Mr. Robert Marcus Murphy “Mark” passed away Monday, December 22, 2025. He was 70 years old. A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Abbeville Memorial Cemetery East with Brother Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow with Skeen Funeral Home of Troy directing. Mr. Mark Murphy was born Tuesday, August 23, 1955, to the late Thomas Christopher “Buddy” and Dorothy ‘Harrison’ Murphy. He was raised by his grandparents, C.C. and Donie Mae Murphy of Abbeville. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by wife, Jalane Murphy; a son, Buster Coker, and a brother, Tommy Murphy. Mark was a hardworking man known for his attention to detail, compassion for others, and love of animals. He was a jack of all trades, having worked as a welder, millwright, restaurateur, truck driver, gardener and spent many years in construction, landscaping, and serving his community as a handyman and friend to all. He will be remembered for his honest work, his kindness, his good cooking (especially his steaks and pound cakes), and his love of family, friends, and the Lord. Mr. Murphy is survived by a son, Tyler Murphy “Tbird” (Diane); Tyler’s mother-in-law, Kay Morrill; a sister, Jinna Evans (John); two nephews, Will Murphy (Ashley) and Billy Herring; three nieces: Kimberly Murray, Tracy Ellis (Travis), and Jessye Walker; three grand-nephews: Wesley Murphy, Sawyer Ellis, and Holt Johnson; grand-niece, Alexis Murray; sister-in-law, Ramona Flanagan; step father-in-law, Robert Holmes; cousins, Jim McGee and friend, Gordon Marley, and Joy Lee; special friends, Tim Whitehead (Von) and Jane Brown. Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Whitehead, Billy Herring, Will Murphy, Terry Roland, Don Johnson, and Danny Mobley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Celebrate Recovery Abbeville Methodist Church P.O. Box 100 Abbeville, AL 36310.
Sue Ennis Shaw, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 95.
Born on June 16, 1930, in Weogufka, Alabama, Sue was the cherished daughter of the late John Henry McGrady and Hattie Thornton.
Sue attended Weogufka High School. She married young to the love of her life, J. C. Shaw. Sue known for her elegant Southern charm and her selfless nature, and dedicated her life to her family and her faith, making a good home for her husband and children and providing them a good foundation. She was a long-standing and active member of Southside Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. Coming from a musical family, her gift was her voice. She also volunteered her time and talents in the church library and served with grace and humility. Her commitment to her church was unwavering and served as a testament to her loving spirit.
Sue worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist at Southeast Health and Fairview Clinic until her husband, J. C. passed away, then she managed the family floor covering store. Family was the heart of Sue’s world. She was a loving wife and mother, whose gentle presence and kind words nurtured those around her. Her ability to create a warm and welcoming home was unmatched, and she took great joy in decorating and transforming her surroundings into a place of beauty and comfort.
She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Curtis Shaw and the devoted mother of the late Vicky Lynn McGraw. Sue was the last surviving sibling of her dear brothers Marion, T. S., Denson, Elton, and Wayne McGrady, and her sisters Dassie Collins, Pearl Gaither, Louise Ellison, Elma Calfee, Lorene Shurette, Evelene Taylor, and Glenda Sims.
Sue is survived by her son, John Shaw (Beverly); her grandchildren, Kara Hennessey (Oliver), Logan Miller (Will), and Steven McGraw; her great-grandchildren, Jameson and Eloise Hennessey, Miles Miller, Jaxon, Willow, and River McGraw; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Billy Rich officiating. The family will receive friends from 9 AM until 10 AM, prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sylacauga, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Richard Timothy Burke, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 65 years old. In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Mr. Burke at this time. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Mr. Burke was born January 8, 1960, in Ozark, Alabama to Dwain Dwight Burke and Willie Frances Munn Burke. Richard was a 1978 graduate of Carroll High School. He also received training for a commercial truck driver license and enjoyed seeing the world over eighteen wheels. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raising horses and mules. This love would evolve into a job as an equine farrier. He also enjoyed Alabama football. He is preceded in death by his father Dwain Burke. He is survived by his mother, Frances Munn Burke of Ozark; one sister Michele Dooley (Brian) of Ozark; one son Richard Lee Burke (Samantha) of Valdez, AK, two daughters, Keshia Lewis (John-Mark) of Crestview, Florida and Ana Burke of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Nine grandchildren, Makenna Heath, Ryleigh Moore, Atli Burke and Remi Burke, Riley McPeak, Nolan Burke, Hayden Burke, Marshall Cantrell, and Auron Cantrell.
In Loving Memory of Sister Louise Rivers
November 10, 1940 – December 28, 2025
Sister Louise Rivers, a cherished resident of Dothan, Alabama, gently passed away at her home on December 28, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by the warmth of her devoted family. Born on November 10, 1940, in Houston County, Alabama, Sister Louise spent her 85 years as a pillar of the very community that now holds her memory dear. Throughout her life, she embodied a spirit filled with unwavering faith, compassion, and a relentless devotion to those she loved.
A memorial service will be held at 12 PM Saturday, January 3, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2627 E Cottonwood Rd, Dothan, AL 36301. The family will be accepting flowers. Ward Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sister Louise enjoyed a fulfilling career, retiring proudly from Twitchell Corporation in 2003. After her retirement, her life’s work deepened into her spiritual calling. She had a profound passion for sharing her knowledge of the Bible, a commitment she formally affirmed in 2002 by dedicating herself to Jehovah. She enjoyed the ministry with her spiritual sisters, discussing the Kingdom of Jehovah. She held dear the words of Romans 14:8: “For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. Therefore, both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.” Her unwavering faith was a guiding light, and she remained a beacon of loyalty and devotion until her final moments.
Sister Rivers is now reunited in eternity with her beloved husband, brother Earl Rivers, her parents John and Emma Anglin, her daughter Myra Roberson, her son Amos Rivers, her brother John Anglin, and her sisters Lois Nicholson, Frances Jones, Tommie Gordon, Angerome Whaley, Gladys Coleman, Betty Brooks, and Opheila McMiller.
She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her children: Relata Rivers, Angelia (Tony) Snell, Alex Keno (Shirley) Rivers, Felton Leon Rivers, Valerie Rivers, and Suwanna Hammonds. Her loving memory is also carried on by her sisters, Jean Kelley and Elnora Barkley, and her brother, Lamar Anglin. The warmth of her spirit will continue to thrive in the hearts of her many grandchildren, including Myetta (Reginald) Swain, Regina (David) Perez, Tonja (Chris) Baxter, Keith (Melissa) Walker, Charlie (Brandy) Rivers, Shanetha Rivers, Camille (Solomon) Knight, Serena (Shunvita) Snell, Halisha (Sandy) Talmadge, Alisha Rivers, Alexandria (Kailon) Scott, Chrystal Baker, Bryan (Kaniesha) Moore, Kendall (David) Thomas, Dana (Shawn) Mathis, Kane Rivers, Jermaine (Nanika) Rivers, Sade (Corey) Powell, Shakeava Boykin, and Cordney (Kendall) Hammonds, as well as her numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Sister Rivers will forever be remembered for her deep spirituality, gentle strength, generous heart, and the way she knit her family together with love. She was profoundly cherished and deeply respected, and her memory will eternally resonate in the lives she touched.
Devoted father, son, brother, and friend, Samuel Renee Perryman, 66, passed away on December 29, 2025. A native of Skipperville and a 1977 graduate of George W. Long High School where Sam was a star athlete and a “mechanical savant” who dedicated his life to service and excellence.
A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Sam served meritoriously as an electrical repair specialist. He later became a highly decorated ASE Master Technician, earning the Denver Post Student of the Year award and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Denver Automotive and Diesel College. After years with the Mike Schmitz Automotive Group, he shared his expertise as a Certified Automotive Instructor for Dothan City Schools.
Sam was known for his generous heart, his dedication to his students, and the “legendary” good times shared on his back patio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Perryman; father, Samuel D. Perryman, and cherished mother Lorene Perryman McGlon; and precious brother, Andrew D. Perryman.
He is survived by his children: Comanechi Renee Smith, Samuel R. Perryman Jr. (Keiwana), and Reshunda Henderson (AJ); his stepchildren: Dr. Atica Thomas (Eric), and Dedrick Helms, and bonus children: Tommy (Tiffany) Blandenberg, Joyce Elaine (Albert) Tillman, and Latasha Denise (Kenneth) Blandenberg. His Stepfather: Mr. Jimmy McGlon of Skipperville, AL. His Sisters: Martha Perryman, Mabelline “Bella” Holsey, Patricia (Corey) Webb, and Loretta (Mandel) Hill. He also leaves his grandchildren, and extended family including a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 and the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
DOTHAN. . .Carolyn Whitehead Palmer, a resident of Dothan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, in Oakview Manor Health Care Center in Ozark. She was born August 8, 1940 to James Edward Whitehead and Alvenia Goodman Whitehead.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P. M. Friday, January 2, 2026, in the Balkum Cemetery, 1153 County Road 55, Headland, Alabama, with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Carolyn Palmer was born and raised in Dothan and attended Dothan City Schools. She received her BA Degree from Howard College (Samford University) in English Literature. Ms. Palmer taught in middle school for Birmingham public schools for three years.
Ms. Palmer and her family lived in Birmingham, AL, Columbia, SC, and Memphis, TN. She travelled to Europe several times and into Israel and Jordan.
She was preceded in death by a son, Martin David Palmer, her maternal grandparents, Greene and Ida Goodman and her paternal grandparents, Caroline Virginia Whitehead and James Whit Balkum, all from the Henry County farming communities.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Claire Palmer Kirkpatrick, a son, Ian Whitehead Palmer, a brother, Louis Whitehead, all of Dothan; and cousins, Wayne Skeen and Arthur Segars.
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.
