DOTHAN…Ms. Peggy Lea Duncan, a resident of Dothan, died early Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, at her home. She was 68.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 26, 2025, in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Dothan with Bishop Joseph Dougherty officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory, between Headland and Dothan. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the church.
Ms. Duncan was born in the charming town of Rome, New York, the beloved daughter of Homer Houston Duncan, a proud Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and Rachel Louise Lunsford Duncan, whose quiet strength and love shaped the heart of their home. Growing up in a military family meant that Ms. Duncan’s childhood was filled with movement and adventure—she lived in many corners of the United States and even overseas, experiencing different cultures and communities while her father served his country with honor and dedication.
Through all the changes, Ms. Duncan carried with her a deep sense of resilience, compassion, and curiosity. These qualities led her to pursue a career in nursing, a calling that matched her gentle spirit and unwavering desire to help others. She earned her degree as a Registered Nurse from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, and from there, she began a journey that touched countless lives.
For many years, she worked as a travel nurse, bringing her warmth and expertise to hospitals across the country. Whether she was comforting a patient in a bustling emergency room or lending a steady hand in a quiet recovery ward, Ms. Duncan was known for her kindness, her patience, and her ability to make people feel truly seen and cared for. Later in her career, she shifted her focus to nursing homes and private care, where she built close relationships with those she served—often becoming not just a caregiver, but a trusted friend and confidante.
In 2020, Ms. Duncan made her home in Dothan, Alabama, where she found a sense of peace and community. She became a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dothan, embracing her faith and the fellowship it offered. Her presence in the congregation was a quiet but steady, light—always willing to lend a hand, share a smile, or offer a listening ear.
Ms. Duncan’s life was one of service, grace, and quiet strength. She gave her heart to her work, her family, and her faith, and in doing so, left behind a legacy of love and compassion that will be remembered by all who knew her.
Surviving relatives include her two sons, Joseph Douglas Gomez, Dothan and Christopher Jay Gomez (Kaycee), Coolidge, Arizona; two sisters, Diane Duncan, Dothan and Susie Vanysok (Kelley), Williamsburg, Virginia; nieces and nephew, Sunshine Lavoie (David), Erica Garsik, Rachel Garsik, Sara Garsik, and Andrew Garsik.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Marilyn Jeneice Huggins Commander McKinnon of Westville, FL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family.
Jeneice was born October 19, 1934, in Holmes Co., FL to the late Henry Horace and Vera Pearl Mitchell Huggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands; Carlton D. Commander and Hinton Cartledge McKinnon; one son, Jeff Newton Commander; one brother, Arthur Eugene Huggins and one sister, Hazel Earnestine Huggins Grantham Cobb.
She is survived by two sons, Jack Commander (Kerry) of Westville, FL and John David Commander (Kim) of Hartford, AL; one daughter, Betty Commander McGowan (Jimmy) of Gainesville, GA and one daughter-in-law, Terry Griffin Commander of Westville, FL; 9 grandchildren, Amy Commander Bowling (Josh), James McGowan (Crista), Julia McGowan Drewry (David), Joshua Jackson (Tiffany), Seth Commander (Amanda), Chelsea Harden (Jared), Sage Commander McCollum (Dakota), Delilah Bass Babb (Joshua) and Tyler Commander; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 more expected in 2026; one sister, Virginia Delois Huggins Carroll (Jerry); two stepdaughters, Gail McKinnon Allen (Lynn) and Peggy McKinnon Bracewell (Mark); one stepson, Forrest Wayne McKinnon and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her working career began at an early age at Van Heusen Shirt Factory, where she sewed on pockets and trained new employees. In the early 1970’s, she left the factory when her family opened Commander Meat Processing, a business serving families in the tri-state area. She quickly became sought out by customers due to her dedication to service and commitment to excellence. During this time, she was a prominent member of the Holmes County Homemakers Club.
In 1982, she began working at Clinton Mills. Her outstanding work ethic earned her a promotion to Supervisor of the Cloth Room. She retired from Clinton Mills in 2000, though she remained active, working on the family farm and in the chicken houses.
Jeneice was an excellent seamstress, creating clothing for her growing family and home items like curtains and tablecloths. She enjoyed cross-stitch, making beautiful wall hangings, cherished by her children and grandchildren. She showed love for her neighbors by cooking meals and pound cakes and delivering them to families suffering bereavement or need, as well as visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Her faith guided her throughout her 90 years and she lived her life as a testament to her love for the Lord. She was a faithful member of West Pittman Baptist Church for over 60 years.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she poured her life into her family, creating a legacy of faith, strength, perseverance, and kindness. She was known for her incredible work ethic and passion for gardening—her flower beds were always immaculate, and her vegetable garden was second to none. Even in her late 80’s, it was not uncommon to drive by and see her on the lawnmower cutting grass, tending her garden or working in her flower beds.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. The church address is 1599 Bradley Road, Westville, FL. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends Monday night at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Mrs. McKinnon may be honored by flowers or memorial contributions to West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund.
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. Dave Langford, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, died late Thursday morning, September 18, 2025, at his home. He was 64.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 21, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James R. Devine and Mr. Dale Giles officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Langford, born to the late Charlie Roy Langford and Mary Frances Hall Langford, was a lifelong resident of Ozark, Alabama. He grew up surrounded by family, faith, and small-town values that shaped the man he became: hardworking, kind-hearted, and always ready to lend a hand. He was a beloved husband, dad, pa, and brother.
For many years, Mr. Langford poured his time and energy into Langford’s Floor Covering, the business he owned and operated in the heart of Ozark. He took pride in every project, and built lasting relationships with customers who quickly became friends. Outside of work, Mr. Langford found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, singing karaoke, hosting family gatherings, and just sitting around and swapping stories. He cherished every minute that he spent with his loved ones. He was always the life of the party. He was an avid Alabama Football fan, and never missed a chance to cheer on the Crimson Tide.
Mr. Langford was preceded in death by his two sisters, Vivian Peters, and Susie Cummings, and his brother, Roy Langford, Jr. Their memories lived on in his stories, his laughter, and the way he carried their love with him every day. He will be remembered not just for the work he did or the hobbies he enjoyed, but for the way he made people feel–welcomed and loved. His spirit will live on in the lives that he touched and the legacy he leaves behind.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-five years, Kathy Rogers Langford; Kristin Beasock (Don), Enterprise; four sisters, Linda Devine (Rickey), Diane Sanders (Jerry), Barbara Giles (Dale), and Janie Carter (Keith) all from Ozark; three grandchildren, Brooke Beasock, Kaylee Willis, Kaden Willis; great-granddaughter, Zara Moore; sister-in-law, Katherine Devonda, New Orleans, Louisiana; brother-in-law, Allen Rogers (Britt), Cottonwood; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN… Katherine June Adams Kerecman, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at her home. She was 80.
Memorial services will be held 5:00 P.M. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, with her son-in-law, Joshua Rainwater and her grandson, Ty Dailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
The family is accepting flowers or contributions may be made in Mrs. Kerecman’s memory to the Southeast Alabama Dance Company, 3010 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, Alabama 36301, www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org, or to Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36303, or www.landmarkparkdothan.com.
Katherine was born February 11, 1945, in Meadville, PA and graduated from Saegertown High School. While in school, she was a cheerleader, nominated to the 1962 Homecoming Court, and served as the State Secretary for the FHA. Kathy married the love of her life, David Kerecman in July of 1963. She was employed with General Electric Motor Company in Information Services when she retired. She was then the Office Manager at Oz Performing Arts Centre. Kathy was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church of Dothan. She loved to cook and bake. Kathy was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. She and her husband, Dave, were members of the Elks Lodge, Presque Isle Corvette Club (Erie, PA), and the Gourmet Club. Together they enjoyed traveling to Blue Grass Festivals across the U.S., and going to Callaway Gardens, especially the Fantasy in Lights. Kathy’s favorite role in life was “Grammy” to her three beautiful grandchildren: Ty, Emily Kayte and Jake.
Preceding her in death is her parents, Louis and Margaret Mae Perry Adams; her husband, David George Kerecman; and her siblings, Florence Louise Adams, Janet Ruth Allison, Virginia Helen DeRemer, and Frank Homer Adams.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughters, Anna Dailey and Amy Rainwater (Joshua); her sister, Jean Elizabeth Stearns (David); and her grandchildren, Ty, Emily Kayte, and Jake.
Roelaux Daniel Black, Sr., known to family, friends, and co-workers as Dan, Blackie, or Danny, finished his race of life on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 14, 1944, in Binghamton, New York to Roelaux Willard Black and Erma Lee West Ruffino. He and his wife, Peggy, have permanently resided in Dothan, Alabama since 1985.
Dan pursued a myriad of occupations in his lifetime giving him a multitude of experiences shaping him into the man he became. At 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he mastered parachuting, scuba diving, and expert marksmanship. He earned the rank of Sergeant along with multiple medals, badges, and commendations during his 9 years of service before transferring to the United States Army to attain a career in aviation. After serving 14 and a half years as an aviator, earning the rank of CW3 working the ins and outs of aviation, Dan retired from his military service. During his 23 and a half years, he served his country in 6 tours–four in the USMC and two in the US Army–in Vietnam and other locations he was called to go. He loved the USA and was proud to have served her.
Following his military service, Dan (Blackie) finished his college education and began a 19 and a half-year career at Wallace Community College as the Director of Information Systems. He also taught computer classes at both Wallace and Troy University Dothan.
Dan was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to provide for his family. He was a loyal husband to his wife of 57 years, Peggy Jean Black, whom he married February 24, 1968. God blessed them with three children, Roelaux, Shawn, and Bonita, and 4 grandchildren. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1992 and continued educating himself for the rest of his life in many subjects, including Biblical studies and history. He loved learning about anything and everything he could believing that education never stops with the end of formal schooling.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents Roelaux Willard Black (Fannie) and Erma Lee West Ruffino (Ross) along with his two siblings, Joann Vassar (Edward) and Samuel Perry.
Survivors include his wife Peggy J. Black, 3 children: Roelaux Black, Jr (Cate Trammel), Shawn Black, and Bonita Peters (Jim), and 4 grandchildren: Jamie Peters, Alex Peters, Trey Peters, and Rozi Black. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name. He loved you long and loved you well.
Roelaux D Black, Sr. (Dan) will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Selma Baptist Church Cemetery. The funeral will be held at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Peters presiding. The family will receive guests during his viewing beginning at 10:00am with the service to follow at 11:00am. Please join the family in celebrating his life and continue to pray for them during this time of grief and transition. As a supporter of Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, in lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate in his memory.
The family also thanks the Critical Care staff of Southeast Health for all of their assistance.
HEADLAND… Neil Wayne Thomas, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home. He was 60.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the home of his brother, Brad Thomas, 3414 County Road 13, Headland, Alabama 36345, with his friend, Rod Graham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Thomas was born in Panama City, Florida to the late Billy Wayne Thomas and Carol Andrews Thomas. He lived in Dothan, Alabama until he moved to Headland, Alabama over twenty years ago. He worked in the flooring business before he was medically retired. He was an avid Alabama football fan. He loved drag racing and could be found just about every Saturday at One Way Dragway, now known as Cottonwood Motorsports Park. One of his favorite places to be was at the beach. He was a member of the Denton Road United Methodist Church.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his sons, Brandon Thomas (Kaylee Clevenger) and Matthew Monday (Debra); his brothers, Tim Thomas, Brad Thomas (Laurie), and Chad Thomas; his grandchildren, Paisley Thomas, Oaklynn Thomas, Logan Monday, and Penelope Monday; and his several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
