SKIPPERVILLE…Mrs. Martha Raye Monk Gassett, a resident of Skipperville, died Friday evening, September 25, 2026, in Oak View Manor Health Care Center in Ozark. She was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Morgan Baptist Church with Reverend Tim Sewell and Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Beersheba Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Morgan Baptist Church, c/o Betty Watson, 186 White Oak Bend, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Gassett, daughter of the late Melvin Cassie Monk and Mollie Evelyn Snell Monk, was a native and lifelong resident of Skipperville, a community she dearly loved and was proud to call home. Throughout her life, she was known as a kind and caring lady who had a true servant’s heart. She was happiest when she was doing something for someone else, never looking for recognition or expecting anything in return. Helping others simply came naturally to her.
For more than twenty years, Mrs. Gassett was employed with the Dale County School System at G.W. Long, where she faithfully served as a member of the support personnel before her retirement. Her work was much more than just a job to her. She cared about the students, teachers, staff, and families she encountered throughout the years and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever one was needed. She believed that even the smallest acts of kindness could make someone’s day a little better, and that was the way she tried to live her life.
Mrs. Gassett’s servant’s heart was especially evident through her many years of service at Morgan Baptist Church, where she was a faithful and devoted member. Her church family held a very special place in her heart, and she willingly gave of her time and talents whenever there was a need. For more than thirty years, she served as Director of Vacation Bible School, a ministry that meant so much to her. She poured countless hours into making Vacation Bible School a special time for the children, making sure everything was ready and that every child who walked through the doors felt welcomed, loved, and important. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Pete Gassett; a daughter, Martha Carol Gassett, brother, Wayne Monk, sister, Mary Bludsworth and her husband, Buddy, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Blocker, and Charles Mitchell.
Surviving relatives include her children, Dianne Tharpe (John) and Michael Gassett (Julia), all of Skipperville; brother, Mel Monk (Sherry), Brundidge; two sisters-in-law, Sara Blocker, Fairhope and Ann Mitchell, Graceville; grandson, Jonathan Tharpe (Danika), Skipperville; great-granddaughter, JeorgieAnne Carol Tharpe; special caregiver, Tammy Prestwood; several special nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Allen Dorrill, Justin Jernegan, James Lee, Jackson Marsh, T.J. Sewell, Paul Morrison, Tony Hancock, and James Blackburn.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ricky Lamar Bennett, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, who departed this life on September 23, 2026. Born on March 12, 1955, in Dale County, Alabama, Ricky was a beacon of love and resilience for all who knew him. Ricky was the beloved son of the late Johnny Bennett Sr. and Annie Lee Davis Bennett. He grew up in the nurturing embrace of his large family, and though he has now joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest, he leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. Preceding him in death were his siblings: Johnny Bennett Jr., L.A. Bennett Sr., C.W. Bennett, Cleveland Bennett Sr., Charles E. Bennett, Billy R. Bennett, Ruthie L. Hammonds, Florence Neal, Annie J. Brown, Pollie Ruth Carroll, and Carolyn Bennett. Ricky’s life was one of dedicated service and profound love. He proudly served his country for four years as a member of the 82nd Airborne in the United States Army. Upon completing his military service, Ricky devoted his career to Twin City Security, where he worked faithfully, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. A man of deep faith, Ricky was a devoted member of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. His spiritual journey later led him to the All About Jesus Ministry, where he found a community that enriched his soul. Ricky’s heart was fullest when surrounded by family. He shared a beautiful marriage with his loving wife, Corinthia Ann Bennett, and together they built a family grounded in love and faith. He is survived by his children, Angela Williams and Elijah (Mike) Sanders. His son, Von Victor Williams, preceded him in death but remains forever in their hearts. Ricky was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, including Alyssa, who shared a special bond with him as they lived together; Goddaughter Briana Dickens.
His surviving brother, Sonny Mack Bennett, and numerous in-laws and extended family, including Elijah Sanders, Dan Sanders, Samuel Sanders, David Earl Larry White, Jerry White, Benjamin White, Teddy White, Rose Anderson, Virginia Hicks, Sonja White, Rosie L. Bennett, and Alice Bennett, continue to hold his spirit close, along with the cherished memories of his late in-laws, Carolyn Allen and Mary Teresa Sanders. Ricky’s education in the Dale County School systems laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and growth. He was an inspiration to his nieces and nephews, with whom he cherished spending time, sharing laughter and wisdom. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ricky’s life on September 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the All About Jesus Ministry, located at 702 Blackshear St., Dothan, AL. The family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have offered thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ricky’s memory to a charity of your choice, celebrating his spirit of giving and love. Ricky Lamar Bennett will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
James Henry Parr, known affectionately as Jim, passed away on September 25, 2026, in Kinsey, Alabama, at the age of 64.
Jim was born on October 4, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was raised in Dothan, Alabama. He lived a life marked by devotion, service, and love for his family and community. He was a Christian man whose faith was reflected in the way he treated others, and he was known by those who loved him as a loving, selfless, and courageous man.
Jim served his country honorably in the Marines for 13 years and later in the Army National Guard for 27 years. His commitment to service was a defining part of his life, and he carried the values of discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice with him in all that he did. After his military service, he worked as a cook at Ft. Rucker for 18 years, where he was appreciated for his steady presence and dependable work. He also worked at Lowe’s for two years. Throughout his working years, he earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike, and he leaves behind a host of coworkers and extended family who will remember him with affection.
Jim found great joy in simple pleasures, and he especially enjoyed watching sports, cartoons, and squirrels. These small moments brought him happiness, and they reflected the gentle and appreciative spirit that so many admired in him. More than anything, he loved his family. His life was centered on the people he cared for, and he was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for his family was constant, strong, and unmistakable.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Parr; his son, Jamey Parr; his daughter, Emma Parr; his father, Edward Parr (Harriet); his sisters, Sarah Locklier (Bobby), and Kathleen Goss (Norman); his step-brothers, Marc Davis (Laura), Ross Davis, and Phillip Davis (Tami); and his aunts, Judy Price (Tillman) and Eileen Parr; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Woodruff, as well as two aunts and two uncles. Jim’s family also includes many loved ones whose lives were touched by his kindness and steady presence.
Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church and also attended Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan. His church life was an important part of who he was, and his faith gave him strength throughout his life. He will be remembered not only for his years of service and hard work, but also for the warmth of his spirit, his quiet strength, and the care he showed to those around him.
The family extends special thanks to Southern Care Hospice and to his nurse, Shannon, for their compassion and support. Jim’s life was a blessing to those who knew him, and his memory will remain a source of comfort and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jay Joye officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Military honors will be held following the service.
Patricia “Patty” Monette Ward Concannon of Geneva, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was 72.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama. Burial will follow at Samson First Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Patty was born in Tampa, Florida, on August 16, 1954, to the late James Sidney Ward and Monette B. Flowers Ward Snyder. She was of the Catholic faith. She enjoyed spending her time quilting, crocheting and thrifting with her sisters. She truly enjoyed people and spending quality time with them, especially her loving and devoted family.
In addition to her parents, Patty was preceded in death by two nieces, Jessica Williams and Felicia Moss.
She is survived by the love of her life of 46 years, Paul Robert Concannon; six children, Jeffery Douglas (Jessica), Leann Wadsworth (Denny), Lisa Cote (Richard), Kelly Simmons (Jesse), Paul James Concannon and Christopher Woods; 17 grandchildren, 27 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; one brother; Ricky Ward; five sisters, Pamela Adkison, Lisa Carter, Tammie Rhoades, Missy Saal, Renee Nichols and a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew and Steven Adkison, Chad Lunsford, Andrew and Gabriel Hataway, and Chris Salter; honorary pallbearer, Brooks Lunsford.
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
Evelyn Lucille Davis Helms, age 96, of Skipperville, AL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Ozark Health & Rehab. She was born on August 31, 1930, in Dale County, AL, to her parents, John D. Davis & Lillie Mae Davis.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Evelyn’s life at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Keahey Funeral Home in Clio, AL, with Rev. Kenneth Andrews and Rev. Clyde Hancock officiating. Visitation time will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Sykes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Helms, Chris Sanders, Greg Sanders, Johnny Pannell, Justin Higgins, Brian Ozbirn, Jackie Smith, and Wes Mason. Keahey Funeral Home of Clio directing.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, reminiscing of days gone by and sharing wisdom she had gained during her 96 years.
She dearly loved her church family, where she was a member at Sykes Creek Baptist Church, Clio, AL.
Evelyn was an excellent cook, and worked as a lunchroom worker at Mixson School and D.A. Smith lunchrooms. She also worked in the Sock Mill in Eufaula, AL, for a period of time.
Evelyn was a devoted housewife, and together with Marvette, they worked in the cotton and peanut fields. Her hands were seldom idle. She loved to gather, preserve, and prepare vegetables and fruits grown in her garden. One of her favorite things was to plant flowers of all kinds, watch them grow, and share their beauty with others.
She loved to cook and see her family and friends enjoy all the food she prepared. Some of her specialties were chicken & dumplings, chicken and rice, cornbread fritters, peanut & pecan brittle, pecan pies, cream cheese pound cake, among many others. All the kids and grandkids had their favorites, and she would always have it prepared when she knew they were coming to visit. She enjoyed teaching her kids and grandkids how to cook. She also cooked many meals and shared with those in the community who had lost loved ones or had illnesses in their families. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen during her 96 years and enjoyed every minute of it.
Left to honor her memory are her 2 sons, Ronald Helms (Jan) of Saltillo, MS and Allen Helms (Wanda) of Skipperville, AL, 5 grandchildren, Amanda Sanders (Greg) of Baldwyn, MS, Miranda Sanders (Chris) of Saltillo, MS, Misty Montague (Curtis) of Monahans, TX, Wendy White of Guntown, MS, and Jonathan Helms (Makaela) of Ozark, AL, 18 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give special thanks to her loving friends and caregivers, Dawn Densel and Eva Syples, Enhabit Hospice, and Ozark Health & Rehab, especially the nurses & caregivers in Meadow Lane Hall for their special care and love.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvette Helms, her father, John D. Davis, and mother, Lillie Mae Davis, great-grandson, Landon Sanders, and grandson-in-law, Brandon White.
She loved attending family reunions during her lifetime, and she longed for the day she would reunite with her husband and love of her life, Marvette, her mother and father, and other family members whom she loved so dearly who had gone on before her. What a wonderful reunion is going on in heaven! She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Psalm 23 “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…..Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Jon Terry Myers, 78, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Graveside services were held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at Memory Hill Cemetery with Reverend Bobbie Lassiter officiating and Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Dothan directing.
Jon was born September 12, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Joseph Herman & Clara (Adams) Myers. He spent the early years of his life in the Birmingham area and attended Phillips High School. Following school, he went to work as a mechanic for L&N Railroad, which allowed him to travel and work all throughout the Southeastern states. Jon later worked as the Parts Manager for Mack Trucks in Dothan for many years. He was a member of Covenant Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his two brother, Joe Myers and Jimmy Myers; and his siter, Doris Capps.
He is survived by his wife, Joan D. Myers of Dothan; his two sons, Kelly Myers of Pace, FL, and Jason Myers (Danielle) of Dothan; his six grandchildren, Brittany Robertson, Tucker Williams, Parker Morgan, Emma Williams, Maddison Williams, and Ellie Myers; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice for the love and care shown to their loved one during this time.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
