OZARK…Karen McWhorter Laney, a resident of Ozark, died late Monday morning, May 5, 2025, at her home. She was 59.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Kent Hollis Brechin passed away on May 4, 2025, at the age of 61, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on September 4, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late David and Emma Brechin.
Kent spent the majority of his professional life as a semi-truck driver, a career that allowed him to crisscross the country, meet people from all walks of life, and share stories from the road. His work was not just a job but a testament to his love for adventure and his commitment to the industry. Kent’s colleagues in the transportation community will remember him as a reliable and skilled driver who always greeted them with a smile and a helping hand.
Outside of work, Kent was a man of many interests but was best known for his selfless and generous nature. He was the kind of person who was always there for others, offering support or a listening ear whenever needed. Kent had a heart full of dreams and plans, and though he may not have followed through on all of them, his zest for life and his desire to explore new possibilities were an inspiration to those around him.
Kent’s legacy is one of love and devotion, particularly to his family. He is survived by his children, Donald “Donnie” Brechin (Brooklyne) and Lindsey Richardson (James), who will forever cherish the memories of their father. Kent’s joy was multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren, Liam and Leslie Richardson, who brought him immense happiness and pride. He also leaves behind his brother, Kenny Brechin (Ellen), and sister, Katherine Sharich. He is also survived by many special friends, including Petty Shackleford, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Kent was preceded in death by his wife, Leslie Ruth Gothard Brechin. Together, they shared a journey filled with laughter, love, and mutual respect. He was also preceded in death by his parents, David Bryce and Emma Dorothy Hollis Brechin, who instilled in him the values of kindness and generosity that he carried with him throughout his life.
In honoring Kent’s life, we reflect on the joy he brought into our lives and the lessons he taught us through his example. May we all strive to be as selfless and generous as he was, and may we hold onto the warmth of his memory as a guiding light through our own journeys. Rest in peace, Kent; your legacy will never be forgotten.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support during this time.
Bonnie Ruth Cornog, 82, of Clarks Green, PA, died on Sunday at Allied Hospice Center, Scranton, PA, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Jerome G. Cornog to whom she would have been married for 60 years in July.
Born on July 20, 1942, in Lumberton, Mississippi, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Tillman and Doris (Legg) Lee. She graduated from Lumberton High School.
Bonnie spent her life enriching the lives of others. Early on, she provided companionship, assistance, and support to nursing home residents across the country as she followed her husband through his military career. As her children entered grade school, Bonnie both worked and volunteered at her children’s schools, making a positive impact on her children’s lives and the entire school community. Later, Bonnie directed the Trinity Learning Center in Dothan, Alabama, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for our future generations. Simultaneously, Bonnie improved the health, nutrition, and independence of seniors and low-income families through her volunteer efforts with Meals on Wheels and FoodShare. Upon relocating to Pennsylvania, Bonnie provided administrative, operational, clerical, and technical support as a volunteer secretary for the Peace Lutheran Academy until illness forced her retirement in 2017. Bonnie was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, PA.
Bonnie’s favorite pastimes included reading, gardening, bird watching, and connecting with nature. She greatly enjoyed family gatherings and listening to her children and grandchildren playing games.
In addition to her husband, Bonnie is survived by daughter, Alecia (Frank) Buono; son Andrew (Emi) Cornog; her siblings Ethel (Gene) Cornog, Joe (Ellen) Lee, Daniel (Doris) Lee, and Nancy Andres. She leaves behind a legacy in her treasured grandchildren: Dustin (Allison) Cornog, Gabrielle Hildebrand, Julian (Jenna) Cornog, Caithan Cornog, Jaden Buono, Kyle Buono, Selena Cornog, Carter Cornog, and Shelby Cornog along with her beloved great-grandchildren, Eden and Lainey Cornog.
Bonnie was preceded in death by a son, Lee Cornog, and sister, Dorothy King.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 105 Luther Way, Dothan, AL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.
Laura Stratton, a beacon of creativity and love, passed away on May 3, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 61. Born on January 8, 1964, in Texas, Laura’s life was a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of art, family, and an indomitable spirit.
Laura’s formative years were spent in the halls of Saydel High School, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong love of the arts. Her passion led her to earn a college degree in Art, a field in which she would immerse herself wholeheartedly. Laura’s artistic talents were brilliantly displayed through her successful Arts and Crafts Business, where she crafted exquisite jewelry, each piece a testament to her creative touch.
Laura’s spirited essence was matched by her work ethic. She was known for being as tough as nails and as stubborn as they come, traits that served her well in her role as a doting provider for her family. Her tenacity was equally evident in her community involvement, particularly through her dedicated service at a local soup kitchen for the Salvation Army, where she offered warmth and sustenance to those in need.
Family was the cornerstone of Laura’s world. She leaves behind a loving son, Jason Douglas Stratton, and her cherished daughters, Janae Danielle Parrish and Jessica Dawn Huizar. Laura’s legacy will live on through her eleven living grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with another soon to grace the family. Although she faced the heartbreak of losing two grandchildren, Noah and Preston, their memories remained a source of strength and love in her heart.
Laura’s brothers, Larry Dale, Leigh, and Lathan, will remember her for the sisterly bond they shared, a connection rooted in shared history and unwavering support. Laura now joins her late parents, Larry Houghton and Louis Simpson, leaving behind a family enriched by her presence.
Her interests were as varied as they were delightful. Laura always looked forward to her daily cup of coffee, which she enjoyed on the porch with the morning sun. She was notorious for asking obvious questions, a quirk that endeared her too many and often brought smiles and laughter to casual conversations.
Laura’s home was a sanctuary of her interests, adorned with her extensive collection of wolves and bears. The classic charm of Shirley Temple and the rustic allure of “Little House on the Prairie” were among her favorite escapes, while her fascination with the supernatural was indulged through her love of ghost hunter shows.
Those who knew Laura would describe her as a creative soul, whose loving nature and spirited personality left an indelible mark on their lives. Her artistry, coupled with her dedication to her family and community, painted a portrait of a woman whose life was as rich and meaningful as the pieces she created.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Rebecca “Beckie” Whiddon White, 77, a resident of Dothan, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Westside Terrace.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Ray Cobb officiating. Burial will follow at Selma Baptist Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at Glover Funeral Home from 1:45 pm until 2:45 pm, Wednesday prior to the services.
Flowers will be accepted.
Beckie was born in Dothan, Alabama on April 22, 1948, to Leonard Corbitt Whiddon and Edna Cobb Whiddon. She graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1966. Beckie was a member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress and, at one time, served as president. Beckie worked as a bookkeeper with Oakley, Wright and Hart for 30 years and Kubota for 5 years, prior to her retirement. She was a member of Grandview Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James Ray White.
Survivors include her son Brad White (Jodi) of Enterprise; her daughter Jayme White Harrison (George) of Dothan; 2 brothers Norman Whiddon and Dennis Whiddon (Tammy) both of Dothan; a sister Brandy Whiddon of Abbeville; 5 grandchildren Adam White (Whitney Burr) of Alford, FL, Anna-Leigh White of Dothan, Jacob Hansen of Dothan, Melissa Cowart (Chris) of Tampa, FL, and Ryan Standish of Dothan; 8 great-grandchildren Hudson White, Andy White, Cainon Hayes, Carson Hayes, Kora White, Carson Cowart, Parker Cowart and Sadie Cowart; a special niece Maya Neal of Abbeville, 2 sisters-in law Mary Covington and Wanda Penley both of Newton.
Pallbearers will be: Chris Clardy, Justin Whiddon, Jeremy Whiddon, Alan Anderson, Victor Soler, Michael Carter.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
LONGSTREET COMMUNITY…Mr. Bobby J. Moates, a resident of the Longstreet Community, near Ozark, passed away early Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home. He was 72.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Adams and Mr. Stanley Snell officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of their youngest son, Taylor, 2117 County Road 33, Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Moates, son of the late Lester Moates and Ruth Hagler Moates, was a native of Dale County and was a 1972 Graduate of G.W. Long High School. Mr. Moates, a Certified Automotive Technician, was a full-time employee with A & D Automotive and was formerly employed with Dominey-Mitchell Chevrolet, Asplundh Tree Services, Dolly Madison Furniture Company, Jerry Mitchell Chevrolet, Harrison Seat Covers, Mike Gill Chevrolet, Ray Hughes Chevrolet and Enterprise Chevrolet during his career. He always enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was fishing, cutting grass, riding his golf cart, or gardening. Mr. Moates enjoyed being with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed watching Andy Griffith, Everybody Loves Raymond, and especially University of Alabama Football. His grandchildren always knew he had a piece of Juicy Fruit gum in his pocket. Mr. Moates loved and appreciated his work family, and he valued the trust his company owners, Ann and Dino Valezquez, had in him. He was preceded in death by a sister, LaMaude Rhodes and three brothers, Conrad Moates, Donald Moates, and Ted Moates.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty one years, Theresa Downs Moates, Ozark; three sons, Thomas Benjamin Moates (Amanda), Newton, Colby Moates (Hailey), Ozark, and Taylor Moates (Jessica), Asbury Community; sister, Grace Roberts, Ozark; brother, Harold Moats, West Jefferson, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Cammi Moates, Carli Moates, Bryson Moates, Emmett Fuller, Aniston Moates, Elli Moates, and Iverson Moates; special sister-in-law, Brenda Hyatt; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Charles Richardson, Stanley Snell, Rolan Jacobs, Barlyn Holland, Ronnie Moates, Thomas Hill, Andy Williams, Dylan Pentecost, Tyler Harrington, and Troy Sukey.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com