ROCKY HEAD COMMUNITY…Mr. Eddie Blackmon, a resident of the Rocky Head Community, near Ariton, died late Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025. He was 43.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Blackmon was raised in the small town of Newton, Alabama, and was the beloved son of the late Edward Blackmon and Denise Brown Blackmon. He spent his early years surrounded by family, friends, and the familiar comforts of a close-knit community. Later, he made his home in Ozark before settling in the peaceful Rocky Head Community, where he found a sense of quiet and belonging.
He attended Dale County High School in Midland City and worked with Decks Unlimited, where he was known for his strong work ethic and his willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed help.
Those who knew him best will remember his love for working on cars. He had a knack for “tinkering,” always eager to take something apart just to see how it worked—and then put it back together even better than before. Whether it was fixing up an old engine or just spending time in the garage, he found joy in the little things. Music was another passion of his; it filled his days and lifted his spirits, often serving as the soundtrack to his quiet moments and busy afternoons.
Mr. Blackmon carried the memory of his sister, Amanda Lamb, who passed before him. Her absence was deeply felt, and he held her close in his heart every day.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Lavender, Rocky Head Community; his children; his siblings and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Julia Rebecca “Becky” Chestnut, a beacon of love and joy, passed away on October 31, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 75. Born on March 29, 1950, in Blakely, Georgia, she was a woman of exceptional grace and vivacity, whose life was a testament to her loving nature and her passion for family, fashion, and service to her community.
Becky’s early years in Blakely were filled with the warmth of Southern charm and the close-knit bonds of family life. It was there that she developed her lifelong love for people and her impeccable sense of style. Her laughter was infectious, her cooking legendary, and her presence at any gathering guaranteed a memorable time for all.
She was the beloved wife of Chief Master Sergeant (USAF/Ret) Dan Chestnut, with whom she formed an extraordinary partnership. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of life, always supporting each other’s dreams and aspirations. Her husband’s career was brilliantly complemented by Becky’s social finesse, and her natural flair for connection made her an asset in their shared endeavors.
Becky’s career in Civil Service spanned over two decades, where she dedicated herself to the service of her country with the same fervor she devoted to her family. Upon retirement, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate a successful design and remodeling company, where her creativity and business acumen shone brightly.
Her three sons, Major (USAF/Ret) Christopher Lamar (Dana) Chestnut, Stephen Jeffrey (Keri) Chestnut, and William Neal (Mandy) Chestnut, were the pride of her life. Becky, known for being the “fun parent,” infused their lives with humor, compassion, and an unwavering sense of protection. She was a great provider, ensuring that her children not only had what they needed but were also enveloped in love.
Becky’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Lieutenant Junior Grade (USNR) Elizabeth (Lieutenant Colonel (USAF/Ret) Justin) Eulberg, Joshua Chestnut, Emma Chestnut, Staff Sergeant (USAF/Vet) Cameron (Kelly) Bentz, and Karsen (Senior Airman (USAF) Justin) Martin, and her adored great-grandchildren, Owen Martin, Brody Eulberg, Hans Eulberg, Rowan Eulberg, and Torsten Eulberg. She delighted in their accomplishments and milestones, always ready to celebrate their successes with great enthusiasm.
Her sister, Veda (Bill) Espy, shared a special bond with Becky, one that was nurtured over a lifetime of sisterhood. Becky’s niece, Stephanie (Commander (USN/Select) Joe) Tremaine, and her nephew, Major (USA) Eric Cannon, currently serving in the military in Germany, also held a special place in her heart.
Becky’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, intelligence, and passion. She never met a stranger, and her capacity to make everyone feel like family was unparalleled. Her sophisticated and fashionable presence was always noticed, and her jewelry collection was as vibrant and unique as her personality.
As we remember Julia Rebecca “Becky” Chestnut, we celebrate a life lived with boundless energy, unwavering commitment to family, and an open heart that embraced all. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Tim Mayhall officiating. Family will gather in the Sunset Funeral Home Parlors to receive friends on Wednesday from 1-2 pm. Her spirit, as elegant and radiant as the life she led, will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Becky’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as her love will always be a comforting presence in our lives.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 334-983-6604
Sarah E. McCallister, a cherished matriarch and beacon of faith and love, passed away on November 1, 2025, at her home in Rehobeth, Alabama. She was born on October 27, 1939, in West Point, Georgia.
Sarah’s early years in West Point laid the foundation for her character, which was marked by a deep sense of community and family values. Her family moved to Winterhaven during her younger years before settling in the Wiregrass area, where she would spend the majority of her life.
Professionally, Sarah was known for her meticulous work as a seamstress at the Van Heusen Factory in Hartford. She later shared her warmth and dedication with the community through her work at Walmart. But it was her involvement with the New Providence Baptist Church that truly exemplified Sarah’s commitment to service and her unwavering faith.
Sarah’s life was a tapestry woven with love for her family and church family. She was a cornerstone of her family, providing endless support and guidance. She is survived by her loving son, Jason McCallister (Mandy), her adoring grandchildren, Kayla (Evan) Smith, and Katlin Rouse with her boyfriend, Jeremy. Her legacy of love continues through her great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as Meme, Brenlee Kate Smith, Hadley Blair Smith, and the eagerly anticipated baby boy Wyatt. Her siblings, Roy Worthington, Betty Ann Smith, and Linda Jo (Frank) Storms, will forever remember her nurturing spirit, as will her very special niece, Shirley Brown and her sister-in-law, Evelyn Waters.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Luarl McCallister, her parents, Lewis Worthington and Pollie Worrill Worthington, and her brother, Norman Worthington.
Those who knew Sarah will remember her as a loving, faith-filled, and selfless individual. Her days were filled with the joy of reading the Bible, the excitement of watching “The Voice,” and, most importantly, the pleasure of spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil and adore.
Sarah’s impact on the world was as profound as it was gentle. She embodied the virtues she held dear, and her presence was a comforting and guiding light to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. Her departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at New Providence Baptist Church with Bro. Joe Mack Sawyers and Rev. Ricky Plummer officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church.
Coley Mathis died peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Dothan, Alabama. The funeral will be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Services will be led by Bro Jim McNeil and Dr Ricky Plummer. Pall bearers are Kenneth Hatcher, Dwight Deal, Scott Mathis, Chad Mathis, Brandon Martin and Steven McNeilI. Honorary pall bearers are members of the Charity Sunday Class. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 8, Eldridge AL 35554; online at fwbhome.org.
Coley was born on February 11, 1941, the second of twelve children born to Talmadge and Allie Bea Hall Mathis. He grew up in Dale County and spent his adult life in Dothan. Coley worked at Twitchell Corporation for over 49 years, working his way up from machine operator to plant manager. His Twitchell family always held a special place in his heart. After retirement, Coley enjoyed several hobbies, including wood working and bee keeping. His Mathis honey was a favorite of many in the area, and he enjoyed his many repeat customers, witnessing to them about Jesus at every opportunity.
Coley loved his family deeply, and shared 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife Ann. He poured his heart into his children and grandchildren, molding their lives with his quiet words of wisdom and always pointing them to Jesus. Coley loved being big brother to his siblings and taking care of his mother until her death. He and Ann especially enjoyed hosting family Thanksgiving meals at their home since 1979, a beloved family tradition for his siblings as well as his nieces and nephews.
Above all, Coley loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served the Lord faithfully since he accepted Christ on July 28, 1958. He taught Sunday school since he was 19 years old, teaching youth, young married, couples, and senior adult classes. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, teaching the Charity Sunday school class from 2000 – 2024. This was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he loved every member of this class as family.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ann Brown Mathis; his son Chris (Jayne) Mathis; his daughter Tonja (Larry) Sasser; his grandsons Matthew (Jessica) Sasser and Dylan Blackmon; his great grandchildren Lydia Ann and Cole Sasser; and step granddaughter Elizabeth Horn and her children Nichole and Andrew Maughan. He is also survived by 10 of his 11 siblings: Shirley Hatcher, Verdell Deal, Edna (Ed) Andrews, Larry (Myra) Mathis, Jerry Mathis, Tillman (Carolyn) Mathis, Ronnie (Carol) Mathis, Deborah Mathis, Elaine (Bill) Blue, and Kathy Kelley; and 28 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest sister, Shelby Jean Hatcher-Smith.
The family is grateful to Southern Care Hospice for the care they provided Coley in his final days, especially his nurse Donna, his aide Cierra, and his chaplain Kathy; his sitters Geneva Reynolds and Erica Daniels; and his physicians Dr Ryan Conner and Justin Casey, CRNP.
Nellie Fay (Martin) Pope Collins, 93, a life-long resident of Dothan, passed away on, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her residence following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 3, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend Jimmy Dean officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 12:45 p.m., prior to the service.
Nellie was born December 18, 1931, to the late Hilliard Thomas Martin Sr. and Lelia Davis Martin. She was a 1950 graduate of Rehobeth High School. Following graduation she attended Riley School of Business, earning her associate degree in Bookkeeping. Nellie primarily worked in the banking industry, as well as the bookkeeper for Memphis Baptist Church. She loved gardening, and was a member of Olympia Garden Club, proudly serving as Chairperson. Nellie has been a member of Selma Baptist Church for the last 32 years and formerly attended Memphis Baptist Church.
She is preceded by her parents; her two husbands, Robert Leroy Pope, and Donald L. Collins; her son, Ronald Martin Pope; her grandson, Daryl Robert Pope Jr.; her seven siblings, Robert Martin, Lounette Martin Williams, Floyd Martin, Roy Martin, Louie Martin, Hilliard Thomas Martin Jr., and Arthur Martin.
She is survived by her two children, Freida Swicord (Hugh) of Dothan, and Daryl Pope (Tammy) of Albany, GA; her seven grandchildren, Brandon Pope of Valdosta, GA, Laura Elizabeth Swicord of Pensacola, FL, Charles Swicord III of Auburn, Davis Swicord of Charleston, SC, Benjamin Swicord (Jackie) of Auburn, Chelsea Harvey (Christopher) of Albany, GA, and Lauren Sparks of Panama City; one great-grandchild, Grey Harvey; and several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
HEADLAND. . .Kenneth Roy Burkett, a resident of Headland, passed away early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2025, in the Camp Springs Baptist Church, near Columbia, with Reverend Jim Corley and Pastor Gregory Bevan officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Camp Springs Baptist Church, c/o Sharon Elliott, 13205 County Road 53, Columbia, AL 36319.
Kenneth Burkett was born and raised in Headland, son of the late John Amos Burkett and Jennie Ve Vice Burkett. He formerly lived in the Camp Springs community of Henry County before returning to Headland. Kenneth was formerly employed by E-Group of Birmingham at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, near Columbia. In earlier years, Kenneth was employed by Alabama Power Company as a Nuclear Specialist. He was an active member of Camp Springs Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and taught the Ada Dukes Sunday School Class. Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife of forty-nine years, Lucy Faye Lisenby Burkett, sisters, Mary Louise Burkett and Lawanna Cheshire, a brother, Durwood Lamar Burkett and a great-grandchild, Mason James “M.J.” Liles.
Surviving relatives include a son, Kenneth Mitchell Burkett (Rose Mary), Stigler Oklahoma; sisters, Carolyn Miller, St. Marys, Georgia; and Dianne McNeill (Joel), Webb, AL; brothers, Larry Burkett, Headland; and Leon Burkett, Panama City; a brother-in-law, Jim Cheshire, Enterprise; grandchildren, Amelia Faye Burkett (Shay Zellers), Jesse Burkett (Mary), Dale Burkett and Audrey Burkett; great-grandchildren, Rayleigh Burkett, Kynslie McCall, Lucy Jayde Zellers, Adeline Burkett, Lucas Burkett, Shiloh Burkett, Makenna Burkett, Landyn Petty and Ryder Smith; several nieces and nephews.
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.
