Elaine Saliba Mitchell, a beacon of knowledge and warmth, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at the age of 90, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on December 15, 1934, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Elaine’s life was a tapestry of dedication to education, a love for history, and the joys of family and friendships that she cultivated throughout her remarkable journey.
Elaine’s pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Alabama, where she began her academic career. Her love for learning led her to earn a bachelor’s degree from Troy University, followed by a master’s degree from Auburn University. In 2006, Elaine moved to Dothan, Alabama, where she would spend her golden years surrounded by the community and culture she cherished.
As an educator, Elaine left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students in Ozark, Marianna, Prattville, and Montgomery. Her passion for teaching was evident in her dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods. She was not only a teacher but also a mentor and friend to many, always ready to offer guidance and support.
Elaine’s zest for life extended beyond the classroom. She was a history fanatic, always eager to share her latest findings in genealogy or recount tales from the past. Her love for travel took her to many places, enriching her stories and broadening her understanding of the world. Elaine was also an avid reader, often found with a book in hand, lost in the pages of a captivating story.
Her sociable nature meant that she was happiest when surrounded by people. Elaine’s home was a welcoming space where conversations flowed, and laughter was a common sound. She had a particular fondness for potted plants, which added a touch of green to her warm abode. Her sweet tooth was no secret, with chocolate chip cookies and Hershey Bars being her treats of choice.
Her family was the cornerstone of her life. Elaine is survived by her adoring children, Joseph A. Saliba and Charlotte (Rick) de Jesus; her cherished grandchildren, Annalise and Austin de Jesus; and her niece, Janet Norton. She was predeceased by her sister, Sarah Norton.
Elaine Saliba Mitchell’s life was a testament to the power of education, the importance of family, and the joy of lifelong learning. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew her, and her impact will continue to be felt by the many lives she touched. She was a true educator, a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt, and a friend to all. Elaine will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Chaplain Tim Mayhall. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Roscoe Todd, was called home to the Lord on August 26, 2025, at the age of 95 in Brundidge, Alabama. Born on November 26, 1929, in Attapugus, Georgia, to the late John Todd and Mary Powell Todd, Roscoe’s life showed the power of determination and the pursuit of the American dream.
From his early days working on tobacco farms in the Quincy, Florida area, Roscoe’s entrepreneurial spirit began to shine brightly. Even though he lived the majority of his adult life in Miami, Florida, where he and Ora Belle raised their children, when he retired, he sought a quieter life. After retirement, they moved to the quiet countryside area of Madrid (Cottonwood), Alabama and built a house and spent his retirement years travelling, fishing, hunting, and playing golf. Even at the age of 93, he stayed active, walking at least two miles a day.
He was a man who could create tools out of necessity and turn a simple hardware store into a thriving bait and tackle business. His business acumen led him to the ownership of rental properties and an investor as well as held a respected position on the Board of Directors of the first African American owned bank in Miami, Florida. Roscoe’s work history was as diverse as it was impressive. Starting as a young man parking cars at a hotel, he left for Newark, New Jersey, at 17, with dreams of joining the Barnum & Bailey Circus—a ticket out of Quincy that took him as far as New York. His adventurous nature was also evident in his service to his country. Roscoe proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict, with a station in France, further showcasing his dedication and resilience.
His interests were as vast as the landscapes he traveled. Roscoe accepted Christ at an early age and grew up singing in the church. He believed firmly that he could achieve anything he set his mind to, a belief that propelled him throughout his life. Roscoe’s love for travel took him and his family camping across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, visiting landmarks such as Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and Niagara Falls.
His love for his family was unparalleled. A devoted husband to his late wife, Ora Belle Todd, whom he married, after she finally said yes on the third try, on Christmas Eve in 1950, Roscoe was also a loving father to his late son, Roscoe Todd, Jr., his late daughter, Carolyn Williams, and his surviving daughter, Marilyn Todd. Roscoe was the cherished brother of Nona P. Gray and Horace Todd, and he was predeceased by his siblings Margaret Correthers, James Todd, John David Todd, Willie J. Todd, Thelma Wilcox, Booker T. Todd, Hazel Lundy, and Joe Luis Todd. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him for his adventurous, generous, and selfless nature.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Springfield AME Church, 4194 Union Road, Marianna, Florida 32446 with Pastor Jonathan Broyles officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama.
Franklin McGowan, Jr. “Frank” of Coffee Springs, AL passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was 68 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hartford City cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m.
Frank was born in Geneva, AL on September 07, 1956, to Franklin, Sr. and Mattie Lou Reeves McGowan. He served as a police officer in Geneva, AL and Montgomery, AL for a number of years. Following a career change, he attended college to pursue a registered nursing degree, at which he worked for 15 years. After retirement, he enjoyed watching the history channel, reading, sharing his knowledge he’d learned with family and friends, and was quite the gun enthusiast. He enjoyed learning about anything about guns. Most of all, Frank loved his family, especially his grandchildren and spending time with them.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Thomas McGowan.
Frank is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanie Wise McGowan of Coffee Springs, AL; one daughter, Erin Elenburg (Preston) of Daleville, AL; grandchildren, Jaden McGowan Howard, Alexandria Kirstie Broun and Simon James Broun, all of Geneva, AL, Preston Henry Elenburg, Jr., Ezra Ray Elenburg and Elijah Franklin Elenburg, all of Daleville, AL; four siblings, David McGowan (Shirley) of Black, AL, Mark McGowan of Geneva, AL, Nancy Hawthorne of Black, AL and Cindy Barnes (Brace) of Hartford, AL and a number of special nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Preston Elenburg, Brace Barnes, Brandon Barnes, Ross Hawthorne, Ben Hawthorne and Cody Willingham.
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
OZARK…Mr. Jimmy Duane Bush, a resident of Ozark, near Newton, died late Sunday evening, August 24, 2025, at his home. He was 72.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bush was born on October 28, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up surrounded by the sounds and spirit of the South, and those early years helped shape the hardworking, kind-hearted man he would become. In 2005, he made his way to the quiet town of Ozark, Alabama, where he found peace in the slower pace and the beauty of the outdoors.
He spent his working life as a tile setter, pouring his skill and dedication into both residential homes and commercial buildings. Whether it was laying tile in a family’s kitchen or helping build something bigger, Mr. Bush took pride in his craft. He was the kind of man who believed in doing things right the first time, and his work reflected that.
When he wasn’t working, Mr. Bush found joy in the simple things—especially hunting and fishing. He loved being out in nature, whether it was the thrill of tracking game or the quiet patience of waiting for a fish to bite. Those moments brought him peace, and he cherished the time spent outdoors.
Mr. Bush faced more than his share of heartache in life. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Earl Bush, who taught him the values of strength and perseverance. He also lost two beloved wives, Mary Teel Bush and Nancy Dykes Bush, each of whom held a special place in his heart. The loss of his daughter, Shannon Bush, his son, Danny Bush, and an infant grandson weighed heavily on him, but he carried their memories with love and grace.
Through it all, Mr. Bush remained a man of quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering resilience. He will be remembered not just for the work he did or the hobbies he enjoyed, but for the life he lived and the people he loved.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Michelle Beckom (Rodney), Rockmart, Georgia; two sons, Jamie Duane Bush and Jeffery Bush (Savannah); mother, Eleanor Baker Bush, all of Newton; two sisters, Debbie Hart (Michael), Enterprise and Cynthia Darlene Neyrey, New Port Richey, Florida; several grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
William David Rollan, age 51, of Pansey, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Southeast Health.
Born on February 1, 1974, in Sylacauga, Alabama, David was the son of D.J. Rollan and the late Joyce Webster Rollan.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. Following his initial service, he worked as a paramedic with Care Ambulance before returning to the military, where he proudly served in Iraq. Upon completing his military career with a total of seven deployments , he continued his service as a civilian aircraft mechanic.
David enjoyed camping, listening to music, being outdoors, and spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was passionate about mentoring young people, was an avid Alabama football fan, and loved following the Indiana Fever women’s basketball team. He also enjoyed watching military documentaries.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Rollan.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of ten years, Mary Smith Rollan; his father, D.J. Rollan; his son, Jake Gandy (Emily); his daughters, Ashlee Smith (Dylan), Hannah Rollan (Austin Butler) and Cara Avery (Jacob); grandchildren, Anna-Katherine Smith, Ella Grace Avery, and Jack Avery; his brother, Jeremy Rollan (Sheila); his sister, Misty Shipes (Preston); as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his beloved fur babies, Oscar, Maggie, Rocky.
Funeral service with military honors will be Friday, September 12, 2025, 12:30 pm EST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
Craig Ryan Faulk, a cherished soul whose life was marked by his unwavering faith and joyful spirit, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, AL. He was 51 years old.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Dothan City Cemetery with Pastor Doug Seale officiating. Ward Wilson Funeral Home will be directing.
Craig is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Reba and Bill Faulk. He is survived by his parents, Pat Dennis and Billy Faulk, along with his stepmother, Geri.
Craig was born on February 3, 1974, in Dothan, AL. From a young age, it was evident that Craig’s life was one led by faith and a love for gospel music, with a particular admiration for Jimmy Swaggart’s ministry. He could often be found humming a tune or sharing his favorite songs with friends. Craig’s love for his Christian faith was evident in his active participation at the Sand Hill Assembly of God Church in Panama City, FL, where he was a respected and treasured member of the congregation.
Craig was also captivated by the natural beauty of Lake Martin and its picturesque scenery. It was his sanctuary, a place where he felt closest to God’s creation. He would spend hours soaking in the tranquility of the landscape, often reflecting on the blessings of life and the beauty of the world around him.
His unwavering commitment to his faith, combined with his warm personality, touched the lives of many and inspired countless individuals. Craig’s family and friends will miss him dearly, but the echo of his laughter and the memory of his kindness will remain with them forever.
