Linda Pope Spence, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 23, 1943, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to Curtis and Mildred Pope. As the eldest of five children, Linda naturally stepped into a role of leadership and love that would define her life.
After graduating from high school in 1960, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she began working and soon met the love of her life, Vernon Spence. The two married in July 1961 and shared nearly sixty wonderful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and community. Following their marriage, Linda and Vernon settled in Walnut Hill, Florida, a small town outside of Atmore, before moving to Geneva, Alabama, in 1972, where they made their permanent home. Linda devoted herself fully to raising her four children as a stay-at-home mother, creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Once all of her children were in school, Linda began working outside the home. She first worked in insurance for many years with Sconyers Insurance before embracing her entrepreneurial spirit. In the late 1980s, she opened a gift shop, Southern Manor, where her love for all things elegant and dainty was evident in every thoughtful touch. Approximately eight years later, she expanded her talents by opening a restaurant and catering business, Hen Feathers. Linda was an exceptional cook, a gift she learned while living with her grandmother, and her meals became legendary among family, friends, and the community she served.
Linda was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church, Geneva, Alabama, where she was an active member of the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. Her voice, lifted in worship, revealed the quiet joy and steadfast faith that defined her life and touched the hearts of all who heard her sing.
She loved unconditionally, not only her children but everyone she encountered. Linda had a rare and beautiful way of making every person feel deeply loved and valued. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Spence; her parents, Curtis and Mildred Pope; her granddaughter, Ayla Perez; and her brother, Eddie Pope.
She is survived by her loving children: one son, Darryl (Ann) Spence of Enterprise, Alabama; and three daughters: Tonya (Ernie) Roney, Teresa (Ivan) Perez, and Tammy (Keith) Owen all of Geneva. Linda is also survived by her grandchildren: Brandon (Lisa) Spence of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Brooke (Brandon) Hurst of Dothan; Shawna (Morgan) Kelley, Norfolk, VA; Tori Kelley Enterprise; Drew (Ally) Roney, Geneva; Dustin (Connie) Roney, Samson; Jamison Roney, DeFuniak Springs, FL; Avery Perez, Geneva; Addyson Perez, San Diego, CA; Devin Shoemaker, Geneva; Cody (Taylor) Shoemaker, Geneva; Katie Owen (Tyler), Opp; and Ty (Bryttany) Owen, Geneva; and 20 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by two brothers, Larry (Bonnie) Pope, Jackson, AL and Charles (Pam) Pope of Orlando, FL; and one sister, Jackie (David) Ross, Tallahassee, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
The family expresses special love and adoration to her devoted caregiver, Dana Shiver, and extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care provided during her final days.
Pallbearers to serve will be Drew Roney, Jamison Roney, Devin Shoemaker, Cody Shoemaker, Avery Perez, and David Ross.
Linda’s legacy is one of faith, devotion, service, and boundless love. She was cherished by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Geneva with her grandson, Rev. Dustin Roney officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions made to the First Baptist Church Choir, Geneva, Alabama.
Alex Scott Moore of Bellwood, Alabama passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Eufaula, Alabama. He was 39 years old.
He was born on August 19, 1986, in Dothan, Alabama, to Travis and Phyllis Moore. Alex loved deeply and felt life intensely. Known around Bellwood as the “Bellwood MacGyver,” he could rig or repair just about anything with whatever was within reach. He had a big heart, a loyal spirit, and was recently working hard to rebuild his life and grow into the man he wanted to be. Though his journey included both joy and struggle, he never stopped trying, and he was deeply loved by his family.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the home of Travis and Phyllis (10366 S Highway 85 Daleville, AL)
Survivors include his parents, Travis and Phyllis Moore; sisters, Amy Moore, Tosha Jerkins, and Kristy Rowe (Mike); nephew, Luke; daughters, Alexa Rose Moore and Violet Alizabeth Moore; and their mother, Meg Moore (Whistle); along with countless aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.
Scott Anthony Patterson, a man known for his gentle spirit and charming wit, left this world on February 21, 2026, in Graceville, Florida. Born in Dothan, Alabama, on May 23, 1966, Scott’s life was a melody of laughter, love, and kindness that resonated with everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Raised in the warmth of a close-knit family, Scott was the beloved brother to Steven Patterson, Shawn (Patricia) Patterson, Seth (Lindsey) Patterson, and Charles (Wendie) McConnell. His sister, Teena Allen, shared many cherished memories with him. Scott was a pillar of support and an example of unwavering love to his daughter, Zoe (Thaddeus) Polchlopek, as well as to his numerous nieces and nephews, who looked up to him as a role model.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Class of 1984, Scott carried the spirit of his hometown with him throughout his life. His career spanned over 37 years at Georgia Pacific in Cedar Springs, Georgia, where his dedication and hard work were as steadfast as his loyalty to his colleagues. Scott retired in October 2024, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and camaraderie.
Scott’s personality was a blend of humor and humility. His love for music was profound, and he could often be found strumming the air guitar to the tunes of Journey and Bob Seger. His musical joy was infectious, and he shared this passion with everyone around him. Scott was a man of faith and fellowship.
An avid Alabama football fan, Scott’s enthusiasm for the game was only matched by his love for golfing. He treasured the moments spent on the golf course with his brothers, Seth, Charles, and Shawn, where their bond strengthened with every swing. These outings were more than just a game; they were a testament to their brotherhood.
Scott’s affection for his feline friends was well-known, affectionately naming all of his cats “Little Bit.” This gentle touch was a reflection of the kindness that he extended to all living creatures. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was often described as the best among us—a person who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need.
A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, where Rev. Hosea Parker will officiate. Scott will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, his final resting place echoing the peace and love he shared in life. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 am.
Scott Anthony Patterson was the epitome of what it means to be loving, funny, and gentle. His memory will be cherished and held dear in the hearts of those he touched. As we say goodbye to a good, sweet guy the best of us we are reminded of the light he brought into our lives and the laughter that will echo in our memories forever.
OZARK…Mr. Victor Wayne Chamberlin, a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at his home. He was 74.
Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Presley and his uncle, Reverend Gerald Bustin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Chamberlin was born on September 6, 1951, in Cap Haitien, Haiti, the son of devoted missionaries. His childhood was anything but ordinary. At a young age, his parents moved their family to Papua, New Guinea, where they spent five years serving and ministering to the people there. Those early years shaped him in deep and lasting ways—teaching him resilience, compassion, and a love for people from all walks of life. After their time in New Guinea, the family returned to Haiti for a season before once again returning to New Guinea, where he remained until he was nineteen. Those experiences gave him a worldview far bigger than most young men his age.
At nineteen, he moved to the United States and soon after answered the call to serve his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served for two years. When his military service ended, he didn’t hesitate to return to New Guinea to help his family and support the church that had meant so much to them. Service—both to God and to others—was woven into the very fabric of who he was.
In 1977, he married the love of his life, Vicki. Together, they built a partnership grounded in faith, commitment, and shared purpose. Just a year later, in 1978, the two of them returned to the mission field, continuing the work that had shaped his upbringing. They served faithfully until 1982, when they moved to Ozark so he could attend the Alabama Aviation and Technical College (now Alabama Aviation College). He worked hard, earned his degree, and began a long and dedicated career at Fort Rucker as a technical inspector. He took great pride in his work and retired after thirty years of service.
Ozark became home for him—a place where he built friendships, raised a family, and lived out his faith. He faithfully attended Ozark First Assembly of God Church, where he found community, purpose, and a place to continue serving others.
He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Amos Chamberlin; his father, Victor Charles Chamberlin, whose example of faith and service helped guide the path he walked throughout his life.
Mr. Chamberlin will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, steady faith, and a lifetime of service—someone who gave generously of himself, loved deeply, and lived with purpose wherever he was planted.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-eight years, Vicki Chamberlin; three sons, Tony Chamberlin (Tracey), Rodney Chamberlin, all of Ozark, and Kenneth Chamberlin (Amy), Navarre, Florida; mother, Mrs. Claudine Chamberlin, Ozark; sister, Rebecca Duckworth, San Diego, California; four grandchildren, Vivian Chamberlin, Alexander Chamberlin, Kailee Chamberlin, and Alissa Chamberlin.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Shelley Ann McClendon was born on March 7,1948 to the late Fate Baker Sr. and Emma Lee Cochran Baker. She departed this life for her heavenly home on February 16, 2026.
Funeral services for Shelley will be held at 10 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Durry officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 AM until service time.
Shelley was a housewife for many years, worked at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for 8 years and other jobs. She loved her family. She enjoyed smiling, good conversation and laughter.
She was preceded in death by Fate Baker Jr., Cecil Earl Baker, Charlie Baker, Everine Baker and Sarah Lee Parrish.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving brother, Joe Baker (Dothan, Alabama) TC McClendon (Webb, Alabama) a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
DALEVILLE…Gabriel D. Barron, a resident of Daleville, died Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, at his home. He was 16.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Daleville Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Peters officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses.
Gabriel was born on March 17, 2009, in Dothan and spent his life growing up in the Wiregrass, surrounded by the people and places he knew best. He attended Zion Chapel High School, where he made friends easily and left an impression on everyone who got to know him.
He was a young man who loved being outdoors and staying active. Fishing was one of his favorite ways to spend a quiet afternoon, and he enjoyed the simple peace of being near the water. He liked lifting weights and pushing himself to get stronger, and he had a real love for anything with wheels—four‑wheelers, e‑bikes, anything that let him ride, explore, and feel the wind on his face. When he was at home, he enjoyed playing video games and hanging out with the people he cared about most.
Gabriel had a big heart and a gentle way about him. He was the kind of person who could make others laugh without trying, and he had a natural warmth that made people feel comfortable around him. His family and friends meant everything to him, and he carried those connections close.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John Bushey, Jr.; his sister, Dana Nevaeh Allen; his maternal grandparents, Edward and Gloria Howell Knoebel; and his paternal grandfather, Charles Robert Barron, Sr., and the only grandfather he knew, Roanld David “Pops” Hallford, Sr. Even though they are gone, their love and influence remained a steady part of his life.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Tenya Knoebel (Donald “Daddy D” Hallford), Daleville; father, Charles Barron, Jr., Dothan; sisters, Trinity Barron, Alexis Kennedy (Adam), and Jada Allen; brothers, Charles Robert Barron, III (Tracey Bowden), Dravon Barron, Blain Barron, and John Patrick Moran; paternal grandmother, Jeanette Kehle (Jim); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
