Jimmy Earl Helms of Geneva, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Flowers Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Jimmy was born on March 8, 1954 in Andalusia, Alabama to the late John and Flosie Helms.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Larry Mock officiating. Burial will follow in Whitewater Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his brother, Johnny Helms; niece Kimberly Mims; nephews, Jason Helms (Leigh) and Chris Helms (Tyla); great nephews, Shawn Mims, Tyler Helms, Nick Helms, and Seth Mims, along with several great great nieces and nephews.
Laura Louise Lewis Cook, 53, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 5th, from natural causes.
Raised in the wiregrass area, Laura lived a life full of curiosity, laughter, and love. She was brilliantly intelligent – especially with computers- and yet somehow hilariously baffled by her smartphone. Her quirks made her unforgettable. She was proudly dorky, fiercely herself, and completely enchanted by giraffes, which became something of a trademark in her life.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Wayne Cook, whom she deeply loved and missed.
She is survived by her three children: Amber Baggerly (33), Alec Young (31), and Selwyn Lynn (29); her beloved grandchildren: Sage Wyatt (12), Rileigh Sophia (11), and Jackson Abel (3); her siblings Cheri Blackmon and Andrew Lewis; and her parents Martha and Andy Lewis.
Her service will be held at Wright’s Funeral Home in Headland, Alabama on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family’s wishes are that you make a donation to the Wiregrass Humane Society in her honor.
OZARK…Mrs. Veronica Diane Burke Kline (Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident Ozark, died early Monday morning, August 4, 2025, in the Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was 81.
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.
Mrs. Kline was born in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, the daughter of William Francis Burke and Amy Diane Isaacson Burke. From an early age, she had a creative spark and a curious mind, always drawn to color, texture, and the beauty in everyday things. She graduated from Mission High School, and later pursued her passion for the arts at San Jose State College, where she majored in Art. Her love for creativity would stay with her throughout her life, shaping not only her hobbies but the way she saw the world.
In 1978, Mrs. Kline made the bold decision to join the United States Army—a choice that would define much of her life. She served her country with honor and dedication for over twenty years, building a career marked by discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Her time in the military wasn’t just about duty—it was about camaraderie, growth, and finding strength in herself and others. She carried those values with her long after retirement, and they were evident in the way she approached everything she did.
After her military service, Mrs. Kline continued to work with the same determination and skill she was known for. She owned and operated a Xerox repair company, putting her technical know-how and problem-solving abilities to good use. Later, she became a tool room attendant at Fort Rucker, a role she held for five years. Whether she was fixing machines or organizing tools, she brought care and precision to every task, always willing to lend a hand or share a bit of wisdom with those around her.
Outside of work, Mrs. Kline’s life was rich with creativity and curiosity. She loved making jewelry, often crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her artistic eye and attention to detail. Painting was another passion—her brushstrokes told stories, captured emotions, and brought color to the lives of those who saw her work. She found peace in her garden, tending to plants with the same patience and love she gave to people. And she was a proud “Rock Hound,” always on the lookout for interesting stones and minerals, fascinated by the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Her collection was a reflection of her adventurous spirit and her appreciation for the wonders of the world.
Mrs. Kline was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dale Kline—a loss that left a deep ache in her heart. Yet even in grief, she carried herself with grace and strength, honoring his memory in quiet, meaningful ways.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Billy A. Kline, Ozark; daughter, Denise Lewis, Tennessee; sister, Gloria Lynne Burke Gibson (Raymond); her friend and caregiver, Tina Barber.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mildred Catherine Perkins passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 86. Born on August 15, 1938, in Florida. Mildred’s life was a testament to the power of caring and commitment, both in her professional career and her personal life.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Friday, August 8, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Chaplain Eddie Biss officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 A.M. Friday, one hour prior to the service.
Mildred’s journey began as the daughter of Joseph and Nettie Yates Thomas, and she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Though she is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck Perkins, parents and her siblings, Iona Jacqueline Thomas, James Thomas, Robbie Scott, Ruby Morris, Evelyn Summerlin, Earl Thomas, Max Thomas, Leonard Thomas, and Lamar Thomas, her legacy continues through her cherished family. She is survived by her daughters, Cindi Elmore (Tracy) and Debbie Lewis (Jimmy), her son, Scott Perkins, her sisters, Pat Galloway and Peggy Blakeney (Charles), her adored eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and pride to her life.
For 20 years, Mildred served her community with compassion and expertise as a Cardiac Nurse. Her unwavering dedication to her patients earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the countless families she helped during her career.
Mildred’s world revolved around her family. She poured her love into every interaction, every shared meal, and every moment of laughter and joy. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe, and she never missed an opportunity to express her love and support.
Her interests always aligned with her family’s well-being, and she found her greatest pleasure in the simple moments spent with her loved ones.
Mildred’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, care, and devotion. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take solace in the countless memories she leaves behind. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved her.
Nayvi Rae Roberts, a precious angel born to Denashia Wesley and Raetric Roberts, Jr. on August 4, 2025, was called to heaven that same day.
Nayvi Rae was a beloved sister to Patience Nash and joined her sibling, Purpose Nash, in eternal peace. She was cherished by her grandparents, Shawna Wesley and Reginald, Krystal Roberts, and Raetric Roberts, Sr., and her aunts and uncles – Dezyia Wesley, Deekevion Wesley, Donte Garrett, Delontrey Dixon, Devin Roberts, and Jaylen Roberts.
Her brief life reminded her family of the preciousness of each moment and the power of love. Though she never took a breath in this world, her spirit brought light and meaning, leaving a lasting impression on those who love her.
Nayvi Rae’s family finds peace knowing she is cradled in the arms of angels. Her memory will forever remain in their hearts—a symbol of innocence, love, and hope.
They are grateful for the outpouring of support during this time and will always cherish the mark Nayvi Rae left on their lives.
A graveside service to honor Nayvi’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 8, 2025 in Sunset Memorial Park.
Mrs. Brenda Gayle Perkins McCord, of Slocomb, Alabama passed away at her residence, Monday, August 4, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 75.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home, with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
At the family’s request there will not be a visitation.
Mrs. McCord was born November 24, 1949 to the late Floyd and Nell Perkins. Brenda Gayle, lovingly known to her family as Memaw, will always be remembered for the love, warmth, and joy she shared with everyone around her. To her community, she was Brenda Gayle, but to her family, she was always and forever Memaw. Memaw was the proud mother of Chip and Tara, who she loved more than words could ever express. She cherished her three grandchildren—Brandon, Krystle, and Cassidy—and delighted in the joy brought by her great-grandchildren, whom she “loved to the moon and back.” Her family will always remember the special memories they shared with Memaw: riding bicycles to find the perfect sand pit, building snowmen during the rare South Alabama snow, cheering for Alabama football, and watching NASCAR, which as her grandkids called “all those cars taking another left turn.” She loved the beach, soaking up the sun whenever she could, and took great joy tending to her flowers and plants. And of course, she had a special fondness for John Wayne. Memaw was a blessing to all who knew her. She left a lasting footprint in every life she touched, inspiring those around her with her kind heart, generosity, and endless stories. Her memory will live on through the love she gave and the cherished moments she created with her family.
In addition to her parents, husband, Dennis McCord; a son, “Chip” Alex Toole, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Tara Toole Littlefield; grandchildren: Brandon Maunz, Cassidy VanHoose, Krystle Travis; great grandchildren: Matthew, Nicolas, Alexis, Irie, Mavery, Elijah, Kadie, Madie; a sister, Myra Lassiter; and other extended family and friends.
Nayvi Rae Roberts, a precious angel born to Denashia Wesley and Raetric Roberts, Jr. on August 4, 2025, was called to heaven that same day.
