NEWTON…Mr. Jonathan Eugene Dent (Master Sergeant, United States, Air Force, Retired), died Saturday morning, August 2, 2025, at his home. He was 68.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Carolyn Joyce Bell, a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her, passed away on August 1, 2025, in Troy, Alabama. Born on December 12, 1947, in New Jersey, Carolyn spent her formative years in Mobile, Alabama, where she cultivated a life-long passion for antiques and decorating, traits that would later define her as the family’s beloved matriarch.
A graduate of Mobile High School, Carolyn’s path led her to Dothan, where she became an integral part of the community. She was a dedicated homemaker and an admired substitute teacher, touching the lives of many students with her kindness and wisdom.
Carolyn’s heart was always full when surrounded by her cherished family. She is survived by her loving children, Chris Bell and Brandi (Kevin) King; her adored grandchildren, Brittany King and Brandon King; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Natalie King and Hayden King. Her presence will be profoundly missed by her sister, Susan Smith. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Randolph Bell, whose memory she held close to her heart since his passing in 2012, by her parents, J. D. and Vera Wright and by her two brothers.
Renowned for her selflessness and generosity, Carolyn’s ability to give without expecting anything in return was a lesson in love and humility for all. Her outgoing nature and zest for life made her the life of any gathering, and her role as a fun grandma was one she cherished deeply. Carolyn’s flair for life earned her the affectionate title of ‘Diva’ among family and friends, a title that reflected her vivacious spirit and her impeccable sense of style.
A graveside service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 am, providing an opportunity for those whose lives were touched by Carolyn to come together in remembrance of a life well-lived.
Carolyn’s legacy is one of boundless love, a love that nurtured her family, enriched her friendships, and left an indelible mark on the community she held so dear. Her light, though no longer present in this world, continues to shine in the hearts of those she loved. As we bid farewell to Carolyn Bell, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless memories she gifted us, memories that will continue to inspire and comfort us in the years to come.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mary Kathryn Sanders, aged 62, entered her heavenly home on July 28, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she moved through life as a beacon of kindness and devotion, deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ and love for her family.
Mary dedicated over 30 years to teaching preschool children, where she touched the lives of many young children by instilling in them the values of kindness, love, and purpose. Her commitment to integrating faith into her teachings showed her deep belief in each child’s significance not only to her, but more importantly to God and to the world.
She was an integral part of her husband’s ministry, supporting and participating in various capacities. She was there by his side at every opportunity, and that presence will be missed by not only him but by the many she touched along the way. Mary also cherished her personal time, especially going to the beach with her family, enjoying moments with her loved ones and friends, and watching her granddaughter grow.
She leaves behind a loving family: her husband of 39 years, Bob Sanders; her daughter and son-in law, Courtney and Logan Branch; her granddaughter, Lyla Rhea Branch; siblings Kathleen (Everett) Trigger, Brian (Carol) Burke, Peggy (Larry) Gronewold, Pat Burke, and Nancy (Joe) Pfeifer, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Julia Hancock, father Brian Burke, stepfather Gean Hancock, and her brother Martin Burke.
Mary’s life was honored and celebrated in a private family service. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped them during Mary’s illness. Each of you are a blessing to us. ” Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. Eph 3:20-21
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Kelli Fulghum Croft, 51, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025, surrounded by love and held in peace.
Born in Macon, Georgia, on March 2, 1974, Kelli graduated from Mount de Sales Academy and later earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy from Oconee Falls. With a heart full of compassion, she devoted many years to serving others as a Respiratory Therapist, leaving a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues with her kindness, strength, and steady presence.
Kelli lived a life marked by resilience, curiosity, and generosity. Never one to stop growing, she had recently begun pursuing a new dream—studying to become an aircraft mechanic—a beautiful testament to her belief that it’s never too late to chase your goals. She lived boldly, fiercely, and with an unwavering commitment to the people and passions she loved.
On September 12, 2015, Kelli married the love of her life, Lori Croft. Their bond was deep, abiding, and true—built on years of laughter, and quiet understanding. Together, they shared countless moments of joy and built a life full of love and grit.
Kelli adored her children, Averi Brinson and Peyton Brinson, and was endlessly proud of the lives they’re building. One of her greatest joys was being “Yaya” to her beloved grandson, Aiden Cooper. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Kasey (Blake) Beaty.
At the heart of Kelli’s world was her grandmother, Edna Bady—her guiding light—who lived to be 103, gifting Kelli three extra years of love and wisdom beyond her promise to make it to 100.
Kelli’s soulful voice was one of her quiet gifts, often heard humming or softly singing around the house, wrapping those around her in a sense of calm and comfort. She loved animals deeply, especially her loyal chihuahua companions, Nikki and Viola, who rarely left her side. She found joy in cooking, in laughter, and in the simple beauty of being present with those she loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Kay and Dan Fulghum; her brother, Klay Fulghum.
Kelli had a quiet, steadfast faith in God, which showed in the way she comforted, cared, and loved. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched—with humor, warmth, and a spirit that never stopped reaching for something more.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Forest Hill Park in Perry, Georgia.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
To sign a guest register, please visit
Gloria Jean Lee was born April 01, 1937, in Dothan, Alabama to the late Jacob Robbins and Velia Etheridge. She completed her education in Dothan City Schools. She devoted her life to Christ at an early age.
Gloria departed this life at home peacefully surrounded by her family on July 28, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband John Thomas Lee and two brothers Joe Frank Etheridge and Robert Earl Etheridge, Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memories five daughters and three sons, Rhoda Easley of Tampa, Fl, Paula Snell (Russell), Tommy Bell, Phillip Weims all of Dothan, AL, Willie Bell (LaShayrian) of Kinsey, AL, Senetha Collins (Ricky), Varie Carroll and Carol Lee Poslie of Dothan; her siblings Betty Bethea of Dothan, AL, Margaret McIntyre of Columbus, GA, Rosalyn Borders of Newark, NJ, Carolyn Godwin (Bobby) of Douglas, GA, and sisters and brothers of Hartford, AL.
She was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; a special niece dear to her heart Phyllis Dillard and a special granddaughter Pauletta Bryany-Sampson; and a host of close relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins; devoted friends and loved ones.
