Kenneth “Ken” Stewart, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in Daleville, Alabama. Born on October 15, 1947, in the Babbie/Straughn area, Ken’s journey through life was marked by courage, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.
Ken proudly served his country as a Vietnam Veteran in the Marines for four years before retiring from the National Guard. His commitment to service was a testament to his strength and character, attributes that would define his approach to all aspects of his life. After his military career, Ken became a well-respected entrepreneur, founding and operating Southern Pest Control for 32 years. His work ethic and leadership in the business community were admired by all who knew him.
Ken’s life was a tapestry woven with the love of his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Stewart, who stood by him as his partner and best friend. He is survived by his children, Suprena Chapman (Kevin), Darren Stewart (Shanel), and Scotty Moulton (Cristi). Ken’s joy was multiplied by his grandchildren, Braiden Mercer, Kade Mercer, Hunter Stewart, Jace Stewart, Brittany Kervin, Courtney Fox, and Dylan Moulton, as well as 13 great grandchildren, who will carry his legacy forward. He was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored. Ken was preceded in death by his loving parents, Thomas and Pearl Stewart, and his eight siblings.
Ken enjoyed camping and spending time at the beach, where he appreciated the calm of nature. He was known for his sense of humor, kind demeanor, and ability to connect easily with others. Ken never met a stranger, and his friendly, humble nature made him well known and respected in his community.
Ken’s love for life was evident in every smile, every handshake, and every kind word he shared. He found great happiness in caring for his animals, and his compassionate spirit extended to all living creatures. Those who knew Ken described him as the embodiment of courage and kindness. His friendly nature made him a beacon of light in the lives of those he encountered.
Military honors will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2pm at the Sunset Funeral Home Helicopter Pavilion.
HEADLAND…Diane Covington, a resident of Headland, Alabama died late Monday evening, January 12, 2026, at her home. She was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Tomlin officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Clayhatchee. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Ms. Covington, the beloved daughter of the late Charlie Newton Covington and Hazel Virginia Bowman Covington, was born and raised in Iron City, Georgia, a place that shaped her early years and remained close to her heart. She spent most of her life in the Midland City and Headland communities, where she built a life filled with familiar faces, steady routines, and the people she cared for most.
She worked for many years at Extendicare Health Center in Dothan, where she was known for her kindness, her steady presence, and the gentle way she cared for others. Those who worked alongside her remember her as someone who could be counted on—someone who brought warmth into even the busiest days.
More than anything, Ms. Covington loved being with her family. Time spent together—whether talking, laughing, or simply sharing the same space—meant everything to her. She had a quiet way of showing love, and the people closest to her always felt it. And of course, no gathering was complete without her favorite drink in hand. Her love for Diet Coke became something of a signature—one of those small, simple joys that made her who she was.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her loyalty to the people she loved, and the comfort she brought just by being herself. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring warmth to the hearts of those who knew her.
Surviving relatives include her two sons, Jason Whitehead and his wife Brandy, who cared for Ms. Covington as her own mother, Headland and Rubin Covington and his wife, Ashley, Fort Worth, Texas; two sisters, Betty Woodham and husband, James, Headland and Amanda Sue Covington, Midland City; six brothers, Tommy Covington, Enterprise, Wayne Covington, Headland, Mack Covington, Augusta, Georgia, Marshall Covington and wife, Chrissy, Toccoa, Georgia, Wilburn Covington, Headland, and Bobby Covington, Virginia; seven grandchildren, including Shelby Whitehead and Jason Charlie Whitehead; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Tyler Woodham, J.C. Whitehead, Dylan Woodham, Aiden Woodham, Johnathan Williams, and Christian Williams.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gladys Jacqueline Payne Harper Jones, affectionately known as “Jackie” to her friends and as “Sweetmama” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2026, at the age of 92.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 at Memory Hill cemetery with Luke Walker officiating.
Born on January 29, 1933, Jackie lived a life guided by her strong Christian faith and love for Jesus. As a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church, her faith was evident in how she lived her life. A somewhat playful spirit, Jackie loved to write silly poems with her grandchildren and tell jokes to make those around her smile. She exuded joy and patience, treating everyone in her life with loving kindness. She found comfort in the Lord and reflected His love in her care for her family, her neighbors, and all of God’s creation.
Jackie was an incredibly talented seamstress who once owned a fabric store while living in Lake Placid, Florida. She lovingly crafted beautiful clothing for her family and even handmade dresses for her grandchildren’s dolls, creating keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. With great patience and a genuine love for children, she taught her children and grandchildren how to sew, passing down not only her skills but also her time, care, and attention.
For 18 years, Jackie was the welcoming receptionist for Dr. Bill Shriner’s dental office in Lake Placid, where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on countless patients. Over time, she also built a treasured friendship with Dr. Shriner and his wife, Joyce.
Jackie was a good friend and had a special bond with nature and animals. She loved line dancing, fishing, raising goats, and had a remarkable way of calling wild turtles to her backyard to feed them. She faithfully fed the birds and spent countless peaceful hours on her back porch watching them, finding joy and serenity in the beauty of God’s creation.
She will be remembered for her gift of recounting the stories of her life, gentle spirit, her patient and nurturing heart, her unwavering faith, and the warmth she brought into every interaction. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack G. and Gladys Atkins Payne; step mother, Jane Warren Payne; sisters, Rochelle Payne Miller, Marianne Payne; and grandson, Charles S. Rhinehart. She is survived by her sister, Jenine “Sidney” Payne; three daughters: Deborah Maxwell, Barbara Aldea (Steve), and Donna Woodis (Bill); four grandchildren: Shea McTrusty (Chesley), Luke Walker (Ashley), Iris Koehnemann (Matt), and Dr. Bailee Hardgrove (Dr. Daniel Hardgrove); and thirteen great grandchildren.
ASHFORD…Lisa Faulkner Thompson-Cosby, a resident of Ashford, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, in Extendicare Health Center in Dothan. She was 65.
There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Lisa was born in Enid, Oklahoma and was raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, daughter of the late Clifford Eugene Faulkner and Ellen Varner Faulkner. She lived in Henry County, between Headland & Columbia, before moving to Ashford in 2013. Lisa was formerly employed by Commonwealth and H.T. Hackney as a Territorial Sales Representative. She was of Baptist faith. Lisa is preceded in death by a sister, Laurie Faulkner.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Dennis Earl Cosby, Ashford; a son Michael C. Etress (Haley), Midland City; a brother, David Faulkner (Deborah), Sylacauga, AL; three grandchildren, Annaston Jackson, Jocelyn Etress and Owen Etress.
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.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Crocker of Montgomery passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 85.
Mrs. Crocker was born January 1, 1941, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to the late Jefferson and Jewel Powell. Mrs. Crocker resided in Elba, prior to moving to Montgomery
A memorial service honoring Mrs. Crocker will be held at a later date.
