Melba Hawn of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the age of 101.
Born December 10, 1924, in Dothan, Melba was one of ten children born to Jim and Clara Barton. Throughout her long and meaningful life, she was guided by faith, strengthened by hard work, and devoted to the people she loved.
At 18, Melba met James Mosely at Max’s Grill in Dothan. They married two years later in Marianna, Florida, beginning a 35-year marriage and a life shaped by his 22 years of service in the United States Air Force. Along the way, they welcomed their daughter, JoAnn. Their travels took them to Texas, Maine, Michigan, Florida, Alabama, Germany, and the Philippines.
After James’s passing, Melba continued to serve others. She became director of the Taylor Senior Center, a position she held for 20 years. During that time she met James Hawn, and they shared ten years of marriage before his passing. In recognition of her dedication to older adults, Melba was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Alabama Senior Centers in 2002.
Faith was a steady source of comfort throughout Melba’s life. She was an active member of Tabernacle Methodist Church in Dothan, and her favorite verse was Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
She found joy in jigsaw puzzles, movies, sewing, and bowling, and in the companionship and kindness of those around her. Above all, Melba treasured her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Clara Barton; her husbands, James Mosely and James Hawn; and her beloved daughter, JoAnn Closson.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Chris Closson (Holli) and Mike Closson (Deanna); her great-grandchildren, Abbey Morris (Dakota), Chandler Closson, Joshua Closson, and Benjamin Closson; her great-great-grandchildren, Miller Morris and Margo Morris; and many other relatives and friends.
Melba leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith, perseverance, and service. Her life touched generations, and she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Whitehall Assisted Living and Dayspring Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Melba, and to her loving church family at Tabernacle Methodist Church for their prayers, friendship, and support.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Tabernacle Methodist Church in Dothan, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.
Elizabeth Griffis Williams, age 72, of Newton, Alabama, passed away on October 17, 2026. She was born on May 8, 1954, and was raised in Orlando, Florida, where she spent her early years before building a life marked by kindness, devotion, and steady love for those around her.
Elizabeth was a loving and faith-filled woman whose gentle spirit touched the lives of many. She was known for being goofy, fun, and deeply caring, and she had a special way of making others feel welcome and valued. Her life reflected a heart that was always ready to help, comfort, and encourage. She carried herself with warmth and grace, and her presence brought light to her family, friends, and all who knew her.
She worked as an LPN at a nursing home, where her compassion and dedication were evident in the care she gave to others. Elizabeth approached her work with a servant’s heart and understood the importance of treating people with dignity and respect. Her coworkers and those she cared for could see that her kindness was genuine, and she took pride in offering comfort and support to those in need.
Elizabeth found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors whenever she could. She also loved her pets and cherished the companionship they gave her. At home, she enjoyed cooking and gardening, both of which reflected her nurturing spirit and her appreciation for creating beauty and comfort. She was also an avid viewer of American Idol, The Voice, and CBN on television, and she enjoyed the entertainment and inspiration those programs brought her.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she lived as a Christian with trust, hope, and devotion. Those who knew Elizabeth will remember her as someone whose faith guided her actions and whose love for others was sincere and unwavering. She was a woman who believed in caring for people, lifting them up, and meeting life with a spirit of gratitude and resilience.
Elizabeth is survived by her son, Josh Williams and his wife, Tracy; her grandchildren, Brittany Shahabi (Ali), and Dylan Senn; her great-grandchild, Kian Cyrus Shahabi; her niece, Sandy Wooten; and her great nephew, Lee Wooten.
She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters, Carolyn Trotter and her husband, Ray, and Betty Hamar. Their memories remained a part of her life, and she carried her family bonds with love and respect throughout her years.
Her life was a testament to kindness, devotion, and the quiet strength of a woman who cared deeply for her family and those around her. Though she will be greatly missed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
ASHFORD. . . Rev. Joseph Homer Davis, Jr., age 98, went home to be with his Savior on Monday, October 19, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1928, to Joseph Homer Davis, Sr. and Essie V Johnson Davis in Ashford, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Glenda Agee Davis, both his parents, his sister Aline Davis Shelton, and daughter in law Suzanne M. Davis.
Homer grew up in Ashford and graduated from Ashford High School, the University of Alabama, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Homer served in the US Navy active duty at the end of WWII. Throughout Homer’s ministry, he served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Britt David Baptist Church (Columbus, GA), Leawood Baptist Church (Greenville, SC), and First Baptist Church of Austell (Austell, GA) and worked for the former Columbia Baptist Association (now Southeast Baptist Association), Georgia Baptist Convention, (Atlanta, GA). Upon his retirement, Homer returned to Ashford, where he continued his ministry as interim pastor at numerous churches in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Also during his retirement years he served as a board member of the Blanche Davis Moore Foundation of Corpus Christi, Texas for 24 years and Chairman of the Board for 14 of those years.
When not serving, Homer was an avid fan of the University of Alabama’s athletic programs, and the Atlanta Braves baseball team. He and his wife Glenda enjoyed traveling and visiting with their children, grandchildren, and many friends across the country.
Homer’s life and works are remembered in the Ashford community for his faith, leadership, and service. After retirement he remained a faithful member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church where he strived to encourage both staff and members.
Homer is survived by his four children, Joseph Davis, Taylors, SC; Paul Davis, (Linda) New Berlin, WI; Tom Davis, Melbourne, FL; and Amy Davis Byars, (Randy) Auburn, AL. Also surviving are eight grandchildren who loved their Papa: Sydney Talley (Chris); Garrett Davis, Lauren Otto (Jason); Caleb Davis (Casey); Hannah Cotton, (Ryan), John Aaron Davis (Courtney); Katie Byars; and Amanda Byars. Homer’s four great grandchildren include Joseph Talley, Caroline Talley, Isla Grace Davis, and John Luke Davis.
A celebration of Homer’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Bluff Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis Singletary and Brother James Bell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday evening in the sanctuary of the Bluff Springs Baptist Church. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to J. Homer Davis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, c/o New Orleans Baptist Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126.
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.
Sam J. Condrey, 88, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Born September 24, 1938, in Midland City, Alabama, Sam spent much of his childhood in and around Abbeville, Alabama, a place that remained an important part of his life’s story.
Above all, Sam was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He married Jewel A. Condrey on September 8, 1961, and together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. While Sam accomplished much throughout his life, he considered caring for Jewel his greatest purpose. His family was the center of his world, and he took immense joy in the relationships he built. An avid outdoorsman, Sam also found great joy and lasting memories in his lifelong passion for riding motorcycles.
A man of deep and abiding Christian faith, Sam accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior more than 40 years ago. He remained a devoted follower of Christ for the rest of his life, a calling that defined who he was and how he lived.
Sam was also a true patriot who honorably served a distinguished career in the United States Army. Beginning his military journey as an enlisted private, he went on to graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS), earned his commission, and ultimately retired with the rank of Major. While serving, he also earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.
His military career took him around the globe. He deployed during the Vietnam Conflict, served tours of duty in Korea and Germany, and was stationed in Iran in 1978 as a specialized Air Defense Artillery adviser. He also served faithfully across several stateside assignments and always took great pride in wearing the uniform.
Following his military retirement, Sam spent ten years in federal civil service before continuing his career with the State of Alabama for another decade. During his final two years with the state, he served in the Governor’s Office, where he was particularly proud to manage Operation Grateful Heart-a state initiative dedicated to supporting Alabama’s service members, veterans, and their families.
Sam is survived by his wife, Jewel A. Condrey; his daughter, Teresa Creech (Mike); his son, Chris Condrey (Cindy); his granddaughter, Morgan Kennedy (Drew); his great-granddaughter, Chloe Kennedy; and his brother, Kenneth Condrey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nora Lee Kirkland Condrey and Herbert Franklin Condrey; his brother, Edward Kirkland; and his sisters, Sarah Hodges, Imogene Matthews, Sally Allen, and Christine York. Sam shared a particularly close bond with his twin sister Sally, whose passing at the age of 26 was a loss that stayed with him throughout his life.
Sam leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and service. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a doting grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who lived his life entirely in service to God, his loved ones, and his country.
Funeral Services will be held Friday at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, Alabama, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., followed by a chapel service at 2:00 P.M.
A second service will be held Saturday at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama, with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon, followed by a chapel service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association to support dementia research and caregiver resources.
Christopher Robert Ganter was born on September 21, 1977, and went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2026, just three days before his 49th birthday. Chris lived a life marked by intelligence, kindness, devotion, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and for the people and places that shaped him.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Christopher was the beloved son of Gene and Janine Ganter. In 1982, he moved with his family to Dothan, Alabama, where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Northview High School in the class of 1995 and went on to Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science in 2000.
In 2001, Christopher moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he continued his education at Samford University, earning a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law. He began his legal career practicing litigation with local law firms before moving into the fields of patent, trademark, and intellectual property law.
He was a member of the Alabama State Bar and was respected for his professional dedication and contributions to the legal community. Chris was a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, PCA, and his Christian faith was a very important part of his life.
Beyond his legal career, Chris was an avid outdoorsman with a wide range of interests. He enjoyed reading, playing guitar, running, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and photography. Whether exploring trails on his mountain bike, spending time outdoors, or pursuing knowledge through reading, Chris embraced the interests that enriched his life.
Christopher was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerard and Helen Ganter and John and June Mendonca; his great-aunt, Pauline DeMott; his great-uncle, Paul Bromfield; and his uncle, Ron Campesi.
He is survived by his parents, Gene and Janine Ganter, and his younger brother, Steven Ganter.
He is also survived by his great-aunt, Beverly Bromfield, and her extended family; his aunts, Jackie Campesi and Margie Anderson; and his cousins, Lisa (Charles) Killingsworth and her son, Jeffrey; Amy (John) Cherry and her son, Caleb; and Eddie Anderson and his daughter, Marina. In addition, he leaves behind many other family members and dear friends who helped shape his Life and whose lives were touched by knowing him.
Though Christopher’s life on earth ended far too soon, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His faith, intelligence, kindness, and the many interests and relationships that shaped his life will remain a lasting part of the legacy he leaves behind.
A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm prior to the service.
Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions in Chris’s memory can be made to Time Leadership Academy, 909 South Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
NEWVILLE….Cindy Shelley Bond, a resident of Newville, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026 at her home. She was 82.
Celebration of Life services will be held 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Union Springs Baptist Church in Newville with Brother Jim Cordes officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Cindy’s honor to the Union Springs Baptist Church, 1642 Co.Rd. 73, Newville, AL 36353.
Mrs. Bond was born on October 5, 1944, in the Tumbleton Community of Henry County to Louie Lafayette and Emma Lou Herring Shelley. She was a proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 1964. Throughout her working years, she was employed at WestPoint Pepperell, Bama Truck, and in the lunchroom at Abbeville Christian Academy, where she had the opportunity to serve and care for others in her own special way. She was a faithful member of Union Springs Baptist Church, and her love for the Lord and His church was an important part of her life.
In her family’s eyes, she was more than a wife, mother, and grandmother—she was “Ma,”. This was a name she was given despite her best efforts, but one that represented unconditional love, comfort, and a lifetime of treasured memories.
One particularly special bond was the one she shared with her grandson, Gunner, who spent much of his time with her, especially during the last couple of years of her life. She and Jimmy are to be credited with his upbringing and success. He took on responsibility for the oversight of her care as he grew up and she became more frail, returning in his own way the love and devotion expected from a dutiful and faithful grandson. Their relationship was a beautiful reflection of the closeness she shared with her grandchildren and the lasting impact she had on their lives. Sam, Ben and James, known collectively as “the boys”, also gravitated to her and gleefully carried on the tradition of calling her Ma.
Mrs. Bond will be remembered for her generous heart, her love of cooking and feeding others, her devotion to her family and church, and the special way she made those around her feel loved. She will remain a beloved presence whose love will continue to live on through the family she cherished and the countless memories she leaves behind.
Mrs. Bond is predeceased by her parents and brothers, D. Daryl Shelley and William H. Shelley.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Bond; daughters, Carla Tew (Charley) and Crissi Rainer (Tom); grandchildren, Gunner Tew, Ben Rainer, James Rainer, Sam Rainer; two sisters, Mary Jane Favor and Julia Ann Griffin; special nephew, Brent Griffin; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
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