rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Barbara Ann Cunningham “Bobbie” Payne

Barbara Ann Cunningham “Bobbie” Payne

HEADLAND. . .Barbara Ann Cunningham “Bobbie” Payne, a resident of Headland, died Friday morning, September 26, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 56.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in the Selma Baptist Church Cemetery, 3255 South Park Avenue, Dothan, with Reverend Larry Sowell officiating.  Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Monday at the mortuary in Headland.

Barbara Payne was born and raised in Dothan, daughter of the late John Henry Cunningham and Emma Shirley Suggs Cunningham. She formerly lived in Midland City before moving to Headland in 2017.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Charlie Wayne Covington, Headland; a daughter, Delia Covington, a son, Trey Payne, a step-son, Wykle Covington (Angelina), Dothan; sisters, Rebecca Hall, Dothan, Judy Covington (Wilburn), Headland; Sara Browne, Dothan; Wanda Johnson (Tony), Dothan; and Lisa Boyd (Charlie), Port St. Joe, FL; brothers, Shelby Cunningham (Janet), Headland and John Cunningham, Dothan; grandchildren, Jacqueline Covington, Logan Covington, Alora Covington, Sylas Covington, Earl Woodham, Caylee Woodham and Bobby Haze Covington; a special friend and caretaker, Amy Woodham.

 

 

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.

Sherrie Lynn Allen

Sherrie Lynn Allen

Sherrie Lynn Allen, a beacon of faith and love, was called to her heavenly home on September 26th, 2025, at the age of 58. Born on December 15, 1966, in Enterprise, Alabama, Sherrie was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother whose warmth touched all who knew her. She departed this earthly realm in Dothan, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion.

Sherrie’s early years were spent in the nurturing community of Enterprise, but she later moved to Prattville, where she attended Prattville High School. Her formative years were filled with the joy of family and the discovery of lifelong passions. Sherrie’s professional journey led her to serve at both the Department of Education and the Department of Industrial Relations for the state of Alabama. Her work was more than a job; it was a mission field where she exemplified Christian values and integrity.

As a devout Christian, Sherrie’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She lived her beliefs, sharing the love of the Lord with everyone she encountered. Her life was a testament to her faith, and she was a source of spiritual inspiration to many. Sherrie’s love for her family was immeasurable. She was a loving mom to her son, Lucas Brian Taylor, and his wife, Kathryn, and a grandmother to Ella Kate and John Luke Taylor.

Sherrie was the beloved sister of Susan Allen Marion, Jeffrey Allen, Jon Allen, Cindy Law (Robby), and Jon Weaver (Renee). Her cousin, Tammy Phillips, and a host of nieces and nephews also survive her, each carrying a piece of Sherrie’s heart and love. She is also survived by Annie Neaves who was like a daughter to her, and her children, Mia, Dominick, and Isaac. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar Allen and Janie Stanford, whose memory she honored through her daily actions and unwavering faith.

In addition to her family, Sherrie’s love extended to her two cherished dogs, who were her loyal companions. She was a caregiver not only to her family and friends but to all of God’s creatures. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her ability to love unconditionally was one of her most remarkable traits.

Those who knew Sherrie will remember her as a friendly and loving individual whose presence was a comfort and a blessing. She was the embodiment of a faith-filled life, her actions always reflecting the teachings of Christ. Her kindness and generosity of spirit were evident to all, making her a true example of Christian love.

A celebration of Sherrie’s life will held from 1:00pm-3:00pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Autaugaville Baptist Church, 2502 Highway 14 West, Autaugaville, AL 36003.

 

Obituary for Mr. Henry Charles “Hank” Hagedorn, V. of Ozark

OZARK…Mr. Henry Charles “Hank” Hagedorn, V, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday morning, September 26, 2025, at the family farm surrounded by his loving family. He was 69.

Funeral services, with military honors, will be held at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in the Westview Memorial Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Doug Crosby officiating. Burial will follow the service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Hagedorn was born in the small town of Princeton, Minnesota, and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana when he was just a child. Life took him to a few different places over the years, including sunny Miami, before he settled down in Ozark in 2017 and made it home.

He worked as a machinist, but what really brought him joy was cooking. Whether it was a big family meal or just something simple for friends, he loved being in the kitchen and sharing good food with the people he cared about.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era—a time that shaped him and deepened his sense of duty and strength. As the oldest of eight siblings, he naturally took on the role of family leader. He loved all his family with pride and joy.

Faith was an important part of his life, and he found community and comfort as a member of Grace Baptist Church in Ozark.

Mr. Hagedorn was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Charles Hagedorn, IV and Mable Marie Tarter; brother-in-law, Charles Scott, and a niece, Elizabeth Marie Hagedorn. He leaves behind a legacy of love, respect, and the kind of quiet strength.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Loretta Brown Hagedorn, Ozark; his three children; his siblings, Dori Sparks-Unsworth (Darrell), Debra Dehn, Dianne Scott, Richard A. Hagedorn (Jennifer), Neva E. Hagedorn, Fred Hagedorn (Tracy), and Amelia Hagedorn Boldin (Rick); several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Mrs. Cora Ophelia Oakley

Mrs. Cora Ophelia Oakley

Cora Ophelia Oakley, was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on January 25, 1940, in Daleville to the late Jessie Silas Simmons, Jr and Hartie Jane Windham, Cora was the beloved wife of Patrick Michael Oakley, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring love story spanning over 60 years. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Tony Oakley (Sherrie) and David Oakley (Wendy), who in turn gave her the joy of being a grandmother to Katherine Oakley Olson (Luke), Alexander Lucas Oakley (Madeline), Emma Ashton Oakley, Olivia Arden Oakley, and William Addison Oakley. Her legacy continued to blossom with her great-grandchildren, Eleanor Jane Olson, Charlie Oakley, and Jack Oakley, who brought immense joy and laughter into her later years.

A graduate of Rehobeth High School, Ophelia carried the values of her education throughout her life, applying them to her various roles and hobbies. She was a cherished member of Southside Baptist Church in Dothan, where her faith and commitment to service were evident in her actions and the warmth she extended to others. Ophelia’s passions were many and varied. She had a particular talent for nurturing beauty, whether it was through her award-winning roses as a member of the Wiregrass Rose Society or through the strokes of her paintbrush as a painter. Her love for nature extended to caring for her chickens, cats, and dogs which brought her simple, daily joy. In the kitchen, Ophelia was unrivaled, especially when it came to baking cakes. Her culinary creations were not just a treat for the taste buds but a demonstration of her love and generosity. She also had a magical touch with fabrics, creating quilts and sewing garments that will be cherished for generations.

But perhaps her most profound role was that of a Prayer Warrior. Ophelia’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her existence, and her prayers were a source of comfort and strength for many. Her selfless nature shone through in every aspect of her life, from her generous spirit to her capacity to love unconditionally. Family was indeed Ophelia’s heart. She instilled in her loved ones the importance of togetherness, kindness, and compassion. Her presence was a warm embrace, her words a soothing balm, and her actions a reflection of her faith-filled life.

Funeral services for Ophelia will be held at 1 PM, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Southside Baptist Church in Dothan with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 1 PM, prior to the service at Southside Baptist Church in Dothan.

Hazel Hodge Peterman

Hazel Hodge Peterman

Mrs. Hazel Hodge Peterman, 84, passed away at her home on September 24, 2025, in Taylor, Alabama, with her family by her side.

Born on January 29, 1941, in Dothan, Alabama, Hazel was the daughter of the late John Wesley and Toy Varnum. 

Hazel is survived by her husband, Harold Peterman; children, Susan Hodge Fowler, Wesley Paul Hodge, Joe Peterman (Elizabeth), David Peterman, Debbie Peterman (Leslie); grandchildren, Mindy Holderfield (Wes), Catherine and Isabella Peterman, Blythe and Beryl Peterman; and great-grandchildren Andrew and Sarah Holderfield.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Hazel’s life and legacy.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Lewis Edward Chaney, II

Lewis Edward Chaney, II

Lewis Edward Chaney, II of Eufaula, AL passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was 54.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Bro. Raymond Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in the New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Lewis was born in Orlando, FL on November 29, 1970 to Lewis Edward and Betty Joyce Cotton Chaney. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loving and devoted soul who deeply cared for his family. He will be missed by many.

Lewis is survived by his son, Jonathan Caleb Chaney of Columbus, GA; two grandchildren, Braden Lee and Vanessa Marie Chaney, both of Columbus, GA; his loving and devoted parents, Lewis and Betty Chaney of Eufaula, AL; two sisters, Tonya Kay Brogden of Athens, AL and Mary Elizabeth Kilcrease (Fred, Jr.) of Eufaula, AL; aunts and uncles, Raymond Cotton (KA) of Vernon, FL, Gwen Stafford (Jerry) of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Margie Aree Merrill of Luverne, AL, Roy Chaney (Nadaline) of White Oak, GA and Lucille Brooks of Winder, GA and a number of other dearly loved cousins and extended family members.

Skip to content