Betty Margaret Rushing Markham, 78, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on October 14, 2026 surrounded by her loving husband and their three children. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on May 29th, 1948. She was the firstborn child of Elvis Rushing and Lurlene Dill Rushing. Her arrival brought such joy to her grocer parents, that they celebrated by naming Betty M. Cornmeal and Flour in her honor. It was ground and packaged at Brown’s Mill on Stones River and sold at Rushing’s Supermarket for 25 years.
Betty developed her strong work ethic and love for people as a young cashier at her father’s supermarket and her grandfather’s business, Pop’s Salvage Company on Vine Street. Betty was a 1966 graduate of Murfreesboro Central High School. She attended David Lipscomb College for two years before finishing her B.S. in English at Middle Tennessee State University in 1971. She was active in the MTSU Christian Student Center from its earliest days. Betty began her teaching career as an English teacher at Huntland and Shelbyville Central High before moving to Memphis.
While attending MTSU, Betty caught the eye of David Markham of Goodlettsville in a philosophy class. It was her beautiful smile that first captured his attention. After David served two years in the Army including a stint in Korea, the two resumed dating and were married on June 10, 1973. The newlyweds moved to Memphis, where David began medical school at the University of Tennessee. During those years, Betty supported them as a counselor at Harding Academy until David completed his internship and residency.
Betty and David were blessed with three children, Briant, Jonathan, and Mary Kate. In 1983, the Markhams moved to Dothan, Alabama where Dr. Markham served as a Pathologist for 20 years at Flower’s Hospital. Betty loved her roles as a wife and mother, devoting herself to supporting her husband and nurturing the growth and discipleship of her children. She took great pride in watching her three children grow and pursue their own paths, each graduating from Auburn University. Briant became an engineer, Jonathan a dentist, and Mary Kate an optometrist.
The Markham family grew with Jonathan’s marriage to Sarah Sanders of Brundidge, Alabama, and Mary Kate’s marriage to Jason Moring of Dothan. Betty and David’s lives were further blessed with five grandchildren—Amelia, Will, and Adeline Markham, and David and Anna Katherine Moring—each of whom brought incredible joy to their lives.
Lake Eufaula became a treasured gathering place for the Markham family. Family and friends gathered often on weekends and holidays at their lake home for meals, fishing, skiing, and boating. Betty was an excellent Southern cook. Betty was known for her creativity, her love of flowers, and her gift for seeing beauty in old and forgotten treasures—a pastime she referred to as “junktiquing.”
At the age of sixteen, Betty was united with Christ through baptism into His saving gospel, beginning a lifelong journey of faithfully following Jesus. Her deep love for God’s Word was evident in her well-worn Bibles, filled with sermon notes, highlighted passages, and personal reflections. She delighted in studying Scripture, both independently and alongside others, and especially appreciated its historical and cultural context. The Gospel of John held a special place in her heart.
Betty’s faith was not only something she studied, but something she lived and shared with others. For many years, she taught fourth graders at Westgate Church of Christ in Dothan, ministered to women at the Houston County Jail, offered compassionate counsel at a local crisis pregnancy center and devoted herself to caring for her aging mother. Betty was fondly known for her gift of hospitality, warmly welcoming others into her home, gathering them around her table, and inviting them to the lake. In all these things, Betty sought to reflect the love of Christ in the lives of those around her. Betty’s final years were marked by a long and gradual illness, yet through it all, her spirit remained one of warmth and beauty. The same smile that first captured David’s heart continued to captivate those who loved her, even in her final days. Betty’s greatest legacy is found in the faith she lived, the family she loved, and the countless lives she touched along the way. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, whom she faithfully followed.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved aunt, Mildred Dill Jamison Mitchell. In addition to her husband, children, and their families, she is survived by her brother, Joe Dill Rushing, and his wife, Gay, of Springfield, Tennessee, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am-11:00 am on Saturday prior to the service. Betty will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Westgate Church of Christ.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mary Louise Maund Hughes, a resident of the Chalkhead Community, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 98 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hughes will be 2:00 P. M. Monday, October 19, 2026, at Chalkhead Baptist Church with Reverend Michael Woodham officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Monday from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Coaker, Marion Maund, Martin Maund, Greg Coaker, Bert Maund and Garrett Maund. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Enfinger, Sammy Maund, Troy Maund, Cole Maund and Bill Enfinger.
Mrs. Hughes was born November 18, 1927 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Samuel Jasper Maund and Mallie Vera Woodham Maund. In 1947 she graduated from Dale County High School in Ozark. Louise worked with Farm Bureau of Alabama in Ozark and Mixon Appliance (later Bowman Appliance) as the secretary and sales lady until they closed. She was later employed with Dale County Hospital as Cafeteria Manager until her retirement. She also worked part-time in the cafeteria of Alabama Aviation and Technical College. Louise was an extremely loving Christian mentor to her family and community. She was fondly known for her home cooking and doctoring skills. She was a member of Chalkhead Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir. Louise was an avid Alabama fan. She enjoyed working in her yard and was well known for her precious prayers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Stanton Burton Hughes; four deceased sisters, Irene Riley, Ruth Bowman, Helen Deese and Betty Hayes; three brothers, Elmer Maund, Robert “Bob” Maund and Samuel “Sam” Jasper Maund II.
Survivors include one sister, Jeanette Coaker of Ozark; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 495 County Road 35, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Katherine Brenda Ford, a beautiful beacon of love, strength, and grace, was born on November 26, 1951, to the late Orelia and John Morris Kelly. On October 13, 2026, Katherine peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. A devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, cousin, and dear friend, Katherine touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love.
Katherine was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Hayes High School in 1969. After high school, she relocated to Dothan, Alabama, and attended Wallace Community College. Katherine served as the lead secretary at Montana Street Elementary School and retired after 32 years of service. During her career, she served as an active member of the National Education Association, secretary of Cherry Street AME Church, a JCPenney sales associate, and a volunteer at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. Her organizational skills allowed her to work and form relationships with people throughout her community.
Katherine accepted Christ at an early age and lived her life serving her family and community. Katherine was a faithful member of Cherry Street AME for more than 35 years. She joined Dothan Community Church in 2004 and remained a member until her death. She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, taking extravagant vacations with her family, and being the best mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Katherine strongly believes in the quote, “Live every moment, Laugh every day, and Love beyond words.” Author unknown
Katherine was preceded in death by her mother and father, Orelia and John Morris Kelly, and grandmother, Katherine Bridges.
Katherine is survived by her loving daughter, Vanessa Orelia Ford-Majdoub; son, Larry Kelly Ford; brother, John Morris Kelly, Jr.; sister, Pamela Johnson Reed; and cherished grandchildren, Kourtlyn and Kamora Ford, and Khylin Grimsley. She also leaves to cherish her memory Shavala Baker, mother of her beloved twin grandchildren, along with a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.
A celebration of Katherine’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing one hour prior to the service.
Shannon D. Sheffield of Slocomb passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 57.
Born on February 25, 1969, Shannon attended Slocomb High School until her senior year before graduating from Dade High School with the Class of 1987. She went on to earn her associate degree in nursing from Wallace Community College and was employed at Hartford Health Care at the time of her passing.
Shannon had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved little dog, Mojo, who was truly the center of her world. Music was another passion, with the Dave Matthews Band holding a special place in her heart. She enjoyed getting lost in the pages of Stephen King novels, and Pretty Woman was her favorite movie. Shannon had her own unique interests and the people and animals she loved meant the world to her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Cynthia Smith; her grandparents, Stacy and Frances Smith; her aunt, Charlotte Smith; her uncle, Guy Smith; and her two precious dogs, Abby and Trapper.
Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Tiffany Rodgers; her nieces and nephews, Hagan Rodgers, Triston Rodgers (Rachel), and Austin Martinez; her uncle, John Travis Smith (Debbie); her beloved dog, Mojo; along with extended family members and dear friends who will remember her in their own special ways.
The family asks that Shannon be remembered through the good thoughts, laughter, and happy times shared with her. They are grateful for the love and support of those who knew her and ask that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To honor Shannon’s lifelong love for animals, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to your local animal shelter.
CORINTH COMMUNITY…Mrs. Donna Elaine Moody Cullifer, a resident of the Corinth Community, near Midland City, died early Wednesday morning, October 14, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Ozark. She was 69.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Chris Beam of Mt. Enon Baptist Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Cullifer was born and raised in Milton, Florida, the beloved daughter of the late Reubin Moody and Esther Lloyd Moody. After marrying the love of her life, she made her home in the Wiregrass area, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. She was a proud graduate of Wallace Community College in Napier Field and carried a quiet determination and strong work ethic throughout her life.
She found joy in the little things that made life special. She could often be found enjoying her favorite classic television shows, especially The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy, which never failed to bring a smile to her face. She was an avid animal lover and had a special place in her heart for her cats, whom she loved dearly and cared for as part of the family.
More than anything, she treasured the time spent with those she loved. Whether camping together, spending sunny days at the lake, or simply enjoying one another’s company, she cherished making memories with her family. Some of her happiest moments were those shared with the people closest to her. She also enjoyed settling in to watch crime television shows, a pastime that brought her both entertainment and relaxation.
Mrs. Cullifer will be remembered for her warm heart, her love for her family and pets, and the many simple, meaningful moments she shared with those she held dear. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love to her family, and the memories she leaves behind will be treasured for years to come.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Cullifer and her son, Chris Williams (PFC, Alabama Army National Guard).
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Cindy McNeal (Michael), Ozark; sister, Sandra Robinson; brothers, William “Bill” Moody, Prattville, George Moody (Johana), Huntsville, and Dennis Moody (Glenn), Seattle, Washington; father-in-law, Arthur C. “Ott” Cullifer, Ozark; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Cullifer Weging (Gary), Ozark; grandchildren, Zachary Rawlett, Liam McNeal, Liliana McNeal, Steven “J.T.” Williams, Makayla Williams, and Madalyn Williams; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
