Betty Sue Sconiers Brown of Bonifay, FL passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was 84 years old.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service.
Mrs. Brown was born in Bonifay, FL on June 02, 1941, to the late John Howard and Bernice Keith Sconiers. She enjoyed being in the outdoors and fishing. For many years, she sat with the elderly in their home as a caregiver. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother to her family.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one son, Rodney Keith Brown; four siblings, Jr., Rex, Eugene and Louise Sconiers.
She is survived by two sons, James “Rusty” Brown (Stacey) of Dothan, AL and Danny Brown (Rene) of Kinston, AL; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great- great grandchild.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.net
Sarah Lee Fletcher, a beacon of faith and wisdom, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the age of 100, in Hixson, Tennessee. Born on May 7, 1925, in Webb, Alabama, Sarah’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to her family, faith, and community.
Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Harvey Lee and Emma Freddie Lee of Webb, Alabama; her cherished husband, Dr. Gaston Maurice Fletcher of Dothan, Alabama; her dear sister, Juanita Whatley of Dothan, Alabama; and her adored grandsons, Blaine Joel Campbell of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and great-grandson, Mattox Mayes of North Carolina.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration through her children: son, Lee Maurice Fletcher of Greenville, North Carolina; daughter, Daphne Campbell Jinnette of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and son, Timothy Jan Fletcher of Dothan, Alabama. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Brent Campbell of Hixson, Tennessee; Meredith Mayes of Clayton, North Carolina; Natalee Perkins of Montevallo, Alabama; and Caleb Fletcher of Holly Springs, North Carolina. Sarah’s great-grandchildren, Cody Campbell of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Jett and Taigen Mayes of Clayton, North Carolina; Sydney, Wyatt, and Brooklyn Perkins of Montevallo, Alabama; Ethan and Blaine Joseph Campbell of Hixson, Tennessee and Haylee and Micah Fletcher of Holly Springs, North Carolina; and great-great-grandchildren, Corrine and Isaac Campbell of Chattanooga, Tennessee will continue to honor her spirit.
Sarah’s educational journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge. She received her Associate Business Certification from Bob Jones College in 1947, after attending from 1943 to 1944. She furthered her education at Calhoun College from 1968 to 1970 and then at Troy State University from 1970 to 1972. Her passion for religious education led her to Bethany Theological Seminary, where she earned a Bachelor of Religious Education in 1995 and a Master of Religious Education in 1996.
Sarah’s professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. She married her husband on June 24, 1948, and together they ministered in Atlantic Canada for 15 and a half years. As a pastor’s wife, educator, author, and speaker, Sarah touched countless lives. Sarah’s work history spanned from serving as a secretary at Atlanta and St. Andrews Bay Runway Company and the Dothan Eagle, to teaching at Morgan County Schools, Newton Public Schools, Trinity Christian Schools, Beacham Christian Academy, and Grace Bible Academy. Her dedication extended to her role as a secretary at Dominion Textile in Nova Scotia and teaching at Mueller Christian School and Berean Christian School.
An active member of her church, Sarah also contributed her talents to the Troy State University Creative Writing Club and the Dothan Creative Writing Group. Her interests extended to helping the elderly, writing, walking, and speaking, all of which she approached with her characteristic faith-filled enthusiasm.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. before the service.
Sarah Lee Fletcher’s life was a journey of devotion, service, and love. Her influence and teachings will continue to guide and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will endure through the many lives she touched.
ASHFORD… Nanci Virginia Clark Bottoms, a resident of Ashford, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her family, who loved her deeply, on Sunday afternoon, December 21, 2025, at her home. She was 74.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Ashford Historic Train Depot, 312 Midland Street, Ashford, Alabama 36312, with Chaplain Dalton Keel officiating. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Bottoms was born in Elba, Alabama to the late Finton Clark and Louise Moore Clark. She earned a BSN and two master’s degrees, with one in nursing and another in nursing anesthesia, to pursue a career as a CRNA, reflecting her lifelong dedication to healthcare. She had previously lived in Enterprise and Panama City Beach, Florida, before moving to Ashford, Alabama just shy of a year ago.
Along with her parents, she preceded in death by her husband, Michael Dean Bottoms; her sister, Sara Maher; and her brothers, James Clark and Buddy Clark.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter, Heather Harrison Perry (Robert) of Ashford, AL; her son, Derrick Rainwater (Carol) of Enterprise, AL; her step-children, Kimberly Bottoms Buxton (William) of Enterprise, AL and Christopher Dean Bottoms (Mark) of Eugene, OR; her sister, Celia Allen of Elba, AL; her brother, Charles Clark (Huey) of Jacksonville, AL; her grandchildren, Andrew Perry, Abbey Perry, Austin Rainwater, Trent Rainwater, Ella Perry, Paul Bower, Ian Bower, Ashton Buxton, and Ashlynn Buxton; her four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank DaySprings Hospice, especially Olivia, Heather, Sonya, Bree, and Dalton. The family also would like to express a sincere thank you to Leslie Lane, who was Mrs. Bottoms personal caregiver.
Judith B. Decker, affectionately known as Judy to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 28, 1940, in Bessemer, Alabama, Judy’s life was a testament to her loving, kind, and generous spirit.
Judy’s early years were spent in North Alabama, where she completed her high school education. Her quest for knowledge and her passion for helping others led her to Auburn University, where she earned an associate’s degree in education. Judy’s commitment to education was evident throughout her career as she dedicated many years to shaping young minds as a substitute teacher in Houston County Schools and Dothan City Schools.
Judy’s love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her son, Justin Decker, and her granddaughter, Lauren Case, who both brought immense joy to her life. Judy’s legacy also lives on through her numerous nieces and nephews, who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her sons, Bradley Baughan and William Baughan; her grandson, Allen Bradley; her parents, William Bradley and Ruth Roy Bradley; and her sister, Lena Ruth Bradley. Each of these individuals held a special place in Judy’s heart, and she carried their memories with her always.
A woman of many interests, Judy was an active member of the Newcomers Club and the Dothan PEO Sisterhood. Her involvement in these organizations reflected her love for community and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Judy’s passion for helping people was matched only by her love for needlepointing, gardening, and playing bridge. Her social nature made her a beloved figure in her community, and her presence at social gatherings will be deeply missed.
Judy’s kindness extended beyond her immediate circle, touching the lives of students, friends, and even strangers. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Those who knew Judy will remember her for her warm smile, her gentle demeanor, and her unwavering positivity.
Lynda Janine Starling, known affectionately to all as Janine, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Dothan, AL, concluding a life marked by dedication, resilience, and love. Born on November 2, 1962, in Bainbridge, GA, to the late Larry Hare Sr. and Mary Jean Hare, Janine’s journey through life was characterized by her unwavering spirit and her devotion to those she held dear.
Janine’s professional path as an administrative assistant and secretary in the healthcare sector was a testament to her commitment to helping others. Her meticulous work ethic and compassionate nature made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and the many lives she touched through her role. Her contribution to the healthcare community was not merely a job but a calling, as she provided support and care that went beyond her duties.
Janine’s zest for life was paralleled by the love she had for her family. She is survived by a family who adored her, including her children, Steve Starling, Casey Starling, who is married to Brad, and Briana Starling. Her legacy continues through the life of her grandchild, Sophia McCoy, who brought immense joy and pride to Janine’s life. Janine’s siblings, brother Blake Hare and his wife Renee, along with sister Donna Lewis, will hold dear the memories of a sister whose life was full of laughter and love. A host of nieces, nephews, and other family members also share in the loss of Janine, each with their own cherished memories of the times they spent with her.
As we say goodbye to Janine Starling, we celebrate her life and the countless ways in which she enriched the lives of those around her. Her warmth, her generosity, and her unwavering positivity will be deeply missed, but the memory of her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. We take solace in knowing that her legacy will live on through the love she shared and the lives she touched. Janine’s story is one of triumph, love, and an enduring spirit that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Shirley Marie Hughes, a beacon of warmth and the heart of every gathering, passed away on December 22, 2025. Born on July 28, 1949, in Dothan, AL, Shirley’s early years in Midland City were filled with the love of a close-knit family, a fondness that only grew as she moved to Columbus and eventually returned to her roots in Dothan.
Shirley’s life was one of devotion and joy. A homemaker throughout her life, she found great pleasure in nurturing her family and creating a welcoming home for all who crossed her threshold. Her passion for life was complemented by her role as a drummer in her husband Ronnie Hughes’ band, where she played for a decade, adding rhythm and vitality to many cherished melodies.
Survived by her daughter, Lisa Merritt, and son-in-law Jerry, Shirley’s legacy continues through her vibrant family, including her sisters Joann Keath, Kathy Looney, and Martha Cavitt, along with her brother-in-law Mike. Her spirit also lives on in the laughter and stories of her several nieces and nephews, each of whom she adored.
Shirley’s education journey began in Midland City, took her to Dothan, and later to Columbus, but it was the lessons she learned from life and people that she valued most. A woman of faith, she was an active member of the Baptist community, where she shared her love and kindness with all.
An outgoing, center-of-attention personality, Shirley thrived when hosting gatherings at her home. Her hands were never idle, often seen skillfully shuffling dominos or preparing sumptuous meals for her loved ones. Her cooking was not just food; it was an expression of her love and a testament to her belief in the power of fellowship.
Shirley was a person who never met a stranger. Her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone she met was unparalleled, and her genuine interest in others’ lives won her many lifelong friends. Whether offering a listening ear or sharing her own stories, Shirley’s presence was a gift to everyone she encountered.
As we say goodbye to Shirley Marie Hughes, we celebrate a life lived with gusto, generosity, and an open heart. Her memory will be cherished and her stories retold, ensuring that her spirit continues to inspire and bring joy to those who were fortunate enough to know her. Shirley’s life was a melody, a harmonious blend of love, laughter, and the enduring beat of a drum that will echo in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
An entombment will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Park.
Lynda Janine Starling, known affectionately to all as Janine, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Dothan, AL, concluding a life marked by dedication, resilience, and love. Born on November 2, 1962, in Bainbridge, GA, to the late Larry Hare Sr. and Mary Jean Hare, Janine’s journey through life was characterized by her unwavering spirit and her devotion to those she held dear.
