accident leaves two dead

From Staff Report

Heavy rains Tuesday afternoon may have caused the death of two Butler Countians in a two-vehicle accident.

According to Alabama State Troopers, at approximately 4:47 p.m., Sheila M. Sellers, 56, of Greenville, hydroplaned on County Road 37.

She was a driving a 1997 Nissan.

When her vehicle stopped, she was hit broadside.

She died from injuries sustained in the accident. The driver of the other vehicle, Willie James Crenshaw, 56, of Greenville, was driving a 1989 Chevrolet.

Troopers said he struck Seller’s vehicle and then left the roadway, hitting an embankment.

Both victims were wearing their safety restraints.

The accident remains under investigation.

Sellers, is well known to area law enforcement, serving in the Butler County Sheriff’s Auxiliary for several years.

Travelers through Butler County would also know Sellers from her years of owning and operating the Atlas, a truck stop favorite in Georgiana.

Sheriff Diane Harris, a personal friend of Sellers, was quite distraught over the loss, but did offer a statement.

&uot;The Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary have lost a very dear supporter,&uot; she said.

&uot;Sheila was often seen at the office working as a volunteer, running errands and generally supporting our efforts in the county. I know that I and this department will miss her greatly.&uot;

Many elderly people will also miss Sellers for her work during the holidays.

Adrienne McKee, the wife of Jail Administrator Al McKee said Thursday that Sellers would often buy food and prepare boxes for the elderly and homebound.

Not because she was asked but because it was the right thing to do.

&uot;Because of her good deeds for others, we will establish the Sheila Sellers Memorial Fund,&uot; McKee said.

&uot;With that fund, we will continue the work that Sheila did in her life.&uot;

More information on the fund can be obtained by calling the sheriff’s office at 382-6521.

Funeral services for Sellers were held Friday.

Her mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, three brothers and the men and women of the BCSO and Sheriff’s Auxiliary survive her.

The other victim of this tragic accident, Willie James Crenshaw, will be laid to rest on Sunday following a 3 p.m. service at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

According to his only sibling, Alvin Crenshaw, he was a hard workingman, who had a gentle side.

&uot;He was a real gentle person and always stuck by his family and friends, &uot; his brother said.

&uot;If anyone came to him for help, he was there for them.&uot;

Alvin Crenshaw said his brother was a person anyone would be proud to claim as a brother.

He also talked about his brother’s work ethic. He worked for 30-plus years for International Paper.

Crenshaw is survived by his brother, son, daughter and one grandson.

His son, daughter, grandchild and brother survive him.