OZARK…Mrs. Martha Sue King Maund (better known as Mrs. Sue), a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, at Dale Medical Center. She was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 23, 2026, in Southside Baptist Church with Reverend Kenneth Hale and Reverend Dr. Tim Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the church.
Mrs. Maund, the daughter of the late Lewie Frank King and Alma Jernigan King, was born and raised in Pinckard, a place that always held a special spot in her heart. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the simple joys of small‑town life. She attended school in Pinckard and later graduated from Midland City High School in 1954. After high school, she continued her education at Wallace College, earning a degree in Cosmetology—an early sign of her lifelong love for caring for others.
Although she began her career in cosmetology, her true calling revealed itself when she opened Mrs. Sue’s Daycare in Ozark. For thirty‑five years, she poured her heart into that daycare, shaping it into far more than a place for children to spend their days. It became a second home, a safe haven, and a place filled with laughter, learning, and love. Generations of families trusted her with their little ones, and she treated every child as if they were her own. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, and warm smile made her a beloved figure in the community.
To her neighbors, she was affectionately known as the “Matriarch of the neighborhood” and a true “Pillar of the Daycare Community.” She loved her daily walks, stopping to chat with anyone she met along the way. Whether she was offering a kind word, checking in on someone, or simply sharing a story, she had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. Her presence brought comfort, and her kindness left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Faith was a guiding force in her life. As a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church, she devoted many years to caring for the Nursery. She found joy in rocking babies, soothing little ones, and supporting young families. Her service there was an extension of who she was—someone who loved deeply, gave generously, and believed in nurturing others.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Eugene Maund, whom she loved dearly, and by her siblings: Jansen King, Dr. Virginia King, Gladys Rittenberg, James King, Bobby King, Bill King, Joe Frank King, and Jackie King. Though she experienced great loss throughout her life, she carried herself with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Sabrina Maund, Ozark; two sons, Johnny Mathews (Jan), Dothan and Chris Maund (Amy), Daphne, Alabama; four grandchildren, Deanna Reynolds, Deric Reynolds, Jr., Ella Maund, and Grayson Maund; two great-grandchildren, Samuel Reynolds and Elijah Reynolds; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to offer special appreciation to the parents of all the children that Mrs. Sue kept over the years. Their support and love meant the world to her. Also, immense gratitude and appreciation to the special care given by the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit Staffs of Dale Medical Center, their support and love for Mrs. Sue was inspiring.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ASBURY COMMUNITY…Mr. Charles Sterling Hughes, a resident of the Asbury Community, near Skipperville, died late Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. He was 88.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Asbury Methodist Church with Reverend Phil Craddock officiating. Graveside services, with Masonic honors, will follow in the church cemetery. 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 church.
Mr. Hughes, son of the late Houston Hughes and Hettie Snell Hughes, was a native and lifelong resident of the Asbury Community. In earlier years, he was employed for thirty-four years with B.F. Williams Construction Company as a road superintendent and was retired from the City of Ozark as the Public Works Director. He was an active member of Asbury Methodist Church, where he had previously served as song leader, Sunday school teacher, and Chairman of the Administrative Board.
Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Brother C. Sterling Hughes initiated an entered Apprentice on February 9, 1966. He was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on March 9, 1966, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 28, 1966, in Clinton Masonic Lodge #287 in Skipperville, Alabama. He later served his lodge in the various stations and places including Worshipful Master.
Most Worshipful Brother Hughes joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Dothan in 1970. He was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1985 and coronated a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in 1989. He served the Scottish Rite as Director of Work, Head of all bodies and personal representative of Karl Reed in Alabama.
After joining the York Rite Bodies of Dothan in 1994, he served as the Illustrious Master, Commander and High Priest of the local bodies. He later served as the Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Alabama, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Alabama and the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights of Templar of Alabama.
He was also a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees where he served as the Sovereign Master; the Red Cross of Constantine where he served as the Grand Governor, The York Rite College, where he was honored to receive the Purple Cross; The S.R.I.C.F., The Grotto, The Shrine The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest, The Knights of the York Cross Honor, The National Sojourners, The Royal Order of Scotland as well as the Order of the Eastern Star.
Most Worshipful Brother Sterling Hughes served the Grand Lodge of Alabama as Junior Grand Deacon in 1991-1992, Grand Marshall in 2005, 2002, and 2006-2007, Junior Grand Warden 2008-2009, Senior Grand Warden 2009-2010, Deputy Grand Master 2010-2011 and elected and installed the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Alabama on November 16, 2011.
Mr. Hughes was preceded in death by two sons, Rickey Hughes and David Hughes; sister, Lydia Grimes.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Shirley Triplett Hughes, Asbury; his children, Bryan Keith Hughes (Sherry), Skipperville, Cheryl Hand (Jeff Mounts), Wetumpka, Jamie Thornton (Cathy), Wetumpka, and Jerry Thornton (Jennifer), Marietta, Georgia; six grandchildren, Zackery Hughes, Chase Thornton (Paige), Chandler Benton (Jesse), Jackson Hand, Emma Thornton, and Joseph Thornton; six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Zackery Hughes, Chase Thornton, Jesse Benton, Jackson Hand, Joseph Thornton, Heath Whatley, and Jack Hartzog.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DALEVILLE…Mr. Danny Pilkinton, beloved stepfather, son, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Pilkinton entered this world on October 23, 1957, in Springfield, Missouri. He was born to Charles and Samantha Pilkinton. Mr. Pilkinton enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cooking, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time creating memorable moments with his family. He was there for the firsts- first hunt, first heartbreak, first time shooting a gun, first time catching a fish, high school graduations, Basic Training Graduation, and the first child.
He is survived by his sons, Brandon Monter and his wife, Sandra and Danny Pilkinton; grandson Brandon Monter; granddaughter Amber Monter.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
William (Bill) H. Morris II, lovingly known as “Wink,” passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Bill was a cherished member of the Wiregrass Area who touched countless lives through his passion for music and tennis. As a talented drummer, he played in numerous bands over the years, beginning with Dickey Merritt and the Bama Jam Band in the 1970s. His musical journey continued with groups such as Black Creek Boogie Band, Bama Breeze Band, and Classics, leaving a lasting impression on audiences throughout the region.
For the last seven years prior to his stroke, Bill shared his musical gifts with the band “Generations” at First Methodist Church in Enterprise, AL, enriching worship services and community events. Beyond music, Bill was a dedicated tennis pro, inspiring and teaching many students in the Wiregrass area. His contributions to the sport were recognized on May 19, 2023, when the city of Enterprise honored him by declaring “Bill Morris Tennis Day” and naming the city’s tennis facilities The William H. (Bill) Morris Tennis Complex.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William H. Morris, and step-mother, Eloise Morris of Geneva, AL; and his mother, Mildred Thompson Paul of Butler, AL. He is survived by his son, William H. (Tripp) Morris, and wife Anne Maria of Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Hampton Morris and Etta Morris of Marietta, GA; sisters Mildred Brett Morris Evans (James Dansby) of Butler, AL, and Donna Morris Gray (Scott) of Geneva, AL; brothers James Jay Morris (Sandy) of Samson, AL, and David Drew Morris (Renee) of Newnan, GA; as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank you to Wiregrass Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, Phylis Smith, and Jeanette McNeal for their compassionate care and support. Bill will be remembered for his kindness, talent, and the lasting legacy he leaves in both music and tennis throughout the Wiregrass community.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.
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
Charleigh Jo Bennett was born sleeping on January 17, 2026, and entered into eternal peace. Though she never took a breath in this world, her life was precious, and she will always be deeply loved and remembered.
Charleigh Jo is the cherished daughter of Kyle and Mary Bennett. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Sadie, Klayton, and Kash, who will forever hold her in their hearts as their baby sister. She is also loved by many aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
She is survived by her grandparents, Wayne and Susan Bennett, and Nathan and Amanda Gamble. She was named in honor of her great-grandfather, Bobby Joe, whose name she carries with love and meaning. She is also survived by her great grandmother, Cindy “Gigi” Coles.
Charleigh Jo’s life, though brief and silent, leaves an everlasting imprint of love. She will always be remembered, always be loved, and never be forgotten.
A celebration for Charleigh Jo will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Betty Loraine Young of Slocomb passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 89.
Mrs. Young was born May 17, 1936 in Illinois.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Young, and daughter, JoAnna Busscher.
She is survived by her son, Kelly Young (Stacy), of Slocom, daughter, Lisa Young of Iuka, IL., grandsons, Paul Michael Anderson (Talon) of Salem, IL., Aaron Mitchell Anderson of Slocomb, and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Reed Anderson.
