James Randall Cobb, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in Cottonwood, at the age of 75. Born on November 6, 1950, in Cowarts, Randall was a man whose life was marked by dedication, service, and the love he had for his family and country.
Randall was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Cobb and Annie Lee Mills Cobb, and his sister, Margaret Cobb. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment, survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Joy Cobb; his children, Garrett Cobb and his wife Kelly, Brandon, and Julie Hughes and her husband Brian; his cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Christopher, Hannah, Jonathan, and Jenna; his sister, Delene Cobb; his brother, Rex Cobb and his wife Debbie; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
A proud 1969 graduate of Ashford High School, Randall’s sense of duty led him to a distinguished 25-year career in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His service to his country was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. His unwavering commitment to his nation and fellow soldiers was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Beyond his military service, Randall was a man of many interests. He was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his attention to detail and patience. A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and NASCAR, he could often be found cheering on his favorite teams and drivers, especially the legendary Dale Earnhart. Randall’s love for these pastimes was only surpassed by the joy he found in spending time with his family and friends.
A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Randall’ life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org
The family would like to send a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and his sitter, Brianna McLeod for the special care given to Randall.
Theresa Jane Andrews, a resident of Graceville, Florida and formerly Dothan, Alabama died Friday, December 12, 2025 at Graceville Health Center in Graceville, Florida. She was 72.
Theresa was born August 22, 1953 in Midland City, Alabama to the late T J and Betty Benton Glover. She was a Material Specialist for M1 at Ft Rucker and enjoyed working in her yards and being with family.
Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Mason Andrews and two sisters, Beverly Wilson and Glenda Tager.
Survivors include two nephews, Jon Caldwell (Nikki) and Michael Caldwell; great nephews, Griffin, Trey, Zander and Kurt Caldwell; granddaughter Dawn Cave (Austin); grandson, Miguel Andrews; great grandchildren; Isabelle, Aubrey, Camden and Raylan; special friends and caretakers, Donna Beasley and Yoland Walker.
OPP… George William Collier, Jr., a lifelong resident of Opp, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the age of 100.
Born September 19, 1925, to George and Luzelle Collier, Mr. Collier was known affectionately by many names — JR, Junior, Heavy, and Pop. He spent most of his life in the close-knit community where he was born. George worked for many years as a delivery driver with Colquett Oil Company and proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Japan, from 1950 to 1955.
A kind and gentle man, George found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was happiest sitting on the porch shelling peas, leading singing at Brooklyn Baptist Church, square dancing with the Diamond Squares, playing dominoes with friends, watching Wheel of Fortune, and enjoying his daily snack of peanut butter crackers and a Coke.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at Wyatt Funeral Home one hour prior to the service. Rev. Drew Stringer will officiate. Pallbearers will be Loren Allen, Kaden Allen, Christopher Collier, Barry Klinger, Christopher Stringer, and Nicholas Stringer.
Mr. Collier was preceded in death by his parents, George and Luzelle Collier; his wife of 41 years, Mary Emma Collier; his wife of 30 years, Helen Dorman Collier; and his siblings, John Collier, Jim Collier, and Polly Barnes.
Survivors include his brother, Jack (Shirley) Collier of Dothan; bonus children, Donna Allen, David (Teri) Thompson, and Melinda (Richard) Gargiulo; grandchildren, Jessica (Barry) Klinger, Loren (Ally) Allen, Victoria (Alex) Lee, Kaden Allen, Elissa Gargiulo, and Will (Jordan) Thompson; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brooklyn Baptist Church, 438 County Road 437, Opp, AL 36467, or Galleria Woods Employee Fund, 3850 Galleria Woods Drive, Hoover, AL 35244.
DALEVILLE… Doris “Dot” Clarine Morrison Spencer, longtime resident of Daleville, Alabama, passed away peacefully in 2025 at the age of 92. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final days.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:00–1:30 p.m. at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory, Enterprise. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Daleville Memorial Gardens, Daleville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Doris Spencer to Samaritan’s Purse or the Daleville Lions Club.
A complete obituary with a full life story and list of survivors will be announced by Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory.
SEARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 1301 Neal Metcalf Road Enterprise, Alabama
MIDLAND CITY… Cora Jean Berry, a resident of Wesley Place on Honeysuckle, formerly of the Sylvan Grove Community near Midland City, Alabama, passed away Friday morning, December 12, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. She was 77.
Graveside services will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Richland Baptist Church Cemetery, with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the House of Ruth, Dothan, Alabama.
Cora Jean Berry was born March 02, 1948, to Lowell and Ruby Blalock Dansby in the Hodgesville Community of Houston County, Alabama. She retired from SpectraCare in 1995 and then worked with the House of Ruth until she began working as a caregiver.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Arnold Berry, and a brother, Alto Bish Dansby.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Angelia Williams Enfinger (Jody); two sons, Rusty Williams (Karen) and Phillip Johnson; Four grandchildren, Ronald Shane Ard, Blake Williams (Tori), Halie Williams, Lee Enfinger; five great grandchildren, Kirsten Ard of Washington, DC, Aurora Ard of Huntsville, Addlyn Williams, Riley Williams, Tyler Williams; four siblings, Shirley Oder, Danny Dansby, Patricia Barnette and Robert Dansby.
“The Soul takes flight on the wings of death. The soul takes flight
into the land where there is no night, For those who believe what the Savior said will rise in glory though they be dead.
So death comes to us just to open the door to the Kingdom of God and life evermore.”
Ava Blake Ford, a bright and beautiful light whose presence brought endless joy to all who loved her, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the tender age of 5. Born on January 22, 2020, Ava’s life, though far too short, was filled with love, laughter, and moments that touched the hearts of everyone around her.
Ava had a gentle spirit and a personality that radiated happiness. She adored getting her hair brushed and her nails painted, always lighting up when she felt pampered. Bath time was a favorite part of her day, and she loved being pushed in her wheelchair by her big brother, a simple joy that always made her smile. Ava found comfort in swinging, dancing, dressing up, and being surrounded by her family, especially her cherished grandmothers. She never missed a chance to smile when someone sang to her or blew bubbles her way, and she was happiest when she had the attention of those she loved.
Her favorite movies included Hotel Transylvania, Rapunzel, Hocus Pocus, and Pocahontas. Though nonverbal, Ava was remarkably smart, expressive, and full of personality. She especially loved Disney World.
Ava is survived by her loving parents, Trent and Mary Ashley Ford; her brothers, Hayden and Cru Ford; her grandparents, Elizabeth Rich, Tina and Roger Dale Sasser, and Greg “Pops” Hayes; and her great-grandparents, Benny and Wanda Buchanan and Margaret Easterly. She will also be deeply missed by her aunts and uncles, Erin Hayes (Ben Scott), Steven Hayes, Annie Stephens, Lilly Stephens, Gabe Stephens, Tiffany Edwards (Chad), Mary Beth Sasser, Gracie Sasser, and Ryder Sasser; her cousins, Grayson Hayes, Jackson Edwards, and Dawsey Edwards; her special cousin, Kelli Strange; and her great aunt, Susan (Max) Tyson. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members who loved her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her grandfather, David Goodson, and her great-grandparents, James Travis Mixon and Olbia Mixon.
Ava’s life was a gift—a beautiful reminder of the power of joy, resilience, and unconditional love. Her smile, her sweetness, and the light she brought into every room will forever be cherished.
We take comfort in knowing that Ava is now completely healed—running, jumping, playing, and doing all the things she could not do on this earth—resting in the eternal glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
A celebration of Ava’s life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2pm at Madrid Baptist Church, 283 Decatur Road, Cottonwood, AL, with Bro. Jayson Kirk officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Saturday, December 13 at Sunset Funeral Home.
