Mr. Melvin Woodham, Sr.

by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Sep 25, 2025 | Obituaries

Melvin Woodham, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on February 27, 1938, in Alabama, Melvin’s life was a testament to the simple joys that make a life well-lived.

The son of the late James Ivy Woodham and Mary Edna Teal Woodham, Melvin grew up understanding the value of hard work and the importance of kinship. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Woodham, and his brothers, Billy Mack Woodham, Tullis Woodham and James Woodham. His legacy continues through his sons, Richard Woodham (Melodie), Melvin Woodham, Jr. (Rhonda), Michael Woodham (Amy), and James Woodham (Kelley), who will forever remember their father’s guidance and unwavering support. Melvin’s life was further enriched by the love of his grandchildren, Jerica, Jenna, Kristen, Shawn, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jacob Poole, Savannah, and Jacob Robert. He took great pride in their accomplishments and was a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. His great-grandchildren, Raylee, Colson, Dallas Creed, Cason, Easton, Jaisie Paige, Conner, Chloe, Grayson Cramer, Sophia, Dallas Brooks, Grayson Mitchell, Amelia, Isaac, Gracie, and McKenzie, brought him immeasurable joy and were the light of his later years.

A member of Hodgesville Baptist Church, Melvin lived his beliefs through his actions, offering kindness and support to all who knew him. His work ethic was unmatched, and he always remained humble.

Melvin’s interests were a reflection of his love for life and the outdoors. An avid fisherman, he found solace in the quiet moments by the water. His passion for Alabama football was infectious, and he enjoyed nothing more than watching a game surrounded by family and friends. Gardening was another of Melvin’s pleasures, and he took pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with loved ones. Perhaps one of Melvin’s most enduring qualities was his ability to keep his four sons in line. Melvin lived a life full of purpose and love and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Graveside services will be held at 10 AM, Monday, September 29, 2025 from Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Reverend Michael Woodham officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 PM until 5 PM, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.

Hellen Meredith Woods

by Sunset Memorial Park | Sep 25, 2025 | Obituaries

Hellen Meredith Woods, 58, of Ashford, Alabama, passed away on September 24, 2025. She was born on February 23, 1967, in Panama City, Florida.

Hellen’s early years were spent in the warm embrace of Panama City, where she contributed to the family construction business. Her work with Union Labor in her hometown was a source of pride and fulfillment. In 1996, love blossomed in her life when she married Jerry Woods. Together they shared a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and unwavering support for one another.

In 1996, she married Jerry Woods, and together they built a life of love, loyalty, and shared determination. Hellen never lost her resilience. She adapted to life’s challenges with toughness and grit, remaining an example of strength to those around her.

Hellen is survived by her husband, Jerry Woods; her children, Robert Wilkes and Brandy (Mike) Hyers; and her grandchildren, Taylor, Chloe, Mason, and John. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Wilkes.

Known for her toughness, resourcefulness, and strong will, Hellen was rarely idle. She met challenges head-on and taught her family the value of determination and perseverance.

Her legacy lives on in her family and in the example she set through a life defined by strength and resilience.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1pm until 3pm at Sunset Funeral Home.

Johnny W. Cochran

by Holman Mortuaries | Sep 25, 2025 | Obituaries

KINSEY. . .Johnny W. Cochran, a resident of Kinsey, passed away late Wednesday night, September 24, 2025, at his home. He was 78.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 28, 2025, in the Kinsey Baptist Church with Reverend Brad Hardy officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 29, 2025, in Gardens of Memory. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Kinsey Baptist Church, 6745 Walden Drive, Kinsey, AL 36303 or to Gentiva Hospice, 2341 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301.

Johnny Cochran was born in Houston County and was raised in Ashford, son of the late Johnny Jackson Cochran and Mary Lee Chandler Cochran. He lived in Ashford before moving to Kinsey in 1997. Johnny was an active member of the Kinsey Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and on many church committees. He was retired from Solomon Chevrolet as Assistant Service Manager. In earlier years, Johnny was employed by Summerford Truck Lines of Ashford. He found joy in the simple things. His time spent in his workshop with wood shavings at his feet, quiet mornings by the water with a fishing pole in hand, and crisp autumn days in the woods. He cherished the outdoors, but nothing compared to the love he had for his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he was a devoted husband who held his wife close in both heart and spirit. Above all, he loved Jesus, and he lived his life with a faith that guided everything he did. His legacy is one of love, faith, and devotion, carried on in the lives of those he touched. Johnny was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Hill and Velender Appling and a half-brother, Sylvester Cochran.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Melinda Hardy Weed Cochran; daughters, Della Hagler and Penny Cochran both of Headland; and Monica Weed Cornett, Kinsey; sons, Charles Cochran, Brewton, AL; Johnathan Cochran (Ashly), Ashford; and Patrick Hardy, Houston, TX; grandchildren, Madalyn Cochran, Tucker Hagler, Evah Harris, Scarlet Cochran, Eloise Cochran, Rosie Cochran and Zachary Cornett; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alan and Cindy Hardy, Lynn and Brett Whatley and Kenny Hardy.

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.

Afrey Ann Sanford Wright

by Sunset Memorial Park | Sep 25, 2025 | Obituaries

Afrey Ann Sanford Wright, affectionately known as Afrey to her friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on February 25, 1936, in Goodsprings, Alabama (Walker County), Afrey’s warmth and kindness touched all who knew her throughout her 89 years of a well-lived life.

Afrey was a woman of considerable intellect and compassion. After attending Thomas W. Martin High School, her love for learning led her to the University of Alabama, where she graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. Afrey’s passion for education was evident as she embarked on her teaching career, first at Ensley High School in Birmingham, where she taught English, and then moving to Dothan in 1961, where she taught English and Spanish at Girard Jr. High School for two years.

She lived a life of service and commitment to her family and community. Afrey was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Henry Wesley Wright, her daughters, Denise Wright, of Staunton, VA, Nona Stockton (Gilles), of Billings and Grassrange, MT, and Suzanne Wright Sisk (Tommy), of Ardmore, TN. Her grandchildren, Jonathan Austin, Matthew Austin, Daniel Sanchez, Jacob Sanchez, Scott Sisk, and Bailey Sisk, will miss her gentle guidance and endless support. She is also survived by her sister, Clarice Fuller, and several nieces and nephews, who will fondly remember her loving presence. The family would like to thank Melissa Watson and Joykeepers, Gentiva Hospice, and her special caretakers, Joyce Warren and Sophia Langston, all who provided comfort and care during her final days, for which the family is eternally grateful.

Afrey’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she participated in the United Methodist Women (U.M.W.) and the Kay Williams Sunday School class. Her service to the church extended to teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees including the Altar Guild and the Administrative Board. Her involvement in the community was also marked by her volunteer work with the Girls Club (Girls, Inc.), Dothan Service League, Wiregrass Humane Society, and her membership in P.E.O. Chapter W, and the Garden Study Club.

Those who knew Afrey would describe her as loving, gentle, and passionate. She had a servant’s heart and found joy in helping others. Her love for her family, church, and community was evident in everything she did. Afrey’s legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.

Afrey was preceded in death by her parents, Noble and Ida Sanford, a sister, Faye Douglas (Phillip), a brother, Ellis Sanford (Jimmie), a brother in law, James A. Fuller, and by her brother and sister in law, Doc and Betty Bowden. Her life was a testament to the power of love, education, and service to others. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were touched by her graciousness and unwavering positivity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in her honor to First United Methodist Church, Wiregrass Humane Society, and Wiregrass Museum of Art.

Charlie Grayce Reign Holmes

by WHW Funeral Home | Sep 24, 2025 | Obituaries

Charlie Grayce Reign Holmes, a beacon of joy and innocence, graced this world with her presence on June 4, 2023, in Enterprise, Alabama. Her journey on earth came to a close on September 20, 2025, in Pike County, Alabama, where she was escorted into heaven on angel wings, alongside her cherished big sister, Amariah Remington Faith Holmes.

Charlie was the treasured daughter of Raymond and Ashley Holmes, who surrounded her with unwavering love and devotion. A light in the lives of her two protective brothers, Noah Holmes and Rollyens Grimes, and her affectionate sister, Grace Grimes, Charlie’s presence was a source of endless happiness. Charlie’s memory will be cherished in the hearts of her maternal grandparents, Todd and Marie Hartzog; paternal grandparents, Charles and Renee Holmes; great grandmother, Juanita Hartzog; and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends, all of whom were blessed by her enchanting innocence and precious smiles.

In her all-too-short time with us, Charlie developed a fascination for the world around her. She found joy in the simple pleasures—butterflies captivated her with their gentle dance, and she could often be found cradling her baby dolls with the tenderest care. Her love for her PaPa was one of the purest forms of affection, her eyes lighting up in his presence. Charlie’s laughter was a melody that resonated in our hearts, a reminder of the bliss found in life’s smallest moments.

Charlie’s story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life that, while short, was filled to the brim with the essence of joy. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and the beauty of innocence that she embodied every day.

As we bid farewell to Charlie, we are comforted by the thought that she is joined in Heaven by her adored sister, Amariah and her aunt, Debra Holmes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Chancellor Assembly of God with Rev. Larry Mock officiating. Burial will follow in the Day Family Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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.com