OZARK…Mary “Jewell” Morse, lovingly known to all as Nana, entered her heavenly home Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will live on through all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Jamie Mathews officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Jewell was born December 13, 1947, to the late Mary Agerton Thompson and the late Porter Ray Simmons. Jewell was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Phillip Morse, with whom she shared a lifetime of laughter, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a home grounded in love and faith—a foundation that continues to hold their family strong today. She was also preceded in death by her precious great-granddaughter, Mary Parker Logan, whose memory she held close to her heart, and one brother, Ricky Simmons.
She is survived by her three loving daughters: Phyllis (Eddie) Logan, Felecia (Paul) Blackmon, and Terri Morse, who were the pride and joy of her life. Jewell’s greatest blessings called her Nana—her grandchildren Eddie (Robyn) Logan, Michael (Lauren) Logan, Jenna (Jeremy) Newton, Kimber (Kenny) Hill, Harli Willis, Dana Blackmon, and Garrett Blackmon—along with 12 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy and laughter to her days. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she never missed a chance to celebrate their milestones, whether it was a ballgame, a rodeo, or a simple hug after school. She also leaves behind her brothers, Donald (Sandra) Simmons and Michael (Paula) Simmons.
A lifelong resident of her community, Jewell was known for her unmatched talent as a seamstress. With every stitch she sewed, she wove love and care into the lives of others. Many in the community proudly wore garments made by her skillful hands, each one crafted with the same dedication she poured into everything she did. Jewell’s heart for service extended far beyond her home. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Dale Medical Center for five years, where her warmth and kindness touched patients, families, and staff alike. In 2024, she was honored to serve as President of the Pink Ladies, a role that reflected her leadership, compassion, and desire to give back.
Jewell’s proudest moments were spent surrounded by family. She cherished watching her great-grandchildren grow, play ball, and ride in rodeos. Whether sitting in the bleachers or cheering from the sidelines, her eyes sparkled with pride, and her heart overflowed with joy. Those moments, filled with laughter, hugs, and family togetherness, were the ones she treasured most. To know Nana was to know unconditional love. Her gentle spirit, selfless heart, and unwavering faith will continue to guide her family for generations to come. Though her sewing machine may be still and her kitchen quiet, her love will forever be stitched into the hearts of those who loved her most.
As we celebrate her beautiful life, we find peace in knowing that she is reunited with her husband and great-granddaughter, and that her heavenly reward is great. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23. Mary “Jewell” Morse will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the love she gave, the kindness she showed, and the legacy she leaves behind. Thank you to all of those who have loved our precious Nana with us.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Eddie Logan, Michael Logan, Jeremy Newton, Kenny Hill, Richard Mathews, and Wes Roberts. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Aidan Carroll and Ayden Newton.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
COLUMBIA. . .Yarbrough Derrell Bostick, a resident of the Brown’s Crossroads Community of Henry County, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 70.
A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Derrell Bostick was born and raised in the Tumbleton Community of Henry County, son of the late Y. F. Bostick and Cora V. Holland Bostick. He was a graduate of Headland High School and attended Wallace Technical College. Derrell lived in the Tumbleton Community most of his lifetime before moving to Brown’s Crossroads in 2016. He was a member of Balkum Baptist Church. Derrell was retired from the Henry County Gin Company as a Warehouse Operator. After retirement, he worked seasonally at the gin. In earlier years, he was engaged in farming. Derrell was preceded in death by a sister, Jacqueline Bostick Riley.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Virginia Hardwick Bostick; a son, James E. “Jamie” Bostick (Kristy), Tumbleton Community; a brother-in-law, Ronnie Riley, Newville; grandchildren, Tristain Bostick (Bridgett), Destiny Bostick (Julian Soto) and Rayne Bostick; great-grandchildren, Russell Bostick, James Bostick and Enid Bostick; sisters-in-law, Amy Parrish and April Parker (Brent); brothers-in-law, Tommy Hardwick (Barbara), and Robert Fleming; a nephew, Lance Riley, and other nieces and nephews from the Hardwick family.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Mr. Earnest Lex “Buddy” Parrish of Dothan, a beloved father, brother, and friend, peacefully left this world on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the age of 86, in the comfort of his home.
A celebration of Buddy’s remarkable life will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Bay Springs Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tommy Greene and Rev. Cliff Morrison officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Friends and family are invited to gather one hour prior to the service to honor his memory.
Born on April 7, 1939, in Geneva County, Buddy was the cherished son of the late Ammie and Ethel Stewart Parrish. His life was defined by service and dedication, proudly serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years until his well-deserved retirement in 1977. Following his military career, he spent 24 years at Pemco, where he excelled as an electrician, supervisor, and avionics manager.
Buddy’s heart was forever intertwined with his high school sweetheart, Ann Parrish. Their love story spanned over 66 beautiful years, during which they built a life filled with laughter, love, and shared passions. Buddy was known for his culinary skills, often delighting his family with his cooking. He cherished fishing trips, enjoyed watching western television shows, and was an avid baseball fan. A man of deep faith, he was a proud member of Bay Springs Baptist Church. Buddy also had a special love for dogs, enjoying countless moments with his beloved granddogs.
He is preceded in death by his dearly loved wife, Ann, and his siblings: Ammie Parrish Jr., Harry Parrish, Robert Parrish, Evelyn Parrish Green, and Charlotte Parrish Teets, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
Buddy leaves behind his devoted son, Jeff Parrish, and his wife Lynda; his cherished sisters, Grace Parrish Battles and Susan Parrish Blount; along with numerous special nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember him with great affection and respect.
As we remember Mr. Earnest Lex “Buddy” Parrish, let us celebrate a life well-lived, marked by devotion to family, a strong sense of duty, and endless love that will echo in the hearts of those he touched.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Gentiva Hospice and to Buddy’s dedicated caregivers: Kintenia, Kelly, Pam, Barbara, Joanna, Shitera, Destinee, Shirley, and Donna for the exceptional love, compassion, and care they provided.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
James Bryant Thorne, age 84, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula with Dr. Kermit Soileau officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The burial will follow in the Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery in Banks, Alabama. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Glover Funeral Home in Eufaula. Flowers will be accepted.
James was born on January 19, 1941, in Union Springs, Alabama to the late Loyd Bryant and Mattie Lou Shepard Thorne. He loved music and was a great drummer, he also enjoyed fishing. James loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Gina Doreen Thorne.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 64 years, Maurine Locklar Thorne; two daughters, Beverly Thorne Conner (Tony) of Locust Grove, Georgia and Angie Ussery (Shannon) of Madison, Georgia; son, Mike Thorne (Lynn) of Stockbridge, Georgia; six grandchildren, Stephen Payne, Gina Sexton (Blake), Melissa Yeager, Alex Yeager (Melanie), Michael Thorne (Jordan), and Lyndsey Thorne; six great-grandchildren, Kashten Payne, Kohen Sexton, Elizabeth Yeager, Livi Thorne, Lainey Thorne, and Hudson Thorne.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Stephen Payne, Blake Sexton, Alex Yeager, Michael Thorne, Tony Conner, and Shannon Ussery.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Loren “Les” Blocher, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama, where he was also born on March 1, 1963. Les was a man known for his sense of humor and his appreciation for the outdoors.
Les graduated from Dothan High School, where he built lasting friendships and developed a strong work ethic that carried into his career. He worked many years as both a mechanic and construction worker, taking pride in his skills and the quality of his work. His coworkers knew him as someone dependable and straightforward, always ready with a joke.
He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing, all of which gave him time to connect with nature and the people he cared about. He also loved to reminisce about his younger days racing motorcycles, stories he never grew tired of sharing.
A dedicated supporter of Alabama Football, Les rarely missed a game and always cheered with enthusiasm. He enjoyed time spent on his porch, especially when he could tease and joke with friends and family, something that became one of his trademarks.
Les’s family was the heart of his life. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 25 years, Trina Blocher, and a loving father to his children, Tiffany Watford (Larry), April Blocher, Brittney Blocher, and Loren Bradley Blocher. His grandchildren, Austin Watford, Paisley Watford, Damean Davis, Hunter Leger, Mikaela Watford, Reese Watford, Justin Robbins, and Patrick Parrish, and his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Ryleigh, Jaxon, and Isabella, brought him great joy.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, Jacquelyn Thompson and Loren Blocher, Sr.; his grandparents, Lucille Creamer and Woodrow Creamer; and his father-in-law, Danny Simmons. He is survived by his brother, Loren C. Blocher; his sister, Aleda Blocher; his mother-in-law, Teena Holliday; his brother-in-law, Craig Simmons (Melissa); beloved uncle, Ronald Creamer (Gail); and several loving cousins.