SKIPPERVILLE…Mrs. Katherine Gilley Ellis, a resident of Skipperville Community, died late Tuesday evening, September 8, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with her son, Dr. Danny Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Ellis was born to the late Walter Jake Gilley and Beatrice Mae Hartzog Gilley and was a proud native of Ariton. Throughout her life, she carried the values of faith, hard work, and kindness wherever the Lord led her. She spent twenty-two years living in Phenix City before making her home in Ozark in 1974. Thirty-two years ago, she settled in the Skipperville Community, where she became a cherished friend and neighbor to many.
Mrs. Ellis was known for her strong work ethic and servant’s heart. Over the years, she was employed by Columbus Carpet Mills in Columbus, Georgia, worked in the cafeteria at Ladonia Elementary School, and later at Judy Bond in Ozark. No matter where she worked, she believed in doing her best and treating others with kindness and respect.
Faith was at the center of Mrs. Ellis’s life. She found great joy in sharing the love of the Lord through music as a member of the Ellis Singers, a gospel group that ministered through song in churches, nursing homes, community sings, and special gatherings. Her voice, along with her testimony of faith, touched countless lives and brought comfort, encouragement, and hope to many. She loved praising God and was happiest when using her talents to serve Him and uplift others.
Mrs. Ellis was a devoted member of Sykes Creek Baptist Church in Clio, where she faithfully worshiped and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Her Christian faith guided her through life’s blessings and challenges, and she trusted in God’s promises every step of the way.
While her family and friends grieve her absence here on earth, they find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with loved ones who went before her and has received the heavenly reward prepared for God’s faithful servants. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Rodger Ellis; four sisters; and three brothers. Her legacy of faith, love, music, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Surviving relatives include her husband of seventy-five years, Malgum C. Ellis; son, Dr. Danny Ellis (Rita), all of Skipperville; daughter-in-law, Joan Ellis, Ewell Community; grandchildren, Matthew Ellis (Lydia), Kyle Ellis (Bailey), Daniel Ellis, Charles Ellis (Angel), Maria Frase (Mark), and Lydia Wilcox (Doug); great-grandchildren, Drew Frase (Leah), Hunter Frase (Braylin), Anna Grace Frase, Morgan Ellis, Landon Ellis, Caleb Ellis, Chase Wilcox, Luke Wilcox, CeCe Ellis, Gracie Ellis, Bennett Ellis, Jack Ellis, Sawyer Ellis, Emily Stafford, and Zachary Ford; great-great-granddaughter, Blair Rose Frase; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Daniel Ellis, Charles Ellis, Kyle Ellis, Matthew Ellis, Drew Frase, Hunter Frase, Chase Wilcox, Danny Carr, and Landon Ellis.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Harriet Antoinette Donaldson, affectionately known as “Toni” to those who knew and loved her, passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 86.
Toni was born on July 11, 1940, in Pennsylvania to Preston Mitchell and Rebecca Wilt. Throughout her life, she was known for her tender heart and her special love for animals, babies, and the elderly. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she gave so much of herself while raising her two daughters and caring for those she loved.
Family was at the center of Toni’s life. Her home was rarely without a beloved pet, and she passed her deep love of animals on to her daughters. Her compassion for animals and people alike was simply part of who she was.
Toni was fortunate to share her life with two wonderful men. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Burl McCormick. Following Burl’s death, Toni was blessed to find love again with her second husband, Lynn Donaldson, who also preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Preston Mitchell and Rebecca Wilt; her sister, Gladys Ort; and her brothers, Sonny, Luverne, and Clark Wilt.
Toni is survived by her two daughters, Sue Ann Hegerty and her husband, Wayne, of Cooper City, Florida, and Pam McCormick Teel and her husband, Willis Teel, of Montgomery, Alabama; her stepson, Leslie Donaldson and his wife, Catherine, of Lacombe, Louisiana; and her sister, Patty Stewart, of Wingate, North Carolina.
She was a loving grandmother to five grandchildren: Jarett Frazier and his wife, Sara; Courtney Frazier and her wife, Joy; Drew Teel and his wife, Elizabeth; Brent Teel; and Reed Teel and his wife, Elizabeth.
Toni was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Jackson Frazier, Samantha Frazier, Cali Ann Teel, William Teel, Emma Kate Teel, and Jackson Teel.
She is also survived by many sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
During the last several years of her life, Toni lived in Jacksonville, Florida, near her grandson Jarett. Jarett held a very special place in his grandmother’s heart. He lovingly cared for her and made sure she was well looked after. His devotion to his grandmother was a tremendous blessing to Toni and to the entire family.
Toni was a member of the Church of Christ, and her faith was an important part of her life. She also had a very special place in her heart for Camp Wiregrass. Toni loved the idea of children having the opportunity to attend church camp—a place where they could make wonderful memories, build lasting friendships, and, most importantly, learn more about God and grow in their faith.
In keeping with Toni’s love for children and Camp Wiregrass, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Camp Wiregrass. These gifts will help give a child who might not otherwise have the opportunity the chance to attend church camp.
Camp Wiregrass
P.O. Box 311072
Enterprise, AL 36331
A memorial service and lunch will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at College Avenue Church of Christ, 337 College Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Toni’s life was filled with love for her family, compassion for others, devotion to her faith, and a special tenderness for those who needed care. She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the animals she adored, and the family that meant everything to her.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love Toni gave throughout her life will continue through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.
Her legacy is one of love, and that love will live on for generations.
Steven Scott Fischer “Steve”, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Saturday September 5, 2026 at his residence. He was 69.
Family memorial services will be held at a later date.
Steve was born May 11, 1957 in South Dakota and was raised in Panama City, Florida. He retired from Circle City Transport as a Truck Driver. Steve enjoyed working on automobiles, Drag Racing and Motorcycles. You could also find him camping or just hanging out with friends.
Survivors include his kids, Josh and Hilary Myers and their children, Eli and Joselyn.
Nathan Allen Marshall, age 34, of Dothan, Alabama, left this world on Saturday, September 4, 2026, and entered his heavenly home.
Nathan was his mama’s “silent angel” and his daddy’s “Boudreaux.” Throughout his life, Nathan faced many trials and hardships with a strength all his own. Although he never spoke a word, his beautiful smile could light up a room and bring joy to those around him.
Nathan found happiness in the things he loved most. He absolutely loved watching Toy Story, Futurama and Alabama football. He also loved dinosaurs, and robots.
Nathan was preceded in death by his mother, April Marshall, as well as his paternal grandmother and maternal grandparents.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving father, David Marshall; his fur babies, Nadine and Parker; his many fish; his aunt Donna Staffiero and family; his cousin, Brandi Burns and her family; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many other close friends who loved Nathan and will forever remember his sweet smile and gentle spirit.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Nathan’s skilled respite nurses for the compassionate care they provided throughout the years. A very special thank you is extended to his longtime skilled respite nurse, Julie James, who came into Nathan’s life when he was just 11 years old and remained a special part of his life and care.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Fowler Family Funeral Home, 965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, Alabama. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
Nathan will be laid to rest at Bluff Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers will be graciously accepted, or memorial donations may be made in Nathan’s memory to a local humane society of your choice.
Though Nathan never spoke a word, his life spoke volumes through his smile, his presence, and the love he shared with everyone blessed to know him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him….. “to Infiniti and beyond” Buzz Lightyear.
James Michael Warr, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Monday, September 7, 2026, at his residence. He was 67 years old.
Memorial graveside services will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Warren Cemetery in Clayton, Alabama, with Bro. Jimmy Smith officiating and Glover Funeral Home & Crematory directing. Flowers will be accepted.
Michael was born on April 21, 1959, in Frankfort, Germany, to Thomas James and Paula Jean (Peiser) Warr. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Michael retired after 30 years of service from the City of Clayton Water Department, and he also worked for Clayton Rescue and Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked for over 15 years with many classic rock bands in the music industry. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed riding motorcycles and held multiple positions in the Iron Order Club such as President, Vice President, SAA, and Road Captain. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, a good movie, and was an animal lover.
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas James Warr.
Survivors include his mother, Paula Jean (Peiser) Warr; son, Alexander Warr (Rose) of Clayton, Alabama; daughter, Marissa L. Maddox of Dublin Georgia; brother, John Warr of Cumming, Georgia; sister, Tami Warr of Eufaula, Alabama; two grandchildren, Micha Maddox and Loyal Maddox.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
James Edward “Chip” Fails, Jr., age 68, a lifelong resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 8, 2026.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society, 255 Jerry Drive, Dothan, AL 36303, or Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption Center, 2638 Hartford Highway, Dothan, AL 36305.
Chip was born to the late Ed and Peggy Fails and spent his life in the Dothan community. He was a hardworking man who, throughout the years, worked at Sony and B&B Hydraulics.
More recently, Chip found a special kind of happiness working at Mid-City Farm Market. He truly enjoyed the work, but even more than that, he enjoyed the people. He loved meeting new faces, visiting with customers, and simply being part of the Mid-City family. His family would like to extend a special thank-you to Jay Marchman for giving Chip an opportunity that brought so much joy to his life. Seeing Chip happy, smiling, and enjoying the people around him meant more to his family than words can express.
Chip was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved hunting, fishing, grilling, animals, and spending time in the woods. He often said the woods were his church, and there were few places where he felt more at home. He was most comfortable in a pair of overalls, enjoying the simple things in life.
Chip was a quiet man, but when he spoke, people listened. He could also be incredibly stubborn, and those who knew and loved him knew there wasn’t much chance of winning an argument with him once his mind was made up. Beneath that tough exterior, however, was a softer side that those closest to him were blessed to know. Chip wasn’t always a man of many words when it came to expressing his love. Instead, he showed it through the little things—the things he did, the lessons he taught, the conversations he shared, and simply being there when his family needed him.
Above all, Chip loved his family, and his grandchildren held an especially precious place in his heart.
Chip is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Fails. Forty-five years of marriage was a testament in itself to a lifetime built together through love, commitment, laughter, stubbornness, good times, difficult times, and everything in between.
He is also survived by his children, Stephanie (Jason) McCorkel and Josh (Emily) Fails; his grandchildren, Stratton McCorkel, Brantley Bradley, and Tate Fails; mother in-law Addie Nell Traylor, his sisters, Joan (Larry) Wise and Kim Brown; He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as other family members and friends who loved him dearly. Also surviving is Ben Searcy, who was not a son by blood, but was a son in every way that mattered. He will be missed dearly by his beloved dog, Tennie, his constant companion and best friend.
Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Peggy Fails; his father-in-law, Glenn Traylor; his grandson, Cason Allen McCorkel; and his brother-in-law, Kenny Wayne Traylor.
Chip’s life wasn’t defined by fancy things or grand gestures. It was found in family, hard work, the outdoors, a good meal from the grill, a fishing pole, time spent in the woods, and the small ways he showed the people around him that he cared.
Those who knew Chip will remember a hardworking, strong-willed, one-of-a-kind man who loved in his own way and left behind a lifetime of stories and memories that his family will carry with them forever.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
James Michael Warr, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, passed away Monday, September 7, 2026, at his residence. He was 67 years old.
