Debra Kay (Bell) Latremore, of Daleville, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa on May 31, 1957, Debra spent her early years growing up in Melbourne, Florida, and went on to live a full and vibrant life defined by her strength, generosity, and unmistakable zeal for living.
Debra was a fighter in every sense of the word. She faced challenges with resilience, grace, and a heart full of optimism. As a devout Catholic, her strength was grounded in her faith and her deep appreciation for life’s many blessings.
For nearly 40 years, Debra was the proud owner and broker of Aero Real Estate, where she built more than a business, she built a legacy of care, trust, and service in the Daleville community she called home. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering and taking on leadership roles. She was always willing to help others and never missed an opportunity to lift people up. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her daughter Leah, present in every moment whether cheering from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, offering steady support, encouragement, and love. That love only grew as she became Grandma to Layla, who was her pride and joy.
Debra’s adventurous and caring spirit shone through in her love for fishing, cheering on Auburn football, traveling, and spending time with loved ones at her beloved beach house and fish camp. She had a special way of bringing people together, especially over her delicious, five-star cooking. Her back porch was a place of comfort and connection, always open and welcoming, where she offered a listening ear and a warm heart. Whether through her work, her friendships, or everyday moments, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen, cared for, and uplifted. She wore her rose-colored glasses proudly and had a way of finding joy in each day.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Novak; her father, Gordon Bell; and her sisters, Teresa Eggleston and Jacquelyn Bell. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Leah Whiddon (Josh), and granddaughter, Layla Whiddon; her stepmother, Marie Hilton Bell; her partner, Malcolm Clarke; along with aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of cherished friends who became family.
A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto in the Main Post Chapel, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to DaySpring Hospice and her best friends for the compassionate care and support provided during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Boys and Girls Club of Daleville in her honor.
Mary Virginia Simon, age 83, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Creel officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory from 1:00 pm until 1:45.
Born on July 25, 1942, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family. She was the loving mother of Joseph “Joe” Simon, proud grandmother of Aaron, Andrew and Deanna Simon, and cherished great grandmother of Noah Simon.
Mary also shared a special bond with her loving brothers and sisters, as well as her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she cared for deeply.
Mary was known as one of the hardest working women you could ever know. She was a tireless worker and true fighter. Mary spent her days pushing through challenges with strength and determination from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Mary was always giving her time and energy to those she loved. She had a generous heart and found joy in caring for others, often showing up with food, making sure everyone was fed and taken care of. She was a giver in every sense of the word, always going above and beyond for her family. To Mary, family was everything.
Her legacy is one of strength, selflessness, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Albert Peter Pontius, Jr., passed away on April 25, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 78.
Born on November 24, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, he spent the early years of his life in that city before going on to build a life marked by service, devotion, and a memorable spirit. Al carried with him the strength and character shaped by his upbringing, and those who knew him came to appreciate the sincerity, humor, and directness that were such a natural part of who he was.
Al proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as an E-7 Sergeant. His military service reflected his discipline, commitment, and sense of duty, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. After his time in the Army, he continued to serve others in everyday ways, including driving a school bus and working for Walmart for some time.
Al was a gentle, funny, and loving man whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone around him. He had a way with words and was never afraid to speak his mind without a filter, a trait that often brought laughter and honesty to the conversations he shared. Beneath that straightforward nature was a sweet and caring heart, and those closest to him knew him as someone who loved deeply and sincerely.
He was especially proud of the life he shared with his wife, Cheryl Pontius, with whom he was married for 5 years. Their relationship began through work and grew into a meaningful partnership filled with companionship and affection. Together, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and shared many interests that brought them joy. Al loved Mickey Mouse, enjoyed music, appreciated the sounds and style of the 1950s, and was an enthusiastic football fan, especially when it came to Auburn Football.
Al is survived by his wife, Cheryl Pontius; his daughter, Tai Pontius; his grandchildren, Jayden and Arianna Desenberg; and his special caretaker, Lexie Teague. He was deeply loved by his family, and his presence will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who were blessed to know him.
Those who knew Al will remember his humor, his honesty, and the warmth that came through in his everyday interactions. He brought energy and personality into the lives of others, and his laughter and words will be remembered for years to come. He was the kind of man who could make people smile, think, and feel cared for all at once.
Starla Leigh Holley of Dothan, Alabama passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. She was 46 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama, with Rev. Garry Winstead officiating. Burial will follow in Ino Baptist Church Cemetery, with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Starla was born in Dothan, Alabama on December 2, 1979, to Houston Mike Holley and Reba Sue Hughes Wood. She loved cooking, working in her flowerbeds, and caring for her pets.
Starla is survived by her special friend and companion, Jeff Turvin of Dothan, Alabama; one son, Dalton Smith (Gloria) of Crestview, Florida; one daughter, Leslie Boles (Blaide) of Enterprise, Alabama; one grandson, Benson Boles of Enterprise, Alabama; her mother, Reba Sue Hughes Wood (Glenn) of Elba, Alabama; her father, Houston Mike Holley (Linda Brooks) of Samson, Alabama; two brothers, Mark Holley (Sherrie) of Samson, Alabama, and Ben Holley (Holly) of Elba, Alabama; along with many special nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dalton Smith, Mark Holley, Ben Holley, Jamison Holley, Jackson Holley, and Carter Hearold.
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
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Trina Cordle, age 54, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family, on the morning of April 27, 2026, at her home after a lengthy battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Funeral services for Mrs. Cordle will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Eric Bradley officiating. Interment will follow in Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Cordle was born February 24, 1972 in Decatur, Alabama. Trina was a beautiful soul who was deeply loved by many. She was a radiant light — the kind that made people feel seen, loved, and at peace simply by being in her presence. Her kindness, strength, and love will be remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 6 1/2 years, Rick Cordle of Ariton; her five sons, their wives, and their children: AJ (Emily) Jenkins of Eufaula and their children, Aiden, Elissa, and Caleb; Justin (Madison) Jenkins of Ozark and their children, Marlee, Oaklen, and Judson; Noah (Mackenzie) Jenkins of Eufaula and their daughter, Evie; Richard (Jamie) Cordle of Dothan and their children, Aiden, Charlotte, and Jacey-Kate; and Hunter (Devin) Cordle of Dothan and their children, Ivey and Brewer. She is also survived by her parents, Benny and Verna Rakestraw; her brother, Buddy (Missy) Hudson, and their daughter, Lucy; her sisters, Alyson (Bart) Busch and Amy Rakestraw; and her mother‑in‑law, Janice Wood. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Community Hospice, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
The family deeply appreciates all of the prayers, love, and support received throughout this difficult time.
