Mary Lee Alston, affectionately known as “Dot” to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, just shy of her 90th birthday. Born in Enfield, North Carolina, on December 21, 1935, to the late Hellen Williams and Estee Gray, Mary’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering faith, love for her family, and a dedicated work ethic that inspired all who knew her.
Mary’s early years in North Carolina were the foundation of a life characterized by strength and resilience. The transition from her birthplace to a new chapter in New Jersey was a significant milestone. There, she joined the workforce at William Bal Corp in Elizabeth, where she served with distinction until her well-earned retirement. Her colleagues remember her as a steadfast and reliable presence, a testament to her commitment to excellence in all her endeavors.
Her work was an important part of her life, but Mary’s heart always belonged to her family and her faith. She was a beacon of compassion and love, leaving behind her loving daughter Mary Frances Johnson, who was her pride and joy. Mary’s legacy continues through her two cherished grandchildren, Jason L. Johnson (Candiss) and Nicole M. Johnson, and two great-granddaughters, Jade Jones and Destini, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and kindness. She also leaves behind her devoted brother, Willie Lee Terry, and her treasured nephews, Cedric and Jason Terry, and niece, Sylvia Terry, along with a host of family members and new friends made in Dothan.
Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She joined the Peaceful Zion Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey, where she worshipped and lifted her voice in song as a member of the choir for over fifty years. Her favorite scripture, Matthew 19:23-24, was a source of comfort and guidance throughout her life. Mary’s commitment to her church and her God was a reflection of her deep and abiding belief in the power of love and compassion.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Mary describe her as a blessing to those she met. She was a daughter, sister, wife to her late husband, Rudolph Lashley, mother, grandmother, and friend whose influence will be felt for generations. Her role as the matriarch of her family was not just a title but a position she held with grace, offering wisdom and support to all.
Mary’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will be cherished forever. As we say goodbye to Mary Lee Alston, we celebrate the incredible impact of her 89 years on this earth. She was, without a doubt, the loving greatest mother ever, and we are so glad and blessed to have been graced by her presence. Mary, you will be profoundly missed. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the lives you’ve touched. Rest in peace, dear Mary, until we meet again.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Jason L. Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
CLOPTON, ALABAMA. . .John Lynn Walker, a resident of Barbour County, between Blue Springs and Texasville, passed away early Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Abbeville. He was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the Spring Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Cox officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Walker was born and raised in the Wills Crossroads community, near Abbeville, son of the late Vernie Lee Walker and Vera Justice Walker. He was a graduate of Abbeville High School. Mr. Walker served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War era. He was a member of the Spring Hill Baptist Church and a former member of the Woodstock Baptist Church. In earlier years, Mr. Walker was a member of the Optimist Club in Woodstock. He retired in 2000 as the owner and operator of Walker’s Foods in Woodstock. Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Griggs Walker and a sister, Mavis Carroll.
Surviving relatives include his sons, John Michael Walker and Charles “Stormy” Walker; a sister, Debbie Volf (Jerry); grandchildren, Greg Walker and Sada Walker Maciel (Elias); and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alex and Colton.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Phillip Hudgens Solomon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on May 11, 1952, in Headland, Alabama, Phillip was a cherished member of his community in Prattville, Alabama.
Phillip was a native of Headland, Alabama. After graduating from Headland High School, he pursued higher education at Troy University, where he studied Medical Technology. It was during this time that he met and married his loving wife, Ginger, in August of 1976.
Phillip had a distinguished career as a Registered Medical Technologist, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service at the VA hospital as a civil service employee.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, William Curtis Solomon and Rose Ellen Hudgens Solomon. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Ginger Murdock Solomon, his son Phillip Cory Solomon and wife Misti, his daughter Katie Solomon Ferguson and husband Brian, and his brother William Curtis Solomon Jr. and wife Melodie and his brother-in-law Hershel Vance Murdock and his wife Susan along with loving niece and nephews. Phillip was also a proud grandfather to Layne Andrew Solomon, Lily Katherine Ferguson, and Phoebe Lynn Ferguson.
As a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church in Cottonwood, Alabama, Phillip was deeply involved in his faith community. In his leisure time, he found joy in traveling, being surrounded by family, and cheering for Alabama football. The beach was his sanctuary, a place where he found peace and relaxation.
The Solomon family would also like to send their sincere appreciation to Baptist Hospice for their kind care to our family over the last few months.
In memory of Phillip, memorial donations may be made to Union Hill Baptist Church, 7335 South County Rd 33, Cottonwood, Alabama 36320.
Phillip Hudgens Solomon will be remembered for his warm spirit, dedication to family, and love for life.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 18, 2025 in the Leak Memory Funeral Home Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery. A family and friends visitation will be from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
POST OAK COMMUNITY…Mr. Norm Kinney, a resident of the Post Oak Community, near Ozark, died late Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 81.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Angelyn Bass, 77, of Bellwood, AL, departed this life peacefully on December 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.
Born on October 10, 1948, Angelyn was the cherished daughter of the late Algus and Annie Forehand. Throughout her life, she embodied the qualities of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, reflecting her unwavering love for God and those around her. Her nurturing nature and kind spirit made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Angelyn is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmy Bass, her daughter Deann Martin and her husband Brandon, along with her adored grandchildren, Dakota, Annslie, and Benjamin. She also leaves behind her siblings, Betty Wood, Edward Forehand, and Eugene Forehand, as well as several nieces and nephews who were touched by her warmth and kindness.
In addition to her parents, Angelyn was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Forehand, and her brother, William Forehand.
Angelyn will be lovingly remembered for her strong faith, compassionate heart, and the abundance of love she shared with family and friends. Her gentle spirit lit up the lives of those around her, and her presence will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Angelyn ‘s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Chancellor Assembly of God, with Rev. Larry Mock and Rev. Ray Layton officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery.
The family invites friends to gather at the church from 11:30 a.m. until service time to honor and remember Angelyn together.
OZARK. . .Thomas Lee “Tom” Clements, a resident of Ozark, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 13, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 92.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, December 15, 2025, in the Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, with Pastor Kenneth Hale, Pastor Jim Hill and Pastor Scott Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the Tolbert Baptist Church Cemetery, 4305 County Road 45, South, Headland. The family will receive friends from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Monday in the sanctuary of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, AL 36360.
Mr. Clements was born and raised in Newville, Alabama, son of the late Hughie Green Clements and Girlie Elizabeth Taylor Clements. He lived in Columbus, Georgia before moving to Ozark in 1959. Mr. Clements retired in 1976 as Store Manager at the Army/Air Force Exchange at Ft. Rucker. He was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church where he volunteered as a Supervisor in maintenance. Mr. Clements also volunteered with the Dale Baptist Association and with Brown Bag in Ozark. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Louette Cooper and Betty Jean Clements.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Ethel Brown Clements; a daughter, Jan Lewis (Danny), New Hope Community of Coffee County; a son, Gary Clements (Lynda), Brewton, AL; a sister, Sara Nell Wiggins, Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Clayton Lewis (Shayna), Erica Bailey (Abe), Shelby Herring and Jantzen Clements; great-grandchildren, Jack Bailey, Harvey Bailey, Liam Lewis, Luna Lewis, Cal Harrison and Kayla Crews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Paul Woodham, Bob Littlefield, Matt Barron, Ronald Wright, David Rogers and Kevin Hile.
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.
