Barbara (Popwell) Teel

BARBARA (POPWELL) TEEL, age 87 of Clanton, passed away suddenly on July 25, 2025, at her residence.

She was born in Chilton County on August 16, 1937, the daughter of the late Horace Greely Popwell and the late Mamie Wilson Popwell. Barbara was the devoted wife of the late Joseph Randle Teel, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet perseverance.

A lady of grace and strength, Barbara served as the secretary of Teel Insurance Agency for many years. She was an avid gardener who found joy in nurturing both her plants and the people around her. Thursdays were special to her, spent in the company of her beloved card-playing friends. She was also a wonderful cook, known for gathering her family around the table with warmth and love.

Her happiest moments were spent at the lake with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — fishing, sharing stories, and passing down her love of nature and family tradition. Barbara’s legacy is one of gentleness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved most.

She is survived by her children: Laura (Michael) Serviss of Cottondale; Sara Kern (Ashley) McGee of Cottondale; and Joseph (Pam) Teel of Clanton. Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren: Casey Snider (Jeremy) Denson of Vestavia Hills, Taylor Randle (Zoe) Kern of Huntington Beach, CA, Joseph Patrick (Tori) Kern of Vestavia Hills, Madeline Elizabeth Kern of Decatur, GA, Briar Caleb (Allison) Teel of Decatur, GA, and Dylan Gage (Marlyn) Teel of Reidsville, GA; and her great-grandchildren: Thomas Denson, Fitzgerald Kern, Flora James Kern, Michael Kern, Evelyn Kern, and Joseph E. Teel.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Hughes officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Chilton Memorial Gardens in Clanton, Alabama.

No flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the Clanton First Baptist Church Pre-K Program — a cause dear to Barbara’s heart and reflective of her lifelong love for children and community.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com