Alvin Norman Farmer, known affectionately as Norman to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, in Tampa, FL. Born on June 20, 1955, Norman lived a rich and fulfilling life, marked by devotion to his faith, his country, and his loved ones. His warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met, leaving a legacy of kindness and steadfastness that will be cherished forever.
Norman is survived by his loving wife, Mary Farmer of 30 years. Norman was married previously for 18 ½ years to Teresa with whom he raised two wonderful children, Jeff (Heather) Farmer and April Karejwa. Norman’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren Tyler, Peyton, Hope, Benjamin, and Thomas, whom he adored beyond measure. He was a beloved brother to Marty (Kim) Farmer, Mark (Cindy) Farmer, Charles Farmer, Rodger (Tami) Farmer, Sealia (Doug) Raley, Rose Ann (Dennis) Grantham, and Mavis (Chris) Purvis. His numerous nieces and nephews also held a special place in his heart. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Alvin Monroe Farmer and Trecy Eldora Farmer and a brother, Wakely Kirkland.
Norman’s service in the United States Air Force for 17 years showcased his unwavering commitment to his country. After his military career, he transitioned into the corporate world, contributing his talents to Capital One for several years. He later found a sense of purpose in his role as a courier for a medical company, where he was able to combine his love for the open road with his desire to serve others.
A man of deep Christian faith, Norman’s beliefs were the cornerstone of his existence. His parents instilled in him the values that would guide him throughout his life: a love for God, family, and country. These principles were evident in everything he did, from his passionate support of Alabama Football to his enjoyment of old school country music. Norman never met a stranger; his ability to converse with anyone and everyone was one of his most endearing qualities. He was a very giving man, always placing the needs of others before his own, and his strong Christian faith was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
Norman’s zest for life was infectious. He was a loving, passionate, and occasionally stubborn man, but above all, he was a man of God. His sense of humor and love for fun made him the center of attention in any gathering.
We will remember Norman as a man who lived life to the fullest, cherished every moment with his family, and upheld his values with unwavering conviction. His presence in our lives was a gift, and while we mourn his passing, we take solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in each of us. Norman’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and faith—a legacy that will continue to guide us in the years to come.
The Farmer family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported them during this time. Norman’s life will be celebrated with the same love and joy he shared with us all. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Norman’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Piney Grove Assembly of God Church, County Road 9, Newton, AL 36352 with Rev. Billy Fortune and Rev. Rickey Jenkins officiating. Norman will be laid to rest in Piney Grove Assembly of God Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 1-2 pm.
Shirley Reese Nodes, a beacon of love and faith, passed away on June 5, 2025, after an extended illness. Born on August 23, 1946, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Shirley lived a life characterized by service, devotion, and joy. Her final days were spent surrounded by the love of her family in Headland, AL, where she had made an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
Shirley’s life was one of steadfast love and commitment, beautifully illustrated by her nearly 58-year-long marriage to her beloved husband, Wendell Willkie Nodes. The couple exchanged vows on November 11, 1967, and since then, built a life together founded on mutual respect and affection. Their union was blessed with a son, Gerald Paul, who, alongside his wife Rose, continued the legacy of love that Shirley and Wendell exemplified.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Price Drew and Lollie Orea Johnson Drew, as well as her brothers, Bobby and Tommy Drew. Her family circle was further extended to include her cherished grandchildren, Juliana Nodes, Johnathon Vandegrift, Justin Vandegrift (Amber), and Jessica Vandegrift (JoAnna), who brought immense joy to her life. Her niece, Kimberly Drew, great-grandchildren, Joseph, Caiden, Ethan, and Emma Vandegrift, as well as her great-niece, Arizona Bishop, and great-nephew, Dakota Bishop, will hold dear the memory of her loving presence.
Shirley’s professional life was marked by her 20 years of dedicated service in the US Navy, where she rose to the rank of lieutenant. Serving alongside her husband, she displayed an unwavering commitment to her country. Following her military career, Shirley, together with Wendell, embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, opening and operating the Headland Oil Processing Company (HOPCO) and Emu Miracles in Headland, AL. Their businesses were not just commercial pursuits but also expressions of their shared passion and teamwork.
A woman of deep faith, Shirley was an active member of Harvest Church, where she found strength and solace in her church family. Her love for the Lord was the cornerstone of her existence and influenced every aspect of her life. Shirley’s interests reflected her zest for life and her love for people. She adored the beach, relished in traveling, took pleasure in gardening, and cherished times of fellowship and shopping. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Shirley’s generosity knew no bounds. She took delight in hosting gatherings, where her captivating and contagious smile would light up any room.
In every sense, Shirley was the life of the party, always ready to share a laugh or lend a listening ear. Her kindness was as bountiful as her generosity, and she touched the lives of many with her charitable spirit. Shirley’s legacy is one of a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and generosity. She is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by the countless lives she enriched.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with Bill Dominy officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the Sunset Helicopter Pavillion. The family will be receiving friends an hour prior to the service in the chapel.
Caiden Alexander Martin, passed away on June 5, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the tender age of 20. Born in Dothan, Alabama to Zacchaeus Trimm Martin, Jr., and Sarah Martin, on March 20, 2005, Caiden was a beacon of light from his very first breath. He was the cherished brother of Kara Martin and the adored grandson of Debbie and Andy Johnson. His extended family included his doting aunts and uncles, Heather (Jeremy) Roberts, Shawn Cherry, Gina (Carlos Ramos) Esparza, Amber (Randall) Adams, and Pam (Tim) Silavent, as well as his cousin, Tristin Lawrence. Caiden’s life was made even more joyful by the companionship of his special K9 friend, Cookie Martin. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Zacchaeus Martin, Sr., John Cook, and Jane Cook, who have welcomed him with open arms on the other side.
He attended Dothan High School, Caiden’s artistic talents shone brightly, earning him a scholarship in graphic design. His creativity was not only evident in his academic pursuits but also in his early work life at Sam’s Club, where he made countless friends and left an indelible mark on those he worked with and customers he saw daily.
Caiden’s interests were as diverse as they were passionate. A skilled gamer, he could often be found with a controller in hand, his infectious laugh filling the room. His artistic nature extended beyond the screen; he was a kind-hearted soul, always ready to share his talents and time with others. Caiden’s love for his family was immeasurable, and he demonstrated this love through his selfless acts of kindness.
An avid Alabama Football fan, Caiden’s enthusiasm for his team was matched only by his zest for life. He relished the opportunity to explore new cuisines in the kitchen, to dive into the underwater world while snorkeling, and to embark on adventures that would become cherished memories.
Described by those who knew him as loving, friendly, and selfless, Caiden’s legacy is one of warmth and generosity. His ability to connect with others, to bring joy and laughter into any room, and to give without expecting anything in return are the hallmarks of a life well-lived, albeit too short.
A celebration of Caiden’s life will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Danny Bynum officiating. The family will open their hearts to friends at the funeral home from 12-2 pm the same day, sharing stories and memories of a life that, while brief, was filled with love and laughter.
Caiden Alexander Martin will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit, characterized by boundless love and selflessness, will continue to inspire those he left behind. As we gather to honor his memory, we remember a young man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a beautiful imprint on the hearts of many.
www.sunsetmemorialpark.com 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
COLUMBIA… Bobby Ray McCraney, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, passed away Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 88.
Memorial services will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 01, 2025, at Center Baptist Church in Webb, Alabama, with Pastor John Holley officiating. His son, Brian McCraney will give a eulogy. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. McCraney was born in Ashford, Alabama to the late JC McCraney and Lucille Hicks McCraney. He was a 1954 graduate of Houston County High School. After high school he served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years. He lived in Antioch, California before retiring back to Columbia, Alabama sixteen years ago. While in California, he owned and operated his drywall construction business. Mr. McCraney was a member of the Center Baptist Church in Webb, Alabama.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Ida Mae Smith McCraney; his daughters, Jennifer Littlejohn (Starr) and Jessica Fipps (Eric); his sons, Jerry McCraney, John McCraney (Pauline), Brian McCraney (Jennie); his brother Benny McCraney; his twelve grandchildren; his seventeen great-grandchildren; and his several nieces and nephews.
Martha S. Keen, a resident of Dothan, AL passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. She was 95. Martha’s life was a testament to the power of love, service, and devotion.
Graveside services will be held at Memory Hill Cemetery on June 25, 2025, at 11 AM with Brother Mike Grimes officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grandview Baptist Church.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Ruby White Skipper. Two sisters, Glenda and Dorothy; daughter, Rebecca McKay; her cherished grandson, Russell McKay; and her best friend, Pearl Richardson.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be forever treasured by her granddaughter, Marci Ramos (Jorge), her great-granddaughter, Kaylee Ramos, son-in law, Bill McKay, her cousins, Jackie Holloway and Gloria Whitestone, as well as her close family friends, Donald Parmer, Willie Earl Paramore, and Karen Wessner, all of whom were touched by her gentle spirit and unwavering friendship.
Martha’s life was marked by her tireless commitment to volunteerism. She dedicated countless hours to Thee Store of the Columbia Baptist Association, where her efforts supported the community and spread goodwill. As a devoted member of Grandview Baptist Church, she found strength and solace in her beliefs and the fellowship of her church family.
Martha enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, and spending time with those she loved. She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Prince, who was her constant companion for many years.
Those who knew Martha would describe her as the epitome of kindness. She approached every person and situation with a heart full of grace and understanding. Her faith-filled life was an inspiration to all, as she lived by example, showing what it means to walk in love and faithfulness.
DOTHAN. . .David Allen Carroll, a resident of Dothan, died early Wednesday afternoon, June 4, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility. He was 90.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, near Columbia, with Reverend Hosea Parker officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements,
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Cemetery Fund, 3894 Ebenezer Road, Columbia, AL 36319 or First United Methodist Church “Respite Care” in memory of David Carroll, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
David Carroll was born and reared in the Ebenezer Community of Houston County. He was a graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. David served his country in the U. S. Air Force from 1955 until 1958. He was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher until his wife’s health failed. David retired from Pemco World Air Services at Napier Field as a Lead Electrician. He had quite a reputation for solving complex problems regarding avionics in the aviation industry. After retirement, he and KeNette travelled extensively to hear their favorite gospel music groups with friends and church family. They enjoyed trips to the beach and mountains and doted on their grandsons. He was strong in his faith and was a strong family man who was loved deeply by his family and will be missed immensely. David was preceded in death by his wife, KeNette Folkes Carroll, his father, D. S. Carroll, Jr., his mother, Adell Nall Carroll Morris, step-father, Jack Morris, and a special uncle, Don Nall, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty and Cartha Moore, Della and Ted Knighton, Tommy and Nelle Murphy.
Surviving relatives include his son, Brian David Carroll, Columbia; grandchildren, Tyler Carroll (Taylor) and Brice Carroll; great-grandchildren, Katie Rae Carroll and Preston Carroll; a sister, Jackie Poss (Glen), Dothan; a brother-in-law, Wayne Folkes (Cindy); numerous nieces and nephews and cousins from the Nall and Culbreth families
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.
Shirley Reese Nodes, a beacon of love and faith, passed away on June 5, 2025, after an extended illness. Born on August 23, 1946, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Shirley lived a life characterized by service, devotion, and joy. Her final days were spent surrounded by the love of her family in Headland, AL, where she had made an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
