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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Claude "Bubba" Franklin Rester Obituary
Claude Franklin Rester “Bubba”, age 72, of Tuscaloosa, AL, passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2026 surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 4:00 -6:00 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Henry Rester Jr. and Delores Bernice Hinton Rester; and grandparents, Claude and Daisy Deerman, Luther Hinton, Henry Rester, and Agnes Crowley.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Jo Burns Rester of Tuscaloosa, AL; daughters, Bridget Rester Stanley of Tuscaloosa, AL and Jennifer Rester Piercy (Roger) of Lovettsville, VA; son, Claude "Chip" Franklin Rester Jr. of Tuscaloosa, AL; brothers, Thomas Henry Rester III (Janet), James Dewitt Rester (Cynthia) and Robert Stanley Rester; and grandchildren, Courtney Morrison Parker (Jamie), Jackson Lake Stanley, Charley Kate Piercy, Nathaniel Isaac Piercy; and great-grandchild, Keeghyn Rose Parker.
Born on July 9, 1953, Bubba was raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. He was a 1971 graduate of Tuscaloosa High School. He attended Shelton State Technical College where he completed the Machine Tool Technology Program as a Machinist Apprentice. While pursuing his education, he worked at Central Foundry and was also awarded his Master Mechanic degree. His exceptional skills and expertise led him to teach the class to fellow students while still in the program. After Central Foundry closed, Bubba briefly served as a police officer. He then began his career as a machinist at Jim Walters Resources Number 4 Coal Mine in Brookwood, AL where he dedicated 35 years of service until his retirement.
Bubba married his high school sweetheart, Connie Jo Burns, and they shared 54 years of marriage. They raised three children and built a life together. Bubba was very proud to be a 32nd degree Mason and had many passions outside of work. He loved riding motorcycles and had a deep appreciation for classic cars. Over the years, he owned several motorcycles and was highly knowledgeable about cars and how to repair them. Bubba also enjoyed fixing lawn mowers and took pride in spending time doing yard work. Barbecuing and grilling for family and friends was one of his favorite things to do. Bubba was often the life of the party, especially when he was singing or enjoying karaoke. He played harmonica, loved telling jokes, and playing pranks on people. He enjoyed shopping and spending time with friends and family and was always willing to help anyone in need. Bubba had a special love for dogs, ensuring the dogs at work were cared for and occasionally welcoming them into his home.
Bubba will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Susan West Jackson
Susan West Jackson, 73, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on December 11, 2025. She was born on November 29, 1952, in Anniston, Alabama, to Austin Walker West and Mary Willingham West.
She grew up in Tuscaloosa and attended the University of Alabama, where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. After college, she married and devoted herself to raising two remarkable sons, who were her pride and joy. To say she was proud of them would be an understatement-they were truly the highlight of her life.
As her sons grew older, Susan discovered another passion in her work with the Rotary Club of Birmingham. She was the Rotary Club's quiet strength, moral anchor, and living memory for 22 years serving as the Executive Director. She was the steady presence-guiding, nurturing, and safeguarding the soul of the club with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to Rotary's ideals. She built institutions, strengthened communities, saved lives, and forged friendships across continents. Her legacy continues through the people she influenced, the lives she helped save, and the enduring values she represented.
The friendships she formed and the opportunities to travel and meet people from around the world were a source of great pride for Susan. She especially delighted in welcoming international guests and showing off Birmingham, then calling her sons to share the joy and amazement of those experiences.
The tribute placed on the Rotary Trail in downtown Birmingham-Susan's Birds-honors Susan. The hummingbirds circling the globe perfectly represent her: always moving, always with purpose, always guided by Rotary's Four-Way Test. Where there was neglect, she helped create beauty. Where there was need, she called forth compassion. Where there was uncertainty, she brought purpose with.
After retiring from the Rotary Club, Susan embraced a career in real estate, where she continued to connect people and learn alongside friends she deeply enjoyed working with.
Her family and friends truly filled her cup. Whether she was watching Alabama football with her "regular gameday group" or spending time at the knitting shop, she was always sharing stories of her seven granddaughters. Fashionably late to their events or calling ten minutes before game time-sometimes from the wrong field-she always arrived with a smile.
Susan will be dearly missed by her many loving friends, her doting granddaughters, and her family.
Susan was preceded in death by her son, William Brockman Bankhead. She is survived by her mother, Mary West; her sister, Jean Miller (Mark); her brothers, Bill West (Cindy) and Don West (Kay); her sons, John Bankhead (Emily) and Reed Jackson (Jana); and her beloved granddaughters, Julia Jackson, Scarlett Jackson, Lillian Jackson, Lulah Bankhead, Hollis Bankhead, Maddie Orrock, and Ebie Bankhead.
A celebration of Susan's life will be held on January 7, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Birmingham, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation, 2019 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Donations may also be made online at www.birminghamrotary.org/give or to the Foundation at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213.
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