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
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.
Albert Coy Elmore, a resident of Dothan, died Saturday, October 11, 2025 at his residence. He was 72.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11 AM in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the service.
Mr. Elmore was born in Bonifay, Florida on September 21, 1953 to the late Thomas Jefferson and Sarah Nell Paul Stewart. He attended school in Vernon and later graduated from Walton County High School. Mr. Elmore was a truck driver having worked for Overnight Transportation for 34 years. He enjoyed Monday morning breakfast at Ray’s Restaurant with his retired truck driving buddies, fishing and spoiling his grandkids.
Mr. Elmore is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jamie Devon Elmore and his twin brother, Allen Roy Elmore and brother, Lloyd Elmore.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Elmore; son, Timothy Coy Elmore (Lisa); grandchildren, Tyler Elmore, Taylor Elmore, Allie Milanowski, Christopher Gilliam, Jamie Elmore, Brianna Peters and Austin Elmore Thrasher; siblings, Mike Lewis, Ricky Lewis (Denise), Vivian McDowell (Eddie), Vicky Taylor (Brian), David Elmore.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1
Mr. James Lavender Davis was born October 23, 1936, in Blue Springs, Alabama, to the late Rex and Esther Davis. His 88-year earthly life ended October 9, 2025, and he is experiencing the face to face eternity that salvation brings. We celebrate his life and praise God that His promises are true.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Salem Baptist Church with his beloved nephew, Dan Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends following the services at the church.
Mr. Davis lived a life that exemplified a balance of faith, family, and career. He demonstrated the importance of having these elements of life in the correct order. He was a faithful believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and placed his faith in him at an early age. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He loved his church and was always ready to tell how many generations of family were grounded in the Christian faith based on its ministry.
Mr. Davis was a family man. His love of family was manifested in many gatherings for celebrations of holidays, birthdays, and “just because”. His loving wife, Martha Segers Davis, preceded him in death. In addition to Martha and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Ruth Davis, sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and William Fleming, and a son-in-law, Norman Stubbs.
Surviving relatives include his children, Marilyn Dean (Tommy), Skipperville, Suzanne Stubbs, Ozark, and Jim Davis (Kathy), Tallahassee, Florida; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Davis began his career journey by enlistment in the United States Air Force. He embraced the opportunity to further education that his military service provided and was a graduate of Troy University. He worked many years with Great Southern Wood. These years brought him a fulfilling career, the opportunity to travel, and most important, friendships that have endured even after retirement.
James Davis was a man who valued relationships. As such, in lieu of flowers or charitable contributions, remember him by visiting or calling someone you love.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Patrick Barefield, Tanner Barefield, Jon Dean, Jimmy Lentz, Jordan Nickols, and Chad Christman. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Albert Dean.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
NEWVILLE… Norma Darlene Gordon, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Friday, September 26, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. She was 75.
It is with a heavy heart that the family of Dee (as she was known to those around her) announces that on September 26, 2025, after a long and bravely fought battle with cancer, she was called in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.
Dee was born on June 23, 1950, and raised in Fresno, California by her late parents Milliene Cole Moon and Willford Moon. She was one of 6 children. After striking out on her own, she became a military spouse and raised 3 children. She was immensely proud to have earned an associate’s degree at Lamar Community College, Lamar Colorado. To help provide for her family she worked a wide array of jobs, but most of her time was spent working as an associate at Walmart.
She moved to Alabama in 2012 to be closer to her son. She was a member of Concord Baptist Church. She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren. She enjoyed spending her time crocheting, making flower arrangements, and reading. She shared her home with her beloved dog, Itty Bitty and her cat, Prudence. Most of the time she could be found spending time with her friend Walt Middleton.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday October 11, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church (6286 County Road 73, Headland, AL) sanctuary. The speaker will be Brother Scott Wyatt.
She was proceeded in Death by her parents, her sister, Lu Simon, her brother, Evander Moon, and 1 grandson, Cody Jenkins, 1 son-in-law Howard Vanducen.
Survivors include: 1 daughter Kim Vanducen of Aztec, New Mexico, 2 sons Jay Gordon (Lydia) Newville, AL Ron Gordon (Jeniffer) Brunswick, GA 1 brother Doug (Gail) Moon of Texas 1 sister-in-law Jackie of California1 sister Midge Moseley (Baron) of Texas, 9 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
1 brother Johnny Moon unknown location and health.
The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt Thank you to the doctors, nurses, other staff at Southeast Health for the care and professionalism shown to our family during this tragic event. A special thank you to Wright’s funeral home for their excellent help and professionalism as well as heartfelt condolences during our time of grief.
Stephen Brad McLaughlin, affectionately known by friends and family as Brad, passed away on October 9, 2025, in Abbeville, AL. Born in Ozark, AL, on January 7, 1979, Brad’s life was a testament to his resilience, kindness, and dedication to his loved ones and country.
Brad’s early years in Ozark shaped the man he would become. After graduating from Carroll High School in 1998, he committed himself to a life of service, joining the Army and later serving in the Coast Guard. His 10 years in uniform were marked by courage, loyalty, and an unwavering sense of duty—an advocate for the military, he embodied the values he swore to protect.
Despite the demands of his career, Brad’s heart was always with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 8 years, Kristina McLaughlin, and a loving father to Payton Lee McLaughlin, Katelyn Amiya McLaughlin (Travis Deel), Kristopher Zachary Braswell, and Madelyn Nicole Braswell (Tanner Riley). Brad was a cherished son to his mother, Becky Leatherwood and stepfather, Colon, and preceded in death by his father, Thomas Allen McLaughlin. He was also preceded in death by his special nephew, Blake Cumbie, and his grandparents, Joe C Thorne, Mable Berry Leatherwood, Forrest Franklin Leatherwood, William Erwin McLaughlin and Margaret McCormick McLaughlin.
Brad’s siblings, Andrea Baxter, Tina Beasley, and Jason Leatherwood, shared many treasured moments with him, as did his nephews, Kaden and Liam Baxter. He was also blessed with the love and support of his grandmother, Grace Martha Moates Roberts. His relationship with his parents-in-law, David Clison Cochran and Charlotte Christine Cochran, and his brothers-in-law, David Floyd Cochran and Gary Clison Cochran and their families, was founded on mutual respect and affection.
An artist at heart, Brad found solace and joy in his interests. Whether it was fishing, cheering for Alabama football, watching deer, writing poetry, drawing, doing crafts, or woodworking, he kept his mind bustling with creativity. His beloved service dog, Woody, was his pride and joy for 5 years, and together, they shared an unbreakable bond.
Brad’s legacy extends beyond his family and personal passions. His impact on the community, his unwavering commitment to his fellow service members, and his zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him. His innate ability to light up a room with his craftwork, his thoughtful poetry, and his stories of adventures at sea will continue to inspire those he has left behind.
A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at The Holman House, 285 E Broad St, Ozark, AL 36360, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
