Clarice Sanford Fuller

Noma Clarice Sanford Fuller, known as Clarice to her family and friends, passed away quietly on May 8, 2026, in Hanceville, Alabama. She was born on January 24, 1934, in Goodsprings, Alabama. She enjoyed a long life of 92 years, experiencing a wide range of friendships, activities, and accomplishments. Mrs. Fuller grew up in the Goodsprings community in Walker County. She graduated from Thomas W. Martin High School in 1951 and continued her education at the University of Alabama. She graduated in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, with an emphasis on higher math. On October 1, 1955, she married her college sweetheart James “Jim” Menefee Fuller, with whom she shared 51 happy years of marriage.

She began her high school teaching career while he was stationed with the army in Baltimore, Maryland. After returning to Alabama, she taught algebra and geometry at Mt. Olive Junior High School. She then moved on to Mortimer Jordan High School where she continued to teach these subjects until becoming a guidance counselor. She remained at Mortimer Jordan until her retirement in 1990. Mrs. Fuller was a devout Christian and made her faith the cornerstone of her life. She was a longtime member of Beechwood Baptist Church, teaching a Sunday School class of fellow members and dear friends. She loved being a part of the Gardendale/Mt. Olive community and performed many services to it, including Meals on Wheels, line dancing instruction, and leading an exercise class. She enjoyed attending activities at her local senior centers, taking road trips, and following Alabama Crimson Tide sports. Mrs. Fuller is survived by her son Tommy Fuller (Jennifer) of Gardendale, and daughter Mary Huddleston (Steven) of Harvest; her grandchildren, Amanda Gallups (Justin), John Fuller (Kayln), Laura Haynes (Will), Anna Huddleston; and great-grandchildren Emma, Clara, Ellis and Lucy, with two more on the way. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Fuller was preceded in death by her parents, Noble and Ida Sanford; her husband, Jim Fuller; her sisters Faye Douglas (Phillip) and Afrey Wright (Henry); her brother Ellis Sanford (Jimmie); and her longtime friend and companion Coach Bill Hawkins.

She touched an abundance of lives and will be greatly missed by many people.

Visitation for Mrs. Fuller will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, US, on May 13, 2026, at 12:00 pm, with services immediately following at 2:00 pm.