nieces and nephews.

KENDRA NICOLE NAUMCHEFF
May 9, 1995 ~ February 27, 2026

Kendra Nicole Naumcheff, age 30, passed away early in the morning of February 27, 2026, surrounded by her friends and family.

Kendra was born on May 9, 1995, to Steven and Terri Naumcheff at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. She was a 2014 graduate of Virgil I. Grissom High School. Post-graduate, she attended Madewell Christian Academy.

Kendra was known for her curious eyes, mischievous smile, affectionate hugs, and contagious laugh. She never met a stranger, enjoyed watching Auburn sports, going to Rosie’s Cantina with friends and family, and embodied Christ-like joy. Her absence will be felt by her family and all of the many lives she touched in her thirty years.

Kendra is survived by her parents; her maternal grandparents, John and Sandra Duncan; her brother and sister-in-law, Jake and Lauren Naumcheff; her sister, Faith Naumcheff; her sister and brother-in-law, Jordan and Hunter Hammack; two nieces, Lois and Evelyn Naumcheff; one nephew, Levi Naumcheff; aunts and uncles, including Cassie and Jason Shields, Cynthia and Maurizio Villarreal, Toni and Brian Hess, David and Melanie Naumcheff, Paula Naumcheff, and Sharon and Brandon Bryant; numerous dear cousins; and special family friend Julie Madewell.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Michael and Rosie Naumcheff.

Our precious girl is now healed and whole dancing in heaven and singing praises to her Heavenly Father. She will be in our hearts until we are reunited with her in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers please give donations in her honor to United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville, Alabama.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Kendra touched are invited to attend her visitation at Whitesburg Baptist Church South Campus (7300 Whitesburg Drive SE Huntsville, AL 35802) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 10:00am - 12:00pm with a memorial service following.

PETER COE ‘77
September 14, 1959 ~ January 5, 2022

ANGELA JOY ‘ANGIE’ KEETON SOBCZYNSKI ‘97
May 22, 1979 ~ January 11, 2026

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DEBORAH LYNN RENFRO VANCE
June 5, 1955 ~ February 10, 2026

Pancreatic Cancer

Deborah Renfro Vance, a remarkable woman whose love shaped everyone, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 70, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on June 5, 1955, in upstate New York, Deborah spent the majority of her life in Huntsville, Alabama, where she built a life centered on family, friendship, and service. She graduated from Grissom High School in 1973. After dedicating herself fully to raising her children, she courageously pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from Calhoun Community College in 1995. She began her nursing career in her 40s while battling breast cancer—facing that season with grace, grit, and unwavering determination.

Deborah was, in every sense of the word, remarkable—remarkable in her strength, remarkable in her honesty, and remarkable in the way she loved.

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Marcie (Donald) Lewis and Joanne (Greg) Shell; her cherished grandchildren, Morgan (Chase) Starnes, Jonah Snead, Ethan Lewis, and Nathan Shell; and her beloved boyfriend and devoted companion of ten years, Jerry Hinkle.

She is also survived by her brother, Jack (Marilyn) Renfro; sisters, Victoria (Benny) Pitsinger and Christie (Ray) Kubichan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and countless others who proudly considered her their “bonus mom.”

She was preceded in death by her parents and her precious daughter, Samantha Vance, whom she loved fiercely and carried in her heart always.

As a mom, she was devoted, protective, encouraging, and unapologetically honest. She never hesitated to share her opinion—especially if it involved what you “should’ve done”—but it was always rooted in love. As “Meme,” she found pure joy in her grandchildren, celebrating every milestone and loving them with her whole heart.

As a nurse, she lived her calling. She cared deeply for her patients, advocated fiercely, and formed lasting bonds with coworkers who respected her compassion and strength. Nursing was not simply her career—it was her dream fulfilled.

She loved boldly, fought courageously, and smiled through tears. Her legacy is one of resilience, laughter, honesty, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00–4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home. During the Celebration of Life, family and friends are invited to share their favorite memories and reflections. We hope it will be a time to honor the many ways Deborah impacted so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Not One More Alabama in Samantha’s honor.

BRIAN KEITH WYNKOOP '74
March 9, 1956 ~ November 7, 1973

Thrown from Horse

PETER COE '77
September 14, 1959 ~ January 5, 2022

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CARY LEE WHITE '84
December 1, 1966 ~ March 20, 2023

Cary Lee White went to be with his Lord and Savior, March 20, 2023. He was 56 years old and a native of Huntsville, Alabama.
He graduated in 1984 from Grissom High School.
Cary is preceded in death by his great grandma Bobba Rhodes, his grandmother, Doris Norwood, grandfather, Jack Norwood, his son Andrew White Whisenant, and his uncle, Anthony Norwood.
He is survived by his parents, Donald and Phyllis White; brother, Shawn White (Joe); one niece; one nephew; aunt Janet, Uncle wayne Basler, Uncle Andy Norwood, his daughter Satin Harley Leigh White, two grandchildren, and lots of friends.
He was a Big Alabama Fan, had lots of hobbies such as, working on cars, welding, racing motorcycles, loved watching movies. He loved every kind of music, rock and roll was his favorite.
Memorial service will be held Friday, April 7th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Agape Community Worship Center, 210 O'Hatchee Rd. Huntsville, with Pastor Andrew Boozer officiating.