Gertrude Noshir Engineer, lovingly known as Gertie, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 86.
Born on August 25, 1939, in India, Gertie carried with her throughout her life the grace, strength, and quiet dignity that so often defined her generation. She brought warmth and steadiness to those around her, and she was admired for the care she gave to her family and the thoughtful way she lived each day. Her life was rooted in devotion to her loved ones, and she created a home filled with love, comfort, and lasting memories.
Gertie devoted her life to her family as a homemaker, a role she embraced with pride and purpose. Through her daily acts of care, her patience, and her unwavering support, she helped shape a family legacy built on love and togetherness. She understood the value of simple kindness, hard work, and consistency, and those who knew her will remember the many ways she made life better for others. Her home was a place where family gathered, where traditions were honored, and where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.
She is survived by her beloved spouse, Noshir Engineer; her daughter, Persis Engineer; her grandchildren, Riyan Patel and Rivan Patel; her brother, Brian Robinson; and several other family members who will cherish her memory. Her family was the center of her world, and she gave them her love freely and faithfully. The bonds she formed with them were deep and enduring, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gertie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her resilience, and her devotion to those she loved. She had a way of making others feel valued and cared for, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life reflected the importance of family, faith, and perseverance, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.
Though her passing leaves a deep sorrow, her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to her family and friends. The lessons she taught through her example, the love she shared so generously, and the life she lived with dignity will not be forgotten. Her family will carry forward her memory with gratitude and affection, honoring the beautiful life she lived and the many ways she enriched the lives of others.
A celebration of Gertie’s life will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11am in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Donna Rae Johnson Lee, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 65.
Donna was born on September 26, 1960, in Brownsville, New Jersey, to the late William Earl Johnson and Glenda Rae Tidwell Ballentine. She lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength, and she carried herself with a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Donna was a generous and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and warmth to her family and friends.
Donna shared 35 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Robert Lee. Together, they built a loving home centered on faith, family, and togetherness. She was a proud and loving mother to Cody Lee and his wife Jessica, Kassi Torres and her husband Jose, and Chris Lee and his wife Carla. Donna found great joy in her grandchildren, Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Jeremy Lee, Dakoda Lee, Renee Howell, Landon Lee, and Caylin Lee, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching her family grow.
She is also survived by her sister, Debbie Booth and her husband Sonny; her brother, Ricky Johnson and his wife Penny; and her sisters-in-law, Martha McLain and Joette Booker. Donna valued her family deeply and remained a steady source of love and encouragement to those around her. Her life was a reflection of the care she gave so freely, and her family will forever remember her for the many ways she made each person feel loved and important.
Donna was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. In her daily life, Donna enjoyed spending time with her family above all else. She loved being surrounded by the people she cherished, and those gatherings were often filled with laughter, conversation, and the comfort of being together. She was also known for her love of baking, especially her pound cake and lemon bars, though her homemade pizza was especially beloved by those fortunate enough to enjoy it. Donna also enjoyed playing dominos, where her competitive spirit and cheerful personality often made every game memorable. She was a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and cheered them on with enthusiasm and pride on Saturdays in the fall.
Funeral services for Donna will be held at 11 AM, Monday, August 3, 2026 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Jonathan Tomlin officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Tristan Hill, Jose Torres, Dylan Searcy, Jordan Johnson, Tony Hill, and Jerry Kirkland.
ECHO COMMUNITY…Dr. Mahlon D. Horton, Pastor, a resident of the Echo Community, died early Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 95.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Sara Louise Sawyer, age 90, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 7, 1935, in Scranton, South Carolina, Sara was the daughter of Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer. During her childhood in Alma, Georgia, and Marianna, Florida, she developed a lifelong love of music and the arts. She was a gifted singer and talented musician who played both the saxophone and piano. She frequently performed at school assemblies and in theatrical productions, bringing joy to those who heard her.
Sara was a lifelong learner whose passion for education shaped both her career and the lives of countless students. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Troy University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. Never one to stop learning, she later earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Florida State University.
Sara enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning feature writer for the Dothan Eagle, where her gift for storytelling and writing earned recognition and respect. She later fulfilled her calling as an English professor, teaching English Composition and Literature at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas, and Pensacola Junior College in Pensacola, Florida. Her love of literature, language, and her students left a lasting impression on many. After retiring from teaching at age 65, Sara began a second career in real estate in Pensacola before eventually retiring to Dothan, Alabama.
Above all, Sara was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully shared that hope with her family, leading many of them to a personal faith in Christ. Her kindness, wisdom, prayers, and steadfast example will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Sara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Sara was especially devoted to her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “Magnificent 7.” She always made time for each of them, and her love for them was constant, personal, and unwavering. Her family will remember her for the way she listened, encouraged, and made each person feel seen and valued. Her home and her heart were open, and her presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.
Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer; her sisters, Sandra Rich and Kay Shaughnessy; and her nephew, Alan Wright and her neice, Debbie Hobbs.
She is survived by her brother, Aleclane King Sawyer (Nancy), her three children, Beth Taliaferro Bouchard, Dan W. Taliaferro, and Rosemarie Taliaferro Rich; and her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Bankston (Magnus Nordgren), Hanna Bankston, Andrew F.(Chip) Bouchard II, William Taliaferro II, Ward Taliaferro, Rachel Ridley (David), and Tara Rich. She also leaves behind beloved extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Sara’s life was one of faith, intellect, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on through her family, the many students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast faith.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Theresa Ann Berry, was born on September 24, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida, and passed away on July 27, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Theresa was the daughter of the late Junior Berry and Bernadette Berry. She is survived by her children, Scarlet Hernandez (Alex), Ashley Miller (Jamal), and Dustin Calloway (Kayla). Theresa also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren, Cheyenne, Jewel, Zachariah, Zaine, Aaliyah, Jaiden, and Cody, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She also leaves behind her siblings, David Berry, James Berry, Sr., (Sharon) and Patricia Redman; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Theresa was a graduate of Northview High School and graduated from Troy State University. Later in life, she achieved a double master’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Phoenix, an accomplishment that reflected her determination, discipline, and commitment to personal growth. Her educational journey was a testament to her perseverance and her belief in the value of learning.
Those who knew Theresa will remember her as creative and kind, two words that beautifully describe the way she lived and the way she loved. She had an appreciation for arts and crafts earlier in life, and she enjoyed items that reflected her distinctive taste, including Indian turquoise, leather pieces, blingy accents, and dream catchers. She had a style all her own, and she found joy in the things that spoke to her heart.
Theresa’s life was one of love, resilience, and devotion. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who knew her. To take a verse out of Theresa’s favorite book of the Bible, “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11am at St. Columba Catholic Church.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Lora Frances Barefield Bowman, a resident of Leesburg, Florida and formerly of Ozark, passed away Monday, July 27, 2026, at her home. She was 59 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bowman will be 2:00 P. M. Monday, August 3, 2026, from New Hope Baptist Church with Reverend Daniel Huff, Reverend Daniel Kellum and Reverend Bob Hvarven officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Monday from 1:00 P. M. until service time. Serving as pallbearers will be Ethan Barefield, Eric Barefield, Chris Barefield, Denny Faulk, Toby Oliver and DeWayne Hayes.
Mrs. Bowman was born May 21, 1967 in Kewanee, Illinois. She grew up in Dale County, Alabama and had lived in Florida for the past twenty-nine years. She always loved coming “home” to visit. Lora worked as a DJ at WORJ in Ozark and with WESP in Dothan. She worked as a Manager the restaurant business for over twenty-five years. Lora was a member of Bushnell Church of God where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also enjoyed crocheting, baking cakes for special occasions, gardening, and spending time with her family and her dogs. Lora was an avid Alabama fan. Lora was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Bozeman “Cliff” Barefield.
Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Terry Bowman of Leesburg, Florida; her mother, Carol Kitterman Barefield; her brother; Dan Barefield (Jackilyn) all of the Bertha Community; her in-laws, Rita and Dan Kellum, Timmy Bowman all of Bushnell, Florida, Tonya Oliver of Inverness, Florida, and Christy and Tony Ruby of Eustis, Florida; April Courtney of Zephyrhills, Florida and Allison Kindel of Webster, Florida; several nieces and nephews, Joey and Dianna Oliver of DeLand, Florida, Ethan Barefield of the Bertha Community, Erin Barefield of Dothan, Scotty Oliver (Shelly) and Toby Oliver all of Inverness, Florida, Haley Beavers of Orange City, Florida and Ashley Boose of Gainsville, Florida.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to New Hope Baptist Church, C/O Mr. Chuck Barefield, 4239 County Road 69, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
