OZARK…Mr. Walter Carl Fairley, Jr. (Sergeant First Class, United States Army, Retired), passed away, Friday, January 23, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 80.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
Annie Bell Vinson Lambert, age 86, passed away peacefully at Dale Medical Center on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Born on November 11, 1939 in Bullock County, Alabama, Annie was the daughter of the late Atlas David Vinson and Mary Lena Culpepper Vinson. Her life was marked by a profound dedication to her family and her community. She enjoyed a fulfilling 35- year career as a cosmetic consultant at J.C. Penney in Dothan, Alabama, where she was known for her warmth and expertise.
Annie had an incredible passion for country music, reading, and cooking, which she shared generously with those around her. Her vibrant spirit and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Annie is preceded in death by her brothers Charles McNeal Vinson, Albert Dewey Vinson, John David Vinson, William “Jimmy” Curtis Vinson, and her sister Sara Beaty Miller.
She is survived by her daughter, Lourie (Vernon) Johnson of Ozark; her son, Scott (Kathryn) Lambert of Birmingham; her sister, Nell Elert of Dothan; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren William Lambert of Birmingham; Mary Reagan (Josiah) Fullbright and children Lena Belle, Wesley Blake, Walker Lewis, and
Waylon David of Brundidge; Vinson Johnson of Ozark; Laney Lambert of Birmingham;
Aaron (Clara) Johnson of Headland; and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 27, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama, with Reverend Aaron H. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Midland City, with Sunset Funeral Home directing. The family will welcome friends on the evening of Monday, January 26, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Sunset Funeral Home in Midland City.
Serving as pallbearers will be Vinson Johnson, Josiah Fullbright, William Lambert,
Berry Coleman, Justin Adams, and Riggs Elert.
Flowers are welcomed and appreciated. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Flowers Hospital, Encompass Rehab Hospital, Dale Medical Center, and Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center for their compassionate and attentive care during this difficult time.
Annie’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mrs. Terri Sue Arnold Peters, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, died early Friday morning, January 23, 2026, at her home. She was 62.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 26, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Haley Enfinger officiating. Burial will follow in Wicksburg Assembly of God Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of her sister, Shirley, 4204 Campground Road, Ozark.
Mrs. Peters, the daughter of the late Clarence Arnold and Dorothy Lathen Arnold, was born and raised in Midland City, a place she always carried close to her heart. She grew up surrounded by family, love, and the simple joys of small‑town life. She attended Dale County High School, where she made lifelong friends and built the foundation of the warm, hardworking woman she would become.
For thirteen years, she dedicated herself to her work at Murphy USA in Ozark, serving as an assistant manager. She wasn’t just an employee, she was a familiar face, a steady presence, and someone customers looked forward to seeing. Her kindness showed in every conversation, every smile, and every moment she took to help someone who needed it.
At home, Mrs. Peters found her greatest happiness in the company of her family. Whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other’s presence, those were the moments she treasured most. She loved watching The Andy Griffith Show, finding comfort and laughter in its familiar charm. It was the kind of show that matched her spirit—gentle, genuine, and full of heart.
She had a way of making people feel welcome, no matter who they were or where they came from. She never met a stranger, and she gave of herself freely—her time, her patience, her compassion. Her heart was truly one of the most caring and loving, and those who knew her felt that love in countless ways.
Mrs. Peters was preceded in death by her sister, Vickie Johnson, and her brother, Roger Arnold. Though she has left this world, the warmth she shared, the kindness she showed, and the love she gave will continue to live on in the memories of all who were blessed to know her.
Surviving relatives include her husband, James Peters, Ewell Community; daughter, Melissa Wright (Tyler), Ozark; son, James K. Peters, Ozark; three sisters, Shirley Peters (Dennis), Ozark, Rita Peters (Roy), Midland City, and Mary Harden (Donald), Dothan; brother, William Arnold, Ozark; her faithful furry companion, “Chloe Michelle Peters”; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Donald Peters, Jayden Ledbetter, Kevin Ledbetter, Justin Peters, Michael Peters, Anthony Myers, and Chester Peters.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Ruth Eugenia Towns passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 94 in Ashford, Alabama. Born on February 19, 1931, in Alabama, Ruth’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and her commitment to her community.
Eugenia was the cherished daughter of George Harvey and Willie Edna Glass. Her life was one of devotion, not only to her family but also to her work and her faith. She was married to the love of her life, I.H. Towns, Jr., on December 26, 1951, and together they built a life filled with joy and service. Eugenia was a dedicated employee at Alabama Power Company for 43 years, where her work ethic and warm personality were well-known and appreciated by all who worked alongside her.
Her faith played a central role in her life. Ruth was a devoted member of Watermark Church and previously taught Sunday School for many years at Wayside Baptist Church.
Eugenia’s love for her family was immeasurable. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her husband, I.H. Towns, Jr., her son Ike Towns (I.H. Towns, III), her sisters Annette Merritt, Edna Earl Glass, Willie Frank Kirkland, and her brother, George Glass. Her memory will be forever held in the hearts of her six nephews and one niece, who will continue to cherish the countless memories they created together.
Known for her sweet disposition, Eugenia had a fondness for Dairy Queen, a simple pleasure that brought her great joy. She was a loving individual who made a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she donated to every charity with a giving heart, truly embodying the spirit of altruism.
Eugenia Towns will be remembered as a loving and sweet person. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Monday, January 26, 2026 at Watermark Church with Reverend Todd Thorpe officiating. Burial will follow at Hillview Cemetery in Alexander City, Alabama
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday, January 26, 2026 from 9:30 to 10.
Cheryle Ann Anderson Valentine, a resident of Dothan passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Southeast Health Hospital.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00pm in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Stroke Association, PO Box 84062, Dallas, TX 75284.
Cheryle was born on November 24, 1956 in Wellsville, New York and spent her early years growing up there. She later moved to Florida in her mid-twenties. Her and her husband met on a blind date in 1992 and later married on October 22, 1994. Cheryle worked as an office manager in the petroleum retail industry. She was very crafty and always working on different craft projects. She enjoyed embroidery and sewing. She made her dress and her husband’s tie for the formal dinner of their honeymoon. Her thoughtful gestures will always be remembered by those close and dear to her.
Cheryle is preceded in death by her father, Arthur James Anderson and step father, Kenneth McCracken Jr.
Survivors include her husband, Steven Phillip Valentine; mother, Mona McCracken; brother, Kenneth “Skeet” McCracken III (Kimberly); sisters, Gayle Distasio (Lewis) and Beth Stuart (Mark); many nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Kathlene McCardel Thompson passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. She was born on April 2, 1938, in Cottonwood, Alabama. Kathlene was known for her love, faith, and gentle spirit, and she touched many lives through her kindness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James McCardel and Elmeady Watson McCardel, and her husband, Daniel Thompson. She is survived by her sons, Phillip Thompson (Teresa) and Warren Thompson (Donna); her granddaughters, Kimberly Szilvasy (Chase) and Laura Thompson; and her great-grandchildren, Augie Szilvasy and Hamilton Szilvasy.
Kathlene devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her community. She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Beverly Middle School, where she cared deeply for the students and staff and treated them like family.
She was a faithful member of Memphis Baptist Church for over thirty years and enjoyed being part of the senior group, especially the trips and friendships she made along the way.
After retiring, Kathlene and her husband enjoyed traveling together and making special memories. She found joy in simple moments, especially time spent with her family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow.
Kathlene will be remembered as a loving, faithful, and gentle woman. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
2414 Hartford Highway
Dothan, AL 36305
Tel: 334-792-4194
https://www.wardwilson.com/