CLIO… Mrs. Billie Jewel Kirkland Blankenship, 90, of Clio, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Calvary Church with her son, Pastor Keven Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow in the church 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. Tuesday at the church.
Flowers are welcomed and memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church Cemetery, 415 County Road 8, Clio, Alabama 36017.
Born on June 16, 1936, in Houston County, Alabama, Billie Jewel was the daughter of Dewey and Myrtis Gilmore Kirkland. She was a lifelong woman of faith whose love for the Lord shaped the way she lived each day. She quietly reflected Christ through her kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion.
Billie Jewel was a patient and supportive wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She faithfully stood beside James Fred throughout their marriage, supporting his ministry in countless quiet ways. While James Fred decorated the many wedding cakes they made together, Billie Jewel baked every cake layer and was always there cleaning up behind him when the work was done, never complaining and never seeking recognition. Together, they prepared meals, delivered food to friends, neighbors, and members of their church family, and welcomed countless family members and friends around their table, where there always seemed to be enough food for everyone. Billie Jewel believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others, and she did so with a humble servant’s heart. Her quiet faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and her Savior touched countless lives and will remain her lasting legacy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Fred Blankenship; her parents, Dewey and Myrtle Kirkland; her sons, Mike Blankenship and David Blankenship; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Blankenship; her brothers, Earl Kirkland and James Kirkland; and her sisters, Eloise Franklin and Murrell Short.
She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Maund (Martin) of Ariton; her sons, Tim Blankenship of Ariton and Keven Blankenship (Genia) of Calera; her daughter-in-law, Patty Blankenship; her cherished grandchildren, Eric Blankenship (Marion), Matt Blankenship (Mindy), Brittany Cade, Jennifer Christenberry (John), Brandi Blankenship (Eric), Justin Blankenship, Ben Blankenship (Erin), Blake Himburg, Abby Richardson (Garrett), and Ashland English (Charles); her beloved great-grandchildren, Paige, Cole, Mattox, Micah, Maxton, John David, James, Heidi, Allie, Sophia, Judah, and Isla, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Mary Jean Jones and Diamond Brown as well as Brett Smith, Kerrie Cox and Chaplain Charles Goldsmith with Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care, unwavering support, and the love they showed Billie Jewel. Your kindness brought comfort to our entire family and will never be forgotten.
Though her family grieves from her absence, they rejoice that Billie Jewel has been reunited with James Fred and her beloved sons, Mike and David, in the presence of her Savior. Her life was marked by quiet faithfulness, humble service, and steadfast love. She never sought recognition but believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others. Her family finds peace in knowing she was welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Serving as active pallbearers will be Blake Himburg, Eric Blankenship, Matt Blankenship, Stephen Murphy, Cole Blankenship, and Joe McCraney. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Ben Blankenship.
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. Reginald Sanders, a resident of the Ewell Community, died early Sunday morning, July 26, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 71.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Dennis Tew and Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dale County Pregnancy Center, 1892 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Sanders, son of the late Henry Patterson “Pat” Sanders and Emma Nell Andrews Sanders, was a lifelong resident of the Wiregrass whose roots ran deep in the Ozark community. Born and raised in Ozark, he graduated from Carroll High School in 1973 and carried with him throughout his life the values of hard work, dedication, and kindness that were instilled in him during his early years.
Over the course of his life, Mr. Sanders called several places home, living in Dothan, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and Panama City, Florida, before returning to his beloved hometown of Ozark in 2011. No matter where life’s journey took him, Ozark always remained close to his heart, and he treasured the opportunity to spend his later years among familiar faces and cherished memories.
A skilled craftsman with a strong work ethic, Mr. Sanders was the owner and operator of Sanders Upholstery, a business he successfully operated both in Panama City, Florida and later in Ewell. Through his craftsmanship and attention to detail, he earned the respect of customers and friends alike. He took great pride in his work and found satisfaction in restoring beauty and usefulness to the pieces entrusted to his care.
Beyond his work, Mr. Sanders found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially tending to his garden. One of his favorite pastimes was growing daylilies, and he devoted countless hours to cultivating and caring for them. His garden was a source of peace and enjoyment, reflecting the patience, dedication, and gentle spirit that characterized his life. The colorful blooms he nurtured brought beauty not only to his surroundings but also to those who shared in his love of gardening.
Mr. Sanders was a former member of Chalkhead Baptist Church and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ozark. Mr. Sanders will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his quiet strength, his love for his family and friends, and his appreciation for life’s simple blessings.
Surviving relatives include his sister, Polly Moon; brother, Jerry Sanders (Wanda), all of Ewell; nieces and nephews, Angela Hope Hughes (Jason), Jeremy Brian Sanders (Leanna), Trisha Moon Massey (Clint), April Moon, Dianna Moon, and William Moon.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
SCREAMER… Susan Cotton, a resident of the Screamer Community in Henry County, Alabama, passed away Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, at her home. She was 70.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Monday, July 27, 2026, at Christian Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 5 Mile Road (County Road 36), Eufaula, Alabama 36027, with Brother Tom Berquist officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Susan Cotton was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late George Bullard and Wilma Kirkland Bullard. She attended school locally and later made her home in the Screamer Community of Henry County, where she lived for the past 25 years.
Susan was a faithful member of Christian Grove Baptist Church. She found great joy in life’s simple blessings and had a special love for gardening. Her flower beds reflected her appreciation for God’s creation, especially her beloved lilies and roses. She also enjoyed reading and treasured the quiet moments spent with a good book. Above all, Susan cherished her family and the time she shared with those she loved. She went to be home with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Bullard, Jr.; her sister, Olivia Holloway; and her grandchild, Taylor Bagwell.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, George Cotton; her daughters, Shella Magana (Jose) and Jennifer Hewett; her son, Samuel Cotton; her beloved grandchildren, Miles Olive (Megan), Molly Anne (Skylar), Joseph (Jaimie), Kingslea (Triston), Payton Little (Memorie), and Reid Danner; nine great grandchildren; her brother, Dennis Bullard (Amy); as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends who will forever remember her love, kindness, and gentle spirit.
Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr., known simply as “Buddy” to everyone who knew and loved him, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work, and unconditional love for his family. He was the kind of man whose quiet strength spoke louder than words. Gentle and kind by nature, he was also firm when the moment called for it, always guided by wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of right and wrong.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Bro. Baker Creel officiating and grandson, Trevor Barnes assisting. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the chapel of Bottoms Funeral Home-Hartford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bascom Barnes, Sr. and Bessie Mae Cullifer Barnes; brothers, Dolpheus Barnes, Harold “Doc” Barnes, Foy Barnes, Mackie Barnes, and Lamar Barnes; and sisters, Carolyn Dean and Mary Smith.
Buddy faithfully served his country through the National Guard, retiring after many years of dedicated service with the National Guard unit in Hartford, Alabama. He also dedicated more than three decades of service to Fort Rucker, where he worked in several positions throughout his career. His commitment to duty was extraordinary. Upon his retirement, he was honored for an incredible accomplishment—never missing a single day of work in more than thirty years. That recognition reflected the loyalty, discipline, and dependability that defined his life.
Above all else, Buddy loved the Lord. His faith was evident in the way he treated people—with grace, humility, patience, and forgiveness. He was one of the most forgiving men anyone could hope to know, always willing to extend kindness and compassion.
He loved his family with all his heart. He was immensely proud of his sons, Mark and Greg, and treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also held a deep appreciation for his family’s heritage and believed in preserving the values and traditions that had been passed down through generations.
Buddy was a meticulous man who believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. He had a lifelong passion for antiques, books, history, and collecting unique treasures. He loved to read and was always eager to learn something new. He also had the heart and mind of an inventor. He had a remarkable ability to take something that already worked and make it even better, using his creativity, resourcefulness, and determination to improve whatever was in front of him.
Those who knew Buddy will remember a man who was generous with both his time and his heart. He led by example, worked without complaint, forgave freely, loved deeply, and lived with quiet humility. He was the kind of man whose influence could be felt without ever demanding attention.
He is survived by his children, Greg (Rhonda) Barnes of Slocomb and Mark (Rose) Barnes of Hartford; grandchildren, Trevor (Alyson) Barnes, Jenna (Will) Hays, Holdon (Brittany) Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Dillon Lunsford and Drake Lunsford; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Barnes, Brior Barnes, Harlow Barnes, Jayce Barnes, Wyatt Barnes, Kara Lunsford, and Paisleigh Lunsford; sister, Betty Sue Bottoms; along with several nieces and nephews.
Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr. leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by awards or accomplishments alone, but by the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the example he set every day. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trevor Barnes, Holdon Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Gabby Johnson, and Will Hays.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Avis Wynell Tate Granger Prescott of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at her home surrounded by family. She was 86 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Scott Cox officiating. Burial will follow in New Teamon Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel. The family will begin receiving friends at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, until service time.
She was born on November 18, 1939, in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Oliver and Lora Pate Tate. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Eddie Granger and second husband, Billy Curt Prescott; children, James Edward Granger and Danny Oliver Granger, and brother-in-law, Marcus Williams.
Survivors include her daughter, Lori (Charles) Coker; daughters-in-law, Stella (James) Granger and Lavelle (Danny) Granger; sister, Jeanette (Marcus) Williams; grandchildren, James (Kelly) Dice, Louise (Bob) Littlefield, Candice (Mark) Le Cocq, Renea (Kendalle) Myers, Shasta (Justin) Mccurley, Zack Granger, Justin (Britney) Coker, Travis (Hadley) Coker, Tate (Kim) Coker; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; niece, Misty Williams, and two nephews, Marc and Jamey Williams.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin, Travis, Tate, Zack, Marc, and Jamey.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed.” Revelations 21:4
Brenda Joyce Waite Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with her sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell and her son-in-law, Rev. Shannon Harris, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Brenda was born on July 29, 1944 in Mobile. AL to the late Earl and Hazel Waite Read. She was one of 3 siblings. She married Walter Ray Connell on June 28, 1963 in Mobile, AL. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a devoted pastor’s wife who faithfully served beside her husband for more than 50 years. Brenda was an avid gardener who loved her beautiful flowers. Most importantly, Sister Brenda was a powerful prayer warrior who stood firm in faith throughout every season of life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband of 63 years, Walter Ray Connell; her stepfather, Charles Read and two brothers, Floyd Waite and Lynn Waite.
Brenda is survived by three children, Steven (Clarissa) Connell of Westville, FL, Mickey (Rachel) Connell of Milton, FL, and Tammy (Shannon) Harris of Tallahassee, FL; adopted daughter, Janice “Sissy” (Stacy) Warmack of Winston, GA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Connell of Westville, FL, Chad (Madison) Connell of Milton, FL, Hannah (Tyler) Rundle of Callaway, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL and five great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; her caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice.
