HEADLAND…Diane Covington, a resident of Headland, Alabama died late Monday evening, January 12, 2026, at her home. She was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Tomlin officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Clayhatchee. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Ms. Covington, the beloved daughter of the late Charlie Newton Covington and Hazel Virginia Bowman Covington, was born and raised in Iron City, Georgia, a place that shaped her early years and remained close to her heart. She spent most of her life in the Midland City and Headland communities, where she built a life filled with familiar faces, steady routines, and the people she cared for most.
She worked for many years at Extendicare Health Center in Dothan, where she was known for her kindness, her steady presence, and the gentle way she cared for others. Those who worked alongside her remember her as someone who could be counted on—someone who brought warmth into even the busiest days.
More than anything, Ms. Covington loved being with her family. Time spent together—whether talking, laughing, or simply sharing the same space—meant everything to her. She had a quiet way of showing love, and the people closest to her always felt it. And of course, no gathering was complete without her favorite drink in hand. Her love for Diet Coke became something of a signature—one of those small, simple joys that made her who she was.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her loyalty to the people she loved, and the comfort she brought just by being herself. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring warmth to the hearts of those who knew her.
Surviving relatives include her two sons, Jason Whitehead and his wife Brandy, who cared for Ms. Covington as her own mother, Headland and Rubin Covington and his wife, Ashley, Fort Worth, Texas; two sisters, Betty Woodham and husband, James, Headland and Amanda Sue Covington, Midland City; six brothers, Tommy Covington, Enterprise, Wayne Covington, Headland, Mack Covington, Augusta, Georgia, Marshall Covington and wife, Chrissy, Toccoa, Georgia, Wilburn Covington, Headland, and Bobby Covington, Virginia; seven grandchildren, including Shelby Whitehead and Jason Charlie Whitehead; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Tyler Woodham, J.C. Whitehead, Dylan Woodham, Aiden Woodham, Johnathan Williams, and Christian Williams.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gladys Jacqueline Payne Harper Jones, affectionately known as “Jackie” to her friends and as “Sweetmama” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2026, at the age of 92.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 at Memory Hill cemetery with Luke Walker officiating.
Born on January 29, 1933, Jackie lived a life guided by her strong Christian faith and love for Jesus. As a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church, her faith was evident in how she lived her life. A somewhat playful spirit, Jackie loved to write silly poems with her grandchildren and tell jokes to make those around her smile. She exuded joy and patience, treating everyone in her life with loving kindness. She found comfort in the Lord and reflected His love in her care for her family, her neighbors, and all of God’s creation.
Jackie was an incredibly talented seamstress who once owned a fabric store while living in Lake Placid, Florida. She lovingly crafted beautiful clothing for her family and even handmade dresses for her grandchildren’s dolls, creating keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. With great patience and a genuine love for children, she taught her children and grandchildren how to sew, passing down not only her skills but also her time, care, and attention.
For 18 years, Jackie was the welcoming receptionist for Dr. Bill Shriner’s dental office in Lake Placid, where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on countless patients. Over time, she also built a treasured friendship with Dr. Shriner and his wife, Joyce.
Jackie was a good friend and had a special bond with nature and animals. She loved line dancing, fishing, raising goats, and had a remarkable way of calling wild turtles to her backyard to feed them. She faithfully fed the birds and spent countless peaceful hours on her back porch watching them, finding joy and serenity in the beauty of God’s creation.
She will be remembered for her gift of recounting the stories of her life, gentle spirit, her patient and nurturing heart, her unwavering faith, and the warmth she brought into every interaction. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack G. and Gladys Atkins Payne; step mother, Jane Warren Payne; sisters, Rochelle Payne Miller, Marianne Payne; and grandson, Charles S. Rhinehart. She is survived by her sister, Jenine “Sidney” Payne; three daughters: Deborah Maxwell, Barbara Aldea (Steve), and Donna Woodis (Bill); four grandchildren: Shea McTrusty (Chesley), Luke Walker (Ashley), Iris Koehnemann (Matt), and Dr. Bailee Hardgrove (Dr. Daniel Hardgrove); and thirteen great grandchildren.
ASHFORD…Lisa Faulkner Thompson-Cosby, a resident of Ashford, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, in Extendicare Health Center in Dothan. She was 65.
There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Lisa was born in Enid, Oklahoma and was raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, daughter of the late Clifford Eugene Faulkner and Ellen Varner Faulkner. She lived in Henry County, between Headland & Columbia, before moving to Ashford in 2013. Lisa was formerly employed by Commonwealth and H.T. Hackney as a Territorial Sales Representative. She was of Baptist faith. Lisa is preceded in death by a sister, Laurie Faulkner.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Dennis Earl Cosby, Ashford; a son Michael C. Etress (Haley), Midland City; a brother, David Faulkner (Deborah), Sylacauga, AL; three grandchildren, Annaston Jackson, Jocelyn Etress and Owen Etress.
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.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Crocker of Montgomery passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 85.
Mrs. Crocker was born January 1, 1941, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to the late Jefferson and Jewel Powell. Mrs. Crocker resided in Elba, prior to moving to Montgomery
A memorial service honoring Mrs. Crocker will be held at a later date.
Dennis Raymond Larson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 76. Born on November 8, 1949, in Minnesota, Dennis was a man whose life was characterized by his courage, selflessness, and loving nature. He was a true family man at heart, a God-fearing soul, and a proud farm boy affectionately known by the nickname “Bulldog” for his tenacious spirit.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Young Larson, and their three children, Matthew Larson, Jeffery Larson, and Christina Mannina, married to Eddie. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Caden, Alanah, Micah, Drake, Chloe, Isabelle, and Eddie Jr., who will carry forward the values and lessons he imparted. He also leaves behind a tight-knit group of siblings, Duane Larson (Cheryl), Paul Larson (Faith), Tim Larson (Jenny), Tom Larson (Rita), Mark Larson (Sherry), and Mary Merrick (Gary), all of whom shared an unbreakable bond with Dennis.
Preceding Dennis in death were his parents, Raymond and Martha Larson, and his siblings, Reatha Kniesel and Wayne Larson, with whom he is now reunited in eternal peace.
Dennis proudly served his country in the military for 22 years, dedicating 28 months of his service to the Vietnam War. His commitment to his nation was a testament to his bravery and his sense of duty. After retiring from the military, Dennis continued to showcase his leadership skills as a Transportation Manager for Big/Little, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.
His professional journey began at Boyd Brothers Trucking, where he developed a reputation for his impeccable work ethic and his ability to inspire those around him. Dennis’s dedication to his work was only surpassed by his devotion to his family, whom he loved with every ounce of his being.
Dennis’s interests reflected the essence of who he was—a man who treasured his roots and his relationships above all else. His love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life, and he instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of faith, integrity, and hard work. His presence in their lives was a guiding force that will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
As we remember Dennis, we reflect on a life lived with honor and a heart that gave unconditionally. He was a pillar of strength to his loved ones, a friend to many, and an example of what it means to live a life of purpose. Dennis Larson’s story is one of impact and enduring love—a story that will be recounted for generations to come.
In his memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a man who, through his actions and character, taught us the true meaning of courage, selflessness, and love. Dennis’s spirit will forever remain a beacon of light for his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel at 11am. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Following military honors, he will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Joshua Gianni Haire, a son, devoted father, and brother, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 27. Born on June 19, 1998, in West Palm Beach, FL, Joshua’s infectious smile and generous spirit brought joy to all who knew him. His departure has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his family and friends.
Joshua was preceded in death by his father, Salvatore Poma, Jr., as well as his great-grandparents, Howard and Donna Haire. He is survived by his children, Brooklyn Delores Hornsby, Auden Mason, and Aaliyah Marie Henderson, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his mother, Christina Chapa-White; his sisters, Marianna Haire (Robert), Donna Rodriguez, and Raeleigh Hudson; and his brothers, Dylan Kiley, Noah Hudson, and Rudy Rodriguez Jr., all of whom will forever cherish his memory. His grandmother, Anna Chapa; his aunts, Maricela Wulfan and Crystal Chapa; and his uncles, Louie Poma and James Knapp III, along with his close cousins, Freddie Rodriguez, Jr., Brianna Rodriguez, Tina Chapa, and Stanley Russell Jr., are left to treasure the times they shared with Joshua. He is further survived by numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles who mourn the loss of a man whose presence was a source of strength and laughter.
Throughout his life, Joshua was known for his unwavering work ethic and his ability to form lasting bonds with those he met. He made countless friends, including his special friends, Dave and Julie Mahler and Allison and Ronnie King, Jr., who stood by him through thick and thin. Whether he was working diligently to provide for his family or engaging in his passion for God, video games and food, especially porkchops, Joshua approached every aspect of life with enthusiasm and dedication.
Joshua’s love for his children was unparalleled, and he often shared his interests with them, creating cherished memories during their time together. His ability to balance the responsibilities of fatherhood with the simple joys of hanging out with friends was a testament to his character. He was a man who could be counted on to offer a helping hand or a listening ear, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of accompanying him on his journey through life.
A celebration of Joshua’s life will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 4-6 pm.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
