DALEVILLE…Amber Everson, a resident of Daleville, died Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 28.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 17, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Amber was born on April 11, 1997, in Ozark, Alabama, and from the very beginning she carried a light that was all her own. A 2016 graduate of Carroll High School, she grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the familiar places of Dale County that shaped her into the young woman so many came to love. Over the years she made her home in Midland City and Newton before settling in Daleville, always keeping close to the people and communities that meant the most to her.
Amber had a joyful spirit that showed up in the simple things she loved. She enjoyed singing, especially when a song spoke to her heart. She loved the beach, where the sound of the waves brought her peace and the sunshine seemed to match her bright personality. She rarely went anywhere without her cell phone, and she found joy in sharing little pieces of her life through TikTok videos — laughing, dancing, and capturing moments that made her smile. Those who knew her best will remember her laughter, her playful nature, and the way she could turn an ordinary moment into something worth remembering.
Though her time here was far too short, Amber’s life was filled with love, connection, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. She faced life with a tender heart, and even in difficult seasons, she carried a strength that came from deep within. We trust that the same God who walked with her through every step of her journey has now welcomed her into eternal rest, where there is no more pain, only peace and light.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anna Marie Pope, Donald Barry Everson, and Thomas Dowling Walker. Today, we find comfort in believing that she is reunited with them, held safely in the arms of the Lord, and surrounded by the love of those who went before her.
Amber will be remembered for her sweetness, her laughter, and the way she loved in her own gentle, genuine way. Her absence leaves an ache, but her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
Surviving relatives include her fiance’, Kevin Kuhns; mother, Rachel Brownell (Mark), Ozark; father, Donald S. Everson (Misty), Samson; maternal grandmothers, Patsy Outlaw Sharp, Ozark and Glenda Creamer Walker, Newton; two brothers, Andrew Everson (Grace), Springfield, Illinois and Jacob Everson, Daleville; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives, including a special aunt, April “NaNa” Hilton (Johnny), uncles, Shawn Everson and James Boutwell; step-sister, Lillie Stant and step-brother, Dylan Spicer; her special dog, Harley Everson.
Serving as active pallbearers will be David Williams, Tim Johnson, Johnny Hilton, Jonathan Dorrill, Dylan Spicer, and William Stant.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
NEWTON…Mr. Jerry Taylor, a resident of Newton, near Pinckard, died early Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, at his home. He was 64.
Graveside services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. (E.T.) at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Dawson, Georgia, with his brother-in-law, Pastor Dale Hodges officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Taylor was born in Dothan, Alabama, and raised in the close‑knit community of Rehobeth. He grew up with the kind of small‑town values that stayed with him his whole life—hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for the people around him. He graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1979, proud to be a Rebel, and carried those memories with him through the years.
Not long after high school, he began working at Sony, where he built a career that spanned 34 years. He was the kind of person who showed up every day, gave his best, and treated his coworkers like family. Later, he continued that same dedication at Michelin, where he worked for more than a decade. No matter what the job, he took pride in doing things the right way.
In 2009, he married Cathy Lynn Taylor, the love of his life. Their 18 years together were filled with laughter, partnership, and the kind of steady, everyday devotion that speaks louder than grand gestures ever could. They built a life side by side, supporting each other through every season.
He loved Alabama football—win or lose, he cheered with his whole heart. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and he enjoyed every moment of it. He liked to play golf, never taking the game too seriously, just enjoying the time spent outside with friends. And he had a real talent for woodworking. Whether he was building something new or fixing something old, he found peace in working with his hands.
More than anything, he will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the way he made people feel welcome and cared for. He lived a simple, honest life, and he loved deeply—his family, his friends, and the place he called home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Agnes Guy Taylor of Dawson, Georgia.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Cathy Taylor, Newton; daughters Emily Taylor (Dannard) Ashford, Alabama, Dana Enfinger (Joseph) Newton, Alabama; son Jeremy Taylor Dothan, Alabama; father Benjamin Leon Taylor, Dawson, Georgia; sisters Sherry Gilley (Melvin) Dawson, Georgia, Teresa Hodges (Dale) Leesburg, Georgia; five grandchildren Damian Taylor, Ellason Brown, Abby Mac Gay, Garrison Gay, Mikelyn Enfinger; numerous nieces and nephews, including niece, Kristy Gilley Miller, Leesburg, Georgia, nephews, Scott Gilley (Melaina) Albany, Georgia, and Justin Hodges (Kendall), Americus, Georgia; great niece, Addie Gilley; great-nephews, Rhye Gilley and Aydan Miller.
Linda Carol Reid-Ventry, known lovingly as Linda, passed away on April 10, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 76. She was born on May 9, 1949, in Brazil, Indiana, and lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and a deep love for the people and creatures around her.
Linda was a loving and friendly woman whose warmth touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle spirit and a welcoming nature that made others feel at ease in her presence. Her life was centered on family, and she found great joy in the simple, meaningful moments shared with those she loved most. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her memory will remain a treasured part of the lives she touched.
She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Wally Ventry; her son, Darrell Reid and his wife Diana; her daughter, Kim Brodrick and her husband Shawn; and her beloved grandchildren, Colby Carroll, Dara Reid, Kylie Reid, Ian Brodrick, and Erin Brodrick. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon King; her brother-in-law, Tommy Ventry and his wife Jewel; her brother-in-law, Gene Ventry and his wife Josetta; her brother-in-law, Kyle Ventry and his wife Linda; her mother-in-law, Maxine Ventry; and her sister-in-law, Shayne Barbour and her husband Dave. Linda also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Reah Sprouse, and by her brother, Wayne Douglas Sprouse. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she carried her family ties with pride and love.
Linda spent part of her life in Ft. Myers and West Palm Beach before moving to Dothan in the early 1990s. After making Dothan her home, she became part of a community that she valued deeply. She attended Harvest Church in Dothan, where her faith and fellowship were an important part of her life. Her presence there, like everywhere else, reflected the same kindness and sincerity that defined her character.
Linda had many interests that brought her joy and reflected her appreciation for life’s everyday blessings. She loved animals and had a special fondness for plants and birds. She had a green thumb and enjoyed caring for growing things, finding satisfaction in nurturing beauty around her home. She was also an enthusiastic NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching cooking shows. A great cook herself, Linda took pride in preparing meals and sharing them with others. She especially loved people and treasured time spent with her family, who were the center of her world.
Those who knew Linda will remember her as a woman who gave love freely and lived with grace. Her friendly nature, caring heart, and steady presence made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for the way she made others feel valued, for the joy she found in family, and for the warmth she brought into every room.
Linda Carol Reid-Ventry leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness. Her life was a blessing to her family and friends, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10am at Harvest Church with Pastor Keith Frith officiating.
Mrs. Elaine Fellers Towner passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Flowers Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was 90.
In accordance with her wishes, the family will memorialize her by cremation. The family will have a Celebration of Life service at a later time.
Mrs. Elaine was born May 14, 1935 to the late Roy and Selma E. Riesch Fellers in West Bend Wisconsin. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed life to the fullest. Elaine Shared a special love for her pets, making crafts and visiting with people and farmers at the farmer’s market.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Walter L. Plautz and Ken Towner; son, Gregory Plautz; and daughter, Cindy Lou Plautz.
Survivors include daughters: Debbie Plautz, Dawn Pietschmann, Melody Hughes (Tim); sons: Leroy Plautz (Linda), Wade Plautz (Dawn), Barry Plautz (Cheryl), Dean Plautz; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and other extended family and friends.
Ozark… William “Bill” Hollis, a resident of Ozark, Alabama, passed away April 13, 2026 at Wesley Place in Dothan . He was 86.
Graveside services will be held 3:00 P.M. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Woodlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Ozark, Alabama with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Bill was born in Ozark, Alabama, to the late Lester Hollis and Anna Mae Danner Long. He attended Carroll High School, where he built lifelong friendships and a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. He later married the love of his life, Betty Sullivan, and together they made their home in Hoover, Alabama, where they built a life centered on love, dedication, and shared passions.
Bill was a devoted and hardworking man who spent many years employed with U.S. Steel until his retirement. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family. Outside of his career, Bill and Betty shared a special love for greyhounds and were actively involved in greyhound racing, a passion that brought them much joy and many cherished memories.
Bill was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following just about any sport, but he especially loved cheering on his favorite team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He also took great pride in his home, especially his yard, which he kept neat, beautiful, and meticulously maintained. It was a reflection of his dedication, attention to detail, and the pride he carried in everything he did.
Above all, Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong character, and the quiet, steady way he showed love to those around him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sullivan Hollis; step-father, Dewey “Boake” Long; sister, Bannie “Betty” Carr and brother-in-law, Roy Carr.
Surviving relatives include his sister, Patricia Meredith (Danny); brother, Larry Hollis; nieces, Janet Teague (Duke), Vickie Brown, Donna Hensley (Ted); nephews, Brian Carr (Tenille), Michael Prescott (Kyndal), Chuck Prescott, Keith Hollis (Marnie); several great nieces and nephews; other loving family and friends.
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DOTHAN… Frank Junior Pruitt, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. He was 74.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April18, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Pruitt was born in Donalsonville, Georgia, to the late Frankie Lee Pruitt and Freddie Mae Smith Pruitt. He worked for several years with Village Furniture Galleries, as a delivery man. He was a member of the Dothan Tabernacle Church.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by several siblings.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his sons, Marcus Rivers and Onicholas “Nick” Brown (Tiffany Davis); his daughter, Serena Walker; his sister, Willie Ruth Pruitt; his brother, Anthony Pruitt; his grandchildren, Amari Jordan Brown and Akelia Rivers; and several nieces and nephews.
