Dorothy Kay Payne White, a beloved mother, devoted wife, and compassionate nurse, passed away at her home in Midland City, Alabama, on August 16, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on May 7, 1963, in Skipperville, Alabama, Dorothy’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family, her patients, and her community.
Dorothy was the cherished daughter of the late Kenneth Earl and Evelyn Gladys Payne. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Annie Catherine Thompson and Betty Jo Payne, and her brother-in-law, Wesley Dean Williams, Jr. Dorothy’s legacy of love and caring is carried on by her devoted husband of 20 years, George White, and her loving children, son Brandon Miller (Amy Sutton), daughters Morgan Miller (Josh Roberts) and Cierra White. Her joy was multiplied by her adoring grandchildren, Oliva, Kylen Grace, Cooper, Zeke, Jayden, Jackie, Alexis, and Hunter, who will miss her deeply. She is also survived by her dedicated sister, Glenda Faye Williams and a host of nieces and nephews. Dorothy’s affection extended to her animal companions, her dogs Lou, Gracie, Axle, and her bird, Spike, who were her cherished babies.
Dorothy’s formative years were spent in Skipperville, where she graduated from G.W. Long High School in 1981. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Wallace Community College, a testament to her lifelong commitment to caring for others. For 30 years, Dorothy served as a nurse at Southeast Health, where she was known for her exceptional skills and compassionate bedside manner. She was medically retired but continued to hold a special place in the hearts of her colleagues and patients. Dorothy’s adventurous spirit led her to work as a travel nurse for several years, bringing her care and empathy to patients far and wide.
Those who knew Dorothy will fondly remember her vibrant personality and her passion for life. An avid Alabama Football fan, she never missed an opportunity to cheer on her favorite team. Dorothy celebrated every holiday, with Halloween and Christmas holding a special place in her heart. Her love for Disney was unmatched, and she found joy in the magic of its stories and characters. Dorothy’s love for the outdoors shone through her enthusiasm for camping, where she spent time with her family. She especially enjoyed traveling, and the few cruises she took were treasured experiences, as she loved exploring new places and creating lasting memories.
Dorothy’s generous spirit was evident in her unwavering desire to help others. She touched countless lives through her work and her natural inclination to extend a helping hand whenever needed. Her absence will be felt deeply by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she brightened with her warmth and kindness.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Jackie Downing officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
HEADLAND. . .It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear loved one, Mrs. Jewel Elaine McClenney (Lanie), age 94, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the home of her eldest granddaughter in Dothan, AL, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 21, 1931, in Texasville, Alabama, to Dowling and Shelley Mae Warr Woodham. She was a 1949 graduate of Baker Hill High School and went on to Troy State Teachers College, where she graduated with a BS Degree in Education and later received a Masters Degree in Education. Later, she was married to her sweetheart of almost 68 years, Mr. Tince McClenney (Papo) where they raised two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Lanie dedicated her life in service to our Lord Jesus and to children, both through the school system, where she taught for many years and the First Baptist Church of Headland Children’s Ministry. She and Papo sent countless numbers of cards, words of encouragement to many, including a prison ministry and engraved New Testament Bibles to newborns of families in the area. Lanie loved her family, both her immediate and extended on both the Woodham and McClenney sides and had a deep understanding of how to be a good friend to young and old. She loved flowers, playing the piano, cooking and making all feel welcome at her table. Lanie was a once in a lifetime special person who took time to love all those around her with open arms. She is welcomed into heaven by Papo and her sweet daughter, Melanie.
Surviving relatives include her son, Joseph Ray McClenney, III and his wife, Susan, her five grandchildren & spouses, Mandi & Josh Sowell, Seth & Aubrie McClenney, Claire & Billy Smith, Cole & Ashleigh McClenney and Meg & Kelly South, her great-grandchildren, Anna Claire Sowell, Aiden Sowell, Clarke Ferguson, Lucie Ferguson, Decker Smith, John Bennett Smith & Miller McClenney. She is also survived by her two sisters, Mary Payne and Rena Henson, her sisters-in-law, Peggy Woodham and Mary Ethel Woodham, and her brother-in-law, Frank McClenney and his wife, Jan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church of Headland with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr., Reverend Norman C. Simmons and a nephew Barry Woodham officiating. Burial will follow in the Newville Baptist Church Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church. At other times, the family will be at the home of Josh and Mandi Sowell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Headland “Bridge To Tomorrow” Building Fund, 301 East Church Street, Headland, AL 36345 or to the Newville Baptist Church “Cemetery Fund”, P.O. Box 13, Newville, AL 36353.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Joseph Ray “Seth” McClenney, IV, John Colter “Cole” McClenney, Joshua William Sowell, Billy Decker Smith, Jon Kelly South, Jr., Aiden Joshua Sowell, and Clarke Lowell Ferguson.
The family wants to thank the many wonderful people that have loved, cared for and checked on Lanie. To all of her many sitters, we say a sincere thank you. To her primary sitters, NaKeshia Brown and Quilla McCain, you are loved by all of us and are a part of our family-we are eternally grateful for the care that you provided for her and the love & compassion that you showed. The family would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice and especially Stephanie Clark for the compassion and loving kindness shown to Mrs. McClenney during her illness.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Hayes Hammond Godwin Jr., 75, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services for Mr. Godwin will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 22, 2025, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ozark with Elder Donald Bradley Phipps officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Military Honors, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Friday in the church from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Born on July 25, 1950, in Ozark, Alabama, to Lucile Johnson Godwin and Hays Godwin Sr., Hayes lived a life marked by humor, service, and an unwavering love for his family, faith, and the outdoors. Professionally, Hayes worked at Michelin in Dothan, Alabama, where his strong work ethic and kind demeanor left a lasting impression. A proud veteran, Hayes served his country during the Vietnam War, embodying courage and dedication. His commitment to serving others extended beyond the battlefield, as he lived a life guided by the light of Christ. In 2013, Hayes and his beloved wife, Rebecca Anne Godwin, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tell City, Indiana, sharing their faith and love with those around them. Hayes’s warm humor and generous spirit touched everyone he met. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—tending to his chickens, caring for his tractor, feeding bluebirds, and spending time outdoors. Whether mowing the lawn, fishing, or riding the mule with his grandchildren, Hayes’s love for nature and family was ever-present. His devotion to his family was evident in the love he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Hayes is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Anne Godwin; children, David (Lori) Godwin, Melissa (Jud) Boyd, Christopher “Grant” (Rome) Godwin, Jacob (Allyson) Godwin, Adam (Ansley) Godwin, and Anthony “Tuck” (Rachel) Godwin; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and his sisters, Rhoda (Marvin) Weide and Naomi Johnson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucile Johnson Godwin; his father, Hays Godwin Sr.; and his brother, Timothy Johnson Godwin.
Hayes’s legacy of faith, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His life was a testament to the joy of serving others and the beauty of a life well-lived.
TYLER, TEXAS…Mrs. Chong Sun Eller, a resident of Tyler, Texas (formerly of Ozark), died late Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. She was 83.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Pastor Randy Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Eller was born January 15, 1941, in Seoul, South Korea and has lived in Ozark 1983. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard J. Eller (Master Sergeant, United States Army, Retired).
Surviving relatives include her brother, In Ki Paek (Amber), Tyler, Texas; niece, Olivia S. Paek; nephews, Pat Muenstermann and Robert J. Paek; great nieces, Charlotte E. Paek and Cora B. Heaton; great-nephew, William Hyun E. Heaton, V.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
