David Edward “Ed” Willis, age 80, passed away November 22, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.
Ed was born on January 15, 1945, to David and Anna Willis. He proudly served his country, enlisting in the United States Army in 1963. He was stationed in Thailand in the Communications Division and received an honorable discharge in 1967. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and qualified as a Sharpshooter on both the Carbine and M-14 rifle.
After leaving the military, Ed began his career at Ft. Rucker, where he worked until a major layoff in 1973. He then joined Couch Concrete, dedicating 28 and a half years to the company before retiring. Retirement didn’t suit him for long—“staying home” simply wasn’t in his vocabulary—so he returned to Ft. Rucker with DynCorp, where he continued working until retiring again at age 62.
Ed was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Martha Jean Adams Willis, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, David & Angel Willis and Michael & Tammy Willis; his brothers, Sammy Willis (Francis) and Jeffy Willis (Michelle); and his sister, Pam Hughes (Bibb).
He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: John David Willis (Courtney), Cassie Willis, Gage Willis (Jacey), Zane Willis, and Haley Gonzalez (Nelson “Tito”).
He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Mary Ellen Willis, Emma Gonzalez, Thais Gonzalez, and Nellie Gonzalez.
Ed is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
The family would like to give a special thank you to caregivers Cassandra White and Helen Granger, who became part of their extended family. Deep appreciation is also extended to Day Springs Hospice and nurse Raegan for their compassion and care.
Ed was known for his humor, his storytelling, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. He especially adored his grandchildren—nothing brought him more joy than making them laugh. To know Ed was to love him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Anna Willis.
The family will be at the home of Ed & Martha Willis in Newton, Alabama.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Jason Hughes officiating. Ed will be laid to rest in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Serving as pallbearers will be Fred Hammers, Milton McKnight, Joe Juddah, Gary Thompson, Chris Cureton and Chris Clardy.
Marsha Watford, a resident of Cowarts, Alabama died Saturday, November 22, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in Cowarts Baptist Church with Reverend Joshua Watford and Reverend Jonathan Sorensen officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
Marsha was born to the late Clyde and Ida Smith Thomas on May 22, 1937. After graduating high school, she began a career as a secretary working for The Dothan Eagle, later becoming the secretary at Ashford Academy and finally as secretary for Cowarts Baptist Church before her retirement. Her hobbies included reading her Bible, crocheting and needle point. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Cowarts Baptist Church. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Marsha was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Dick Gunnels; and a sister, Janice Claire Thomas Parmer.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband of sixty nine years, John Dewey Watford; a son, John Michael Watford (Pam); a grandson, Joshua Watford (Rebecca); two great grandsons, Judah and Josiah Watford; two sisters, Rose Watford and Lynn Bauldree (Mike); a brother, Charlie Thomas (Barbara); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her care givers for the loving care shown to Marsha during this difficult time. Sharla Bivens, Stephanie Thomas, Ruby Merrill, Beverly Whatley, and the entire staff at Gentiva Hospice.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Jennie Lou McLaney Pittman, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at her residence. She was 95 years old.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula, with Mr. Wayne Pittman and Dr. Ken Bush officiating. The burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Doss and Mr. Phil McLaney officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Glover Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted.
Jennie Lou was born on July 18, 1930, in Louisville, Alabama, to the late Loucious Curry and Mattie Lou Mims McLaney and grew up in the Beat 8 Community. Jennie Lou enjoyed crocheting, working in her yard, sitting on her front porch, cooking, but most of all she loved her family and spending time with them. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Eufaula since 1982 and was an Eastern Star since 1975.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Willie James “Bill” Pittman; three children, June White, Billy Pittman, and Linda Plott; grandson, Eric Martin; four brothers, Woodrow McLaney, Doug McLaney, Jim McLaney, and Jack McLaney; two sisters, Sarah McLendon and Grace Green.
Survivors include her two loving daughters, Vivian Martin (Jerry) of Eufaula and Kathy Taylor (Ricky) of Eufaula; three brothers, Pete McLaney (Annette) of Hazel Green, Alabama, Currie McLaney, Jr. of Brundidge, Alabama, and Johnny McLaney (Gwen) of Louisville, Alabama; two sisters, Janice Davis (Jimmy) of Eufaula, Alabama and Ann Tennille (Carl) of Eufaula, Alabama; thirteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Grandson’s will serve as pallbearers.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
SKIPPERVILLE… Janet Riley Whatley, a resident of Skipperville, Alabama, passed away Friday night, November 21, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. She was 75.
Funeral services will be held 11:30 A.M. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Skipperville Methodist Church, with Reverend Phil Craddock and Reverend Lawrence Maio officiating. Burial will follow in the Skipperville Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:30 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made in Mrs. Whatley’s name, to the Skipperville Community Cemetery, c/o JoAnn Camarata, P.O. Box 214, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
Mrs. Whatley was born in the Bertha Community of Dale County, Alabama, to the late Roy Riley and Ruby Griggs Riley. Throughout her life, she lived in both the Echo and Skipperville, Alabama communities. She was a 1968 graduate of Carroll High School. She loved her family deeply and found her calling in caring for others. Her home was always a place to find a warm meal and fresh poundcake. She was known as “Granny” to her grandkids and other kids of the community. She was a faithful member of the Skipperville Methodist Church.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Baker Whatley.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughters, Nan Maio (Lawrence) and Kim Pritchett (Adam); her sons, Heath Whatley (Julie) and Wade Whatley (Ciara); her sisters, Mae Ola Bell (Braxton) and Jane Edgar (Ron); her brothers, Bartow Riley and Mike Riley; her grandchildren, Josh Maio (Sydney), Zach Maio (Halie), Jonathan Maio, Tye Whatley (Serenity), Madilyn Whatley, Meredith Humphreys (Logan), Madison Knowles (Bryce), Cohen Pritchett, Eben Pritchett, and Mary Griggs Whatley; her great-grandchildren, Judah Maio, Josiah Maio, Shephard Maio, and Baby Humphreys and Baby Maio on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be her grandsons.
NEWTON…Meredith Baugh, a resident of Newton, died Friday morning, November 21, 2025, at her home. She was 51.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 29, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Stuart Tullis officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Meredith was born on March 16, 1974, in Davenport, Iowa. Over the years, she made homes in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Crestview, Florida, before settling in Newton in 2009. Each place she lived left its mark on her, shaping the caring, spirited woman she became.
Education was important to Meredith, and she worked hard to achieve her goals. She graduated from Okaloosa Walton College, Okaloosa Applied College, and Wallace Community College. With her dedication and compassion, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse, serving patients at Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview, Florida. Nursing wasn’t just a job to her—it was a calling. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and cared for, and she carried that same kindness into every part of her life.
Outside of work, Meredith had a playful and creative spirit. She loved shopping trips, whether it was finding something special for herself or picking out little surprises for her loved ones. She could spend hours binge-watching her favorite television shows, laughing, crying, and getting caught up in the stories. She had a love for the arts, especially painting, where she could express herself with color and imagination. Dolphins always brought her joy, and the beach was her happy place—she loved the sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, and the peace that came with being near the ocean. She also had a soft spot for Donald Duck, whose silly antics never failed to make her smile.
But above all, Meredith’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her children and grandchildren were her heart and soul. She loved them deeply and unconditionally and nothing made her happier than spending time with them. Whether it was sharing a meal, celebrating milestones, or simply sitting together and talking, those moments were the ones she cherished most. Her love for her family was the kind that could be felt in every hug, every word of encouragement, and every sacrifice she made.
Meredith’s life was full of love, laughter, and care. She touched the lives of everyone around her with her warmth and generosity, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her best.
Meredith was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Russell Hoban and Mildred Koenig Hoban and her paternal grandparents, William Baugh and Naomi Dillon Baugh.
Surviving relatives include her children, Tiffany Barrett (Brandon), Bonaire, Georgia, Joseph Brewer, Newton, and Alexandria McKee, North Carolina; her parents, Donald and Lorna Hoban Baugh, Newton; sister, Sherri Watson (Wesley), Ewell; brother, Darrin Emerick, California; four grandchildren, Aaden, Ariyah, Renleigh, and Ireland; nephew, James Watson.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ABBEVILLE. . .Christine Robinson Clenney, a resident of Abbeville, passed away late Saturday morning, November 22, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 24, 2025, in the Holman-Abbeville Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Ralph Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Monday at the mortuary in Abbeville.
In lieu of flowers and food, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Chuch Cemetery Fund,c/o Dolly Vickers, 204 Dothan Road, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Mrs. Clenney was a lifelong resident of Henry County, near Abbeville, daughter of the late Leonad Robinson and Ora Bell Hutto Robinson. She was retired from WestPoint Stevens in Abbeville after forty-two years employment. Mrs. Clenney was a member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Richard Clenney, a son, Terry Clenney, sisters, Minnie McKinnon, Lois Gilder and Sally Culp and a brother, Ray Robinson.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Jane Price (David), Abbeville; a sister, Maurine Akins, Phenix City; a sister-in-law, Shirley Elliott Robinson, Abbeville; two brothers, Cecil Robinson and James Robert Robinson, both of Abbeville; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Irby Gilder, Ashley Robinson, Michael Price, Jeff Hembree, Joseph Hodges and Pete Peterson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Renate Woerner, who was Mrs. Clenney’s caregiver for two years, Henry County Health & Rehab, and Genitva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Clenney during her illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Jennie Lou McLaney Pittman, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at her residence. She was 95 years old.
