Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Lillian Ruth Sasser Tribble, of Umatilla, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 31, 2025, at the age of 102. She was surrounded in body and spirit by her devoted family and was lovingly called “Gran” by many. A graveside service will be held for Mrs. Tribble 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 9, 2026 in Ariton Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
Ruth was born December 13, 1923, to Fulton and Jewell Sutton McKnight in Dale County, Alabama. Her childhood was spent in that same area around a large extended family. She married her beloved Cager Sasser when she was fifteen years old. They moved to Umatilla, Fl. in 1953. Together they raised four children, two daughters, and two sons. They were married over forty years when Cager unexpectedly died in 1980. Although her heart was broken, God was definitely strengthening her for the many years ahead. She poured herself into ministering to others that tragically lost loved ones and always shared how Christ had lifted her up through those years. And then after some time, God had one more blessing for her in her last marriage to Bill Tribble. They were extremely devoted to each other, and she was able to hold his hand as he passed into heaven. Ruth was known for many things. First and foremost, she was an avid prayer warrior who loved the Lord and who prayed for her family. She was able to see many of them come to accept Jesus as their Savior. Ruth was an excellent cook who could take the most basic ingredients and turn them into something wonderful. She wasted nothing. No Ziplock bags were beyond their realm of use if Ruth was around. She didn’t believe in throwing anything away. Ruth loved to travel and made many friends on her trips throughout the United States. Ruth’s talents in gardening were the envy of many, and you could frequently find her out working in her yard. She found a lot of pleasure in making things pretty. Ruth was a pioneer for women in management and banking as she was vice president of Umatilla State Bank (USB) for many years. She was voted 2025 Umatilla Citizen of the Year for her many years of community involvement and dedication to helping others in need. Ruth was a beacon of love for her family and a great influence in the lives of many.
Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Kyte; her son-in-law, Lamar Tart, and her grandson, Sammy Hipps. She is survived by her son, Sam (Jeannie) Sasser; daughter, Kaye Sasser; son, Ken (Ella) Sasser; stepdaughter, Jody Clark; eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and numerous great great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation may be made in Ruth’s memory to her grandson’s ministry, Trail Servants, P.O. Box 82, Louisville, Alabama 36048. A pavilion for hikers of the Appalachian Trail will be erected in her honor.
Kate Nell Fellows Parker, a resident of Avon, Alabama died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Courtyard Healthcare Center in Marianna, Florida. She was 95 years old.
Graveside services for Mrs. Parker will be held at 1 PM Friday, January 9, 2026 at Bluff Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Brother James Bell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bluff Springs Baptist Church.
Mrs. Parker was born August 9, 1930 to the late Burl and Lodie Shelton Fellows and was a lifelong resident of Avon. She graduated from Ashford High School and went to work as a Teller for Farmers & Merchant Bank, now Peoples South, and later worked for Dothan Bank and Trust. Mrs. Parker was a family-oriented person who was an efficient homemaker and an excellent cook. She was a lifetime member of Bluff Springs Baptist.
Mrs. Parker is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Odell Parker; son, Allen Parker; and six sisters, Frances Martin, Ruby Knight, Nettie Evans, Burl Coleman, Estella Kirby, and Josie Henderson.
Survivors include her son, R. Wayne Parker (Theresa); grandchildren, Kristin Walters and her husband, Josh and their family, Aldridge, Parker Walters, Gracie and Darby ;Brittnie Butler, her husband Rhett and their family, Miles, Rilan, Parker Butler and Brantley, Kimberly Allen and her husband, Jarrett and their family, Annistyn and Ansleigh.
Jeffrey Warren Stephenson, known as Jeff, died on December 30, 2025, at age 67 in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on December 4, 1958, to the late, Clifford L. Stephenson and Maxie Stephenson.
Jeff was a graduate from Houston Academy and later attended Auburn University. He returned to Dothan after a few years living in Auburn and worked for many years at Bondy’s Nissan before starting his own auto sales business.
Jeff was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing of all kinds, particularly deep-sea fishing and duck hunting. He frequently spent time tinkering with motors and fixing up cars. And relaxed by firing up the grill.
Jeff is survived by his children, Jeffrey Stephenson, Jr., Brooke (Jacob) Walker, and Ashley Barron; his grandchildren, Sarah Walker, Henry Walker, and Logan Barron; the mother of his children; and his brother.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
MABSON COMMUNITY…Mr. B.J. Smith, a resident of the Mabson Community, near Ozark, died Saturday evening, January 3, 2025, in UAB Hospital in Birmingham. He was 45.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 8, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rick Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Smith was born on July 22, 1980, in Ozark, Alabama, and grew up surrounded by the people and places he loved most. He graduated from G.W. Long High School in Skipperville in 1998, proud to be part of a community that shaped him into the hardworking, dependable person he became.
Over the years, he built a strong work ethic through his time with M1 at Fort Rucker in the parts division. Before that, he spent many years helping customers and coworkers at Parts & Service in Ozark and O’Reilly Auto Parts. No matter where he worked, people knew they could count on him. He had a way of making others feel welcome, and he took pride in doing his job the right way.
Outside of work, Mr. Smith enjoyed the simple things that brought him peace and happiness. He loved painting cars, taking something worn and giving it new life with his own hands. He found joy in fishing, spending quiet time by the water, and enjoying the outdoors. He coached for many years, the Pee Wee Football Team in Skipperville. But more than anything, he cherished being with his family. Those moments—laughing, talking, or just being together—meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Smith, whom he loved deeply and carried with him in memory throughout his life.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Alicia Price Smith; two sons, Bryce Smith and Cooper Smith, all of Mabson; mother, Sherry Miller Smith; sister, Misty Whitehead (Rickey); brother, Josh Smith, all of Skipperville; nieces and nephews, Adalee Peters, Marlee Price, Hunter Whitehead, Jaxon Whitehead, Brayden Whitehead, and Carter Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Tammy Price; sister-in-law, Brooke Peters (Luke); brother-in-law, Daniel Price (Bailee); several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Hunter Whitehead, Jaxon Whitehead, Trae Johnson, Jerremy Baxter, Daniel Price, and Luke Peters.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Jimmy R. Zorn, age 78, of Samson, AL, passed away peacefully in his home on January 3, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side.
Born on April 22, 1947, in Samson, AL, Jimmy and Martha built a life rooted in steadfast dedication to the pillars he cherished most: his faith, his work, and above all, his family. A man of simple pleasures and profound integrity, he found joy in the reliable rhythms of life—a morning of fishing, a day spent working hard, and taking his grandchildren to the mountains.
Jimmy was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Martha J. Zorn. In his final years, she cared for him with unwavering love and strength, a true testament to their enduring marriage. Together they built a home filled with warmth and hospitality, a central gathering place for the family he loved so dearly. He was a proud and supportive father to his children, Brett Zorn (Hannah) and Amy White (Michael), and a doting grandfather to his six grandchildren, Taylor Powers (Andrew), Emily Adams (Mason), Macey Singletary (Taylor), Garrett Zorn (Taylor), Millie Hall (Ian Walker), and Austin White (Alyssa). He took immense pride in their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to share a life lesson, often while baiting a hook or tending to chores.
For many years, Jimmy was a dedicated manager at Geneva County Co-Op, Southern States, and Gold Kist in Geneva, AL, known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help others. He also served in the Army Reserves for over 23 years.
When he wasn’t working, he could invariably be found pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing. Whether on the serene waters of the Pea River, Lake Eufaula or Black Creek, he was at peace with a rod and reel in hand. He also loved sharing this passion with his grandchildren, as well as taking them to swim in the river.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Samson, AL, where he served as deacon many years, Jimmy’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, providing strength and guiding his interactions with kindness and generosity.
Jimmy will be remembered by his friends and family for his warm smile and generous spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, A. L. Zorn and Myrtle M. Zorn, as well as a sister, Carolyn Mathews, and two brothers, Donald Zorn and Gene Zorn. He is survived by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, his sister, Wanda Cannon and his brothers, Harold Zorn and Havard Zorn and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Eight-Mile Cemetery in the Reese/Flat Creek Community, with Danny Branch officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jimmy’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Peggy Spears Dillard, aged 89, a cherished lifelong resident of Hartford, gracefully departed from this world to join her Savior on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Westside Terrace.
A heartfelt celebration of Peggy’s remarkable life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the beloved Pondtown Church with Rev. Zachary Hayes and Rev. Jimmy Dean officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather at the church one hour prior to the service to share their love and memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those wishing to honor Peggy’s memory consider making a contribution to Pondtown Church, 663 Pondtown Road, Hartford, AL 36344, a testament to her devotion.
Born on January 27, 1936, in Hartford AL, Peggy was the daughter of the late Cleatus and Cora Lee Spears. In 1954, she wed Millard F. Dillard, and together they nurtured a beautiful family, raising four beloved children. Peggy dedicated her professional life to serving others as an administrator, with notable contributions at Reagan Pharmacy, Geneva County High School, and the Geneva County Department of Human Resources until her well-deserved retirement. A woman of deep faith, Peggy cherished her relationship with the Lord and her church community. For over sixty years, she graced her congregation as the pianist and organist, and she devoted many years to teaching the Adult Sunday School class.
In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Millard F. Dillard; her sister, Carolyn Dean; and her great-grandson, Andrew Scott Dillard.
Peggy leaves behind a loving legacy, including her children: Janet Hunter (Phillip), Marie Brunson (Dennis), Nancy McLaney, and Richard Dillard (Jan). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Scott Dillard, Brandon Dillard (Nicole), Travis Dillard (Marie Holland), Emily Cain, Russell Hunter (Madison Nowell), Ben Brunson (Lauren), Adam Brunson (Lauren), Chelsey Harvison (Cody), and Tyler McLaney; along with fifteen great-grandchildren, her brother Mike Spears (Lisa), and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
As a final tribute, Peggy’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers, honoring the love and respect they hold for their grandmother. Her spirit will forever resonate within the hearts of all who knew her.
