Marlene Sayers

Marlene C. Sayers was born Marlene Tera Canady on June 10, 1932. Marlene died peacefully August 2, 2023 at the age of 91. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Hoyt A. and Lula C. (Bynum) Canady, youngest brother James L. Canady, former husband J. C. Kennedy, and husband Grady H. Sayers.  

She is survived by Brothers: Morgan E. Canady (Nancy), San Antonio, TX, Felton A. Canady (Marie), Center Point, AL, and Harold E. Canady, Slidell, LA. Sister-in-Law: Donna Canady, Starkville, MS. Nephews: Jay A. Canady, Panama City, FL and David Canady, Slidell, LA. Nieces: Lisa Canady McLaughlin, San Antonio, TX, Crystal Canady, Starkville, MS, Melinda Canady Bonner, Oneonta, AL, Christine Canady, Trussville, AL. Marlene's cousins live in Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and New York, and she will be missed by a host of friends, especially her "Birthday Buddies" and others at The Healing Place Church. 

Marlene was born in Oneonta, AL. The family lived on Warrior Valley Road in one of Monroe Bynum's rental houses, and they were farmers "on shares". In the Winter, the family traveled to Florida to work in the juice factories. Marlene had a rich Christian heritage. Growing up in rural Blount County, she was privileged to know a number of her ancestors including her Great, Great, Grandparents Rev. John and Martha Phillips. There was a long line of ministers in the Phillips family including some of the pastors of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church where Marlene attended as a child. There were also several ministers in the Bynum line of ancestors going back to Asa Bynum, one of the early settlers of the Oneonta area in 1818. 

The Bynum School in Altoona was where Marlene attended First Grade. She graduated from Springville High School in 1950. At that time, she was attending Murray's Chapel Church of God and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior at age 17. In 1950, the family moved to Birmingham and Marlene attended The Woodlawn Church of God.  

Marlene worked for Hayes Aircraft for many years in Data Entry on the night shift. She also partnered with her husband in a Paint and Floor covering business located in Center Point, AL. Marlene and her husband were Children's Church Leaders at Tarrant Church of God in the early Sixties. In 1967, they were founding members of the Huffman/Sherwood Church of God which is now The Healing Place Church in Trussville, AL. Marlene was a faithful member of this church for 56 years. She was actively involved in ministry to the sick and shut-in church members and friends, and she supported local ministries in feeding and clothing the homeless. Marlene also supported other Christian Ministries both domestic and abroad. She loved cooking and gathering with family and friends, and traveling with the Church Senior Adults. She especially loved taking her Mother on road trips thru several States in the U.S. Her favorite personal activity was growing flowers of numerous varieties in her large backyard. 

Marlene was a highly independent person who faced many trials and struggles in her life. She was also a person of faith and an over-comer. She is now at peace with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Services will be at The Healing Place Church in Trussville, AL with burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, AL.