Jannie Pope Franklin, an adventurous soul, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Daleville, Alabama, at the age of 68. Born on May 10, 1957, in Victorville, California, Jannie’s zest for life and her generous spirit touched everyone she met.
Jannie was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Joe Pope and Martha Ann Herring Pope. She leaves behind her children, James Franklin and Kate Pettis (Jonathan); grandson, Callahan Pettis; sister, SaraLynn Johnson; brother, Joey Pope, and her grand-dogs, Lil Mama, Captain, Copper, and Luna.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Jannie at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jim Corley officiating. Inurnment will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.
Her life was a tapestry of cherished moments, woven with the threads of her passions. Jannie was a loving mother, sister, and grandmother, whose idea of a good time was jumping in the car and taking the scenic route, which often meant going all the way to Mississippi just to reach Florida. Her love for the open road was matched only by her passion for Elvis and Fleetwood Mac, whose tunes were the soundtrack to her many escapades. She was a huge Alabama fan, and her dedication ran so deep she wouldn’t even touch the blue and orange M&Ms.
After retiring, Jannie found joy in sitting with the elderly, who adored her just as much as she cherished them. Her simple pleasures included going to the beach and giving to anyone in need, a testament to her big heart and generous spirit.
ABBEVILLE… Wilma Inez Vandeventer Crawford, formerly of Abbeville and a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the past six years, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. She was 96.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Abbeville with Reverend Teddy Ward officiating. Burial will follow at the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Crawford was born September 8, 1929, in Norton, Virginia, to the late Willard Ezra Vandeventer, Sr. and Edna Eliza Livesey Vandeventer. She grew up in Virginia and completed her schooling as a dental hygienist before later becoming a well-known business owner in Henry County. Alongside her family, she owned and operated All Star Sporting Goods in Abbeville, where she greeted customers with kindness, conversation, and a genuine love for her community.
Wilma was deeply committed to service. She was a founding member of the Abbeville Rescue Squad and an active participant in the Garden Club of Abbeville, where her creativity and dedication were a blessing to many. Her gentle spirit, generosity, and love for people shone through every chapter of her life.
She had lived in Pensacola, Florida for the past seven years, and although distance separated her from her hometown, Abbeville always remained close to her heart. Her family and friends remember her as steadfast, graceful, and full of quiet strength—a woman whose compassion enriched every life she touched.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cody Crawford; her sons-in-law Richard Smith and Kenneth Thorn; a grandson, Brian Smith; and her siblings, Charles Vandeventer, Willard Vandeventer, and Leona Vandeventer.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Philip Crawford (Olivia); her daughters, Susan Smith and Teresa Thorn; her grandchildren, Amy Nally, April Pedersen (Ben), Aaron Smith, Amanda Smith, David Crawford, Ashley Hash, Hunter Crawford (Jillian), Tucker Money, and Caleb Money; her nine great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Aaron Smith, David Crawford, Aiden Crawford, Tucker Money, Caleb Money, and Philip Crawford.
Phillip Mark Grantham, of Geneva, Alabama, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 69 years old.
Mark was born on March 7, 1956, in Geneva, Alabama to the late Charlie and Betty Grantham, Sr. He worked many years in the tree service industry. His hard work and dedication earned him success as a self-made businessman. He was a loving father and grandfather. He especially adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those who knew him would agree that he was a generous man. He was the kind that never met a stranger; a great friend to many, and one whom will be missed immensely.
In addition to his parents, Mark was also preceded in death by two sisters, Janet Wise and Lena Black; and a nephew, Michael Grantham.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama. Burial will follow in Vaughnville Cemetery with Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel directing. The family will begin receiving friends at 1:00 p.m. up until service time, at the funeral home.
Survivors include his children, Melissa (Todd) Wheeler of Hartford and Amanda (Kevin) Dickerson of Webb; grandchildren, Tristen Peak, Adaela Peak, Aubrey (Marla) Jenkins, Lily (Zae) Roy, Danny Wheeler, Sawyer Wheeler, and Michelle (Hayden) Gardner; great grandchildren, Michael Baker, Maliah Gardner, and Heidi Mae Jenkins; brothers, Mitchell (Jewel) Ussery, Randy (Christy) Grantham, and Charlie (Rena) Grantham, all of Geneva.
Merlene Norton Kent, age 74, of Malvern, passed away peacefully at her home, on Monday, November 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Malvern Baptist Church Cemetery, with Reverend Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.
Merlene was born on January 5, 1951 in Eufaula, to the late James and Maggie Lou Walker Norton. She had a lifelong passion for gardening and took immense pride in growing flowers and caring for her yard. Her dedication to every detail made her yard a true showplace, often the envy of the community. Gifted with remarkable talent and creativity, Merlene was also an accomplished seamstress. She could craft anything from a simple dress, to an elaborate wedding gown, along with costumes, pageant dresses, and many other unique creations. She poured love, care, and joy into every stitch, and serving each of her customers brought her genuine happiness. Merlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her devotion to her family, her artistry, and the beauty she cultivated in both her craft and her garden.
In addition to her parents; her husband, Larry Davis Kent of 47 years; brothers: Jimmy P. Norton, Johnny C. Norton, Leonard F. Norton, Teddy L. Norton; and sister Jackie Wood, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include one son: Marion Thomas Porterfield of Malvern; granddaughter: Brittney Nicole Adams (Anthony); great grandchildren: Emily Adams and Ryland Adams; sisters: Judy Walker of Eufaula, Mary Wise of Clayton, and Connie Wallace of Eufaula; and a special niece, Paula Walker of Headland.
Bessie (Howell) Skipper, 88, a long-time resident of Cottonwood, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with her family by her side.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 28, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Chaplain Buford Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Hodgesville Baptist Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted.
Bessie was born February 11, 1937, in Dothan to the late Albert & Johnnie (Roland) Howell. She was raised in Cottonwood and was a graduate of Cottonwood High School. Bessie spent her life as a homemaker, helping her husband on the family farm, and was a dedicated preacher’s wife. Her number one job was raising her son and her grandchildren as well as her great-grandchildren. Bessie was a long-time member of Hodgesville Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reverend Ray Skipper; her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Parrish (Herman); her brother, Billy Joe Howell; and her nephew, Billy Ray Howell.
She is survived by her son, Kenny R. Skipper (Sharon) of Cottonwood; her two granddaughters, Katlin A. Johnson (Blake) and Samantha Skipper Clark (Justin) both of Cottonwood; her four great-grandchildren, Wesley Anderson, Braylee Clark, Parker Johnson, and Blakelyn Johnson; her sister-in-law, Dianne Howell; her niece, Deborah Hussey (Roger); her nephew, Billy Wayne Howell (Jennifer); and her great-nephew, Tyler Howell.
Serving as pallbearers will be Roger Hussey, Brad Anderson, Tyler Howell, Billy Wayne Howell, Alex Belflower.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
