Eugene Benton, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Gordon, Alabama, at the age of 77. Born on July 31, 1947, in Pansey, Alabama, Eugene was a man whose life was characterized by his love for his family, his passion for the outdoors, and his unwavering kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Brother Bryant Register officiating. Burial will follow in Springhill Freewill Baptist Church with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 to 2 P.M. Tuesday, prior to the service.
Eugene was preceded in death by his loving parents, George and Collie Mae Cross Benton, and his brothers, Charles and Marion Benton. His memory will be treasured and kept alive by his devoted wife, Pauline Benton; his daughter, Patricia Ann Lowe (Keenan); his son, Jeffery Benton (Mary Kelley); his brother, Wayne Benton; sister-in-law, Kathy Hilliard, his adored grandchildren, Jordan Lowe, Kasey Davis, Alex Benton, Allyson Benton, and Ty Hall-Benton; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Reid Lowe, Ayden Searcy, Gaven Davis, Kelton Davis, and Maddy Davis.
Eugene’s love for the simple pleasures in life was evident to all who knew him. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting and fishing. Eugene’s mechanical prowess was well-known, especially when it came to working on tractors.
A man of routine and simple tastes, Eugene could often be found enjoying episodes of his favorite television show, “Gunsmoke,” with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. This simple pleasure was one of the many ways he found relaxation and contentment in his daily life.
As we bid farewell to Eugene Benton, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that will be cherished forever. . Eugene’s memory will be held in the hearts of his family and friends as a beacon of the love and joy he brought into this world. He will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will be felt for generations to come.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Keenan Lowe, Brandon Hilliard, Otho Lenoard, Alex Benton, Ayden Searcy and Jordan Lowe.
The family of Millard Lamar Whitaker, a proud resident of Bonifay, Florida for the last 35 years, announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, June 19, 2025. He was 84 years old.
Mr. Whitaker was born on June 5, 1941, in Panama City, Florida. Millard was raised in the Fadette Community, of Geneva County, by the late Chester Whitaker and Alma Hartzog Whitaker. He loved his animals and took care of them faithfully. He had many friends that he met throughout his life, in which most have passed on. He proudly served in the Army, Air Force and the National Guard. The VA was good to him in his later years. He was also a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, wife of 37 years, Martha Faircloth Whitaker, and four siblings all preceded him in death.
He is survived by his 4 daughters and 1 son; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; other extended family and friends.
Millard’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, Alabama. Interment will follow, with military honors, in the Fadette Pentecostal Ministries Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Jessie James Culver, fondly known as Uncle Jessie to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 74 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 1, 1950, in Abbeville, Alabama, Jessie’s early years were spent surrounded by the warmth and vibrancy of a close-knit community.
After attending an all-boys high school in New Jersey, Jessie’s adventurous spirit led him to a distinguished career in the United States Army. His service to the country was a testament to his courage and dedication. Upon retiring from the military, Jessie transitioned into civilian life with the same commitment he showed in uniform. He worked diligently for a mattress company for 15 years until he became disabled, which led him to move to Abbeville in the late 1990s, then moved to Dothan where he would spend the remainder of his years.
Jessie’s life was characterized by his kindness and bravery. These traits were the cornerstones of his character and were recognized by all who knew him. His love for cowboy shows and movies was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of the adventurous and principled man he was. Jessie’s passion for life extended to the culinary world – he loved food in all its variety, a joy he often shared with family and friends.
Family was the essence of Jessie’s world. He cherished moments spent with his nieces and nephews, and his love for them was as boundless as the stories he shared. His sisters, Mary Cooper, Lottie Carolyn Grace (Willie), and Denise Champ, will hold dear the memory of their brother’s unwavering support and love. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends are left to celebrate Jessie’s legacy and to find comfort in the many memories they shared.
Jessie now reunites with those who preceded him in death: his beloved mother, Josie Seymore; his brother, Johnnie Franklin Culver; and sister, Veleda Ann Campbell. Their reunion is a comforting thought to those he has left behind, a family circle completed once more.
Those who knew Jessie will remember the ease of his conversation, the laughter that accompanied his stories, and being easy like Sunday morning. His presence in the lives of those he touched was a gift, one that will continue to resonate in the hearts of many.
A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Ford officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery following military honors.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Peggy Annette Woods, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 86. Born on March 11, 1939, in Phenix City, Alabama, to the late Chester Huel Freeman and Violet Ruth Hicks Freeman, Peggy lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her profession, and her faith.
Peggy, known affectionately to her friends and family, graduated from Central High School in 1957. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing, earning her degree from the Medical Center School for Nurses in 1964. Furthering her expertise, she graduated from the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses in 1972, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in her field. Throughout her distinguished career, Peggy served with compassion and professionalism in the Flowers Hospital Anesthesia Department until 1995. She continued to share her skills and knowledge at the Anesthesia Consultants Medical Group at Surgery Center South, where she retired in 2012.
As a devoted military wife, Peggy supported her husband, the late Thomas Victor Woods, Jr., until his retirement from the US Army in 1983. Her strength and resilience were the cornerstones of her family, providing unwavering support through the many challenges and triumphs of military life.
Peggy’s faith was the guiding light of her life. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she poured her heart into teaching, mentoring, and participating in missions and the church’s music program.
Her legacy is carried on by her loving children, Michael “Mickey” Kiker (Ann), Kenneth Kiker (Susan), Andrew Kiker (Lori), and Blaire Woods Merritt. Peggy was a proud grandmother to Shannon, Drew (Courtney), Kasey (Brook), Zack, Cole, Jared, and Caitlin, and a doting great-grandmother to Bailey, Kaylee, Mason, Raylee, Raegan, Luke, Beau, Anne, Gracie, Violet, and Susie. Each of them will forever cherish the memories and the lessons she imparted.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, June 23, 2025 from Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Thompson and Reverend Randy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at 3 PM (CST) at Girard Cemetery in Phenix City, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Missions Fund.
Mrs. Sharon Helms Shiver, of Slocomb, passed away on June 6, 2025 at Hartford Healthcare. She was 77.
Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church Cemetery, in Blue Springs, Alabama, with Rev. Daniel Rieben officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
Mrs. Shiver was born on March 18, 1948 to the late John W. and Eileen Turner Helms. She enjoyed tending to her garden and spending time with her family. Sharon would enjoy coloring in her free time and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents; her husband, Franklin Shiver; son, Brian Shiver; brothers: John W. Helms, Bill Helms and James Helms, all preceded her in death.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Michele A. Shiver; daughter-in-law, Melena Shiver; sisters-in-law: Alicia Shiver, Gloria Helms, Janice Helms, and Debbie Helms; grandchildren: Erin Shiver and Jacob Shiver (Alex); great-grandson, Jayce Shiver; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
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 www.sorrellsfuneral.com.
Brittney Alise Henderson, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 39 in her hometown of Dothan, AL, on June 17, 2025. Born on April 15, 1986, Brittney’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.
Brittney was a graduate of Wicksburg High School, class of 2004, where she was known for her infectious laughter and kind heart. Her commitment to caring for others led her to a fulfilling career at FirstLight Home Care of Dothan, where she touched the lives of many with her compassion and dedication.
Despite the challenges she faced, including the loss of her mother Kim Luster, her nurturing grandparents Wanda and Bill Belsher, and her dear brothers Jonathan and Marcus Belsher, Brittney’s strength never faltered. Her resilience was further tested with the passing of her uncle Travis Robidoux. Yet, she remained a pillar of hope and love for her family, especially her children Neveah Leann, August Elise, and Gabriel Lee Henderson, who were the light of her life.
Brittney’s sisters, Tiffany Thweatt (Jason) and Courtney Brown (Joseph), will remember her as a beacon of joy and a source of unwavering support. Her memory will also be cherished by her grandparents Roger and Emelie Woodham and Shag and Cynthia Luster, alongside her nieces and nephews Winry Thweatt, Camilla Barnett, and Cooper Brown.
Her six-year relationship with her devoted boyfriend, John Weaver, was filled with laughter and mutual support. Brittney’s life was enriched by the presence of her uncle Jeffrey “Todd” Woodham and Stevie Robidoux, cousin, Wyatt Woodham, her special friend, Holly Bonk, as well as family members, Charlye (Brady) Henderson, Zac Henderson and Sandi Henderson. Alicia Snell and her husband Norman played a significant role in Brittney’s life as her bonus mom and dad.
Brittney’s journey included overcoming drug abuse, a testament to her incredible fortitude and desire to create a better life for herself and her children. She found solace and community at Mt Pisgah Church, where her faith sustained her through life’s trials and triumphs.
An ardent lover of nature, Brittney found peace and happiness in the beauty of the outdoors. Her passion for flowers was more than just a hobby; it was a reflection of her appreciation for life’s delicate and transient beauty. Brittney’s ethos of paying it forward was evident in all her actions, as she continuously looked for ways to uplift others and spread kindness.
Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Brittney’s memory will be lovingly preserved in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Her radiant smile, her bubbly personality, and her unwavering commitment to her family will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
As the sun sets on a life taken too soon, we remember Brittney Alise Henderson not for the tragedy of her passing but for the enduring light she shared with the world. Her spirit, a beacon of hope and love, will continue to guide and inspire us all.
A celebration of Brittney’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Bro. Hugh Kirkland officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Brittney’s memory to be made to The Haven, https://spectracare.org/our-services/behavioral-health-services/residential-treatment-facilities/ or The Wiregrass Angel House, https://wiregrassangelhouse.org/. The family kindly requests that all attendees wear white or bright colors in Brittney’s honor.
Brittney Alise Henderson, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 39 in her hometown of Dothan, AL, on June 17, 2025. Born on April 15, 1986, Brittney’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.