rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Mary Janice Smith

Mary Janice Smith

Mrs. Mary Janice Smith of Cottonwood passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, at the age of 85.

Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Love Hill Assembly of God with Reverend Jason Tolar officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Smith was born March 20, 1941, in Dothan, Alabama, the daughter of the late John Alvin and Eddie Mae Kirkland. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She had the kindest heart, and always had a meal prepared for you. She worked for Swedish match for 45 years and loved doing ceramics and working in her flower garden.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Auburn Earl (Buddy) Smith, and daughter-in-law, Steffanie Smith.

She is survived by her sons, Johnny Smith (Joni), Garry Smith, brother, Lamar Kirkland (Teresa), sister, Seretha Oliver (Sammy), grandchildren, Drew York (Amanda), Raye Oester (Mike), 4 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Drew York, Mike Oester, Drew Traylor, Chase Brunson, Jason Krikland, Chad Kirkland, and alternate pallbearer will be Garry Smith.

 

Kevin Peters

Kevin Peters

Kevin Peters

October 16th, 1964 -October 22nd, 2026

Kevin Peters was born to Eugene and Cathrine Peters of Stamford , Connetticut. Upon graduating from high school, he

enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his term of service he returned to Connecticut, where he went to

work for Xerox as a repair technician. Eventually he settled in Dothan, Alabama. He worked many years with Danny Coleman

Office Supply where he repaired typewriters and other office equipment. He later worked for Conner Business Solutions as a

repair technician and Xerox specialist. For the last decade of his life he worked for ACA Tax Service and Check Cashing where he

worked with Mrs. Sherri Shirah and made many treasured friends.

Kevin was a valued and loved member of his community. He had a passion for roller coasters and theme parks that he would

share with anyone who would listen. He always loved talking about his Auburn Tigers Football.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kelli Kristine Peters, 3 sons, Dean (Rena) Peters and Spencer Peters, and Alexander Dykes.

One grandson, Judah Peters. Two sisters, Shaaron Casey and Shonna (Cricket) Peters and his brother Keith Peters and

numerous nephews and one niece.

We’d like to especially thank Southern Care Hospice and his nurse, Cody Barr.

Donations to his family may be made at his place of work. ACA Tax Services and Check Cashing.

The celebration of Kevin Peters life will be Saturday, November 7th, at 6pm at the Golden Corral Private dining room.

Ally Elizabeth Roney

Ally Elizabeth Roney

Ally Elizabeth Seay Roney, age 37, of Geneva, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

 Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Geneva with Chaplain Lynn Ward, Rev. Scott Jordan and Rev. Jim Peters officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.

 Ally was born on May 10, 1989, to Scott and Kim Seay.  She grew up in Geneva where she graduated from Geneva High School with the Class of 2007.  Following graduation, she continued her education at Troy University, earning a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education. Ally began her teaching career in August of 2011 with Enterprise City Schools teaching there one year before joining Geneva City Schools, where she spent the next 11 years pouring into her students.  When health challenges prevented her from returning to the classroom, she continued teaching virtually from home through the Alabama Destinations Career Academy.  Teaching was more than a profession for Ally, it was one of the greatest passions of her life.  She possessed a remarkable gift for reaching children, particularly those with special needs.  She saw beyond their challenges, recognized their individual gifts, and made each child feel valuable, capable and loved.  Her dedication to her students was a beautiful reflection of her compassion and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

 Ally married her husband, Drew, in June of 2011, and they were blessed in January of 2013 with the birth of twins, Thomas and Sophia.   Drew was her constant companion, the one she leaned on most and whose unwavering love and devotion carried her through many of life’s challenges.  Ally treasured her role as a mother and found immeasurable joy in watching Thomas and Sophia grow into the young people they are today.  Whether cheering from the sidelines or celebrating their accomplishments, she was happiest being part of the moments that mattered to them.  The bond they shared as a family was built on unconditional love, unwavering devotion, and a deep dependence on one another.  Her family was her heart, her greatest blessing, and the part of life she treasured most.

 Ally possessed a rare beauty that radiated from the inside out.  Her radiant smile could light up a room, but it was the light within her that made her truly unforgettable.  She had a magnetic personality, a gentle and compassionate heart, and a wonderful sense of humor that naturally drew people to her.  She was funny, kindhearted, and full of life. There was something special about being in Ally’s presence.  She had a way of making people feel at ease, of bringing laughter into ordinary moments, and making others feel as though they mattered.

 Ally appreciated life’s simple pleasures, especially a good nap and good conversation. She was a devoted fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and loved her Maine Coon, Oliver, who she considered her teaching assistant.

 Throughout her life, Ally faced years of health challenges as a result of Muscular Dystrophy and then renal failure with remarkable courage and perseverance.  In June 2026, after several years of dialysis, she received the precious gift of a kidney transplant bringing renewed hope for the future.  Though her earthly journey ended sooner than anyone could have imagined, her life was defined by so much more than the challenges she faced.  It was defined by the love she gave, the laughter she shared, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched.

Ally was preceded in death by her grandparents: Franklin and Sophia Seay; and Dewain Scott; and her beloved brother, Evan Seay.

She is survived by her loving husband, Drew Roney, and children, Thomas and Sophia all of Geneva; her parents, Scott and Kim Seay, DeFuniak Springs, FL; in-laws, Ernie and Tonya Roney, Geneva, AL; grandparents, Martha McDuffie, Geneva, AL, and Mary Lois Scott, Westville, FL; nephew, Aden Seay, Geneva, AL, brothers-in-law: Dustin (Connie) Roney, Samson, AL; Jamison Roney, DeFuniak Springs, FL; Aunts/Uncles: Sherry Motley, Dothan, AL;  Lynn (Tony) Ward, Woodstock, GA; Kelley (Steve) Webster, Westville, FL; Shay (Julie) McDuffie, Westville, FL; Melissa (Michael) Vann, Westville, FL; Melinda (Scott) Ayres, Hartford, AL; and a host of cousins and close friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at DaVita Home Options of Dothan and Piedmont Hospital for their compassionate care, kindness, and support throughout Ally’s kidney journey.

Pallbearers to serve will be Scott Ayers, Dustin Roney, Jamison Roney, Garhett Ward, Taylor Ward and Michael Vann.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Aden Seay.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Geneva High School Scholarship Foundation, 511 Panther Drive, Geneva, Alabama 36340 or to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, 265 Riverchase Parkway East, Suite 106, Birmingham, AL 35244.

 Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com