by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Oct 13, 2025 | Obituaries
Norma Jane Gilley Barber, 92, a long-time resident of Dothan, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 10, 2025. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Ward Wilson Chapel in Dothan, AL. Burial will follow in the Tabernacle Methodist Church Cemetery in Bald Hill (family only). The family will receive friends from 1:00 until service time at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
Norma was born on November 22, 1932, in Lynn Haven, Florida to the late Clois Bishop Gilley and Ruth Hoover Gilley. She was a 1951 graduate of Slocomb High School in Slocomb, Alabama. After graduation she began working at the Slocomb National Bank and later transferred to the First National Bank in Dothan. In the late 60’s she worked at Hedstrom Union Company until her marriage in 1967 to Ray Barber. Norma and Ray enjoyed fishing, playing games, working in the yard and spending time with the family together until his death in 2017. They were both members of the Goodwater Freewill Baptist Church in Newton.
She is survived by two step-sons Ray N. Barber (Patti) of Tifton, GA and Randy Barber (Darlene) of Chickamauga GA, and one step-daughter Jody Burke (Bo) of Marianna FL, four step-grandsons – Ben Burke (Kara), Daniel Burke (Emily), Austin Barber (Cara), Jonathan Barber (Brittney), five step-granddaughters – Mandy White (Ben), Natalie Keadle (Walker), Sarah Barber, Lawson Nagle (Connor), Maria Bible (Cameron), twenty step-great grandchildren, and several cousins including June (Ken) Winter of Tennessee.
2414 Hartford Highway
Dothan, AL 36305
Tel: 334-792-4194
https://www.wardwilson.com/
by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Oct 13, 2025 | Obituaries
Robert Lee Beaubouef, known affectionately as Bob to his friends and family, passed away on October 9, 2025 at his residence in Dothan, Alabama. He was 78 years old
Bob was born on December 5, 1946 in Alexanderia, Louisiana to Roland and Vertie Beaubouef who precede him in death. Bob is also preceded by all of his siblings: Roland and his wife Diane Beaubouef, Charles Beaubouef, Leonard Beaubouef, and his sister, Linda Cazes. His first wife, Peggy Beaubouef, also preceded him.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Beaubouef, Louisiana; daughter, Karen Beaubouef Jacobs and her husband, Alan Jacobs, Dothan, AL;. and son, Mathew Beaubouef, and his wife, Natalia, and their children, Elowyn and Milo Beaubouef, of Franklin, TN; sister-in-law, Gerry Beaubouef; and brother-in-law, John Cazes; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his second wife, Judy Bulot.
Per Bob’s wishes, he will be cremated and have a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Deville, Louisiana at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be sent to the church. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 7, Deville, La 71328.
We would also like to give a special thanks to Encompass Health for the excellent care provided and a heartfelt thank you to Father Patrick Gallagher for his comfort and spiritual support not just for Dad but everyone in our family.
by Holman Mortuaries | Oct 13, 2025 | Obituaries
HEADLAND. . .Margaret Ann Gandy Austin, a resident of Headland, passed away Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. She was 70.
A private burial will be held in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
Mrs. Austin was born in Hollywood, Florida and was raised in Davie, FL, Leesburg, FL and Apopka, FL. She lived in the state of Florida before moving to Headland, Alabama in 2016. Mrs. Austin was retired from Extendicare Health Center in Dothan as a Cosmetologist. In earlier years, she was employed by the Lake County School Board in Leesburg and Tavares, FL as a School Bus Driver for thirty-four years. Mrs. Austin was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Stephen Austin and a brother, James Steven Gandy.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Melissa Bryant, Headland; a sister, Carol Ann Farrar (Leslie), Headland; a special friend and caretaker, Carole Frank, Dothan; a niece, Leslyn Farrar, nephews, Michael Farrar (Jennifer) and Will Farrar; and a Grandpup “Gracie”.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Oct 12, 2025 | Obituaries
SOUTHAVEN, MS…Ms. Maxine Moseley, a resident of Southaven, Mississippi (formerly of Ozark), died on Monday, September 29, 2025. She was 92.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Peters and Reverend Brandon Witt officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Moseley lived a life filled with purpose, compassion, and unwavering faith. Born and raised in Ozark, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of Malcolm Moseley and Mattie Lou Harris Moseley. From a young age, she carried the values of kindness, service, and devotion to God—values that would shape every step of her journey.
She graduated from Dale County High School in 1951, and her love for learning and her deep spiritual calling led her to pursue higher education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Samford University in Birmingham, and later, a Master’s degree in religious education from New Orleans Baptist Seminary. Her studies weren’t just about academics—they were a reflection of her heart’s desire to serve others and share the love of Christ with the world.
After college, Ms. Moseley began her work with the Southern Baptist Women’s Ministry, where she poured her energy into uplifting and empowering women in their faith. Her calling then took her far from home, as she joined the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board and served as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa for ten years. Those years were filled with challenges and triumphs, and she embraced every moment with grace and courage. She built relationships, shared her faith, and made a lasting impact on the lives of those she served—always with humility and love.
When she returned to the United States, her heart for service continued to guide her path. She became a chaplain at Montclair Baptist Hospital in Birmingham, offering comfort and spiritual support to patients and families during some of their most difficult times. Later, she brought that same compassion to Dale Medical Center in her hometown of Ozark, where she continued her chaplaincy work and reconnected with the community that had shaped her early years.
Ms. Moseley’s journey then led her to Memphis, Tennessee, where she transitioned into nursing role that allowed her to care for people not just spiritually, but physically. She worked as a Home Health Nurse for St. Francis Hospital, visiting patients in their homes and offering both medical care and heartfelt companionship. Her gentle spirit and attentive presence brought peace to many.
Later, she served as a nurse at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee, and eventually at Unity Hospice in Olive Branch. In these roles, she walked alongside individuals and families during life’s final chapter, offering comfort, dignity, and love. She worked faithfully until her retirement, never losing sight of her calling to serve others with grace and compassion.
Throughout her life, Ms. Moseley was a quiet force of goodness. She didn’t seek recognition or praise, she simply showed up, did the work, and loved people deeply. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did, and her legacy is one of selflessness, strength, and unwavering devotion.
She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Ewell Moseley and Carl Moseley, whom she loved dearly. Though she experienced loss, she carried those memories close to her heart and continued to live with hope and purpose.
Ms. Moseley’s life was a beautiful testament to what it means to serve others, to live with faith, and to leave the world better than you found it. She will be remembered not only for the places she went to and the roles she held, but for the way she made people feel—seen, cared for, and loved.
Surviving relatives include her brothers, William J. Moseley (Shirley), Ozark and Clyde Moseley (Loyette); sister-in-law, Elaine Moseley, Ozark; several nephews and one great-niece.
by Sunset Memorial Park | Oct 11, 2025 | Obituaries
John Jarett Lord, a profoundly creative and compassionate soul, passed away on October 9, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 44. Born on August 14, 1981, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Jeffery and Judy Lord, Jarett was a beacon of kindness and loyalty to all who knew him. His life was marked by his intense dedication to his passions, his profound love for people, and a quirky sense of humor that brought joy to many.
Jarett received a Bachelor of Arts, with a Concentration in Graphic Design and a Minor in Marketing from Jacksonville State University where he was an active member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. After graduating, he channeled his artistic talents into a successful career. For the past seven years, he worked with The Cochran Firm as their National Director of Marketing, where his creativity and intense focus made him an asset to the team.
Beyond his professional life, Jarett was known for his unwavering loyalty and his willingness to help others whenever he could. He was not one to seek the spotlight, preferring instead to support those around him quietly but effectively. His kindness was not reserved for humans alone; he was an animal lover and shared a special bond with his Chocolate Lab, Dude, who was his constant companion and friend.
Among Jarett’s greatest joys was the time he spent with his beloved niece, Evie Lord. She was his favorite person in the world, his constant source of laughter, light, and inspiration. Together they shared countless afternoons filled with art projects, imagination, and storybooks, creating memories that will forever live in Evie’s heart and in the hearts of all who knew the special bond they shared.
Jarett’s interests and hobbies were as varied as they were intense. He was a lover of nature, finding peace and exhilaration in hiking and camping, especially in cold weather. His artistic nature found expression not only in his work but in all areas of his life. He approached every new project with a rare blend of enthusiasm and concentration that inspired those around him. Many of Jarett’s fondest memories were the quiet days spent fishing with his dad, moments filled with laughter, love, and the simple joy of being together.
He will be remembered by his loving parents, Jeffery and Judy Lord, his brother Justin Lord, sister-in-law Jill Lord, his niece Evie Lord, his honorary niece and nephew Caroline Smith and Jaxon Smith, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were touched by his kind and thoughtful presence. Jarett’s intelligence, coupled with his dry wit and kind soul, made him a unique individual who left an indelible mark on the world.
A celebration of Jarett’s life will take place 11 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor John Dowdey officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 am, where stories of Jarett’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and intelligence will be shared and cherished. His Cochran Firm family has also generously arranged a reception for family and friends at Firestone Wood Fired Grill at 12 pm so they can break bread, fellowship and share memories of their special friend Jarett.
Though he has left this world, his spirit remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jarett’s generosity in life continues in spirit as he has partnered with Legacy of Hope to share his gift of life through donation of his organs to recipients in critical need of transplantation. Several recipients have already been found to receive his gifts.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Oct 11, 2025 | Obituaries
Ollie Mae Hatcher, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born on December 20, 1926, in Houston County, Alabama to the late James Arthur McNeal and Clara Mae Worels McNeal. Ollie’s early years in Alabama laid the foundation for a life characterized by warmth, generosity, and a zest for life that would become her hallmark. Her infectious laughter and kind spirit were a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her. Ollie’s passion for life was evident in her love for shopping, a pastime that not only brought her immense pleasure but also served as an avenue for her to express her love for her family through thoughtful gifts and shared experiences.
Above all, Ollie’s world revolved around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride in their accomplishments and was a constant presence at their milestones and everyday moments alike. Her guidance and love shaped the lives of her descendants, leaving a legacy of cherished memories and life lessons that will endure for generations to come.
In addition to her parents, Ollie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Hatcher; her daughter, Freddie Mae Carter; her brothers, Charles McNeal and Billy McNeal; and her sisters, Dorothy Holmes, Eddie Henderson, and Helen Jarvis.
Survivors include her son, Wayne Hatcher (Debra); her grandchildren, John Hatcher, Allison Hatcher, Candace Hatcher, David Wells, and Shay Wells; her eleven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Shay Wells officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 9 AM until 10 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.
