rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Ted Dewayne Gray

Ted Dewayne Gray

 

Ted Dewayne Gray, known affectionately as Ted to his loved ones, passed away on February 9, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 17, 1964, in Columbia, Alabama, Ted was a beacon of love and selflessness throughout his 61 years. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and an unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

Ted was the cherished son of the late Charles D. Gray and Margaret Washington Gray. He grew up surrounded by a loving family, including a sister Debra Jones, who preceded him in death. Ted is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Faye Gray, whom he met while working at Michelin. He was blessed with two daughters, Krystal Wells and Shantell Gray. He was a proud grandfather to Brian Simmons, Jr., Kristian Simmons, Jalen Simmons, and Amerold Holmes. He also leaves behind his caring brother and sister, Charles Dennis Gray and Vanessa (Phillip) Doyle, his beloved uncle, Willie Cell (Mary) Washington, and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Ted completed his education at Houston County High School in Columbia, Alabama. His professional life was characterized by his dedication as a welder and mechanic at Qualico Steel. Ted was known for his exceptional work ethic and the high standard of craftsmanship he brought to every project.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ted had a rich life filled with various interests that brought joy to both him and those around him. His passion for soul food was not only evident in his cooking but also in the warmth and connection it fostered at family gatherings. A man of many talents, Ted loved technology and computers, embracing the ever-changing digital world with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Music was an integral part of Ted’s life, and his ability to play the keyboard and piano brought harmony and melody to the lives of many. A true country man, he shared a love for the simple pleasures in life, such as fishing in the serene Alabama waters and savoring the taste of Alabama boiled peanuts.

Ted was the example of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His selfless nature made him the go-to person for anyone who needed help, with his handy skills often called upon by those he loved. His presence was a source of comfort and strength, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ted’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, and the profound impact one person can have on the world around them. As we bid farewell to Ted, we celebrate the memories he has left us with, the lives he has touched, and the unwavering love he shared. His spirit will continue to live in the hearts of his family and friends, guiding them with the light of his memory. Ted’s life was a melody of care, commitment, and joy, and his song will resonate for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends in the reception center following the service.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

Christen Lashae Luther of Newville

Christen Lashae Luther of Newville

CHRISTEN LASHAE LUTHER

NEWVILLE… Christen Lashae Luther, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Sunday evening, February 8, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. She was 41.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Union Springs Baptist Church in Newville, Alabama, with Reverend Jim Cordes officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Luther was born in Dothan, Alabama to Gary Dean Luther and Debra Kay Holland. She was a lifelong resident of Newville, Alabama, except for a short period that she lived in Dothan, Alabama. She was a 2002 graduate of Rehobeth High School. She also received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, from Troy University. She was a member of the Newville Baptist Church.

Christen was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Joan Lisenby Holland.

Leaving to cherish her memories are her mother, Debra Kay Holland Luther; her father and step-mother, Gary Dean Luther (Melinda); her brother, Joshua Luther; and her maternal grandfather, Marvette Holland.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.

Mrs. Deborah Adams

Mrs. Deborah Adams

Mrs. Deborah Adams of Slocomb went home to be with the Lord, Monday, February 9, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was 71.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Fadette Pentecostal Ministries with Rev. Wendell Holmes and Rev. Charles Blair officiating with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.

Deborah was born on January 15, 1955, in Dale County, to the late Joe and Gloria June Walding. She was a devoted wife, mother, Meme, sister, and friend. Deborah served as a nurse for 28 years and considered her work not just a profession, but a calling from God.

In addition to her parents, her uncle, Jimmy Blair; paternal grandparents, Huey and Louise Walding and maternal grandparents, Sam Bene and Rowena Blair all preceded her in death.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Michael Adams; her daughter, Heather Morgan; her grandchildren, Lillian Morgan and Olivia Miller; her sisters, Jill Godwin (Terry) and Rosa Lingo (David); her brothers, Joseph Walding and Kevin Walding; and her stepmother, Dorothy Walding.

Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb

(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.

“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”

To sign a guest register, please visit

www.sorrellsfuneral.com

Ellen Marie Johnson Baker

Ellen Marie Johnson Baker

Ms. Ellen Marie “Johnson” Baker of Westville, FL passed away peacefully at her home on February 8th, 2026, she was 61 years old. Ellen was born October 22nd, 1964, to the late Doyle Clyde and Mary Lou “Jackson” Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Pastor Joey Johnson officiating. A private family burial will follow at Hurricane Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

She was a loving mother, doting grandmother, treasured sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents as well as two beloved sisters Helen Linton, Rita Wisniewski and one dear nephew Joshua Ptak.

Ellen is survived by her daughters and spouses Kayla Marie Yates (Allen) of Westville, FL, and Maggie Teresa Settles (Keith) of Jay, FL. One adored granddaughter Maci Teresa Settles. Two cherished grandsons, Cory Taylor of Flomaton, AL and Cameron McCall (Elizabeth) of East Brewton, AL. Three sisters, Debra Shehee Bartlett of Geneva, AL, Pat Grace (Jerry) of Defuniak Springs, FL, and Dorothy Carter (Calvin) of Chancellor, AL.  As well as several incredibly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Cameron McCall, Kevin Settles, Keith Settles, Allen Yates, Cory Taylor and Jason Ptak.

The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving care.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” – Unknown.

Deborah Dee Dennis Breckenridge

Deborah Dee Dennis Breckenridge

Deborah Dee Dennis Breckenridge


Deborah Dee Dennis Breckenridge, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died peacefully at her home after an extended illness. She was 74.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026 in the First United Methodist Church Chapel with Reverend Lynn Smilie Nesbitt officiating. The family will receive friends in the parlor from 1:00pm until 1:45pm on Friday.

Deborah was born to the late Thurston and Marjorie Underhill Dennis on September 12, 1951 in West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1970. After marrying her husband, Leo, she enjoyed many adventures on the water sailing. She traveled all over the world living in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and London. Her hobbies included reading, making jewelry, and playing bridge. She was an active Dothan High School Alumni. Deborah loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for many years.

She is preceded by her parents and brother, Tim Dennis.

Left to cherish her memories is her husband of twenty-eight years, Leo Breckenridge; daughter, Melanie Ford; sister, Martha Waters (Walter); three grandchildren, Eli Turner (Paige), Will Turner (Jackie), and Maddie Ford; one great grandchild, Harrison Turner; along with many friends.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation to DaySpring Hospice for their loving care to Mrs. Deborah during this difficult time.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Judy Carolyn Reeser Wagner

Judy Carolyn Reeser Wagner

Judy Young Reeser Wagner, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 26, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Judy’s life was a tapestry of joy, adventure, and unwavering dedication to her family. She was a woman of great humor and heart, whose presence was a comfort and delight to all who knew her.

Judy’s journey alongside her beloved husband, Charles “Gil” Wagner, began on a winter’s day in Brunswick, Maine, where they were united in marriage on January 11, 1987. Their life together was filled with shared dreams, endless support, and an abundance of love. Their family was Judy’s pride and joy, a bond that only strengthened with time. She was a cherished mother to her son, Darren Mark (Gena) Reeser, and a guiding light to her step-children, Charles Grant (Laura) Wagner and Whitney D. (James) Tolbert. Judy’s grandchildren—Hayden Reeser, Nicholas Reeser, Magnolia Grace Wagner, Charles Griffin Wagner, Jo Tolbert, Meg Tolbert, and Amy Tolbert—were the apples of her eye, and her love extended to her four great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness.

Family was the cornerstone of Judy’s life, and she was a sister of deep affection to Dwayne Young and Sharon Goodwin, and a caring step-sister to Phyllis Smilack. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nici Reeser and by her brother, Jerry Young, whose memory she held close to her heart.

Professionally, Judy was an exemplary Administrative Specialist. Her retirement from the State in the Administrative Tower marked the end of a career characterized by diligence and a strong work ethic. Judy’s expertise in personnel and administrative roles was respected by all her colleagues, and her influence extended beyond her professional life into her association involvement.

Judy’s spirit of adventure and her friendly, loving nature were the essence of her being. She was an avid traveler who embraced the world with open arms, whether on land or at sea on her beloved cruises. Judy’s dry wit and great sense of humor were sources of endless joy for her family and friends, who could always count on her for a good laugh and wise counsel. She was a great Mom, not only to her own children but to all the kids she loved and cared for throughout her life.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Judy’s life will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. It will be a moment to remember the adventures shared, the love given, and the memories cherished. Judy Young Reeser Wagner’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the courage to embrace life’s journey with an open heart. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.