Olawale Abayomi Sanya, known to family and friends as Wale, passed away on August 3, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 58.
He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and carried the spirit of his homeland with him throughout his life. Wale was a man of intelligence, kindness, and adventure, and those qualities shaped the way he lived, worked, and loved. He was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and his life reflected devotion, humility, and a sincere care for others.
Wale began his education in Nigeria and later obtained his undergraduate training in Watford, UK. He then returned to Nigeria, where he earned his law degree from the University of Benin, Edo State. His education reflected both discipline and ambition, and it laid a strong foundation for the many paths his life would later take. He valued learning and carried himself with the thoughtful confidence of someone who understood the importance of knowledge and perseverance.
In 1996, Wale moved to the United States and began building a new chapter of his life. He worked in a variety of businesses as he established himself, including banking. Over time, his career led him into the field of information technology, where he found lasting purpose and success. For the last 15 years, he worked with Strategic Education, assisting various colleges with their online college course software. His work was marked by dedication, reliability, and a quiet commitment to excellence. He was respected by those who knew him professionally and appreciated for the steady and thoughtful way he approached his responsibilities. The recurrent word that family and friends have used to describe him is ‘meticulous’.
During his years in the United States, Wale lived in various states and embraced the journey of building a life across different places. Though his path took him far from where he was born, he remained connected to the values of family, faith, and hard work that had always guided him. He adapted with strength and grace, and he met life’s changes with courage and determination.
Wale loved his two children Ivy and Levi deeply, and they were among the greatest joys of his life. He was a devoted father whose love was steady, sincere, and enduring. He also leaves behind three older siblings – Mrs. Bimbo Fisayo (Lagos, Nigeria), Mr. Tunde Sanya (Lagos, Nigeria), Dr (Mrs) Lara (Joshua) Otaigbe, Hattiesburg, MS., his fiancé, Dr. Vivian Ekemezie and numerous family members and friends who will remember him with affection and gratitude. His presence in their lives was meaningful, and his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength. He is preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Lydia Sanya; and cousins Felix N. Akpe and Ngozi Akpe.
He had a special love for warm weather, the ocean and sea life, a love that reflected the place where he grew up. Raised in the coastal city of Lagos, he spent his early years on the beach with his family and siblings, and that connection to the water stayed with him throughout his life. He loved ships and boats and was drawn to the beauty, power, and peace of the sea. That lifelong affection for the ocean was part of what made him who he was, and it spoke to his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for the world around him.
Wale will be remembered as a smart, kind, and adventurous man who lived with dignity and warmth. He touched the lives of those around him through his intelligence, his generosity of spirit, and his love for his family. Though he is no longer present in body, the legacy he leaves behind will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Lou Ann Casper, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Extendicare Health and Rehab. She was 88.
Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Matt Langford officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until service time in the Parlor of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to; Respite Care Ministry, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Lou Ann was born May 27, 1938 in Muddlety, West Virginia to the late C W and Edith Richardson Herold. She was a Registered Nurse by trade and moved to Dothan in 2000 following her retirement. Lou Ann was a member of First United Methodist and enjoyed volunteering with the Respite Ministry.
Lou Ann is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dyer Richard Herold.
Survivors include her daughter, Lori Granberry (Glen); sons, Doug Parrish (Stephanie), Jerry Parrish (Erin); grandchildren, Neil Granberry (Allyn), Emma Granberry, Andolyn Parrish, Amelia Parrish and Annabelle Parrish; sister, Tina Underwood (Steve) and two brothers, Jim Herold (Janet) and Stan Herold (Zeny).
Celebrating a life of beauty, grace and dedication to family
Mrs. Gale Jacobs
WIFE, MOTHER, FRIEND
Gale Jacobs was born on June 23, 1963 in Irvington, New Jersey and raised there. She was the adored daughter of Will and Ella Henderson. Gale added so much joy and happiness to both her immediate family and those around her. Her smile and sweet demeanor are defining characteristics of her life.
She grew up with strong family values rooted in faith, discipline and service; qualities that she exhibited throughout her lifetime. Educated in Irvington School System, Gail applied the work ethic she acquired from her family all her career. All of her employer’s recount Gail as the “perfect employee” who was dedicated to purpose and detail in every task assigned. Her work ethic and personality caused her to stand out as an exemplary employee at First Jersey Communication Center, Gayfers Department Store, and 1st Med of Dothan.
Of all Gale’s accomplishments and memories, Gale’s most cherished moments were meeting and dating her soul mate and the love of her life Anthony Jacobs. They married on July 25, 1987 and started a life and love that truly will last till death and beyond. To say that Tony and Gale’s marriage and romance is a perfect example of black love is not an exaggeration. Tony catered to, doted on and cared for Gale for the entirety of their lives together.
Gale carried herself with a sense of dignity and grace that was evident to anyone with whom she interacted. She had a way of getting things done and interacting with people by making them feel worthy and seen. You never saw Gale when she was not gracious and smiling. At her core was an aura of sweetness and compassion that was so palpable that if affected everyone around her. This aura made her a favorite with customers and clients at her jobs. Through it all, Gale never lost her sweet smile and contagious joy! Although she transitioned from her
earthly existence to life eternal on August 2, 2026, her light, love and legacy will live on through all who loved her.
Leaving to cherish her memory, her husband of 39 years Anthony Jacobs; her sons Shaun and Chris Jacobs; her sister Peggy (Resin) Morrison; her brother Antonio (Tina) Creg; special Cousin, Zell (Anthony) Williams and Vevia (Anthony) Owens; her beloved brother- in- love Reginald Jacobs; her cherished nieces and nephews Danielle and Jamal Mohamed, Kiesha and Dashawn White, Michael and Alex Sturdivant, Marvin, Justin and Joseph Jacobs; her Aunt and Uncle Aletha and George Sutton; Willie Pearl (Walter) Carter Tusk; and Joyce Lampkin.
In honor of Gale’s life, she would want us to smile, celebrate life and treat everyone you meet with decency and respect.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026m 1 p.m. at Hines Chapel AME Church 912 Dellwood Street, Dothan, AL. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will be at Gates of Heaven.
Bryan Ross Barker, born on June 18, 1991, in Flemington, New Jersey, passed away on August 2, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unforgettable spirit.
Bryan lived a life that was full of heart and character. He was the kind of person who made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he carried himself with a warmth that drew people in. He wore his heart on his sleeve and loved others openly and sincerely, never hesitating to show compassion, loyalty, and kindness. Those who knew him will remember his fearless nature, his strong will, and the way he embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He was full of life in every sense, and he had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Born in Flemington, New Jersey, Bryan moved to Panama City at an early age, where he spent much of his life and built many of the memories that shaped him. He grew up with a deep appreciation for the water and all the freedom it represented. He loved fishing, surfing, skateboarding, and boating, and he was happiest when he was living life to the extreme. He had no fear and approached each day with the kind of boldness that reflected his adventurous spirit. His love for the outdoors and for excitement was matched only by the depth of his compassion and the sincerity of his heart.
Bryan carried on a proud family tradition as a fourth-generation tile setter, working alongside his father and honoring the craftsmanship that had been passed down through generations. He took pride in his work and understood the value of dedication, skill, and family legacy. Through his trade, he continued a meaningful connection to those who came before him, and he contributed his own talent and determination to that enduring tradition.
He is survived by his wife, Crystal Sims-Barker; his father, Bill (Blakelynn) Barker; his mother, Cathy Barker-Weakley (Ham); his stepbrother, Jack Zlotea; his grandparents, Richard and Carolyn McGinnis; his step grandfather, JR Suggs; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Martha Suggs and Ernie Barker. Bryan will also be remembered by all who welcomed him into their lives and were touched by his generous nature and magnetic personality.
Bryan was an amazing son and an extraordinary human being. He was charming and had a personality that could light up a room. He had a gentle way of connecting with people and a rare ability to make others feel comfortable and appreciated. He was the kind of man who brought laughter, energy, and affection wherever he went, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though his time on earth was far too short, Bryan’s life was rich in love, passion, and meaningful relationships. He will be remembered for his fearless spirit, his compassionate heart, and the joy he brought to those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, in the traditions he honored, and in the countless moments of happiness he shared with others.
A celebration of Bryan’s life will be held at 2:00pm on August 15, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend in memory of Bryan Barker. Gifts may be made online at https://eabb.org/or mailed to Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend, 1215 Lee Avenue, Suite B, Tallahassee, FL 32303.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Janice Marie Botts Jenkins, a resident of Midland City, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Ozark Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was 87 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jenkins will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Jason Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Corinth Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Jenkins was born October 2, 1938 in Pike County, Alabama to the late Fred Botts and Rosa Mae Long Botts. She was an elementary school teacher with the Dale County School System until her retirement. Mrs. Jenkins enjoyed sewing and working in her yard.
Survivors include one daughter Michelle Kimbro (Clayton) of Echo; one son, Marty McKinney of Toomsboro, Georgia; one sister, Linda Herbert of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; one brother, Mervin Botts of Columbus, Georgia; and one grandson, Orein Carr of Huntsville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Corinth Freewill Baptist Church, C/O Aliisa Horne, P. O. Box 715, Midland City, Alabama 36350.
David Harold Alberson, Sr. of Chancellor passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.
Born on February 3, 1951, in Geneva County to Joe Hill and Peggy Williams Alberson, Harold lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to his family, and a deep love for his community. For more than 55 years, he was a respected auctioneer in the cattle industry, a profession he truly loved. He also found great joy in tending the land where he was raised.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Hill and Peggy Williams Alberson; his sister, Alma Sue Alberson; and his brother, Billy Joe Alberson.
He leaves behind his son, David Alberson, and daughter-in-law, Shelley; his cherished grandchildren, Halle Alberson, Jada Allen, Madison Miliner, and Caitlyn Miliner; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Addison Grace Lanier and Avery Turner. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Alberson; nieces, Storie Atkins and her husband, Mark, Tonya Strahan, and Vanessa Reid and her husband, Jim; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.
A funeral service celebrating Harold’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Home in Slocomb. Burial will follow at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Gulledge, Kerry “Cowboy” Campbell, Kerry McLaney, Todd Brannon, Lane Strahan, and Tony Hales.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and caregivers Debbie Turner and Pat Bywater for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided.
Harold will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his lifelong commitment to the cattle industry, and the kindness he shared with everyone he met. His legacy of love, friendship, and hard work will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
