Ann Marie McCallister, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away on February 12, 2026, in Bonifay, Florida, at the age of 87. Born in Dothan, Alabama, on August 28, 1938, to the late James Lee and Evelyn Walker Hartzog, Ann’s early years were spent surrounded by the warmth and charm of southern living.
Ann’s journey through life was one of devotion and joy. She was the cherished wife of the late Gerald McCallister, with whom she shared 64 beautiful years. Together, they built a legacy of love that is carried on by their daughters, Cindi (Dave) Pittman, Karen Stephens, Meg Russell, and April (Shane) Busby. Her grandchildren, Ben Givens, Josh Ellison, Jeremy (Katie) Ellison, Lindsey (Jeff) Darby, Conner Busby, Chase Busby, and Amie (David) Casey, along with her great-grandchildren, Sara Beth Givens, Lawson Givens, Henry Ellison, Emmett Ellison, Harper Darby, Rhett Darby, and Blakely Casey were the lights of her life.
Ann’s siblings, Bob Hartzog, Lyn Smith, and Beth Smith, along with several nieces and nephews, will remember her as a pillar of strength. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and her siblings, Helen Mathis, Joe Hartzog, Joyce Tice, Jimmy Hartzog, Buddy Hartzog, Terry Dasinger, and Beverly Freeman.
A woman of many interests, Ann’s zest for life was evident in her love for playing golf, solving crossword puzzles, and engaging in spirited games of Yahtzee. She lit up the dance floor at every opportunity and was often found cheering on her beloved Atlanta Braves. Gardening brought her joy (and pain).
Ann embraced a life of adventure alongside her beloved husband during his service in the United States Air Force. Together, they journeyed across the country and around the world, creating memories in places such as Arkansas, Texas, Louisianna, Canada, Turkey, Panama City, Spain, and Okinawa. Each new assignment brought fresh experiences, lifelong friendships. No matter where they were stationed, Ann’s warmth and resilience turned every house into a home, and her unwavering support was a steady source of strength throughout their travels.
Ann’s life will be celebrated with a service on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:30 am at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Shelly Chandler officiating. Her final resting place will be beside her beloved Gerald at Sunset Memorial Park, a testament to their enduring love. Before the service, the family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30 am at the funeral home, sharing memories and honoring Ann’s legacy. David Pittman, Shane Busby, Ben Givens, Josh Ellison, Jeremy Ellison, and Conner Busby will serve as active pallbearers, honoring her with their service. Bob Hartzog, Jeff Darby, and Chase Busby will serve as honorary pallbearers, standing in tribute to a life well-lived.
Ann Marie McCallister’s life was a portrait of love and kindness. She will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends, much like the gardens she so lovingly tended. Ann’s memory will be cherished forever, as a reminder of the beauty and grace she brought into the world.
Charlie Brown Mason, Jr., a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 8, 1939, in Climax, Georgia, Charlie lived a life defined by strength, character, and unwavering dedication to his family and the values he held dear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Brown Mason, Sr. and Lila Belle Horton Mason, and his sister, Mattie Belle Parramore. He leaves behind a strong and loving family, his children, Charlotte Kennedy, Marty Mason, Sherri Newberry, Clifford Eric Mason, and Aaron Mason; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his brother, Roy Mason; his sister, Annie Butler; and several nieces and nephews who will remember him with respect and gratitude.
An outdoorsman at heart, Charlie found his greatest peace in the woods and on the water. He loved hunting and fishing, especially the time spent alongside his son Marty during fish fries. He took pride in working the land, and his garden was proof of his patience and skill. He was a man who valued honest work, quiet strength, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing something grow under your care. Charlie cherished time with his grandchildren, teaching by example and creating memories that will endure for generations. He enjoyed music, dancing, and good conversation. He listened more than he spoke, and when he spoke, his words carried weight.
His faith was a steady foundation in his life. He spent many hours reading the Old Testament and following programs such as the 700 Club. He was also known for keeping a close eye on the weather, carefully tracking forecasts and sharing his observations with anyone willing to talk about it.
Visitation for Charlie Brown Mason, Jr. will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Crestlawn Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor a man who lived with strength, conviction, and love for his family.
Charles Ray Parker, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Marianna, Florida. Born on July 8, 1946, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Quinton and Minnie Clyde Parker.
Charles was a proud 1965 graduate of Dothan High School, where he formed friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. An avid hunter and fisherman, Charles found solace and joy in the great outdoors. His love for nature was not just a hobby but a passion that he shared with his family and friends. Many will remember the tales of his adventures and the memories of shared adventures.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Quinton Parker and Minnie Clyde Skipper Parker; his sister, Lawanna Cosby; and his brother, Billy Parker. His legacy continues through his loving wife, Peggy Flaitz; his daughter, Denise Sellers (David), and his cherished grandchild, Parker Sellers. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Kelley and Barbara Peters, who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life for Charles will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, February 16, 2026 at Union Hill Baptist Church in Cottonwood.
Robert Allie Purvis, 79, of Marianna, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and deep love for his family and community.
Born on August 3, 1946, and raised in Malvern, Alabama, Robert was the son of Robert A. Purvis and Mary Alice Purvis. He was raised with strong values that guided him throughout his life. He was a proud 1964 graduate of Slocomb High School.
Robert devoted his professional life to the food industry, a career that reflected both his remarkable work ethic and his genuine, personable nature. He worked for many years in grocery management before embracing his entrepreneurial spirit as a restaurant owner. Through his work, he touched the lives of countless customers, colleagues, and friends. He took great pride not only in providing for his family but also in serving others with integrity, kindness, and respect.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Purvis and Mary Alice Purvis.
Robert is survived by his beloved daughters, Jennifer (David) Rich and Julie (Will) Melton; his grandchildren, Payton (Kaulder) Kressman and Parker Melton; his great-grandchild, Kolt Kressman; his sisters, Marie Livingston, Betty Peacock, and Jackie (Bob) Watson; and Joyce Bylsma, mother of his daughters. He also leaves behind extended family members and many dear friends who will miss him greatly, particularly, Ron (Melissa) Syfrett, Debbie Lucas, and Paul Drake.
Robert will be remembered for his steady determination, his devotion to family, and the quiet strength that defined the last few years of his life, when his Christian faith was his rock and cornerstone, all of this leading him to the arms of Jesus. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 13, 2026 in the Chapel of Ward-Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor LaVon Pettis and Jake Allen officiating. Interment will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.
Funeral services are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences may be made online at mariannachapelfh.com
Gertraud Thiel, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on February 9, 2026, in Ocala, Florida. She was born on October 14, 1937, in Wiebelsheim, Bavaria, Germany, and lived a life defined by strength, warmth, and an enduring zest for living.
Gertraud’s early years in Germany were rooted in family and love. She met the love of her life, Siegfried A. Thiel, while he was serving in the army, and together they began a journey marked by adventure, devotion, and the raising of a beautiful family. Gertraud embraced her role as a homemaker with grace, pride, and unwavering dedication.
After moving to the United States with Siegfried and their children, Gertraud quickly became a valued and active member of her community. She was deeply involved in the German Wives Club first in Fort Rucker and later in Dothan, Alabama, where she cherished the friendships, fellowship, and weekly gatherings that kept her connected to her roots.
Gertraud will be remembered for her elegant sense of style, fearless honesty, and vibrant personality. She spoke her mind without hesitation, endearing herself to many with her candor, humor, and unmistakable charm. Her outgoing nature meant she truly never met a stranger.
She found great joy in travel and sunshine, especially time spent at the beach, soaking in the warmth of the sun. Her love for the outdoors reflected her appreciation for life’s simple, beautiful moments.
Gertraud’s legacy lives on through her three children, Michael Thiel, Ana Thiel, and Deborah and son-in-law Rod Parker; her cherished grandchildren, Mia Parker, Jaxson Parker, Alex Kastner, and Katy Safer; and her sister, Erika. They will continue to honor her memory by living boldly and fully, just as she did.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Siegfried A. Thiel; her son, Norbert Thiel; her parents, Johann and Bertha Helm; and her siblings, Manfred Helm, Ernst Helm, and Irmgard Reichl.
A memorial gathering will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Sunset Funeral Home Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia Society or the SPCA.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
HALEBURG. . .James Bernard “Jimmy” Everidge, a resident of Haleburg, Alabama, passed away Wednesday night, February 11, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 72.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Haleburg Cemetery with Reverend Michael Senn officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. Saturday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Midway Assembly of God, P.O. Box 608, Midland City, AL 36350.
Jimmy Everidge was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, son of the late James Bernard Everidge, Sr. and Voleta Dukes Everidge. He moved to Columbia in 1989 and later became a resident of Haleburg. Jimmy was retired from Greenbrier Rail Service in Dothan as a Welder. In earlier years, he was employed by Lummus Cotton Gin Manufacturing Company in Columbus, Georgia. Jimmy was a member of Midway Assembly of God in Midland City. He was preceded in death by his son, James Daniel “Danny” Everidge.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Rose Owens Everidge, Haleburg; a daughter-in-law, Tammie Wofford Everidge, Cottonwood; five granddaughters, two grandsons and several great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Joan Knighten, Dothan; two nephews, Mark Smith (Dana) and Craig Smith, all of New Brockton, AL.
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.
