POST OAK COMMUNITY…Mr. Norm Kinney (A.C.F., R.F.), a resident of the Post Oak Community, near Ozark, died late Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 81.
Celebration of Life Services, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Chad Ingle officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Ozark, PO Box 157, Ozark, Alabama 36361 or to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2454 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Kinney, son of the late LaVerne and LaVerne Knutsen Kinney, was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin and was raised in Madison, Wisconsin. From a young age, he carried with him a love for the outdoors and a deep sense of service. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before earning his degree in Forestry from the University of Florida in 1971.
For more than five decades, Mr. Kinney dedicated his life to forestry. He began his career with Chartered Foresters in 1971 and worked his way through the ranks as Manager, President, and eventually owner. His work wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. He became a Registered Forester in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida and earned certifications in prescribed burning and pesticide application across several states. He never stopped learning, attending conferences and courses to stay at the forefront of his profession. His leadership and commitment left a lasting mark on the forestry community, where he served in many roles, including Chairman of the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters.
Beyond his career, Mr. Kinney gave generously of his time and heart to his community. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Ozark for 51 years, joining in 1974. Over the years, he served as President, received the prestigious Hixson Award, and helped launch the Ozark Dale County Brown Bag Program that fed families and brought joy to children during the holidays. Whether it was organizing pancake suppers, helping with the Christmas parade, or supporting the Vivian B. Adams Christmas Shopping Day, he was always there—quietly making a difference.
Faith was also central to his life. At Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as President, Vice President, and Elder, offering guidance and care to his church family.
Mr. Kinney was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Kinney. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his kindness, his steady presence, and his lifelong dedication to serving others. His legacy lives on in the forests he cared for, the community he loved, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-six years, Jackie Kinney, Ozark; his son, Shane Kinney (Cindy), Enterprise; his daughter, Stacy Anderson (Kyle), Bertha Community; sister, Karen Fagerberg (Wayne), Barrington, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Taylor Anderson, Jordan Munoz (Manuel), Thomas Kinney, and Joshua Anderson; special family friend and secretary for many years, Trisha Huckaba, Ozark; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Kiwanis Club of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mable Constene Williamson Jones, a resident of Ariton, Alabama died Sunday morning December 14, 2025 at Oakview Manor Nursing Facility. She was 86 years old. Funeral services will be graveside 2:00 P. M. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Ariton Cemetery with Reverend Mike Whitman officiating. Interment will follow, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Jones, Ashley Pelham, Jay Cannon, Jonathan Jones, Jake Jones and Lance Williamson.
Mrs. Jones was born July 25, 1939 in Barbour County, Alabama to the late James Thomas Williamson and Mable Dene Baker Williamson. Mrs. Jones lived most of her life in Ariton, Alabama and worked for many years with Farmers and Merchants Bank (Vice President) and then Colonial Bank where she retired. She loved her family, gardening and sewing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Ivey “Blue” Jones; one great grandson, James Cooper Jones; one sister, Yvonne Bowen; two brothers, James Williamson and Bobby Williamson. Survivors include one son, James C. “Jimmy” Jones (Lucy) of Ariton; grandchildren, Brandon Jones (Stella) of Ariton, Julie Pelham (Ashley) of Brundidge, James “Jay” Cannon and Jonathan Jones (Hilary) all of Brundidge; great grandchildren, Jake Jones, Grant Jones, Max Jones, Aidan Pelham, McKenzie Garner, Tyson Pelham, Sawyer Garner, Ethan Cannon, Olivia Cannon, Hannah Peters and Jack Jones; two sisters, Jackie Hagler (Rip) and Grace Redman; one brother, Billy Williamson (Loretta). Many nieces and nephews also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Ariton City Cemetery Fund, C/O Mrs. Laura Walker, P. O. Box 644, Ariton, Alabama 36311.
Mary Lee Alston, affectionately known as “Dot” to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, just shy of her 90th birthday. Born in Enfield, North Carolina, on December 21, 1935, to the late Hellen Williams and Estee Gray, Mary’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering faith, love for her family, and a dedicated work ethic that inspired all who knew her.
Mary’s early years in North Carolina were the foundation of a life characterized by strength and resilience. The transition from her birthplace to a new chapter in New Jersey was a significant milestone. There, she joined the workforce at William Bal Corp in Elizabeth, where she served with distinction until her well-earned retirement. Her colleagues remember her as a steadfast and reliable presence, a testament to her commitment to excellence in all her endeavors.
Her work was an important part of her life, but Mary’s heart always belonged to her family and her faith. She was a beacon of compassion and love, leaving behind her loving daughter Mary Frances Johnson, who was her pride and joy. Mary’s legacy continues through her two cherished grandchildren, Jason L. Johnson (Candiss) and Nicole M. Johnson, and two great-granddaughters, Jade Jones and Destini, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and kindness. She also leaves behind her devoted brother, Willie Lee Terry, and her treasured nephews, Cedric and Jason Terry, and niece, Sylvia Terry, along with a host of family members and new friends made in Dothan.
Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She joined the Peaceful Zion Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey, where she worshipped and lifted her voice in song as a member of the choir for over fifty years. Her favorite scripture, Matthew 19:23-24, was a source of comfort and guidance throughout her life. Mary’s commitment to her church and her God was a reflection of her deep and abiding belief in the power of love and compassion.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Mary describe her as a blessing to those she met. She was a daughter, sister, wife to her late husband, Rudolph Lashley, mother, grandmother, and friend whose influence will be felt for generations. Her role as the matriarch of her family was not just a title but a position she held with grace, offering wisdom and support to all.
Mary’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will be cherished forever. As we say goodbye to Mary Lee Alston, we celebrate the incredible impact of her 89 years on this earth. She was, without a doubt, the loving greatest mother ever, and we are so glad and blessed to have been graced by her presence. Mary, you will be profoundly missed. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the lives you’ve touched. Rest in peace, dear Mary, until we meet again.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Jason L. Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
CLOPTON, ALABAMA. . .John Lynn Walker, a resident of Barbour County, between Blue Springs and Texasville, passed away early Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Abbeville. He was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the Spring Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Cox officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Walker was born and raised in the Wills Crossroads community, near Abbeville, son of the late Vernie Lee Walker and Vera Justice Walker. He was a graduate of Abbeville High School. Mr. Walker served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War era. He was a member of the Spring Hill Baptist Church and a former member of the Woodstock Baptist Church. In earlier years, Mr. Walker was a member of the Optimist Club in Woodstock. He retired in 2000 as the owner and operator of Walker’s Foods in Woodstock. Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Griggs Walker and a sister, Mavis Carroll.
Surviving relatives include his sons, John Michael Walker and Charles “Stormy” Walker; a sister, Debbie Volf (Jerry); grandchildren, Greg Walker and Sada Walker Maciel (Elias); and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alex and Colton.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Phillip Hudgens Solomon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on May 11, 1952, in Headland, Alabama, Phillip was a cherished member of his community in Prattville, Alabama.
Phillip was a native of Headland, Alabama. After graduating from Headland High School, he pursued higher education at Troy University, where he studied Medical Technology. It was during this time that he met and married his loving wife, Ginger, in August of 1976.
Phillip had a distinguished career as a Registered Medical Technologist, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service at the VA hospital as a civil service employee.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, William Curtis Solomon and Rose Ellen Hudgens Solomon. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Ginger Murdock Solomon, his son Phillip Cory Solomon and wife Misti, his daughter Katie Solomon Ferguson and husband Brian, and his brother William Curtis Solomon Jr. and wife Melodie and his brother-in-law Hershel Vance Murdock and his wife Susan along with loving niece and nephews. Phillip was also a proud grandfather to Layne Andrew Solomon, Lily Katherine Ferguson, and Phoebe Lynn Ferguson.
As a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church in Cottonwood, Alabama, Phillip was deeply involved in his faith community. In his leisure time, he found joy in traveling, being surrounded by family, and cheering for Alabama football. The beach was his sanctuary, a place where he found peace and relaxation.
The Solomon family would also like to send their sincere appreciation to Baptist Hospice for their kind care to our family over the last few months.
In memory of Phillip, memorial donations may be made to Union Hill Baptist Church, 7335 South County Rd 33, Cottonwood, Alabama 36320.
Phillip Hudgens Solomon will be remembered for his warm spirit, dedication to family, and love for life.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 18, 2025 in the Leak Memory Funeral Home Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery. A family and friends visitation will be from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
POST OAK COMMUNITY…Mr. Norm Kinney, a resident of the Post Oak Community, near Ozark, died late Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 81.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
