ALICEVILLE – Less than two
years ago doctors had all but
given up on Stone Turnipseed.
E coli bacteria had ravaged
the 5-year-old's body, leaving his
future in God's hands. People in
his hometown raised their hands
in prayer, rallying behind the
Turnipseed family as virtually
every one of Stone's organs shut
down.
Today the healthy first-grade
honor roll student is a "real-
life miracle" source of pride for
Aliceville.
"Stone's fight for his life against
all odds brought out the good in
our town," said his father, Clif.
"Aliceville really teamed up and
came to our support."
People here say the extensive
efforts to boost Stone and his
family during their long ordeal
are typical of Aliceville. They
believe it is separated from the
small-town stereotype, in part, by
its big heart.
As in much of
rural America,
most folks
in Aliceville
work Monday
through Friday,
go to town on
Hilltop overlooks Aliceville's churches and businesses.
United State
of Aliceville
SMALL TOWN'S
GREATEST ASSET IS
PEOPLE WORKING
TOGETHER
Stone Turnipseed
PHOTO COURTESY TURNIPSEED FAMILY
BY CHUCK CHANDLER
17
Photography by Meg McKinney
