OZARK…The beautiful and mighty woman known as Dorothy Miriam Brown released her embrace on life and closed her eyes to find rest and peace with her Lord and Savior after heroically fighting Multiple Myeloma Cancer for 9 years. She died as she lived: fearlessly.
Over the past nine years she endured over 300 Chemotherapy sessions, Cell Replacement Therapy, and CAR-T therapy, all very painful. She left this life peacefully in a wave of love from her family and friends.
She was a wonderful wife to Cliff, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend who was beloved by all.
Delightfully funny and bright she brought joy to all. As a dedicated fashionista she was always on the hunt for the next clothing bargain. Goodwill, the Dale Baptist Association and Salvation Army are much richer thanks to her steady stream of classy, chic clothing donations.
Dottie attacked each holiday with gusto: baking; decorating the house, yard, and all the holiday fashions in existence!
She loved crafts and was quite talented in her creations. She hosted countless sparkling gatherings at her home for friends at Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those who knew her realize how lucky they were to have her in their lives.
She was a faithful, loyal and loving wife and she worked hard every day up until her illness. The end of her life here on earth will not extinguish Dotties light. She has passed on the torch to younger generations. May we always live in a way that honors her memory.
When we are listening to someone’s problems we will remember how she never turned away from a hurting heart. Whether family or stranger, she would hear someone’s story and make them feel understood.
When we prepare meals for friends and family, we will remember how many people she blessed with her good humor, great cooking and endless hospitality.
When we are tired, we will remember how she persevered. She is preceded in death by her mother Miriam Lewis.
She is survived by her husband Cliff, sons Cody and Charley and their wives Casey and Tammi, five beautiful grandchildren: Cayla 22, Ciara 16, Roxi 14, Carter 12 and Griffin 9.
She is also survived by brothers Buddy and wife Barbara Lewis, Pete and wife Sharon Lewis, and her sisters Susie and husband Harvey Boyette, Kitty Manning and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Please keep Dottie in your hearts, she was much loved and will be missed so much.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 25, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
After a courageous battle with a traumatic brain injury, Justin Mitchell Brown, age 31 of Hartford, AL, was welcomed into his Savior’s arms on July 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
The family will receive friends at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
A graveside service celebrating Justin’s life will follow at Brown Family Cemetery, 3280 N State Hwy 167, Hartford, AL 36344, with Pastor Eric Bradley and Dr. Scott Cox officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Austin, Matthew Cummings, Dexter Tolbert, Andrew Kimbro, Garret Kimbro, Michael Guy, Melvin Armstrong, and Jason Kozisek.
Justin’s life changed two years ago when he turned his life over to His Savior, and he never looked back. His love for his Savior led him to always look for ways to serve God’s kingdom on Earth and led everyone who knew him to know how much he loved Jesus.
Justin was a good man and hard worker. First and foremost, he loved his church; he tithed and gave generously every chance he could to help the church since his work schedule didn’t allow much time for serving. He left an impact where everyone always talked about how generous his heart was and how he loved Jesus. He was good with his hands and was building – by himself – a dream home for he and his wife to have a family and grow old together.
Justin was made perfect in Christ. Though it pains us all who he left behind, we can rest in knowing that Justin is with his Savior, Jesus Christ who said well done my good and faithful servant it’s time to come home – I’m proud of you.
Justin is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah, and their dogs, Atara, Sam, and Nova. Justin leaves behind his father and mother, Joey and Stephanie Brown, his oldest sister Hannah Cummings (Matt), his older sister Myranda Austin (Thomas), his beloved nieces and nephews: Addison Austin, Lily Cummings, Tommy Austin, and Madeline Austin.
Justin’s favorite verse was Romans 7:19 – “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” We want to do good and please our Savior, but we live in sin and will be imperfect. Justin is no longer imperfect – he’s made perfect in heaven and worshipping his savior every moment. We love you, Justin!
Randall Wayne Brown passed from this life into the presence of the Lord Jesus early in the afternoon of July 18, 2026.
Randy was born June 15, 1956 to Charles Wayne Brown and Jean Pyle Brown. Randy grew up in Dothan and graduated from Dothan, High School. After High School, He attended Auburn University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Randy continued his education and earned his Masters and Ph.D from the University of Florida. War Eagle and Go Gators!
Randy was proud to serve his country as an officer in the United States Air Force. Randy retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel after twenty years of faithful service. After the Air Force, he continued to work as a Civil Engineer in the private sector in various capacities until his declining health forced him to stop. Two relationships framed and guided Randy’s life. Jesus met and saved Randy in 1967 at the age of 11. His relationship with Jesus was the driving force of his life and shaped his affections and priorities. Second only to his relationship with Jesus, Randy treasured his relationship with his family. Randy lived to love and serve his family, especially his wife of 46 years, Brenda Watford Brown, his two sons (Matt and Josh), his two daughter in-laws (Amy and Rachel), and his three grandchildren (Judson, Natalie, and Nathan).
Randy is preceded in death by his parents Charles Wayne Brown and Jean Pyle Brown, and his sister Susan Brown Barefield.
Randy is survived by his wife Brenda Brown, His eldest son Matt Brown (Amy), His youngest son Josh Brown (Rachel) His three grandchildren, Judson, Natalie, and Nathan. And many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held for Randy, Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan. Visitation will start at 10am until the funeral service starts at 11am.
Ruth Ann Soden, age 73, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on July 19, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, creativity, and unwavering love for those she held dear.
Born on October 5, 1952, in Maryland, Ruth had a gentle spirit and a caring heart that made people feel welcome wherever she went. Throughout her life, she lived in Maryland, Kentucky, South Carolina, and eventually Dothan, Alabama, where she built lasting friendships and became a faithful member of Ridgecrest Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and gave her strength through every season.
Ruth spent many years working in retail, where her warm smile, dependable nature, and genuine care for others made her a familiar and friendly face. She believed in working hard, treating people with kindness, and finding joy in the simple blessings of life.
More than anything, Ruth loved her family. She was a devoted mother who found her greatest happiness in her children and treasured every moment she spent with them. Her sons, Chris Soden and James “Robby” Soden (Maram), were the pride of her life. She also carried the memory of her beloved daughter, Anna Soden, in her heart every day after Anna’s passing. The love Ruth had for her family never wavered.
She found joy in creative pursuits that reflected her patient and thoughtful nature. Ruth loved cross-stitching, cooking, and sharing the things she made with those she loved. She especially enjoyed entering her handmade creations and recipes in local fair competitions, including the National Peanut Festival, where she took great pride in showcasing her talents. Whether preparing a meal, working on a cross-stitch project, or cheering on her family, Ruth poured love into everything she did.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Chris Soden and James “Robbie” Soden and his wife, Maram; her mother, Clarene Richardson; her brother, Doug Richardson and (Cathy); her sister, Sandra Richardson; her brothers-in-law, Richard Soden and (Saundra), Randy Soden, and David King; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Willis; her beloved daughter, Anna Soden; her father, Herbert Richardson; and her sister, Linda King.
Ruth will be remembered for her gentle heart, her quiet strength, and the way she made everyone around her feel loved and cared for. She never sought recognition, but her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. The memories she created, the love she shared, and the faith she lived by will continue to comfort her family and friends in the days ahead.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chuck Locke officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the service, Ruth will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Helen Eileen Barreca, lovingly known as Eileen, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Iowa, during their nightly Rosary with her husband and oldest daughter. Born on June 8, 1938, in Scotland, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, kindness, and grace.
She was a beloved Christian woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her, and she will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and gentle soul.
Eileen came to the United States at the age of 17, bringing with her the courage and hope that would shape the rest of her life.
While working at a bank in New York, she met the love of her life on a blind date, and that meeting began a marriage that would last for 64 beautiful years. Her husband’s military service meant that their family moved often, but wherever they went, Eileen created a home filled with warmth, order, and love. Eventually, they settled in Dothan, Alabama, where they built a lasting life together and raised their family with deep devotion.
Eileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family was the center of her world. She is survived by her husband Nicholas of 64 years; 4 daughters: Jeannine (Terry) Timp of Winthrop, Aileen Barreca of Enterprise, Alabama, Helene (Kinch) Gaede of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Colleen Barreca of Dothan, Alabama; 7 grandchildren: Siobhan (Nick) Rivera, Christina (Jergen) Teslow, Connor Gaede, Hunter (Julianna) Gaede, Luke Gaede, Julia Gaede and John Paul Barreca; 2 great-grandchildren: Louis Teslow and Quinton Gaede; Her sister’s daughter: Diane Hill; and many Godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother: Ann Jane (Patrick) Ferguson, mother: Ellen Ferguson, sister: Anna (Joe) Dunn, uncle: Henry Ferguson, aunts: Mary (Willy) Lamb, Cathy (Tom) Cronin, Anne (Patrick) Byrnes, in-laws: Lucille and Vincent Barreca, great-grandchildren: Terijo Timp, Frances Allison Teslow, Teresa Lucille Gaede, Maria Rafael Gaede, John Marie Gaede and Joseph Giosetta Gaede.
Eileen dedicated many years of service to others through her work and her church. She taught second grade and prepared children for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation at several Catholic churches over the years, sharing her faith and patience with generations of young children. When her husband opened Wiregrass Total Eye Care Clinic, Eileen worked alongside him and their daughter for more than 20 years as the office manager. Her steady presence, strong work ethic, and kind manner helped make the clinic a welcoming place for countless patients and families.
Her life in Dothan was also marked by service to her community and steadfast commitment to her beliefs. Eileen volunteered at the Wiregrass Emergency Pregnancy Center and was active in the pro-life movement, always guided by her deep faith and compassion for others. She prayed the Rosary every day, as Mary called us to do for our children. Her spirituality was not just a part of her life, but the foundation of it, and she lived as a woman who was truly holy, faith-filled, and devoted to God.
Eileen also brought beauty and joy into the lives of those around her through her many gifts and interests. She enjoyed vacationing to New York to visit family, and she treasured those visits and the memories they created. She was a master gardener, a gourmet cook, and a gracious hostess who made others feel welcome and cared for. She loved cross stitch, and she approached every task with elegance and quiet excellence. Her home, her table, and her presence reflected the beauty of her spirit.
Those who knew Eileen will remember her as beautiful, kind, and sweet, with a heart that was always open to others. She loved her family deeply and lived each day as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the faith she shared, and the many lives she touched with her gentle and loving presence.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the St. Columba Catholic Church Chapel in Dothan, Alabama. A viewing will be held prior to the mass from 9:45am to 10:45am at St. Columba in the Church. Eileen will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Following the services, there will be a reception at Sunset Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Burse Club (for our Seminarian’s in the Mobile Archdiocese) to: Vocations Office
400 Government St.
Mobile, Al 36602
To send a sympathy card to Nicolas Barreca, Mail To
#203 505 Enterprise Dr SW
Independence IA 50644
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
DOTHAN… Diane Howse, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her home. She was 75.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am Friday, August 7, 2026, at Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Dothan with Pastor Chris Herrin officiating.
Mrs. Howse was born in Long Beach, California, to the late Dean Howard Kirby and Norma Jane Reitz Kirby. She attended local schools before earning an Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Science in Library Science from Florida State University.
Mrs. Howse lived in Enterprise, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, before making her home in Dothan, Alabama, where she resided for the past 37 years. She was a faithful member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church.
She devoted her career to education, serving for many years as a media specialist with the Dothan City School System. Through her work, she supported generations of students and educators, sharing her love of learning and literature with those she served.
Surviving relatives include her husband William “Bill” Howse; daughters, Marian Howse and Eileen Stoufflet; two grandchildren; several other loving family members and friends.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
