Mrs. Ruby Francine Cox of Dothan passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 80.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Cluster Springs Baptist Church in Defuniak Springs, Florida. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, September 26, 2026, one hour prior to the service.
Janice Lamb Sullivan, beloved wife, mother, MiMi, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on September 16, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama, following a brief illness. She was 70 years old.
Janice was born on September 15, 1956, in Graceville, Florida, to Fernie and Ruth Lamb.
She shared 46 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Thomas Sullivan. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, love, and service to others.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Sullivan; her parents, Fernie and Ruth Lamb; her siblings, Sarah Wagner, David Lamb, and Joyce Martin; and her great-grandson, Tate Sullivan.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Thomas Sullivan; her children, Gary (Bonnie) Sullivan and Lindsey (Joey) DiCapua; her daughter-in-love, Tia Sullivan-Sweet; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her brother, William Lamb; her sister, Barbara Patrick; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were touched by her kindness.
Janice dedicated much of her life to education, retiring from Geneva City Schools after a career in elementary education before continuing her passion for helping children as a contract interventionist. Teaching was more than a profession to her—it was a calling. She loved her students deeply and treasured every opportunity to encourage, guide, and make a difference in their lives.
She loved unconditionally with her whole heart and was known as the strong friend—the one who would show up without hesitation, stand beside you in difficult times, and give generously with an open heart, never expecting anything in return. Her compassion, strength, and selfless spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Faith was at the center of Janice’s life. She was a founding member of New Canaan Ministries, where she faithfully worshiped and loved singing in the choir each week beside the love of her life and lifelong friends. The church she helped build became an extension of her family and a place where her servant’s heart shined brightly.
Of all the roles she held throughout her life, her greatest accomplishment—and her favorite title—was MiMi. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she loved them fiercely and unconditionally. The legacy of love, faith, kindness, and strength she leaves behind will continue through every generation of her family.
Janice’s life was a beautiful example of what it means to love deeply, serve faithfully, and give freely. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the love she shared so generously will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at New Canaan Ministries. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. also at New Canaan Ministries, with graveside services to follow at Hartford City Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jarrod Wagner, Jason Wagner, Michael Skeen, Billy Murphy, Tyler Sullivan, and Jake Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers will be the current and former faculty and staff of Geneva City Schools.
Melissa Ann Duffy, age 66, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, after a life marked by strength, independence, and a spirited love for the people and places she held dear.
Born on September 10, 1960, in Oregon City, Oregon, Melissa carried the character of the Pacific Northwest with her throughout her life. She was a woman of great presence and unmistakable personality, known by those who loved her as a force of nature. She was wide open in her way of living, honest in her opinions, and never one to let anyone wonder what she thought. At the same time, she had a warm and welcoming spirit that made her memorable to everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger, and her outgoing nature allowed her to form connections easily and sincerely.
Melissa spent many years working as a loan originator until her retirement, and she approached her work with the same determination and attention to detail that she brought to every part of her life. She was proud of doing things the right way and expected the same level of care from herself that she gave to others. She had a strong sense of style and took great pride in always looking her best. She was known for being meticulous, orderly, and particular about her surroundings, and she was often described as a clean freak who liked everything just so. Her home, her appearance, and her life reflected her desire for things to be neat, polished, and well cared for.
Outside of work, Melissa found joy in the outdoors and had a deep love for the open air and the life that came with it. Raising and caring for horses was one of the great passions of her life, and she took that responsibility seriously and lovingly. Her connection to animals and to nature reflected her independent spirit and her appreciation for hard work, freedom, and beauty. She also enjoyed decorating and shopping, and she had a keen eye for making spaces feel attractive and comfortable. Whether she was arranging a room, selecting something special for herself, or simply making sure everything was in its proper place, she did so with confidence and style.
In 2022, Melissa moved to Dothan from Oregon, beginning a new chapter in her life while carrying with her the values, memories, and experiences that had shaped her along the way. Though she made her home in Alabama, her story remained deeply rooted in the places and people that had been part of her journey from the beginning. She adapted to change with the same strength and self-assurance that defined her entire life.
Melissa is survived by her son, Gabriel Myers; her daughter, Ariel Myers; her brothers, Brenton John Vedder and his wife, Denise, and Ronald Andrew Vedder; her sister, Karen Louise Vedder; two nieces; two nephews; and one great-niece. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Libby, whom she adored and who was truly the apple of her eye. Melissa will be remembered by the many others who knew and loved her for her bold personality, candid nature, and unwavering sense of self.
Those who knew Melissa will remember her as someone who lived life on her own terms. She was independent, outspoken, and full of personality, yet she also had a genuine warmth that drew people to her. Her family and friends will remember her love of horses, her eye for detail, her pride in looking polished and put together, and her ability to make an impression wherever she went. Her life was one of strength, individuality, and devotion to the things and people that mattered most to her.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. Robert Douglas “Hadacol” Phillips (Sergeant, Alabama Army National Guard, Retired) a resident of the Ewell Community, died early Friday morning, September 18, 2026, at the home surrounded by loved ones. He was 83.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 21, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Merrell Henry officiating. Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Phillips, son of the late Robert Wesley Phillips and Edna Cook Smith, was a native and lifelong resident of Ozark, a community he was proud to call home throughout his life. Mr. Phillips was a hardworking man who spent many years providing for his family. He was formerly employed with White Knight and Van Heusen in Ozark, working at both until their closings. He also proudly served his state and country through the Alabama Army National Guard, retiring after a dedicated military career with the rank of Sergeant.
But beyond his work and military service, Mr. Phillips will perhaps be remembered most for his friendly personality and the way he enjoyed being around people. He truly never met a stranger. Whether he had known someone for years or had only just been introduced, he had a way of making conversation and making others feel comfortable and welcome.
Friday nights were something Mr. Phillips especially looked forward to. One of his favorite things to do was make the trip to Samson, where he could enjoy a good meal, spend time with friends, and, most importantly, do a little dancing. Those Friday night trips brought him a great deal of happiness and became a special part of the life he enjoyed.
Mr. Phillips was an avid University of Alabama football fan and enjoyed cheering on the Crimson Tide. Mr. Phillips was a member of Campground Baptist Church. His church family and the friendships he made throughout the years were meaningful parts of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Carolyn Rogers Phillips. Forty-seven years together brought a lifetime of memories, ordinary days that became special simply because they were shared, and a love that remained an important part of his story even after her passing. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his brother, Hansel Darrell Smith, and his stepfather, Ernest Hansel Smith.
Surviving relatives include his two sons, Bobby Phillips (Tiffanie), Talladega and Keith Peters (Vida), Ozark; daughter, Cindy Holzer (Jay), Enterprise; two sisters, Vicky Smith, Ewell and Reba Enfinger (Dan), Echo Community; two brothers, Ernest Durwood Smith (Diane) and Ricky Smith (Betty), all of Ewell; twelve grandchildren, Robby Phillips, Keanan Phillps, Savanna Tharpe, Tyler Mitchell (Bailey), Rosa Williams (Chad), Shelby Williams, Hannah Ingram (Bruce), P.J. Williams, Ashlie Lesinzski (Kevin), Justin Grice, Shannon Swain (Jason), and Anthony Peters (Ashley); thirteen great-grandchildren, Daylan Phillips, Rosie Ann Phillips, Ivey Kate Tharpe, Penelope Williams, Coleson Killingsworth, Jackson Mitchell, Maria Mitchell, Kaleb Lesinzski, Ethan Swain, Alexis Lopez, Samuel Peters, Abigail Peters, and Allison Peters; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Anthony Peters, Kaleb Lesinzski, Kevin Lesinzski, Tyler Mitchell, Justin Grice, and Robby Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Brown, Royce Mitchell, and Loyd Jackson.
**The family asks everyone to wear jeans and an Alabama shirt or colors, as he loved the University of Alabama. **
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Helen C. Scarborough, age 78, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 16, 2026. She was born on May 14, 1948, in Geneva County, Alabama, and spent her life rooted in the values of hard work, family devotion, and a warm spirit that touched those around her. She will be remembered with love by all who knew her for the kindness she showed, the laughter she shared, and the steady presence she brought to her family and community.
Helen lived a life marked by dedication and resilience. She was a hardworking woman who never shied away from responsibility and was known for loving to work and taking pride in doing her best. Over the years, she worked at Hazel Hurst Laundry and Cleaners, in housekeeping at Flowers Hospital, and as a school crossing guard. There were even times in her life when she held three jobs at once, a reflection of her determination, her strong work ethic, and her commitment to providing for those she loved. She approached each role with diligence and care, earning the respect of coworkers and the appreciation of many in her community.
Above all else, Helen loved her family deeply. Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished every opportunity to be with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a proud mother to her sons, Jeff Scarborough, Allen Scarborough, Paul Scarborough and his wife Libby, and Josh Scarborough and his wife Leona. She found great joy in her grandchildren, Will Scarborough, Griffin Scarborough, Tyler Scarborough, Parker Williams, Courtney Wilkins, Ne’Vaeh Scarborough, Ny’Ryan Scarborough, Leah Scarborough, Olivia Scarborough, Jamie Daniel, and Lyric Daniel, and she treasured the blessing of her three great-grandchildren. Her love for her family was steadfast and unconditional, and she leaves behind a legacy of devotion that will continue through the generations.
Helen was also preceded in death by her siblings, Houston Boyette, Bo Boyette, Walter Boyette, Dorethy Cochran, and Francis Coker. She is survived by her siblings, Joyce Patterson and her husband Derrell, Sarah Mothershed, and Earl Boyette and his wife Mary, along with several nieces and nephews who will remember her with affection. The bonds she shared with her brothers, sisters, and extended family were an important part of her life, and those relationships helped shape the woman she became.
In her quieter moments, Helen enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life meaningful to her. She loved to laugh, and her laughter could brighten a room and bring comfort to those around her. She enjoyed watching soap operas and looked forward to going to the movies, where she could relax and enjoy a good story. These interests reflected her appreciation for both joy and companionship, and they are among the many memories her loved ones will hold close.
Helen C. Scarborough will be remembered as a woman of strength, humor, and heart. She lived her life with purpose, worked faithfully, loved deeply, and gave generously of herself to her family and all who knew her. Her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those whose lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave and the example she set will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the care and support provided to Helen and her family. A special thank you is extended to her nurse, Laura, for the kindness and care she showed Helen.
A graveside service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at 11:30am on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Park with chaplain Eddie Biss officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30am-11:30am at Sunset Funeral Home.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com