SKIPPERVILLE…James “J” Spears, a resident of Skipperville, died early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Skipperville. He was 18.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Daleville First Methodist Church with Pastor Lee Jones officiating. The family will receive friends 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. in the church sanctuary. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
James was raised in the small town of Daleville, Alabama, a place he called home with pride and where he built a lifetime of memories with the people who loved him most. He graduated from Daleville High School in 2025, and although he wasn’t sure, yet which path he wanted to take in life, James approached each day with an open heart, an easygoing spirit, and a smile that could light up a room.
Anyone who knew James would agree—he was one of a kind. He had this incredible way of making friends everywhere he went, and he didn’t just meet people—he connected with them. Whether it was cracking a painfully cheesy “dad” joke that made you groan and laugh at the same time or just showing up when you needed a helping hand, James made people feel seen and appreciated. He had that rare gift of making others feel better just by being around.
He loved hanging out with his friends and family, those moments, big and small, meant the world to him. And when music came on, oh, you better believe James would break out into one of his signature dance moves, especially if it was to one of his favorite guilty pleasures—what he called “white teen girl music.” Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, you name it. He danced like nobody was watching, and even when everybody was, he didn’t care. That was James: unapologetically joyful, full of life, and always down to make people laugh.
One thing that made him especially proud recently was the opportunity to be considered for a shift manager position at Arby’s in Enterprise. His General Manager saw something in him—his work ethic, his kindness, and his leadership—and James was genuinely thrilled about what the future might hold. He may not have had it all figured out yet, but he was excited, hopeful, and ready for whatever came next.
He was a passionate fan of Ohio State football—Saturdays were for cheering, shouting at the TV, and maybe a little trash talk if his team was doing well. He also had a deep love for 80s music; those upbeat tunes and timeless ballads were always playing in the background of his life. Outdoors, he found peace in hunting and fishing—some of his favorite days were spent out in nature, soaking up the quiet and enjoying the simple things with his girlfriend, Rayleigh Napper.
James was preceded in death by his grandfather, Mark McCarthy. James may have only just started his journey into adulthood, but in his short time, he made a big impact. He made people laugh. He made them feel loved. He made the world a little brighter—just by being himself. And while his absence leaves a deep ache in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, his memory will live on in every shared joke, every familiar song, and every moment of unexpected joy.
Surviving relatives include his father, James Spears, Daleville, mother, Kristin Rhodes (Jamie), Skipperville; grandparents, (1st Sergeant, United States Army, Retired) Jim Spears (Sherry), Daleville, Karen Dye (David), Enterprise, Ann McCarthy, Gainesville, Georgia, Jeff Rhodes (Barbara), Ozark, and Patricia Stevens, Skipperville; great-grandfather, Ed Rhodes (Gayle), Bertha Community; two sisters, Angel Rhodes and Arabella Rhodes, both of Skipperville; brothers, Mikel Spears and Ethan Napper; aunts and uncles, Tracey Potnzer (Zane), Amanda Spears (Larry Clark), (CW4, United States Army) Sean Spears (Michelle), Traci Hammett (Mark), Sarah Rudd (Trevor), Matthew Dye (Lindsey), and Brianna McCarthy; several cousins
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Joseph L Johnson lost his courageous battle with cancer on Saturday evening July 5, 2025.
Joe, an Alabama football fan, avid golfer, an Atlanta Braves fan was born in Panama City, Florida, to Joe and Anne Johnson. He remained there and graduated from Bay County High School in 1973. He then went to Enterprise State Community College on a baseball scholarship and later to Auburn University in Montgomery to complete his baseball career. He transferred to Troy State University where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated in 1975. He returned to Panama City and worked for Colonial Bread Company as a route salesman. In 1981, Joe entered Columbia Theological Seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. During an internship in Houston, Texas in 1983-1984, he met and married Pamela (Pam) Sue Dammann and relocated to Columbia for his senior year of seminary, graduating in May 1985.
Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1985, Joseph Johnson served two Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations: Associate Pastor, Summerville Presbyterian Church, Summerville, SC (1985-1990) and Pastor, Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Dothan, AL (1990-2023). He retired from active ministry on July 31, 2023.
Joseph held a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree (focus: Sacramental Theology), both from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Joseph discovered delight in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and community service, all of which led to a deep concern for those in our world who struggled and celebrated issues of life.
Serving the larger Presbyterian Church was a passion of Joseph’s. He enjoyed working with Councils of the church as they discovered Vision and Strategy priorities for ministry. Joseph served the Presbytery of South Alabama as Moderator, a member of the Vision Division, and as chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Mostly, he served as chair of the Nomination Committee charged with calling a Regional Presbyter to serve South Alabama and Mississippi Presbyteries.
Joe felt a sense of pride in having served as a delegate representing his district at the 2024 DNC national convention. He also served on numerous community boards, including Wiregrass United Way and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce boards. He was currently serving on the Board of Wiregrass 2-1-1. In addition, he served as Moderator of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Home for Children, Talladega, AL. Joseph previously served on the Presbyterian Church (USA) Self-Development of People Committee, a national and international funding partner for communities struggling with poverty and economic oppression. He served SDOP for 2 terms as Chair of the National Committee. Joseph’s past community service included serving on the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the United Way Board of Directors, and the Quality of Life Task Force of ENVISION Dothan. In retirement, Joe served as the Executive Director of The Herring Houses of Dothan, a residential treatment agency serving clients with substance abuse issues.
He was wed to Pamela Dammann Johnson, a dental hygienist and a devoted advocate and helper in his ministry. They cherished the companionship numerous cocker spaniels. Presently, two cocker spaniels, Hannah and Abby. Joe and Pam recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joe L. Johnson II and Anne John Johnson of Panama City. He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Johnson, brother, David Johnson, nephew, Sean Johnson, aunt, Betty Dickinson John, and cousins, Susan John Halliday (Patrick) and children & Nancy John Bone and children.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday July 10, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 205 Holly Ln., Dothan, AL 36301
There will be a visitation with the family immediately following the service at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Joe Johnson to:
Edward Gene Hallford, passed away peacefully on the 4th of July, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born on March 31, 1933, in Geneva County, Alabama, Edward’s work ethic was unparalleled, as evidenced by his over 40 years of dedicated service at Howell’s Plywood. His commitment to his job was matched only by his commitment to his family. Edward was a man of many interests, with a passion for the great outdoors. He was an avid coon hunter and fisherman, finding solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. Boating on Lake Eufaula was one of his favorite pastimes, as was tending to his vegetable garden, where he cultivated not only food for the table but also a space for gathering and creating memories with his loved ones.
Edward was the beloved husband of Brenda Hallford, with whom he shared 33 years of unwavering love and companionship. He was a devoted father to his sons, Walter, Thomas, James, and Jerry Hallford, and to his daughters, Amanda Norred (Jay), Irene Costello (Gary), and Michelle Smith (Sonny). His role as a grandfather and great-grandfather was one he cherished deeply, and his influence will live on through the many lives he touched.
Preceded in death by his parents, Porter Amon Hallford and Jewell Luverne Kimble Hallford, his children, Betty Jean Proctor, Amon Hallford, Donnie Hallford, and Bonnie Kaye Hallford Buck; and his granddaughter, Sherry Hallford, Edward was also the last surviving sibling of his brothers, Floyd, Porter Max, and James Earl Hallford, Sr., and his sisters, Mary Frances Chandler and Ruby Jean Moon. His legacy is also carried on by his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, who will all miss him dearly.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM, Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Reverend Doug Seale officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Ward Wilson Funeral Home to assist with services.
Patricia “Pat” Ann Greenwell, aged 63, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on June 29, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and generous friend. Pat lived a life rooted in compassion, laughter, and unwavering love. Her heart was both shield and sword—fiercely protective of those she loved and always ready to give of herself to others.
Born on March 17, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky, Pat was the youngest of eight siblings. She met the love of her life, Thomas Edward Greenwell Jr., in her hometown, and together they shared 45 joyful years of marriage—a life built on laughter, love, and countless family dinners around their table. Their home was a place where everyone was welcome, and where love and warmth were felt by all who entered.
Pat dedicated her life to caring for others. As a homemaker, she made sure everyone was taken care of. She was a champion for fairness and always made sure her daughters had what they needed and everyone was treated equally. Her caring spirit extended far beyond her family; she looked after friends, relatives, and even strangers—never turning away someone in need. Whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or the mailman—Pat made everyone feel like family.
She had a love for holidays that was unmatched. No matter the occasion, her home was filled with decorations, joy, and light. Her yard and flower beds were a source of pride—meticulously cared for and always blooming with color. She hoped her decorating would bring joy to all who visited or passed by.
If you ever came to her home for a meal, you were not just fed—you were welcomed. Pat cooked for an army, sent guests home with Tupperware full of food, and made sure everyone left with a full belly and a full heart.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Anna Louise Houchens and William Calvert Houchens; her siblings Donnie Simpson (Molly), Brenda Carney (Bert), Sue Garcia, Ronald Houchens; and her granddaughter, Sloane Miller.
She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Edward Greenwell Jr.; siblings Glendell Simpson (Mary Lu), Roger Simpson, and Lavern Parsons (Larry); children Tessa Mendez (Chris), Jennifer Greenwell (Jeremy †2024), and Emily Williams (Duncan); and grandchildren Elijah Gaige, Gabriel, BradynLee, Ellie Tate, and Chandler—all of whom were the joy of her life.
Services will be held at Rehobeth Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 8, with visitation at 12 PM, service at 1 PM, and a reception for family and friends to follow in the church’s MPB building.
Flowers can be sent to:
c/o Greenwell Family
4444 S State Hwy 605, Dothan, AL 36301
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PayPal @tessamendez747
Patricia “Pat” Ann Greenwell lived a life of love, laughter, and deep devotion. Her legacy is carried on through the lives she nurtured and the hearts she touched.
Mr. Jimmy Ray Mathews, age 69, a resident of Headland passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at Hartford Healthcare.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Shady Grove Congregational Holiness Church with Sister Judy Dyson and Sister Jennifer Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm at the church prior to services.
Mr. Jimmy was born on May 29, 1956 to Louie and Merline Mercer Mathews. He was a funny and outspoken individual who brought laughter and joy to those around him. Mr. Jimmy enjoyed fishing, spending time with his friends and family, and had a deep love for good food. He could never turn down a snack or a full meal. He was a member of Shady Grove Congregational Holiness Church, where he found fellowship and faith. Saturdays in the fall, you could find him cheering on his beloved Auburn Tigers. “War Eagle!”
Mr. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Mathews; sister, Sara Deese; mother-in-law, Lois Doerine Shelley; and his grandparents.
Survivors include his wife, Brandi Mathews; sister, Mary Brantley (Max), sisters-in-law, Tammy Carter, Samantha Bragan; father-in-law, William Shelley; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Anthony and Heaven Martin; his very special K9 companion, Rose.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
SKIPPERVILLE…James “J” Spears, a resident of Skipperville, died early Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Skipperville. He was 18.
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
“Pat” Ann Greenwell, aged 63, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on June 29, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and generous friend. Pat lived a life rooted in compassion, laughter, and unwavering love. Her heart was both shield and sword—fiercely protective of those she loved and always ready to give of herself to others.
