Mary Frances Aderholt

Mary Frances Brown Aderholt, 88, passed away peacefully in Haleyville, Alabama on Saturday, October 12, 2024, after a life of steadfast service and devotion to her family, faith, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership and kindness that touched the lives of many throughout Winston and Marion Counties and the State of Alabama. Funeral services for Mary Frances Aderholt will be held on Friday, October 18th, at Haleyville Methodist Church located at 12207 9th Avenue, at 1:00pm, with a visitation beginning at 11:30am. Following the service, she will be laid to rest beside her husband Bobby at Winston Memorial Cemetery. Following the service, a reception will be held with refreshments for family and friends at the Aderholt home. The home is located at 22565 Alabama Highway 129, Haleyville, AL. Born on May 22, 1936 to Julious and Lorene Knight Brown, Mary Frances was born and raised in Haleyville, where she graduated from Haleyville High School, along with her husband, in 1954. She attended Huntingdon College and later Birmingham-Southern College, where she earned a degree in business and science. After graduation, she began her teaching career at Ensley High School in Birmingham and later returned to Haleyville, where she taught English and business education. She was a beloved teacher, known for wanting students to truly learn the subject along with her unwavering belief in the power of education. In 1958, she married Bobby Ray Aderholt, and together they shared 63 years of marriage before his passing in August of 2021. Mary Frances stood by her husband’s side throughout his long career in public service, offering her support and dedication. A lifelong supporter of the Republican Party, she also helped to support numerous political campaigns of her husband, who was elected Circuit Judge of Alabama’s 25th Judicial Circuit in 1976 and later her son, Robert, who was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1996. Though she never sought the spotlight herself, her contributions were immeasurable to their success. Her life was rooted in faith. Mary Frances grew up and was married at Haleyville First United Methodist Church and later became an active member of Fairview Congregational Church near Hackleburg for many years. There she taught Sunday school for more than 30 years where her husband pastored for over 40 years. Her faith was evident in the way she lived her life, always caring for others and offering support and kindness to those in need. After a few years teaching school, Mary Frances became active in the business community, managing both the Haleyville Loan Company and operating her dad’s lumber company in Nashville, Tennessee both of which thrived under her leadership. Her contributions to her community were recognized by many and she was named Haleyville Business and Professional Women’s Club Woman of the Year. Beyond her roles as wife, mother, and leader, Mary Frances was also known for her love of cooking and Southern hospitality. She opened Das Aderholt Haus, where she served breakfast and homemade family style lunches. She and Bobby hosted Fourth of July celebrations at their home where they invited all their neighbors and friends. However, she may have been best known for the sandwiches and homemade cakes that she sent to Bobby’s office in the courthouse when juries were in session. Mary Frances is survived by her son Robert Aderholt and his wife Caroline McDonald Aderholt; two grandchildren Mary Elliott Aderholt (fiancé Grant Whitt) and Robert Hayes Aderholt; her sister Judy Benton and brother-in-law Kenan Benton; sisters-in-laws Jean League and Betty Landers; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Judge Bobby R. Aderholt, and her parents, Julious Brown and Lorene Knight Brown. Mary Frances Aderholt will be greatly missed by many, but she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. Mary Frances was a true southern lady who will be greatly missed by so many. However, she left a legacy that will impact thousands for years to come. She was an inspiration and a joy for all that knew her. Anyone wishing to make a memorial may do so by giving a contribution to Fairview Congregational Church at P.O. Box 155, Hackleburg, AL 35564 or Haleyville Methodist Church at 2207 9th Ave, Haleyville, AL 35565.

Mary Frances Aderholt

May 22, 1936 - October 12, 2024

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Mary Frances Aderholt

May 22, 1936 - October 12, 2024

About Us

What We Do

Contact Us

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

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