Shirley Diane Brookins passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Hartford Health Care. She was 76 years old.
Born on June 12, 1949, Shirley lived a life filled with love, kindness, and simple joys. She cherished time spent with her family and created many happy memories with them over the years. In her earlier days, she enjoyed fishing and cooking for those she loved. In more recent years, she found comfort and happiness in coloring and watching her favorite westerns on television. Shirley touched the hearts of the other residents and staff at the nursing home, during her time there. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Madrid City Cemetery with Bro. Hosea Parker officiating and under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Sylvester Bess and Mary Lois Skinner Bess; and siblings, Carolyn Harper, Judy Isler, and Greg Bess.
Survivors include her children, Tammy Robinson of Hartford and Terry Peacock (Quen) of Slocomb; grandchildren, Sandy Valles (Wayne) of Malvern, Michael Peacock of Gordon, Caleb Peacock (Alexa) of Arizona, Kallie Peacock of Pansey, Jacob Peacock (Dawn) of Taylor, Cristie Sanders of Rehobeth, Lee Peacock of Rehobeth; many great grandchildren; sister, Cindy Bess Perry (Mike) of Echo; along with several nieces and nephews.
Jerald Preston Landingham of Samson, AL, passed away at home on Nov 11, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Damon Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Landingham Family Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.
He was born February 20, 1949, to the late Grady Phonso & Inez Landingham.
His childhood was lived enjoying the dirt road, woods, creeks, and walking barefoot whenever he had the opportunity.
He attended school at Hacoda School until it was closed, then transferred to Samson High School and became a 1967 graduate. After high school, he moved to Birmingham, AL with a few of his friends to pursue an education in electronics. He would tell how it didn’t take long to realize Birmingham was more town than this country boy needed. Once, one of his friends mentioned the thought of heading home and attending MacArthur State Technical, they were packed and southbound by sundown.
After graduating from MacArthur, he went on to perform Telemetry operations at Site B4-A of Eglin Air Force Base in Eglin, FL. During that time, Jerald and his wife of 55 years, Lannett, raised four sons, Jerald, Johnny, Anthony and Douglas and welcomed several full dinner tables of their friends as time went on.
He was a wise man with a soft voice. More than a few times someone would pull up to the barn asking for help with an engine issue or an electrical question, he would grab a pecan twig and proceed to draw electric schematics out in the driveway sand to help show the person how to solve the problem.
He loved to roll up his pant legs and feel the sawdust under his feet as he worked in the cabinet shop to build beautiful furniture pieces and cabinet sets for countless homes over the past 4+ decades.
He loved fishing and got great pleasure in sitting on Black Creek snatching mullet over the edge of the boat. The “zing” of a taunt line always put a smile on his face.
Mr. Landingham was preceded in death by his parents, Grady Phonso and Inez Landingham; sisters, Annett Cooper and Florence Pelham; and one brother, George “Hilton” Landingham.
He is survived by his wife, Lannett Landingham; his four sons, Jerald Landingham (Deanna), Johnny Landingham (Stacey), Anthony Landingham (Shannon) and Douglas Landingham (Jade); grandchildren: Steven, Courtney, Jordan, DJ, Jessica, Nicholas, Brittany, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Trey, Lee, Austin, Dayton and Dalton; 9 great grandchildren; and one brother, Norman Landingham.
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
Tristan Daniel Singley, a spirited soul and God-fearing man, known for his vivacious personality and creative spirit, passed away at the age of 62 in Dothan, Alabama, on November 10, 2025. Born in Madison, Wisconsin on December 3, 1962, to the late Charlyne and Willie Singley, Tristan brought laughter and joy into the lives of those around him throughout his remarkable journey on earth.
Tristan’s early years in Madison laid the foundation for a life rich in character and marked by a unique blend of independence and warmth. His journey eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he embraced the vibrant culture before finally settling down in Dothan six years prior to his passing. Tristan’s move to Dothan was a testament to his adaptive nature and his ability to find comfort and happiness in new surroundings.
He is survived by his beloved children, Caleb Singley and daughter Selah Singley, who were the pride and joy of his life. Tristan’s legacy of love and creativity is also carried on by his brother, Wesley “Kevin” Grider, Sr., and his nephew, Wesley Grider, Jr. His cherished friend, Kevin, along with numerous other friends, will fondly remember Tristan’s inimitable presence and the indelible mark he left on their lives.
Tristan’s professional life was characterized by his commitment to hard work and reliability, traits that served him well in his blue-collar roles and throughout his tenure at Wal-Mart, from which he retired. His colleagues will remember him as a steadfast and dedicated worker, one who brought not only his labor but also his laughter to the workplace every day.
Beyond his work, Tristan was a man of many passions. His love for classic rock was only matched by his appreciation for good food and captivating movies. Those who knew him will recall his sense of humor—both silly and sharp—and the joy he derived from sharing a laugh with others. Tristan’s artistic nature was most evident in the beautiful and creative items he crafted for his children when they were younger, a tangible expression of his love and talent.
Tristan Daniel Singley will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was indeed a character—one who lived his life with authenticity and who never failed to leave a lasting impression. As we say goodbye to Tristan, we celebrate the memories, the laughter, and the love he shared. His spirit, undeniably unique and forever cherished, will continue to inspire and comfort us in the days to come.
Our beloved “Maw Maw,” Judy Jane McCraney, passed away in her home on November 9, 2025, at the age of 77 holding her daughters’ hands. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church in Newton, Alabama. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am and the funeral service will start at 11:00 am. Mr. Craig Bailey will be officiating with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb, Alabama directing the services and receiving flowers.
Judy loved our Savior Jesus Christ. She was a kind and caring person who saw beauty in everyone. She was a talented seamstress and cook and baked cakes for anyone in the community. For over 20 years, Judy served others as a nurse’s aide and was an organist at Bethal Baptist Church for many years.
Mrs. McCraney was born February 6, 1948 in Houston County, Dothan, Alabama to the late Joe Horace and Morell Barwick Jones. In addition to her parents; her husband
Billy McCraney; son, Joseph “Jody” Wayne Dillard, II; and sister, Maureen Richardson, all preceded her in death.
She is survived by her loving family of three daughters: Jayne (Troy) Conway; Darlene (Riley) Sims, Stacey (Tony) Riley; two sons: Michael (Delorie) Lee, JoJo Lee; grandsons: Joshua Conway, Jacob Conway; grand- daughter, Kali Russaw; great grandson, Tommy Pham-Conway; two great granddaughters: Alice Conway, Anna Conway; brother, Sammy (Debbie) Jones, niece, Priscilla Guillotten; nephews: Lee Jones, Mark Lisenby and other extended family members and friends.
Jack Heaslett, a cherished member of Westside Terrace, passed away peacefully on the 8th of November 2025, at the venerable age of 98. Jack, whose life spanned nearly a century, was a man of integrity and hard work whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sheila Smith Heaslett, and their cherished daughter, Susan Heaslett. Jack is survived by his son, Todd Heaslett, brother-in-law, Larry Smith, niece, Stacey Smith and nephews, Alex, Wint and Troy Smith
Born on July 26, 1927, Jack’s early years laid a foundation for a life dedicated to service and excellence. His role in the Army during World War II exemplified his patriotic spirit and commitment to his country. After his honorable discharge, he brought his disciplined work ethic to the civilian workforce, eventually taking on the role of finance manager at Smith’s Automotive. His astute understanding of finance and property values later led him to a successful career as a real estate appraiser, a field where his integrity was not only appreciated but sought after.
The words that best encapsulate Jack are embodied in every role he assumed—kindness in his interactions, reliability in his commitments, and an industrious spirit that propelled him forward. He approached every task with a resolute dedication, whether it was serving his country, leading in the workplace, or providing for his family. He was also a man of strong Christian faith.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery with Reverend Doug Seale officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
Dr. Hoyt A. Childs, Jr., MD, known affectionately as Hoyt, Jr to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Geneva, Alabama. Born on August 21, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, Hoyt was a man of exceptional intellect, kindness especially to his patients, and generosity, whose life was marked by his commitment to medicine, his family, and his church.
Hoyt’s journey began as a bright young student in Samson, Alabama, where he graduated from Samson High School. His passion for medicine led him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine. Hoyt’s medical career was distinguished by his service in the US Navy in Charleston, South Carolina, and his dual board certification in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. For 34 years, he practiced pediatric medicine with a gentle hand and a warm heart in Fairhope, Alabama, before dedicating another decade to emergency medicine in Huntsville.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hoyt was a man deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He was a faithful member of Samson First Methodist Church, where he shared his musical talents as the organist for many years. His love for music extended to playing the piano, a pastime that brought joy to many gatherings and quiet moments alike.
Hoyt’s love for life was evident in his varied interests. He found solace in the beauty of nature, often spending time planting flowers and immersing himself in the outdoors. A lifelong learner, he enjoyed reading and had a particular fascination with foreign languages. His compassionate spirit was also reflected in his love for animals, a trait that endeared him to all creatures great and small.
Hoyt’s legacy is carried on by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Sandra H. Childs of Samson, AL; his sons, Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III (Christy) of Huntsville, AL, and Thomas Childs (Gladys) of Ft. Worth, TX; his cherished grandchildren, Abbie, Sarah Kate, Megan, Baylee, and Scott Childs; his siblings, Dr. Hayden Childs (Jule), Patricia “Trish” Janasky (Ed), and Dr. Rich Childs (Dr. Mitzi); and a host of special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Hoyt Abner Childs, Sr. and Ouida Weekes Childs.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Samson First Methodist Church with his niece, Julia Gibbs, Rev. Dean Moore, and Rev. Dustin Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.
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
