ASBURY COMMUNITY…Mr. Joe W. Weldon, a resident of the Asbury Community, near Ozark, died late Thursday afternoon, July 1, 2026, at his home. He was 61.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Weldon, son of the late Ronald William Weldon and Marsha Anne Powell Weldon, was a lifelong resident of the Ashford area and a man who touched the lives of many through his kindness, dedication, and caring spirit. A proud 1983 graduate of Headland High School, he carried with him the values of hard work, compassion, and service throughout his life. He continued his education at Wallace Community College before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected his desire to help others.
For many years, Mr. Weldon served as a Registered Nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Southeast Health in Dothan. Nursing was more than just a career for him—it was a calling. He cared for his patients with skill, patience, and genuine compassion, offering comfort and support during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. His coworkers respected him for his knowledge and dedication, while the patients and families he cared for remembered his gentle nature and reassuring presence.
Outside of his work, Mr. Weldon found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, activities that brought him peace and allowed him to enjoy nature. He also had a passion for computers and technology, always eager to learn, explore, and share his knowledge with others. Whether he was enjoying the outdoors, working on a computer project, or spending time with family and friends, he approached life with enthusiasm and a warm heart.
Above all, Mr. Weldon will be remembered for his love of family, his generous spirit, and his unwavering willingness to help those in need. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and friendship that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Tina Elizabeth Weldon, and his brother, Adam Weldon. While their loss was deeply felt, he carried their memories with him throughout his life. His own memory will now be treasured by family, friends, coworkers, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.
Surviving relatives include his children, Chelsea Weldon (Pace,FL), Zacc Weldon and Sophia (Decatur, AL) and Tyler Weldon (Wicksburg, AL); sister, Lisa Hill (Richard), three grandchildren, Quinn, Luna, and Ashton; several nieces and nephews, and one great niece.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Linda Joyce Dannelley Beagles of Westville, FL passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Mark Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Head Community Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Linda was born on May 23, 1945, in Hacoda, Alabama, to the late Hosea Dannelley, Jr. and Frances Gertrude Smith Dannelley. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Baptist faith.
Linda was a loving mother and a cherished Nana who found her greatest joy in her family. She was especially devoted to her beloved husband, Johnny Beagles, with whom she shared nearly 63 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story was one to remember—they married after dating for only three months. During their courtship, Johnny would hitchhike all the way from Samson, AL, to DeFuniak Springs, FL, just to spend time with her, a testament to the deep love they shared from the very beginning. Although Johnny preceded her in death, their family finds comfort in knowing they have been joyfully reunited once again.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Mack Beagles; great grandson, James Mitchell Deal; one sister, Bennie Crosby; two brothers, Ross Dannelley and Roy Dannelley.
She is survived by four children, Chad Beagles (Tammy) of Westville, FL, Loretta Deal (Randy) of Westville, FL, Chuck Beagles (Daphne) of Chancellor, AL, and Chip Beagles (Karmon) of Samson, AL; ten grandchildren: Johnny Dalton Beagles, Chad Zachary Beagles (Susie), Erin Lindsy Beagles, Brandon James Deal (Meagan), Caleb James Deal (Macie), Brent Ethan Beagles (Amber), Austin Blake Beagles (Heather), Bailey Chuck Beagles, Brie Gilley (Jamie), and Brooke Bell (Kobey), 18 great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ann McClenny for her devoted love and compassionate care.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brent Beagles, Blake Beagles, Bailey Beagles, Caleb Deal, Brandon Deal, and Gracin Beagles.
Rev. Elaine Pridgen Anderson of Geneva, AL, formerly of Bartow, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, July 03, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was 77 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 07, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva with Pastor Zack Dodson, Pastor Joel Snell and Children’s Pastor Jamey Cardwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Elaine was born in DeFuniak Springs, FL on December 01, 1948 to the late J.C. and Grace Wynell Johnson Pridgen. She was a loving mother and grandmother who dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was an artist who loved to draw and paint and blessed many with her artistic talents. Elaine loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more than anything and only desired to be in his will. At the age of 7, she was called to preach and was a witness for God all through her teen years. She spent her life as an evangelist, preacher and pastor for 70 years. She was licensed as a minister in the early 1970’s. She became ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God on April 17, 2002. She founded The Dove Ministries in the early 1970’s.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years and love of her life, William Earl Anderson and a brother, Timothy Pridgen.
Elaine is survived by her two children, Kim Cardwell (Mike) and David Anderson (Keri), all of Geneva, AL; four grandchildren, Sara Dodson (Zack) of Geneva, AL, Jamey Cardwell (Anna) of Enterprise, AL, Hanna Garcia (Zach) and Asher Anderson, all of Geneva, AL; five great grandchildren, Levi Dodson, Gracie Dodson, Tristan Cardwell, Logan Dodson and Kendall Cardwell; one brother, Lamar Pridgen (Theda) of Winter Haven, FL; sister-in-law, Susan Pridgen of Hartford, AL; and special cousin, Reba Whitman of Bartow, FL.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eugene Hunter, Jamey Cardwell, Asher Anderson, Zach Garcia, Levi Dodson, Zack Dodson, Logan Dodson and Tristan Cardwell.
OZARK…Mrs. Esther Clapp Welch, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday evening, July 4, 2026. She was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Scott Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Addition Cemetery in Eufaula. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Alabama Chapter, 500 Office Park Drive, Suite 221, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
Mrs. Welch was a lifelong woman of faith, talent, and dedication whose life touched many people along the way. Born in Eufaula, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of the late Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp. Throughout her life, she embraced every chapter with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for others.
In her younger years, she made her home in Cottonton, Alabama, where she worked in the Photo Lab at Fort Benning. She later moved to Phenix City and turned her passion for creativity into a business, becoming the owner and operator of Originality Needle Works Shop in Columbus, Georgia. Her artistic gifts were evident in everything she did, and she took great pride in creating beautiful work that reflected her attention to detail and imagination.
Mrs. Welch eventually moved to Clermont, Florida, where she was employed by Disney World. Her warm personality and cheerful spirit made her a natural fit for bringing joy to others. After many years of hard work and service, she retired and, in 2005, settled in Ozark, Alabama, where she enjoyed being closer to family, friends, and her church community.
A woman blessed with remarkable talents, Mrs. Welch had a deep love for music and the arts. She was an accomplished artist and a gifted musician who could play the piano, organ, harp, and several other instruments. Music was a central part of her life and a way she expressed both her creativity and her faith. In addition to her instrumental abilities, she was a wonderful vocalist whose beautiful singing brought inspiration and comfort to those who heard her.
Her faith in God guided her throughout her life. As a devoted member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she was an active participant in the choir and found great joy in worship through music. In earlier years, she faithfully served her church by teaching Sunday school and playing the piano during services. She treasured the opportunity to share her faith with others and to use her talents in service to the Lord.
More than her accomplishments, Mrs. Welch will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was marked by creativity, faith, perseverance, and service. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her music, her faith, her artistry, and her unwavering love for those around her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas Welch; her parents, Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp; and all of her siblings. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Surviving relatives include her children, Enoch Judge Sims (Canora), Ozark, David Hugh Sims (Lori), Helotus, Texas, John Jefferson Sims (Darlene), Cottonton, Alabama, and Dianne Elizabeth Smith, Pittsview, Alabama; eleven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Donald Henry Mellott, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Chipley, Florida, at the age of 70. Born on April 21, 1956, in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, he lived a life marked by hard work, quiet generosity, and a steady presence that brought comfort to those around him. He was a kind, friendly, and handy man whose practical nature and warm spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Donald spent much of his working life as a lineman, a profession that reflected his strength, reliability, and willingness to do difficult work without complaint. He took pride in being someone others could count on, and he carried that same dependable spirit into every part of his life. He also worked for Yellow Wood, where he continued to demonstrate the same strong work ethic and commitment that defined him throughout his career. Whether he was on the job or helping out at home, Donald approached each task with patience, skill, and a sense of purpose.
Outside of work, Donald found joy in simple, meaningful things. He loved to tinker, and he had a natural ability to fix, build, and improve whatever needed attention. He also enjoyed yardwork and took pride in caring for the spaces around him. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his mother’s garden and admiring her flowers, where he found peace and happiness in the beauty she had created. These interests reflected the gentle and thoughtful side of his personality, as well as his appreciation for the value of hard work and the comfort of familiar routines.
Donald was deeply connected to his family, and those bonds were an important part of his life. He is survived by his mother, Mary Richman, and preceded in death by his stepfather, Charlie Richman. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Sammy Mellott and Blair Jr. Mellott. He is survived by his brother, Bobby Mellott; his sister, Doris Cyr; and his nephews, Steven Mellott (Janet), and Michael Mellott (Dana). His family will remember him for the steady kindness he showed, the laughter he shared, and the way he made others feel welcome and valued.
A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on July 8, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be receiving friends an hour prior to the service. Donald will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
OZARK…With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Illa L. Fortier, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life was centered on faith, family, and love.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Whitman officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Illa was preceded in death by her parents, William Russell and Dicie Maloy; her siblings, James Carlos Russell, James Olin Russell, and Willene Brown; her children, Mary Glass and Jimmy Kirkland; and her son-in-law, Rocky Brock.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Robert J. Fortier, whom she adored and shared a lifetime of love with. She is also survived by her children, Diane (Lionel) Glass, Terri Brewington, Cassie (Gil) Cofresi, and Josh Fortier.
She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Patricia (Michael) Sutley, Alisha Glass, Brady Glass, Aubrey (Addie) Glass, LB (Abbi) Downing, Malik (Roxie) Delancey, Jalen Delancey, Alexa Cofresi, Dominic Cofresi, Alexander Fortier, Illa Fortier, and Helena Guinn-Fortier; along with 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren who were all a treasured part of her life.
Illa found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time working in her yard and tending to her garden, where her patience and care helped beautiful things grow. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by her family. Her children, grandchildren, and every generation that followed were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who loved her forever.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so completely.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
