Mary Frances Cotton, born January 28, 1931, in Holmes County, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the age of 94.
Mary Frances was married to Nathan Cotton in 1953. Together, they built a life centered around family. She spent most of her life as a devoted stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished deeply. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and matriarch whose presence brought warmth and laughter to those around her.
She was known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, always ready with a joke or clever remark. A true Southern cook, Mary Frances showed her love through meals prepared for family and friends. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed reading and watching television, especially her favorite shows, Gunsmoke and The Waltons.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Sanders; husband, Nathan Cotton; son-in-law, Benny Helms; two brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her son, Doyle Cotton; daughters, Kathy Helms, Carol Adams (Randy) and Dianne Hornsby (Wyman); her grandchildren, Randy, Brandy, Mark, Michael, Trevor, Bailey and Kynsee; her great-grandchildren, Cotton, Reese, Kennedy, John Beckham, Brody, Natalie, Mary Kate, Kamp, Hunter, and Mikayla and her great-great grandchild, Everett.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Danny Burns officiating. Burial will follow in the McDuffie cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Mary Frances Cotton will be remembered for her faith, her love of family, her humor and the lasting legacy she leaves in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
HEADLAND… Dennis Gerald Phillips, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away early Saturday morning, January 10, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. He was 67.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Wright Funeral Home & Crematory.
Gerald Wayne Hendley, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 77. Born on February 12, 1948 to the late Elmo Hendley and Eva Heard Hendley, in Bainbridge, GA, Jerry was a man whose robust laughter and steady presence filled the lives of those around him with warmth and comfort.
Jerry’s early years were spent in the quaint town of Bainbridge where he graduated from Bainbridge High School. His patriotic spirit led him to a distinguished career in the United States Army, where he honorably served his country for over two decades, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1988. A Vietnam Veteran with two tours, Jerry’s bravery and dedication to his nation were hallmarks of his character. He was the platoon leader for the 335th Armed Assault Helicopter Platoon.
After his military career, Jerry transitioned to civilian life with the same dedication and fervor. He was employed with Wells Fargo Armored Car division, followed by a position at an Auto Finance Company. His work ethic and leadership skills were evident to all who worked alongside him.
Jerry was a man of many interests, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid reader with a particular passion for Civil War and history books, which reflected his deep love for his country. He also enjoyed a round of golf, savoring the outdoors and the camaraderie of friends on the greens. Jerry’s love for Navarre Beach, FL was profound, and he lived there prior to moving back to Dothan 11 years ago, where he continued to embrace the coastal lifestyle.
He was known for being a caring and strong man, especially loving towards his daughters, Karen (Kevin) Drumwright, Laura (Mitchell) Starkey, and Julianna (Cody) Morelock, whom he raised with a balance of discipline and tenderness. His hard-headed nature was tempered by his loving heart, and he was deeply respected by his grandchildren, Grant (Katie) Silverman, Libby Silverman, Anna Starkey, Katherine Starkey, and Connor Morelock, who saw him as a pillar of strength and wisdom. His great-granddaughter Hendley Howell brought him immense joy in his later years.
Jerry is also survived by his sister Diane (Isaac) Tyler, with whom he shared a bond of mutual respect and affection. His life was enriched by the presence of several nieces, nephews, and cousins, each of whom will carry forward his legacy of love and wisdom.
Those who knew Jerry understood his love for a good cold beer, red wine or Irish whiskey, which he enjoyed in the company of friends and family. His presence was a comforting constant, and his daughters often thought of him as invincible, testament to his unwavering strength and the safety they felt in his care.
Jerry’s passing leaves behind a legacy that is best described by the words loving and wise. His guidance and love shaped the lives of his family, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We bid farewell to a man whose life was a testament to the values of dedication, love, and patriotism. Gerald Wayne Hendley will be remembered not just for the roles he played, but for the immense heart with which he played them. His spirit will continue to inspire those he leaves behind, as they strive to honor his memory by living lives full of the love and strength he exemplified. Jerry’s journey through life was marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones, and he will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Belle Meade Chapel at Sunset with Father Patrick Gallagher officiating. Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
HEADLAND… Michael J. Deese, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Friday morning, January 9, 2026, at his home. He was 77.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 13, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Joey Pettis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mike Deese, a devoted family man and lifelong resident of Alabama, was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Oscar and Jewel Parramore Deese. He attended Dale County High School and continued his education at Wallace College, where he earned a degree in auto and diesel mechanics.
Mike dedicated 45 years of faithful service to Coleman American, where he worked as shop foreman and was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dependability. In addition to his civilian career, he honorably served nine years in the Alabama National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to both his community and his country.
Mike was a devoted member of New Zion Free Will Baptist Church, where he actively served by helping with Wednesday night children’s activities and Vacation Bible School.
A man deeply rooted in the outdoors, Mike found his greatest peace in hunting, fishing, and the quiet beauty of open land. With a natural gift for working with his hands, he took pride in building, repairing, and shaping things into something lasting. He delighted in the simple rhythms of country life—tending fires, working the land, and embracing the honest labor of each day. Most dear to him was the 40 acres he and Dale lovingly called “The Farm,” a place where they raised livestock, built barns, set fences, and poured their hearts into creating a life grounded in hard work, love, and the land.
Mike was never one to mince words. If he had an opinion, you didn’t have to guess—it was already on the table. His straightforward nature and quick remarks were part of what made him unforgettable and often the source of a good laugh among family and friends.
Mike may have been tough on the outside, but everyone who knew him understood that beneath that rugged exterior was a man who loved his family fiercely and without question.
In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by a special niece, Vickie Deese Holland.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty seven years, Dale Lisenby Deese; son, Scott Deese (Brenda); daughter, Tenille Deese Carr (Brian); brothers, Tony Deese (Delilah) and Dan Deese (Cyndi); grandchildren, Megan Register (Jamie), Dylan Deese, Lexi Hendershott (Shane); great grandchildren, Stetson Register and Blakely Hendershott; especially close family members, Nicky Deese, David Deese (Elicia), Joyia Kelley and John Hamm (Amanda); several other loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice for all of the kind and compassionate care during this time.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
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Lydia Alise Burford, of Dothan, Alabama, gained her precious angel wings on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Southeast Health before she was born at 35 weeks.
Though her time on earth was brief, Lydia was deeply loved and will forever remain in the hearts of her family. She knew only warmth, love, and comfort, wrapped in the hopes and dreams of those who eagerly awaited her arrival.
Lydia is survived by her loving parents, Charley Michael Burford and Abigail Louise England; her maternal grandmother, Anna England; paternal grandparents, Rosa Fairchild and John Burford; and her aunts and uncles, Ariel Knight, Aileen Stotler, Andrea Craig, Aimee England, Daniel Burford, Lily Burford, Devin Fairchild, Cooper Burford, Piper Burford and Matthew Mills
Though we never heard her cry or laugh; Lydia’s life was perfect, meaningful, and cherished beyond words. She will forever be remembered as a beautiful soul who was taken too soon, now resting peacefully in the arms of angels.
