Margery Ann Knight, a beacon of unwavering love and gentle kindness, left this world to join her beloved husband in eternal rest on August 8, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in the serene town of Bell, Missouri, on January 13, 1941, Margery’s life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and selflessness.
Margery’s early years in Missouri shaped her into the nurturing and caring person everyone came to adore. After graduating from high school, she married the love of her life, James A. Knight, and embarked on a journey that would see her become the cornerstone of a family that cherished her deeply. Margery’s heart was always with her family, and she was the beloved matriarch to her son, Steve Allen Knight, and daughter, Kelly Ann (Robert Lee Hughes, II) Hughes. The joy of her life was further multiplied by her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann (Christian) McGowan, Robert Lee “Trey” (Nikki) Hughes III, and Alex (Cody) Cary, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Cooper McGowan, Mikayla McGowan, Bobby Gene Hughes, Abbi Cary, Alli Cary, Aubrey Cary, and Autumn Cary.
Margery’s compassion extended beyond her family to her sister, Milly Dressing, who, along with the rest of the family, feels the void left by Margery’s departure. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ella Garstang, and by her loving husband of 59 years, James A. Knight, with whom she now shares a heavenly abode.
As a supportive military wife, Margery’s strength and adaptability were the family’s backbone during numerous relocations. Her professional life was marked by 20 years of dedicated service at Pea River Electric in Ozark, Alabama, where her hardworking and understanding nature made her a cherished colleague until her well-deserved retirement.
Margery’s interests reflected her loving spirit. An avid animal lover, she found companionship and joy in her dogs and horses. Her nurturing touch was also evident in her favorite hobby of taking care of her horses. Moreover, her musical talent shone through when she played the piano, filling the room with warmth and her gentle presence.
Those who knew Margery will remember her as loving, gentle, and selfless—words that only begin to capture the essence of a woman who gave so much and asked for so little in return. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.
A graveside will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-2 pm, where they will share memories and honor the remarkable life of Margery Ann Knight.
Margery’s departure is not an end, but a continuation of love that transcends physical boundaries. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons will be followed, and her love will forever be the guiding light for her family and friends.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
John Wayne Faulk passed away on August 8, 2025, keeping his positive attitude and praise of God until the very end. He lived a joyful Christian life on this earth, but he looked forward with great anticipation to his heavenly homecoming.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brad Faulk; his parents, Andrew and Athalone Faulk; his brother, Wade Faulk; and his son-in-law, Robert Still.
John Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Anndra Faulk; daughter, Dina Still; daughter-in-law, Lanea Faulk; grandchildren, Matthew Still (Rachel Sugg Still), Cade Faulk, and Abby Still; great-grandchildren, Therese and Catherine Still; and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Derryl Homberg; nephew, Frank Homberg, and niece, Jana Champion (Chris).
Born on April 21, 1942, John Wayne was a lifelong servant of the Lord. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, where he was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully until he and Anndra moved to Wicksburg. There they spent 20 years of gratitude and growth at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, where he continued to serve as a deacon. Upon returning to Dothan, he rejoined Calvary Baptist and served until his illness.
John Wayne found great joy in fishing—especially at Lake Ammonia, Seminole and Eufaula—often catching fish for the annual Pilgrim Home Baptist Church fish fry. He caught thousands of fish but was delighted in sharing his catch with friends and family. His freezer was never empty. Known as the best storyteller, he never met a stranger. His love for his Geneva High School classmates endured throughout his life, with many friendships lasting from first grade onward.
John Wayne and Anndra’s love story began in first grade, blossomed through their high school years, and led to marriage in 1962 after graduation and college.
A celebration of life will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home, Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 2:00-3:00pm at the funeral home.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Crockett, Dr. Peacock, and the nurses and staff of ACG Hospice in Dothan for their exceptional care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Mission fund or Wiregrass Hope in Dothan, Al.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Melinda Jean Myers of Taylor passed away August 8, 2025 at the age of 55. Born on March 24, 1970, in Alabama, Melinda’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and passion.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Madrid City Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 A.M. Tuesday, one hour prior to the service.
Melinda’s journey began as the beloved daughter of Howard Troy Campbell and Martha Campbell. She is preceded in death by her father, Howard Troy Campbell. Melinda’s spirit is carried on by her devoted husband of 38 years, Tony Myers, who stood by her side in every chapter of their shared story. Together, they raised a family that became Melinda’s pride and joy: her daughter, Carissa Turner (Brittany), and son, Joshua Myers (Hilary). Melinda’s role as ‘Nana’ to her grandchildren, Eli, Kenlee, and Joselyn, was one she cherished with her whole heart.
Melinda’s love extended to her mother, Martha Campbell, her brother, David Campbell (Christina), and sister, Tami Proctor (Andy), will hold onto the memories of their sister with fondness and pride. Melinda’s warmth and kindness also touched her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who will continue to feel her influence in their lives.
A loving wife, mother, and nana, Melinda’s heart was always with her family. Melinda was an avid sports fan, with a particular passion for the Auburn Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. Melinda’s love for the TV show “Heartland” was well-known among her friends and family. She never missed an episode. Melinda’s legacy is one of love, a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Paul Holland, a steadfast pillar of his community and a beacon of faith, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on August 1, 1946, in Dale County, Alabama, Paul’s life was a testament to the values of love, service, and dedication. His final days were spent in the comfort of his home in Pinckard, Alabama, surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of his church community.
Paul was a man of deep faith and commitment. For 55 years, he was a devoted member of the Newton First Assembly of God, where he served as a deacon. His servant’s heart was evident in every action, and he cherished his church family as much as his own. His love for God was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him in all his endeavors and inspiring those around him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harmon Jackson Holland and Katie Outlaw Holland, as well as his brothers, Jimmy Holland and Herbert Holland. Paul’s legacy of love and kindness is carried on by his beloved wife of 59 years, Phillis Holland; sons, Rodney Holland (LeeAnne) and Ricky Holland (Stacey); grandchildren, Karley (Patrick), Sarah Katherine, Harrison, Lilly Grace (Clayton), Aleena, Alexa, and Isaiah; great-grandchildren, Holland-Rose, and Tripp; brother, George Holland (Sue); brother-in-law, Johnny Standifer (Kitty); sister-in-law, Sherrie Crawford (John); dear friend and pastor, Tommy Giddens (Tara), and a host of nephews, nieces, and extended family members, will fondly remember his unwavering support and boundless generosity.
Paul was a man of many talents and interests. An avid Auburn fan, he would often be heard cheering “War Eagle!” with the same passion he brought to every aspect of his life. His hands were skilled in the art of gardening, and he could often be found tending to his plants with the patience of Job. There was no task too difficult for Paul to tackle; he was the quintessential handyman who could fix anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Paul Holland will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Newton First Assembly of God Church. Pastor Tommy Gidden will officiate the service, honoring a life well-lived and a man dearly loved. Burial will follow in the Newton City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the start of the service to share memories and comfort one another.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Newton First Assembly of God Church in honor of Paul.
ARITON…Mr. Carlton Jacob Outlaw, a resident of Ariton, died late Thursday afternoon, August 7, 2025, at his home. He was 71.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Outlaw, born to Roy Jacob Outlaw and Alice Mildred Tharpe Outlaw, was a proud son of Ariton, Alabama—a town he called home for his entire life. He grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, family, and community, and those values stayed with him every step of the way.
He graduated from Ariton High School in 1971, and anyone who knew him would tell you he never stopped being a Purple Cat at heart. He carried that school pride with him long after his graduation, cheering on the team with the same enthusiasm he had as a teenager.
For many years, Mr. Outlaw worked side by side with his brother in the plumbing and electrical business. It wasn’t just a job—it was a way to stay close to family and serve the people of his hometown. Later in life, he continued that spirit of service at Oak View Retirement Center, where he worked in maintenance until his retirement. He was known there not just for fixing things, but for his kindness, reliability, and the quiet way he made life a little easier for everyone around him.
Mr. Outlaw had a deep love for Alabama football—he was a true Crimson Tide fan through and through. Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and he never missed a chance to root for his team. But his heart also belonged to his hometown heroes, the Ariton Purple Cats. Whether it was college or high school football, he found joy in the game and the community it brought together.
Outside of work and football, Mr. Outlaw found peace in the garden. He had a green thumb and a gentle touch with plants, and he took pride in watching things grow. Gardening wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way for him to connect with nature, reflect, and find quiet moments of happiness. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Leamon Outlaw.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Sara Sheffield Outlaw, Ariton; sister, Carolyn Outlaw, Webb; brother, Curtis Wilton Outlaw (Mavis), Ariton; sister-in-law, Barbara Ann Outlaw, Tallahassee, Florida; nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
NEWVILLE. . .Willie Arlene Tew Thompson, a resident of Newville, died late Thursday night, August 7, 2025, at her home. She was 86.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 10, 2025, in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery, near Newville, with Pastor Scott Wyatt officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the sanctuary of the Concord Baptist Church. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Thompson was born in Louisville, Alabama and was raised in Eufaula, daughter of the late Melvin Tew and Annie Mae Faircloth Tew. She lived in Eufaula most of her adult lifetime before moving to Henry County, near Newville, in 1994. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold Walker, Leon Thompson and Forrest M. Brunson, Jr., a son, Keith Walker, a son-in-law, Edward Sterling, four sisters, Emmie Singleton, Vallie Evans, Winnie Hawkins and a younger sister who was a child, and three brothers, Grover Tew, Glider Tew and Tom Burton.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Carol Singleton (Curtis), Newville; Brenda Walker (Bill Ogletree), Georgetown, GA; Clara Boutwell (Jerome), New Brockton, AL; Diane Sterling and Amber Walker, both of Newville; a son, Kevin Walker, Eufaula; a sister, Senoia McGregor (Michael), Edwin, AL; and a brother, Shelton Tew, Eufaula; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Curtis Singleton, Jerome Boutwell, Ricky Boutwell, Cody Walker, Hunter Walker and Hunter Parttridge.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Jodi, Victoria, Ella and Stephanie, of Gentiva Hospice, for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Thompson during her illness.
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.
