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Obituary: Mahlani Deon Reynolds

Obituary: Mahlani Deon Reynolds

We announce with profound sorrow the passing of Mahlani Deon Reynolds, a beacon of love and gentleness, who left us on December 19, 2024, at the tender age of eight months. Mahlani, a cherished soul born on April 17, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, was a joy and a blessing from the moment she arrived into this world.

Mahlani’s life, though brief, was filled with an abundance of love and exploration. Her infectious smile and the sparkle in her eyes brought immeasurable joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her adventurous spirit shone brightly, as she was endlessly fascinated by the world around her, particularly enamored with anything that lit up. She conveyed her love and happiness without the need for words, touching the hearts of everyone she met.

She was the adored daughter of Melanie Reynolds, who was the center of Mahlani’s universe. The bond between Mahlani and her mother was evident in their every interaction, filled with tenderness and an unspoken understanding. Mahlani’s grandmother, Brivzetta McKnight (Herman Britt), and great-grandparents, Freddie C. and Lynnetta Russaw and Grady Reynolds, II also played a significant role in her life, enveloping her in their love and wisdom.

Mahlani’s family tree was rich with branches of support, including her aunts and uncles, Nukeshia (Marvens) Chalumeau, Fratelya (Kiara) Russaw, Makayla Reynolds and Stephan (Breeze), Prentice Jackson, Jr., Latria, Laronda, Crystal, Regina, Shannon, Grady Reynolds, III, Nicole Jones, and Chelsea Hines. Each of them contributed to the tapestry of her life, providing her with a sense of belonging and an extended family of care.

Her special friends, Mannoah Dawsey and Mikayla Myers, shared in the simple joys of her everyday discoveries, while her special cousin, Idajah Walker, and Zwai Reynolds, stood by her as companions in her journey of growth and curiosity.

Mahlani was preceded in death by her grandfather, Burnard Reynolds and great-great grandmother, Cheyenne Reynolds.

Mahlani’s presence was a gift, and she will be remembered as a loving and gentle soul. Her adventurous nature made every day a new opportunity to learn and experience the world in her unique way. She was a light in the lives of those who knew her, and her memory will continue to shine brightly.

As we bid farewell to Mahlani Deon Reynolds, we celebrate the love she gave and received during her time with us. Her legacy is one of pure affection and the reminder to cherish every moment. Mahlani’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her beloved family and friends, as they hold onto the precious memories of her loving and adventurous life.

Mahlani’s journey on this earth has concluded, but her impact will endure. She taught us the profound simplicity of love and the beauty of curiosity. As we mourn her loss, we also honor her life—a life that, though far too short, was deeply meaningful.

The family of Mahlani Deon Reynolds wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time. They take solace in knowing that Mahlani’s gentle spirit will continue to guide and inspire them in the days to come.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home. Mahlani will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.

RHETTINGTON RORY JAMES COOK

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RHETTINGTON RORY JAMES COOK

OZARK…Rhettington Rory James Cook, infant son of Cassidy Cook, of Ozark, was carried by angels into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. He was 2 months and 12 days old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in the Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Cardiac Unit at Children’s Hospital of Birmingham.

Rhettington was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Alan “Gene” Michaels.

Surviving relatives other than his mother, include his brother, Patton Cook; grandparents, Ricky and Jennifer Michaels Cook, Ozark and Rusty and Lisa Tomlinson, Dothan; great-grandmothers, Sharon Shutes Michaels, Ozark and Ann Faircloth Cook, Cairo, Georgia; aunts, Jessica Cook, Ozark and Emily Braswell (Matthew), Dothan; uncle, Nathan Pratt, Troy; cousin, Parker Johnson, Ozark.

You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com

Obituary: Rhettington Rory James Cook

OZARK…Rhettington Rory James Cook, infant son of Cassidy Cook, of Ozark, was carried by
angels into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Children’s Hospital in
Birmingham. He was 2 months and 12 days old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in the Ridgecrest
Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial
Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will
receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House
or Cardiac Unit at Children’s Hospital of Birmingham.
Rhettington was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Alan “Gene” Michaels.
Surviving relatives other than his mother, include his brother, Patton Cook; grandparents,
Ricky and Jennifer Michaels Cook, Ozark and Rusty and Lisa Tomlinson, Dothan; great-
grandmothers, Sharon Shutes Michaels, Ozark and Ann Faircloth Cook, Cairo, Georgia; aunts,
Jessica Cook, Ozark and Emily Braswell (Matthew), Dothan; uncle, Nathan Pratt, Troy; cousin,
Parker Johnson, Ozark.

Obituary of Douglas McArther Cherry

Mr. Douglas  McArther Cherry, a resident of Ozark, died Saturday, December 21, 2024. He was 82 years old.

   A memorial service for Mr. Cherry will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until service time. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.

   Mr. Cherry was born November 19, 1942 in Martin, Tennessee to the late Edmond Brent Cherry and Lola Brown Cherry. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked with telephone contractors before becoming employed with Pea River Electric Cooperative where he retired after 32 years of faithful service. His passions were his family, friends, gardening, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond Brent Cherry and Lola Brown Cherry and several siblings.

   Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Darlene Russ Cherry of Ozark; his son, Douglas A. Cherry of Ozark; his daughter, Kimberly Garwood of Woodstock, Georgia; two grandchildren, Bailee Weber (Blake) of Atlanta, Georgia and Grant Garwood of Woodstock, Georgia; and one great granddaughter, Margaret Weber of Atlanta, Georgia

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Vivian B. Adams School, 2047 Stuart Tarter Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360 (vivianbadams.org).

Robert Arthur Goodson

Robert Arthur Goodson, a cherished family man, and devoted husband, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024, at Southeast Hospital in Dothan, AL. Born on March 10, 1954, in Dothan, Alabama. Robert’s journey through life was one marked by courage, dedication, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.

A visitation will be held Friday, December 27, 2024, from 4-6 PM at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

Robert is Predeceased by his parents, William and Betty Goodson, his sisters Karen Lewis and Sheryl Goodson, and his beloved granddaughter Addison Allen.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Connie Goodson, who was his partner in every sense and his rock throughout their life together. His daughter, Kendal Allen (Josh), and son, Jared Goodson (Amy), will forever cherish the lessons and laughter he shared with them. His grandchildren, Zoey, Emerson, and Marlee Allen, Cade and Wade Goodson, and Kara Kinman, as well as his great-grandchildren, Blake and Barrett Kinman. He is also survived by his sister, Deborah Woodham (Asher), his brother, James Goodson (Angie), many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Robert’s career at the Farley Nuclear Plant was marked by dedication and a strong work ethic until his retirement. Beyond his professional life, Robert was a dedicated family man, Robert found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with his loved ones, cheering on Alabama football, and enjoying the comfort of home.
Despite the early trials of polio, Robert never let it define him. Instead, he chose to knit together a life filled with joy, purpose, and an abundance of love. His resilience not only shaped his character but also served as an inspiration to all who knew him. There was nothing that he could not accomplish.  He approached every challenge with a positive attitude and a smile, teaching those around him the true meaning of perseverance.

Robert’s family takes comfort in knowing that he lived a full and meaningful life, surrounded by love until the very end. His spirit, characterized by his loving nature, will forever be a guiding force for his loved ones.

Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory

2414 Hartford Highway

Dothan, Alabama 36305

334-792-4194

www.wardwilson.com

Mrs. Martha Ann Anglin

SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD

DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301

334-702-1712

www.southernheritagefh.com

 Martha Ann Anglin, a resident of Pansey, Alabama died Friday, December 20, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 87.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1PM, Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage Funeral Home.

Martha Ann was born in Arkansas to the late Clyde and Geraldine Potter Weatherly. After moving to the Wiregrass Area later in life she began a career in the banking industry where she retired after twenty-two years at the bank in Ashford, Alabama. Her hobbies included reading, quilting, and picking up pecans. She was a loving wife of fifty-two years to Murray Anglin, along with being a loving grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers, John Weatherly, and Jerry Weatherly; two sisters, Marietta Powers, and Jewel Dean Weatherly.

Left to cherish her memories are her grandchildren, Kim Moore (James), and Todd Anglin (Tammy); a brother, Thomas Weatherly; a sister, Nancy Gragson; four great grandchildren, Lori Moore, Leslie Jones (Chris), Anissa Anglin, and Jozeph Anglin; three great great grandchildren; a special niece Linda Clemons (Beecher); along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and many friends.

 

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