Susan Elaine Sailors Tarver, affectionately known as Elaine by her loved ones, was born on January 11, 1953, in Bainbridge, Georgia. She went to be with the Lord on October 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, after a brief illness.
Elaine was a loving and devoted mother, a cherished sister, and a loyal friend. She is survived by her children, Dennis Wayne Tarver and David Bryan Tarver, who were the pride and joy of her life. She also leaves behind a loving legacy through her sisters, Barbara S. Braswell (Buddy) and Debra Sailors; brothers, Stanley L. Sailors (Marie) and Jimmy O. Sailors; two nephews, one niece, six great-nieces, and one great-great nephew, and two great-great nieces, along with several cousins who will forever hold her memory dear.
Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny Wayne Tarver. She was also predeceased by her parents, Benjamin O. and Esterlene Sailors; her sister, Merylene Sailors Arnold; and her grandparents, who had laid the foundations of the family she so deeply cherished.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School in 1971, Elaine’s early career was marked by her dedicated service at Montgomery Ward and JC Penney. Her true calling, however, was found in the love and care she provided to her family, a commitment that she embraced wholeheartedly. Elaine’s nurturing spirit was central to her identity, and her ability to provide a warm and loving home was unparalleled.
Growing up in Dothan, Elaine was a pillar of her community and an active member of Restoration Church, where her faith-filled life shone brightly for all to see. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering and provided strength and comfort to those around her.
Those who knew Elaine will remember her as a loving, faith-filled woman whose kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on through her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Southeast Health CCU for their compassionate care of their mother and sister.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 3:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Wood and Pastor Ric Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
ABBEVILLE. . .Jerry Phillip “Bob” Watford, a resident of Abbeville, died Monday, October 27, 2025, as a result of a single vehicle logging truck accident, which occurred on U. S. Highway 331, near Opp, Alabama. He was 51.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 30, 2025, in the Judson Baptist Church with Reverend Brandon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or charitable contributions may be made to Bob’s children, c/o Judson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 224, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Bob Watford was born in Ft. Gaines, Georgia and was raised in the Screamer community of Henry County where he lived all his lifetime. He was a graduate of Abbeville Christian Academy and attended Wallace College-Sparks Campus where he received certification as an EMT. Bob was an active member of Judson Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, and on the security team. He served as a volunteer for Abbeville Fire and Rescue for twenty years. Bob was the owner and operator of Just Ash Forestry of Abbeville. He was preceded in death by a son, Justin Phillip Watford, a nephew, Randall Blake Spivey, a nephew, Blythe Alexander Poston, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Foy and Edwina Howerton.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Melissa Howerton Watford; daughters, Ashlyn Fleming (Jacob), Headland, Morgan Lisenby (Garett) and Carolina Cheek, all of Abbeville; sons, Dakota Watford, Brandon Watford and Christopher Watford, all of Abbeville; parents, Jerry and Betty Watford, Abbeville; sisters, Cindy E. Watford, Barbara Morrison (Wayne), and Jan Osteen (Gerald), all of Abbeville; grandchildren, Grayson Fleming and Asher Fleming; mother of Justin and Ashlyn, Niki Watford, Abbeville; several nieces and nephews, and a special cousin, Timmy Watford.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dan Jernigan, Chris Cureton, Jeff Money, Jason White, Blaze Poston, Blaine Poston, Shawn Jackson and Chase Ethridge.
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.
Lee Vincent Hendricks, of Enterprise, AL passed away Monday, October 6, 2025. He was 44.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Lee graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree. As a Bible teacher at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Dothan West congregation, he shared his faith with warmth and sincerity. Lee was a people person who never met a stranger—always full of energy, stories, and laughter.
Lee enjoyed collecting watches and had a deep appreciation for music, especially folk. He loved riding Harley’s and was always ready to help others, no matter the task. There was little he couldn’t do once he set his mind to it. Above all, Lee loved his family, and his daughter held a special place in his heart. His loyal German Shepherd, Scully, was always by his side and had a way of making everyone feel special. Lee will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of life, and the joy he brought to those around him.
Lee was preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law.
Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Chelsia Hendricks, Enterprise, AL; daughter, Rylee Kline (Ethan), Enterprise, AL; parents, Randall and Teresa Hendricks, Enterprise, AL; Megan Burrell (Reid), Grand Blank, MI; mother-in-law, Diana Pryor, Enterprise, AL; sister-in-law, Cherish Salay (Daniel), Luverne, AL; two brothers-in-law, Chad Pryor, Enterprise, AL; Charlton Pryor, Daleville, AL; four nieces, Ayshton Salay, Allie Salay, Aerie Pryor, and Heaven Pryor; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a large family circle that loved and cared for him.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
David Alexander Johnson of Ashford, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 84.
Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Crestlawn Cemetery with Reverend Doug Seale officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
HEADLAND, ALABAMA. . .Sally Hill Rhodes, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Monday morning, October 27, 2025, at her residence. She was 97.
There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Rhodes was born in Guilford, Maryland, daughter of the late M. R. Hill and Sarah Dorsey Hill. She lived in Gainesville, Florida before moving to Headland in January 2025. Mrs. Rhodes was a member of Sardis Baptist Church in Abbeville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Clifford Rhodes, a son-in-law, Robert Eschenburg, a sister and several brothers.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Carolyn Eschenburg, Headland; Sharon Decker, Gainesville, FL; and Susan Thornton (Gary), St. Augustine, FL; two brothers, Norman Brunner (Lois), of Maryland; and Victor Brunner (Ruth), of Delaware; grandchildren, Teresa Thomas, Robert Eschenburg, II (Sara), Travis Thornton (Samantha), Jeff Decker and Krystal Glidwell (Chad); several great-grandchildren.
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.
