Michael Clifford Jastrzebski, age 75, of Dothan, AL peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on June 6, 2025. Mike was born June 14, 1949.
Mike was a writer, a wanderer, and a man who lived life on his own terms. Never one to shy away from risk, he followed his dreams wherever they led, from the mountains of Maine to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. He owned a bookstore and a sewing machine shop, built and lived in a log cabin in Maine, and for sixteen years he and his wife, Mary, sailed from the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi and then on to Florida, across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, up to the Chesapeake Bay and back to Florida all aboard a 36-foot sailboat, accompanied by their faithful dog.
Mike wrote what he loved: tropical mysteries filled with the flavor of Florida and the quirky characters of Key West, paranormal mysteries, and fantasy tales. While cruising he turned his experiences into stories that entertained and inspired, becoming the author of nine novels and two novellas. A regular at the Mystery Writers of America’s Florida Chapter meetings and a frequent participant in SleuthFest, Mike was always generous with his time and encouragement. He delighted in talking shop, swapping stories, and supporting fellow writers at readings.
Long before he took to the sea, Mike was an avid swing dancer. It was on the dance floor that he met Mary, the love of his life. He had a great sense of humor, and even in his playful teasing, it was clear to everyone how much he adored her. The affection was unmistakable in the twinkle in his eye whenever he joked about how he suffered from life on “Mary Time.” Once the legendary writer Elmore Leonard told him, “Mary must be a saint.” Mike just grinned.
Mike was a big guy who lived life large. He was a proud father and grandfather. Writing was always his passion, but Mike’s greatest joy was in his family.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, of 30 years and his son Neil (Stacie) and granddaughter, Cianna and grandson, David. Mike is proceeded in death by his parents Betty and Dan and son David Jastrzebski. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Bobby Gene Driver, 88, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, after a long illness. A proud Marine, successful business owner, and devoted man of faith, Bobby lived a full and meaningful life defined by honesty, service, and love.
Born on June 21, 1936, and raised in Coffee County, Alabama, Bobby went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps as a young adult. After settling into civilian life for some time, he moved his family to Ohio where he and Linda raised their three girls and then went on to become the owners of a respected air duct cleaning business. His customers trusted him not just for the quality of his work, but for the integrity and truthfulness that defined every interaction.
Bobby was a faithful member of his church throughout his life, dedicating countless hours to volunteer service. He lived his faith through action, offering a helping hand, a kind word, or a story that lifted someone’s spirit just when they needed it most.
He was the devoted husband of Linda, his beloved wife of 65 years. Together they built a family grounded in love. Bobby was a proud and loving father to his three daughters, Susan, Terri, and Jennifer; and a doting grandfather to Elizabeth, Zach, Evan, and Sam, who brought great joy to him. He was also a loyal and protective big brother to his siblings, Lomax and Diane.
Bobby had a gift for storytelling and an infectious sense of humor that brought light to every room he entered. Whether sharing a joke, a memory, or a song, he made people feel seen, valued, and loved.
His legacy is one of unwavering faith, integrity, and a deep love for family and community. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Driver family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and our regular nurse, Jada Culbreth, for their excellent and compassionate care over the previous two years.
A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Carl Greene and Rev. Dave Cortes, officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30am at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Bobby’s honor to Gentiva Hospice, located at 2431 W Main St #1102, Dothan, AL 36301 or call to make a donation at 334-792-1100.
OZARK…Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Holmes Nelson, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 11, 2025, at her home. She was 104.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and her son, Reverend Gene T. Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Nelson was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. She was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert T. Holmes and Edna L. Nyhart Holmes, she carried the values of hard work and kindness with her throughout her journey.
Her life took her to many places across the United States and even overseas while she stood proudly by her husband’s side during his service in the United States Army. Together, they embraced new experiences, built lasting friendships, and faced the challenges that come with military life. In 1974, they made Ozark their home, where they became cherished members of the community.
Mrs. Nelson had a strong work ethic, having been employed at Judy Bond in Ozark, and earlier in her career, she contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements while working at Peoria Lab, the facility responsible for manufacturing penicillin. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply involved in her faith and community. As a dedicated member and Past Worthy Matron of the Kolb Chapter #468, Order of the Eastern Star, a role she held three times, she guided and inspired many. She was also a proud member of the Daughter of the Nile of Montgomery and the Wiregrass Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Adah. Her unwavering commitment to service extended to her beloved First United Methodist Church of Ozark, where she found joy in being a part of the John Wesley Sunday School Class.
Mrs. Nelson’s life was one of love and devotion. She shared wonderful memories with her late husband, Clarence Edward Nelson, Jr. (1SG, United States Army, Retired), and cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard L. Nelson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Beech Nelson; and sister, Lois DeWitt.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Robert E. Nelson (Becky), Phoenix, Arizona and Reverend Gene T. Nelson (Janis), Ozark; daughter-in-law, Vicki Nelson, Benton, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren; special friend and loving caregiver, Patricia Fryer.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jarrett Brantley, Tracy Brantley, Cacey Christiansen, Wesley Lane, Jake Lawrence, David Mauldin, Dylan Mauldin, Robert Nelson, Jack Renfroe, and Mark Renfroe. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of Order of the Eastern Star, the John Wesley Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church, and Evan Renfroe.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mardell Marie “Mardi” Zumbrun, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Mardi was born on July 24, 1954, in Xenia, Ohio, to the late Marjorie Paulene Gearhart and Randall Gearhart. Mardi’s life was a testament to her kind and generous spirit, and her legacy is reflected in the love and memories she leaves behind.
Mardi’s life was largely spent in Dayton, Ohio, where she built a life full of joy, music, and love. She had a giver’s heart, always looking after others before herself. Her generous and kind nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from her career to the way she raised her children, Shawn Zumbrun and his wife, Danae, Danell Zumbrun Gray and her husband, Charlie, and Lawrence Randall “Buddy” Zumbrun. Mardi was a guiding light and source of strength for her grandchildren, Corey Zumbrun and his wife, Shelley, Celest Zumbrun, Chloe Zumbrun, Charlie Jr. Gray, Nolan Zumbrun, Alana Fleming, Calvin Gray, and Chad Howk, who was like a son to her. Her great-grandchildren, Elena, Ezabelle, Everleigh, and two others, will grow up hearing stories of their remarkable great-grandmother. She was the beloved sister of Norman Gearhart and was preceded in death by her brother Randall Keith Gearhart.
Mardi was a woman of many talents and trades. After completing trade school, she embarked on a career as a skilled carpenter, joining the union and contributing to the construction of skyscrapers and bridges with her strong hands and keen eye for detail. Not only did she work with wood, but she also excelled as a welder, showcasing her versatility and the ability to conquer any challenge that came her way. Mardi was a true artisan, and her work ethic was unparalleled.
Her hobbies and interests were as diverse and rich as her professional life. Mardi was known for her love of puzzles, which she tackled with patience and determination. Fishing was another of her favorite pastimes, offering her moments of tranquility and connection with nature. A fan of science fiction movies, she could often be found engrossed in tales of distant galaxies and futuristic adventures. Mardi had a passion for speed and style, reflected in her admiration for fast cars, especially hot rods. Her musical talents were evident to all who heard her play the guitar, clarinet, and piano. An avid racetrack attendee, Mardi enjoyed the thrill of the races and cherished the time spent with her family in these lively environments.
Mardi’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her spirit of generosity, kindness, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures will continue to inspire those she touched. As we remember Mardi, we celebrate a life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a legacy of warmth and caring that will endure through the generations. Mardell Marie Zumbrun may have left this world, but her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends. Her light will continue to shine brightly, guiding and comforting us in the days to come.
Jerry Lynn Williams, lovingly known as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Jacksons Gap, Alabama.
Born on April 5, 1953, in Frederick, Oklahoma, Jerry’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to his loved ones, a passion for life’s simple pleasures, and a legacy of kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 4:00 P. M. until 6:00 P.M. in the home of Jan and James Lisenby (140 Wysteria Way in Ozark, Alabama). A private burial will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Jerry’s journey began in Frederick but found its roots in Ozark, Alabama, where he graduated from Carroll High School in 1971. His early commitment to hard work and community was evident through his long-standing career as an insurance agent with ALFA and American General. Jerry’s professional life was marked not only by his success but also by the relationships he built along the way.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gail McLaughlin Williams; sons, Keith Williams, Jeremy Williams, and Dr. Brad (Genesee) Cook; daughter, Amanda (Sam) Pack; grandchildren, Emily Ann Bell, Grayson Bell, Emilee Cook, Sydnee Cook, Marlee Cook, Will Pack, and Rob Pack; sister, Debbie (Jim) Head; brothers, Larry (Joannae) Williams, and Jeffery (Missy) Williams; aunt, Linda (Gary) Staples; brothers-in-law, Jim (Vivian) McLaughlin, Dr. Bill (Sarah) McLaughlin, and Rob (Anna) McLaughlin; sisters-in-law, Landra (Greg) Siegfried and Shelley (Waylon) Hoerner; step mother-in-law, Judy McLaughlin; a host of nieces and nephews; and his 26 toed spoiled cat, Mittens, who provided him with companionship and joy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Williams; mother, Rubye Beauchamp Medley; aunt, Clara Roy; father-in-law, Dr. Bob McLaughlin; and mother-in-law, Ann McLaughlin.
Jerry’s zest for life was reflected in his many interests and hobbies. An avid boater, he cherished the tranquility of the water and the adventure of travel. He found great joy in BBQ competitions and was renowned as the family chef, always eager to cook for others. His passion for Auburn football was infectious; as a former president of the Quarterback Club for Carroll High School, an active member of the Dale County Auburn Club, and a devout fan, he savored every moment from attending games to hosting tailgate gatherings. His faith played a significant role in his life. As a devoted Baptist, he found solace and community in Hillcrest Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church, both in Ozark. Jerry’s generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and loving heart made him a pillar in his community and a beacon of light to his family. To describe Jerry Williams as merely loving, generous, and thoughtful would be an understatement. His presence was a gift to those around him, and his memory will be a guiding force for generations to come. He lived a life that exemplified these virtues, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.
