by Sunset Memorial Park | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
Deborah Faye Bumpers, 73, passed away on September 18, 2025, in Ashford, Alabama. A true beacon of kindness and gentleness, Deborah’s warm smile and caring nature touched everyone she met, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Born on October 5, 1951, Deborah was raised in the close-knit community of Ashford. She was well-loved from an early age, crowned both Miss Ashford and homecoming queen during her school years at Ashford High. Those honors reflected not just her beauty, but the affection and admiration her classmates and neighbors held for her.
After graduation, Deborah moved to Jackson, Alabama, where she began her career as a dental assistant. For 40 years, she devoted herself to caring for patients, always offering a gentle touch and kind words that made even the most nervous feel at ease. Her dedication to her work was a reflection of the compassion she carried throughout every part of her life.
In time, Deborah returned home to Ashford, where she filled her days with the things she loved most. She had a soft spot for Hallmark movies, called herself a “professional shopper,” and always seemed to know just the right gift to brighten someone’s day. In the kitchen, Deborah was at her happiest, especially when baking. Her pound cakes became something of a legend in the community—many said they were the best in the county.
Family and friends will remember Deborah as someone whose heart was as generous as her spirit. She was always quick to lend a helping hand, share a word of comfort, or simply sit and listen. Her presence brought peace, her laughter brought joy, and her love was steady and unconditional.
Deborah leaves behind her devoted daughter, Candace Bumpers; her caring brothers, Mark Fellows and Matt Fellows; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred L. Fellows, Jr. and Faye Wofford Fellows; her beloved husband, Bob Bumpers; and her brother, Fred Fellows.
To know Deborah was to know kindness. Her life was a beautiful reminder of the power of a gentle spirit and the way one person’s love can touch countless others. Though she will be deeply missed, her light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2pm at Bluff Springs Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest in the Ashford City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 2pm on Saturday.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
by Ward Wilson Funeral Home | Sep 22, 2025 | Obituaries
Shirley Mae Armstrong, a cherished matriarch and esteemed member of the Dothan community, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 10, 1943, Shirley’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to her family and career.
Shirley’s journey began as the youngest daughter of Haywood Weems and Delacy Tiller Weems. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her siblings, Ivory Dee Lingo, Willie Mack Weems, Momie Lee Henderson, Henry Wood Weems, and Gira Britt Weems; 4 nieces and 3 nephews. Despite the loss of her immediate family members, Shirley’s legacy continues through her sisters, Daisy Lee Pouncey and Mattie Sue Culver, and her devoted sister, Corean Weems, who stood steadfastly by Shirley’s side during her illness, with the invaluable support of her caring nieces and a host of other family members.
A trailblazer in her own right, Shirley was the first in her family to receive a high school diploma, setting a precedent for the generations that followed. Her commitment to education did not end there, as she furthered her expertise by earning a certificate in management through the Distance Learning Program at Auburn University.
Shirley’s professional life was marked by an impressive 40-year tenure as a Dietary Manager at Southeast Medical Center, beginning in 1974. Starting as a tray server, her determination and aptitude propelled her through the ranks to the managerial position, where she oversaw the preparation and service of approximately 1,300 meals daily in the cafeteria. Her colleagues revered her for her leadership and her ability to maintain a seamless operation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shirley was a guiding star and strength within her family. She relished in her role as the family matriarch, and her travels around the world only bolstered her appreciation for her roots and the bonds she shared with her loved ones. Her faith was another cornerstone of her life, as she was a member of Greater Beulah Baptist Church.
A celebration of Shirley Mae Armstrong’s remarkable life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with Reverend James D. Bates officiating. The burial will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and share memories from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home before the service. A repass will take place at Greater Beulah Baptist Church Gymnasium, where attendees can continue to honor Shirley’s memory through fellowship and remembrance.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted staff of the Neurology Department of Southeast Health, Hartford Health Care, Encompass Health Rehabilitation, Enhabit Home Health and Enhabit Hospice.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 21, 2025 | Obituaries
OZARK…Mr. Frank Bezdany, a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday afternoon, September 21, 2025, at his home. He was 91.
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 WHW Funeral Home | Sep 21, 2025 | Obituaries
Hazel Ann Smith Blalock of Bonifay, FL passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. She was 87 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Clyde Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Home Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m.
Ann was born in Hartford, AL on June 25, 1938 to the late Vander Hilton and Mildred McEachern Smith. She was a devoted mother, and grandmother who loved her family dearly. She loved the Lord and enjoyed attending Mt. Zion Independent Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, working in her yards and her beautiful flower beds.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Lee J. Blalock and one brother, Eddie Smith.
Ann is survived by three sons, Kenny Blalock (Kathy), Roger Blalock (Lucia) and Jeff Blalock (Mary), all of Bonifay, FL; three grandchildren, Kelly Blalock, Kendall Harker (lee) and Amanda Sewell (Zach); four great grandchildren, Cheyenne, Paden, Rhett and McKinley and one sister, Joy Kirkland (Jimmy) of Bonifay, FL.
by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home | Sep 21, 2025 | Obituaries
DOTHAN…Ms. Peggy Lea Duncan, a resident of Dothan, died early Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, at her home. She was 68.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 26, 2025, in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Dothan with Bishop Joseph Dougherty officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory, between Headland and Dothan. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the church.
Ms. Duncan was born in the charming town of Rome, New York, the beloved daughter of Homer Houston Duncan, a proud Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and Rachel Louise Lunsford Duncan, whose quiet strength and love shaped the heart of their home. Growing up in a military family meant that Ms. Duncan’s childhood was filled with movement and adventure—she lived in many corners of the United States and even overseas, experiencing different cultures and communities while her father served his country with honor and dedication.
Through all the changes, Ms. Duncan carried with her a deep sense of resilience, compassion, and curiosity. These qualities led her to pursue a career in nursing, a calling that matched her gentle spirit and unwavering desire to help others. She earned her degree as a Registered Nurse from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, and from there, she began a journey that touched countless lives.
For many years, she worked as a travel nurse, bringing her warmth and expertise to hospitals across the country. Whether she was comforting a patient in a bustling emergency room or lending a steady hand in a quiet recovery ward, Ms. Duncan was known for her kindness, her patience, and her ability to make people feel truly seen and cared for. Later in her career, she shifted her focus to nursing homes and private care, where she built close relationships with those she served—often becoming not just a caregiver, but a trusted friend and confidante.
In 2020, Ms. Duncan made her home in Dothan, Alabama, where she found a sense of peace and community. She became a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dothan, embracing her faith and the fellowship it offered. Her presence in the congregation was a quiet but steady, light—always willing to lend a hand, share a smile, or offer a listening ear.
Ms. Duncan’s life was one of service, grace, and quiet strength. She gave her heart to her work, her family, and her faith, and in doing so, left behind a legacy of love and compassion that will be remembered by all who knew her.
Surviving relatives include her two sons, Joseph Douglas Gomez, Dothan and Christopher Jay Gomez (Kaycee), Coolidge, Arizona; two sisters, Diane Duncan, Dothan and Susie Vanysok (Kelley), Williamsburg, Virginia; nieces and nephew, Sunshine Lavoie (David), Erica Garsik, Rachel Garsik, Sara Garsik, and Andrew Garsik.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
by WHW Funeral Home | Sep 20, 2025 | Obituaries
Marilyn Jeneice Huggins Commander McKinnon of Westville, FL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family.
Jeneice was born October 19, 1934, in Holmes Co., FL to the late Henry Horace and Vera Pearl Mitchell Huggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands; Carlton D. Commander and Hinton Cartledge McKinnon; one son, Jeff Newton Commander; one brother, Arthur Eugene Huggins and one sister, Hazel Earnestine Huggins Grantham Cobb.
She is survived by two sons, Jack Commander (Kerry) of Westville, FL and John David Commander (Kim) of Hartford, AL; one daughter, Betty Commander McGowan (Jimmy) of Gainesville, GA and one daughter-in-law, Terry Griffin Commander of Westville, FL; 9 grandchildren, Amy Commander Bowling (Josh), James McGowan (Crista), Julia McGowan Drewry (David), Joshua Jackson (Tiffany), Seth Commander (Amanda), Chelsea Harden (Jared), Sage Commander McCollum (Dakota), Delilah Bass Babb (Joshua) and Tyler Commander; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 more expected in 2026; one sister, Virginia Delois Huggins Carroll (Jerry); two stepdaughters, Gail McKinnon Allen (Lynn) and Peggy McKinnon Bracewell (Mark); one stepson, Forrest Wayne McKinnon and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her working career began at an early age at Van Heusen Shirt Factory, where she sewed on pockets and trained new employees. In the early 1970’s, she left the factory when her family opened Commander Meat Processing, a business serving families in the tri-state area. She quickly became sought out by customers due to her dedication to service and commitment to excellence. During this time, she was a prominent member of the Holmes County Homemakers Club.
In 1982, she began working at Clinton Mills. Her outstanding work ethic earned her a promotion to Supervisor of the Cloth Room. She retired from Clinton Mills in 2000, though she remained active, working on the family farm and in the chicken houses.
Jeneice was an excellent seamstress, creating clothing for her growing family and home items like curtains and tablecloths. She enjoyed cross-stitch, making beautiful wall hangings, cherished by her children and grandchildren. She showed love for her neighbors by cooking meals and pound cakes and delivering them to families suffering bereavement or need, as well as visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Her faith guided her throughout her 90 years and she lived her life as a testament to her love for the Lord. She was a faithful member of West Pittman Baptist Church for over 60 years.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she poured her life into her family, creating a legacy of faith, strength, perseverance, and kindness. She was known for her incredible work ethic and passion for gardening—her flower beds were always immaculate, and her vegetable garden was second to none. Even in her late 80’s, it was not uncommon to drive by and see her on the lawnmower cutting grass, tending her garden or working in her flower beds.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. The church address is 1599 Bradley Road, Westville, FL. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends Monday night at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Mrs. McKinnon may be honored by flowers or memorial contributions to West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund.
