Esteban Kristofer Lopez, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 21 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born on October 11, 2004, in Dothan, Alabama, Esteban was a beacon of generosity and kindness to all who knew him.
Esteban was predeceased by his father, Jonatan Lopez, and his sister, Monica Lopez. He is survived by his devoted mother, Irene Lopez-Castillo and her husband, Gary Castillo; his loving siblings, Alex, Landon, and Chelsea Lopez; and his cherished grandparents, Cathy Bell and her husband Rusty, Roland Castillo and his wife Norma, Bertha Sandoval, and Esteban Lopez. His numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins will also hold his memory dear.
From a young age, Esteban was known for his generous nature, always putting others before himself. He carried this trait into his adult life, where he proudly served as a member of the 690th Chemical Brigade of the Alabama National Guard for over two years. His commitment to service was a testament to his character and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Esteban’s zest for life was evident in his love for spending time with his friends, especially Owen, Jacob, and JT, as well as his siblings. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as immersing himself in video games, where he often could be found fighting his way to victory with his strategic thinking and collaborative spirit. His ambition was to be a chemical engineer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025 with Chaplain Dalton Keel officiating. Burial will follow in Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland City with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends from 5 PM until 7 PM, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
OZARK…Mr. Jamie McDaniel, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 60.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 21, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Lee Windham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Jamie was born on December 20, 1964, in the small town of Paris, Illinois. It was there that he grew up, made lifelong friends, and graduated from high school, carrying with him the values of hard work and community that shaped the rest of his life. Driven by a desire to protect and care for others, Jamie went on to earn a degree in Safety Management from Columbia University—a field that perfectly matched his dedication to keeping people safe and looking out for their well-being.
Over the years, Jamie’s journey took him to many places. He lived for a time in Plantation, Florida, where he built memories with his family, before eventually settling in Ozark in 2023. No matter where life led him, Jamie carried with him a sense of loyalty, kindness, and a strong work ethic. He was proud to serve as a safety manager with Core Safety in Miami, Florida, where his colleagues admired not only his professionalism but also his genuine care for the people around him.
Family was at the center of Jamie’s world. He loved spending time with his children, whether it was cheering on a baseball game or practicing karate moves with his sons. He shared special moments with his wife at the shooting range, where their time together was filled with laughter and companionship. At home, Jamie found joy in caring for his animals, who were as much a part of the family as anyone else. His happiest times were the simple ones—being surrounded by those he loved, sharing stories, and creating memories that will live on in their hearts.
Jamie’s life was also marked by service to his country. As a veteran of the United States Navy, he carried with him a deep sense of honor and pride. His time in the Navy shaped him into the man he became—disciplined, courageous, and always ready to put others before himself.
Those who knew Jamie will remember him not only for his accomplishments but for the way he lived—with warmth, devotion, and a steady presence that made people feel safe and cared for. His legacy is one of love, service, and family, and his memory will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Mark Gilbert; step-father, Gene Ray.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Christy Gilbert McDaniel, Ozark; two sons, Matthew Mark McDaniel and Luke John McDaniel, both of Ozark; daughter, Conner Esbjoern (Andrew), West Lafayette, Indiana;; father, Homer “Fuzzy” McDaniel, and mother, June Ray, all of Paris, Illinois; brother, John Scott McDaniel (Lisa), Charleston, Illinois; grandchildren, Henrik Esbjoern, Alex Cebulla and Anna Lisa Cebulla; niece, Kerdiwen McDaniel and nephew, Ian McDaniel; mother-in-law, Faye Willingham (David), Dothan; father-in-law, Ronald Gilbert (Carolyn), Skipperville; sister-in-law, Shannon Gilbert, Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Clara Elizabeth Weaver, 84, of Athens, Georgia, died on December 14, 2025, after a courageous battle of lung cancer.
Clara was born in Houston County, Alabama on April 16, 1941. She grew up on a small farm that grew cotton and peanuts. She graduated from Ashford High School and then went to work for Warner Brothers in Dothan, Alabama. It was there that she met her husband, Jim. They were married for 61 years.
Clara was an avid gardener of various veggies that she loved to can and share with others. She had a tremendous green thumb and loved her flowers. She also loved sports, especially women’s basketball and softball. Her favorite team was Alabama and loved saying Roll Tide.
She is survived by her daughter Teresa Davis (Chris), sisters Edna Purvis (Crendale), Jean Stitt, sister-in-law Connie Grice, daughter-in-law Dana Weaver, grandchildren Josh Weaver, Devin Sheppard (Micah), Brad (Courtney), Scott, Chandler (McLean), Andrew Davis. Great grandchildren Andrew and William Davis, DJ and Walker Weaver. She is predeceased by her parents Neltson and Mamie Grice, brother Robert, husband Jim, and son Jeff.
The family would like to thank the following for their support during this journey: Dr. Pathek, John Carey and Courtney, Kerri, Casey, Jaavee and Negail.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery, 2763 S. Springhill Road, Gordon, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Mrs. Betty Jean Smith Childree of Slocomb passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
Born in 1935 to the late Marlie and Lillie Mae Kirkland Smith, Betty grew up in the Fadette Community. Upon graduation from Slocomb High School in 1953, she worked at Fort Rucker as a Budget Analyst until her retirement in 1992 after many years of service. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church of Slocomb and the TEL Sunday school class. She was a loving Christian mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Childree.
She is survived by a son, Cecil “Steve” Childree (Katie), Birmingham; a daughter, Marlene Childree Henig (Tommy), Dothan; a granddaughter, Cecilia Henig Johnson (William), Birmingham; a grandson, Joshua Childree (Rebecca), Charlotte, NC; a brother, James L. Smith (Gayle), Abbeville; several special cousins, nieces, and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Slocomb with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wiregrass Children’s Home, Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center, or Chrysalis, A Home for Girls.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Debra Hill, and ACG Hospice for their comfort and support.
Patricia Ann Kelley, born in 1942 in Ozark, Alabama, passed away on December 15, 2025. She was the youngest of four children born to Brady and Comer Lou Brogden.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Kelley; her parents; and her sisters, Lillian Brogden, Mildred Hawkins and Rachel Carroll.
She is survived by her children, Belenda Gordon, Tammy Maes (Joey), Jeremy Kelley, and Justin Kelley; her grandchildren, Kelley Hutto (Kristie), Taft Gordon, Christopher Woodham, Taylor Gilpin (Daniel), Drew Kelley, Jackson Kelley, Madison Kelley, Cody Kelley, Hampton Kelley, and Emma Kelley; and her great-grandchildren, Seth Scheurer, Dean Hutto, and Nolan Gilpin.
For nearly 30 years, she faithfully served as secretary of Southside Baptist Church. In addition to her administrative work, she found great joy in serving in the nursery and teaching the two-year-old Sunday School Class.
She was a fiercely devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished friend. She was endlessly and equally concerned about the state of her flower beds and quality of her cooking, both reflected the care and pride she poured into everything she did. A true and treasured Southern lady, she possessed an effortless charm, a sharp wit, an enviable sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to her family, her church, and her community.
Her legacy is one of faithfulness, love, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her
A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2pm at Southside Baptist Church in Ozark, AL with Pastor Raymond Moncriefe officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Miss Bessie Lee Barfield, a resident of Ozark, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Oakview Manor Nursing Facility. She was 90 years old. There are no public services planned for Miss Barfield at this time. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Miss Barfield was born July 25, 1935 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Marvin Barfield and Retha Lee Seagers Barfield. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnny and Lula Seagers; one sister, Peggy Owen; one brother, Marvin Barfield; and one half-brother, Kenneth Thomley. She is survived by a special cousin, Judy Richards.
