Teresa Joan Langford, affectionately known as Joan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her home in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was 66.
A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Robin Blackburn officiating and Donny Adkinson delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until service time. A private burial will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery.
Born on November 1, 1959, to Bobby and Julia Simmons, Joan lived a life defined by the lasting impact she had on the people fortunate enough to know her. She was a woman of remarkable strength, gentle kindness, unwavering faith, and a humble heart. A faithful servant of the Lord, Joan found joy in loving others and giving of herself without ever seeking anything in return. For 51 years, Joan shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, Mike. Their life together was built on love, loyalty, family, and commitment. Mike was not only her husband, but her steadfast companion through all of life’s seasons.
Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children with her entire heart and was immensely proud of the people they became. She is survived by her son, Jason Langford (Amber) of Dothan, Alabama; and her God-gifted daughter, Lisa Cotton (Chris) of Hartford, Alabama. Her most treasured gifts were her four grandchildren, Abby Hicks (Bryson), Katie Langford, Emerson Cotton, and Truitt Cotton. She cherished every moment, every memory, and every opportunity to love and encourage them. Joan is also survived by her mother, Julia Hatfield Simmons; her brother, Kevin (Tammy); her sister, Sherri Pouncey (Ken); and two very special friends, Donny Adkinson and Shirley Sorrells, whose friendships were deeply meaningful to her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Simmons, and her brother, Keith Simmons.
Those who knew Joan will remember her gentle spirit, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and the kindness she showed to everyone she encountered. Her presence spoke for itself: in the way she loved, the way she cared, and in the countless lives she touched.
Joan’s greatest legacy will not be found in the things she accomplished or the possessions she left behind, but in the people she loved. Her love, faith, kindness, and compassion will live on through her family and all those whose lives were blessed by knowing her. She leaves behind a family who will carry her love with them for generations to come.
HEADLAND. . .Alphonso “Al” Blackmon, a resident of Headland, passed away late Tuesday night, September 22, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 75.
There are no funeral or memorial services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Al Blackmon was born in Luverne, Alabama, son of the late Cecil Blackmon and Mary Maurine Maloy Blackmon. He lived in Dale County most of his lifetime and was medically retired from J. B. Hunt as an Over the Road Driver. Al served his country in the U. S. Air Force. He attended Cedar Grove Baptist Church and Grimes Methodist Church. Al was a true conversationalist with almost any topic, especially old cars, Alabama football, and trucking. He dearly loved his family. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sister, Cornelia “Nita” Blackmon-Batchelor.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Joan Stinson Blackmon; a son, Craig Blackmon (Angela), Midland City; numerous beloved family members from the Stinson family.
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.
ASHFORD. . .Jean Penuel Starling, a resident of Ashford, passed away Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026, at her home. She was 99.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the Cowarts Baptist Church with Chaplain Daulton Keel officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Cowarts Baptist Church Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Cowarts Baptist Church, 2819 Jordan Avenue, Cowarts, AL 36321.
Mrs. Starling was born and raised in Henry County, daughter of the late Thomas Marvin Penuel and Dewey Mae Hodges Penuel. She formerly lived in Wewahitchka, Florida, Dothan and Abbeville before moving to Houston County, near Ashford, in 1990. Mrs. Starling was the oldest living member of Cowarts Baptist Church where she was also a member of the Irma Ready Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie V. Starling, and four sisters, Blondell Owens, Louise Eubanks, Mary Moring and Lynette Forehand, a son-in-law, James E. “Jimmy” Dickens, and great-great-grandchildren, Griffin Allen Watson, Braighley Nicole Harper and Kimberlyn Nicole Day.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Diane Jinks (Morris), Dothan; Sharon Smith (James), Ashford; and Vicki Jackson (Bert), Columbia; a son, Bruce Starling (Lisa), Abbeville; grandchildren, Tammy Allen (Buddy), Chad Jinks (Heather), Keenan Jinks, Jennifer Harper (Michael), Tracy Watson (Mark), Kaci Baker (Jeff), Dustin Jackson (Whitney), Blake Brannon (Kimberly), Benjamin Day (Tonya), Bryant Day and Cody Odom; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Linda Jordan.
Serving as active pallbearers will be the great-grandsons.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Ashley, Heather and Sonya of Dayspring Hospice and especially caregiver, Emily Smith, for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Starling during her illness.
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.
OZARK…Mrs. Deborah Ann Cahoon Zodrow, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, September 21, 2026, at her home. She was 71.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the home of her daughter, 627 Robin Parker Road, Ozark. Friends and family are welcome to come together to honor her memory and share stories of the love and kindness she brought to their lives. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Zodrow was a devoted grandmother whose family, especially her grandchildren, held a very special place in her heart. She truly cherished the time she spent with them and found great happiness in simply being a part of their lives. Whether it was spending time together, sharing a conversation, offering a helping hand, or making sure they had what they needed, her grandchildren could always count on her. Being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life.
Mrs. Zodrow was the kind of person who was always looking out for the people she loved. She made sure no one in her family ever went without and was always willing to give whatever she could to help someone along the way. If there was a need, she did her best to meet it. She gave from the heart, never expecting anything in return, because taking care of her family was simply a part of who she was.
Her love could be seen in the everyday things she did. She cared deeply, worried about those she loved, and wanted to know that everyone was taken care of. Family meant everything to Mrs. Zodrow, and she showed that love through her kindness, generosity, and constant presence in their lives. Those who knew her will remember a woman with a generous heart and a loving spirit, someone who found happiness in doing for others and making life a little easier for the people around her.
Mrs. Zodrow was preceded in death by her father, Ross K. Cahoon; her mother, Marvel Arleen Stallings Cahoon; her stepfather, Jean Elgart; her brother, Richard Cahoon; and her sister, Nancy Yunkee.
Surviving relatives include her husband of fifty-three years, Clifford Zodrow; daughter, Aaron Niki Webb (Reagan); son, Ryan Zodrow (Deanie); grandchildren, Ethan Webb, Luke Webb, and Isaac Webb; her eldest sister, Linda Kay Cahoo-Cormack; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Shirley Ann (Dickey) Kirkland, 91, a resident of Dothan, formerly of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, following an extended illness.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with Dr. Bradley Rushing officiating. A private family burial will follow with Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Dothan directing.
Flowers will be accepted.
Shirley was born August 1, 1935, in Havana, Florida to the late William Thomas & Myrtie Mae (Mills) Dickey. She spent the early years and most of her adult life in Columbia, until moving to Dothan 25 years ago. Following high school, she attended college and worked in the medical field as Licensed Practical Nurse for many years. Shirley was faithful member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church since 2010.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Kirkland; her daughter, Dana Henderson; her son, Brian Kirkland; and her siblings.
She is survived by her two daughters, Pam Averett of Midland City, and Debby Parrish (Denny) of Taylor; her nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to her Caregiver, Shelia McCloud, as well as the staff and nurses of Wesley Place on Honeysuckle – Sanders Unit & Martin 2, for the love and care shown to their loved one during this difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
