ABBEVILLE. . .Duke Henderson Crocker, a resident of Abbeville, passed away Saturday night, July 25, 2026, at his home. He was 47.
There are no funeral or memorial services planned at this time. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Duke Crocker was born in Kennewick, Washington. He formerly lived in Elmore County, Alabama before moving to White Oak Shores on Lake Eufaula. Duke was a graduate of Holtville High School in Elmore County and attended Alex City Junior College, Wallace College Sparks Campus and Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. He was affiliated with Fellowship Baptist Church in Eufaula. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Duke Crocker.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Linda Hogan Crocker, Abbeville; two brothers, Timothy W. Crocker (Porsche), Wetumpka, AL; and Donald Wayne Crocker (Lynn), Millbrook, AL; an aunt, Gloria Gittings (John), and an uncle, Jonathan Hogan (Ronnie); several nieces and nephews.
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.
HEADLAND… Samuel Wayne Weeks, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Friday afternoon, July 24, 2026, at Extendicare Health & Rehabilitation. He was 79.
No services are planned at this time.
Mr. Sam Weeks was born in Henry County, Alabama, to the late James Lowe Weeks and Janice Anelle Knowles Weeks. He attended Headland High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University. Mr. Sam proudly served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
A man of faith, Sam was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Headland. He will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his love for his family, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, James Lowe Weeks and Janice Anelle Knowles Weeks, Sam was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Samuel Hurley Knowles and Mattie Knowles, and his paternal grandparents, Urial Weeks and Veela Weeks; and his niece Suellen Weeks Payne.
He is survived by his brother, Lowell Weeks (Dianne); his great niece, Melinda Bui (Daniel) and his great nephew, James Whitehurst; his great great nieces, Harper Bui and Serenity Whitehurst; his great great nephews, Lennox Bui, Cameron Whitehurst and Josiah Whitehurst; and his several other loving family members and friends.
ABBEVILLE… Billy Joe White, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home. He was 84.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Union Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask for memorial contributions to be made to the Union Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in c/o Carol Johns, 800 CR-28, Abbeville, Alabama 36310.
Mr. White was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Walter Howard White and Carolyn Owens White. He lived his entire life in the Abbeville, Alabama area. He was a 1961 graduate of Abbeville High School. He served his country in the Army Reserves during the Cuban Crisis. He owned and operated Bill’s Cabinet Shop until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman where he loved hunting and fishing. His passion was quail hunting, where he started Quail Ridge Hunting Reserve. He loved being with his grandchildren, whether it was hunting, fishing, or sporting events. He was a devoted member of the Union Freewill Baptist Church, where he served over fifty years as a deacon.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Doretha Robinson.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Carole B. White; his daughter, Charla W. Smith (Benny); two grandchildren, Billy D. Smith (Claire) and Chase W. Smith (Haley); his four great grandchildren, Hudson W. Smith, Martha Kate Smith, Decker H. Smith and John Bennett Smith; his sister, Patricia White Marshall (Carl); several other loving family members and friends.
CLIO… Mrs. Billie Jewel Kirkland Blankenship, 90, of Clio, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Calvary Church with her son, Pastor Keven Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
Flowers are welcomed and memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Church Cemetery, 415 County Road 8, Clio, Alabama 36017.
Born on June 16, 1936, in Houston County, Alabama, Billie Jewel was the daughter of Dewey and Myrtis Gilmore Kirkland. She was a lifelong woman of faith whose love for the Lord shaped the way she lived each day. She quietly reflected Christ through her kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion.
Billie Jewel was a patient and supportive wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She faithfully stood beside James Fred throughout their marriage, supporting his ministry in countless quiet ways. While James Fred decorated the many wedding cakes they made together, Billie Jewel baked every cake layer and was always there cleaning up behind him when the work was done, never complaining and never seeking recognition. Together, they prepared meals, delivered food to friends, neighbors, and members of their church family, and welcomed countless family members and friends around their table, where there always seemed to be enough food for everyone. Billie Jewel believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others, and she did so with a humble servant’s heart. Her quiet faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and her Savior touched countless lives and will remain her lasting legacy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Fred Blankenship; her parents, Dewey and Myrtle Kirkland; her sons, Mike Blankenship and David Blankenship; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Blankenship; her brothers, Earl Kirkland and James Kirkland; and her sisters, Eloise Franklin and Murrell Short.
She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Maund (Martin) of Ariton; her sons, Tim Blankenship of Ariton and Keven Blankenship (Genia) of Calera; her daughter-in-law, Patty Blankenship; her cherished grandchildren, Eric Blankenship (Marion), Matt Blankenship (Mindy), Brittany Cade, Jennifer Christenberry (John), Brandi Blankenship (Eric), Justin Blankenship, Ben Blankenship (Erin), Blake Himburg, Abby Richardson (Garrett), and Ashland English (Charles); her beloved great-grandchildren, Paige, Cole, Mattox, Micah, Maxton, John David, James, Heidi, Allie, Sophia, Judah, and Isla, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Mary Jean Jones and Diamond Brown as well as Brett Smith, Kerrie Cox and Chaplain Charles Goldsmith with Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care, unwavering support, and the love they showed Billie Jewel. Your kindness brought comfort to our entire family and will never be forgotten.
Though her family grieves from her absence, they rejoice that Billie Jewel has been reunited with James Fred and her beloved sons, Mike and David, in the presence of her Savior. Her life was marked by quiet faithfulness, humble service, and steadfast love. She never sought recognition but believed one of the greatest ways to share Christ’s love was by serving others. Her family finds peace in knowing she was welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Serving as active pallbearers will be Blake Himburg, Eric Blankenship, Matt Blankenship, Stephen Murphy, Cole Blankenship, and Joe McCraney. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Ben Blankenship.
EWELL COMMUNITY…Mr. Reginald Sanders, a resident of the Ewell Community, died early Sunday morning, July 26, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 71.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Dennis Tew and Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dale County Pregnancy Center, 1892 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Sanders, son of the late Henry Patterson “Pat” Sanders and Emma Nell Andrews Sanders, was a lifelong resident of the Wiregrass whose roots ran deep in the Ozark community. Born and raised in Ozark, he graduated from Carroll High School in 1973 and carried with him throughout his life the values of hard work, dedication, and kindness that were instilled in him during his early years.
Over the course of his life, Mr. Sanders called several places home, living in Dothan, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and Panama City, Florida, before returning to his beloved hometown of Ozark in 2011. No matter where life’s journey took him, Ozark always remained close to his heart, and he treasured the opportunity to spend his later years among familiar faces and cherished memories.
A skilled craftsman with a strong work ethic, Mr. Sanders was the owner and operator of Sanders Upholstery, a business he successfully operated both in Panama City, Florida and later in Ewell. Through his craftsmanship and attention to detail, he earned the respect of customers and friends alike. He took great pride in his work and found satisfaction in restoring beauty and usefulness to the pieces entrusted to his care.
Beyond his work, Mr. Sanders found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially tending to his garden. One of his favorite pastimes was growing daylilies, and he devoted countless hours to cultivating and caring for them. His garden was a source of peace and enjoyment, reflecting the patience, dedication, and gentle spirit that characterized his life. The colorful blooms he nurtured brought beauty not only to his surroundings but also to those who shared in his love of gardening.
Mr. Sanders was a former member of Chalkhead Baptist Church and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ozark. Mr. Sanders will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his quiet strength, his love for his family and friends, and his appreciation for life’s simple blessings.
Surviving relatives include his sister, Polly Moon; brother, Jerry Sanders (Wanda), all of Ewell; nieces and nephews, Angela Hope Hughes (Jason), Jeremy Brian Sanders (Leanna), Trisha Moon Massey (Clint), April Moon, Dianna Moon, and William Moon.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
SCREAMER… Susan Cotton, a resident of the Screamer Community in Henry County, Alabama, passed away Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, at her home. She was 70.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Monday, July 27, 2026, at Christian Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 5 Mile Road (County Road 36), Eufaula, Alabama 36027, with Brother Tom Berquist officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Susan Cotton was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late George Bullard and Wilma Kirkland Bullard. She attended school locally and later made her home in the Screamer Community of Henry County, where she lived for the past 25 years.
Susan was a faithful member of Christian Grove Baptist Church. She found great joy in life’s simple blessings and had a special love for gardening. Her flower beds reflected her appreciation for God’s creation, especially her beloved lilies and roses. She also enjoyed reading and treasured the quiet moments spent with a good book. Above all, Susan cherished her family and the time she shared with those she loved. She went to be home with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Bullard, Jr.; her sister, Olivia Holloway; and her grandchild, Taylor Bagwell.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, George Cotton; her daughters, Shella Magana (Jose) and Jennifer Hewett; her son, Samuel Cotton; her beloved grandchildren, Miles Olive (Megan), Molly Anne (Skylar), Joseph (Jaimie), Kingslea (Triston), Payton Little (Memorie), and Reid Danner; nine great grandchildren; her brother, Dennis Bullard (Amy); as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends who will forever remember her love, kindness, and gentle spirit.
