Lu Ann York
December 22, 1957 – December 3, 2025

Lu Ann York, 67, of Leeds, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Born in Birmingham on December 22, 1957, she made Leeds her home for the past 44 years—a community she served and loved deeply.

In July of 1977, Lu Ann married her high school sweetheart, Rick York, and together they built a life grounded in devotion, steadiness, and a whole lot of love. They raised two children, Matthew York (Melo Matus York) and Stephanie Burgess (Jackson Burgess), who remain forever grateful for the example she set. Lu Ann cherished her grandchildren—Aidan York, Caleesi York, Asher Burgess and Beau Burgess —each of whom brought her endless joy.

Lu Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Watson Badger and grandparents. She is survived by her father, Robert Badger, her husband, children and grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted Christian who read her Bible daily. Her quiet, unwavering relationship with the Lord shaped how she lived—gentle in spirit, gracious with others, and steadfast in her values.

Lu Ann also had a soft spot for animals. Her home was never without a furry companion curled up nearby, and she had a way of turning any stray into a spoiled family member.

For 25 years, she served as a school librarian and Pre-K teacher in the Leeds School District. Thousands of children passed through her classroom and library doors, and she poured herself into every one of them. She had a gift for making children feel safe, seen, and capable—the kind of educator who changes a life with a gentle word or a steady hand. Her impact on generations of families in Leeds will be felt for decades to come.

To her loved ones, she was the heart of the home: a wonderful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose warmth never dimmed. Lu Ann leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, dedication, and quiet strength.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Bell Funeral Home Chapel in Sumiton at 12:00pm, visitation will be one hour prior to the service, burial to follow at Dillworth Church of Christ.