NEWTON…Mr. David T. “D.D.” Bodiford, a resident of Newton, died early Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025, at his home. He was 73.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 30, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Mr. Bodiford was born on October 12, 1952, in the small town of Red Level, Alabama, where he began a life that would be marked by hard work, devotion, and love for his family. He grew up with strong values and a determination to succeed, graduating in 1970 from Walton County High School in Defuniak Springs, Florida. His love for learning and his natural curiosity led him to the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering—a field that allowed him to use both his sharp mind and his problem-solving skills.
In 1983, his life took its most meaningful turn when he married the love of his life, Nell. Together, they built a home in Newton, Alabama, where they shared not only years, but countless memories filled with laughter, faith, and the everyday joys of life. Their marriage was a true partnership, one that reflected deep love, respect, and commitment.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bodiford worked with GTE and SONY Corporation before retiring from General Electric Motors in Dothan. He was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to approach challenges with patience and determination. His colleagues respected him not only for his knowledge but also for his kindness and willingness to lend a hand.
Outside of work, Mr. Bodiford was a man of faith. He attended Bethel Baptist Church in Newton, where he found fellowship and strength. His faith was not just something he practiced on Sundays—it was woven into his daily life, guiding the way he treated others and the way he lived with gratitude and humility.
Family was always at the center of his world. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, and those who knew him best will remember the way his face lit up when he was surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Litton and Mary Bodiford, his son-in-law, Larry Burcham, and his brother-in-law, Dr. Lynn Mayfield, DDS, losses that weighed heavily on his heart but never diminished the love he carried for his family.
Mr. Bodiford will be remembered as a man who lived with integrity, who loved deeply, and who left behind a legacy of faith, family, and hard work. His story is not just about the places he lived or the jobs he held, but about the countless lives he touched with his gentle spirit and steady presence.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-three years, Nell Bodiford; daughter, Paula Burcham, both of Newton; son, Pete Beasley (Kimberly), Midland City; sister, Ellen Mayfield, Defuniak Springs, Florida; four grandchildren, Misty Cherry (Mike), Kristy Barefield (Patrick), Jesse Beasley (Wendie), and Jolie Beasley (Devin Fields); five great-grandchildren, Madelyn Cherry (Drake Newman), Reese Barefield, Aaron Beasley, Ashlyn Beasley, and Emersyn Fields; several nieces and nephews including, Mary Chris Murray and Earl Elmore; his best friend, Randall Shirah.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Cherry, Patrick Barefield, Jesse Beasley, Aaron Beasley, Drake Newman, Devin Fields, and David Mosely.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Ashton Taylor Jacobs, affectionately known as Taylor Made to all who adored her, graced this world with her vibrant spirit on July 13, 2004, in Dothan, Alabama. Her journey on earth came to an end on November 23, 2025. Taylor’s infectious laughter and warm presence were a gift to those who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on every heart she touched.
Taylor was the cherished daughter of Alicia and Doug Jacobs and the loving sister to Hunter Jacobs. Her role as a devoted mother to her beloved son, Easton Rhodes, was one she embraced with her whole heart. Taylor’s unwavering bond with her best friend, Haley Shelley, was a testament to the depth of her loyalty and affection. Her family was her sanctuary, and the laughter-filled moments they shared were the essence of her joy.
A proud graduate of Cottonwood High School, Taylor’s academic journey was marked by her enthusiastic participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where her passion for agriculture shone brightly. She took great pride in showing cattle at the National Peanut Festival, an activity that not only showcased her dedication but also her connection to the community and its traditions.
Taylor’s professional life was characterized by her compassionate nature, as she worked as a private sitter. She approached her work with the same love and care that she devoted to every aspect of her life, ensuring that those in her charge felt comforted and valued.
To say that Taylor was full of life would be an understatement. Her personality was a blend of sweetness and exuberance, and her ability to light up any room was unparalleled. Her humor was a source of endless entertainment, and her love of a good time was contagious. Taylor’s outgoing nature meant she never met a stranger, and her friendly demeanor ensured that friendships came easily and lasted a lifetime.
Taylor’s interests extended beyond her work and her love for agriculture. She was a beacon of joy within her family, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones. Her zest for life was evident in everything she did, and her outgoing nature made every gathering a memorable one.
The words that best describe Taylor are loving, funny, and friendly. She was a soul who gave love freely and laughed heartily. Her friendly spirit made her an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew her. Taylor’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and friendship a legacy that will continue to inspire and comfort those she has left behind.
As we bid farewell to Ashton Taylor Jacobs, we celebrate the time we were privileged to share with her. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold with smiles, and her spirit will continue to guide us. Taylor’s journey was a beautiful one, marked by the love she gave and the joy she brought into this world. She will be profoundly missed, but the light she emanated will never dim in the hearts of those who loved her.
A graveside service will be held at 10am on Monday, December 1, 2025 in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
DALEVILLE…Mrs. Doris Nix Brown, a resident of Daleville, died early Tuesday afternoon, November 25, 2025, at her home. She was 78.
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. Brown, the beloved daughter of the late Jhonnie Harrison Nix, Jr. and Mary Aderhold Nix, was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, a place that always held a special spot in her heart. At a young age, she moved with her family to Woodstock, Georgia, where she grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the values that shaped the woman she became. In 2022, she made her home in Daleville, bringing with her the same warmth and kindness that had touched so many throughout her life.
She devoted herself to being a homemaker, pouring her energy into creating a home filled with comfort and care. Mrs. Brown had a gift for making ordinary days feel special. She especially loved doing crafts, finding joy in working with her hands and creating things that reflected her creativity and thoughtfulness. Whether it was a handmade decoration, a thoughtful gift, or simply a project to brighten her home, her crafts were an extension of her love for family and friends.
Faith was an important part of her life. She was a proud member of Central Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, where she found fellowship, strength, and a community that meant so much to her. Her faith guided her through life’s ups and downs, and she carried it with quiet grace in everything she did.
Those who knew Mrs. Brown remember her not only for the roles she filled but for the way she made people feel. She had a gentle spirit, a kind heart, and a way of making others feel welcome and cared for. Her legacy lives on in the love she shared, the memories she created, and the example she set of living a life rooted in family, faith, and simple joys. She was preceded in death by her sister, Shelia Long.
Surviving relatives include her husband of thirty-six years, Randy D. Brown, Daleville; four children, Autumn Brown, Jay Brown, Tara Kougar, and Scott Hawks; brother, Michael Nix (Pamela), Gadsden, Alabama; four grandchildren, Anna, Ashley, Reese, and Katie.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Jannie Pope Franklin, an adventurous soul, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Daleville, Alabama, at the age of 68. Born on May 10, 1957, in Victorville, California, Jannie’s zest for life and her generous spirit touched everyone she met.
Jannie was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Joe Pope and Martha Ann Herring Pope. She leaves behind her children, James Franklin and Kate Pettis (Jonathan); grandson, Callahan Pettis; sister, SaraLynn Johnson; brother, Joey Pope, and her grand-dogs, Lil Mama, Captain, Copper, and Luna.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Jannie at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jim Corley officiating. Inurnment will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.
Her life was a tapestry of cherished moments, woven with the threads of her passions. Jannie was a loving mother, sister, and grandmother, whose idea of a good time was jumping in the car and taking the scenic route, which often meant going all the way to Mississippi just to reach Florida. Her love for the open road was matched only by her passion for Elvis and Fleetwood Mac, whose tunes were the soundtrack to her many escapades. She was a huge Alabama fan, and her dedication ran so deep she wouldn’t even touch the blue and orange M&Ms.
After retiring, Jannie found joy in sitting with the elderly, who adored her just as much as she cherished them. Her simple pleasures included going to the beach and giving to anyone in need, a testament to her big heart and generous spirit.
ABBEVILLE… Wilma Inez Vandeventer Crawford, formerly of Abbeville and a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the past six years, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. She was 96.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Abbeville with Reverend Teddy Ward officiating. Burial will follow at the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Crawford was born September 8, 1929, in Norton, Virginia, to the late Willard Ezra Vandeventer, Sr. and Edna Eliza Livesey Vandeventer. She grew up in Virginia and completed her schooling as a dental hygienist before later becoming a well-known business owner in Henry County. Alongside her family, she owned and operated All Star Sporting Goods in Abbeville, where she greeted customers with kindness, conversation, and a genuine love for her community.
Wilma was deeply committed to service. She was a founding member of the Abbeville Rescue Squad and an active participant in the Garden Club of Abbeville, where her creativity and dedication were a blessing to many. Her gentle spirit, generosity, and love for people shone through every chapter of her life.
She had lived in Pensacola, Florida for the past seven years, and although distance separated her from her hometown, Abbeville always remained close to her heart. Her family and friends remember her as steadfast, graceful, and full of quiet strength—a woman whose compassion enriched every life she touched.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cody Crawford; her sons-in-law Richard Smith and Kenneth Thorn; a grandson, Brian Smith; and her siblings, Charles Vandeventer, Willard Vandeventer, and Leona Vandeventer.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Philip Crawford (Olivia); her daughters, Susan Smith and Teresa Thorn; her grandchildren, Amy Nally, April Pedersen (Ben), Aaron Smith, Amanda Smith, David Crawford, Ashley Hash, Hunter Crawford (Jillian), Tucker Money, and Caleb Money; her nine great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Aaron Smith, David Crawford, Aiden Crawford, Tucker Money, Caleb Money, and Philip Crawford.
