MRS. LOVIE DELORIS CRUTCH SOFTLEY, 73,
of Tuscumbia, Alabama, was born on July 7, 1952, to the
late Ms. Bertha Mae Gill and Mr. Harry Bates. She went
home to her eternal home to be with the Lord on March
15, 2026.
Lovie was the youngest of seven children and grew up
in Leighton, Alabama. She attended Leighton Training
School and graduated from Colbert County High
School 1971.
At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and
Savior, and remained a faithful servant throughout her
life. She was a lifelong member of Hopewell Cumberland
Presbyterian Church in America, where she served as an
elder and was deeply devoted to her church family.
Lovie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical
Education and Science from the Alabama State
University and later obtained her Master's degree from
the University of North Alabama. She dedicated many
years of her life to education as a teacher and coach in the
She  eld City School System, where she made a lasting
impact on countless students. She loved teaching and
coaching and she loved her Bulldog family. She was a
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she
was a charter member of Kappa Phi Omega.