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.
Arnold Parham, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 67. Arnold Parham was born on January 13, 1958 in New York and moved to Virginia where he stayed.
Arnold was kind to everybody and a hard worker and a very helpful person. Arnold’s loving wife of 41 years, Ophelia Parham, stood by his side as a testament to their love and partnership. Arnold’s dedication to his country was evident in his over 10 years of service in the US Army, from which he medically retired. Arnold was an Aircraft Structures Technician, and he loved coaching track at Providence Christian School. Arnold demonstrated as an instructor of Hapkido where he earned the respected rank of a 3rd degree blackbelt. He was a funny guy who could light up a room.
Arnold was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Rebecca Parham, father, Franklin Roosevelt Bailey and step-father, Horse Brooks, his brothers, Michael Parham and Franklin Roosevelt Bailey, Jr and uncle, Howard Parham.
Arnold is survived by his devoted wife, Ophelia Parham, 3 children, Karrico Parham (Monifa) and Jermaine Corand (Jasmine), and daughter Marquita Springfield (Torey Oliver). Arnold had 7 grandchildren: Larisha Jones, Laquita Jones, Kennedy Corand, Caden Corand, Kingston Corand, Cloves Corand, and Asher Caleb Parham. He is survived by his sisters, Gloria Bailey, Nadine Bailey, Elois Bailey, Regenia Akers, Valarie Mack; his nieces and nephews, Keshon Lee, Shonnel Mack, Lamarenee Williams, Pierra Parham, Cherri Parham, Ciara Parham and Amia Parham; his aunt, Shirley (Carter) Baker; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Callie and James Springfield; and sisters- in-law and brothers-in-law, Cynthia (Michael) Green, Doris (Jerry) Reid, James Larry (Willie Bell) Springfield, Michael C. Springfield, Jeffery (Sherry) Springfield, Gussie (Jimmie) Springfield, Danny (Sara) Springfield, Christa (Darrin) Springfield. Arnold said to all his nieces and nephews and friends, “I love you and I’ll miss you.”
Arnold’s generosity extended beyond his immediate family to his nieces, nephews, and the countless friends and community members whose lives he touched. He was known for his loving demeanor, his readiness to share whatever he had, and his ability to bring laughter and joy to any situation. These qualities made Arnold not just respected but deeply loved by all who knew him.
In his passing, Arnold leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. Yet, his legacy endures through the lives he touched and the memories that will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to know him. The world is undoubtedly a better place because of Arnold Parham’s presence in it.
As we say goodbye to Arnold, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to others. Though he may be gone from our sight, his spirit will live on in the hearts of his beloved family and the community that he served with so much passion and dedication.
Arnold Parham will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, as his story continues to be told through the lives he shaped and the love he shared. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life was a beacon of hope and a source of endless joy to many.
A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor James Springfield and Reverend Griffin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mrs. Mary Eldessa Powers Phillips, a resident of Skipperville, died Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Oakview Manor Healthcare Facility. She was 89 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Phillips will be 3:00 P. M. Sunday, May 25, 2025, from Skipperville Methodist Church with Reverend Gail Joyner officiating. Interment will follow in Skipperville Community Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends in the church Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until service time.
Mrs. Phillips was born January 23, 1936 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Glenn Powers and Lois Andrews Powers. She was a life-long resident of Dale County where she worked as Lunchroom Supervisor at G. W. Long School for twenty-five years and retired in 1997. Mrs. Phillips was a very active member of Skipperville Methodist Church where she served in various positions including Sunday School Teacher and Chairman of Trustees when the new sanctuary was renovated.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Emily Lois Maheu; one brother, John Foster Powers; her grandson, Robert Bailey “Rob” Camarata; great granddaughter, Allison Grace Camarata; and great grandson, Jack Martin.
Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Ralph Phillips of Skipperville; two daughters, Pam Martin (JP) of Wetumpka, Alabama and JoAnn Camarata (Bill) of Skipperville; one son, Glenn Phillips (Carol) of Dothan; two sisters, Cathy Williams (Fred) of Midland City and Sharon Enfinger of Alabaster, Alabama; one brother, Stanford Powers (Sherrie) of Ewell; grandchildren, Jason Martin (Meredith), Katie Davis (Hamp), Ryan Phillips (Leigh), Tyler Phillips (Kelsi), Megan Phillips and Bill Camarata. Nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews also survive.
The family would like to thank Kathy Johnson and Community Hospice along with the staff of Oakview Manor for their loving care. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Skipperville Community Cemetery, P. O. Box 214, Skipperville, Alabama 36374; or to the Skipperville Methodist Church Building Fund, 5189 AL Hwy 105, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
