COLUMBIA. . .Emily Jernigan Hunter, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 3, 2026, in Extendicare Health Center in Dothan. She was 95.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Keith Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Methodist Church, c/o Ed Hughes, 281 Crawford Road, Cowarts, AL 36321, or to Columbia Ambulance Emergency Rescue Squad (CARES), check made payable to Town of Columbia, P.O. Box 339, Columbia, AL 36319.
Mrs. Hunter was born and raised in Columbia, daughter of the late Laurel Washington Jernigan and Flora Mae Singletary Jernigan. She was a 1948 graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. Mrs. Hunter moved to the Hunters Crossroads Community, near Columbia, in 1949. An active member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church, a church which her family co-founded, Mrs. Hunter held most offices and positions in the church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Hunter, a grandson, Harrison L. Hunter, two sisters, Delone Henley and Ruth Hand, two brothers, Edwin Jernigan and Blake Jernigan and her step-mother, Florence Pitts Jernigan and a daughter in law, Patsy Hunter.
Miss Emily was a woman of fierce integrity and bold in her beliefs, strong in her faith, and often seen reading her Bible even in her final days of life. She raised four sons, providing a perfect example in her walk with our Savior. Miss Emily made an immediate and everlasting impact on everyone she met.
Surviving relatives include four sons, Charles Hunter (Kathy), Cottonwood, AL Gary Hunter, Mobile, AL; Phillip Hunter (Janet), Cowarts, AL; and Jim Hunter (Julia), Abbeville, AL; a sister, Ann Johnson, Webb, AL; and a sister-in-law, Betty Green, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Paul Kober, 85, of Enterprise, AL, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Paul was born on March 30, 1940, and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. Paul graduated from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School.
Paul’s passions were family, automobiles, off-road motorcycling, Volkswagens, boating, hiking, and history. Family was extremely important to Paul. He was married for 51 years to his beautiful, dedicated wife Becky Kober, also from the San Fernando Valley, California. Together they raised five children, along with three daughters-in-laws, two sons-in-laws, with eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and cared for 18 foster children.
Paul’s love of family extended well beyond the traditional definition of the word “family”. Whether blood relative, adopted, in-law, foster, or friend, you were a member of the family. With family in many states, Paul would not hesitate to travel to visit, celebrate, support, or just be with them. Even when family were far away, they always knew Paul would be there with simply a phone call.
Paul and Becky cared for 18 foster children, spanning a time period of nearly 30 years. Paul and Becky opened their lives to these children and treated all of them as their own. All of these children’s lives were improved by having a loving home in which to start their journey.
Paul could fix anything, and even before graduating high school, he began a career as an automotive mechanic. Paul not only made a living as a mechanic but loved all things mechanical. His garage was constantly full of his projects, and often many other people’s. Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, Bicycles, even the occasional model rocket. Whether it was an oil change or an engine rebuild, Paul was the neighborhood and family go-to for all things fuel-burning. He retired from the City of Los Angeles as a diesel mechanic when he was 57.
Within his love of mechanical things, Paul was an air-cooled Volkswagen expert, building buggies for the California desert as well as street machines and show cars. Paul helped many people get their cars running and keep them running. Riding off-road motorcycles in the Mojave Desert was where he loved to be. Working with the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, Paul successfully lobbied local, state, and federal organizations to keep riding areas open. There is even a trail between the towns of Randsburg and Johannesburg, CA, that carries his name. Whether spending time with family, fixing cars and motorcycles, hiking the Grand Canyon, water skiing on the Colorado River, or tearing across the desert, Paul was always on the move. Paul’s boundless energy and deep love for family will be sorely missed.
To honor Paul’s wishes, no services will be held.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
William “Bill” Watson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at his home in Ozark, Alabama. He was born on August 19, 1940, in Louisville, Alabama, and during his 85 years, Bill left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lois Watson.
Bill shared 40 loving years of marriage with his wife, Katheryn Watson. Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and togetherness. He is survived by his children, Randy Watson (Linda), David Watson (Karen), Karen Hand (Doug), Rhonda Robertson (Mark), Paula Mathis (Wylie), and Chris Shepherd (Robbie). Bill was especially proud of his role as “Pa” to 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one dearly loved and treasured.
A man of strong work ethic and remarkable skill, Bill spent his career as an aircraft mechanic and auto mechanic, known for his ability to fix just about anything with an engine. He took great pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His dedication extended beyond his profession through his service in the National Guard, where he served his country with honor.
Above all else, Bill loved his family and enjoyed being around people. He had a lifelong passion for working on cars and could often be found under the hood, doing what he loved most. Bill never met a stranger, and his friendly nature and easy conversation left a lasting smile wherever he went.
Bill will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the genuine care he showed to others. His steady presence, warm heart, and quiet wisdom will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home with Bro. Michael Woodham officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Bill will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
Diana Rae Brion Gilmore of Ozark, Alabama passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Flowers Hospital. She was 80 years old.
She was born on September 5, 1945, to the late Robert William Brion and Gertrude Berner Brion in Detroit, Michigan.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Gilmore; and brothers, Kevin Brion and Timothy Brion.
Survivors include her children, Kryssaia Brotman of Dadeville, AL, Joseph Gilmore of Hodgenville, KY, and Kathrine Boswell (Wally) of Enterprise, AL; several grandchildren; siblings, Robin Brion (Susan) of Gallupville, NY, Terry Braun of Schenectady, NY, Colleen Marks of Enterprise, AL, Kelly Brion of Schenectady, NY, and Eric Brion (Mary) of Daleville, AL; sisters-in-law, Debbie Brion and Donna Brion both of Enterprise, AL; along with 16 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and great nephews.
Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, a resident of Dothan, passed away on, Friday, January 30, 2026, in Dothan.
Blake was born July 28, 1992, in Dothan to Leonard Carlton Bowen & Vicki Odom Prickett. A proud 2011 graduate of Rehobeth High School, Blake’s work ethic was evident early on. Following graduation, he attended Lineman School at Wallace Community College, a foundation that led to a dedicated 9 ½-year career at Farley Nuclear Plant. There, he served as a skilled Refueling Technician with Dry Cask Storage.
While his days were spent in the nuclear industry, Blake’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished in the local community. He was a visionary real estate developer, owning and operating Bowen Estates, Next Level Real Estate, Bowen & Green Properties, and Newton Creek Properties.
Blake’s true first love, however, was found in the red clay and the roar of an engine. A dirt track racing enthusiast since he was a small boy, Blake famously built his first car and competed in his first race at just 12 years old. Over the years, he raced various car classes across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, earning a reputation as a fierce and respected competitor.
His commitment to the sport went beyond the driver’s seat. In February 2020, Blake brought racing back to his community by reopening Dothan Motor Speedway in Cottonwood after it had sat dormant for a decade. Opening to a sell-out crowd, he served as the promoter for two years, revitalizing the track for a new generation of fans.
Blake’s final chapters in racing were marked by triumph. He won his last two races at his home track, Dothan Motor Speedway racing sprint and non-wing cars, and recently made local history in November 2025 by winning the first-ever Figure 8 Demolition Derby at the National Peanut Festival.
Blake became curious about taking to the skies as a young man. After his father earned his license and owned a plane Blake continuously told his father that he would do the same, and if you know Blake when he says it, he DOES it. He walked into ACOM Aviation with his mind set on a goal and the rest was history. He earned his pilot certificate in no time and began flying. Blake being the man he was and taking everything to the max he ended up buying a “project plane” and worked hard to turn it into one of the cleanest and most advanced Piper Cherokee Six’s on the market. He flew the plane on multiple adventures including vacations to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, as well as races and Brailynn’s volleyball tournaments. His kind heart even flew a family in need all the way to Pittsburgh and back to assure their young baby boy could get the care he needed. Blake had a curiosity that turned into a love and a passion for flying. A truly good man and a true aviator indeed.
He is preceded by his grandparents, Wallace & Mable Odom, and Sonny & Patricia Bowen.
He is survived by his wife of almost 10 years, Allison Kay Bowen; his two daughters, Brailynn Kay Bowen, and Brynlee Grace Bowen; his parents, Vicki & Terry Prickett, and Leonard & Jan Bowen; his three sisters, Erica Weller (Mathew), Shannon Garber (Jamie), and Robin Prickett; his four brothers, Patrick Prickett, Ryan Schueler, Blair Schueler, and Chase Schueler; his sister-in-law, Ann Marie Cook; his special nephews, Beauden Weller, Harrison Weller, Trotter Cook, Joshua & Jacob Herevia; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford with Reverend Jerry Smith, Pastor Kevin Dixon, and Chaplain John Gormley officiating. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends the night prior from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to, Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36460, or Wiregrass Angel House, 105 N. Bell Street, Dothan, AL 36303.
Serving as pallbearers, JayPaul Odom, AL Johns, Nick Green, Cameron Henderson, Tyler Wolters, Trey Johnson, Brannon Arnett, Dwayne Harry, and Blair Schueler.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Pamela Easley Stewart, born on February 6, 1959, passed away peacefully at her home in Hartford, Alabama, on the evening of January 29, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her father,
Dewey P. Easley, and her mother, Billie Jo Ward.
Pamela was a proud mother to her children, Heather Lynn Stewart Powell and Heath Dale Easley. Her face lit up whenever she spoke of her beloved grandchildren: Taylor Powell, Austin (Chassity) Powell, Michaela (Craig) Myrick, Wyatt (Elizabeth) Easley, Morgun Easley, Lilly’Ann Easley, and Weston Easley, along with many treasured great-grandchildren.
She found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother, and her legacy will continue through the generations she cherished so deeply.
Nana will be remembered as an spirited and creative soul, and for the lasting imprint of love she left on all who knew her. Her family and friends will miss her tremendously.
