ABBEVILLE… John James Pierce, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home. He was 78.
Mr. Pierce was born in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Claude Ellis Pierce and Ruby Louise Althouse Pierce. He was raised in New Carlisle, Indiana, where his lifelong love for animals began. Growing up on a farm, he was almost always found in a barn or a field, surrounded by animals. This deep empathy followed him throughout his life; his dogs were truly his world and his closest companions in his later years. He cared for them with a devotion usually reserved for his own children, putting their needs above all else.
A truck driver for over 40 years, Mr. Pierce lived for the open road. While he spent decades traveling the country, his spirit belonged to the Florida Keys. He often spoke of the “total abyss” of peace and love he felt when riding his motorcycle across Seven Mile Bridge. The sight of the crystal-clear water and the feeling of that clean, free air was a sensation beyond description, it was the moment he felt most free. This feeling stayed with him so deeply that he wished to be there eternally, asking that he eventually be taken back to that bridge on a motorcycle to be set free into the wind and the water he loved.
He was an avid Harley enthusiast and a lover of the outdoors who enjoyed camping, fishing, and taking his boat out on the lake. While he appreciated the finer things in life, he never wanted them for himself; he wanted them so he could share them with others. He took great joy in being “the guy you called” for an adventure—whether it was riding the waves with “Papa John” on the boat or heading out on a motorcycle run.
Mr. Pierce was a gentle soul and a natural peacemaker. He possessed a laugh that was completely and utterly contagious; if he started laughing, you couldn’t help but join in. He was a gifted storyteller who believed laughter was the best medicine and that family should stick together no matter what.
He loved his children unconditionally and with immense pride. He spoke of them constantly, never leaving a single soul out. He will be missed dearly by his closest friends, Ty Arrowood, George Beach, and Apple, as well as many other dear friends not listed here—but as John would say, “you know who you are.”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Beverly Sult, Virginia Vida, Nancy Vida, Carolyn Parris, and Patricia Laskowski.
Left behind to cherish his memories include his siblings, Leo Pierce (Yvonne) and Jack (Claude) Pierce (Evelyn); his children, Rose Nodes (Jerry), Wen Pfierce, Amy Avery (Jami), John James Pierce Jr. (Johnny) (Megan), and Keith Pierce (Tiffany); his grandchildren, Johnathan Vandegrift, Justin Vandegrift, Jessica Vandegrift, Juliana Nodes, Michelle Graber, Zane Pfierce, Brayden Avery, Noah Pierce, Justin Pierce, Riley Wilkes, and Mathais Pierce; and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time, but there will be a celebration of life at a later date. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
OZARK…Mr. George J. Llopis, III (Sergeant Major, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2026, at his home. He was 78.
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
EDWIN… Emmer Tew Turner, a resident of Edwin, Alabama, passed away peacefully late Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday April 20, 2026, at New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Danny Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Edwin Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Contributions may be made to New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church, 2777 County Road 75 North, Clopton, Alabama 36317.
Mrs. Turner was born in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Travis Tew and Sarah Rich Tew. She lived a life devoted to her family and to those she loved. She was known for her kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. Always placing the needs of others before her own, Emmer was a devoted and loving mother whose greatest joys were her family. Her warmth, care, and gentle presence were a blessing to all who knew her. Emmer will be forever remembered for the love she gave and the family she cherished. She was a member of the New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Leroy Turner and Herbert Anderson; and her siblings, Annie Lou Tew, Harold Tew, Olan Tew, Henry Tew, Isaac Tew, Jason Tew, David Tew, and Donnie Tew.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughter, Shirley Sapp (Richard); her sons, Leroy Turner (Linda), Richard Turner (Faye), and Tim Turner (Christèle); her grandchildren, Lee Turner (Jennifer), Brandon Turner (Julie), Ashley Sapp Price (Drew), Leslie Turner, Mathieu Turner, and Nathan Turner; her great-grandchildren, Lilly Austin, Kylie Jo Austin, Sawyer Turner, Riley Turner, Turner Kate Price, Collins Price, and Tripp Price; her sisters, Mary Tew Brown and Rose Tew Rowe; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Brandon Turner, Lee Turner, Drew Price, Jerry Whitehead, Jeff Sherman, and Michael Prine.
Linda (Harrell) Kinney, age 77, a life-long Dothan resident, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 17, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery with Chaplain Daulton Keel officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dayspring Hospice, 2464 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301, or SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand, Dothan, AL 36305.
Linda was born August 17, 1948, in Dothan to the late Nolan Earnest & Christine (Carr) Harrell. She spent all of her life in Dothan, attending Rehobeth high school, and later Riley Business College. Linda spent her life as homemaker, providing for her family and raising her children. She was spontaneous, fun, and full of life. She loved people and she loved fudgesicles. Linda was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
She was preceded by her parents; and her husband, Bill Kinney.
She is survived by her two sons, Steven Parrish (Denise), and Jason Kinney (Kristin) both of Dothan; her daughter, Djuna Parrish Hughes of Dothan; her two sisters, Gloria Mims of Dothan, and Sandra Austin of Headland; seven grandchildren, Eric Anglin (Raya), Brandan Anglin (Christie), Olivia Miller, Khloe Kinney, Courtni Tyre Bodiford (Josh), Jamie Hughes, and Rachel Phillips; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Dayspring Hospice & SARCOA for the love and care shown to their loved one during this very difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Joan Hellen Williams, passed away lovingly surrounded by her family on April 16, 2026, in Graceville, Florida, at the age of 78.
Joan was born on September 28, 1947, in Houston County, Alabama, but grew up in Geneva County where she spent the early years of her life. She carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life and was known by those who loved her as a loving and thoughtful, woman whose presence brought joy to others.
Joan shared 59 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Tommy Williams, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and love. She was a proud and devoted mother to her daughter, Stephanie Cook and her husband, Darrell and by her son, Ricky Williams and his wife, Pamela. She treasured her grandchildren, Anthony Williams and Darius Cook, and her great-grandchildren, James and Dean Williams, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her siblings, Wayne Hamm and his wife, Shirlon, Patra Register and her husband, Cliff, and Darrell Hamm and his wife, Debbie, as well as several nieces, nephews, and loving sisters-in-law who will remember her with affection. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Wes and Dorothy Hamm.
Family was the center of Joan’s life, and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved, and her kindness and steady presence made her a source of strength to her family. Her home was a place of care, good food, and laughter, and she will be remembered for the many ways she nurtured those around her.
Joan was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Graceville, Florida, and she deeply loved her church family. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found joy in serving and participating in the life of the church. She also enjoyed playing the piano in church, especially if her children, Ricky and Stephanie, sang, creating precious memories that her family will always cherish. Joan loved to cook, and her banana pudding with meringue on top was a special favorite among family and friends.
In addition to her love of family and church, Joan enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She liked going to the hairdresser every week and taking pride in having her hair done. She was a member of the Garden Club and the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of others. She also found enjoyment in playing Hand and Foot card games with her friends, sharing laughter and companionship that enriched her days.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Graceville, with Brother Nathan Hendrix and Brother Darrell Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery in Slocomb, Alabama. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Serving as active pallbearers will be Trae Hamm, Chris Register, Kevin Williams, Joey Williams, Clint Williams, and Wayne Williams. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Graceville Music Department, 987 8th Avenue, Graceville, FL 32440. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Emerald Coast Hospice, Chipley for the love and care shown to them during their time of need.
Joan Hellen Williams will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her loving heart, and the deep devotion she showed to her family, friends, and church. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
