rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Mrs. Darlene Cherry, 82, of Ozark, Alabama

Mrs. Darlene Cherry, 82, of Ozark, Alabama

Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama

 Mrs. Darlene Cherry, 82, of Ozark, Alabama, went to be with the Lord and her family in Heaven on April 26, 2026. She passed away peacefully at home after an extended illness with her beloved son and daughter by her side. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Mrs. Cherry will be laid to rest beside her husband in Tennessee.

 Darlene was born and raised in Moultrie, Georgia, where she met her husband, Douglas. Together, they built a life in Ozark, where they shared many wonderful years together. Darlene was a beautiful, selfless, and loving woman who was deeply devoted to her home and family, and in turn, her family was wholeheartedly devoted to her. Darlene took great pride in her home, which was always kept in immaculate condition and would pass the “white glove test” at any moment. She enjoyed good food and especially treasured the time spent dining out with her son, Doug, who faithfully cared for her and made sure she was well looked after. She was a familiar face at Hoppergrass Restaurant, where the staff came to know and care for her and always knew exactly what she wanted. She loved the Lord and prayed faithfully for her family and friends. Her strength, devotion, and unwavering faith were a guiding light to all who knew her.

 In addition to her parents, Oran Russ and Doris Murphy of Moultrie, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Douglas M. Cherry; and her son-in-law, Kip Garwood of Acworth, GA. She is survived by her son, Douglas A. Cherry of Ozark; her daughter, Kimbery Garwood of Woodstock, GA; two grandchildren, Bailee Weber (Blake) of Atlanta, GA and Grant Garwood of Atlanta, GA; one great granddaughter, Margaret Weber of Atlanta, GA; and one grandson on the way.

 The family would like to extend a very special thank you to her devoted sitter, Jessica Blocker, and to the wonderful Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center team for the loving care, compassion, and support they provided.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360; the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), or The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com

Valerie Rose Jones

Valerie Rose Jones took her final rest in her parents Arianna and Matthew Jones arms on 4/23/2026 at 9:30 pm, at UAB Women’s and Infants Center.

Though Valerie was born sleeping, she didn’t get to spend near enough time with us on earth. She was very loved and touched many lives. Valerie was perfect in every way. Though she was only with her family for a brief moment, that’s all it took to have us wrapped around her little finger. She was treasured and loved by all of her family before saying goodbye. The only thing Valerie ever knew was love.

Our family is forever changed, and forever grateful to have spent this meaningful time with her. She is forever loved, and never forgotten.

Valerie will be loved and remembered by her parents, Matthew and Arianna Jones of Dothan. Her Grandparents John and Jessica Seay of Slocomb, and Susan and David Jones of Cottonwood. As well as her aunts and uncles Alyssa, Emily, Benjamin, and Daniel.

A private memorial service will be held.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

Beverly Ilene Gilley

Beverly Ilene Gilley

Beverly Ilene Gilley, passed away on April 25, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 93.

Born on March 25, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, Beverly lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. She was the daughter of the late Herman and Jeannette Schoeneweg and grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the simple joys that made life meaningful. She was also preceded in death by her beloved brother, Gordon Schoeneweg, and her first husband, the late Ulrich Fenior.

Beverly later shared her life with her husband, James Gilley, and together they built a home filled with love, warmth, and companionship. Family was truly the heart of Beverly’s life, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She was a devoted mother to Wayne Fenior, Darrin Fenior and his wife Kimberly, Craig Fenior and his wife Sonja, and daughter-in-law, Carol Fenior. She took great pride in her grandchildren, Isaiah Fenior, Patrick Fenior, Taylor Fenior and his wife Shane, Cameron Fenior, and Savannah Stoner and her husband Justin, and she was delighted to welcome her great-grandchild, Henry Fenior, into the family she cherished so deeply. Beverly is also survived by her siblings, Darryl Schoeneweg and his wife, Kathy and Sharron Smith.

Beverly will be remembered as a generous and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort and steadiness to those around her. She had a gentle spirit and a giving heart, and she expressed her love through the many ways she cared for others. Her family and friends knew her as someone who could always be counted on, someone who placed the needs of others before her own, and someone whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Throughout her life, Beverly found joy in creative pursuits and the beauty of everyday life. She enjoyed crafts, especially ceramics, painting, and crocheting, and she took pleasure in working with her hands to create things that reflected her patience and care. She also loved the simple comfort of chocolate and found happiness in the many moments shared with family. These interests were a reflection of her thoughtful nature and her ability to find delight in both creativity and connection.

Graveside services for Beverly will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Reverend Doug Seale officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.

Ruseda Price Baker

Ruseda Price Baker

Jonnie Ruseda Price Baker, age 78, of Louisville, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 24, 2026.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Louisville Cemetery with Rev. Mike Whitman officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Glover Funeral Home in Clayton, Alabama. In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to Louisville Baptist Church- PO Box 115 Louisville, AL 36048.

She was born on September 3, 1947, in Louisville, Alabama to Dewey Price and Bobbie Price. Ruseda dedicated 30 years of her life to serving as an elementary school teacher. She had a deep love for children and was especially passionate about helping those who needed extra care and support. She never forgot a single student she taught. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, as she was also actively involved in her community, giving her time and energy to help those in need, including the homeless.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Charles Gaston Baker Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruletha Baker Hartfield (Dwayne) and Charla Baker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Charlton and Johnathan Hartfield, and her beloved brother Donnie Price (Faith). Ruseda will be remembered for her dedication to education, her commitment to serving others, and the many lives she touched throughout her years.

Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

WILVEN “EARL” JOHNSON

WILVEN “EARL” JOHNSON

Wilven “Earl” Johnson, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2026. He was 62.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM, Friday, May 1, 2026, in Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Keener Bachelor officiating . Burial will be held immediately following the service in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 10AM to 10:45AM.

Earl was born to the late Wilven Johnson and Linda Nix Jaggers on April 6, 1964. He was raised in Columbia Alabama. His hobbies included playing corn hole and listening to country music. Earl was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan and you could always catch him on Saturdays in the fall cheering on his beloved Crimson Tide “Roll Tide”. His most precious times were making lasting memories with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Earl was preceded in death by his father; a son, Johnathon Johnson and a sister, Sue Williams.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Michelle Johnson, Dothan; his mother, Linda Jaggars, Ashford; five sons, Jeffrey Johnson (Heather), Wesley Johnson, Justin Johnson (Courtney), Micah Johnson (Kirstie) and Zachary Johnson; one daughter Kilie Johnson; stepchildren, Amber Armstrong, Kristen Newby, Dustin Newby and Alisha Rhodes; one sister Dawn Mazan (Ron) Ashford; three brothers Bobby Johnson (Ruby) Abbeville, Michael Dyson (Hope) Ashford, Robert Johnson (Missy) Riverside, CA; 21 grandchildren; special brother-in-law, Ronald Williams along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Morgan Roddam, Katelynn Danzy, Amber Armstrong, Alisha Rhodes, Kali Newby and Meredith Purvis.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

 

 

DELILAH “NA” ODOM DEESE

DELILAH “NA” ODOM DEESE

Delilah “Na” Odom Deese, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her home. She was 78.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Brad Hardy officiating.  Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Dothan directing.  The family will receive friends Wednesday at 9:45 am to 10:45 am, prior to services, at Glover Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.

Mrs. Deese was born in Dothan on April 25, 1948, to C. H. and Edna Odessa Whitehurst Odom.  She grew up in Dothan and was a 1966 graduate of Dothan High School.  She retired from Pemco after 25 years as a Planning Manager. She worked with her husband at his cabinet shop until his retirement.  Mrs. Deese enjoyed sewing, embroidery, shopping and chauffeuring her 3 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Vickie Deese Holland, a brother Charles Odom and a brother-in-law Mike Deese.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Tony Deese, Dothan; a son David Deese (Elicia), Headland; a daughter Nicky Deese, Dothan; a brother Paul Odom, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a sister Paula Jackson (Franky), Skipperville; sister-in-law Dale Deese, Headland; brother and sister-in-law Dan and Cyndi Deese, Dothan; 3 grandchildren Ethan Holland (Juliette), Dothan, Shelby Deese, Wicksburg, and Anna Grace Holland (Cody Enfinger) Dothan; several nieces and nephews; her best friend since 4th grade Gayle Meredeth, Dothan, her special canine companion “Mollie”.

The family would like to thank caregivers Priscilla White, Patricia Johnson, Ruby Crews, Bridget Barber and Day Springs Hospice.  A special thank you to her devoted caregiver  and life-long family friend Cathy White.

Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com