Harold Wesley Phillips Jr., lovingly known as Phil to his friends and family, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 64.
Born on April 23, 1961, to his loving parents, Harold Wesley Phillips Sr. and Janice Dale Phillips, in Chicago, Illinois, Phil lived a life marked by dedication, service, and devotion to the people he loved. He carried with him the strength and resilience that came from his upbringing, and those qualities remained evident throughout his life. Phil was a man who valued hard work, steadfast commitment, and the simple joys that made life meaningful. He will be remembered with deep affection by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Phil honorably served his country as an Army veteran for more than 14 years, a period of service that reflected his sense of duty and integrity. His military career was a meaningful part of his life, and he approached it with the same determination and reliability that defined him in all that he did. Following his service, he continued to contribute through his work with M1 Support Services at Fort Rucker, where he was respected for his experience, work ethic, and dependable presence. Phil took pride in doing his part well, and his commitment left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
Phil was preceded in death by his siblings, Ralph Holmes, Terrell Holmes and Peter Phillips.
Family was the center of Phil’s world, and he loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife, Connie Phillips; his son, Randy Floyd (Neosha); his daughters, Yolanda Phillips and Ava Phillips; and his beloved grandchildren, Kaleb Floyd, Dylan Floyd, McKenzie Floyd, Dean Yves Phillips, Joel Maxim Phillips, Leylani Marley Lola Phillips. Phil is also survived by his siblings, Toni Irvin, Daryl Phillips, Cory Phillips and Michelle Phillips; and a special aunt, Pamela Dale. He cherished the time he spent with his loved ones and found great joy in being surrounded by family. His love, guidance, and steady presence will remain in the hearts of those closest to him. The memories he created with them will continue to bring comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Phil was known for his devotion to his faith. He was devoted in Christ and often found serving in the Church. Phil also found happiness in the outdoors, where he enjoyed being outside and fishing. These quiet moments gave him peace and allowed him to appreciate the world around him. He also loved working on Beetle Bug cars, a hobby that reflected both his patience and his hands-on spirit. Whether he was spending time outdoors, tending to a project, or simply enjoying the company of family, Phil embraced life in a way that was genuine and sincere. He found meaning in the things he loved and shared that joy with others.
Those who knew Phil will remember him as a man of character, warmth, and quiet strength. He was someone who could be counted on, someone who gave of himself freely, and someone whose presence brought comfort to others. His life was shaped by service, family, and the values he held close, and his memory will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. Phil will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Jesse A. Richardson, Jr., 67, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2026, at his home with his wife and son watching over him.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date to be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Jesse was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on July 4, 1959. He was raised in Dothan and attended Dothan High School as a young man. Jesse then attended welding school and began his career in the construction industry, before later working primarily in the welding industry. He loved to play guitar and enjoyed sitting on the porch with his fur baby, Lucy, while drinking a good cup of coffee while watching nature stir around. Jesse was a very loving husband, father, and uncle.
He is preceded by his son, Jesse Richardson, III; his brother, Howie Richardson; his father-in-law, David McDonald; his mother, Janice Richardson; his father and stepmother, Jesse Richardson Sr. (Sandy); his brother-in-law, Richard McDonald; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Richardson.
Jesse is survived by his wife Janet; his sons, Jacob Richardson, and Cody Jackson; his mother-in-law, Melba McDonald; his brother, Allen Richardson; his two sisters, Kathy Hasty, and Tracy Riggs (Allen); his sisters-in-law, Judy Jenkins (Sammy), and Kathy Shirley; his loving fur baby, Lucy; and several nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
ARITON…Mrs. Jo Ann Casey Sutton, a resident of Ariton, died late Friday afternoon, April 3, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 89.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, in Ariton Cemetery with Reverend Kenneth Henegar officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ariton Cemetery Fund, PO Box 664, Ariton, Alabama 36311 or to the Ariton Fire & Rescue, PO Box 183, Ariton, Alabama 36311.
Mrs. Sutton was preceded in death by her parents, Hervie N. Casey and Iris Robinette Casey of Ariton; a very special daughter-in-law, Vonda Senn Sutton; one brother and sister-in-law, Reverend Gene Casey and Jewell Powell Casey; one sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette Casey Paulk and James Paulk of Ariton, and one sister-in-law, Faye Spivey Casey.
Survivors include her husband of seventy years, Jivas Lomax Sutton, Ariton; her special son, Dale Sutton, Ariton; one very special grandson, Jared Allen Sutton and Ashima Tshaering of San Francisco, California; one brother, Gerald Casey of Dothan, other nieces and nephews, and one very special friend, Drew Beasley.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jared Sutton, Kenny Segler, Joe Hartzog, Tommy Danner, Stevie Laney, and Drew Beasley.
Mrs. Sutton served her country for thirty years working with the Department of the Army at Fort Rucker. After retirement, she worked for Herring Tire, Shear Perfection of Ariton, and Golden Peanut Company for several years. She was an active member of several churches in the area; serving in the choir, group, and individual singing and temporarily served as secretary of several churches.
NEWVILLE… Lydia Mulkey Gordon, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Friday evening, April 3, 2026, at Tampa General Hospital, in Tampa, Florida. She was 43.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Scott Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Courageous for Cody” 6911 County Road 73 Newville, AL 36353.
Lydia Gordon was born in Dothan, Alabama, to James and Lillian Mulkey. She was a proud graduate of Headland High School, Class of 2000. Lydia continued her education, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Counseling, and devoted her life to helping others as a compassionate grief counselor.
Lydia had a creative spirit and a true gift for crafting. She found joy in making beautiful wreaths and personalized items for others. She was especially talented in working with her Cricut machine, creating custom designs, monogrammed cups, and unique handmade pieces. She also enjoyed working with resin, pouring her creativity into every project she touched. Her creations were not only beautiful but meaningful, often made with love and given to brighten someone else’s day.
She was an active and devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dothan Chapter 76, where she shared fellowship and service with her community. Lydia was also a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church, where her kindness, creativity, and encouraging spirit touched many lives.
She is preceded in death by her son, Cody Ashton Jenkins and her father, James Ray Mulkey.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jay D. Gordon, Newville; mother, Lillian Mulkey, Newville; brothers, James Alvin “Al” Mulkey (Donya); niece, Elisha Cook (Dr. Wayne Cook); nephew, Douglas Ray Mulkey; several other loving family members and friends.
Jerry was born in Dothan, Alabama, on August 2, 1964. He passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.
Funeral services will be held at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 21 Piney Grove Road, Rehobeth, Alabama 36301, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Keith White and Rev. Sam Davis. He will be laid to rest in the Piney Grove UMC Cemetery.
Jerry was raised in Rehobeth, Alabama. He attended Jack & Jill Kindergarten and completed grades 1–12 at Rehobeth High School. After graduating in 1983, he attended Wallace College, where he took electrical and EMT classes. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Minnesota School of Theology, graduating with the highest honors, summa cum laude. He also studied theology at Emory University, Birmingham-Southern College, and Huntingdon College.
Jerry was employed by the City of Dothan for 25 years, working in traffic engineering before retiring in 2006.
As a minister, Jerry served for 20 years in the United Methodist Church, including at Madrid UMC, Napier Field UMC, Pondtown UMC, and Piney Grove UMC, retiring in 2018. He also enjoyed working at Lowe’s from 2008 to 2015.
Jerry credited his love for God to his beloved Granny, Nancy Hughes, who often spoke to him about Jesus and His love for everyone. Jerry joined Piney Grove UMC at age 12 and cherished being part of the loving fellowship of his church family. There, he met his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn, also at age 12. They later married at their home church, Piney Grove, on December 17, 1983. Jerry deeply loved his extended family, the Bradleys, who welcomed him as one of their own.
Together, Jerry and Carolyn enjoyed going to the beach, listening to their favorite songs—including “Sailing” and “Endless Love”—fishing, exploring antique shops, and spending time in the countryside. They also enjoyed dining at Rodeo and Hacienda for Mexican food. Jerry loved thrift shopping and going to lunch with his daughter Abby, where they would discuss many topics. He also shared his love of Star Wars and The Beatles with his daughter Emily.
Jerry and Carolyn built a loving family with their two daughters, Emily and Abby, each of whom had a special relationship with their father. Jerry affectionately nicknamed Emily “Embo” and Abby “his buddy.”
Jerry leaves behind his beloved Boston Terrier, Ollie, whom he rescued in 2022. They enjoyed being snack and nap buddies and watching Gunsmoke together.
Jerry loved music, reading, and woodworking. He cherished spending time with his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey, and watching them grow and achieve many accomplishments. He also participated in Yoshukai Karate, earning his black belt in 1988. Jerry loved people and sharing his faith in Jesus. He was a man of integrity who loved everyone.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Bradley Hughes; his daughters, Emily Hyland (Adam) and Abby McNeil (Andrew); and his granddaughters, Aubrey and Bailey Jenkins.
He is also survived by his extended family that he considered siblings: Daisy and Dwayne Johnson; Kaye and Mark Blocker; Bruce and Janet Bradley; Bob and Becky Bradley; Pat and Brenda Bradley; and Randall and Debbie Baxley.
He also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews; three special cousins, Mike Money, Keith White, and Greg White; and many dear friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Nancy Hughes; his cherished Border Collie mix, Luna; and his close friend, Michael Locke.
The family wishes to thank Southeast Health, the Flowers MICU 3 unit, and all the doctors who cared for him—especially Dr. Latimer—for the compassion and care shown during his illness over the past four months. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dayspring Hospice for the love and care provided in his final days.
Expressions of sympathy may be made through flowers sent to Sunset Funeral Home, or donations may be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Elisabeth Charlotte Ramirez, age 93, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026.
Elisabeth will be celebrated in a service by her family, in accordance with her wishes. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Born in Landshut, Germany, Elisabeth’s life was one marked by love, devotion, and quiet strength. It was there that she met and married her beloved husband, SFC (RET) Ruben Ramirez, beginning a lifelong journey together rooted in partnership and care. As a proud military wife, Elisabeth embraced the many moves and transitions that came with that life, always creating a sense of home wherever they were. In time, she and her family settled in Ozark, Alabama, where she planted lasting roots and built a warm and welcoming home.
Elisabeth found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. She had a special talent for creating beauty through florals, knitting, and embroidery. She cherished time spent playing Scrabble or getting lost in a good book. She was known for her kind heart, and the way she made others feel cared for. Family was at the center of Elisabeth’s life. She lovingly hosted holiday gatherings, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of shared meals. She never missed an opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of coffee, especially in the company of those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Bernloher and Rose Bernloher of Landshut, Germany. Elisabeth is survived by her devoted husband, SFC (RET) Ruben Ramirez; her daughters, Linda Barefield (Mike), Rosmarie Williamson (Ronnie), and Sylvia Ambrose (Eddy); her grandchildren, Julie Kelly (John), John Barefield (Brittney), Shaun Williamson, Amy Sutton, David Williamson, and Molly Ambrose; and her great-grandchildren, Libby Kelly, Cullis Kelly, Emma Rose Barefield, Bryant Barefield, Cooper Sutton, and Zeke Sutton.
Elisabeth will be remembered for her sweet personality, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the countless small acts of love that defined her days. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ozark Boys and Girls Club, 195 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
