Regina Griffin Kennedy, a beacon of love and generosity who left us on June 10, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on February 17, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama, Regina’s journey came full circle as she passed away peacefully in the same town that witnessed her first breath.
Regina’s early life in Dothan was marked by her charm and popularity, evidenced by her selection as class favorite and beauty at Dothan High School, from which she graduated in 1967. Her pursuit of education led her to Troy State University, where she not only excelled academically but also laid the foundations for her future as a beloved educator by obtaining both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education.
For three decades, from 1973 to 2003, Regina dedicated her life to nurturing young minds at Selma Street Elementary and Wilson Street Elementary. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to her students left an indelible mark on the countless lives she touched.
Regina’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. She found love and companionship in her husband, Hank Kennedy, with whom she shared a wonderful marriage of 29 years. Her first marriage to Charles Henry Roberts blessed her with her cherished daughter. Although Regina was preceded in death by her parents, William Berry Griffin and Helen Meriweather Griffin, Hank and Charles, she leaves behind a legacy of love through her family, including her daughter, Tarra Roberts, her special friend and caregiver, Tammy Harrison, and numerous other relatives who will continue to honor her memory.
A devout Christian, Regina was an active member of Covenant Methodist Church, where she found strength and solace in her faith. Her involvement with the Kappa Tau Delta Teacher Association, the Alabama Club, and the Supper Club reflected her love for community and fellowship.
Regina’s home was always filled with warmth and laughter, as she had a natural gift for hosting parties and bringing people together. Her loving and generous spirit was a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her.
A Graveside Service to honor Regina’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. As we lay Regina to rest, we remember a life lived with grace, a heart given freely to others, and a soul deeply rooted in faith. Regina Griffin Kennedy’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the beauty and strength found in a life well-lived.
Becky Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, following a brief illness. She was 67.
Born in Columbus, Georgia on April 18, 1958, to Lucy Bruner Baxley and James Richards, Becky spent her early childhood in Dothan, Alabama with her mother and stepfather, Bill Baxley. When Becky was 12, the family moved to Montgomery, Alabama. Becky was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery and later attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Becky obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In college and beyond, Becky worked avidly behind the scenes on her stepfather Bill’s political aspirations–even recruiting her college girlfriends to help with his gubernatorial campaign. When her mother, Lucy, embarked on her own political career, Becky provided countless hours and crucial support to her mother’s successful elections to the offices of Alabama State Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, and President of the Public Service Commission.
Becky devoted her life to raising her two sons whom she loved unconditionally. Becky’s passion for service and the care of others emulated in every facet of her life. Her nurturing spirit was perfectly suited to the role of mother, grandmother, and aunt, doting on those she loved without restraint. She loved to entertain, was a brilliant cook, and never met a stranger. Becky had an infectious laugh and brought joy and humor to all she encountered. Her selfless benevolence extended far beyond her own household and she held a specific devotion to the care and well being of seniors in her community.
Becky is preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Bruner Baxley, father James Richards, and stepfather, Jim Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Blake and Preston (Brittany); grandchildren, Harper, Julia, Samuel, and Watson; brother, Louis Baxley (Caroline) and their children, Lucy Camille, Elizabeth, and Jackson; stepfather, Bill Baxley (Marie) and their children and grandchildren; the mother of Becky’s grandchildren, Lauren Bennett Nichols; and many close extended family members and friends.
Becky’s family will receive friends at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Pelham at 10:00 a.m. on June 17th, 2025. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reggie Holder officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crisis Center Birmingham in honor of Becky’s unwavering devotion to others.
Mr. Thomas Patrick “Tommy” Wilks of Geneva, AL passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was 62.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva with Rev. Ricky Hall and Rev. Teddy Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Coffee Springs, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Tommy was born on May 17, 1963, in Geneva, AL to the late James Curtis and Margaret “Peggy” O’Connor Wilks. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his children. Tommy loved nothing more than to make people laugh and telling jokes or “tall tells”. He valued time well spent with his family and close friends. He was loved and will be missed by many who were honored to know him.
In addition to his parents, two brothers, Max Neil “Bucky” and John Frank Wilks; sister-in-law, Alisa Wilks; brother-in-law, Bobby Simmons; and one niece, Jodi Wilks Commander, all preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Mindy Wilks; three sons, Jake Wilks (Kacie) of Coffee Springs, AL, Luke Wilks and Eli Wilks, both of Geneva, AL; one sister, Patsy Simmons of Dothan, AL, three brothers, Michael Wilks (Janet) Enterprise, AL, Donald Ray Wilks (Debra) Geneva, AL, Terry Wilks Geneva, AL; sister-in-law, Tamar Wilks of Geneva, AL and several nieces and nephews.
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
Marking the end of an era, Ila “Joan” Welsh passed away peacefully at her home in Eufaula, Alabama, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She lived 93 remarkable years and will be missed.
Ila Pearl was born October 19, 1931, in Louisville, Alabama to the late JC Dykes and Eula Kennedy Dykes. As the eldest of nine children, she honed her leadership skills at an early age. She utilized those skills while she proudly served as a Sergeant in the Women’s Army Corps, working as a statistical analyst at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. During her military service, she met her husband, Daniel C. Welsh, in a chance encounter at Walter Reed Hospital. The exact story of their meeting has varied over the years, but the consistent thread was an undeniable connection leading to a beautiful life story. They were married at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia, and started their family after settling in Cleveland, Ohio. While their five children were young, they returned to Alabama so their children would grow up in a small town surrounded by extended family. Ila later joined Harbison Walker where she worked diligently in several roles until she retired after many years of service.
The Welsh family was blessed with Ila as the matriarch. She has been the centering force of the family through her tenacity, strength, sass, and love. She was never happier (but also maybe a bit stressed) as when she was surrounded by loved ones. As her family grew, she was so proud as each new grandchild or great-grandchild joined the fray. Never one to sit still for long, Ila enjoyed spending time cultivating her yard, fishing, entertaining, or feeding her loved ones. She could often be found enjoying the view of Lake Eufaula from her beautiful back yard. Ila’s strength, wit, and perseverance are all a part of the legacy she has woven into the fabric of the family and life she built. Her memory will carry on in each family gathering and in beautiful days spent outside.
She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Daniel C. Welsh; sister, Leola Wilkes.
Survivors include one son, Daniel T. Welsh (Mendi) of Eufaula, Alabama; four daughters, Theresa Searcy of Eufaula, Alabama, Linda Bratcher (Wayde) of Eufaula, Alabama, Debbie Welsh of Johns Island, South Carolina, and Danette Stiggleman (Mark) of Ft. Myers, Florida; brothers, Cecil Dykes of Columbus, Georgia, and John Dykes of Brundidge, Alabama; four sisters, Bobbie Shelley of Phenix City, Alabama, Robbie Hughes of Phenix City, Alabama, Nell Mills of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and Judy Cole of Midland City, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Amber Martin, Brandy Bickley (Marcus), Kristin Stiggleman, Mark Stiggleman, Jr., Bryan Bratcher (Devon), Alex Welsh (Lindsey), and Auston Welsh; five great-grandchildren, Harper Hutchison, Cooper Bickley, Walker Bickley, Bryar Bratcher, and Brixton Bratcher.
Graveside services with military honors were held Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery Addition in Eufaula, Alabama. Father David Shoemaker officiated, and Glover Funeral Home directed.
Ila was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church- 533 W. Broad St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027.
Mary Dell Paramore passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 85 in Ashford, Alabama. Born on September 13, 1939, in Houston County, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, June 16, 2025 at Enterprise Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 A.M. Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Mary was the cherished daughter of the late Elmer and Hulitte Trawick Paramore. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with the love of her family and the many lives she touched. She was a protective force in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Mary’s presence was a comforting constant, her guidance a compass through the trials and triumphs of their lives. Mary also was an avid Auburn fan.
Mary’s sisters, Shirley Watford Gene), Voncile Johnson (Earl), Martha Colmar (Carl), and Bonnie Shelley (Mickey), will remember her as the loving heart of their family. Mary’s life was a beautiful reflection of the love she gave so freely, and her memory will be cherished in the countless stories and shared moments that will be passed down through generations.
The family she leaves behind is a testament to the love she both gave and received. Her nieces and nephews, each carrying a part of her spirit, will continue to honor her memory by living out the values she instilled in them. Her legacy is one of love, a legacy that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed, yet forever remembered.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dayspring Hospice for their care and support.
Marking the end of an era, Ila “Joan” Welsh passed away peacefully at her home in Eufaula, Alabama, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She lived 93 remarkable years and will be missed.
