Kathy Ann Capron Bumgardner, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on February 7, 2026, in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 29, 1950, Kathy’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her profession, and her community.
Kathy’s early years in Dothan laid the foundation for a life that would be characterized by caring for others. She was the cherished daughter of the late John Capron and Mary Katherine Harris Capron, who instilled in her the values of kindness and generosity that would define her. Kathy’s commitment to her family was evident in the loving care she provided to her parents and grandparents until their passing.
Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career at Slocomb National Bank, where she served the community for over two decades. At the age of 54, Kathy embarked on a new journey, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. She was accepted into the Registered Nursing program at Wallace Community College and, with determination and hard work, graduated with an Associate’s degree in nursing at the age of 56. Kathy’s caring nature shone brightly as she worked on the Cardiac Floor at Flowers Hospital, where her compassion touched the lives of many patients.
Kathy’s love and legacy live on through her devoted family. She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Fellows (John Orlando); sons, Bradley Bumgardner (Heather) and David Bumgardner (Shannon) and grandchildren, Matthew Fellows, Myles Fellows (Eden Barnes), Macy Fellows, Evangeline Bumgardner, and McCartney Bumgardner, brought immense joy to her life. Kathy’s role as a mother and grandmother was her greatest pride, and the love she shared with them was boundless.
A woman of many interests, Kathy’s life was filled with the happiness of simple pleasures. She was a loving mother and grandmother who relished in taking care of people, both professionally and personally. Kathy enjoyed bowling, watching movies, and had a love for music that often found her dancing in the kitchen, a sight that brought smiles to all who knew her.
Funeral Services to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the funeral home.
Kathy Ann Capron Bumgardner’s journey on earth may have concluded, but the warmth of her spirit and the impact of her love will continue to be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a beautiful portrait of selfless devotion, and she will be deeply missed yet forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.
Yvonne Suzette “Bunny” McCray Woodard Adair Williams, a beacon of unwavering love and generosity, concluded her extraordinary journey on earth on February 5, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 22, 1946, in New Jersey, Bunny was the only child of the late Willis and Murdelle (Scruggs) Williams. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience.
Bunny’s early years were spent in Newark, New Jersey, where she was affectionately nicknamed by her maternal grandmother, Gramma Autie, who saw in her the joy and promise of Easter Monday. Bunny embodied the spirit of her namesake, spreading warmth and cheer wherever she went. A proud graduate of South Side High School in 1963, she excelled academically, graduating with honors and setting a foundation for a lifetime of achievements.
Professionally, Bunny dedicated her career to the secretarial, administrative, and managerial fields. Her career spanned over six decades, during which she impacted countless lives with her work ethic and leadership in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. Bunny’s commitment to her profession was matched only by her dedication to her faith and family.
As a woman of deep faith, Bunny gave her life to Christ as a young adult. Her spiritual journey was a cornerstone of her existence, guiding her actions and interactions with those around her. Bunny’s family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose nurturing presence will be deeply missed by her three children, Renee Marlene Scruggs, Rodney Willis Williams, and Chad Al-Tariq Williams-Woodard; her three grandchildren, Shaniyah Tamise Harvey, Kamal Tariq Woodard, Keyon Talib Woodard; and her great-grandson, Cameron, along with a host of other relatives and friends who were blessed to know her.
Bunny’s life was characterized by her selflessness and generosity. She was a woman who spoke her mind with candor and approached every situation with a heart ready to help. Her loved ones will remember her as someone who lived by the words, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a promise of unwavering support and companionship. Her passion for learning and discovery kept her mind sharp, as she found joy in researching various topics and sharing her knowledge with others.
In her own words, Bunny wanted people to know, “There is no reason to feel sad, I laughed more than I cried and I certainly ENJOYED my journey. I didn’t feel worthy, for the BLESSINGS that GOD bestowed on me.” Her message to the world was one of gratitude and encouragement, reminding everyone that life is a gift to be cherished and lived fully.
Yvonne Suzette “Bunny” McCray Woodard Adair Williams was a woman who lived with purpose and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and kindness. As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, we celebrate the joy she brought into our lives and the lessons she imparted. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and her memory will forever be etched in the annals of our family’s history. Bunny’s legacy of love and laughter will endure, reminding us all of the preciousness of each moment we are given.
A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. Yvonne will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
John Richard Garst, a longtime resident of Pinckard, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was 84 years old.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Chris Woodall officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday.
Richard was born on December 11, 1941, to Marion and Peggy Garst in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He grew up in Parker, Kansas, where he was a proud 1959 graduate of Parker Rural High School. He married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Troxel, and together they moved their family to the Pinckard area in 1974. Richard worked for Whatley Supply Company, Whatley Transportation, and Andrews Trucking Company.
Richard enjoyed his cats and dogs and loved watching and feeding the many birds at his home. He was an avid reader and a longtime member of Pinckard Baptist Church.
Later in life, he married Rose Cooper and moved to Hazelhurst, Georgia, with her granddaughter, Hadleigh.
Richard was preceded in death by Gloria Jean Garst, his wife of 58 years; his parents, Marion and Peggy Garst; his brother, Dale Garst; Gerry and Frank Mansfield, Mike Robinette, J.P. Partridge, Truman Stauffer, and Larry Byers.
Survivors include his children, Alicia Francine Garst Pescod (Joseph Windham), Joseph Marion Garst (Tina Garst), and John Richard Garst II (Grace Mordido-Martin); his grandchildren, Richard Pescod, Joseph Garst II (Michelle), Molly Pescod (Rickey), Justin Garst (Mekennah), Rosemary Tores Pescod (Camiĩo), AJ Martin, Shaun Martin, Riky Martin, Evan Garst, and Aeryn Garst; and his great-grandchildren, Kolby, Alexander, Richie, Samuel, Benji, Melody, Pippa, Jeremyah, and Odette.
He is also survived by his sisters, Fran (Eldon) Richardson, Patricia Stauffer, Marilyn Robinette, Deanna Byers, and Bonnie Partridge, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Sheila Finch Spears of Dothan, AL passed away at her home on Sunday, February 8, 2026. She was 79 years old.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the First United Methodist Church of Dothan with Rev. Lynn Smilie Nesbitt officiating. Burial will follow at Travelers Rest Cemetery in Samson, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Spears to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/ or to First United Methodist Church of Dothan 1380 West Main Street Dothan, AL 36301.
Sheila was born in Andalusia, AL on August 19, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Minnie Finch; three brothers, Dennis Finch, Mike Finch, and Cyrus Smith; one sister, Annie Clyde Sims; and one brother-in-law, John David Spears.
Sheila retired after 40 years as a school teacher, spending most of her career with the Geneva County Board of Education. She loved traveling, going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, and anything related to The University of Alabama Athletics.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Roy B. “Moose” Spears, Jr. of Dothan, Alabama; one son, Barry Spears (Sandie) of Alabaster, Alabama; one daughter, Ashley Cannon (Chris) of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Grayson Spears and Elizabeth Spears, both of Troy, Alabama; one brother, Stan Smith (Karla) of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Diana Finch of Samson, Alabama, and Gail Smith of Jupiter, Florida; one brother-in-law, Eddie Spears (Rhonda) of Geneva, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
ELAMVILLE…Mr. Macon Eugene McLendon, a resident of Elamville, died late Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 93.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Kenneth Earles officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. McLendon, the son of the late Milton McLendon and Lois Byrd McLendon Dansby, was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown of Elamville. He took great pride in the life he built there and in the people he shared it with. Over the years, he became known as someone who worked hard, cared deeply, and could always be counted on.
He spent fifty years with Walter Hand Motor Company in Ozark, where he served faithfully as the service manager. His strong work ethic and dedication earned him the respect of both coworkers and customers alike. In addition to that long career, he also owned and operated McLendon Water Well Drilling Company for thirty years. He truly enjoyed staying busy, and being a “workaholic” was something he claimed with a smile. Working with his hands, helping neighbors, and keeping things running smoothly brought him joy and purpose.
Faith was an important part of his life. He was a proud member of Elamville Assembly of God Church, where he found fellowship, support, and a strong sense of community.
Mr. McLendon was preceded in death by his beloved wife of seventy years, Mildred Evans McLendon. Their bond was a true example of lifelong love and partnership. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Trent McLendon and his siblings: Lanell Teal, Oyed McLendon, Sybil Adkinson, Sarah Popp, and Darryl McLendon. Each of them held a special place in his heart.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and quiet strength—one that will be remembered warmly by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving relatives include his three daughters, Vivian Hagler and her husband, Harold, Clio, Jeannie Parrish and her husband, Bobby, New Brockton, and Beth McConvery, Enterprise; his son, Richard McLendon and his wife, Susie, Virginia; sister-in-law, Mary Nell Wright, Wicksburg; brother-in-law, Carl Phillips (Jann), Ariton; grandchildren; Brian Hagler (Lacey), Derrick Hagler, Jeremy Hagler (Bobbi), Laura Hagler, Brett Parrish, Ben Parrish, Jessica Parrish, Taylor McConvery (Hannah), Tanner McConvery (Meg), Hannah McGuire (Heath), Lily Long (Trent), Braxton McLendon, and Derek Wyrick (Darlyn); twenty four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be his grandsons.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Lawrence Alfred “Larry” Peoples, 73, of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Larry was born on August 23, 1952, in Sewickley, PA.
He is survived by his loving sisters, Darcy Peoples and Jackie Peoples; his children, Ashley and (Mace) Hardman, Nicole and (Gil) Torres, and Matthew and (Emily) Peoples; and his twelve beloved grandchildren: Brandon, Macie, Aunnah, Noah, Madison, Jonah, Morgan, Bennett, Lucas, Riley, Atticus, and Lennox. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred “Jack” and Connie Peoples; his sister, Cynthia Conard; and his nephew, Jeremy Coon.
A private gathering for immediate family will be held to honor and celebrate Larry’s life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.
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.
