Sarah Kissel Gray passed away on September 20, 2025 at the age of 98. A first generation American born in Rockford, Illinois, Sarah was bilingual and proud of her Lithuanian heritage. She was a graduate of West High School of Rockford and Mercy College of Nursing in San Diego where she earned her RN degree. Sarah enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, gardening, and crossword puzzles.
It was in San Diego that she met Zeb Vance Gray. The pair were married for 60 years when he passed away in 2010. Sarah is survived by daughters and sons-in law Karen and Rick Parisot and Kathy and Carl Roberts; grandsons, Adam Parisot and Vance Roberts; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your local food bank.
Mr. Joel William Nicholson of Dothan passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the age of 41.Joel was born October 15, 1983, in North Carolina.
He was loving, and kind, and loved his family beyond measure. His smile could light up a room and his gentle spirit shone through to everyone he met.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Troy Michael Nicholson.
He is survived by his fiancee’ of 25 years, Amber Meeks, mother, Nancy Richardson, sister, Nicolle Evans, father, John William Nicholson, and his children, Rhiley and Carlie Nicholson.
“For everything, absolutely everything above and below, visible and invisible….Everything got started in him and find its purpose in Him.” Colossians 1:16
It is with love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Susanna “Sue” Marie Merritt Hodges, age 68 of Prattville, AL, who passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose generosity, dedication, kindness, and integrity touched everyone who knew her.
Sue was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania on March 18, 1957, to the late Irvine L. Merritt and Evelyn I. Reichart Merritt of Venango, PA. Sue was a graduate of Cambridge Springs High School, Class of 1975. She left Pennsylvania for Mississippi to marry MSgt. William M. Hodges (Ret.). After getting married, she worked several years of her career in Ocean Springs and Long Beach, Mississippi. Sue continued her education by attending William Carey University. Being the wife of a military serviceman, she spent three years in Germany, where she traveled throughout Europe and worked for H&R Block preparing taxes. Once back in the States, they settled in Prattville, Alabama, where she worked for and graduated from Huntingdon College with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in accounting and graduated cum laude. Sue then worked for Colonial and Hancock Banks, in risk management and as an internal bank auditor. After several years working for the banks, she retired from Jackson Thornton CPAs with over 20 years in the banking/auditing business. Throughout the years, Sue continued to volunteer her time to help others prepare their taxes and took on the role of Secretary for her neighborhood HOA.
Sue loved being a mom and grandmother to her ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Sue played an integral role in her grandchildren’s lives and upbringing. Sue found joy in life’s simplest moments – reading a good book as an avid reader, bowling with friends as a member of a bowling league, gathering loved ones for home-cooked meals and cookies, time around the table sharing stories, long talks on the phone, time with her grandchildren, and relaxing in the pool.
Sue is preceded in death by her in-laws, Falconer and Frances Hodges, her sister, Hazel Ann Divell and brother-in-law, Fred R. Gossett, Jr.
Sue is survived by her husband of 46 years, William M. Hodges; daughter, Shannon L. Hodges Snider (Perry Jr.); son, Brian V. Hodges (Katy); sisters Mary A. Miller, Ronda L. Walters, Patricia D. Gossett; brother Lawrence I. Merritt (Rose); grandchildren, Donovan Fisher (Brittany), Landon Snider, Zander Snider, Wesley “Hudson” Hodges, Liam Gerlach, Sophia Gerlach, Gabriel Gerlach, Genevieve Hodges, Sebastian Hodges, Francesca Hodges; great granddaughter, Brooklyn Fisher; several nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews, all who will forever carry her love, lessons, and strength in their hearts.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Bridge Street, Wetumpka, AL. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm at the church prior to services.
Interment will be on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, MS at 9:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prattville Youth League of Bama Lanes, C/O Penny Ragland, 1714 E. Main Street, Prattville, AL 36066.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Jan LaRue Goff Anderson, 73, of Donalsonville, Georgia, passed away on September 11, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family.
Jan was born on February 7, 1952, in Sylvester, Worth County, Georgia, the daughter of Jim Andrews Goff and Jimmie Lou McAfee Goff. An only child, Jan found joy and companionship on her parents’ farm, where she spent countless hours playing with all of her close cousins. Jan attended Worth County High School in Sylvester, where she was a cheerleader in high school, and later studied at Valdosta State University, earning her associate’s degree before graduating as a dental hygienist. She worked for more than 20 years with Brooks Dental Associates in Blakely Ga and Dr. Grimsley’s Dental Office in Colquitt Ga, often serving both practices as needed. Patients frequently requested her because of her thoroughness and attention to detail, and she was admired by colleagues for her steady work ethic, and kindness.
Jan was first married to Ronnie David Skipper, with whom she shared the joys of raising a family. Of all her roles in life, none meant more to her than being a mother and grandmother. She was endlessly proud of her children, Joseph David Skipper and Rebekah Ruth Skipper Crawford (Warren), and she cherished her grandchildren, Aidan Joseph Cleveland and Clara Grace Crawford. To them, she was “Mimi,” a name chosen with love that captured their special bond.
A redhead with a fiery temperament balanced by deep empathy, Jan was passionate about raising dairy goats on her small farm, Mayhaw Acres, for over 25 years. Her herd became both her hobby and her companions, answering her playful “maahh-maahh” with eager cries as they barreled toward her. This hobby developed into a ministry that she was able to help so many. She delighted in Christmas, Thanksgiving, and family gatherings, her made-from-scratch turkey dressing, and homemade cakes were always a highlight. She was of the Christian faith, and when she was able, she attended South Mount Zion Church of God. Jan will always be remembered as someone who went out of her way to make sure others were cared for and loved. She placed the needs of those around her before her own, leaving a legacy of selflessness and compassion. Beautiful inside and out, she was kind, empathetic, but never afraid to speak her mind.
In honoring her wishes, a small memorial will be held with close family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org.
A special thank you to Seminole Manor Care Team and Georgia Hospice Care for their dedicated care, love and support to her.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
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.
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.
