rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Linda Caroline Brewer Langston

Linda Caroline Brewer Langston, passed away on September 21, 2026, in Gordon, Alabama, at the age of 54.

She was born on January 20, 1972, in Selma, Alabama. Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and homemaker who centered her life around her family. She was known for her spirited personality, strong will, and willingness to speak her mind. Those who knew her will remember her as feisty, determined, and caring.

Linda was a homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family and making her home a place where everyone felt loved and welcome. Her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her great joy, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jesse Langston; her son, Jonathan Langston and his wife, Myranda; and her daughter, Dena Hughes and her husband, Russell. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Clayton Hughes, Abigail Hughes, Elijah Hughes, Brylee Langston, Forrest Langston, Payton Langston, Reagan Langston, Jayden Langston, and Addison Langston; and her great-grandchild, Brayden Hughes. She is also survived by her siblings, Steve Brewer, Rickey Brewer, Dickie Brewer, Micky Brewer, Kathy Hensley, and Barbara Gilmore.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Mary Brewer, as well as several siblings.

Linda enjoyed fishing, playing games, and watching Harry Potter movies. She especially loved being a grandmother and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren.

Linda will be remembered for her strong personality, devotion to her family, and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will live on through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, siblings, and all who knew and loved her.

Shirley Ann Cobb Manley

Shirley Ann Cobb Manley

Shirley Manley age 84 of Dothan passed away Friday, September 18, 2026.  A Celebration of life will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 11 a.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory.

She was born to the late Margarete Reeves Cobb and the late Woodrow Wilson

Cobb. While attending Rehobeth High School her friendly manner awarded her many

friends that have been life-long friendships. She graduated as a member of the Class

of 1959.

Shirley began her career at the Lerner Shop in Downtown Dothan, Alabama. While

working there she gained insight into apparel and accessories. Later upon returning

to the apparel industry, she found employment with the Lots to Love shop. She

greatly inspired the people she served. Her stylish manner was apparent to the

friends she made at Porter Square and Northside Malls.

Above all, Shirley loved her family. She was a very giving wife, mother and

grandmother. She leaves a legacy of hard work, love and devotion to her family.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Merrell

Manley; a sister, Barbara Jean Cobb Seay; a brother, Jerry Wilson Cobb; a sister-in-

law, Marie Manley Doster (Kent).

Surviving relatives include her daughters, Marsha Manley Stepler (Harold); Mona

LaMerrell Manley; her son, Morris Anthony Manley; her sister, Clara Sue Roberts

(Larry); her brother, Larry Joe Cobb; her grandchildren, Wade Allen Stepler (Ashley),

Mandi Nicole Manley, Miles David Whiddon (Christian); her great-grandchildren, Carly

Nicole Thomas, Kali Nicole Richardson, and Hazel Lee Whiddon and Jackson Miles

Whiddon; and many nieces and nephews.

Rachael “Gail” Gilmore

Rachael “Gail” Gilmore

Rachael “Gail” Gilmore of Geneva, AL passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She was 72 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Bro. Donnie Earles officiating. Burial will follow in Bellwood City Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mrs. Gail was born on July 31, 1954, to late Grady Carmichael and Trudell Wood Howell in Enterprise, AL. Nanny, affectionately known by her family and friends as a devoted caretaker, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and selfless service that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was known by everyone as someone whose greatest joy was caring for others. Her love language was service, and she shared that love generously and without hesitation. Whether caring for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, or her many friends, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel loved, cared for, and never alone.

Her kindness knew no bounds. She was generous with her time, her heart, and whatever she had to give. She often put the needs of others before her own, asking for little in return. Through countless acts of love and service, she touched more lives than she probably ever realized. The memories she created and the love she gave will remain a lasting part of the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her.

To her family, she was more than a caretaker, she was a source of comfort, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her presence brought warmth to every gathering, and her absence will leave a place that can never truly be filled. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and many dear friends. Yet, even in our grief, we find comfort knowing that her work here is finished and that she is now with Jesus and reunited with those who went before her and has gotten to give Granny a hug.

Although our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the precious gift of her life and for every moment, memory, and act of love she gave us. Her earthly presence may be gone, but the legacy she leaves behind will live forever—in the lives she cared for, the people she encouraged, and the countless hearts she touched. Her greatest gift was her love, and she gave it freely.

Until we meet again, she will remain forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandchild, Kaitlyn Annelies Miller; and her sisters, Jo Ann Embelton and Becky Gilley.

Gail is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Teddie Gray of Geneva, AL; her four children, Rachelle Sosa (Jesse) of Mansfield, TX, Britt Thames (Jamie) of Macon, GA, Kim Tanner (Ashley) of Coffee Springs, AL, and David Gilmore (Jessica) of Chancellor, AL; her ten grandchildren, Chance Miller (Stephanie), Chase Sosa (Julie), Jaden Sosa, Chandler Thames (Mary Frances), Bailey Thames, Reese Thames, Kayla Eubanks, Kelsey Thomas (Chris Reeves), Aiden Adams, and Adalyn Gilmore; seven, great-grandchildren, John Mark Miller, Mason Miller, Aurealia Walston, Jansyn Eubanks, Wrenley Reeves, Hadley Mae Reeves, and one on the way; her five siblings, John Pat Howell (Susan), Marie Fuller, Max Howell (Gale) Jewell Ussery (Mitchell), and Jerome Howell (Janice); sister-in-law, Debbie Spears; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

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: [http://www.whwfuneralhome.net%20%20%20%20m]www.whwfuneralhome.net   

Diane L. Watson

Diane L. Watson

Diane L. Watson, age 79, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 19, 2026. She was born on December 16, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Diane spent her early childhood in Atlanta until the age of 12, and the experiences of moving often as a child helped shape the independent and adaptable woman she became. Raised in a military household, she learned early the value of strength, discipline, and resilience. Those qualities remained with her throughout her life and were reflected in the way she carried herself, the way she served others, and the way she met each new responsibility with confidence and grace.

She graduated from Dothan High School in 1965 and later attended Troy State University. It was at Wallace that she met the love of her life, Tommy Watson, and the two were married in 1967. Their marriage endured for nearly six decades and stood as a beautiful example of loyalty, partnership, and shared purpose. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and the many relationships that Diane nurtured so faithfully.

Diane devoted more than 30 years of her life to teaching in Houston County, where she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children. She also served as a First United Methodist Kindergarten teacher, where her warmth, patience, and genuine care for young students left a lasting impression. She loved children deeply and had a special gift for seeing potential in every child. She often gave students what they did not have at home, offering them encouragement, structure, and love in equal measure. Her impact as an educator reached far beyond the classroom, and many will remember her as someone who believed in them when they needed it most.

Her commitment to education extended well beyond teaching. Diane was President of PTA, band boosters, and color guard sponsor, and she served with distinction as President of the Houston County Education Association. She was also deeply committed to the rescue service, serving as Ashford Rescue President from 1995 until 2016. In addition, she worked at STEMI teaching camps, participated in Civil Air Patrol, and served as a training officer for the Ashford Rescue Squad. In every role she accepted, Diane led with energy, determination, and a willingness to do whatever was needed. She never said no when help was needed, and she was known for stepping naturally into leadership wherever she found herself.

Diane was a woman of strong convictions, a generous spirit, and a heart that was always open to others. She was independent, forgiving, and strong, with a big heart and a love for life that was evident to everyone who knew her. She loved to travel with Tommy and embraced life fully, never holding back from the experiences that came her way. She was a fabulous cook, especially known for her chicken dumplings and mac and cheese, and she took great pride in caring for others through the meals she prepared and the comfort she offered. She was also an avid Alabama fan, spending time with family, and being surrounded by the people she loved.

Her friends and family knew her as loving and selfless, and those words perfectly describe the way she lived. She was a treasured member of the “But Sisters,” and she brought humor, honesty, and loyalty to every relationship she formed. She cherished her EMS family and her educational co-workers, and she leaves behind a host of friends who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude. She also leaves behind her special animals, Onyx, her dog, and KAT, her beloved Maine Coon, who brought her comfort and companionship.

Diane is survived by her husband, Tommy Watson; her daughters, Tina E. St. John and Toye Watson (Jarrod); her grandson, Drake St. John (Mary-Kathryn); her great-grandchild, Watson St. John; her siblings, Mike Lucas, Hulda Lucas, Jamie Brent, Patrick Lucas, Paula Raymond, and Ruthie Copeland, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, as well as other family members; her “But sisters,” Connie Tucker and Marie Bradley; and her special friends, Sandy Saunders, Sandra Everhart, Judy Williams, Charm Russler, Sandy Armstrong, and Charlotte Williams. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Wiley Lott; her mother, Helen Ruth Lucas (Willard Sr.); and her brother, Willard Lucas, Jr.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Lucas and Rev. Delbert Bradley officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 11am on Saturday.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ashford Rescue Squad, PO Box 368, Ashford, AL 36312. The family hopes these contributions will serve as a meaningful way to honor Diane’s memory and support the dedicated work of those who serve and care for the Ashford community.

 

Inice Elise Carlisle Tarrant

Inice Elise Carlisle Tarrant

 

Inice Elise Carlisle Tarrant was born in Homewood, Alabama, to Inice Waller Carlisle and Pitt Milner Carlisle in 1929. She is survived by her children Dr. James R. Tarrant III (Catherine), Inice Elise “Neecie” Tarrant (Molly), Pitt Tarrant, and her granddaughters Brittany Grace Roberts (Noel) and Sarah Catherine Tarrant.

She was preceded in death by her husband James R. Tarrant II, son Paul Milner Tarrant, mother Inice Waller Carlisle, father Pitt Milner Carlisle, maternal grandparents Binion Chappelle Waller and Hattie Elizzie Hayes Waller, paternal grandparents Moses Napolean Carlisle and Ella Beneta Callaway Carlisle.On September 12, 2026, Inice was preceded by her daughter-in-law Cheryl Ann Robie Tarrant (Pitt).

Inice grew up during the Great Depression. She graduated from Shades Cahaba High School when she was only fifteen years old and after three years of study, Inice graduated from Samford University (formerly Howard College) in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. While in college, Inice met the love of her life and then husband of 50 years. She was also a member of the Kappa chapter of her beloved Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

In 1951 she and Jim were married and she began her devotion as a wife, mother, and medical professional. They moved from Birmingham to Berkley, California, and from there in 1954 to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she was employed as a medical technologist at the Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center (formerly Oak Ridge Hospital).In 1969, she returned to college entering the University of Tennessee and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education. With that she began her second career as a public educator in the Oak Ridge City Schools.

Inice was a born-again Christian and was baptized in Edgewood Baptist Church in Homewood which later became Dawson Memorial Baptist Church .She was an active member of Glenwood Baptist Church in Oak Ridge for over 50 years serving in many roles from Sunday School teacher and VBS coordinator to beginner choir director. She also tutored math and science in her own afterschool program. In 2007, long after Jim passed away, Inice moved to Dothan, Alabama. Even before moving, Inice had already determined that First Baptist Church would become her new church home. That church family, including pastors Johnny Fain and Taylor Rutland, embraced and loved her for almost 20 years. She taught Sunday School at FBC until she was no longer able to attend church. She served for many years as a messenger to the Southern Baptist Convention. Her Christian faith and love of God was evident in her everyday life, in how she raised her children, and in her undying stewardship to God’s ministries. In addition to being a dedicated and loving daughter, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother, Inice was first a devoted Christian. Throughout her life she had an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those around her.

Inice was a lifelong supporter of the American Red Cross and participated in local blood drives in Oak Ridge typing blood and running significant lab analyses. She was a recognized volunteer in the national research efforts promoting awareness for sickle cell anemia. For many years, Inice provided laboratory services to the Oak Ridge Children’s Clinic, the oldest operating pediatric clinic in Oak Ridge.

After moving to Dothan, she immediately dove into community service opportunities. Inice volunteered at Flowers Hospital for over ten years. She was recognized in 2016 as Flowers Hospital Volunteer of the Year. She also was a patron of Dothan’s Music South. For several years, she delivered food through the Wiregrass area Meals on Wheels program. She was very proud of her involvement in the development of the Westgate Wellness Pool. She was an “Aquacizer” for many years despite her profound fear of the water.
Inice had a bright smile and a sweet personality. She knew her Bible, but she lived her faith. She seized Life with joy and the excited anticipation of what was yet to come, and she gave back to that Life generously.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 3:00pm-5:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends remember Inice Tarrant with a gift or with service to the American Red Cross, the Dothan Rescue Mission, First Baptist Church, or other charitable organizations of choice.

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

Raymond G. Beacham

Raymond G. Beachum, born August 1, 1954, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Newville, Alabama.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Following the service, Raymond will be laid to rest at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland City, Alabama.