James “Jim” Everett Mooney, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 78. Born on June 8, 1947, in Malden, Massachusetts, Jim’s life was a remarkable journey marked by service, resilience, and a profound love for his family and community.
Jim wed his loving wife, Mary Lou Slaw, on December 23, 1978, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter, welcoming their son, Michael S. Mooney, into the world. He was a devoted brother to Francis Stoltz and a treasured relative to Josh Dyson, Chris Dyson, Timothy Dyson, Jay McLucas, and Kurt McLucas. His faithful pet, Ernie, was a constant companion and source of joy.
With a life dedicated to service, Jim honorably served 20 years in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam. His military career saw him stationed in Germany for six years as an Air Traffic Controller. Following his military tenure, Jim continued to serve his country as a Certified United States Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. His commitment to excellence led him to become one of only 100 Chief Instructors for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in the United States. He also shared his skills and passion for motorcycles as the Service and Finance Manager with Harley Davidson of Dothan, AL.
Jim’s dedication to his community was evident through his role as Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) at the Dothan Salvation Army. There, he uplifted spirits by playing Christian music, from hymns to festive Christmas melodies, on his beloved “Bach Stradivarius” Trumpet and “Benge” Cornet, among other instruments. His love for music extended to various venues, including annual performances at the Wiregrass Commons Mall during the holiday season.
A man of faith, Jim was a devout Christian and an active member of the Methodist church. His spiritual life was a cornerstone of his existence, guiding him through all his endeavors and interactions.
Jim was known for his spirited and courageous nature, which served him well during a challenging time after a helicopter accident while in the Army. Despite being told he would never walk again, his unshakable spirit and unyielding determination led him to defy the odds, and he walked for over fifty more years. His kindness shone through in his daily interactions, as he lived by the golden rule, treating others with the respect and compassion he believed everyone deserved.
An aficionado of fine cigars, Jim found moments of relaxation and reflection in this hobby. His keen sense of humor made him a beacon of light and laughter in the lives of those who knew him.
Jim Mooney was laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, love, and an unwavering commitment to his beliefs and values. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance, and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the spirited, courageous, and kind soul that he was.
ABBEVILLE, ALABAMA. . .William Hubert Hancock, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, died early Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 77.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Holman-Abbeville Mortuary. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. (E.D.T.), Monday, September 8, 2025, in the Kenansville Cemetery, Kenansville, Florida with Pastor David Wallace officiating.
Mr. Hancock was born in Kissimmee, Florida and was raised in Kenansville, Florida, son of the late William Wesley Hancock and Lorene Harvey Hancock. He moved to Henry County, Alabama in 1972. Mr. Hancock was formerly employed by the Henry County Road & Bridge Department and also by Will Maddox.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Joyce Hancock; two daughters, Cheri Pachota (Justin), Venice, FL; and Shawna Cobb (Rufus), Ft. Myers, FL; three sons, Russell Hancock, Abbeville; Shane Hancock and Jason Hancock, both of Jacksonville, FL; a step-daughter, Kim MacAloney (Daniel), Abbeville, AL; and a step-son, Lane Ringer (Michelle), Arizona; two brothers, Leland Hancock (Linda), Kenansville, FL; and Sammy Hancock (Ann), Okeechobee, FL; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Helen Joyce Ward Weeks, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on September 4, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on September 23, 1942, in Geneva County, Alabama, Helen’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her generous heart, and her enduring kindness.
For many years, Helen served the community of Samson, Alabama, through her dedicated work at the Samson Medical Clinic alongside Dr. Hoyt Childs, Sr. Her professionalism and warmth were a comfort to all who walked through the clinic’s doors.
A lifelong member of the Samson First Assembly of God, Helen’s commitment to her faith was evident in her service as the church secretary, a role she performed with grace and diligence. Her love for the Lord was the cornerstone of her life, and she shared that love with others by teaching Sunday School, where she touched the lives of countless individuals with her gentle guidance and wisdom.
Helen’s love extended beyond the walls of the church and into the community where she was a spiritual mother to many. Her nurturing spirit saw her help raise numerous children of the church, leaving a legacy of love and faith that will be cherished by generations to come.
Loving and kind, Helen lived a life that was a living embodiment of the Christian values she held dear. Her faith was as unwavering as it was infectious, and she was a beacon of light and hope for all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
As we remember Helen, we celebrate a life lived in full devotion to her faith, her community, and her beloved church. Her memory will continue to inspire those who were blessed to feel the warmth of her kindness and the depth of her faith. Helen’s life was a beautiful reflection of the divine love she believed in so fervently, and her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her extraordinary spirit.
Helen’s departure from this earth is not a goodbye but a momentary parting until we meet again on the glorious shores of eternity. Her life was a lesson in love and faith, and she will be remembered always for the countless lives she enriched through her selfless devotion and her boundless capacity for love.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Samson First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Jimmy Eddins officiating. Burial will follow in Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Lamar and Lolie Mae Knowles Ward; and one brother, Billy Ward.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Wood Weeks of Samson, AL; one sister, Dianne Norwood (Marlon) of Enterprise, AL; one brother, Sam Ward (Sarah) of Enterprise, AL; sisters-in-law, Mary Ward of Athens, AL, Sue Weeks Simmons (Randal) of DeFuniak Springs, FL and Dianne Weeks of Hacoda, AL; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
ABBEVILLE… Mark Wayne Kennedy, a resident of the Screamer Community of Henry County, near Abbeville, Alabama, passed away early Friday morning, September 5, 2025, at his home. He was 56.
Mr. Kennedy was born in New Jersey and raised in Maryland, the beloved son of Mary Louise Kennedy and the late John Wayne Kennedy. From the very beginning, he was full of life, curiosity, and a spark that made him unforgettable. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome — whether through a joke, a story, or simply his presence — and he carried that same energy into everything he did.
He attended Laurel Senior High School in Laurel, Maryland, and later followed his passion for aviation to Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, Alabama, after which he served as a flight instructor.
Guided by the compassion and integrity instilled by his father, Mr. Kennedy dedicated himself to helping others. As a board member for Cyrulion Inc., he played a meaningful role in supporting cancer patients — a contribution that brought him great pride.
A man who was never one to sit still, he loved the outdoors. Whether walking the shoreline, target shooting, or riding his motorcycle, he embraced every opportunity to feel alive and free.
To those who knew him best, he was more than a son, brother, father, and friend — he was a bright light with a sharp wit and a heart that cared deeply. Affectionately known as “The Redneck Yankee” or simply “Casey,” he had a one-of-a-kind personality that could make anyone laugh and remind them not to take life too seriously.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Wayne Kennedy, and his sister, Katie Kennedy.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Katelyn Kennedy, Abigail Kennedy, and Brittany Baxley; his loving mother, Mary Louise Kennedy; grandchildren, Aubrey and Levi Ellis; sisters, Tina Doyon (Ernie) and Sharon Kennedy; brothers, Mike Kennedy and Tom Kennedy; and countless other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Though his time here feels far too short, his spirit will continue to inspire laughter, adventure, and courage in everyone blessed to have known him.
NEWVILLE… Henry Ladon “Don” Jones, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 78.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. Burial will be at a later date at Union Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers and food, the family request that contributions be made in Don’s remembrance to the Henry County Volunteer Fire Association, P.O. Box 575, Abbeville, Alabama 36310.
Mr. Jones was born in Newville, Alabama to the late Leon Jones and Geraldine Cureton Jones. He lived in Newville, Alabama his entire life. He was a 1965 graduate of Newville High School. After high school he worked in construction. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier. He served his community as a member of the Newville Volunteer Fire Department where his last position was Chief. He was a member of the Union Springs Baptist Church in Newville, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Carol Jones; his son, Jonathan Eugene Jones; and his sister, Willowdean Tharpe.,
Leaving to cherish his memories are his son, Huey Jones (Rena); his daughter, Melinda Jones; his sister, Barbara Stanton (Chuck); his brothers, Linward Jones (Helen), Nathan Jones (Janice), and David Jones; and his grandchildren, Alyssa Jones Simonson (Caleb), Brianna Jones, Tabitha Brackin, Joshua Ebert, Nicholas Mathis, and Megan Mathis.
