Joanne Messer, cherished Mother, Daughter, and longtime resident of Geneva, AL passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by family and close friends.
Born in Samson AL and raised in Geneva AL, Joanne was the epitome of a “hometown girl,” dedicating her life to serving the community she loved so dearly. She spent over 50 years at The American Bank, starting as a teller and working her way up to Vice President and Cashier. She was known not only for her sharp financial mind but for her kindness and dedication to helping local families secure their futures.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joanne was a natural caregiver. She spent her off-hours caring for family members, neighbors and friends in need with a warm smile and a helping hand. Her generosity was felt by all that knew her. She often extended support to local charities and those in need without wanting recognition. She also dedicated her time and talents to Devco Baptist Church where she was a member for many years.
She loved the simple canine companionship of her pets, Mocha and Casey.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Debra Messer (Pensacola FL) and sister Virginia Judah (Milton, FL). She was preceded in death by her parents, James E.” Red” and Demaris Johnson, and son Douglas Messer.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
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
OZARK…Mr. Charles “Chuck” Auman, a resident of Ozark, died early Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, at his home. He was 92.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. 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 in the Meditation Garden of First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vivian B. Adams, 2047 Stuart Tarter Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Auman, son of the late Frank and Mignon Auman, was born May 30, 1933, in Port Treverton, Pennsylvania. His family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, at an early age, but as he would say, he “grew up” in Pensacola, Florida. While in high school, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he met Patricia Parker. Following his graduation from Marion Military Institute and two years in the military in Germany, he married the love of his life in 1958, Patricia “Pat” Parker, who preceded him in death. Following the marriage, they moved to Treasure Island, Florida where they engaged in business for several years.
Mr. Auman began his civil service career in personnel management in 1961, working for the Civil Service Commission as an investigator. He later transferred to Washington, where he transferred to the Department of the Army in the Pentagon where he worked in Management Employee relations. He lived in various locations, including Hawaii and Atlanta, Georgia while he worked as a Grievance Examiner and Complaints Investigator. He retired in 1982 at Fort Rucker, where he served as Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. His wife, Patricia, had roots in Ozark, as her father, Wilmer Glenn Parker was born there. There was no doubt that she and Chuck would retire in Ozark, and he often said that it was the “best thing he had ever done, other than marrying Miss Patt”.
Mr. Auman thrived in retirement, as he immersed himself in civic and religious matters. He was appointed to and led several committees in city wide planning efforts. He held numerous volunteer positions in the First United Methodist Church where he became a member in 1983. He formerly taught Sunday school in the John Wesley Fellowship for many years. He and his wife, Pat, initiated the observance of “Make A Difference Day” in Ozark with volunteer activities which achieved national publicity for the church and the City of Ozark.
His principal retirement activity was at the Ozark-Dale County Library where he served as President of the Friends of the Library, Chairman of the Library Board, and a volunteer in various capacities. He helped found the Dale County Genealogical and Historical Society and was a charter member fo the Claybank Master Gardener’s Association. He was also a member of Dale County Council of Arts and Humanities and was an enthusiastic supporter of Vivian B. Adams School and Dale County Rescue Mission. In later years, he served as a hospice volunteer.
Surviving relatives include his two sons, Kenneth Charles Auman, Kansas City, Missouri, and Franklin Glenn Auman and his wife, Gaye Bell Auman, Tucker, Georgia; sister-in-law, Dorothy Parker Keith, and her husband, Linwood Keith, Decatur, Georgia; three granddaughters, Anna Auman Morris and her husband, John-David Morris, Athens, Georgia, Emma Auman Veal and husband, Jason Veal, Dunwoody, Georgia, and Grace Elizabeth Auman and fiancé, Tucker Lewis, Brookhaven, Georgia; six great-grandchildren.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Vivian Marie Lord, age 73, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home.
Ms. Lord was born on August 5, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Carlis W. Lord and Lois Juanita Lashley. She was a woman who truly cherished life’s simple joys and the people she loved most.
Vivian enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether working in her yard, fishing, or taking trips to the beach. She also loved shopping and relaxing with her favorite shows, including Bonanza and Gunsmoke. A devoted fan of Alabama football, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. She also found great joy in visiting the racetrack and playing bingo.
Above all, Vivian loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she was always someone who made things happen for those she loved. Her caring and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Terry Lord.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Makesha Kimbro; grandchildren, Freehunter Kimbro and Dakota Kirkland; great-grandchildren, Althea Kimbro, Philip Kimbro, Isadora Kirkland, and Indigo Kirkland; brother, Larry Lord; sister, Ann Lord Blount; sister-in-law, Pam Lord; nieces, Julie Nunez and Amy Lord Jones; and special friends, Vicki Grammer and Carol Miller.
Vivian’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and strength, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Vivian Marie Lord, age 73, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm at Fowler Family Funeral Home.
Ms. Lord was born on August 5, 1952, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Carlis W. Lord and Lois Juanita Lashley. She was a woman who truly cherished life’s simple joys and the people she loved most.
Vivian enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether working in her yard, fishing, or taking trips to the beach. She also loved shopping and relaxing with her favorite shows, including Bonanza and Gunsmoke. A devoted fan of Alabama football, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. She also found great joy in visiting the racetrack and playing bingo.
Above all, Vivian loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she was always someone who made things happen for those she loved. Her caring and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Terry Lord.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Makesha Kimbro; grandchildren, Freehunter Kimbro and Dakota Kirkland; great-grandchildren, Althea Kimbro, Philip Kimbro, Isadora Kirkland, and Indigo Kirkland; brother, Larry Lord; sister, Ann Lord Blount; sister-in-law, Pam Lord; nieces, Julie Nunez and Amy Lord Jones; and special friends, Vicki Grammer and Carol Miller.
Vivian’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and strength, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
David “Dave” Craig Soutar passed away on April 23, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 70.
Born in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey on July 7, 1955, Dave lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep love for the people around him. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, and he will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to every part of his life. Those who knew him best will remember him as thoughtful, spirited, and straight as an arrow, with a kind heart and a genuine concern for others.
Dave was married to his beloved wife, Michele Soutar, for 43 years, and their marriage was a lasting example of commitment and partnership. Together they built a strong and loving family that remained central to his life. He is survived by his sons, George Soutar and his significant other, Caitlin Bailey, and David Soutar and his wife Brittany. He also leaves behind his brothers, George “Pete” Soutar and Don (Mary Beth) Soutar, and his sisters, Deb Soutar (Bonnie Breit), Karen Soutar Morella, and Janet (Larry) Dembeski. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will cherish their memories of him.
Dave spent 23 years employed with Johnson and Johnson in Raritan, New Jersey, where he was respected for his work ethic and dependable nature. After retirement, he pursued another venture that reflected his energy and willingness to stay active. He operated a hot dog stand known as Dave’s Dogs for several years, and later moved to Dothan in 2006. Whether in his career or in his business ventures, Dave approached work with dedication and pride.
Outside of work, Dave found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved all sports, especially football, and he was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. One of the highlights of his life was the opportunity to see the Packers play in person, a memory he treasured. He also enjoyed growing a vegetable garden, grilling, and cooking, and he took great pleasure in being around family. His home and his table were places where people felt welcome, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
Dave also gave his time and energy to the lives of young people and his community. He served as a Boy Scout pack leader, participated in junior bowling league activities, and coached when his children played sports. These roles reflected the way he invested in others and encouraged them to do their best. He was the kind of man who led by example and left a lasting impression through his patience, guidance, and support.
A celebration of life service in Dave’s honor will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Father Rich Perkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Dave’s life was one of love, loyalty, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and the example he set will continue to be felt for years to come.
Bessie Knight Farmer, 90 years young, was born on February 18, 1936 to Elizabeth McClendon Knight and Sylvester Knight in Newville, Alabama, she is the twin sister of Ressie Knight Carter and one of eighteen children. She passed away on April 21, 2026.
Her siblings include: Martha Knight Gamble (Sam Sr.), Jacob Knight, Clara Knight May (James), Annie Knight Jackson (Henry Sr.), Janice Knight Cannion (Willie), Lula Knight Franklin (Clarence Sr.), Bessie Knight Farmer (John), Ressie Knight Carter (Willie), Lenora Knight Brown (Sam), Ezekiel Knight (Mary), David Knight Sr. (Evelyn), John Aaron Knight, Carolyn Knight McEachin, Flora Evelyn Knight, Elijah Knight (Shirley), Zaccheus Knight (Marylin), Lazarus Knight, and Daniel Knight (Wanda).
All of the children worked the fields to take care of the family. They learned to sing and began singing all around the area as guest artists until Daddy Sylvester said, “NO.”
More than anything, Bessie and her family chased after God and ensured that their individual families did the same.
Her children are Danny E. Knight Sr., Wallace E. Jackson (Deceased), Dallas E. Jackson (Deceased), Marcus V. Nichols (Sheryl), Jane E. Nichols-Gordon (Robert), and Tarrance S. Nichols.
She is survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.
Bessie attended the Old Rosenwall School in Alabama for her high school diploma. After she had her six children, she went to the University of Miami (Miami, Florida) for her bachelor’s degree and then, through independent study, to Goddard College (Vermont) for her master’s degree. She was a continuous student in life. She knew at an early age she would be a field missionary for the Lord, so she eagerly ran with the vision that the Holy Spirit deposited in her each day. Bessie made sure her family—all of her family—knew the expression of God’s love through praise, worship, teaching, and living out her faith.
Bessie began her work life as a short-order cook at Patrick Air Force Base and as a housing manager of public housing in Melbourne, Florida. She later worked in the Art Department on the University of Miami campus, where she lived for five years with her family.
After her degrees, she managed 1,001 public housing units in Liberty City, Miami, Florida (the largest in the United States at that time). In addition, she was a South Dade County Skill Center counselor, where she was gifted to use a self-written employability training manual to help people gain employment and see the love of the Lord.
As a friend, she had several adopted sisters. As a mother, she adopted every child she saw and tried to attend to their needs. As a citizen of the community, Bessie was tireless in her effort to serve. She served as Southern Regional Housing Manager from Perrine to Homestead, and she was a published author of several books, as well as poetry, papers, and training manuals.
A celebration of her life will be held 2:00 pm Saturday May 2, 2026 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Debra Kay (Bell) Latremore, of Daleville, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa on May 31, 1957, Debra spent her early years growing up in Melbourne, Florida, and went on to live a full and vibrant life defined by her strength, generosity, and unmistakable zeal for living.
Debra was a fighter in every sense of the word. She faced challenges with resilience, grace, and a heart full of optimism. As a devout Catholic, her strength was grounded in her faith and her deep appreciation for life’s many blessings.
For nearly 40 years, Debra was the proud owner and broker of Aero Real Estate, where she built more than a business, she built a legacy of care, trust, and service in the Daleville community she called home. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering and taking on leadership roles. She was always willing to help others and never missed an opportunity to lift people up. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her daughter Leah, present in every moment whether cheering from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, offering steady support, encouragement, and love. That love only grew as she became Grandma to Layla, who was her pride and joy.
Debra’s adventurous and caring spirit shone through in her love for fishing, cheering on Auburn football, traveling, and spending time with loved ones at her beloved beach house and fish camp. She had a special way of bringing people together, especially over her delicious, five-star cooking. Her back porch was a place of comfort and connection, always open and welcoming, where she offered a listening ear and a warm heart. Whether through her work, her friendships, or everyday moments, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen, cared for, and uplifted. She wore her rose-colored glasses proudly and had a way of finding joy in each day.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Novak; her father, Gordon Bell; and her sisters, Teresa Eggleston and Jacquelyn Bell. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Leah Whiddon (Josh), and granddaughter, Layla Whiddon; her stepmother, Marie Hilton Bell; her partner, Malcolm Clarke; along with aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of cherished friends who became family.
A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto in the Main Post Chapel, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to DaySpring Hospice and her best friends for the compassionate care and support provided during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Boys and Girls Club of Daleville in her honor.
