by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
SKIPPERVILLE…JoAnn Johnson Parish, 87, of Skipperville, Alabama, passed away surrounded by her loving family on September 22, 2025.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, October 4, 2025, in the Westview Heights Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Westview Heights Methodist Church, 512 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
JoAnn was born in Greenhead Florida on June 21, 1938, to Tom and Minnie Dee Johnson of Vernon Fl. She attended Vernon High School where she was Salutatorian of her class. JoAnn enjoyed several fulfilling and meaningful jobs outside the home while raising two rambunctious boys while her husband, Hal, was working out of town. During her professional career, JoAnn mentored, counseled, and guided countless junior employees helping to develop their own performance and careers.
JoAnn loved doing and making things for family, friends and neighbors. She was a great seamstress as well as a very good oil painter and ceramicist. She enjoyed playing organ and piano and singing in the various churches that they were a part of as life moved the family throughout the Southeast and Colorado.
JoAnn is survived by her husband Howell, her children and their wives, Reid and Barbara (Gorton) and Joseph and Charlene (Wright) Parish. She loved on and cherished her five grandchildren: Jenna, Joscelyn, Frasier, Caitlen and Justin as well as five great grandchildren: Charlie, Oliver, Finn, Ivy, and Ava
One of JoAnn’s great passions was canning. Both the Parish and the Johnson families had significant gardens and JoAnn loved to travel. Together, she and Hal travelled all over this beautiful country, eventually visiting all 48 contiguous states and Alaska.
JoAnn will always be remembered for her hospitality, beautiful warm smile and ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
by Glover Funeral Home | Sep 23, 2025 | Obituaries
Wanda Dianne Morgan
The joy and faith filled life of Wanda Morgan came to a bittersweet end the morning of September 18, 2025. The sorrow we feel conflicts with the relief and comfort of knowing she isn’t suffering anymore. Anyone who knew her knows that she was a truly unique and unforgettable spirit, partly because you would know her whole life story and the lifesaving power of Jesus within the first 15 minutes of meeting her no matter where you were, but also because her abounding love, unwavering faith, and seemingly limitless grace emanated so powerfully from her spirit you couldn’t help but have an impression left with you. She had a way of forming such genuine connections with people and fully embodying the love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a testimony to the truth that no one is too far to be reached by God’s grace and that the faith you instill in your children leaves roots and a foundation to rely on when trials and tragedies of life cause them to stray. Wanda’s rocky paths earlier in life – her numerous heartbreaks and hardships throughout, and even her devastating battle with cancer through this last year of her life were all intricately woven into the story of her faith and journey on this earth, which has touched the hearts and lives of so, so many – make up the beautiful tapestry that was her life. In her life she devoted herself to the service of others and to the kingdom. After having 6 children of her own, which she was raising as a single mother while working and at parts continuing her schooling as a social worker, she chose to go even further fostering numerous children of all ages and even adopting three amazing girls (Katelyn, Keyahna, and Kendra) to be part of her family forever. Raising her girls to learn from her mistakes and understand their worth and capabilities. Her iconic phrase “Who needs a man!” was a part of everyday life. She instilled in them the confidence and self-assurance to accomplish anything they set their minds to and epitomized independence. Many people would say she was Wonder Woman with how she carried so much and managed it all so well. I always said she filled the role of both mom and dad. She taught me what it was to be a man and a faithful follower of Christ and that those two things go together. She taught me compassion, generosity, selflessness, and that we don’t limit or stop giving grace. She was rebellious and emphasized to not be complacent; to not accept that just because it’s the way something is done or taught, doesn’t mean it’s the only or best way; and to not accept “that’s just the way it is.” She showed me what it was to make your life a living testimony and instrument of worship, to magnify Christ and glorify God with my actions and not just my words, and to go through every day unashamedly sharing the love and power of Jesus. The lessons I’ve taken away from my life with her are too many to list. Her legacy will live on for many generations as will the impacts of the lives she’s touched and love she’s given.
-Chandler Morgan
Our strong and courageous mother went to be with the Lord on September 18th after a hard fight with cancer. She fought so hard and bravely and now is in Heaven with our Savior. I imagine her listening to Nanny play the piano and dancing with Aaron and Adam. She was the greatest person I have ever known, and while I am so deeply heartbroken that she is gone, I’m grateful she is finally out of pain. She always put everyone above herself, right up until the very end. She loved in a way that very few ever could. She loved fully, deeply, and without hesitation. My momma had a fire in her heart for God. She couldn’t help but tell everyone about him. She didn’t care if she had just met you; she would make sure you knew about Jesus. She wanted to make sure that everyone knew His goodness and faithfulness in her life. Her faith never wavered, and she lived as a true example of God’s love. My heart is crushed as I write this, but I am so thankful to have such a loving and Godly mother. I can only hope to live even a fraction as faithfully and beautifully as she did. This doesn’t feel real and maybe it never will. I still have so much I wish I could say to her. I know that no matter how much time I had, it would never feel like enough. I’m jealous she gets to be in the beauty of Heaven while we are here grieving the loss of the greatest person we have ever known. I know she is at peace, and we’ll be together again. Until then, I’ll carry your love with me. I promise to take care of our family down here for you. Please give Jesus a big hug for me I really need it. She wasn’t just a mother, grandparent, or friend; she was the light of her family and a devoted daughter of God. She was the strongest person many of us had ever known and loved like no other. Wanda was a mother to nine children and a foster mom to many more, always opening her heart and home to those in need. Her faith in the Lord was unwavering. She had a fire for sharing God’s love and made sure everyone she met knew of His goodness. Even in her final days, while in pain, Wanda never spoke a negative word; she praised and glorified Jesus until the end. Wanda adored her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and made her light shine even brighter. Her family was her world, and she loved fiercely, with a heart full of generosity and compassion for others.
-Aleiya Graves
While we may have lost our favorite person, heaven gained a beautiful angel. Momma was the most inspiring, Jesus loving, accepting person you would ever meet. She loved everyone no matter what! She may not be here physically, but I know she’s in our hearts and now I get to carry out the legacy of my sweet momma.
-Keyahna Hatcher-Morgan
Professionally, with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Radford University and as a mental health counselor for adults and children, she worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor through the Youth Advocacy Program in Roanoke, VA. Later in life she transitioned to be a Care Coordinator with Optima Health Care, and over the last 4 years, she was an in-home caregiver and pursued her ambition of being a homesteader. The losses she endured of family who preceded her in death include her son Aaron Morgan, her sister Karen Chaplin, her brother Victor Chaplin, and recently her mother Aneita Roberts. She was survived by her daughters Aneita “Chanté” Smith, Courtney Morgan, Aleiya Graves, Keyahna Hatcher-Morgan, Katelyn Morgan, and Kendra Morgan; her sons Nicholas Neifert, Chandler Morgan, and Cole Graves; her grandchildren Lyra Morgan, Guinevere Morgan, Asher Graves, and Freya Graves; her sisters Barbara Parker, Marianne Miller, Victoria “Denise” Meadows, Tammy Chaplin, Susie Wilson, Amanda Kishpaugh, and Cora Smith; and her brothers William Parker, Richard Parker, Samuel Parker, and Marcus Smith. She is already missed dearly and will live on in our memories for ages to come.
A Celebration of Wanda’s Life will be held at Dothan First in their Fellowship Building on Sunday, September 28th at 4 pm.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
by Sorrells Funeral Home | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
Jack Olen Outlaw, age 87, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, with Rev. Elizabeth Hinton officiating. Interment will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Thursday one hour prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association.
Jack was born on May 1, 1938, in Hartford, to the late Lander Adolph and Ruby Mae Howell Outlaw. Jack devoted his life to providing for his family. He proudly served in the Army National Guard Armor Division before beginning a career of more than three decades with GTE, where he was admired for his strong work ethic, integrity, and kindness to all who knew him.
He was a loving husband to Joy Hardwick Outlaw for 64 years, a devoted father to Chuck (Rhonda) and Blakelynn (Bill), and a proud “Papa Jack” to his three grandsons: Alex (Lucie), Austin (Taylor), and Jack. He cherished many hours spent rocking on the front porch with family and friends, sharing stories of the past. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jack will be remembered for his gracious spirit, humor, and steadfast support. After retiring, Jack and Joy loved to travel. Through road trips with their dear friends, the Watsons, they visited all 50 states, and they also traveled abroad to Mexico, Canada, Spain, Italy, and France. In retirement, Jack enjoyed spending his days on the golf course. The camaraderie and lasting friendships he shared with his golfing buddies, a close-knit group fondly known as the “Lunch Bunch,” meant as much to him as the game itself. A faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Dothan, Jack was also active in the Walker Epps Progressors Sunday School class, where he built lasting friendships and lived out his faith through service and fellowship.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Rex Outlaw; his sister, Lois VanHorn of Panama City; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jack’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver, Felicia Smith, whose compassionate care kept him active and honored the bond he shared with Joy. In time, Felicia was joined by Shannon, whose kindness brought great comfort. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff of VITAS Hospice, along with friends and neighbors, for their unwavering support during Jack’s final days.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.
“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
To sign a guest register, please visit
www.sorrellsfuneral.com
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Richard Glenn Miller, a resident of the Echo Community, died late Monday morning, September 22, 2025, at his home. He was 66.
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
by Sunset Memorial Park | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
Allenia Rebecca Danielle Crittenden, known affectionately as Allenia to her loved ones, departed this life on September 20, 2025, in Midland City, Alabama. Born on the crisp winter day of December 11, 1987, in Maryville, Tennessee.
Allenia was the cherished daughter of Teresa Crittenden and the late David Crittenden. She grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of her sisters and brother, Kassandra McCrummen, Kellsey Crittenden, and Ashton Crittenden.
In her formative years, Allenia’s family moved from the peaceful town of Athens, Tennessee, to the vibrant city of Chattanooga, where she embraced life’s adventures. Her journey continued to Dothan, Alabama, in 2002, where she attended Northview High School. Allenia’s education played a pivotal role in shaping her into the courageous and spirited individual she was known to be.
Allenia’s zest for life was infectious. Her laugh could light up a room, and her emotions were felt deeply, from exuberant happiness to empathetic sadness. She was fearless, always ready to dive into new and exciting experiences. Allenia’s adventurous nature found a perfect outlet in her love for the great outdoors. She was a superb swimmer, finding peace and freedom in the waters she so adored. Her passion for the outdoors extended to rock climbing, caving, and hiking, activities that reflected her adventurous spirit.
Allenia’s legacy is one of love, courage, and adventure. She touched the lives of many, teaching us to laugh heartily, to embrace our fears, and to live with a sense of wonder. As we remember Allenia, we hold on to the memories of her vibrant spirit, her fearless heart, and her unquenchable love for life.
Though she has left this earthly realm, the essence of Allenia Rebecca Danielle Crittenden will forever remain in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been graced by her presence. Her story is one of a life well-lived and well-loved, a narrative that will continue to inspire courage and joy in the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Allenia; your spirit soars on the winds of the adventures you cherished.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
by Sunset Memorial Park | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
Stephanie Francine “Fran” Thomas, a cherished educator, community enthusiast, and beacon of love, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 9, 1961, in Brewton, Alabama, Stephanie’s infectious smile and compassionate spirit were nurtured from an early age.
Stephanie, as she was affectionately known by her friends and loved ones, attended T.R. Miller High School, where she first discovered her passion for education and community service. Her desire to empower and uplift others led her to University of South Florida, and she subsequently earned a degree in special education from Auburn University at Montgomery. This academic journey laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would touch the lives of countless individuals.
For 27 years, Stephanie dedicated her life to serving as a special education teacher in Dothan City Schools. Her commitment to her students went beyond the classroom; she was a tireless advocate, mentor, and friend to each child she taught. After retiring from Dothan City Schools, Stephanie continued to give back by serving as a substitute teacher for an additional six years—bringing her total years of service in education to 33. Her colleagues remember her as an energetic and loving presence who brought out the best in both her students and peers.
Stephanie’s interests extended beyond her professional life. She was a true social butterfly, engaging in various community events with a zest that was contagious. Traveling was one of her greatest joys, allowing her to experience new cultures and create lasting memories.
Family was the cornerstone of Stephanie’s world. Though she joins her beloved siblings James Mallory and Marilyn Thomas in eternal rest, her legacy will be carried on by her brothers Frederick Thomas, Don Thomas (Tina), Ronald Thomas (Emma), her sisters Gwen Walton (Andrew), Dianne Peterson, Lisa McMillan (Freddie), Charlia Daniel (James), Debra King, and Sydney Thomas. The bonds she forged with her siblings were unbreakable, and the memories they created will continue to be celebrated with every family gathering. Her special friends Rosetta Brown, Sam Perryman, Cynthia Waller and her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters often joined her on these adventures, sharing in the laughter and stories that would become cherished moments for all. Stephanie is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Stephanie’s life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and dedication. She was a guiding light in the lives of all who knew her. Her memory will be treasured in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and the countless lives she impacted. Stephanie Francine Thomas lived a life full of purpose and joy, and her spirit will forever remain a source of inspiration and warmth to all. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to resonate through the lives she has shaped and the community she has enriched.
A celebration of Stephanie’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at First Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. B.K. Mashall officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home and one hour prior to service time on Saturday.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
