Marianne James Paulk, age 72, of Cowarts, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
A Memorial Visitation service will be held at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23 at 1 pm.
Marianne was born on May 3, 1954 to Wilbur and Anne James in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After her parents’ passings, her older brother, Jack, was her caretaker, as well as Joseph and Betty Friel, who she looked to as a second set of parents.
Marianne graduated Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in 1972. In 1985, she moved to Cowarts, Alabama, where she lived the remainder of her life. She had a wide range of jobs throughout her lifetime, but no matter where she was, she had no shortage of friends and loved ones. She was a beloved mother to her daughter, Allison, and “Tootsie” to her grandchildren, Jamie and Cody. Her love and support laid the foundation for her family to pursue their education, careers, and passions, and for that, they are forever grateful.
No matter where she went, Marianne was the life of the party. She had a bright wit,an unmistakable laugh, and immediately breathed life into whatever room she was in. She was a lifelong reader and music-lover, something she passed down to her daughter and grandchildren. If you ever got in the car with her, you were bound to hear a Stephen King audiobook or songs by Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, or John Denver.
Marianne was also deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, especially in her later years. She was an active volunteer for Catholic Charities and was quick to help those in need. Her generous heart was felt by all who knew her.
Above all, Marianne wanted to be remembered as a “tough old broad”, someone who, despite whatever life threw at her, persisted with resilience, wit, and humor.
She is survived by her daughter, Allison Friel Sims, brother John “Jack” James (Amanda), and grandchildren, Jamie Friel Leverette and Cody Skelton (Kaitlin). She is preceded in death by her parents Wilbur and Anne James, and Joseph and Betty Friel. She also leaves behind many dear friends, including Brittney Brooks and Beth Slayback, who she considered her family.
The family wishes to thank Southern Care Hospice and Nurses, Candy, Cherry, Pheobe and Susan for their love and care extended to them.
DOTHAN. . .John Leslie “Johnny” Bryan, a resident of Dothan, passed away early Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Dennis Singletary and Reverend Steve Skidmore officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to F.A.I.T.H. Riders, c/o Memphis Baptist Church, 4595 Eddins Road, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mr. Bryan was born in Marianna, Florida, son of the late E. D. Bryan and Mamie Lou Self Bryan. He was raised in Dothan where he lived all his adult lifetime. Mr. Bryan served his country in the Army National Guard in the Dothan unit. He was employed by Carmichael Wholesale Electronics from 1967 until 1998 and also worked for Deanco Auto Auction for several years. Mr. Bryan was an active member of Cloverdale Baptist Church where he formerly served as a Deacon and sang in the church choir. He was a devoted member of F.A.I.T.H. Riders Ministry at Memphis Baptist Church in Dothan. Mr. Bryan was passionate about sharing faith and serving others. He helped lead a group dedicated to “planting seeds,” spreading the message of Jesus, and allowing God to work in the lives of others. Mr. Bryan loved attending church, loved the Lord and Alabama football. Johnny loved his routine of eating lunch out every day at his favorite places with friends. He spent many fall Saturdays with his buddies eating at Dreamland and cheering on the Tide! Mr. Bryan was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Bryan, a son, Brent Wood Bryan, a sister, Lillian McDonald, and two brothers, Wayne D. Bryan and Dr. Sigurd Bryan.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Leslie Liebetrau (Bruce Beckman), Port Orange, FL; grandchildren, Shelley Johnson (Brian), Tuscaloosa, AL; and Bryan Liebetrau, Port Orange, FL; great-grandchildren, Mabry Johnson and Maddie Johnson and a great-granddaughter on the way; a sister-in-law, Sara Bryan, Birmingham; and special friends, Joey Reynolds and Randy Taylor; among many others.
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.
Clarabelle Johnson of Webb, age 84, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on April 6, 1942.
Clarabelle loved going to church and loved the Lord. She enjoyed watching movies, watching The Incredible Dr. Pol, spending time with her family, and cooking for her oldest son. She was known as a hard worker who loved to stay busy and work throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, William F. Brunson, Sr., and her sister, Patricia Crooke.
She is survived by her children, Debra Hurst, Terry Brunson, William Brunson, Jr., and Mary O’Neal (Johnny); grandchildren, Whitney Wyatt, Tyler Wyatt, Tiffany Brunson, Dustin Crawford, Devin Brunson, and Mallory Brunson; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Per her wishes, there will be no services at this time.
Her family and friends will remember her in their own special ways and cherish the memories shared throughout her life.
WM “Babe” Harrison of Geneva, AL passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was 84 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Geneva First Assembly of God Church with Bro. Donnie Earles officiating and Sister B.J. Harrison delivering the eulogy. Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva will be directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
WM “Babe” Harrison was born in Walton Co., FL on April 15, 1942 to the late Emmette and Vallie Sharpe Harrison. Being born and raised in Darlington, he worked hard as a young child helping his family farm and work the cotton fields. He quickly grew to love horses and all things farm related. Later, he became a certified truck driver, both commercial and local fruit delivery, which he did for 26 years. Babe also found a love of building businesses, one of which was B&H Welding and Automotive repair. At his shop in Darlington, that he built by hand, he was able to help others and had many friends to stop by and visit daily.
Babe was a wonderful husband of 49 years to Gale Harrison, where they raised 2 wonderful boys and built a home where everyone was welcome to come sit, eat and visit for a while. They had built a beautiful marriage that they were so proud of. In later years, he moved his family to Geneva, AL where he cleared land, built a homestead, raised cows, horses and grew beautiful gardens. He was especially proud of his huge Loquat trees, his quail, cane mill, boats and tractors. He never met a stranger, loved everyone, generous to a fault, but always had an open seat at his table for anyone needing a meal.
Due to his declining health, Patricia Burkett was a caregiver to Babe and Gale, making it possible for him to stay in the home he loved. The 3 of them raised their children together for 49 years, truly being 3 peas in a pod. They supported each other through all of life’s big events and health challenges.
Babe was a true family man, and nothing was more important. He was a believer in “The Good Lord” and told us along the way that everyone must take their final journey on the Lord’s time, not ours.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Louie Harrison, Lounette Harrison Danley, Donnell “Pete” Harrison, Bobby Harrison and Roy Harrison; six children, William Harrison, Randy Harrison, Shani Renee’ Rice, Christopher Harrison, Jeremy Burkett and Micky Harrison.
He fathered 15 children: 11 sons, 6 living, Royce Harrison (Anita), Auburndale, FL, Emmette Harrison (Toni), MO, Michael Wade Castleberry (Vickie), Barnesville, GA, WM Harrison, Jr., Barnesville, GA, Ali Harrison (BJ), Samson, AL, Anthony Harrison (Brandi), Geneva, AL; 4 daughters, 3 living, Jackie Dryden (Torsten), Jacksonville, AL, Tresa Wood (Tommy), Marianna, FL and Maresa Thompson (Travis Jones), Bonifay, FL; 33 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. One very special nephew, whom he loved, William “Bill” Danley; five close, longtime friends, Buddy Sayre, Joe Bovee, Randy Beck, Bubba Malone and Jimmy Suttles, who he had many life adventures with these fellas.
Serving as pallbearers: Buddy Sayre, Mason Owens, Kolton Owens, Ethan Thompson, JC Harrison, Bryson Whitaker, Tommy Wood, Travis Jones and Bubba Malone.
Mrs. Susan Elaine (Bentley) Sprayberry, 73, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend T. Matthew Langford, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Dothan City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:15 p.m., prior to the services.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to, First United Methodist Church of Dothan “In Christ Name” Fund, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mrs. Sprayberry was born on January 7, 1953, in Dothan to the late Earnest Elbert “E.E.” and Margaret Helen Kornegay Bentley. She worked for the First National Bank for 10 years and Smith’s Inc. of Dothan as an administrative assistant for 21 years, retiring in 2019. Family was important to Elaine, she enjoyed traveling and making fond memories at Compass Lake at their family home for over 50 years. She also enjoyed watching movies, playing cards, and eating out with her friends & family. Elaine grew up in Cloverdale United Methodist Church and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dothan and was a member of the Walker Epps Progressive Sunday School class.
Mrs. Sprayberry was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wiley Sprayberry; her sister, Linda Bentley McGhee; and her great niece, Carrie Guidroz.
Survivors include her daughters, Tara Barr of Auburn, and Laura Thomas (Sloan) of Dothan; her four grandchildren, Morgan Len Barr, Hamilton Barr both of Auburn, Sloan Thomas, Jr., and Laney Thomas both of Dothan; her two brothers-in-law, David Sprayberry (Shirley) of Oakdale, TN, Danny Sprayberry of Jennings, LA; her two sisters-in-law, Pam Sprayberry of Berwick, LA, and Sallie King (Tom) of Sterling, AK; her nieces and nephews, Jason McGhee (Ashley), Julie McGhee Ratcliffe, Matt Sprayberry (Cathy), Susan Sprayberry, Kit Guidroz (Rollan), Zack Sprayberry, Sara Sprayberry, Carma King, Jarod King (Kayla), and Carrie King (David); her great-niece, Anna Bentley McGhee; and her great-nephew, Charlie McGhee.
Serving as pallbearers, Jason McGhee, Sloan Thomas, Sloan Thomas, Jr., Hamilton Barr, Charlie McGhee, David Sprayberry, Gary Kornegay, and Reed Smith.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Mr. Jimmy Earl Smith, a resident of Fadette, passed away Friday morning, May 15, 2026 at his home.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:00am in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dennis Singletary officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home Directing. The family will receive friends from 4:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Don Spivey, 239 Jim Baxley Road, Slocomb, Alabama 36375.
Mr. Smith was born on September 29, 1935, to Jimmy Ray & Eutha Widener Smith, at the home place of his grandparents W. A. & Emily McNeil Smith in Rehobeth. He spent the early years of his life in Dothan, before joining the United States Air Force, where he proudly served 4 ½ years. Following his military service, he began his 45-year career with The Dothan Eagle. During his time there he met his loving wife, JoAnne Baxley, and the two were blessed with a 65 ½ years marriage. Jimmy was a family man, who enjoyed camping & fishing at Lake Eufaula and Panama City Beach, and traveling especially to the Great Smoky Mountains, he most enjoyed time spent with family and friends. After his retirement, he enjoyed living on the family farm tending to livestock, garden, and row crops. He was a long-time member of Cloverdale Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as an adult in 1977, he deeply loved his pastors and church, serving in various capacities through the years. Jimmy devoted many hours to the Chapter 87 DAV, year after year assisting in their booth at the National Peanut Festival, additionally he was a member of the Air Force Sergeant’s, and The American Legion.
Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne Smith; his parents; his nieces, Amanda Barretine Adams, and Marcia Baxley; his nephews, Kenny Barrentine and Donnie Bolin; his brother-in-law, James David Baxley; and his sister-in-law, Janie Spivey.
Mr. Smith’s fun loving personality and stories of his Air Force hitch-hiking adventures, will live on in the memories of his two daughters, Leisa Pitchford (Glen) of Rehobeth, Sherryl Quast (Friend, Randy Hays), Fadette; his brothers, Ronald Smith of Wicksburg, Gary Smith (Judy) of Jacksons Gap; his sister, Nancy Barrentine (Robert) of Taylor; brother-in-law, Don Spivey of Fadette; grandchildren, JoAnna Pitchford, Whitney Barron (Samantha), Holli Fuller (Justin), Emily Strickland (Trapper Bell), Lindsey Wilson (Travis); great grandchildren, Cameron Turner, Logan McConnell, Julianna Fuller, Ivey Jo Barron, Jonah Fuller, Ever Wilson, Josie Fuller, Birdie Bell; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Whitney Barron, Travis Wilson, Trapper Bell, Justin Fuller, Cameron Turner, Logan McConnell, and Jonah Fuller.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
