Marilyn McNeil Blanton, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 91. Born on May 10, 1934, in Blackstone, Virginia, to the late Herbert McNeil and Julia Higgins Miller, Marilyn’s life was a testament to her strength, compassion, and unwavering spirit.
Marilyn’s journey led her from the familiar streets of her birthplace to the vibrant community of Newport News, Virginia, where she completed her education, graduating from Warwick High School. Her path eventually took her to the sun-kissed landscapes of Tucson, Arizona, before she settled in Dothan, Alabama, where she became a cherished member of the Dothan West Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Throughout her life, Marilyn was an active leader in her church, guiding the youth and teaching with a passion that inspired all who were fortunate enough to learn from her. Her commitment to her faith and community was unwavering, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
In her lifetime, Marilyn was a fierce advocate for the rights of handicapped citizens, dedicating her time and energy to ensure they were recognized and respected. Her passion for service shone brightly through her volunteer work with the Special Olympics and Camp ASCCA, where she touched countless lives with her generosity and warmth.
Marilyn’s creative soul found expression in music and poetry. An accomplished pianist and organist, her melodies filled the homes and hearts of those around her. Her voice, both in song and in verse, was a source of comfort and joy to her family and friends. Her artistic talents were a gift she shared freely, enriching the lives of all who knew her.
A pioneer in organic gardening in Arizona, Marilyn was instrumental in promoting sustainable practices long before they became mainstream. Her love for the outdoors was evident in every aspect of her life, from camping and fishing to bird watching and beekeeping. She found solace in the natural world and was an avid gardener, taking pride in canning and preserving the fruits of her labor. Marilyn’s culinary skills were legendary, especially her southern comfort food, which brought together family and friends over shared meals and cherished moments. Her kitchen was a place of gathering, laughter, and the creation of lasting memories.
As a devoted mother, Marilyn’s legacy lives on through her loving daughters, Karen Jaeb (Joey) and Rebecca Moreno (Mario), her six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ronald T. Miller, Sr., her sons Clifford Earl Blanton, Sr. and Thomas Leon Blanton, and the father of her children, Milton Leon Blanton.
Marilyn is also survived by her sister Lenora Parker of Newport News, Virginia, and her sister-in-law Mary Ellen Miller of Asheville, North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Each family member carries a piece of Marilyn’s indomitable spirit, her kindness, and her unwavering faith.
Julian Harris McGriff, a man known for his unwavering faith, friendly demeanor, and uniquely dry humor, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on November 12, 1951, in Houston County, Alabama, Julian made the town of Columbia his lifelong home, where he was a beacon of joy and camaraderie to all who knew him.
A proud graduate of Houston County High School, class of 1970, Julian’s youthful vigor was showcased on the football field, a passion that he carried throughout his life. He was a hardworking man, dedicating many years of his career to Daniel Construction and Southern Company before retiring from McLane Company in 2018. Julian’s work ethic was only matched by his devotion to his community, as evidenced by his active involvement in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Columbia.
Julian’s love for the outdoors was a testament to his appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. An avid fisherman, he took great joy in the tranquility of casting a line into the river, especially when he was in the pursuit of bass, his favorite catch. His love for Star Wars was not only a personal delight but also a shared bond with his daughter, Kati, a connection that was as deep as their shared love for the epic saga.
He was often described as the biggest joker around, a man whose sense of humor was as endearing as it was memorable. Friends knew that a breakfast meet-up at Curt Smith’s store in Columbia wasn’t just about the food; it was an opportunity to engage in lively conversation, share a laugh, and perhaps partake in a bit of lighthearted gossip.
Julian’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Ragan McGriff; his brothers, Ronnie McGriff and Larry Wayne (Jeannie) McGriff; and his brother-in-law, Mike and his wife Paula. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Inez Brackin McGriff, and by his daughter, Kati Lynn Price.
A celebration of Julian’s life will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Vann Cooley officiating. Julian will be laid to rest next to his beloved daughter in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends and family will have an opportunity to share their memories and pay their respects at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Julian McGriff’s legacy is one of laughter, faith, and friendship. He will be remembered as a man who brought light into the lives of others and who faced the world with a smile that was as genuine as it was infectious. His absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
HEADLAND… Roger D. Goan, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away early Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Mr. Goan was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee to the late James Robert Goan and Beatrice McCoig Goan Bible. Roger served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Goan had previously lived in Rome, Georgia before moving to Headland, Alabama over forty years ago. He retired as an engineer with Georgia Pacific. After his retirement, he owned and operated Headland Ace Hardware. He was an avid outdoorsman, where he loved to hunt and fish, and garden. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife of sixty-one years, Peggy Jo Lane Goan; his daughter, Regina “Gina” Goan (Greg Turner); his sister, Carolyn Goan Joyave; his brothers-in-law, Carl Lane and Douglas Lane (Patricia); and his several nieces and nephews.
Virgil Lee Cooper, II, a man of unwavering strength and joy, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Known affectionately as Virgil, he brought laughter and guidance to all who knew him. Born on February 6, 1947, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Virgil’s journey was marked by dedication, both to his country and his family.
Virgil’s early life in Illinois laid the foundation for a man who would become known for his kindness, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. He proudly served his nation for 28 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. While serving in the military, he earned his associate’s degree from Illinois College. After retiring from the military, he started a new career in defense mapping, a testament to his sharp mind and ability to handle responsibilities that came with top security clearance.
Outside his professional life, Virgil’s heart belonged to his family. He was married to the love of his life, Sandra Cooper, whom he met at Illinois College, for a blissful 37 years. Together, they raised a family that included their children Lee (Marci) Cooper, Michael (Michelle) Cooper, Susan (Danny) Labovic, Sharron (Samuel A. Cherry, Jr) Cherry, and Diane Cooper. His role as a father seamlessly transitioned into that of a doting “PawPaw” to his cherished grandchildren Aleksander, Isabela, Zivana Labovic, Coleman, Samantha Cherry, Lauren, Katelyn, and Grady Cooper, and he even had the joy of his great-granddaughter, Penelope Cooper.
Virgil’s siblings, Randy and Michael Cooper, shared in the family’s legacy of love and laughter, while he fondly remembered his late brothers, Donny and Tommy Cooper, and his parents, Virgil Lee Cooper, Sr. and Verna Mae Hodges Cooper, who predeceased him.
A man who was a natural leader, Virgil’s leadership skills and charismatic nature never waned. After relocating to Dothan 15 years ago to be closer to his children and grandchildren, he quickly became a pillar in the community, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. His laughter was contagious, and he had a natural ability to brighten the room. As a father and grandfather, he was not only good but exceptional, always present and involved, instilling values and sharing wisdom.
Virgil’s interests reflected his love for family and his delight in being surrounded by his offspring. His home was filled with joy, and he took great pride in his role as the family patriarch. His legacy is not only in the work he accomplished or the country he served but in the lives he touched and the family he nurtured.
As we bid farewell to Virgil Lee Cooper, II, we remember a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a mark of kindness on the world. He will be remembered as a beacon of light and a source of strength, whose intelligence and thoughtfulness shaped the lives of those around him. Virgil’s story is one of love, service, and an enduring smile that will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Virgil’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to service time.
Ronnie Franklin Long passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at his home in Black, AL. He was 69 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL. Burial will follow in Leddon Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Ronnie was born in Wilmington, NC on June 6, 1955, to the late James Wiley Long and Mary Elizabeth Blanton Savage. Ronnie proudly served and retired from the US Navy after 22 years of dedicated service. After his retirement from the Navy, he began working at Ft. Rucker where he would eventually retire from after 19 years.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, William O. Gildner and his mother-in-law, Dale Stirrup.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debra Long; two sons, Christopher Gildner and John F. Long; one daughter, Joy Hungerman (George); grandchildren, Nicholas Smith, Timothy Stewart, Lucian Gildner, Hazel Gildner, Dakota Gildner, Breonna Gildner, Tyson Gildner, Star Price, Alyssa Hungerman, Quentin Hungerman, and Michael Hungerman, Faythe-Ona and Jeremiah Raborn; two great grandchildren, Delilah and Lyla; and several family members that live in Wilmington, NC.
After the service on Friday, the family will gather at 622 East Bryant Ave., Geneva, AL 36340 for a meal.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
ABBEVILLE. . .Sarah Hicks Lisenby, a resident of Abbeville, died Thursday night, May 22, 2025, at her home. She was 94.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 P.M. Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery in the Capps Community. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 4:30 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, 310 Dothan Road, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Mrs. Lisenby was born and reared in the Blackwood Community of Henry County, daughter of the late Ruben Martin Hicks and Mary Opal Brackin Hicks. She was a 1948 graduate of Newville High School. Mrs. Lisenby attended Troy University and transferred to Auburn University where she received a B.S. Degree in Vocational Education and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. She retired from Abbeville High School after thirty years primarily in Vocational Home Economics. Mrs. Lisenby formerly served as President and in other capacities with the Henry County Retired Teachers. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and its W.M.U., and taught a Sunday School Class. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Abbeville Matrons Club. Mrs. Lisenby lived in the Capps Community most of her adult lifetime before moving to Abbeville in 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Harrison Lisenby, Sr., two sisters, Ruth Hicks Hall and Grace Parker and a son-in-law, Dennis Bennett.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Elizabeth Kirkland-Bennett, Pensacola, FL; two sons, Dr. Robert H. Lisenby, Jr. (Melba), Port St. Joe, FL; and Bill Lisenby (Regina), Ashford; a sister, Carol Baggett, Hawkinsville, GA; a sister-in-law, Mary Edson, Eufaula, AL; grandchildren, Thomas M. “Kirk” Kirkland (Emily), Robert H. Lisenby, III (Erin), William Richard Lisenby, Jonathan Lisenby, K’Lea Lisenby and Brianna Lisenby; step-grandchildren, Clarissa Rabb and Clint Croft (Piya); several great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jonathan Lisenby, Kirk Kirkland, Cash Kirkland, Clint Croft, Jerry Brown and Robby Lisenby.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Patricia Money and Mary Bullard for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Lisenby during her illness.
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.
