ABBEVILLE…Mrs. Lynn Gibson Mize, a resident of Abbeville (formerly of Ozark), died late Sunday evening, December 21, 2025, at the home of her son in Abbeville. She was 76.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no local services planned. Interment will be Tom’s Creek Community, Wise County, Virginia. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of local arrangements.
Mrs. Mize, the beloved daughter of the late Cecil Freemont Gibson, Jr. (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired) and Mary Ann Hall Gibson, was born and raised in the mountains of Wise County, Virginia—a quiet beauty and close‑knit community. A proud 1967 graduate of Coeburn High School, she remained deeply connected to her Virginia roots even as life carried her far from home.
As the daughter and later the wife of dedicated military servicemen, Mrs. Mize lived in many places across the United States and abroad. Each new home brought new experiences, new friendships, and new opportunities.
In 1989, she and her husband settled in Ozark following his retirement from the United States Navy. She was employed with M.O. Carroll Grocery Company in Ozark as an office manager. She delighted in gardening and watching hummingbirds flutter outside her window, finding peace in their delicate beauty. She loved cooking for those she cared about, filling her home with the familiar aromas and traditions that brought people together. Her interest in genealogy became more than a hobby—it was a way of honoring the generations who came before her and preserving their stories for those who would follow.
Mrs. Mize was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Rickie Lee Mize (Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy, Retired), whose partnership and companionship were the foundation of her adult life, and by her brother, Cecil Freemont “Monty” Gibson, III.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Heather Jordan (Fred), Ozark; son, Derrick Mize (Katie), Abbeville; sister, Cherie Contreras (Manuel), Madison, Alabama; brother, Jimmy Gibson, Pinckard; four grandchildren, Hagan Jordan (HM3, United States Navy) (Yasmine), Gracie Lynn Jordan (Brandon), Cohen McLain Mize, and Freya Adelaide Mize; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Charles “Denkin” Smith, age 70, a resident of Ariton passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Brundidge.
A family Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Denkin was born in Columbus, GA to Charlie Fulton and Billie Ruth Williams Smith on November 11, 1955. He was a truck driver for various companies over the years. He enjoyed attending car races, car shows, and working on cars.
Denkin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy Hudnall; two brothers, Larry and Ronnie Smith.
Survivors include his spouse, Lisa Smith, Brundidge; two sons, Robert Silavent (Allie) and Nick Silavent (Wendy), both of Ariton; three daughters, Denece Smith, Highland Park, FL, Nina Prentice (Sam), Bartow, FL, and Tina Silavent, Elizabethtown, KY; two brothers, Randy Smith, New Hope, and Bobby Smith (Diane), Echo; fifteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
DeLilah Ezzell Allsbrook (86) of Mountain Brook, Alabama, peacefully joined her husband Robert Clark Allsbrook (Bob) in eternal rest on September 20, 2025. Bob and DeLilah were the proud parents of Matthew Clark (d. 1969), Robert Colby (Anna DePalo) and Courtney Elizabeth (Douglas Reed); and the adoring grandparents of four grandchildren: Robert Nicholas DePalo Allsbrook, Olivia Isabella DePalo Allsbrook, Lilah Catherine Reed, and Sarah Elizabeth Reed.
DeLilah was born in Dothan, Alabama, and grew up in Headland and Abbeville, Alabama. She was the daughter of Louie Martin and Ida Pearl Ezzell. DeLilah will be remembered by those who knew and loved her for her strong spirit, nurturing personality, compassionate warmth, and love for her family, close friends, and God.
A celebration of Bob and DeLilah’s lives will be held at The George Joseph and Susie Ezzell ATTA Memorial Library on December, 27, 2025. Friends and family will be received at 10:30 am, followed by a memorial service at 11 am, officiated by Reverend Anita Brown and Dr. Perry Mobley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in DeLilah’s honor to charitable organizations dedicated to supporting and nurturing children. Complete obituaries of Bob and DeLilah’s lives can be found at Legacy.com
HOLMAN-ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Henry S. Twiggs, 82, entered into eternal rest on December 20, 2025. Born on July 24, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, and affectionately known as “Vester,” Henry was the eldest of five children born to Sarah Twiggs. At just 17, he joined the United States Air Force and served honorably.
A natural creative and entrepreneur, Henry explored careers in fashion design, talent management, media proprietorship, and transportation. He ultimately spent much of his life on the open road as a long‑haul truck driver, a role that supported his many pursuits and reflected his strong work ethic. He took great pride in his family and found joy in helping others through his creativity, generosity, and warm spirit.
A man of faith who believed deeply in service, Henry was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Alabama.
Henry is preceded in death by his mother, Sarah, and his father, Richard Twiggs. He is survived by a large and cherished family of children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his playful sense of mischief, and his readiness to share a story and a smile with those he loved.
A private service will be held by the family on December 23, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to Disabled Veterans National Foundation (https://www.dvnf.org/about/) trusting that these gifts will honor Henry’s faith and spirit of service.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Kenneth Gottlob Klein, affectionately known as Ken to his friends and loved ones, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 22, 1944, in San Diego, California, Ken’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering kindness, courage, and gentle spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn Klein; his son, Ray Willett (Ann Marie); his daughter, Tiffany Swope (Chris); and his grandchildren, Cassie Faulkner, Cody Faulkner, Anna Grace Willett, and Graham Willett.
Ken graduated with an Associate’s degree in Fire Science while serving in the Air Force. Furthering his education, he received a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of South Carolina. His commitment to his country was evident through his service in the United States Air Force, a period of his life that molded his values of discipline and dedication. Following his military service, Ken continued to serve his community in various capacities, including as treasurer for the Houston County Republican Committee and as a civil servant for Fort Rucker.
Ken’s professional life was a testament to his leadership and passion for public service. He served as Fort Rucker Fire Chief, a role in which he demonstrated his remarkable ability to inspire and guide those around him. He had 300 employees and was the Army’s largest fire department. He later worked for the Alabama Fire College. His contributions to public safety and community well-being were deeply appreciated by all who worked alongside him.
A man of faith, Ken was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where he lifted his voice in song as a member of the choir. His devotion to God was evident in his everyday actions and his commitment to living a life of integrity and generosity. He was also a member of the Gideons.
Known for his good humor and his talent for storytelling, Ken was a joy to be around. He had a particular passion for golf, a sport he grew to love while playing on Torrey Pines Golf Course in California. The fairways and greens were a place of solace and enjoyment for him throughout his life, and he cherished every moment spent on the course.
Ken will be remembered as a pillar of the community, a man who was instrumental in the lives of many, and who always lent a helping hand to those in need. His compassion was boundless, his presence reassuring, and his laughter infectious. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a true friend to many.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chuck Locke officiating. Military honors to follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 2pm on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers in Ken’s honor. https://dogood.t2t.org/give
