LIFE REFLECTIONS OF
MR. JAMES “Bear” JACKSON
January 15, 1952- AUGUST 6, 2025
“Our destination is a place Far greater than we know for some, the journey is quicker, For some, the journey is slow And when the Journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find everlasting peace, Together with the Lord”
At the age of 73, with his eyes fixed on heaven, James gained his wings to be with his Lord. He embraced his journey from his home in Dothan, Alabama, knowing that to be absent from the body simply meant he would be present with the Lord.
James, a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, would help anyone in need and was always the life of the party, never meeting are the stranger.
Fondly known as “BEAR or MACARONI “, he was the oldest of eight children born to Roosevelt and Dorothy Jackson. He later married the love of his life, Jewel Lene Bolden, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Canecca Mayes (Ronald) of Henderson, NC. He was also the proud father of other beloved children, each of whom held a special place in his heart. Maisha Walter of Newark, NJ and Mary Eromosele (David) of Dothan, Alabama.
James shared a special bond with Ms. Sara Heeter who not only cared for him throughout his journey, but was also his best friend. a true testament to their unbreakable connection.
James leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience and will be lovingly remembered by his children. He is also survived by Eight Grandchildren: Briana, Destiny, Faith, Quincy, Adrian Maya, Egypt and Elisiah. One great grandson, Zachary MCcree. Sisters: Dorthy Bell Jackson, Rose Marie Williams, Annie Doris Thomas (James), Martha Ann Jackson. Brothers: Willie Frank Jackson, Willie Charles, Charles Jr. Jackson all of Dothan Al; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, as well as a special friend, Dorothy Lowry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt and Dorothy Jackson.
Although James physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift.
A Chapter Complete – A Page Turned – A Life Well Lived
A Rest Well Earned
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11 a.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m.
Henry Earl Wilson of Westville, FL passed away at his home on August 13, 2025. He was 75 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Nate Castaneda officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wilson’s memory to the West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund 1603 Bradley Road, Westville, FL 32464.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Booth Wilson; daughter, Lisa Wilson Callahan; grandson, Ethan Callahan; two sisters, Ruby Nell Smith and Elizabeth Davis; one brother, Rudolph Wilson.
Mr. Earl was a farmer, worker, and servant by nature. These were his gifts and he used them to the fullest during his time on earth. He loved to tend the land, boasting in the success of a crop of peanuts sprouting or a garden overflowing with vegetables. Mr. Earl attended Chipola College briefly before going to work at Ft. Rucker. He would later work at Fleming foods, and Florida Department of Transportation briefly before beginning his career in the timber industry. During this time, he worked on multiple logging crews, operating heavy machinery and driving a log truck. Later, he began working at the paper mill in Panama City and ended his career working at the mill in Quincy, Florida.
After leaving the timber industry, Earl began working with Holmes County School Board in the county maintenance department. This job would lead him to Ponce de Leon Elementary School where he would forever be known as “Mr. Earl.” As the school maintenance supervisor, he would spend his day tending to the grounds, taking care of the needs of the staff, and ensuring that the school looked its best. It was not uncommon to see Mr. Earl tending to a crying little one with a scratched knee or helping the children in the lunchroom. In this role, he was able to work alongside friends and family, and spent countless days seeing and caring for several of his grandchildren, as well as countless children of his friends and neighbors. His humble nature and servant’s heart will always be remembered by those he took care of. Mr. Earl retired from the Holmes County School System in 2014 after 28 years of service.
Since retiring, Earl enjoyed going to equipment sales with fellow farmers and continuing to farm and tending to the land and property that he so dearly loved. He also found great joy in watching and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren in whatever sporting event, cow show, or beauty pageant he could go to. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and would take every opportunity to brag on them every chance he could. It is during these times that he will be missed the most.
Earl is survived by two daughters, Amy Somerset (Earnie) and Sonya Motley (Jason) all of Westville, FL; one son, Eric Wilson (Emily) of Lake Butler, FL; son-in-law, Chris Callahan (Rose); nine grandchildren, Hunter Somerset, Forrest Somerset (Chloe), Dalton Callahan (Dakota), Jonathan Owens (Brianna), Kyle Owens (Baylee), Lindy Motley, Ford Motley, Macie Wilson, and Miley Wilson; eight great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Terry Booth; three sisters-in-law, Laura Messer (Sammy), Betty Booth, and Juanita Wilson; several special nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
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
ASHFORD. . .Byron Frank Ingram, a resident of Ashford, died Friday morning, August 15, 2025, at his home, He was 84.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 17, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Charles Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in the Webb Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to ACG Hospice, 2323 West Main Street, Suite 106, Dothan, AL 36301.
Byron Ingram was a lifelong resident of the Bluff Springs Community, near Ashford, and was a graduate of Ashford High School. He was a member of the Center Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was active in most church activities. Byron was retired as a mechanic from the Southern Company at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant. He also owned and operated Oak Creek Mobile Home Park. Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Buster Frank Ingram and Dovie Esther Carter Ingram, his wife, Marguerite Kirkland Ingram, and a brother, Dr. Sebron Kay.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Cynthia Ingram Jackson (Mark), and Paula Ingram Mixon (Clay), all of Dothan; a son, Gary Frank Ingram, Ashford; two sisters, Elaine Gayle Cheris, Denver, CO; and Sylvia Joyce Britt (Frank), Jacksonville, FL; a sister-in-law, Patricia Golden Kay, Merritt Island, FL; grandchildren, Jessica Hodges (Chris), Keely DelToro (Martin), Anna Smith (Jackson), Travis Mixon (Maggie), Shelden Mixon, Erica Weller (Mat), and Elisabeth Hoole (Jonathan); great-grandchildren, Miles Hodges, Chloe DelToro, Beauden Weller, Harrison Weller, Ivy Kate Smith, Walker Smith and Lenny Hodges; and Byron’s special canine friend, “Maxine”; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Travis Mixon, Shelden Mixon, Jackson Smith, Mat Weller, Jason Whitehurst and Wally Odom.
The family would like to express their appreciation to caregiver, Shannon Rikard, and also Taylor, Kiva, Lauren and Adam of ACG Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Byron during his illness.
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.
Brenda Kaye Pruitt, fondly known as Brenda to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on November 26, 1951, in Altus, Oklahoma, Brenda was a beacon of love and kindness, touching the lives of all who knew her. She was born to the late Jay “Jack” Edwin and Odessa Louise Pruitt and grew up alongside her brothers, Jacky, Bill, and Kenneth Pruitt.
Brenda’s life was a tapestry of dedication to her family and an embodiment of resilience, having fought and triumphed over cancer. Her children, Ricky, Shannon, Jennifer Flanigan, and Brian Bass, were the center of her universe, and she poured her love and energy into creating a warm and nurturing home for them. She was also the proud grandmother to Shelby Wita, Chrisstie Dellinger, Michael Flanigan, Zachary Flanigan, Katelynn Steed, Austin Cantrell, Matthew Albarado, Kaylee Penton, Brian Bass, Jr, and Korcha Menck, and she cherished every moment spent with her host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her twin sister, Linda Faye.
While her role as a homemaker was her most cherished vocation, Brenda also held a special place in her heart for the time she spent working at the local bowling alley. It was there that she formed lasting friendships and shared her infectious laughter with the community. Her colleagues and customers alike will remember her as the loving and kind soul who could brighten any room she entered.
Brenda’s interests were deeply rooted in the love she had for her family. She was the glue that held family gatherings together, always ensuring that everyone felt included and loved. Her home was a haven for those who sought comfort and joy, and her legacy of love will continue to live on through the stories shared by her family and friends.
As we bid farewell to Brenda, we reflect on a life well-lived, a life filled with compassion, grace, and unwavering kindness. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Brenda’s life story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
Brenda’s family will hold a private celebration of her life, honoring the memories and the love she shared with each of them. Her presence will forever be missed, but her memory will never fade. Rest in peace, dear Brenda; your love will continue to guide us through our days.
OZARK…Mr. Anthony McCloud, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday evening, August 13, 2025, in UAB Hospital in Birmingham. He was 62.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Asbury Cemetery with Reverend David Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. McCloud was born on August 7, 1963, in the quiet town of Skipperville, Alabama—a place he always called home. From a young age, he had a deep love for his community and the people in it. He graduated from G.W. Long High School in 1981, where he proudly wore the school colors and played basketball with heart and hustle. He wasn’t just good at the game—he loved the camaraderie, the competition, and the joy it brought him.
Sports were a lifelong passion for Mr. McCloud. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or even a good game of golf on TV, he was always tuned in and cheering for his favorite teams. But more than anything, he was a family man. His children were the light of his life, and he poured his heart into being a loving father. He had a special bond with his mother, one that was built on deep respect and unwavering care. He took pride in looking after her—cooking her meals, making sure she was comfortable, and simply being there for her every single day. It wasn’t just a duty to him; it was an act of love.
Mr. McCloud spent many years working at Sabel Steel in Dothan before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication. He also served his country with honor as a veteran of the United States Army, a chapter of his life that shaped his sense of discipline, pride, and service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Obie McLeod, his sister, Rena McLeod, and his brother, Wade Elden McLeod. Though their absence left a deep ache in his heart, he carried their memory with him always.
Mr. McCloud will be remembered not just for the things he did, but for the way he made people feel—his kindness, his loyalty, and the quiet strength he brought into every room. He was the kind of man who didn’t need to say much to make an impact. His life was a testament to love, service, and family.
Surviving relatives include his children, Asia Speaks, Dallas, Texas, Marcus Anthony Bell, Ozark, and Tevin Deondre Bradley, Austin, Texas; mother, Betty Cole McLeod, Ozark; sisters, Joan Dangerfield, Dothan, Delois Cohen and Angela McLeod, Ozark; his brother, who became his caretaker and best friend while in Birmingham, Mitchell McLeod, Ozark; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who showed up for Anthony and for our family during this difficult time. Whether you made the trip to Birmingham to visit with him, stopped by his home to spend time, or simply picked up the phone to call and check in—please know that your kindness did not go unnoticed.
To those who rearranged their schedules, drove long distances, and sat with Anthony just to let him know he wasn’t alone—we are so incredibly thankful. Your presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of peace that words can’t fully capture. To those who came by his residence, offering a listening ear, a warm hug, or just a quiet moment of companionship—thank you for being there when it mattered most.
And to everyone who called, sent messages, and lifted us up in prayer—your love and support wrapped around us like a blanket. In moments when we felt overwhelmed, your prayers gave us strength. In moments of sadness, your words reminded us that we weren’t walking this road alone.
It’s hard to put into words how much it means to have a community of people who care so deeply. Anthony was blessed to be surrounded by such love, and we as a family are equally blessed. Thank you for being part of his journey, and for standing beside us with open hearts.
Betty Marie Minton, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 81 in Taylor, Alabama. Born on August 22, 1943, in Palatka, Florida, to the late Albert Minton and Winnie Merle Coulliete Minton.
Betty’s warmth and kindness were the cornerstones of her existence. Her daughter, Carolyn Gibson, was the apple of her eye, and she took immense pride in her role as a mother. Betty’s legacy continued to flourish through her beloved grandchildren, Wesley Letourneau, Ariel Hall and her husband Charles, and Brianna Carranza and her husband Alex. The joys of her life multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Brinlee and Aubree Letourneau, Rylee and Jasper Hall, and A. J. and Jasmine Carranza, who all held a special place in her heart.
Betty’s brother, Glenn Minton, and sister, Lorraine McClellan, will fondly remember the countless cherished moments they shared. Her love extended beyond her human family to her adored dogs, Allie, Bentley, and Bailey, who were her constant companions and brought her immense happiness.
Betty’s love for cooking was evident in the delicious meals she lovingly prepared for her family and friends. She found joy in the simple act of sharing a meal with those she loved. Her kitchen was not just a place for cooking but a haven where memories were made, and laughter was shared.
Betty’s love for her family was unparalleled, and she reveled in every opportunity to spend time with her “grandbabies.” Each moment spent with them was treasured, and she was their unwavering cheerleader in all their endeavors. Her presence at family gatherings will be deeply missed, but the love and values she instilled in her family will continue to resonate through generations.
