Michael “Mike” Wood Vann, 73, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born September 20, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, Mike was the son of Felix and Dot Vann. Valedictorian of Headland High School, he graduated from Auburn University, where he served as a campus Senator, was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, and was named to Spades, recognizing Auburn’s top ten senior leaders. A proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he served as Scholarship Chairman and Vice President while remaining deeply engaged in student government.
For more than four decades, Mike distinguished himself as an insurance executive and earned national respect as a leader in the Surety industry. His integrity, intellect, and calm command inspired colleagues and shaped the careers of many who followed.
An avid runner, Mike completed 18 marathons, too many half-marathons and 5Ks to count, and was a longtime member of the Mississippi Track Club. The rhythm of the road was his meditation; the finish line, his quiet triumph.
Mike never met a stranger. He loved gathering friends and family for lively conversation, a 5 p.m. happy hour beverage, and the thrill of Auburn football and basketball—always ready with a cheer and a smile. War Eagle!
Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Janet Vann; brother Dr. Bill Vann and his life partner Dr. Jessica Y. Lee (Chapel Hill, NC); niece Rachel Vann (New York, NY); daughter Megan de Jong and son-in-law Shane de Jong, along with grandchildren Felix, Janie, and Cally (Madison, MS); and son Drew Vann and daughter-in-law Courtney Vann (Atlanta, GA). Mike was blessed with a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins from Headland, Alabama—many now reunited with him in memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Dot Vann.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the medical professionals and caregivers who supported Mike and Janet with compassion and dedication—especially Keisha McCallum, Gwen Shoulders, Kathy Brown, Shanda Lynn, TeAnna Donald, Keith Packer (PT), Abbie Baker (RN), and Tricia Wilkerson (ST). Their faithfulness and tireless assistance with Mike’s home therapy was invaluable.
A visitation and celebration of life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike’s honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).
For further information please contact Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations at 334-693-3371.
Mr. David Lee Smith of Dothan passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025 at his home. He was 69.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025 in the Chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home with Reverend Brad Price officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM and continuing until service time.
Mr. Smith was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina on April 20, 1956 to Marilyn Wisniewski Smith and the late Albert Lee Smith. David was a veteran of the U.S. Army. After serving in the Army, he spent much of his career working at Farley Nuclear Plant as a nuclear mechanic and retiring as a maintenance supervisor after 28 years. David had a passion for spending time in the outdoors and hunting with his son, Zalin. He especially loved to pursue wild turkeys and deer in the woods of Alabama. He was a great husband and father for many years. David always loved and put his family first. He greatly loved and enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters. David professed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was a longtime, active member of the Westgate Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for a period of time. David will always be remembered by his family, hunting buddies, work friends, and many others for his commitment to always doing things the “Right Way” and for his love for Christ and family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
David is preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include his mother, Marilyn Smith; his spouse of 40 years, Sophia Smith; son, Zalin Grant Smith (Haden); grandchildren: Ashlyn Smith, Anniston Smith, Adley Smith; siblings: Cathy A. Yates, Lois Irene Ebley, Linda Marie Crampton, and Douglas Miles Smith; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family, friends, and loved ones.
May Lorena McArthur Cooper, affectionately known as May by her loved ones, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on March 19, 1942, in East Brewton, Alabama, to the late Leslie and Lorena McArthur, May’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and dedication.
May’s journey led her to Dothan, Alabama, where she became a cherished member of the community. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she owned and operated Kim’s Children Shoppe, a retail store that became a staple in Dothan for many years. May’s work was not just a job; it was an extension of her love for people, especially children, and her commitment to serving others.
A devout Christian, May’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She was an active and beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Dothan, where she poured her heart into teaching Sunday School in the children’s department and leading the children’s choir. Her love for God was evident in every aspect of her life, and she inspired many through her faith-filled example.
May’s passion for life extended to her love of nature. She found great joy in tending to her garden, where she cultivated not just flowers, but a sense of peace and beauty that she shared with everyone around her. Her garden was a reflection of her soul, vibrant and full of life.
Family was the essence of May’s world. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Cooper, and their loving children, Tonnie Cooper, Teresa Cooper Gilley (Tim), and Larry Cooper Jr. (Lisa). May’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, Courtney Gilley Petrizzi (Anthony), Larry Cooper III, and David Cooper, who will forever cherish their memories of her. She is also survived by her sisters, Irene Lister and Naomi Ashley, who will miss her deeply. May was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles McArthur, with whom she is now joyfully reunited.
Those who knew May would describe her as the epitome of loving and faith-filled. She was the heart of the household, keeping everything going with her sweet demeanor and unwavering strength. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level made her an unforgettable presence in the lives of many.
May’s love for her grandchildren was unparalleled. She relished every moment spent with them, imparting wisdom, laughter, and an abundance of hugs. They were her pride and joy, and she took every opportunity to express her pride in their accomplishments.
As we say goodbye to May Lorena McArthur Cooper, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her spirit, characterized by love and faith, will continue to guide and inspire us. May’s memory will be held in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, a lasting tribute to a woman who was truly the embodiment of kindness and grace.
A celebration of May’s life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Gross and Dr. Taylor Rutland, officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home at 1:30pm prior to the service.
The family respectfully accepts flowers and also invites those who wish to do so to make a memorial contribution to the MS Foundation in May’s honor.
ARITON…Mrs. Vonda Senn Sutton, a resident of Ariton, died early Wednesday evening, November 12, 2025, at her home. She was 63.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Ariton Baptist Church with Reverend Dave Walsh officiating. Burial will follow in Ariton Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ariton Cemetery Fund, c/o Laura Walker, PO Box 644, Ariton, Alabama 36311.
Mrs. Sutton was born in the historic town of Selma, Alabama, and spent part of her early life in Homestead, Florida. She and her family settled in Ariton, Alabama in 1974. She graduated from Ariton High School in 1980, a proud moment that marked the beginning of her journey into adulthood. Driven by a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference, she went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Wallace Community College. Her education was more than a personal achievement—it was a stepping stone to a career where she would touch countless lives.
For the past twenty-five years, Mrs. Sutton dedicated herself to Dale Medical Center, where she served as the Administrative Assistant to the Hospital Administrator. Her role was far more than a job—it was a calling. She was known for her reliability, her warm smile, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. Her coworkers often described her as the heart of the hospital, someone who brought calm to chaos and kindness to every corner of the building.
Outside of work, Mrs. Sutton’s life was rich with faith and fellowship. She was a devoted member of Ariton Baptist Church, where she found joy in singing with the church choir. Her voice, full of warmth and spirit, was a reflection of her soul—gentle, uplifting, and full of grace. Church was not just a place she attended; it was a community she cherished and served with love.
In her younger years, Mrs. Sutton showed her adventurous side by earning a green belt in Taekwan-Do. It was a testament to her determination and strength, both physical and emotional. She approached life with courage and curiosity, never afraid to try something new or stand up for what she believed in. She also enjoyed the arts by drawing and painting.
She was preceded in death by her father, Earl T. Senn, a man she loved dearly and spoke of often. His memory lived on in her stories, her values, and the way she treated others—with dignity, compassion, and unwavering loyalty.
Mrs. Sutton will be remembered not just for the roles she played, but for the way she made people feel. She was a daughter, a friend, a colleague, and a woman of quiet strength and deep faith. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the songs she sang, and the love she gave so freely.
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty-one years, Dale A. Sutton, Ariton; son, Jared A. Sutton (Ashima), San Francisco, California; mother, Edna Danner Senn, Ariton; two brothers, Rodney Senn (Jan), Dothan and Perry Senn (Milly), Ariton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jivas and Jo Ann Casey Sutton, Ariton; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Alan Ray, David Senn, Vernon Johnson, Ben Baker, Steve Laney, and Grant McGhee.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Coral (Nonnie) Davis Teague passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 88. She was born on August 27, 1937, in Florida.
She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Navitity where her faith and commitment to service were as unwavering as her love for Auburn University’s “War Eagle” chant on a brisk fall day. Her enthusiasm for her team was matched only by her skills with a needle and thread, as she created countless pieces of beauty and practicality with her love for sewing.
She loved Mexico Beach where she spent many relaxing days with her husband and family. Nonnie’s love for shopping was an adventure in itself, always on the lookout for the perfect item.. At home, her affection was shared with her beloved Siamese companion, Sing Sing, who was a constant source of comfort and friendship.
Nonnie’s legacy is carried on by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, her cherished husband, Donald Teague, her dear brother, Wallace Davis, and her treasured grandson, Benjamin Powers. Her spirit continues to live on through her daughter, Ginny Teague Powers, and her husband, Tom; her son, Bill Teague, and his wife, Connie; and her grandson, Justice Powers, and his wife, Jonae. Her blessings multiplied with the joy of three great-grandchildren, Juliet, Joanna, and Jacob Powers, who will grow up with stories of their great-grandmother’s grace and kindness.
Nonnie’s journey through life was supported by an incredible circle of friends and helpers, including Valerie Grooms and her wonderful caregivers, who provided unwavering support in her later years, and her loyal and devoted help, Cindy Sanders.
Coral Nonnie Davis Teague’s story does not end with her passing, for in the love she gave and the lives she touched, she has achieved an everlasting presence that will continue to inspire and comfort us all.
Her family and friends will have a Celebration of Life service in honor of Nonnie at a later date.
Mrs. Peggy Ann Gray Flippo, of Bessemer, formerly of Slocomb, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Oaks on Parkwood Nursing Home. She was 88 years old.
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb at 3:00 PM. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with Reverend Brad Price officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
Peggy was born on July 14, 1937 to the late Robert and Irene Cook Gray. She obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing, as an RN, and was employed with Broward Medical and Southeast Medical Center throughout her career. Peggy was a Missionary having went on numerous missionary trips where she loved to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of her greatest joys came from working with the youth in the community. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles William Flippo; and son, Wesley Allen Flippo.
Survivors include a daughter, Melinda Lea Everitt; sons: Charles Bradwick Flippo, Kristopher Wayne Flippo and other extended family and friends.
