NEW BROCKTON… Erica Slawson Phillips, a resident of New Brockton, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. She was 48.
Memorial service will be on Friday the 10th of October, held at the Kingdom Hall (1540 Damascus Rd, Enterprise, AL 36330) at 3pm. Those who wish to join us are welcome. After the service, we will be releasing balloons in her memory at Johnny Henderson Family Park, Enterprise. If you would like to be there, you are very welcome. If you are not able to attend the memorial service for Erica tomorrow, but would still like to be a part of it and pay your respects virtually, please find the Zoom link below.
Mrs. Phillips was born in Opp, Alabama to the late Gerald Robert Slawson and Shirley Elaine Walden Slawson. She was a 1995 graduate of New Brockton High School. Erica has lived in New Brockton, Alabama for the last 26 years. She attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses – Enterprise, Alabama. She loved life and her family more. She loved to fish, and she especially loved fishing at Ft. Gaines, Georgia and thought of it as a second home. She loved the outdoors, and cooking was one of her passions. She was blessed with the gift of gab and never met a stranger. She will be missed by all who know her as a friend.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Jeremy Phillips; her daughters, Jacy Phillips and Kyla Phillips; her son, John Phillips; and her sister, Melissa Slawson Montgomery.
Linda Carleen Peebles, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away on October 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 11, 1950, in Eatonton, Georgia, Linda’s life was defined by love, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family and those fortunate enough to know her.
Linda was preceded in death by her loving husband and soulmate, John Peebles, with whom she shared thirty wonderful years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Vereene Freeman, and her brothers, Gordon Freeman and Glen Freeman.
She is survived by her daughters, April Barrick (Scott) and Carla Bush, who were her greatest joy and proudest accomplishments. Her grandchildren—Peyton Creel (Jade), Allie-Anne Carter (Gauge), and Tatum Barrick—brought endless pride to her heart, and her great-grandchildren, JP Creel and Hattie Faye Carter, were a constant source of delight. Linda also leaves behind her siblings, Rocky Freeman (Kim) and Lynn Armstrong (Martin), and her cherished nieces and nephews, Shaun (Kristin), Cole (Amber), Ian (Kassie), Kyle, and Kala (Jobe), as well as several great-nieces and nephews. Each of them carries with them a piece of Linda’s love, laughter, and wisdom.
Before her retirement, Linda devoted her career working with special needs people in Blakely and Dothan. She had a heart for service and a gift for lifting up those around her. Her colleagues remember her for her steady compassion, her sense of humor, and her genuine care for every person she met.
Linda’s passions filled her life with color and meaning. She loved spending time outdoors, tending to her flowers, and watching the birds that visited her garden. Her loyal dogs were constant companions, sharing in her quiet moments and daily joys. A gifted artist, Linda expressed herself through drawing, painting, sculpting, and sewing—leaving behind beautiful works that reflect her creativity and love for detail. Family gatherings were some of her happiest times; whether she was grilling in the backyard or hosting Christmas with a warm smile and full heart, Linda found true joy in bringing people together. And when Auburn played, she was right there cheering, her energy and laughter filling the room.
To know Linda was to know grace, generosity, and genuine warmth. She had a rare ability to make others feel seen and valued, and her kindness left a lasting imprint on every life she touched. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit remains woven into the lives of those she loved. Her legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and family—a reminder of the beauty that comes from a life lived with an open heart.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
OZARK…Mrs. Cynthia Marie Williams Taylor, a resident of Ozark, died early Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, in the Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Ozark. She was 51.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the St. Rose Baptist Church with Pastor Freddie Smith officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Shellie Raymond Williams and Elnora Dubose Williams of Skipperville and a sister, Cathy Jean Williams, Clarksville, Tennessee.
Surviving relatives include her children, Jalen Leigh Taylor, Ozark and Jacindya Hope Williams-Taylor, Skipperville; siblings, Brenda Williams Richards (David), Skipperville, Aretha Floyd (Jamar), Ozark, Raymond Lorenza Williams (Cherissa), Ozark, Angela Denise Williams, Montgomery, and Sheldian Williams, Skipperville; grandson, Makari Xavier Jenkins, Ozark; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
HEADLAND. . .Louis Lavon Hatcher, a resident of the Blackwood Community, near Headland, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025, at his home. He was 50.
There are no funeral or memorial services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hatcher was born in Dothan and was raised in Cowarts. He was a graduate of Ashford Academy. Mr. Hatcher served his country in the U. S. Navy on the USS Ponce. He was formerly employed by Dyncorp at Ft Rucker and Cummings Signs in Dothan.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Alta Baker Beegle and step-father, Michael Beegle, Dothan; his father, L V Hatcher, Headland; sisters, Amy Lecroy (Brantley), Kinsey, AL; and Alisha Haddan (Jody), Headland; a niece and two nephews.
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.
Mr. Gerald Chavis of Dothan passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on February 15, 1950, in Crescent City, Florida, Gerald’s journey through life was marked by devotion to his family, a passion for the simpler pleasures in life, and an unwavering work ethic.
He was a loving husband to his wife of 57 years, Judy Chavis, a guiding light to his children Cindy Chavis, Jerry Chavis (Paige), and Kim Stanley (Anthony), all of Dothan, and a twin brother, to Geraldine Hallman (Earl). His legacy is also cherished by his sister-in-law, Linda Chavis, his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched.
Gerald was preceded in death by his dear parents, Dewey and Carlie Jones Chavis, his son Stephen Chavis, grandson Blake Carnes, seven brothers, and three sisters, his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those he left behind. His grandchildren Charlie Carnes (Jerilynn), Hunter Carnes, Brett Chavis, Paige Turner (Elijah), Dalton Chavis (Brianna), Carlee Brackin (Garrett), Kaylee Boren (Junior), Summer McLean (JD), Josh Stanley (Brook), Brianna Chavis (Laurel), Brooke Chavis, Brantlee Chavis, Courtney Smith (Curtis), Caitlin Brannon (Matthew), and Colton Cherry, along with his twelve great-granddaughters, seven great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews will forever hold onto the lessons and love he imparted.
For 36 years, Gerald dedicated himself to his work at Qualico Steel.
Gerald was an avid Alabama football fan and also enjoyed working in his yard and fishing.
As we remember Gerald Chavis, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. His journey on earth has ended, but the stories of his compassion, his unwavering support, and his gentle demeanor will be retold and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Wayne Godwin officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday, one hour prior to the service.
Henry Fitzhugh “Buddy” Lee, III, passed away peacefully at his residence in Panama City Beach, FL, on Monday, October 6, 2025, following a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Geneva First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tyler Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday beginning at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the PGA Tour First Tee Foundation, www.firsttee.org/donate
Buddy was born on August 17, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Henry Fitzhugh Lee, Jr. and Helen Bursley Lee. He grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he learned to play golf and caddied at the Montgomery Country Club and graduated from Lanier High School.
Buddy attended Auburn University, where he was a Sigma Nu and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. While at Auburn, Buddy met his late wife, Dixie Dozier Lee, and they were married for 43 years until her death in 2012.
Buddy loved playing golf, watching Auburn football, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He loved his family and spending time sharing stories with friends.
Buddy graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland Law School in 1972 and practiced law in Geneva, AL, for over 40 years. During that time, he served as the representative attorney for the Geneva City School Board, Wiregrass Hospital, and as the City Judge of Geneva,
In 1991, he helped build and operate the first and only 9-hole public golf course in Geneva County, River Oaks Golf Course, which remained open until 2022.
Buddy moved to Panama City Beach in 2015, retired from the law, and played golf 3 times a week until July of this year.
Buddy is survived by his daughter, Allison Lee Redd (Gaines), 5 grandchildren, Jacob Weldon Redd, Ethan Fitzhugh Redd, Calvin Harris Redd, Dixie Elizabeth Redd, and Sarah Annette Redd, all of Peachtree Corners, GA; one sister, Cindy Lee Kessler, of Montgomery, AL, special friend, Kay Carmichael of Panama City Beach, FL,, friend Anthony Barrett Sullivan (Laura Beth) of Birmingham, AL, and many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to Derek and Becky Warren for their friendship and sacrifice, to the employees at Vitas Hospice who served Buddy with such attention and care the past three months, especially nurse Julie Hand, and to caregivers Janelle Parrish and Denaujah Jackson.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Weldon Redd, Ethan Fitzhugh Redd, Anthony Barrett Sullivan, Robert Murray Bishop, Lewis Reuben Gayden III, Christopher Redden Gayden and Derek Allen Warren.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
