Dear editor,

We would like to take this time to express our appreciation for all the kindness shown to our family during the loss of our loved one, James Earl Johnson.

We can not find the words to thank everyone for their support during his illness and death. Every act of kindness shown was a source of strength. Although this is a sad time for us, we find comfort in knowing how fortunate we are to have so many caring friends.

Special thanks to Sun Crest Health, Southern Care Hospice, Shelby Medical Center, Care Ambulance and the Chilton Medical Center for the wonderful, professional care given to James Earl in his four-month battle with cancer.

As the old saying goes, “There is no place like home,” and we will agree with this. We were moved to CMC while my husband was battling cancer, and my family can not say enough about the care and professionalism shown to him for some 14 days in our local hospital.

The nurses and staff were very skilled and attended to his every need. They were compassionate and reassuring with words of comfort until the end of his earthly life.

We chose Southern Care Hospice service, which was also staffed with hometown employees. No words can express our thanks to them for the many hours they spent providing us guidance through each step of this journey. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but the kindness shown to us by “hometown folks” will never be forgotten.

Our gratitude goes to the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department, Clanton Police Department, Clanton Fire Department and the Shelby Honor Guard for their participation in James Earl’s memorial service.

We were deeply touched by the way he was honored for his service to this county.

Bettie J. Johnson