SHORTERVILLE. . .Carolyn McPherson Starling, a resident of Shorterville, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 20, 2025, at the age of 78. She passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Old Zion Baptist Church with Brother Matthew Quincey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Old Zion Baptist Church c/o Shana Woods, 1548 County Road 119, Abbeville, AL 36310
Carolyn Starling was a woman of a quiet smile, a big heart, and a warm spirit. She faithfully served a risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and devoted her life to serving Him to the best of her ability. From her teenage years, she used her gift as a pianist to worship and serve in the church, offering her music with humility and devotion.
Carolyn took her roles as wife, homemaker, mother, and grandmother seriously, finding her greatest joy in loving her family well and serving others with quiet strength. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her family gathered around the table for a meal, playing cards, or working together on a jigsaw puzzle. Her home was always filled with laughter, and those who knew her well, also knew she had a strong stubborn streak once her mind was made up. A meticulous record keeper, she enjoyed a long and faithful career as a bookkeeper, a claims analyst with WestPoint Stevens, and a payroll clerk before retiring from the Henry County Board of Education.
Through her life, she taught her family the value of hard work, the importance of keeping commitments, and above all, the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While our hearts are broken and a piece of us will forever be missing, we rejoice in her homegoing and take comfort in knowing she is at peace.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Levi McPherson and Nannie Jo Trawick McPherson, a sister, Thelma Hawsey and a brother, William Daniel McPherson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, John R. Starling; her daughter, Lisa Sanders (Todd); her son, John Ashley Starling (Sheila); three beautiful grandchildren, Joshua Starling (Elizabeth), Savannah Sablan (Connor), and Jessica Sanders; and her beloved great-grandson, John Thomas Starling. She is also survived by her sisters, Mabel Till and Sandra Shirley; brothers, Wayne Hall and Joel McPherson (Dell Marie); sisters-in-law, June Starling, Joyce Cline, Linda Money-Mease (Harry), and Terry Thompson (Robert); brothers-in-law, Harvey Lux and Wayne Starling (Karen); and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Her fur babies, Prissy and Patches will miss her snuggles.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Josh Starling, Connor Sablan, Jesse Blackmon, Robert Edward “Pete” Johnson, Allen Lux, Jeff Lux, Michael Starling, Clint Money, Brian Money, Matt Culpepper, and Lee McPherson.
The family extends a special thank you to SouthernCare Hospice, sitter Tywanna McLeod, and dear friend Jesse Blackmon for the their compassionate and loving care.
.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.
Larry Brooks Barksdale, age 78, of Dothan, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025.
Born July 31, 1947 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late Robert Morgan Barksdale and Muriel Margaret Rizzo Barksdale, Larry was an avid golfer who served his country in the United States Navy.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his daughter, Joey Ann Barksdale.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mary Ann Barksdale; his son, Larry Brooks Barksdale, Jr.; his step-children, Tammy Lynn Prater, Tracey Shane Williams, Taylor Brian Williams, and Tallee Ryan Taylor; his grandchildren, Will, Matt, Mason, Jackson, Olivia, Lily, Kelsey, Abram, and Davis; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Earl Johnson was born on January 20, 1938, and passed away on December 18th, 2025 peacefully surrounded by his family.
Earl was born and raised in Cottonwood, Alabama. His loyalty, hard work, faith, kindness, and humility —were firmly shaped and rooted there. A man of compassion and generosity, Earl was widely known as a mentor, a steady presence, and above all, a man of his word.
After serving in the military, Earl became a barber—a profession he didn’t just practice, but truly loved. His chair was a place of conversation, trust, and wisdom. Even after retirement, his dedication never faded. He built a small shop at his home so he could continue caring for his clients, many of whom had become lifelong friends.
Though he took pride in his work, Earl’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He showed love through service, always ready to help anyone in need, no matter the task. His children learned by example what it meant to be dependable, honorable, and pillars of their community.
Earl found joy in simple, meaningful routines. You could almost always find him with a lawn mower—tending his own yard or helping someone else with theirs.
Those who knew Earl knew that when he said, “Let me tell you what you need to do…,” a word of wisdom was about to follow—offered with care, experience, and a heart of gold.
Earl’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered always.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Voncile Paramore Johnson, his sons, Dennis (Allyson) Johnson, Stanley (Chris) Johnson, Jace (Ramona) Johnson; his grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer) Johnson, Brent (Derek) Johnson-Gage, Trent Johnson, Seth Johnson, Jake(Jessie) Johnson, Logan (Layne) Johnson, Lauren (Andrew) King, Landon Johnson; his great grandchildren, Jack Johnson, Jude Johnson, Jennings Johnson, Remy Johnson-Gage, Meredith Johnson, Marshall Johnson, Myles Johnson, Ryleigh Johnson, Michael Johnson, Miller Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Walker King and Kennedy Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 10:00am-11:00am on Sunday, December 21st at Enterprise Baptist Church, Ashford with an 11:00am service and burial to follow. Service will be conducted by Pastor Tim Wheeler.
Harry Max McClellan, Jr., aged 82, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. Born on September 19, 1943, in Louisville, KY, to the late Harry Max McClellan, Sr. and Florine Lea McClellan, Harry lived a life marked by dedication that touched everyone he knew.
Harry’s journey through life was one of continuous learning and service. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Miami, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. His time in the service was a testament to his commitment to his nation and the values he held dear.
Upon returning to civilian life, Harry married the love of his life, Juanita, and together they navigated the joys and challenges of life for 55 wonderful years. Their partnership was a beacon of love and mutual respect, inspiring all who knew them. Harry was also survived by his brother, Roger Dudley.
Harry’s interests were as varied as they were engaging. He was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator, connecting with people across the globe and sharing his knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. His love for reading was insatiable, and he could often be found with a book in hand, lost in the pages of a new adventure or discovery. Harry also had a unique passion for raising Quaker parrots, a hobby that showcased his patience and nurturing nature.
Known affectionately as a jack of all trades, Harry could fix almost anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His expertise and willingness to assist others were just some of the many ways he contributed to his community.
Fred Allen Pirkle, Sr., a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Thursday, December 18, 2025 at his residence. He was 80.
Funeral services for Mr. Pirkle will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Travis Free officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until service time at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow in Memory Hill cemetery.
Fred was born May 31, 1945 in Elba, Alabama to the late Elvin Pitts and Alberta Pirkle. He served his country during Vietnam in the United States Air Force and later became a Truck Driver. Mr. Pirkle will be remembered as a kind and loving man.
Mr. Pirkle is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose Pirkle and a son, Harold Wayne Pirkle.
Survivors include his children, Fred Allen Pirkle, Jr, Donald Earl Pirkle (Laura), John Elvin Pirkle (Emily) and Patricia House; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; sisters, Velma, Anita, Ann, Brenda and Joan.
