SKIPPERVILLE…Howell Frasier Parish of Skipperville, Alabama and a native of Vernon, Florida passed away on Friday afternoon, October 30, 2026. He lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and plenty of stories and jokes to tell that got better every time they were told! After sixty-nine years of marriage to his beloved wife JoAnn Johnson Parish, raising two sons and usually working at least two jobs while also helping friends and neighbors, he certainly knew a thing or two about commitment, patience, and keeping a sense of humor! Although he faced several health challenges over the years, his passing came unexpectedly, leaving family and friends with heavy hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Westview Heights Methodist Church, 512 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Westview Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Bill Messer officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the church, with a small reception following the memorial service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Born on September 13, 1936, in Vernon, Florida, Howell lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, dedication, faith, family, and a wonderful, some may say oddball, sense of humor.
Howell was born to the late Lemma Dean Parish and Theodore David Parish Sr. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he began a long and distinguished career with L&N/Seaboard Systems/CSX Railroad. After more than 43 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Chief Dispatcher, a position that reflected his years of commitment and hard work.
Hal was a member of the Westview Heights Methodist Church in Ozark, Alabama. His faith, love for his family, and appreciation for life were important parts of who he was.
A hardworking man with a great sense of humor, Howell enjoyed making others laugh and bringing joy to those around him. He had a special passion for collecting clocks, woodworking, and loved traveling throughout the United States. Whether adding another clock to his collection or exploring a new destination, he found enjoyment in the things that made life interesting.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, JoAnn; his parents, Lemma Dean Parish and Theodore David Parish Sr., and his siblings, Carolyne Parish and T.D. Parish Jr.
Above all, Hal cherished his family. He leaves behind his two sons, Reid Parish and his wife, Barbara, and Joseph (Joey) Parish and his wife, Charlene. And his legacy will continue through his grandchildren: Caitlen Parish Green, Justin Parish, Jenna Parish Hood, Jocelyn Parish Wilson, and Frasier Parish.
He also leaves behind five precious great-grandchildren: Oliver, Ivy, Ava, Charlie and Finn, who will carry his memory forward through the generations.
Hal is also survived by his brother, James Parish, who was a constant companion traveling in their motorhomes experiencing all sorts of adventures or long phone calls sharing stories.
Howell’s ninety years were filled with experiences, accomplishments, laughter, and memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him. His dedication to his country, his many years of service to the railroad, his love of family, and his wonderful sense of humor will never be forgotten.
Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
LAURENS, SOUTH CAROLINA. . .Barbara Buckner Ward, wife of 67 years of the late Darance “Red” Elliott Ward, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, at Martha Franks Retirement Community in Laurens, SC.
Born in Midland City, Alabama, on August 28, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Lyman Thomas and Varna Hamric Buckner. She dedicated her life to her family and community, embodying the true spirit of a homemaker. Barbara was a faithful member of Laurens First Baptist Church. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her participation in the Lurlene Steale Sunday School Class, where she formed lifelong friendships and inspired others with her gentle wisdom and compassion. Barbara was an avid reader, rarely seen without a book in her hand.
She is survived by her son, Robert E. Ward of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Michael Allen, Chris Allen (Savannah), Taylor Allen and Ryan Ward (Nicole); 5 great-grandchildren, Haley, Emily, Aurora, Ellie, and Clint; a niece, Joyce Gore (Randy); a nephew, Dan Smith; a son-in-law, Eric Allen; longtime caregiver, Patricia Foggie and her family, Henry, Kendra, CJ, Ziyah, and Ace; and other special caregivers, Jessie Pulley and Beverly.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Ward Allen and sister, Bette Smith Hood.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Holman-Headland & Cremations, 305 South Main Street, Headland, AL, from 3:00 until 4:30 P.M.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Midland City Cemetery in Midland City, Alabama conducted by Reverend Joey Hudspeth.
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.
OZARK…Mrs. Ellen Ida Scott, loving wife, mother, and Oma, of Ozark, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her home with her family at her bedside. She was 95.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Woodlawn Memory Gardens, with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Dale County Humane Society, PO Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Mrs. Scott was born February 27, 1931, in Frankfurt, Germany. After marrying her husband of fifty-six years, they returned to the United States where they raised their two daughters.
Upon settling down in Ozark, she worked at Brown Real Estate as the bookkeeper and later pursued a career in real estate until she retired to enjoy spending time with her grandchildren.
Mrs. Scott was preceded in death by her husband, James Scott; grandson Joshua Scott Wynn; mother and father, Ida and Heinrich Muller; brothers, Horst and Karlheinz Muller.
Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Cardone, Enterprise and Cheryl Scott, Dothan; granddaughter, Heather Mitchell Smith and Larry of Ozark; great-granddaughters, Ella and Emily Smith of Ozark; brother, Wilfried Muller and Elka Muller of Germany and niece, Maike Muller of Germany.
Her family would like to give sincere appreciation to her very special caregivers, Angie, Sharon, Ke Ke and Odessa.
Her family would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.
Mr. James “Jim” Henry Johnson, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, at his residence. He was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula with Michael Canfield and Dr. Scott Thompson officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the VFW Post 5850- 1556 N. Eufaula Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36027.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. EST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Alabama with Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Eufaula directing.
Jim was born on December 27, 1944, to the late Gilbert Condra and Gladys Helen Kent Johnson. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served 3 tours in Vietnam. Jim was known as a true patriot and loved his country. He worked as a mechanic, electrician, and minister. In his spare time, he enjoyed gospel music, singing, and antique cars. He was a chaplain for the VFW Post 5850 in Eufaula, Alabama.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Thelma Johnson; brother, Gilbert C. Johnson, Jr.
He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson; grandson, Samuel Johnson; stepdaughter, Kimberly Peterson; step-granddaughter, Mekayli Peterson and step-grandson, James E. Peterson; caregiver and special friend, Stephanie E. Canfield and her family.
Serving as pallbearers will be veterans from the VFW Post 5850 in Eufaula, Alabama.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. James Stevens “Jimmy” Cherry, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, passed away Sunday morning, November 1, 2026, at his home. He was 78.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Elam Baptist Church Cemetery, Elamville, Alabama with Reverend Tom Skeen officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Jim was born on March 13, 1948, in Ariton, Alabama to Horace and Lillian Cox Cherry. He grew up in Opelika and Elamville. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, the late Horace and Lillian Cox Cherry, his mother-in-law, the late Tokiko Shealey, and his brother-in-law, the late Jack Swinehart.
Survivors include his loving wife Marcia Shealey Cherry of forty-four years. His children James Stevens Cherry, II (Tammy Turley), Harvard, Massachusetts, Alicia Nicole Cherry Clements (Todd), Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Kobe Ryan Cherry (Cassandra), Phenix City, Alabama; siblings include, Douglas Cherry (Cindy), Ariton, Faye Cherry Swinehart, Ozark; and Kathy Cherry Wambles (Michael), Troy, Alabama; father-in-law, Hugh W. Shealey, Ozark; aunt, Sarah Dansby, Ariton; brother-in-law, Hugh Shealey, Jr. (Tamara), Healdton, Oklahoma and sister-in-law, Margaret Deebel, Battle Ground, Virginia; grandchildren, Grace Cherry, Harvard, Massachusetts, Kaitlyn Cherry, Prattville, Alabama, Evie Clements, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Rowan James Cherry, Phenix City; two step-grandchildren, Aiden Marbin and Aria Lovell, Phenix City; nieces and nephews.
Jim was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to travel and fish. He was an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers and loved watching Auburn Football. Jim was a proud member of the Ariton Masonic Lodge #171. Jim worked as a licensed aviation technician for fifty-eight years in various classifications in the aviation field. He worked at Fort Rucker for fifty years. Jim was a member of the IAM Union since 1967.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
The family would like to thank all the nurses at Dothan Hematology and Oncology, Kevin Searcy, RN at Flowers Hospital and Kay Granthan, RN with Enhabit Hospice.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN…Denise Whitten, a resident of Dothan, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026 at a Dothan hospital. She was 58.
Funeral services will be held 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, November 04, 2026 at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Joey Pettis and Reverend Don Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will recieve friends from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Whitten was born in Alabama to James A. Andrews and Julia Elizabeth Cunningham Andrews. She attended high school and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree from Wallace Community College.
She dedicated many years of her life to working at Eastern Technologies as an order specialist, where she was known for her hard work and dedication. She was also a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church.
Mrs. Whitten found joy in the little things that made life special. She loved spending her days antiquing, searching for treasures at yard sales, and browsing the many crafts and creations at craft shows. She treasured the time she spent with her parents, making memories that she held close to her heart.
Above all else, family was the center of her world. She loved her family beyond measure, but nothing brought her greater happiness than her beloved grandbabies. They were her pride and joy, and the love she had for them was immeasurable.
Mrs. Whitten will be remembered for her love of family, her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and the precious memories she created with those she loved. Her love will live on in the hearts of her family, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Richard Whitten; daughter, Rebecca Whitten Willis (Wesley); her parents, James and Elizabeth Andrews; two grandchildren, River Jay Willis and Ella James Willis; several other loving family members and friends.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
Mr. James “Jim” Henry Johnson, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026, at his residence. He was 81 years old.
