It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ruben Sylvester Williams, who departed this life in Forest Park, Georgia on October 8, 2025. He was born on December 27,1964 in Dothan, Alabama to Clara Williams
Ruben grew up in Dothan and attended Dothan High School. Later moved to Forest Park, Georgia. He owned his own business (R&T Janitorial Services) in Forest Park, Georgia where he was loved, and very respected by everyone who knew him.
Ruben will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and his chill demeanor, and for the way he touched the lives of those around him. Ruben was a free spirit and adventurer who lived every day with a profound sense of wonder and joy.
He is preceded in death by his mother Clara Williams. survived by 4 siblings: a sister: Terie Williams of Dothan, 3 brothers Marcus(Doris) Williams, Billy Jackson, and Reginald Williams all of Dothan. A host of nieces and nephews. A close friend Bishop Reginald White.
The family requests that we honor Ruben’s memory by living our own lives to the fullest and cherishing every moment
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6
To my brother Rub, I love you so much and at the end of every phone calls we always ended it with I love you sis, love you too. There are not enough words to say how much I (we)miss you
now. I will always look up to heaven with a smile just for you. Tell mom I also miss her. – your sister Tara.
A memorial service will held Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 am, at Fowler Family Funeral Home.
ECHO… William “Bill” Henry Ferguson, a resident of Echo, Alabama, passed away early Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at his home. He was 72.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Ferguson Arena in Echo, Alabama, with Pastor Tom Skeen officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at the Ferguson Arena. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Contributions may be made to the Ferguson Arena in Echo, Alabama. Information about how and where is at the bottom of the obit, in the photos.
Mr. Ferguson was born in Mobile, Alabama to the late Henry Rupert Ferguson and Mildred Ann Bowen Ferguson. Bill moved to Echo from Dothan in 1972 when he and Anita were married. He began working alongside his father-in-law on the family farm and later built his own poultry houses, where he raised chickens for 25 years.
He was a devoted member of Echo Church for over fifty years and faithfully taught Sunday school for 45. Bill had a deep love for the Lord and for sharing the message of God’s grace and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. For the last 9 years he has been preaching at Brown’s Church.
Bill started playing golf with his father Henry when he was 10 years old. As he progressed through school, he became a decorated junior and high school player. He turned pro in his late teens and competed in several local professional tournaments. His love for golf continued throughout his years. He continued to play through his 70s.
Music was another of Bill’s lifelong passions. He began playing in high school and eventually traded his rock-and-roll guitar for his church guitar as he and Anita’s family grew. About 15 years ago, he started the Hwy 27 Band with his son and son-in-law, creating countless joyful memories through their music.
About two years ago, Bill began transforming the former poultry farm into a hydroponic greenhouse operation. After months of planning, building, and learning, he successfully started growing lettuce to supply local restaurants, grocery stores, and schools. Riley Creek Farms produces approximately 4,000 heads of chemical-free lettuce each week for local markets.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of fifty-three years, Anita Barefield Ferguson; his daughters, Sheri Ferguson Wilkerson (Tony) and Erin Ferguson Moore (Brandon); his son, William “Billy” Henry Ferguson (Kim); his sister, Margaret Ann Cullen; his grandchildren, Kelsey Adams (Hayden), Kyleigh Milstead (Andrew), Morgan Ferguson, Kody White, Trevor Ferguson, Jake Moore, Allie Moore, Kalub Wilkerson, and Ethyn Wilkerson; and his great-grandchild, Lane Adams; and many beloved nieces and nephews
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Bill’s memory through a donation to the Ferguson Arena Benevolence Fund, a cause he established to help meet needs within the community. Through this fund, his legacy of generosity and service will continue to touch the lives of others. Donations may also be made to the Echo Fire Department and EMS in appreciation of their faithful service to the community.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. William Eric “Bill” Hardwick left this earthly world on Thursday, October 23,2025, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Hardwick will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Tuesday in the church from 12:30 P.M. until service time.
Bill was born December 3, 1936 in Tallahassee Florida to the late William and Anna Lou Hardwick. He grew up in Ponce De Leon Florida where he graduated high school and left to attend and graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi in Business. While attending school he met and married the lovely Merlene Edwards. They celebrated 64 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2023. Together they raised two children Susan and Eddie. He was a loving husband and a devoted father who led by example and was dedicated to teaching his children and grandchildren to succeed in life. He began his dream of owning his own business in 1974, Road-Mart Inc. He had a grand love of working outdoors, reading, learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He attended Ozark Baptist Church. He will be greatly missed for his warmth and smile. He touched the lives of many individuals.
He is survived by his children, Susan (Curtis) Clawson of Rexburg, Idaho and Eddie (Valerie) Hardwick of Ozark. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Shawn (Kara) Puckett, Boston Massachusetts, Chris (Andrea) Baxter, Tennessee, Sarah (McCaden) Hjelm St. Anthony, Idaho, Emma (James) Moss Rexburg, Idaho, Kent (Barbara) Clawson Rexburg, Idaho, Torrey (Jill) Clawson Rigby, Idaho and Gus (Madison) Hardwick Ozark, Alabama. As well as his great grandchildren Kyla, Kenzie, Kayden, Kase, CiCi, Caitlyn, Whitney, Ben, Crue, Cash, Cort and Halston.
A Thank you is extended to Dale Medical Home Health and Hospice for the great care he received at home. A heartfelt gratitude to the special ladies who cared for him tirelessly Cassandra, Angela, Amy and Vette.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark Baptist Church Building Fund, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Jimmy Eugene Brown of Westville, FL passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025. He was 91 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Lakeview UMC Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Mr. Brown was born in Chunky, MS on July 10, 1934, to the late Arthur Boyd and Ora Ida Baskett Brown. He enjoyed being in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and working in his beautiful Camellia Garden.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mable Eunice Roberts Brown; and one grandson, Nickolas Alan Brown.
He is survived by one daughter, Judith Beck (Randy) of Westville, FL; one son, David A. Brown (Anita) of Panama City Beach, FL; two grandchildren, Brianna Figueroa (Geovanni) of Panama City Beach, FL and Elizabeth Frasieur (Brandon) of Westville, FL, three great-grandchildren, Jaxon Figueroa, Maddox Figueroa, and Kimber Frasieur; three siblings, Jerry Brown, Lorrene Bickham (Bob), and Linda Carroll (Hollis) all of Chunky, MS; and one sister-in-law, Martha Sue Lindsey (Ray) of Summerville, AL.
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.net
Edna Sue Tison, affectionately known as Sue, transitioned into Heaven on October 22, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on June 21, 1955, she lived a life grounded in faith, love, and joyful connection. Her friendly demeanor and lively sense of humor endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A devoted Christian, Sue was an active and enthusiastic member of Memphis Baptist Church. She especially cherished her involvement with the Faith Riders and the women’s ministry, where she was lovingly known as “Lady Bird.” Her trust in God was steadfast, and her playful yet sincere reminder to loved ones, “You better all make it to Heaven,” reflected both her faith and her spirited personality.
Sue pursued her education in healthcare management, earning an Associate’s degree with a concentration in medical coding. She devoted many years to her role as an office manager at Internal Medicine of Dothan, where her compassion, attention to detail, and strong work ethic made a lasting impact on colleagues and patients alike.
Her love for Alabama football was legendary among family and friends, and game day always brought out her energetic, spirited side. She enjoyed spending time around a table with Phase 10 cards or dominos with the ones she loved. She found delight in preparing meals that filled both hearts and stomachs. Her kitchen was known for laughter, and gatherings were brighter and more memorable because of her feisty, fun-loving presence.
Sue embraced life with a sense of adventure and curiosity. She treasured getaways to the mountains, as well as the everyday joys of dining out and shopping with those she loved. Although she did not have children of her own, she was a beloved presence to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, whose lives were touched by her generosity, loyalty, and warmth.
She is survived by her siblings Johnny Hughes, Sherry Icenogle, and Evelyn Ross, and her sister-in-law, Julia Ward. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her cherished Memphis Baptist Church family and Faith Riders Ministry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen “Little Bird” Tison, her parents, Bert and Thelma Hughes, and her siblings Charles Shepherd, Joe Hughes, Robert Hughes, Don Hughes, and Clifford Hughes.
The life of Edna Sue Tison was defined by her godly character, her servant’s heart, and her abiding love for family and community. Those who knew her will carry her memory with deep affection, grateful for the joy she shared so freely. Although her earthly journey has concluded, her legacy of faith and love will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Memphis Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Tate and Dr. Benny Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends at the church an hour prior to the service. Sue will be laid to rest in the Selma Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
DOTHAN… Miriam Elaine Brookins, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at The Neighborhood at Grove Park. She was 78.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Van Clack officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made in Mrs. Brookins honor to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 3257 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, Alabama 36301, or www.bbcdothan.org.
Mrs. Brookins was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late S.J. Woodham and Lauralene “Polly” Hodges Woodham. She lived her lifetime in the Dothan and Ashford, Alabama area. She was a 1965 graduate of Dothan High School. She was a cosmetologist and esthetician by trade and through the years owned and operated Miriam’s Hair Salon and Serenity Spa. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31-woman, wife, mother and friend to all. She always put the needs of others before her own and spent her life in service to others. She loved to garden and grow flowers. She was an excellent cook and had a passion for cooking and gathering with immediate and extended family. She loved her family with the biggest heart. She was a dedicated member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Larry Brookins; her daughter, Miranda Watson; her sister, Stephanie White; sisters-in-law, Imogene Addison, Marilyn Waller and Pearla Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, David Lewis and Eugene Johnson.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Larry W. “Crickett” Brookins II (Stephanie); her sisters, Olivia Jenkins (William), Robin Lewis, and Michele Phillips; her brother, Kevin Woodham; her brother-in-law, Jim White; her sister-in-law Glenda White (Jack); her grandchildren, Emma Brookins, Lydia Brookins, Amelia Brookins, Whitney Spray (Seth), and Brooke Watson; and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be William Jenkins, Brian Scott, Jeremy, Scott, David Deese, Greg Wilson, and Greg Lewis.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of The Neighborhood at Grove Park for their excellent care and kindness over the last year.
