DOTHAN…Ms. Louise Morrell Peterman, a resident of Dothan, died Monday morning, November 17, 2025, at the home of her sister in Dothan. She was 81.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 21, 2025, in Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jason Johnson officiating. Graveside services, with Chaplain Adam Mulliner officiating, will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Ms. Peterman, born to the late Jessie James Morrell and Lillie Mae Broxton Morrell, was a proud native of Midland City, Alabama. Though she came from humble beginnings, her life was rich with love, laughter, and deep-rooted faith. She spent most of her years in Dothan, where she built a home filled with warmth and memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
For many years, she worked at Wesley Place in Dothan, where she was known for her gentle spirit and kind heart. Her coworkers and the residents she cared for remember her as someone who always had a smile, a listening ear, and a comforting presence. She treated everyone like family, and her compassion left a lasting mark.
Ms. Peterman had a playful side too — she loved a good game of cards, especially UNO. Her laughter would fill the room during family game nights, and she never missed a chance to playfully tease someone when she was winning. But more than anything, she cherished time spent with her family. Whether it was a big holiday gathering or a quiet afternoon visit, being surrounded by her loved ones brought her greatest joy.
She was a woman of strong Pentecostal faith, and her belief in God guided her through life’s joys and sorrows. Her faith was not just something she spoke about — it was something she lived every day, through her kindness, her resilience, and her unwavering love for others.
Ms. Peterman’s journey was not without heartache. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, James Ray Kelley; her grandson, Anthony Mims; two precious great-great granddaughters, Alayna Adams and Aliya Adams; her siblings, Nellie Ruth Bowman, Jack Morrell (Margie), James Ray Morrell, James Preston Morrell, Coy Ray Morrell, and Frances Morrell, niece, Jamie Morrell, and her son-in-law, Kenneth Mims. Though their absence left a deep ache in her heart, she carried their memories with grace and strength, always keeping their spirits alive through stories, prayers, and love.
She is survived by her children, Sue Mims, Jerry Kelley, and Scotty R. Kelley, all of Dothan; three sisters, Emma Lou Woods, Betty Jean Davis, both of Dothan, and Sandra Mae Henderson, Newton; granddaughter, Kesha Mims; great-grandson, Isaiah Adams (Malika); great-granddaughter, Krystina Peters; great-great grandchildren, Ava and Mia Adams; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be John Staroard, Isaiah Adams, Bubba Davis, Aaron Davis, Chase McNeil, and Preston Davis.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Georgia May Thomas, a cherished soul known affectionately as Georgia to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Enterprise, Alabama. Born on May 2, 1930, in Oklahoma, Georgia’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of nurturing both people and nature.
Georgia’s journey began as the daughter of Jesse James Stamps and Vergie Penelope Stamps, and from her early days, she was a beacon of kindness and creativity. Her life was one of both service and devotion; she proudly served in the Army for two years, where she met her beloved husband, Charles Everett Thomas. Together, they embarked on a life filled with adventure and commitment, as Georgia supported Charles through his 30-year military career, creating a loving home wherever they were called.
The couple was blessed with a large and loving family. Georgia is survived by her son, Brian Thomas (Teri), daughters, Karen Wilkerson (Skip), Carol Elaine Ellis, and Cheryl Thomley. Her legacy continues to bloom through her eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored. Georgia’s nurturing spirit lives on in her one surviving sister, who along with the rest of the family, will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, after 61 years of marriage, her son, Charles Everett Thomas, Jr., her son-in-law, Larry Ellis, her parents, Jesse James Stamps and Vergie Penelope Stamps, four brothers, one sister, and three stepsisters.
Upon retiring in Daleville, Alabama, Georgia’s creative spirit found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She possessed a remarkable green thumb, able to grow anything she put her mind to. Her gardens were of many colors, reflecting her love for gardening and flowers. Georgia’s hands were rarely still, as she expressed her creativity through crocheting and quilting, crafting beautiful pieces that became treasured family heirlooms.
Georgia was the embodiment of kindness. Her warm, gentle nature made her a friend to all, and her creative talents brought beauty into the lives of those around her. She was a woman who planted seeds of love and watched them grow, nurturing her family, her garden, and her community with equal passion.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2pm in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Paul Alexander and Keith Sharp officiating.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
ABBEVILLE. . .James David Peterson, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, died Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025, at Henry County Health and Rehab Facility. He was 83.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Ricky Sowell officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the FBC Rebuild Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 606, Abbeville, Alabama 36310 or the FBC Rebuild Fund at any HNB First Bank location.
Mr. Peterson was a lifelong resident of Henry County and was a 1960 graduate of Headland High School. He served his country in the Army National Guard in the Headland Unit which was activated during the Berlin Crisis. He was an active and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Abbeville where he served as a Deacon. Mr. Peterson received an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Troy State University. Mr. Peterson retired from Alabama Power Company after 47 years of service. Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Judson Baptist Association Love in Action Food Bank, Henry County Health and Rehab, Abbeville Kiwanis Club, Abbeville Chamber of Commerce, Covenant Hospice, Wiregrass Area Food Bank, and American Legion Post 119. He was predeceased by John William Peterson and America Elmore Peterson, his mother, Nora Lee Peterson, a special aunt, Thollie DeShazo, his wife of 42 years, Barbara Forehand Peterson, his two brothers, Johnny Mac Watson and Charles Sawyer.
He is survived by his son, Derek Peterson (Jan), Abbeville; two grandchildren, Will Peterson (Olivia) and Claire Russell (J.T.); great grandchildren, Mary Margarette Peterson and Anna Caroline Russell; sisters, Charlene Goolsby (Eugene), Enterprise; and Thollie Clayton (Tommy), Dothan; a brother Mike Sawyer (Becky), Denver, CO; several nieces and nephews.
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.
Raymond Crews of Samson, AL passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at his home. He was 87 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Earles and Rev. Alan Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Raymond was born in Samson, AL on May 1, 1938, to the late Rayfus and Louise Churchwell Crews. Raymond was a respected businessman in the community, known to everyone for Crews BBQ & GRILL. He was the proud creator of the “McRaymond Hamburger,” a culinary delight that won the hearts and appetites of all who had the pleasure of savoring it. His establishment was more than just a local eatery; it was a gathering place where friendships were cultivated, memories made, and the true flavor of Samson was served. He loved to be outdoors and loved to fish every chance he could.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Crews; one daughter, Dianne Crews; and one son, Wilmer Lee Crews.
He is survived by three sons, Richard Crews (Felicia) of Samson, AL, Andy Crews (Tina) of Samson, AL, and Keith Crews of Gantt, AL; one daughter, Donna Smith (Wade) of Samson, AL; nine grandchildren, Amanda Reeves (Jeffrey), Christopher Crews (Amber), Emily Holtum (Jacob), Christy Rials (Jo), Chad Crews, Tori Brewer (Jay), Terra Crews, Nikki Linton (Johnathon Golden), and Dusty Smith. His love and lessons will live on in the laughter of his 17 great-grandchildren, Dylan Baker, Allie Rae Crews, Colby Crews, Charlotte Holtum, Elena Holtum, Mary Grace Adams, Andy Rials, Rae-Lynn Crews, Jake Rials, Cooper Crews, Blakely Brewer, Maddie Linton, Mackenzie Linton, Mari Linton, Jaycie, Aubrey and Shelby Golden. His brother, Alfred Crews, with his wife Margaret of Knoxville, Tennessee, also survive him, alongside his special companion, Yolanda Kimble of Dothan, Alabama, and two treasured “fur babies,” Ginger and Stella.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care provided. We would also like to offer a special thank-you to his granddaughter, Nikki Linton, whose unwavering love, support and attentiveness made his last several months more peaceful and meaningful.
Lynda Sue Saunders, a cherished soul known for her loving nature and creative spirit, passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 14, 1946, in Dothan, Lynda’s life was a tapestry of close family ties, enduring friendships, and a passion for the simple pleasures in life.
Lynda was the beloved daughter of the late Loyd Herman White and Ruby Kathryn McKay White. She grew up surrounded by the love and camaraderie of her siblings. Though she was predeceased by her sister Janice Olivia White and her sister-in-law, Cindy White, her memory will be treasured by her sister, Mary Jane Tindell and husband Larry, her brothers, Tim White and wife Christina, Jerry White, and Terry White and wife Onna. Lynda’s warmth and guidance will be profoundly missed by her niece Christina Kathryn White and her nephews Joseph Loyd McKinney and Tim Tindell (Carla), as well as her grand-nephew James Joseph Anderson. Her close lifelong friends John D. McGill and Missy Hall will remember her for the laughter, support, and countless memories they shared.
A graduate of Dothan High School, Lynda carried the spirit of her hometown into her studies at the University of Alabama. Her academic journey was a reflection of her broad interests and her innate desire to learn and grow. Lynda’s life was rich with interests that brought joy to her and those around her. She found solace in the beauty of her garden, a place where her creativity could flourish among the flowers and plants she tended with care. Shopping was more than a pastime for Lynda; it was an adventure, a way to express her unique style and an opportunity to share moments with friends. Art was a window to the world for her, a source of inspiration and contemplation. Lynda’s kitchen was the heart of her home, where she combined her love for cooking with her desire to bring people together.
Her fur babies were a constant source of happiness, companionship, and unconditional love. They were not just pets but members of her family, each cherished for their individual personalities and the joy they brought to her life.
A Celebration of Lynda’s life will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, November 16, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Doug Seale officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Sara Nell Spivey Judah, age 84, a resident of Newton (formerly of Brundidge) died Thursday November 13, 2025, at Flowers Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Shirley Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in the Newton City Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.
The family will be receiving friends from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday prior to services. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, 265 Riverchase Parkway East, Suite 106, Hoover, AL 35244.
Mrs. Judah was born on November 18, 1940, in Brundidge, the daughter of William Lewis Spivey and Mary Lee Kelly Spivey. She retired as a labeler with Doxee in Brundidge following 45 years of service. Mrs. Judah was a 1959 Graduate of Pike County High School and was Baptist faith. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and loved her family especially her Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, David Allen Judah; two sisters, Ann Jones, Lourene Brock; a brother, William Cleveland Spivey.
Survivors include: Husband of 42 years, David Judah, Newton; three daughters, Roxanne Barr, Montgomery; Vicki Trehern (Mark), Abbeville; Debbie Ward (James), Rehobeth; a son, Russell Bundy (Wendy), Troy; three sisters, Frances Yeomans, Brundidge; Jean McGrady, Troy; Diane Jordan, Ariton; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers will be: Shane Barr, Shad Barr, Joe Judah, Hayden Judah, Johnnie Mercer and Jeremiah Folds.
Honorary pallbearer will be Hunter Arnett.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
