Betty Coleman Herring went to be with her Lord at the age of 92 on June 4, 2026. Betty was born in Dickson, Tennessee on June 7th, 1933 to Willard and Lois Coleman. As a child, she was a fearless tomboy who loved the outdoors, climbing trees, and roller skating through her mother’s flower shop. She was a majorette and drum major in high school (the first female drum major at her school) and college at Austin Peay State University. An excellent student, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Austin Peay, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at University of Central Florida, and a Master’s Degree in School Administration at University of North Florida.
While at Austin Peay, she met a football player named Kenneth Dewey Herring. She described him as, “6’2, good looking, flat top, crew cut, red hair, and just out of the army.” She married the love of her life soon after college and then came to Auburn University for Ken to get his Master’s Degree. Ken and Betty enjoyed a wonderful life together of family, friends, and church. Ken was a coach and principal and Betty taught elementary school in Alabama and Florida. She especially loved teaching first graders because of that beautiful “lightbulb” moment when they learned how to read. Ken and Betty retired and moved to Reeltown, Alabama in 1994. They were married 51 years until Ken’s death in 2008. They had four children; Ron (Libba), Randy (Liz), Rhonda Herring (Craig), and Rod (Karen); eleven grandchildren- Laura Crook (Wheeler), Stephanie Lucas, Ryan Herring (Stacie), Will Herring (Ashley), Rusty Herring (Kathryn), Kate Manning (Shon), Caroline Myers (Tre’), Neal Herring, Rachel Herring, Ross Herring, and Samantha Gipson (John Todd); and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
Simply known as “Granny” to many, Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, beloved aunt, and dear friend. Through many moves, she made the decision to bloom wherever she was planted and collected friends everywhere she went— in Florida and Alabama, even later in life in Reeltown, Opelika, First Baptist, and Auburn Assisted Living. She wrote to one of the grandkids, “It’s amazing how God drops people and opportunities into our lives. We just have to listen!” She loved life and lived it well. At 86 years old, Betty still worked in the church library, attended exercise class, volunteered at the hospital, went to church whenever the doors were open, worked at the Community Food Bank, and ate lunch with a group of widows every Friday.
Betty had a special love of words. Some of her favorite hobbies included reading, working crossword puzzles, watching word-based game shows, and playing word games. Articulate and witty, she certainly had a gift with words. Her family members loved playing Scrabble with her, though they knew it meant certain defeat. Betty’s favorite word was God’s Word. She read it daily and she loved the Author.
Jesus was Lord of her life. She said, “I gave my heart to Jesus when I was 11 years old. I didn’t really know what I was doing then but now I know God had His hand on me from the get-go!” One of Betty’s greatest spiritual gifts was hospitality. Her home was always welcoming to family, friends, and strangers. She was a great cook and her joy came from seeing others share laughter and a meal around her table. Betty and Ken had a food ministry in Tallassee where they fed over 46,000 meals to the less fortunate over the course 12 years. James 2 says that faith without works is dead. Betty lived out her humble yet bold faith in action, over and over, spending her time on many good works and serving others as long as God allowed her strength to do so. The Bible tells us to practice hospitality and she did this from her heart. She was always present for her children and grandchildren and her influence on them was immeasurable. They felt loved and supported as she cheered them on in their various activities. Her dedication and example helped shape them into the people they are today, and will impact generations to come. She will be deeply missed by us all. Her favorite Scripture was Joshua 1:5- “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, June 8th at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.
Visitation is at 10:00AM and the funeral will be at 11:00AM. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Monday in the Oakey Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, near Abbeville, Alabama. Holman Abbeville Mortuaries & Cremations is assisting with local arrangements in Henry County. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Food Bank of East Alabama.
ABBEVILLE. . .John Parker “ JP ” Champion, a resident of Abbeville, passed away early Friday morning, June 5, 2026, at his home. He was 66.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, June 7, 2026, in the Family Life Building First Baptist Church Abbeville with Pastor Ricky Sowell officiating and eulogies to be given by Darden Kirby, Brendt Murphy and Rusty Champion. A private graveside service for the family will follow in the Shorterville Baptist Church Cemetery. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday in the Family Life Building.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Abbeville “Rebuild Fund”, P.O. Box 606, Abbeville, AL 36310.
JP Champion was born in Montgomery and raised in Shorterville, son of the late John Russell “Rusty” Champion and Margaret White Champion. He lived in Abbeville most of his adult lifetime. JP was a 1979 graduate of Abbeville Christian Academy and attended Sparks State Technical School in Eufaula where he received an Associates Degree in Electrical Technology. He was retired as the owner and operator of Wiregrass Plumbing & Electric of Abbeville. JP was a member of the First Baptist Church Abbeville and the Brown’s Crossroads Masonic Lodge No. 529. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Deloris Champion Bailey and Drenda Champion Williams and a brother, Mitchell Champion.
JP loved life, his friends, and enjoyed making a joke or getting a laugh out of everyone who crossed his path. To know him was to love him; and JP lived life to the fullest.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 39 years, Sarah “DeeDee” Messick Champion, two sons, Rusty Champion (Sarah) and Parker Champion (Abby), all of Abbeville; sisters, Russelle Champion and Dianne Champion, both of Abbeville; grandchildren, Carter Champion, Eli Champion, Becky Champion, Jackson Champion and JD Champion; numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Tae Hui Flowers, Troy Wilson, Brendt Murphy, Justin Murphy, Don Johnson and Robby Culp.
The family requests that all relatives and friends dress casual.
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.
Richard Kenneth Avant of Kinston, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 04, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 78.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, June 06, 2026, at the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama with Bro. James Linton and Sis. Brenda Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Geneva with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Kenneth was born on January 26, 1948, in Samson, AL to the late Welcome and Richardine Grace Bedsole Avant.
Kenneth was a proud and hardworking man whose life was marked by service, dedication, and simple joys that brought him lasting happiness. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and later continued his career at Ft. Rucker, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and later retired as an inspector.
Kenneth also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He always looked forward to Friday night, when he would go to the dance in Samson and enjoy the fellowship and music that made those evenings special to him. He also treated himself to his weekly hamburger on Saturday night, a small tradition that became one of the many things he cherished.
In his spare time, Kenneth found comfort and enjoyment in attending New Life Worship Center, where his faith remained an important part of his life. He also enjoyed watching westerns, a pastime that reflected his appreciation for old time stories. When he wanted to spend time outdoors and relax, he enjoyed riding his side-by-side, taking in the open air.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Jones Avant, and one son, Gregory Avant.
He is survived by two brothers, Joe Avant (Patricia) and Doug Avant (Faye) all of Kinston, AL; three sisters-in-law, Brenda Jones of Samson, AL, Tammie Jones of Goodman, AL, and Nell Jones Griffin of Geneva, AL; special friend, Diane Coskrey of Samson, AL; two special caregivers, Tracy Coskrey and Dana Garcia all of Kinston, AL; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Enterprise Fire and Rescue along with Gentiva Hospice for their dedicated care.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Reid, Dawson Reid, Luke Reid, Chris Reid, Trace Archie, and Michael Harrison.
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
ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mr. O’Neal Hughes, a resident of Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died Thursday afternoon, June 4, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 86.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 8, 2026, in the Pleasant Ridge Community Church with Pastor Anita Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Monday at the church.
Mr. Hughes, the son of the late O.V. Hughes and Gertrude Ellis Hughes, was a proud native and lifelong resident of the Rocky Head Community near Ariton. He spent his whole life in the place he loved, surrounded by the people and the land that shaped him. After many years of hard work, he retired from the Golden Peanut Company in Ozark, where he was known for his steady hands, strong work ethic, and willingness to help anyone who needed it.
What truly brought him joy, though, was time spent with his family—especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Whether he was out fishing on a quiet morning, walking through the woods during hunting season, or simply sitting and talking with the people he loved, he found happiness in the simple things. He had a gentle way about him and a down‑to‑earth spirit that made others feel at ease.
Mr. Hughes was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Community Church, where he found comfort, fellowship, and a sense of belonging. His life was rooted in kindness, humility, and a deep appreciation for the blessings around him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel C. Hughes. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his quiet strength, and the love he carried for his family and community. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons passed down, and the hearts of all who loved him.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-seven years, Maxine Adkinson Hughes, Ariton; two sons, Billy O’Neal Hughes (Christi), Elamville and Christopher John Hughes (Jacqueline), Rocky Head; two brothers, Howard Hughes (Janet), Enterprise and Garrett Hughes, Rocky Head Community; three grandchildren, Cheyenne Hughes Brownfield (Tyler), Mason Hughes, and Chase Hughes; three great-grandchildren, Asher Brownfield, Isla Brownfield, and Elaina Brownfield; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Billy Hughes, Mason Hughes, Chase Hughes, Tyler Brownfield, Dennis Ezell, and Kenny Baker.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Denise Louise Heintz Simmons, passed away on June 4, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 58.
Denise was born on May 7, 1968, in Enterprise, Alabama, and she made Dothan her home since 1999. Those who knew her will remember her as a loving, adventurous, and intelligent woman whose presence brought warmth and kindness to every room she entered.
Denise was the beloved wife of Daniel Simmons, and together they shared a life filled with devotion, shared experiences, and treasured memories. In the early years of their marriage, Denise and Daniel traveled widely while he served in the Military, visiting Germany and other parts of Europe. These journeys reflected Denise’s adventurous spirit and her appreciation for the beauty of the world beyond her own doorstep. She embraced new places and experiences with enthusiasm, and she carried that same openness into her daily life.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Devin Simmons, and her daughter, Danielle Simmons. Denise took great pride in her family and cherished the role she played in their lives. She was also a loving daughter to her father, Dennis Heintz, and she was preceded in death by her mother, Jackie Heintz. Her family was central to her life, and the bonds she shared with them were a source of strength, joy, and comfort throughout the years.
Denise worked with Southeast Health in IT, Administration, and EPIC, where she was valued for her intelligence, reliability, and steady commitment to her work. Her professional life reflected her ability to adapt, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the people and organizations around her. She approached her responsibilities with care and competence, and she earned the respect of colleagues through both her skill and her kind disposition.
In addition to her career, Denise was deeply involved in the lives of others through her natural ability to connect with people. She truly was a people person, and her warmth made it easy for others to feel welcome in her presence. She enjoyed building relationships and had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated. Denise also spent many years selling Thirty-One Bags, an endeavor that allowed her to share her enthusiasm, connect with others, and enjoy the friendships that came from it.
Denise’s life was one of movement, purpose, and heartfelt connection. She enjoyed traveling, especially in the years when she and Daniel were first married, and she carried those memories with her always. Whether she was exploring a new place, working alongside others, or spending time with family and friends, Denise brought energy and sincerity to all that she did. Her adventurous nature was balanced by a deep love for home, family, and community, and those who knew her will long remember the grace and strength she brought to everyday life.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Denise will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
With profound love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Sherman Lewis Benton, who entered eternal rest on June 3, 2026, at the age of 94.
Born February 27, 1932, in Dale County, Alabama, Sherman lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, hard work, kindness, and quiet strength. Throughout his ninety-four years, he touched countless lives through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love for those around him.
Sherman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Jane Benton, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Their enduring love was the foundation of a family that continues to grow and flourish through the generations. Though he deeply missed her following her passing, he carried her memory in his heart every day and looked forward to the day they would be reunited.
He was a devoted father and is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Melony Foster (James) and Cheryl Wood (Andy), who were blessed by his guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. His greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in watching it grow over the years.
He leaves behind a legacy that spans generations, including cherished grandchildren, along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
He is also survived by his beloved brothers-in-law: Bill Burgess (Shirley), Mickey McKnight (Debbie), and Jimmy McKnight (Nelda), and sisters-in-law, Liz Benton (Wayne), and Ann Benton (Norman), who shared many treasured memories and family celebrations with him throughout the years.
Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Benton and Mabel (Stanford) Benton, and his three brothers: one who passed away shortly after birth, Charles Wayne Benton, and Norman (Shorty) Benton, and a sister, Miriam Speight (Sam). Though they departed before him, their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.
Whether through his work, his service to others, his faith, or simply the example he set each day, Sherman embodied values that will continue to inspire those who loved him. He taught by example the importance of integrity, humility, perseverance, and compassion. His warm smile, gentle humor, steady presence, and heartfelt advice will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
To know Sherman was to know a man who valued family above all else. He celebrated life’s milestones with enthusiasm, found joy in simple pleasures, and never missed an opportunity to share a story, lend a helping hand, or offer words of encouragement. His life was a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and commitment.
While our hearts grieve his loss, we find comfort in the many memories he leaves behind and in the knowledge that his legacy lives on through the family he cherished so dearly.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Hwy, Dothan, AL 36305, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord!” Matthew 25:21.
