Mary Virginia Caldwell Sorrells (Mrs. Melvin Sorrells) of 3811 Quail Creek Drive Dothan, Alabama, beloved mother, grandmother, and retired educator passed away at home on Friday, July 10, 2026. She was 91 years old.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31.
A private Family Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, Alabama to honor Mrs. Sorrells’ life and legacy. Interment will follow at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Hilltop Road, Houston County with Sorrells Funeral Home directing.
Contributions in Mrs. Sorrells’ memory may be made to: Bible Broadcasting Network P.O. Box 7300, Charlotte, North Carolina 28241-9943.
Mrs. Sorrells was born on October 30, 1934 in Opp, Alabama. She is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Reuben (Rube) Caldwell (Ocala Huggins) of Samson, Alabama, the wife of 47 years, until his death, of Melvin Sorrells, mother of Mrs. R. Hudson Olliff III (Melva Virginia Sorrells), and the late Jon Melvin Sorrells. She is also the grandmother of Nathaniel Sorrells Olliff, MD.
Mrs. Sorrells is a 1952 graduate of Samson Sr. High School where she was Salutatorian of her class, President of the Student Body, Homecoming Queen, President of the Future Homemakers of America, Editor of the yearbook, Band Captain, and was a member of the Alabama All State Band, as a tenor saxophonist, National Honor Society, Girls State Representative and the receipt of the Samson Lion’s Club SHS Good Citizenship Award.
In 1956, Virginia earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Troy State Teachers College in Troy Alabama, where she was President of Shackleford Hall. She was also selected as Sophomore Favorite, Representative to the Student Government, a member of both the Troy State College Band and the Troy State College Waveman Dance Band where she was one of the first female members. Later, she earned a Masters of Art in Teaching degree with the first graduating Master of Art in Teaching Class in 1975 from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mrs. Sorrells was a music educator for 30 1/2 years in the public schools of Alabama, Georgia and Florida. She began her career in Alabama as the first female band director of the Samson Senior High school in 1954. While teaching in Samson she was also the Choir Director of the First United Methodist Church Choir. In Georgia, she was the band director of the Charlton County schools in Folkson and at Pearson High School in Pearson.
In Florida, she was a music educator in Holmes, Orange and Duval counties. She was the first female band director at Holmes County high school in Bonifay; she taught elementary music in Orlando and held several teaching positions in the Duval County Public Schools, including being the first band director of Southside Jr. High School, as well as the first female band director of Fort Caroline Jr. High School. While she was the band director at Fort Caroline Jr. High School, she served as the Honor Band Chairman of the Duval County Jr. High Honor Band and was selected as Fort Caroline Jr. High School Teacher of the Year 1979. She was first runner up for the Duval County Teacher of the Year 1979 and was a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the Florida Band Masters Association, the Duval County Superintendent’s Faculty Forum, and was recognized as one of the most outstanding Band Directors in Southeast Florida. Under her direction, her bands earned numerous superior awards at band competitions throughout her career.
Mrs. Sorrells’ retired from the Florida Education System on January 1, 1985, passing her baton to her daughter who succeeded her as band director of Ft. Caroline Jr. High. After retirement, Mrs. Sorrells enjoyed caring for her family, fishing, needlework, preparing family dinners, helping with her son’s General Store, attending her grandson’s activities, spending time at her beach condo, and serving as the First United Methodist Church of Hartford, Alabama Handbell Choir Director. Mary Virginia Caldwell Sorrells was a Christian, a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church, and in later years became a member with her daughter‘s family of the First Presbyterian Church of Dothan, Alabama.
Mrs. Sorrells was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Hershel Caldwell (Jackie), her husband of 47 years Melvin Sorrells, her son (Jon Melvin Sorrells), her stepdaughters-in -law, Shirley Pennington Sorrells, Emma Johnson Sorrells, her special friend and former college roommate (Lacey Vaughn), and most all of her close family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. R. Hudson Olliff III (Melva Virginia Sorrells Olliff) her grandson, (Nathaniel Sorrells Olliff, MD), her nephews and their families, (Terry Caldwell, Chris Caldwell), three step-sons and their families, as well as, many special former students.
The family is thankful for the employees of Enhabit Hospice for their care.
Mary Virginia Caldwell Sorrells’ love, kindness, strength of character, Christian lifestyle, beautiful smile, and her commitment to excellence in every area of life will be missed.
Mrs. Sorrells’ motto “Results not Excuses” will guide her family and former students to achieve their personal goals now and into the future.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Carla Suzanne Lady Cruz, a resident of Ozark, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, at her home. She was 65 years old. A life well lived.
A private memorial service will be held for Mrs. Cruz will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Cruz was born September 9, 1960 in Panama City, Florida at Lisenby Hospital. Carla lived with her mother, brother and grandparents, Minnie and Bob Everage near Highland Park, Florida for several years. Then she lived near them while she attended Highland Park Elementary School. Later she moved with her mother and brother to Fall River, MA where she attended Middle School in Bristol County, MA. She and her brother spent summers with Granny Minnie and Bob Everage in the Panama City, Florida area and returned to Fall River with her mother each Fall for school. Carla lived with her mother and brother in Swansea, MA (Bristol County) throughout her high school years and then returned to Panama City. She married Donnie Minchew February 14, 1981 and they lived in Bay and Gulf Counties in Florida. She and Donnie divorced and she later married Wayne Marlow. The minor children were raised by her as she and Wayne divorced. She spent time in Boynton Beach, Florida with her mother and married Joel Cruz. They raised his son in Dothan and Newton. After Nick entered the United States Army, she and Joel Cruz divorced. She remained faithful through all of her marriages. Carla lived in Newton, Alabama until illness forced her to live with her son, Kevin Minchew, in Ozark for the last several years. Carla was always a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother. She will be missed but never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Lynn Lady; and one brother, Michael Lynn Lady. Hearts are heavy but also joyful because we know that Carla is with her Beloved grandmother, Minnie, in Heaven.
Survivors include her mother, Bobbie Anne Everage Rigby of Dothan; two sons, James Michael Minchew of Pinckard and Kevin Jack Minchew of Ozark. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361; or to The American Lung Association, 2642 Novel Drive, Bessemer, Alabama 35023.
Juanell Stephens, born on August 22, 1933, in Hamlin, Texas, passed away on July 13, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Juanell lived a life centered on family, faith, and resilience. Though she considered herself a homebody, she had an outgoing personality and was well known for being independent and always knowing what she wanted. Her spirited nature made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, Juanell lived in several places, including Indiana, before making Dothan her home in 2023. No matter where she lived, she created a warm and welcoming home for those she loved.
During her working years, Juanell was employed with Bank of America, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was active in church and found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside others.
Above all, Juanell loved her family. She is survived by her son, Mitchell Wilcox, (Mary); her daughters, Linda Ireland (Henry Mayer), and Lana Ulrich; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory for years to come.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Urban Lincoln and Rosie Barry, along with two brothers and two sisters.
Juanell will be remembered for her strong spirit, unwavering independence, and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the memories her loved ones will forever hold close to their hearts.
Paul Andrew Hughes, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at his residence. He was 34 years old.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church.
Born on July 17, 1991, in Bainbridge, Georgia, Paul was the loving son of Donald D. Ezell and Mary Ann Hughes Trumbull. Paul was employed with Red Star Yeast Plant in Headland, Alabama. He loved spending time with his family, cutting grass, hunting, fishing, and grilling.
He is preceded in death by his father, Donald D. Ezell; niece, Mary Beth Ezell; aunt, Shelby Powers; cousin, Hunter Paxson; father-in-law, Bronson Butler.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 16 years, Kayla Ann Hughes; son, Bradley Hughes; three daughters, Allie Hughes, Shellby Hughes, and Jordynn Hughes; mother, Mary Trumbull (Randy); mother-in-law, Erica Butler; two brothers, RJ Trumbull and Shawn Ezell; two sisters, Hannah Trumbull and Christina Ezell, brother-in-law, Kyle Peacock (Auriana); sister-in-law, Meagan Jones (Brett); best friends, Michael Land, Joey Gilmore, Justin Crownan, and Matt Aaron; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Paul was loved and will be missed by all that knew him.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Robert Elliott Flowers, a lifelong resident of Dothan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 12, 2026, at the age of 76 following a decade-long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Born on March 8, 1950, Robert spent his childhood in Dothan with his 6 siblings, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends who accumulated enough stories about him to fill a book – though not all of them are fit for publication.
He graduated from Dothan High School in 1968, Emory University in 1972, and received his MD from UAB School of Medicine in 1976. One week after graduation, he married the love of his life, Carol Morrow. After completing his residency at UAB in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert returned to Dothan in June of 1980.
Practicing medicine for 21 years brought Robert immense joy, especially the relationships he built with his patients and their families. He considered it a privilege to care for generations of women throughout the Wiregrass and treasured the trust they placed in him.
From 1985-2021, Robert served on the Board of Medical Assurance/ProAssurance and was Lead Director for 6 of those years.
His dedication to education was reflected in his 25 years of service on the Board of Trustees of Houston Academy, from 1988 to 2013, including a decade as Chairman. He believed deeply that education could change lives. Whether through his leadership, mentorship, or quiet generosity, he devoted himself to helping young people reach their potential. He personally supported numerous students in completing high school and pursuing college educations, without ever seeking recognition. Few things brought him greater satisfaction than seeing young people succeed, and his influence will continue to be felt through the many lives he helped shape.
After his retirement in 2001, Robert devoted himself to traveling with Carol and being her private chef. His love for family only grew richer over the years, especially as he welcomed grandchildren into his life. He also loved gardening, which often included hiding in the bushes and jumping out to scare unsuspecting friends walking by – a pastime that brought him endless amusement.
While Robert was proud of his many accomplishments, nothing compared to the pride he felt in being father to his 4 daughters. Known collectively as his “Little Women,” they were the center of his world. He loved nothing more than spending time with them, cheering them on, making them laugh, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Family beach and lake trips, afternoons on Shell Island, and countless moments behind a video camera reflected what mattered most to him- being present for the people he loved.
Golf was one of Robert’s lifelong passions. At 13 years old, he placed third in a golf tournament while wearing a cast on his leg, proving early on that neither injury nor inconvenience could keep him off the course. As an adult, he was a proud founding member of the Boogers Golf Group, a band of misfits who gathered regularly for years to share bad golf, good stories, and laughter.
His lifelong dedication to First United Methodist Church of Dothan was reflected in the many leadership and volunteer roles he faithfully fulfilled throughout the years.
Robert’s uplifting spirit, quick wit, mischievous sense of humor, and contagious smile brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on through memories of his pranks, stories, laughter, and unwavering love for family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by son Elliott Flowers; parents Dr. and Mrs. Paul Flowers, in-laws Hershel and Bobbie Morrow; sister Grace Kiker; and brother McDavid Flowers. Surviving family includes his loving wife of 50 years, Carol Morrow Flowers; daughters, Allison Ahern (J.J.), Katherine Flowers (Beau Lombardi), Rebecca Greiner (Joe), Elizabeth Hamon (T.J.); grandchildren, Caroline Ahern, Grace Ahern, James Ahern, Eleanor Ahern, Annabelle Greiner, Harrison Greiner, Baylor Hamon, Tazewell Hamon, and Ila Hamon; brothers, Paul Flowers (Barbara), William Flowers (Carroll), George Flowers (Laura); sister, Cordelia Boone (Tom); sister-in-law, Jeanie Flowers; brothers-in-law, Frank Kiker and Ron Morrow (Nina); sister-in-law, Terry Morrow; partner-in-crime Michael Mathews; his devoted caregiver, Anner Johnson; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Paul Andrew Hughes, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at his residence. He was 34 years old.
