TAYLOR… William Gerald “Jerry” Mashburn, Jr., a resident of Taylor, Alabama, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. He was 66.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with Brother Randall Campbell officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Headland, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
At all other times, the family will be at the home of his niece, Sarah Shelton Davis and her husband, Jarrod, 187 Ridge Drive, Headland, Alabama 36345.
Mr. Mashburn was born in Marianna, Florida to the late William “Bill” Gerald Mashburn, Sr. and Mabel Ruth Sims Mashburn. He lived in the Dothan / Taylor, Alabama area his whole life. He was a 1977 graduate of Dothan High School, and he also attended Wallace Community College. He was an avid outdoorsman, where he loved to hunt and fish.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his canine companion, “Rem”.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his sons, Chase Mashburn (Rachel) and Brett Mashburn (Brittany); his sister, Valerie Mashburn Shelton (Kenny); his brother, Van Mashburn (Crissie); his grandchildren, Luke Mashburn, Caroline Mashburn, and Bryar Mashburn; his several nieces and nephews; his significant other, Tracy Raybon; his lifelong friends, Eben “ET” Snell and Rhett Davis; and last but not least, his canine companion, “Ruger”.
Willie Jean Oliver, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in the small town of Cottonwood, Alabama, on December 16, 1962, to proud parents Mary Fenn and Willie J. Lynn, she was a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her. Willie’s warmth and vivacious spirit will be forever cherished by her family and friends.
Growing up, Willie’s early years were spent in New Jersey before she settled in Barbour County, Alabama. In 1988, she made Dothan her home, a place where she would create countless memories and form lasting relationships. Willie’s educational journey was marked by the same determination and resilience that she carried throughout her life.
Willie’s work ethic was evident to all who worked alongside her at Larry’s Barbeque and McDonald’s Restaurants. She was known not just for her hard work but also for her friendly demeanor and ability to make anyone feel at home. Her colleagues and customers often found themselves uplifted by her spirited nature and infectious laughter.
An avid Alabama fan, Willie could often be found cheering on her favorite team with the same passion she brought to every aspect of her life. Her love for sports extended to wrestling and baseball, where she enjoyed not just the games but the sense of community and camaraderie they fostered. However, the true light of her life was her family. She adored her daughters, Tanika Lynn and Sanika Lynn, and her grandchildren, Dylan Cox, Kaelyn Conley, Kyhlie Stinnett, and Kiaro Curtis. Each moment spent with them was treasured, filled with love and laughter.
Willie’s family was her world. She was the beloved sister of Eddie (Barbara) Fenn, Dwayne Lynn, James (Jamie Enfinger) Lynn, and Sandra Hall. Her special nephew, Amos Oliver, along with a host of nieces and nephews, will miss her deeply. Her family knew her as sweet but spicy, a woman who was always beside her mother, offering strength and comfort. Willie is preceded in death by her brother, Larry Lloyd Lynn.
Although it had been some years since she attended Blue Springs Church, the values and community spirit she experienced there stayed with her throughout her life. Willie’s presence was a gift to those around her, and her absence will leave a void that cannot be filled.
A celebration of Willie’s life is scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Brother Larry will be officiating this service in honor of a woman whose life was a testament to love and friendship. Willie will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, where her memory will be preserved for generations to come. Friends and family are invited to gather and share their memories of Willie at the funeral home on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4-6 pm. Serving as active pallbearers will be Joseph Hall, Kevin Hall, Lee Bryant, Edrick Chambers, Ben Bryant, and Michael Bryant.
Willie Jean Oliver was a woman of remarkable character, embodying the essence of love, friendliness, and spirit. Her legacy is one of kindness, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones. She will be dearly missed, but the light of her spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Richard Bernard, affectionately known as Dick to his friends and family, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 84. Born on August 16, 1941, in the great state of Minnesota, Dick’s early years were shaped by the close-knit community that he would always hold dear to his heart.
Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Betty Bernard, who was his partner in life’s journey and his steadfast companion through all of its seasons. He was a loving father to his children, Kenneth Bernard (and his fiancée Faye Norris), Eric (Kelsey) Bernard, and Nadene (Scott) Abramo. Dick’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Ken Bernard, Jr., Summer Bernard, Alex Abramo, Danielle Mann, Kaitlyn Bernard, Cole Abramo, Sierra Bernard, Evan Bernard, and Bryce Bernard. He is also remembered by his brother George (Ann) Bernard, sister Cheryl (Bill) Sanford, and sister-in-law Bonnie Oliver. His grandson Nicholas Bernard, as well as his brothers John Bernard and Ronald Bernard, preceded him in death.
Dick’s life was a testament to the value of hard work and dedication. His career spanned many years in the lumber mill before he transitioned into construction, where he applied his strong work ethic and skill. Despite his quiet demeanor, Dick’s dry sense of humor was a source of joy for those who knew him well.
A man of many interests, Dick was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where he found a community of faith that mirrored his own values of kindness and service. His desire to help others was evident in the way he was always there for anyone in need, whether lending a hand or simply offering a listening ear. Dick was also incredibly handy and enjoyed tinkering in his garage, where he could often be found fixing or building something.
Outside of work and church, Dick relished the simple pleasures in life. He was an avid card player, enjoyed fishing, found relaxation in the game of golf and loved restoring classic cars. His love for these pastimes was only surpassed by the joy he found in the company of his family and friends.
Those who knew Dick will remember him as a loving, handy, and friendly man. His presence brought a sense of calm and stability to any room, and his actions always spoke louder than his words. Dick’s life was a beautiful example of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and the kind of practical wisdom that is gained through a life of genuine experience and service.
As we bid farewell to Richard Bernard, we celebrate a life that was rich in love and filled with purpose. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and his spirit will remain a comforting presence in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. Dick’s journey on earth may have concluded, but the impact of his life will be felt for generations to come.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to The Trinity Lutheran Church in Dick’s honor.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Mary A. Martin passed away peacefully after an extended illness surrounded by family on February 19, 2026, in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on October 30, 1945, to John Christopher and Gracie Nell Henderson, Mary’s life was a testament to the power of unwavering affection and gentle grace.
She carried these values throughout her life, creating a home that was always open and a heart that was always giving. Her marriage to Charles Martin was a cherished chapter in her life, and together they nurtured a family that would be her pride and joy.
Though she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles, her parents, her brother John Henderson, her sister Betty Hammond, and her daughter Jeanie Martin, Mary’s legacy of love continues through her surviving family. Her daughter, Anita Brooks ( Tripp), her son, Timothy Martin (Janis), and her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever hold her memory dear.
She was the heart of her family, offering guidance and support that shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Her influence will continue to be felt, and her memory will be cherished in the stories shared by her family and the countless lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Rich officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. There will be a private family graveside following the service.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 A.M. Tuesdy, one hour prior to the service.
ABBEVILLE, ALABAMA. . .Dr. William Edgar “Bill” Loftin, Sr., a resident of Abbeville, formerly of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 88.
Celebration of Life Services will be held in the Anniston First United Methodist Church at a later date. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of local arrangements.
Dr. Loftin was born and raised in Bastrop, Louisiana, son of the late William deGraffenried Loftin and Robertine Ferguson Loftin. He was awarded a baseball scholarship to Louisiana State University where he excelled as a baseball player and received an undergraduate degree in Management. Dr. Loftin later attended Mississippi State University and received a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Business Administration. He retired from Jacksonville State University as a Management Professor. Dr. Loftin formerly served as Dean of the Business School at Jacksonville State University. In earlier years, he played baseball with the Dodger farm system. Dr. Loftin was an avid golfer and was a member of Anniston First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Magill Loftin, and his twin brother, Robert Loftin.
Surviving relatives include two sons, William E. “Bo” Loftin, Jr. (Christine), South Haven, MS; and Rodger M. Loftin (Kathy), Abbeville; grandchildren, Bradley Loftin, Bryan Loftin, Natalie Loftin, Mallory Hastings (Dylan), Magill Loftin, Molly Loftin (Hugh), Michel Loftin, Maxwell Loftin and Marshall Loftin; a great-grandson, Michael Hastings.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
