It is with great sadness to announce that Dr. Linda Ann (Kirkland) Parrish, 80, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at her residence, following an extended illness.
Linda was born February 18, 1945, in Panama City, Florida, to the late J.W. & Thelma Ruth (Carlile) Kirkland. She spent the early years of her life in Dothan and was a 1963 graduate of Dothan High School. Following high school, she attended Columbus Medical Center School of Nursing in Columbus, GA, and graduated in 1966 with her bachelor’s degree. She then attended Troy University, where she obtained her master’s degree, and later she earned her Doctorate of Education at the University of Alabama.
Dr. Parrish served for many years as the Director of the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Wallace Community College and then as the Dean of Nursing and Technical Programs, until her retirement in 2000. During her career, she also served as the President of the Alabama State Board of Nursing. She was a faithful member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mike Kirkland.
She is survived by Ronnie Parrish of Dothan, the love of her life and her husband of 59 years; her two sons, Brad Parrish (Heather) and Brent Parrish, both of Dothan; and her three grandchildren, Garrett Parrish, Presley Parrish, and Paxton Parrish.
Linda’s greatest joy was supporting her children and her grandchildren through her attendance at sporting events, theatre productions, pageants, dance recitals, and more. Her unwavering support and love for her immediate and extended family were so important to her. She also had so many lifelong friends with whom she continued to stay in contact through her illness. Linda and Ronnie enjoyed traveling before and after retirement to favorite places, like Biloxi, Panama City Beach, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to be made in support of the Nursing Programs at Wallace Community College; 1141 Wallace Drive; Dothan, AL 36303.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Miss Patricia Heidi “Patty” Smith, a resident of Ozark, died Saturday morning February 7, 2026, at her home following an extended illness. She was 60 years old. Funeral services for Miss Smith will be graveside 2:00 P. M. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Reverend Ed Douglas officiating. Interment will follow, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends graveside following the service.
Miss Smith was born September 10, 1965 in Washington State. She graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark in 1983 and received an Associate of Science Degree from Enterprise State Junior College. Patty began her career as a Medical Transcriptionist at Dale Medical Center and later worked at home for a total of thirty years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, cooking and saving recipes. She was preceded in death by her father, Jacky Laverne Smith. Survivors include her mother, Heidi Smith of Ozark; one sister, Angie Hines (Charles) of Tuscaloosa; two brothers, Jacky Smith of Ozark and Mike Smith (Gwen) of Dothan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to the American Kidney Foundation Donations, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300,
Rockville, MD 20852.
Virginia “Ginger” Broadaway Russell went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was 83 years old. She was born on Sunday morning, December 6, 1942, on a farm right outside of Clayton. She was the youngest child of Robert Edward and Truitt Green Broadaway.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Clayton with Rev. Shane Traylor officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
Ginger graduated from Clayton High School in 1961, having been a cheerleader and Miss Clayton High. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Birmingham Southern College. While at college, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, was active in sports and spent a summer working at Glorietta Baptist Assembly in New Mexico. Also, while at college she met her husband, C. Wayne Russell, and they were married 40 years.
Ginger enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and all animals, especially cats. She also loved people.
Ginger is preceded in death by her parents and her two older sisters, Carolyn B. Ewing and Mary B. Emory. She is survived by her children, Molly Russell of Lake Lanier, Georgia and twins, Jessica Russell of Bend, Oregon and Charles Russell and his wife, Mary Beth of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her nephew, Bob Ewing and his wife Tracy of Saraland, Alabama.
If you would like to honor our mother, please make contributions to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery c/o Clayton Baptist Church P.O. Box 129 Clayton, Alabama 36016.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Joan Ellen Vasquez passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 70.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1955 to Jack Satkowitz (later Sands) and Florence Alpert and would move to South Florida at the age of two and would live there for 55 years before moving to Dothan, Alabama to retire.
Orthodontist assistant was her profession but at various times in her life she was a den leader, occasional crafter, NFL halftime show dancer, and Hallmark field merchandiser. She had a great laugh, loved to sing along and dance to her favorite music, and was an avid reader.
She was a beloved wife, amazing mom, a favorite aunt, the best bubbe, and loyal friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband Leon (Tony) Anthony Vasquez and two sons Ryan Vasquez (Mrs. Dominique V) and Alex Vasquez (Mrs. Ava V) stepson Brian Lapham and stepdaughter Barbara Jacobs (Mr. Billy J) and granddaughters Maddy Vasquez, Alana Vasquez, and Carly Lapham and grandsons Clayton Lapham, Brandon Jacobs, and Billy Jacobs and great grandson Zeppelin Jacobs. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Veiga and nieces Julie Veiga and Debbie Cohen and nephew Eric Veiga, and her brother Orin Sands and nephews Jesse and Noah Sands and also her niece Samantha Sands.
She is preceded in death by parents Jack and Florence Sands, and her brother Scott Sands.
A service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Ward-Wilson Memory Hill at 2414 Hartford Highway in Dothan, AL 36305.
Robert “Rob” Johnson, Jr., a man of exceptional courage and boundless love, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 18, 1978, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Rob was a beacon of friendliness and dedication throughout his 47 years of life. His warm presence and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by all who had the fortune to know him.
Rob’s journey began as a cherished son on October 18, 1978 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Rob was raised in a loving home with his parents, Lillie M. and Dr. Gaynel Taylor, his loving brother, Gaynard Barron Taylor of Tennessee, and his sister, Rhoda Johnson. The legacy of his familial bonds is carried on by his devoted daughter, Isabella K. Johnson, and the mother of his child, Felitta (Johnson) Kirk. His great aunts, Ollie Chapman and Retha Watkins, as well as his aunts and uncles—Cynthia, Helen, Norma, Linda Faye, Laverne, Jo Francis, Bill (Sheila) Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Freddie Taylor, Robert (Rose) Wilder, and Charles Warren and his special cousin, Khaalis Burroughs—fostered a sense of kinship and community that Rob carried with him throughout his life. His expansive circle of cousins, colleagues, extended family, and close friends further enriched his world.
Rob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Johnson, Sr., by his sister, Rhoda Johnson. Their memories remained a guiding light in his life, inspiring his kindness and generosity.
Rob’s educational journey was marked by dedication and achievement. After moving to Dothan in 1996, he graduated from Dothan High School in 1997. His thirst for learning was matched only by his desire to serve, a path that led him to join the US Navy, where he honorably served his country. He continued to expand his knowledge and skills, attending Oakwood College and then receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University in 2003. Rob graduated from the Police Academy and began a distinguished 21-year career with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, where his heart and passion for serving as a Deputy Sheriff were evident to all.
Known affectionately as “Robbie”, “Ace” and “Cyrus” by his family, Rob’s character was defined by his loyalty and dedication. His mother never doubted his love for her, as he made it his mission to ensure she was always taken care of. Rob’s capacity for forgiveness was immense; he never held a grudge against anyone. His spiritual life was rooted in the 7th Day Adventist Church, where he served as a Pathfinder, Usher, and Deacon. Rob was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, where his fraternal bonds were strengthened through service and brotherhood.
Rob’s love for the water was undeniable. He found joy and tranquility in riding a jet ski across the lake, embracing the freedom and adventure it provided. This love of the water was a testament to his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
A celebration of Rob’s life will take place at 2 pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Dothan with Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating. His final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Park, where he will be laid to rest with honors. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at Sunset Funeral Home on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, from 4-6 pm. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Neurofibromatoses Network, www.nfnetwork.org.
Robert Johnson, Jr.’s life was a narrative of courage, love, and friendship. His legacy will continue to inspire those he has left behind, and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of many for generations to come.
Rob was blessed to receive devoted and loving care from his aunts, Cynthia Johnson, Norma Jean Johnson, and Linda Faye Johnson, during his recent illness.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Virginia “Ginger” Broadaway Russell went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was 83 years old. She was born on Sunday morning, December 6, 1942, on a farm right outside of Clayton. She was the youngest child of Robert Edward and Truitt Green Broadaway.
