Irma Nell Russell, known lovingly to family and friends as Nell, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Kinsey, Alabama, at the age of 91.
Nell was born in Coffee County on November 27, 1934, to the late Lucious and Vonnie Lee, and lived a long life marked by devotion, kindness, and steadfast faith. She was a loving, selfless, and faith-filled woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. Those who were blessed to know her will remember her as a caring and giving person who loved her family deeply and carried herself with grace, strength, and compassion throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carroll Russell, Jr.; her son, Roger Sellers; her grandson, Daniel Sellers; her granddaughter, Becky Larson; her son-in-law, Andrew Countryman; and her siblings, Bill Lee, Kent Lee, Britt Lee, Mitchell Lee, and Annie Glynn Brooks.
Nell is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Countryman, Rhonda Newman (Jerry), Kathy Larson (Bill), and Jan Whaley (Sammy); her daughter-in-law, Linda Sellers; her grandchildren, Christie Milbeck, Christopher Countryman (Bruce), Jimmy Newman (Angela), Jennifer Levey (Tim), Billy Larson ( Jessica), Jeremy Whaley (Devon), and Aaron Whaley (Lizzie); 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sandra Sandlin and Sue Melhorn; and several nieces and nephews.
Family was the center of Nell’s life, and she found joy in the simple blessings of being surrounded by those she loved. She was the kind of woman who made others feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Her home, her words, and her presence reflected a heart that was always ready to help, encourage, and comfort. She loved deeply and gave freely, and her family will forever cherish the memories of her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering support.
Nell was also known for being a Christian woman whose faith guided the way she lived each day. Her life was a reflection of the values she held dear, and she served as an example of quiet strength and enduring love. She will be remembered not only for the love she gave her family, but also for the kindness she showed to others and the dignity with which she carried herself through life’s joys and challenges.
Her legacy is one of devotion, generosity, and faith. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her memory by living in the spirit of love and care that she so beautifully demonstrated. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the impact of her life will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Nell Russell will be remembered always as a faithful wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was a blessing to many, and her memory will be treasured with gratitude and love.
A celebration of Nell’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Harrison Steege officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
April 3, 2026. As dusk fell on the rainy Good Friday, a beautiful double rainbow appeared against the dark skies over Avis Jeannine McDonald Jones’ home, and within the hour she died peacefully.
Jeannine was born in Russellville, Ark., on Oct. 19, 1931. She was for 53 years the beloved wife of Dr. Samuel H Jones, Jr., the love of her life and her very best friend. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a loyal and trusted friend to those who were fortunate to have made her acquaintance. From a very young age and throughout her 94 years, she loved deeply and proved as one who never quit. She was wise, brave, and tenacious, strengthened daily by her unwavering Christian faith.
Jeannine gained early attention as a singer and was embraced in leading music circles. After graduating high school in Louisville, Ky., she had a brief period of study at the Metropolitan Opera under tutelage of Frieda Hempel.
Through her work in musical and theatrical circles, she formed friendships with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dana Andrews, and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, with whom she would occasionally dine.
Her music career culminated with foreign travels with United Service Organization USO/Bob Hope Tour during the Korean War, where she most enjoyed hearing stories from Hope and Crosby, her own personal On The Road tale.
Jeannine accepted a full ride scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, SC. While there, she studied vocal performance and performed regularly with The Furman Singers and productions of the music and theatre departments.
After graduating Furman University with honors, she married the love of her life, a pivotal choice that forged foundation for years of commitment and service to her husband, her two girls, and the Dothan community.
Jeannine taught school for several years in the Atlanta public school system, supporting her husband as he worked through Emory University School of Medicine. After moving to Dothan, Jeannine offered service to the Medical Auxiliary and Dothan Service League. She was a member of local garden clubs and Dothan Kiwanis Club. Jeannine served as choir director of First Presbyterian Church, where she also led Sunday School classes and devotionals. She directed music and chorus for many Southeast Alabama Community Theatre productions. She enjoyed the opportunity to offer private vocal instruction to several students.
Curious and always eager to learn, Jeannine surprised her family when she hopped behind the wheel of a pickup truck and learned to drive a horse trailer to and from AQHA horse shows. During this period, she was an active member of local Boots and Saddle Club. In the next decade of life, she surprised her family again announcing her desire become a Realtor and worked for years with Century 21 Hanahan Realty.
Jeannine is preceded in death by her husband, Dr Samuel Hovey Jones Jr, daughters Susan and Lynda, parents Erwin Lawrence McDonald and Mary Elsie McDonald, and sister Judy Carole Lucas.
She is survived by her children, Rebecca Maglio (Brian) and Alison Jones Creekbaum, and grandchildren Kelsey Lauren Maglio and Andrew Martin Maglio (Hannah.)
Jeannine will be remembered for her candor, her quick wit, her remarkable intuition and formidable tacit knowledge. She will be remembered by family for her deep capacity for unconditional love and for leading with her Christian faith in her role as wife and mother.
A Celebration of life will be held graveside at Ward Wilson Memory Hill, Dothan, Alabama on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. David R. Saliba and the Reverend Lynn Smilie Nesbitt officiating.
The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to:
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our much-loved husband, father, Pawpaw, son, and brother David “Dave” S. Rogers, 65, on April 2, 2026, at his home in Houston County, Alabama.
Born on August 9, 1960, in Columbus, Georgia, Dave joined the United States Army in 1979 at the age of 18 and served his first three years as an 11B, Infantryman, before reclassification to 63B, Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). Dave was then appointed to Warrant Officer in 1989 as a 915E, Army Senior Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer before retiring from active-duty service in 2002 at Fort Rucker, Alabama as Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3). His 23 years of faithful and unwavering service during deployment to the Gulf War campaign and service during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) brought many duty stations including South Korea, Fort Lewis, WA, Neu-Ulm, Germany (Pershing II), Fort Jackson, SC, Schweinfurt, Germany (1st Armored Division), Fort Polk, LA, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Rucker, AL earning the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Army Commendation Medal (ACM), Army Achievement Medal (AAM), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Army Superior Unit Award (AUSA), Expert Rifle Badge, Driver Badge, and Mechanic Badge. Following his retirement from Active Duty, Dave settled in Enterprise, Alabama where he worked as a Service Manager, Service Advisor, and Parts Specialists for many local car dealership service centers and as an Aviation Parts Clerk for Flight Safety before returning to the United States Army as a Federal Civilian Employee for the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama as an Aviation Logistics Director.
Dave’s love for his family, to include his motorcycle family, was unmatched and extended beyond providing; he made it a priority to be present in his family’s lives even if it was checking in through a phone call when the family couldn’t be together. His wife of 45 years, Lynne, was his partner in every sense supporting each other through life’s challenges and triumphs. Multi-talented, mechanically inclined, and inventive, Dave loved bringing his ideas to life. A constant tinkerer, his incredible ability to create things from curiosity, to fix a problem, or because of a request from his friends and family (a rose formed from washers or a ring from silverware) displayed his refined mixture of creativity and ability. If Dave couldn’t build it or fix it, then it couldn’t be done. Dave had a tremendous love for motorcycles and worked meticulously to master the skill and competence that is required to become the best rider in a variety of competitions, culminating in him earning the Top Gun award. Dave’s other interests and hobbies included golfing, hunting, boating, and fishing. Later in life he also gained a passion for farming, tractors, and caring for his land. Dave also loved the Florida Gators and was known to make friendly bets with friends and family for a Gators win. CHOMP CHOMP!
He was preceded in death by his biological father, Bryson Floyd Benson and adoptive father David Rogers Sr.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Lynne Rogers, daughter Kimberly (Christopher) Wilf, son Nick, granddaughter, Riyan, and two grandsons, Gavon and Rhage. He will also be forever missed by his mother Monica Bettencourt, brother Grady (Christina) Rogers, sister, Rebecca Dee (Buddy) Baxley and brother Bryson “BJ” (June) Benson.
He leaves behind very special friends Van and Teresa Donaldson. In addition, Dave is remembered by aunts and uncles as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home, 1315 West Lawrence Harris Hwy in Slocomb, Alabama with Pastor Gary Pollard officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Slocomb City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Pallbearers are Nick Rogers, Grady Rogers, Christopher Wilf, Gavon Wilf, Bill Dunigan, Gary Dunigan, and Van Donaldson.
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.
