rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Marcia Ann Redd Palmer

Marcia Ann Redd Palmer

 

 

Marcia Ann Redd Palmer, age 87, of Blountstown, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2026, after a long life filled with love, endurance, and loyalty to her family.

She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was marked by strength, tenderness, faith, and devotion to the people she loved. She faced many seasons in her life with courage and perseverance, and even in difficult days, her family remained the center of her heart.

Prior to doing business as Nana—the title she most treasured—Marcia Ann Redd was born on March 17, 1939, in Blountstown, Florida, to the late John Redd and Ida Margaret Harrison (née Johnson, formerly Redd). As a consequence of living in the South—where double names are required—Marcia Ann proudly answered to the spoken-never-spelt one-and-a-half syllabled diminutive: “Mars-ann.”

In Marcia Ann, a southern belle was seeded, and as years passed, a southern lady flourished.

Whether Marcia Ann, “Mother,” or most affectionately “Nana,” she was the kind of woman who left an imprint not only on the big moments, but also the ordinary ones—in the stories she told, the love she gave, the lipstick she applied, the stores she shopped, the worries she carried for those she loved, and the strength she showed even when life was not easy. She lived through hard seasons with a determined spirit, and she loved her family with a mother’s heart that never stopped reaching for them.

To her family, she was more than a mother and grandmother. She was a witness to God’s sustaining grace. In her final days, she spoke with clarity and peace about Heaven, about seeing those who had gone before her, and about being ready to meet Jesus. Her family will forever treasure those sacred conversations as a gift.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Ken) Hammitte of Trussville, AL; her grandchildren, Hannah Hammitte (Mitch) Surface of Trussville, AL; Samuel (Patton) Hammitte of Huntsville, AL; Sarah Hammitte (Zac) Venos of Trussville, AL; her great-grandchildren, Margaret Louise and Mary Boyd Surface, and Samson, Harry, and Susan May Hammitte; her brother, Johnny (Sherry) Redd of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; her nephews, George Redd of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and John (Gina) Redd of Sanford, Florida; her great-nephew, Tommy (Ashley; T and Mya) Redd of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; great-nieces, Stella and Layla Redd; and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and other loved ones who welcomed her home.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Her family invites you to join them in honoring the life of their beloved “Nana” for a come-and-go gathering at Sunset Memorial Chapel, located at 1700 Barrington Road, Dothan, Alabama, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Blountstown, Florida. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 20300 NE Macedonia Road, Blountstown, Florida. A celebration of her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved mother and father at Nettle Ridge Cemetery in Blountstown, Florida.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the nurses who provided exceptional care and compassion, and comfort during Nana’s final days. A special thank you Emily, Ben, Bailey, and Joi for the kindness and support they showed during this difficult time.

Her family grieves deeply, but not without hope. They give thanks for her life, for the love she gave, and for the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

To a southern woman as delicate as magnolias, but as tough as steel. We love you from the other side.

Flowers are being accepted through The Sparrow’s Nest, 17844 US-431, Headland, AL 36345, or call at 334-693-3791. In honor of her life and her journey with Parkinson’s disease, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Parkinson’s research in her memory. It is their prayer—and Nana’s desire—that these gifts will help bring hope, healing, and better days to others facing this disease. https://secure.parkinson.org/site/TR/Tributes/General?pg=personal&px=3321598&fr_id=5906

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

 

 

 

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

Mrs. Merle Grantham Baker, a resident of Ozark

Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama

Merle Grantham Baker, age 87, of Ozark, Alabama, was born on March 29, 1939, in Ariton, Alabama. On July 8, 2026, finished her race well and stepped into heaven, with her two daughters and son-in-law, Michael, by her side.

Funeral services for Mrs. Baker will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 10, 2026, at Midway Assembly of God Church with Reverend Michael Senn officiating. Interment will follow in Ariton Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Friday from 10:00 A.M. until service until service time.

Merle now rejoices in heaven with her beloved husband of 70 years, Dwight Baker, her best friend, her partner in faith, and the love of her life. Together they proved that a marriage built on Christ can weather any storm and shine for generations. Their 70-year marriage was a testimony: of faithfulness, of prayer, of choosing each other and choosing God, every single day. She also embraces again her parents, Paul and Gertie Mae Grantham; her sisters, Willie Mae Bowman, Annette Danner, and Carolyn Edmondson; and her brothers, Don Grantham and Ronnie Grantham. Whom she loved & missed very much.   Her legacy lives on in those she loved most: her daughters, Syretha Carter (Wayne) and Sheryl Senn (Michael). They were her heart and her dearest friends. She also leaves behind her loving sister, Deborah Sanders.  She was a proud and loving Nanny to Matthew Senn (Carole), Kala Mock (Kaleb), Kyle Pauley, Micah Senn (Riley), and Anna Dixon (Josh). She deeply cherished her great-grandchildren: Eleanor Senn, Halle Carroll, Sunny Carroll, MaKayla Dixon, Kove Mock, and Chipper Mock. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most valued treasures. Each one held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable joy. They were the light in her eyes. The reason she smiled through pain. Every name was etched on her heart, and every life brought her overflowing happiness.  To be loved by Nanny was to know extreme love. you were safe, you were important, you knew you were her everything!  She was “Nanny” in every sense of the word. Nothing lit up Merle’s face like her family.

For many years she led in retail as a manager and district manager, not because she loved sales, but because she loved people, really loved them. Her co-workers didn’t just respect her, they cherished her. She was a boss with work boots on. She led with grace, with humility, and with hands that were always reaching out to help.

Co-workers called her the best “boss lady” they’d ever known, because she led from the front. She never asked of others what she wouldn’t do herself. She showed up with kindness, and in doing so, she showed them Jesus.  She later served at Walter Hand Ford in Ozark and at Dale Medical Center, always with the same servant’s heart.

In her final season, Merle’s eyes were set on heaven. Her greatest longing was to see her Savior face to face. And after Dwight went home, her heart had a yearning to be with him again, forever. That prayer has been answered. The wait is over. The reunion is eternal.

We grieve, yes. But we grieve with hope. Because Merle ran her race with perseverance, she kept the faith.  We miss her with a hurt that has no words. But we would not wish her back, not from that peace, not from that joy. Because we know, without a single doubt, that Nanny heard what she lived her whole life to hear: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in her memory to Midway Assembly of God, P.O. Box 608, Midland City, Alabama 36350.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com

Lynn Duong Rawson

Lynn Duong Rawson

 

 

Lynn Dương Rawson (Bí Thị Dương) was born on May 20, 1954, in Vietnam. She passed away peacefully at her residence in Daleville, Alabama, on July 7, 2026.

Lynn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who spent more than four decades as a cherished member of the Southeast Alabama community. In 1984, she opened Lynn’s Uniform & Tailor Shop, a business she proudly owned and operated for more than 40 years. Through her hard work, kindness, and dedication, she touched countless lives while serving the Fort Rucker, Daleville, and Enterprise communities, which she proudly called home.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sanh Dương; her father, Văn Dương; her younger sister, who passed away as a child; her daughter, Linda Anderson; and her granddaughter, Samantha Pierce.

Lynn is survived by her devoted and loving husband, William Rawson; her son, Danny Maldonado (Cathy), and grandson, Zachary; her daughter, Charlene Maldonado (Joseph); her daughter, Sanh Childs (Gabe), and their children, Edward and Emma; her granddaughter, Kimberly Childree (Brandon), and three children; her great-grandchildren, the children of Samantha Pierce; and her two brothers in Vietnam and their families.

As a devoted Buddhist, Lynn’s family will honor her through the traditional 49 days of prayers and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to Tu Quang Buddhist Temple in Dothan, Alabama, via Zelle to (334) 618-7347, with “In Memory of Lynn Dương Rawson” in the memo. In the Buddhist tradition, the 49 days following death are a sacred period during which loved ones offer prayers and dedicate acts of generosity and merit to support the soul’s peaceful journey. Donations will help support the temple and the prayers and ceremonies held in Lynn’s memory throughout this sacred time.

A memorial service celebrating Lynn’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., prior to the service.

Lynn’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and community will forever be remembered. May her memory be a blessing, and may she journey onward in peace.

 

 

 

James Daniel Trammell

James Daniel Trammell

Screenshot

James Daniel Trammell, a kindhearted gentleman who loved people and animals deeply, passed away peacefully at his home in Clayton, Alabama, on July 08, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 88 years old.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton with Rev. Don Highland officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The burial will follow in the Pleasant Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00-10:45 prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted.

Born on November 26, 1937, in Barbour County, Alabama, Daniel dedicated his life to his family, his community, and his country. A man of remarkable strength and independence, he remained active and self-reliant until his final days – even mowing his grass on his tractor just a couple of weeks before his passing.

Daniel honorably served six years in the Alabama Air National Guard, stationed at Maxwell Air Force Based in Montgomery. A dedicated student and lifelong learner, he graduated from Auburn University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He later completed one year of graduate work in 1973 at the University of Alabama in Social Work.

His passion for helping others defined his professional life. Daniel worked as a social worker and supervisor in Barbour County, eventually serving as the Barbour County Director for his last 18 years before retiring in 1990 after 30 years of selfless service. He also gave back to his community as a Deacon at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church and as a dedicated member of the Clayton Lions Club for 30 years. Above all, Daniel had a special gift for investing in younger generations, pouring love, guidance, wisdom, and encouragement into the lives of his nieces, nephews, cousins, and all who knew him.

Daniel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Sewell, whom he married on February 27, 1965, and who passed away on December 22, 2018. During their wonderful life together, Linda affectionately called him “Cat.” He was also preceded in death by his parents, Applin Daniel Trammell Jr. and Mary Carnes Trammell; sister, Carolyn Joyce Trammell Wilson; double first cousin, Faye Carnes Palmer; sisters-in-law, Sara Dozier and Judy Hamm; and Sheree Elder, whom he and Linda raised.

Daniel is survived by his double first cousins, Wilson Carnes (Debra), George Carnes (Mary), Herbert Carnes, and Patricia Carnes Dalton; brothers-in-law, Dwain Hamm and Bubba Dozier; nieces, Traci Abercrombie (Don) and Anna Seaborn (Shane); nephews, Scott Dozier (Susan) and Shane Dozier (Colleen); special cousin, Renie King, as well as several great and great-great nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss his gentle spirit dearly.

Active pallbearers are Cass Abercrombie, Slade Seaborn, Jacob Whitfield, Scott Dozier, Shane Dozier, and David Gulledge.

Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Davis, Charles Bowden, Jr., Charles “Bob” Sewell, and Trey King.

Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Audrey Snipes Strickland

Audrey Snipes Strickland

ABBEVILLE. . .Audrey Snipes Strickland, a resident of Abbeville, passed away early Wednesday morning, July 8, 2026, at her home. She was 57.

There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.

Audrey Strickland was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and raised in Abbeville. She was a graduate of Abbeville High School and attended Wallace College Sparks Campus. Audrey was retired, due to disability, and was formerly employed by Dixie Egg of Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Snipes and her mother, Mary Skipper Miller.

Surviving relatives include her daughter, Abbie Vanzant, Abbeville; her step-mother, Cindy Snipes of Virginia; a sister, Mary Davis, Dothan; a brother, David Snipes (Tina) of North Carolina; a niece, Marissa Davis and a nephew, Christian Davis; a first cousin, Jeri Skipper Grant.

 

 

 

.HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.

 

Linda Sue (Falls) Hand

Linda Sue (Falls) Hand

Linda Sue (Falls) Hand

Linda Sue (Falls) Hand, 76, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Extendicare Health and Rehab, following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home of Dothan with Reverend Billy Womack officiating. A private burial will follow at Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted.

Linda was born September 7, 1949, in Birmingham to the late Clifford F. & Ruth Elizabeth (Crowder) Falls. She spent the early years of her life in the Cahaba Heights area and was a graduate of Shades Valley High School. After high school, she attended Wallace Community College earning her associate’s degree as a registered nurse. Linda worked as registered nurse with Southeast Alabama Medical Center for many years. Outside of working, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and was a past member of the Dothan Pilot Club. Linda was a dedicated member of Smyrna Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Robert Falls, Jimmy Falls, and Lynn Falls.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Henry Earl Hand of Dothan; her two children, Steve Kendrick (Neva) of Dothan, and Kandy Groover (Clint) both of Dothan; her three grandchildren, Steven Kendrick (Carena) of Augusta, GA, Avery Groover, and Colin Groover both of Dothan.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ronnie Lynn, Steve Holcomb, Linzy Savage, Chris Goss, Darrell Voiselle, and David Crutchfield.

Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com