HEADLAND. . .Jimmy A. Hicks, a resident of Headland, died Saturday afternoon, June 14, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the Headland Methodist Church with Pastor Clayton Lassiter, Reverend Phil Craddock and Pastor Phillip Pinyan officiating and eulogy to be given by Brent Hicks. Burial will follow in the Headland Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Family Life Center of the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Headland Methodist Church “Legacy Fund”, 103 West King Street, Headland, AL 36345.
Mr. Hicks was born and reared in Geneva County, near Hartford, son of the late Luther Z. Hicks and Alma Capps Hicks. He was a 1956 graduate of Geneva County High School in Hartford and attended Massey Draughon Business College in Columbus and Atlanta. Mr. Hicks served his country in the Army National Guard in the Abbeville and Phenix City units. He lived in Columbus before moving to Headland in 1971. While living in Columbus, Mr. Hicks was a member of the Jaycees. He was an active member of the Headland Methodist Church where he participated in many church activities. Mr. Hicks formerly served as President of the Headland Athletic Association. He was retired from Hedstrom Union Company in Dothan. After retirement, Mr. Hicks was employed by King Church Furniture. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dot Brannon, and a brother Jerry Hicks.
Jimmy was known for his love of God, his family, all sports and especially Auburn football. His wonderful sense of humor made everyone smile.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Bonnie Helms Hicks, a son, Brent Hicks (Angie), Chelsea, AL; and a granddaughter, Marlee Hicks (fiancé, Jared Lamberth); a sister, Sue Cannon, Columbus, GA; a sister-in-law, Lynn Hicks, Hartford; sisters-in-law and brothers-law from the Helms family, Stan and Sherri McNeese, Alice Martin, Bob and Linda Weaver, Maxie and Wanda Helms and Chester and June Pruett; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Steve Brannon, Mark Dillard, Laine Dillard, Bob Cannon, Tommy Cannon and Carson Joyner. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Curry Woods Men’s Bible Class.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Mr. Hicks during his 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.
Mary Locke, of Dothan, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at her home. She was 80.
Mary was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She was the mother-in- law to many, but adopted each as her own to be “Mother”. She was the heart and center of the family with a terrific sense of humor and kept us all laughing right to the end. Mary was a giving person and would give to someone else in need, even if she did not have for herself. It gave her great joy to offer help whenever she could. Her love for all has made us all better people and anyone that had the privilege of meeting her is better for it. Her presence will be missed by us all, but the joy of her memory will be with us forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 11 siblings and a great grandson.
Mary is survived by her daughters: Roberta McGovern (Todd) and Julie Jeter (Sonny); sons: Roger Piper (Sassia) and Brian Piper (Linda); grandchildren, Robert, Tabitha, Kristan, Brandon, Matthew, Kyra, Robin, Billy, Jenna, Candy, Kara, Tara, Brittany, Austin, Tommy, Zane, Michael, Erika, Dustin, Tori, Amber, Carlie, and Heath; many great-grandchildren and numerous niece’s nephews and other extended family and friends.
OZARK…Mrs. Sue Anna Guthrie Hunt, a resident of Ozark, passed away early Thursday morning, June 12, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. She was 92.
Homegoing services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Chapel of the Wings, Fort Novosel, with Chaplain Travis Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:30 A.M. at the chapel on Fort Novosel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Hunt was a woman of extraordinary strength, wisdom, and kindness, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives. Born in Bloomfield, Kentucky to Robert Lee Guthrie and Cordie Mae Simpson Guthrie, she carried the warmth of her upbringing with her wherever life took her. In 1992, she made Ozark her home, bringing with her a heart full of love and a spirit that uplifted everyone she met.
Education was a lifelong passion for Mrs. Hunt. She never let age define her ambitions—instead, she embraced learning with enthusiasm. At 74 years old, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Troy University with a degree in Social Sciences, proving that determination and curiosity have no expiration date. Then, at 85, she fulfilled another dream by publishing her book, Mary “The” Last, a collection of stories from her life—each one carrying wisdom, humor, and the experiences that shaped her.
Mrs. Hunt was more than a mother to her own children; she was a mother to many, affectionately known as “Mama Sue”. Her nurturing presence, words of encouragement, and boundless love made people feel welcomed and cherished, as if they belonged to her family.
Music was another deep passion in her life, and she dedicated many years to sharing it with others. She served as Minister of Music, Church Pianist, and Secretary at West End Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, offering her gifts in service of faith and community. When she moved to Ozark, she continued her devotion to music, becoming the Music Director at Chapel of the Wings on Fort Novosel, where her talents enriched worship and brought joy to those around her.
Mrs. Hunt’s life was filled with love and devotion, and though she endured losses, she remained a steady source of strength for those who knew her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard Neil Hunt, Sr. (Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Retired); her sisters, Donzella Breckinridge, Maxine Foster, Julia Ray, and Nell Guthrie; and her brothers, Frank Foster, Sr., Howard Foster, and Ruben Foster. Though she is no longer physically present, her influence, wisdom, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Surviving relatives include her three daughters, Deborah George (Ron), Louisville, Kentucky, Delphia Macon, Prattville, Alabama, and Alyssa Wicks (James), West Orange, New Jersey; four sons, Keith Davis (Denita), Louisville, Kentucky, Glenn Davis (Geraldine), Ozark, Alabama, Rodney Davis (Diane), Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Willard Neil Hunt, Jr. (Consuela), Indianapolis, Indiana; nineteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers are her grandsons and great-grandsons, James Wicks II, Markeese Davis, David Sims, Jr., Ian Hunt, Edward Jenkins, Jr., Zion Macon, Bryan Davis, and Derek Smith.
SLOCOMB… Kathryn May Milhone, a resident of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away late Thursday night, June 12, 2025, at her home. She was 79.
A memorial service will be held 6:00 P.M. Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness on Brannon Stand Road in Dothan Alabama with Brother Don Smith officiating.
Ms. Milhone was born in Peoria, Illinois to the late Thomas Carter Jones, Sr. and Ethel Bernice Foraker Jones. She retired, serving the ones she loved as a nurse. She had previously lived in Grimes, Alabama, and Lynn Haven, Florida, before moving to her current resident about three years ago. She was of the Jehovah Witness faith.
Along with her parents she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Tom Jones, Bill Jones and Floyd Jones.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her sons, Greg Milhone (Kelley) and Matthew Milhone (Candace); her daughters, Tammy McNeal, April Mathis, and Blessing Holland (Sam); her brothers, Mike Jones, Butch Jones, and KC Jones; her sister, Tina Cox; her thirteen grandchildren; her thirty-three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Regina Griffin Kennedy, a beacon of love and generosity who left us on June 10, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on February 17, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama, Regina’s journey came full circle as she passed away peacefully in the same town that witnessed her first breath.
Regina’s early life in Dothan was marked by her charm and popularity, evidenced by her selection as class favorite and beauty at Dothan High School, from which she graduated in 1967. Her pursuit of education led her to Troy State University, where she not only excelled academically but also laid the foundations for her future as a beloved educator by obtaining both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education.
For three decades, from 1973 to 2003, Regina dedicated her life to nurturing young minds at Selma Street Elementary and Wilson Street Elementary. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to her students left an indelible mark on the countless lives she touched.
Regina’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. She found love and companionship in her husband, Hank Kennedy, with whom she shared a wonderful marriage of 29 years. Her first marriage to Charles Henry Roberts blessed her with her cherished daughter. Although Regina was preceded in death by her parents, William Berry Griffin and Helen Meriweather Griffin, Hank and Charles, she leaves behind a legacy of love through her family, including her daughter, Tarra Roberts, her special friend and caregiver, Tammy Harrison, and numerous other relatives who will continue to honor her memory.
A devout Christian, Regina was an active member of Covenant Methodist Church, where she found strength and solace in her faith. Her involvement with the Kappa Tau Delta Teacher Association, the Alabama Club, and the Supper Club reflected her love for community and fellowship.
Regina’s home was always filled with warmth and laughter, as she had a natural gift for hosting parties and bringing people together. Her loving and generous spirit was a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her.
A Graveside Service to honor Regina’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. As we lay Regina to rest, we remember a life lived with grace, a heart given freely to others, and a soul deeply rooted in faith. Regina Griffin Kennedy’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the beauty and strength found in a life well-lived.
Becky Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, following a brief illness. She was 67.
Born in Columbus, Georgia on April 18, 1958, to Lucy Bruner Baxley and James Richards, Becky spent her early childhood in Dothan, Alabama with her mother and stepfather, Bill Baxley. When Becky was 12, the family moved to Montgomery, Alabama. Becky was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery and later attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Becky obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In college and beyond, Becky worked avidly behind the scenes on her stepfather Bill’s political aspirations–even recruiting her college girlfriends to help with his gubernatorial campaign. When her mother, Lucy, embarked on her own political career, Becky provided countless hours and crucial support to her mother’s successful elections to the offices of Alabama State Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, and President of the Public Service Commission.
Becky devoted her life to raising her two sons whom she loved unconditionally. Becky’s passion for service and the care of others emulated in every facet of her life. Her nurturing spirit was perfectly suited to the role of mother, grandmother, and aunt, doting on those she loved without restraint. She loved to entertain, was a brilliant cook, and never met a stranger. Becky had an infectious laugh and brought joy and humor to all she encountered. Her selfless benevolence extended far beyond her own household and she held a specific devotion to the care and well being of seniors in her community.
Becky is preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Bruner Baxley, father James Richards, and stepfather, Jim Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Blake and Preston (Brittany); grandchildren, Harper, Julia, Samuel, and Watson; brother, Louis Baxley (Caroline) and their children, Lucy Camille, Elizabeth, and Jackson; stepfather, Bill Baxley (Marie) and their children and grandchildren; the mother of Becky’s grandchildren, Lauren Bennett Nichols; and many close extended family members and friends.
Becky’s family will receive friends at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Pelham at 10:00 a.m. on June 17th, 2025. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reggie Holder officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crisis Center Birmingham in honor of Becky’s unwavering devotion to others.
