Janet Lee Thigpen, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on June 20, 2025, in Cowarts, Alabama. She was born on July 7, 1963, in Dothan, Alabama, and lived a life that was as beautiful and nurturing as the gardens she so tenderly cared for.
Janet’s early life in Dothan laid the foundation for a heart full of faith and a spirit of giving. She met her beloved husband, Brian Thigpen, while attending Free Will Baptist College in 1981, and they wed in 1983, embarking on a partnership that would span 41 wonderful years. Together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, and the joyous chaos that comes with raising a family. Janet’s devotion to her family was unwavering, and she showered her sons, Tyler (Jennifer) Thigpen and Trevor (Hadley) Thigpen, with the same unconditional love and support she gave so freely to all. Although preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Amanda Thigpen, Janet’s memory will be carried on through the lives of her family, who will miss her deeply every day.
Janet’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her sister, Kim (Ken) Monk, and sisters-in-law, Susan (Brian) Dudley and Gina (Phil) Crandall, who, along with the rest of her family, will forever cherish the times they shared. Her influence and presence in their lives created an unbreakable bond that death cannot diminish.
Throughout her life, Janet embraced her role as a teacher and mentor within the church community. She taught the Girls Sunday School Class and worked with the youth group, pouring her faith-filled heart into guiding young lives with kindness and wisdom. Janet’s legacy is not only in the love she gave her family but also in the values and teachings she instilled in the generations that will follow.
Janet’s interests and hobbies were a true reflection of her personality. She was an avid and dedicated Alabama Football fan, expressing her team spirit with the same enthusiasm she approached all aspects of her life. Her love for crafts, particularly making door wreaths, allowed her to share her creativity and joy with others. Janet’s penchant for jewelry and “bling” was matched by her innate ability to organize and create beauty in everything she touched.
Those who knew Janet will remember her as a loving, caring, and selfless woman, whose presence was a comfort and whose actions were a lesson in kindness. She was a pillar of her community and an example of unwavering faith.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Janet Lee Thigpen will be held at 2 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park. Rev. Joey Pettis will officiate the service, where family, friends, and loved ones will gather to bid farewell to a woman whose life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family. Janet’s memory will live on, not only in the stories told and the lives she touched but in the quiet moments of beauty, in every garden blooming and in every craft created with love. Her spirit, a never-ending source of inspiration, will continue to guide and comfort those she leaves behind.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
Joseph “Joe” Davis, a cherished family man and respected community member, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 94. Joseph’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, kindness, and dedication.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents Mason and Docia Joyner Davis; his wife of 62 years, Marie Davis, daughter; Hazel Dozier, twelve siblings and son-in-law John Sims. He is survived by two daughters, Helen Sims and Karen Whatley Bullard (Terry). Joe’s legacy continues to flourish through his cherished grandchildren; Tammy Whitehurst, Terri Lynn Baxley (Eric), Jeffrey Sims, Britt Sims (Amber), Tim Dozier (Cammie), Tony Dozier (Nicki), Pat Dozier (Shelina), Dr. Chad Mann (Haley), Caleb Mann (Jeanie), and Cara Powell (Dr. Adam Powell), as well as his 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.
Born on November 8, 1930, Joe’s journey began in the heart of Alabama, where he grew up with the values of hard work and integrity. After graduating from Ashford High School, Joe bravely served his country during the Korean War, a period that would leave a lasting imprint on his character and values. Upon returning home, Joe met and married the love of his life, Marie G. Davis. Their union was blessed with 62 years of unwavering partnership.
A man of many talents, Joe owned and operated his own business, where he specialized in hanging wallpaper and creating murals. His artistic touch brought beauty and warmth to the homes and lives of many. His work was not just a profession but a passion, and the dedication he showed to his craft was mirrored in his commitment to his family and community.
Joe was a devout member of the Taylor Assembly of God Church, where he found great solace and fellowship. He served as the church secretary and treasurer for many years. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his daily actions and providing comfort in times of need.
Those who knew Joe will remember him as the embodiment of love and kindness. His gentle demeanor, warm smile, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
As we bid farewell to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that will be cherished forever by those who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. Joe’s journey on earth has concluded, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 AM, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Taylor Assembly of God Church Cemetery with Brother James Register officiating. Ward Wilson Funeral Home will be in charge of services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Taylor Assembly of God church cemetery fund at 131 Rice RD, Taylor, Al. 36301, Alzheimer’s Association; by Phone. 800.272.3900. Mail; Send a check to: P.O. Box 96011. Washington, DC 20090-6011.or the charity of your choice.
WEBB, ALABAMA. . .Michael “Mike” Goodson, a resident of Webb, died early Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at his home. He was 73.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Billy Womack and Chaplain Ernie Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory, between Headland & Dothan. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Holman Mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, 1800 Huskey Road, Dothan, AL 36303.
Mike Goodson was born and reared in Dothan, son of the late Rex Goodson and Beatrice Floyd Goodson. He was a graduate of Dothan High School and attended Wallace Community College. Mike was the owner and operator of Mike Goodson Roofing, LLC. He had lived in Webb since 1989. He was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church where he participated in various church activities. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Mitch Goodson.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Peggy Trammell Goodson; a daughter, Nicole Goodson (Carlos Orozco), Panama City Beach, Florida; a son, Rex Goodson (Kayla Jones), Webb; a sister, Lisa Marshall (Jack), Headland; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law from the Trammell family, Diane and Roy Ard, Cathy Trawick, Pam and Garry Trawick and Danny and Tressie Trammell; an aunt, Evelyn Barfield-Davis; a niece, Brooke Ward (Dustin), a nephew, Blake Smith (Ashley); and his beloved canine companion “Shelby”.
The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their special care and love shown to Mr. Goodson.
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.
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
