HEADLAND…Ms. Kathy Louise Wakefield, a resident of Headland (formerly of Ozark), died early Saturday afternoon, January 10, 2026, at her home. She was 72.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Westview Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Scott Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Wakefield, the beloved daughter of the late John M. McGinty and Billie Louise Barnes, was born in Jasper, Alabama, and made her home in Ozark from a young age. Those who knew her remember a woman with a gentle spirit, a kind smile, and a heart that always leaned toward helping others.
In her earlier years, she worked at Vivian B. Adams School as a teacher’s aide, a role that suited her perfectly. She had a natural gift for patience and encouragement, and she poured that into the children she worked with. Many families still remember her steady presence and the way she made every child feel seen and supported.
Faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark, where she found community, comfort, and lifelong friendships. Whether she was attending services, lending a hand, or simply sharing a warm conversation, she carried her faith quietly but sincerely.
Ms. Wakefield was preceded in death by her brother‑in‑law, George Szpek, and her nephew, Ashley Szpek, both of whom she held close in her heart. Though she faced her share of loss, she remained a source of strength and compassion for those around her.
She will be remembered for her kindness, her steady love for her family, and the gentle way she moved through the world. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring comfort to all who loved her.
Surviving relatives include her sister, Debra Szpek, Headland; niece, Kaci Manley (Chris), Estero, Florida and their daughter, Ashley Kate; nephew, John Szpek (Kelsey), Headland and their daughter, Charlee.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Ms. Lorinda Sue Moore of Wicksburg, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 76.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church with Rev. David Thomley, Rev. Buddy Hood and Rev. Allen Singley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
Lorinda was born on February 10, 1949 in Houston County to the late A.E. and Ruby Thomley Jones. She was a devoted mother and above all, she loved her family deeply and took her greatest pride in raising her children. Lorinda served as a nurse at Southeast Medical Center for over 30 years, where her compassion touched countless lives. An avid outdoorswoman, she found joy in gardening, fishing, and trips to the beach. She was also a passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves. Lorinda will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Lorinda is survived by three daughters: Velvet Kiley (Marc), Shannon Wehunt (Robbie) and Chasity Etheredge; two sons, Casey Moore (Starla) and Jason Moore; twelve grandchildren: Lori Redden (Mason), Haley Crider (Andrew), AJ Etheredge (Kellie), Jordan Watson (Brock), Della Wehunt, Jamie Watson (Trenton), Casey Moore, Jr., Blake Moore, Alexis Burch, Jason Moore, Jr (Jayleen) Katelyn Moore and Joslynn Graham Moore; 13 great-grandchildren; aunt, Maureen Barnes; and other extended family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Mason Redden, Andrew Crider, AJ Etheredge, Brock Watson, Trenton Watson, Casey Moore, Jr., Blake Moore and Jason Moore, Jr.
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.
