Thomas Harry Grooms, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, the same city where he was born on October 11, 1971. He was 54 years old.
Thomas found joy in the simple things and appreciated the comfort of home. He liked to relax at home, spend time with his family, and enjoy the company of those he loved most. Thomas was known as a jokester, and his sense of humor often lifted the spirits of everyone around him. He also took pride in his clothes and shoes, always presenting himself with style and care.
Thomas leaves behind his sons, Makendris Wymes and Khamarian Glanton, as well as one grandchild who brought him joy and pride. He is also survived by his father, Bobby Mcclain, and his siblings, Maria Jones, Shelia Grooms, Kenneth Grooms, Calvin Grooms, and James Grooms. Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Grooms. In addition, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members who will carry his memory forward with love.
Thomas Harry Grooms will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His life touched many, and his memory will continue to bring smiles, comfort, and reflection to those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Debbie Ann Rudd, born August 14, 1964, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026 after a three year long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends.
Debbie was everyone’s “Aunt Debbie” and extended her generosity to those around her. She took pride in being the backbone for those she held so dearly to her heart and especially loved all children as if they were her own. Her hard-work and dedication contributed much to her overall character, making her such a loyal and caring person who wasn’t afraid to crack a joke. Anyone who knew her would say “Aunt Debbie” could be found fishing in any body of water that held fish, or sitting outside with a cup of black coffee enjoying the beauty of nature in her free time.
Family was the most important to her. Debbie is survived by her children, Jimmy Fleming, Blake Senn (Kendra), Necole Rudd (Jordan), and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life information will be disclosed by the family at a later date.
Gracie Ann Grubbs, who was born on May 16, 1957, in Dothan, Alabama, and passed away on September 27, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, was a loving woman whose life was marked by devotion to her family, her work, and the many people who were blessed to know her.
Gracie was a lifelong resident of the Dothan area and attended Dothan High School, where she began building the foundation for a life of quiet strength, kindness, and perseverance. She carried those qualities with her throughout the years and was known by all who loved her as a loving presence who brought comfort and warmth wherever she went. Her life was centered on the people closest to her, and she found great joy in being around family and sharing time with those she held dear.
Gracie devoted many years of her life to education and the students she served. She worked at Ashford schools as a teacher before continuing her career at Rehobeth, where she taught for 34 years before retiring. Her years in the classroom reflected her patience, commitment, and care for others. She touched countless lives through her work, and her influence extended far beyond the school walls. Those who knew her professionally remember her as a dedicated teacher who gave her best each day and made a lasting difference in the lives of her students.
Outside of her work, Gracie enjoyed simple pleasures that brought her happiness and peace. She liked watching television and treasured the time she spent surrounded by family. These moments were among the most meaningful to her, and they reflected the loving spirit that defined her life. She was the kind of person who made others feel welcome, valued, and remembered, and her presence brought comfort to those around her.
Gracie is survived by her fiancé, Jeremiah Grubbs; Parry Adjei; Serena Hall and her husband Dwight; and Major Grubbs. She is also survived by her half-sisters, Gail Brown (Alphonso), Beverly Anderson, Retha Price, Linda Robinson, and Christiana Hawk, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know her. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories they shared with her and the love she gave so freely throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy Grubbs and Susie Grubbs, and her brother, Jimmy Grubbs. Though their absence was felt deeply, Gracie carried the bonds of family with her throughout her life and honored those connections with the love and loyalty she showed to others.
Gracie Ann Grubbs will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to education, and the gentle way she cared for those around her. Her life was a testimony to faithfulness, family, and kindness. The memory of her warmth, her strength, and her steady presence will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Apostle Dennis Durry of New Life Ministry Dothan, AL, officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Clara Nell (Mills) Exum was born September 2, 1942, and peacefully entered her eternal home on September 27, 2026. She grew up in the farming community of Hartford, Alabama, and later made her home in Cottonwood. Clara worked for many years with General Telephone & Electronics (GTE), beginning her career as an operator and later serving in Dispatch before her retirement.
She was a faithful member of Memphis Baptist Church. After many years in Cottonwood, Clara became a resident of Westside Terrace, where she made many friends and was lovingly cared for during her residency.
Clara’s greatest joys in life were spending time with her family and friends, tending to her yard, and watching the birds she loved so dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Laurett Misstledine Mills and Thomas Jeter Mills; her brother, William Jerome “Bill” Mills; her husband, Ladon “Don” Exum; and her son, Paul Wayne Harrison.
She is survived by her children, Sherry McNeill and her favorite son-in-law, Pat, and John Williams and his wife, Darlene. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelly Hart and her husband, Chad, Kendra Taylor, John Michael Williams, and Declan Williams; her great-grandchildren, Madelyn Taylor Sasser and her husband, Anthony, Hank Johnson, Marlie Johnson, Bohdi Hart, Jack Williams; and her great-great-grandchildren, Brinley Sasser and Bennett Sasser.
Clara is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Bottoms and her husband, Ronnie; her niece, Amy Schutz and her husband, David; and her nephews, Ron “Andy” Bottoms and Steven Mills.
A service to celebrate Clara’s life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Glover Funeral Home, with Bro. Billy Rich officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m., at Glover Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Shiloh Baptist Church in Hartford.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Abbeville…Shirley Ann Martin, a resident of Abbeville, died late on Saturday morning, September 19, 2026, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Abbeville. She was 83.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, October 1, 2026 in the Old Zion Baptist Church with a eulogy by Mr. Darden Kirby and Pastor Matthew Quincey officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to; Safe Haven Animal Rescue and Kennels (SHARK), P.O Box 126, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Shirley was born daughter of the late Robert L. Milligan and Elsie Mae Beck in Tampa, FL. She was reared by Horace and Alice Sanders. Shirley lived much of her early lifetime in Polk County and the Orlando area of Florida. Mrs. Martin and her late husband moved to Abbeville in the late 1980’s. She dearly loved her Lord, her family, all kinds of animals, and wildflowers. Shirley was a great cook, seamstress, and homemaker, a devoted wife and mother, and a blessing to all who knew her. She was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Tallie Walter Martin; her brother, Jackie Raie; and her two sisters, Jeanette Brundage and Marjorie Beasley James. Shirley was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include her daughter, Cathy Scruggs and her son, Eddie Scruggs, both of Illinois; and Carol Martin of Orlando, FL. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Wayne Brundage of Indiana; four grandchildren: Rebecca, Issac, Rachel, and Alex; three great-grandchildren; and her first cousin, Dennis K. Davis of Florida; plus her special family friends, Coy Strickland and family.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Roy Everett McCalvin, who was born on June 21, 1950, in Donalsonville, Georgia, passed away on September 25, 2026, in Hartford, Alabama, leaving behind a life marked by service, devotion, and quiet strength.
Roy proudly served in the United States Army, an experience that reflected his commitment to something greater than himself. His military service was a meaningful part of his life, and it spoke to the discipline, courage, and perseverance that remained with him long after his time in uniform. Those who knew him understood that he valued responsibility and honor, and he carried those principles into every part of his life.
On January 7, 2003, in Las Vegas, Roy married Brenda McCalvin, and together they shared a bond built on love, companionship, and mutual devotion. Their marriage was a source of joy and strength, and Brenda stood beside him through the seasons of life with unwavering care. Their relationship reflected the kind of enduring partnership that is remembered with gratitude and affection.
In moments of reflection, the words of Helen Keller offer a fitting tribute to a life well lived: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Roy’s life, his service, and his love will remain part of the lives he touched, carried forward in memory and gratitude.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda McCalvin, and by all who will continue to cherish his memory. Though he has departed this life, the example he set through his character, service, and devotion will not be forgotten. Roy Everett McCalvin will be remembered with love, respect, and appreciation for the life he lived and the lasting impression he made.
