Birmingham Community Urged to Assist Coroner’s Office in Locating Families of Deceased Residents
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. – The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is reaching out to the community in order to seek assistance in locating the families of three men who have recently passed away in Birmingham. This heartfelt plea comes as the office attempts to connect the deceased individuals with their loved ones during this difficult time.
Kenneth Simmons
The first individual, Kenneth Simmons, was 87 years old and died of natural causes on August 31 while receiving treatment at Brookwood Hospital. Simmons is believed to have had connections to several areas, including Birmingham, Bessemer, and Hueytown in Alabama, as well as Gainesville, Roswell, and Atlanta in Georgia. The Coroner’s Office is keen to identify his family members and any information that might help them do so would be invaluable.
Johnny Walker, Jr.
Next is Johnny Walker, Jr., who was 75 years old at the time of his passing on October 3. He passed away from natural causes while under hospice care at his home on 6th Avenue West. According to records, Walker had listed his late aunt, Eva Fitzpatrick of Ensley, as his emergency contact. Fitzpatrick had passed away in 2015. The coroner’s office encourages anyone who knows of Walker’s family or can provide further details to step forward.
Robert Persinger
The third individual, Robert Persinger, aged 82, also succumbed to natural causes, dying on September 25 while hospitalized at St. Vincent’s East Hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital records did not indicate any family connections remaining, as it appears all of his family members have already passed away. There are suggestions he may have had ties to both Indiana and Florida. The coroner’s office was unable to provide a photo of Mr. Persinger, which makes identifying his family even more challenging.
Community Response and Call to Action
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is hopeful that community members can lend their support in this matter. They are asking anyone who may have information regarding the families of Kenneth Simmons, Johnny Walker, Jr., or Robert Persinger to reach out. Every little detail might help reunite these men with their relatives, paying respect to their memories and ensuring proper closure for their family members.
Those who can assist are encouraged to contact the Coroner’s Office at (205) 930-3603. The staff is dedicated to providing closure for these families and appreciates any information that can help accomplish this goal.
Importance of Community Support
In times of loss, community connections often become a source of strength and support. It is vital for individuals and families to have the opportunity to honor their loved ones properly and to navigate through the complexities of loss. Each piece of information can be essential in bringing families together even after such a devastating event.
As our local community continues to grow, it is essential for residents to stay connected and support each other, especially in these trying times. Reaching out and offering assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by tragedy.
Final Thoughts
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office remains committed to serving the community with respect and compassion. By working together and sharing information, we can ensure that no one is left alone during their time of need. If you have any details about the families of the deceased men mentioned, please do not hesitate to come forward and help.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
