rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Johnny Ray Cannon

Johnny Ray Cannon

Johnny Ray Cannon, Jr. of Daleville, AL passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 5th, 2025.  He was 62.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at El Bethel Baptist Church (9432 North AL 27, Chancellor, AL 36316) with Pastor Zachary Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Johnny was born in Fort Belvoir, VA in 1963 to Johnny Ray Cannon and Julia Gail Cannon. As an army dependent, he grew up traveling the world and after high school served briefly in the US Army where he trained to be an MP before focusing his talent to hone his skills as a welder, a trade he enjoyed and at which he excelled.

Johnny loved sports of all kinds, but above all he loved the Crimson Tide.  Saturdays in the fall were his favorite days and win or lose if Alabama was playing, he was watching.  From the Bama Flag on his porch to the decor in his living room, his home lived and breathed Alabama football.  Roll Tide!

Johnny was kind and present with a shoulder, an ear, or a hug when one was needed without judgment.  He had a beautifully odd sense of humor and found the funny in the mundane. He loved music of all genres, could be counted on for in depth conversation on just about anything and could solve the most difficult math equations with a glance.  He was a private person, but to those of us who knew him best he was a wealth of quiet strength and a fountain of generosity and love.

Johnny was baptized in 1978 at First Baptist Church in Level Plains, AL, and after a lifetime of challenges had a renewed relationship with Jesus that assures us, he is again whole and reunited with family who have gone before.  For the rest of us, the world is much less beautiful today.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Ray Cannon, Sr., his brother, Mark Thomas Cannon, and his nephew, Christian Thomas Cannon.

He is survived by his daughter and the love of his life, Haley Lynn Cebreros (Matt) of Blaine, WA; his mother, Judy Lawhorn of Chancellor, AL; his sister, Julianna Cannon of Enterprise, AL; his best friend Emily Skaggs, of Mobile, AL; and a myriad of aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved and by whom he was loved.

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com

Harold Martin

Harold Martin

Harold Martin, a resident of Ozark, Alabama, died peacefully on September 7, 2025, surrounded by his family.  He was 84 years old.  Bro. Martin was born on September 1, 1941 in Dale County to Woodrow and Doshia Mae Martin.  He was a Trowel Trades Instructor at the Ozark Technology Center for 25 years and a business owner of a Masonry Company for many years.

He enjoyed so many good things, but nothing brought him more joy than teaching his children and aiding others as well from the scriptures.  He gained much joy by lending his masonry skills to the RBC (a program that builds Kingdom Halls, places of worship).  It has been estimated that he participated in building 66 of these structures in the Tri-State area and also the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  He has been a dedicated, baptized Jehovah’s Witness for over 60 years.  He was married to his beloved and very supportive wife, Sis. Jean Martin, for 64 years.  To this union were born four daughters:  Sandra Martin-Thomas; Patricia (Glenn) Brooks; Beverly (Glenn) Jackson; and Miriam (Eric) Register.

He was the very proud GRANDPA to 7 Grand-Children:  Crystal (Charles) Hill; Samantha Jackson (Alex Tolbert); Brandon Register; Kennedi Brooks; Peni Givan, Asia Bennett (Travis) Austin Thomas; and Ashley Thomas.  More Blessings occurred and bestowed 6 Great-Grandchildren: Carissa Hill, Rayvin Jackson, Mariah Farrier, Major Farrier and Azrael Bennett.

Harold is survived by one brother, Clarence Nickerson, and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and blood relatives that reside in Ozark and surrounding areas.

He is also survived by many spiritual brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM Saturday, September 13, 2025,  at the Ozark Civic Center 320 E College Street Ozark, Alabama  36360. For those who are unable to attend in person may livestream the service via ZOOM ID: 464 609 6636 Passcode:  matt2414

Carol Hayes Adams

Carol Hayes Adams

ASHFORD. . .Carol Hayes Adams, a resident of Ashford, died Tuesday morning, September 9, 2025, at her home. She was 65.

There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.

Carol Adams was born near Ponce de Leon, Florida, daughter of the late Reverend Albert Hayes and Dorothy Phillbrook Hayes. She lived in the Dothan area most of lifetime. Carol served as a foster parent, raising children in her home. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Courtney Adams.

Surviving relatives include a granddaughter, Madison Miller, Ashford; children that she raised, Berly, Jennifer, Melissa, Kimberly, Billy Ray, Jonathan and Trista; and other grandchildren that she helped to raise. Carol is also survived by three great-grandchildren and a sister, Rebecca Anderson (Steve), Dothan.

 

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.

 

Mr. Robert Saverio Uzialko

             SOUTHERN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

1000 HODGESVILLE ROAD

DOTHAN, ALABAMA 36301

334-702-1712

www.southernheritagefh.com

Robert Saverio Uzialko, a resident of Geneva, Alabama died Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 58.

Robert was a veteran of the United States Army, a carpenter and his latest job was DJing at his local bar. He was witty and funny and enjoyed making people laugh and have a good time.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Martin Harding, Sr. and a brother, James “Jimmy John” Uzialko.

Family was important to Robert and he is survived by his mother, Maria Harding, children, Elizabeth Ann Uzialko, Robert Saverio Uzialko, Jr. (Jazmine); grandson, Adrian Saverio Uzialko and his siblings, Maria Cordell (Carl), Tammy Lindsey, Michell Harding and Joseph Harding; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Dr. Myland Brown

Dr. Myland Brown

On the morning of September 6, 2025, God called home one of His special servants, Dr. Myland Brown.

 

Dr. Brown was born on May 30, 1933, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Henry and Willie May Brown. He was the second oldest child in a family of four, with two sisters and one brother. The Brown family grew up on Acid Plant Hill in Dothan, where Dr. Brown accepted Christ at an early age while attending Greater Beulah Baptist Church.

After graduating from Carver High School in Dothan in 1952, and with the support of Coach Bryant, Dr. Brown enrolled at Alabama State University. His studies were interrupted after his freshman year when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served faithfully at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he trained as a military police officer. Following his honorable service, Dr. Brown utilized the G.I. Bill to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in History at Alabama State University, later earning his Master’s Degree in History, with a thesis focused in Guana.

 

Dr. Brown continued his academic journey at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he became the first African American to earn a Doctorate in Education from that institution. While studying at Ball State, he was selected for an assignment in South America, where he served as an educational consultant and was deeply impressed by the structure and organization of their school systems.

 

Over his remarkable 45-year career as an educator, Dr. Brown touched countless lives. He taught with passion and dedication, receiving numerous awards and accolades, but he always said the honors given to his students meant the most. He was named “Favorite Teacher of the Year” multiple times while teaching in Bainbridge, Georgia. Among his many students, one of his proudest was Kirby Smart, who went on to become the head football coach at the University of Georgia. Former student Alan Blankstein, a Nobel Prize winner and author of several books including Failure Is Not an Option, credits much of his success to the guidance and inspiration of Dr. Myland Brown. Dr. Brown also worked for Delaware State, Fort Valley State, New York State, Barber Scotia College, South Carolina State, and Ball State.

 

Dr. Brown was also a respected author and philanthropist. His book, Pure Butter, became a Top 10 bestseller. He explained the title by recalling how his mother always used pure butter rather than anything artificial-a principle he carried into education, believing students must be taught with truth, purpose, and sincerity. His philosophy emphasized returning to the basics, instilling values, and guiding young people toward their God-given purpose. His work has inspired countless students to rise above adversity and realize their potential.

 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Brown was a pillar of his community. He was an active member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc., where he gave selflessly through community service. He served on the boards of Southeast Health Medical Center and the Medical College, consistently championing education and healthcare. He was also honored by former Mayor Mike Schmitz with the Key to the City of Dothan for his lifelong contributions to education and philanthropy.

 

Dr. Brown’s personality was as impactful as his achievements. He connected instantly with people, often sharing jokes and his warm, gregarious laugh. He was a true Southern gentleman- an accomplished professional, yet humble and approachable.

 

Dr. Brown was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janie Evans Brown, his parents, and his siblings, M.L. Brown, Flora Lee Brown, Willie Henry Brown, and John Brown.

 

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Patreace Brown; granddaughter, Toure Ashlynn Collins-Brown; cousins,

Wanda Christiani, Linda White, Barbara Parker, and Jean Page Dunbar; and his caregivers, Anthony Fleming and James Tillman. He also leaves behind Dr. Charles Corbitt, like a son to him; Wanda Tennyson, Twyla Peoples, and Rose Patterson Medo (Jay Medo), like daughters to him; and Samuel Medo, Esther Medo, and Ezra Medo, who were dear to his heart as they were like grandchildren to him. He also leaves behind his special friends, Rosalind and Farmer James.

 

A celebration of Dr. Brown’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11am at Great Beulah Baptist Church located at 254 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park following military honors. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5pm-7pm at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home. A visitation will also be held on Saturday at Greater Beulah Church from 10am until 10:30am prior to the service.

OTELIA MCDONALD OBITUARY

OTELIA MCDONALD OBITUARY

Otelia McDonald was born on May 3, 1955 to James and Kathreen Daniels McDonald.

At an early age, Otelia joined Little Rocky Mt. Freewill Baptist Church in Tumbleton, Alabama.  She attended Houston County High School.  Otelia worked at Wex-Tex for a short period of time.

Otelia departed this life on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, FL. She is preceded in death  by her parents, James and Kathreen McDonald; one grandchild; five sisters, Rose Crews, Linda Buzz, Alice Allen, Virginia M. Crews and Addie Springfield; and one brother, Frank McDonald.

She leaves to cherish her memories: One daughter, Amanda A. McDonald; her grandson, Timothy Z. McDonald; five sisters, Florene Pierce, Willie Mae Freeman. Essie Allen, Martha McDonald, Gloria Allen; three brothers, Jessie (Evie Mae) McDonald, Samuel McDonald and Morris McDonald, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

FAMILY VISITATION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 FROM 1 TO 3 P.M., AT HORACE WILLIAMS MORTUARY, 1457 E. MAIN STREET, DOTHAN, AL.

FRIENDS’ VISITATION WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 FROM 10:30 TO 12 NOON AT LITTLE ROCKY MT. FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH, 332 COUNTY RD. 270, TUMBLETON, AL.

FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 12 NOON AT LITTLE ROCKY MT. FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH, 332 COUNTY RD. 270, TUMBLETON, AL.

INTERMENT WILL BE HELD FOLLOWING THE SERVICE AT LITTLE ROCKY MT. FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY, TUMBLETON, AL.

REPAST WILL BE HELD AT LITTLE ROCKY MT. FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL.

Directed by

Horace Williams Mortuary

1457 E. Main Street

Dothan, AL 36301

(334) 792-7099

 

Skip to content