Thelma Payne, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on June 12, 1936, Thelma’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her feisty spirit.
Thelma is predeceased by her parents, brothers, and sisters. Her legacy continues through her beloved husband of 51 years, Noble Payne, who stood by her side as both partner and best friend. Together, they raised a family that included daughters Ladonna Payne (Teresa) and Dana Payne, as well as sons Joe Harris Jr., Mark Harris, and Alfred Sexton (Regina). Grandchildren, Tiffany, Joe, Brittany, Ashlyn Tyler, Alyssa, Allen Harris, Brad, Ryan, Keith Ingram Hannah, Megan, Kristen, Ashley, Chris and Andrew Sexton as well as her canine companion, Sebastian.
A private memorial service will be held by the family in Gulfport, MS.
Thelma was a respected businesswoman who, alongside her husband, owned and operated successful Firestone and Texaco service stations in Biloxi, Bay St. Louis and D’Iberville, MS. Her close friends and family members fondly referred to her as “Little Mama,”
Thelma’s interests were as vibrant as her personality. She was an avid bridge player at the local Country Club in MS. Her feisty nature made her a formidable opponent at the card table, and her laughter was a common and welcome sound that echoed through the gatherings.
Thelma’s presence could light up a room, and her spirit could lift the heaviest of hearts. Her love was a guiding force, and her strength was the foundation upon which her family was built.
Thelma Payne’s journey on this earth has come to a close, but her story will be told with smiles and fondness, as we reflect on the incredible woman she was.
Margie Nell Brannon passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 4, 1942, in Geneva County, Alabama, to Talmer Lee and Selma Bateman Jenkins, Margie’s life was a testament to the strength and warmth of her spirit.
Margie’s journey began in the heart of Alabama, where she was raised alongside her siblings. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and eight brothers, the values they shared and the memories they created remained a guiding force throughout her life. Margie’s legacy continued to flourish through her loving family, including her four children, Donna Halstead (Johnny), Judy Jackson (Michael), Joey Holland (Merideth), and Brad Holland (Genia), as well as her cherished grandchildren, Brent Halstead (Sara), Holly Taylor (Brett), Lindsey May (Steven), Mary Kathryn Holland, Jana Holland, Sam Cooper, Charlie Allcorn (Ashley), Matthew Allcorn, and ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her former husband, Jim Bob Brannon, and the memory of her grandson, Jim Preston Holland and granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica Halstead.
Margie dedicated over two decades of service to the students and staff at Rehobeth High School, where she worked in the lunchroom, and her commitment to the community extended to her role as a bus driver for the Houston County School System.
Margie was an accomplished seamstress, creating custom drapes. Her love for cooking was legendary, especially her biscuits and her renowned 14-layer chocolate cake, which brought joy to family gatherings.
She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, imparting wisdom and laughter in equal measure. Her candid nature meant that those around her never had to wonder about her thoughts or feelings—Margie was known for her honesty and her willingness to share her heart and mind openly.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Margie Nell Brannon will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and all who were graced by her presence.
There will be a private graveside service held for Margie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Union Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 7335 South County Rd. 33, Cottonwood, Al 36320.
Jerry Lynn Williams, lovingly known as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Jacksons Gap, Alabama. Born on April 5, 1953, in Frederick, Oklahoma, Jerry’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to his loved ones, a passion for life’s simple pleasures, and a legacy of kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Jerry’s journey began in Frederick but found its roots in Ozark, Alabama, where he graduated from Carroll High School in 1971. His early commitment to hard work and community was evident through his long-standing career as an insurance agent with ALFA and American General. Jerry’s professional life was marked not only by his success but also by the relationships he built along the way.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gail McLaughlin Williams; sons, Keith Williams, Jeremy Williams, and Dr. Brad (Genesee) Cook; daughter, Amanda (Sam) Pack; grandchildren, Emily Ann Bell, Grayson Bell, Emilee Cook, Sydnee Cook, Marlee Cook, Will Pack, and Rob Pack; sister, Debbie (Jim) Head; brothers, Larry (Joannae) Williams, and Jeffery (Missy) Williams; aunt, Linda (Gary) Staples; brothers-in-law, Jim (Vivian) McLaughlin, Dr. Bill (Sarah) McLaughlin, and Rob (Anna) McLaughlin; sisters-in-law, Landra (Greg) Siegfried and Shelley (Waylon) Hoerner; step mother-in-law, Judy McLaughlin; a host of nieces and nephews; and his 26 toed spoiled cat, Mittens, who provided him with companionship and joy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Williams; mother, Rubye Beauchamp Medley; aunt, Clara Roy; father-in-law, Dr. Bob McLaughlin; and mother-in-law, Ann McLaughlin.
Jerry’s zest for life was reflected in his many interests and hobbies. An avid boater, he cherished the tranquility of the water and the adventure of travel. He found great joy in BBQ competitions and was renowned as the family chef, always eager to cook for others. His passion for Auburn football was infectious; as a former president of the Quarterback Club for Carroll High School, an active member of the Dale County Auburn Club, and a devout fan, he savored every moment from attending games to hosting tailgate gatherings.
His faith played a significant role in his life. As a devoted Baptist, he found solace and community in Hillcrest Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church, both in Ozark. Jerry’s generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and loving heart made him a pillar in his community and a beacon of light to his family.
To describe Jerry Williams as merely loving, generous, and thoughtful would be an understatement. His presence was a gift to those around him, and his memory will be a guiding force for generations to come. He lived a life that exemplified these virtues, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.
Reverend Clarence Foy Watson, a resident of Ozark, was received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 24, 2025. He was 89 years old.
A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from Friendship Church in Taylor, Alabama with Reverend Royce Morrow officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends in the church Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Reverend Watson was born June 1, 1935, in Dale County, Alabama, to the late Eura Clyde and Foy Watson. After graduation from Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama, he served in Alabama National Guard 131st Armor Division. For many years Reverend Watson was the owner of Watson Construction Company, building homes and businesses across the Wiregrass area as well as being a respected cattleman and farmer. God called Brother Watson into Christian ministry and he devoted his life to preaching and singing the gospel in revivals across Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Brother Watson served as Pastor at Grantham Assembly of God Church in Cottonwood, Alabama and Wicksburg Assembly of God Church in Wicksburg, Alabama prior to becoming Pastor at Friendship Assembly of God Church in Taylor, Alabama where he remained Pastor for 45 plus years.
His greatest joy in life was sharing the gospel and seeing people come to know the Lord as their own personal Savior. He believed that a man was only as good as his word and he lived his life on that precept.
Brother Watson was preceded in death by his loving and devoted, wife, Mary Cleatus Horsley to whom he was married for 62 years; his mother, Clyde Watson and father, Foy Watson; his brothers, Talmadge Watson, James Watson and Travis Watson.
He is survived by a sister, Dr. Sarah Watson Harper of Rock Hill, South Carolina; a sister-in-law Brenda Watson of Newton, Alabama; nephews, Raymond (Sherry) Watson, David Cunningham (Sylvia) and Mike Byrd; nieces, Shannah (Michael) Eastridge, Amanda (Gregg) Frost, Kim Shepard (Tim). Several great nieces and great nephews plus a multitude of friends, all of whom he loved dearly also survive.
The family expresses special thanks to his caregivers, Lorraine Hairston and Liz Jones for the kind compassionate support and love they provided during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 201 East White Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730; or to an organization of your choice. “Well done thou good and faithful servant!”
WEBB, ALABAMA. . .Billy Frank Griffin, a resident of Webb, died Monday morning, May 26, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Steve Skidmore and Reverend Hosea Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashford Rescue Squad, 305 Midland Street, Ashford AL 36312.
Mr. Griffin was born and reared in Houston County, near Ashford, son of the late Rufus Carl Griffin and Agnes Earline Johnson Griffin. He was a 1957 graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. Mr. Griffin served his country in the Air National Guard in the Dothan unit. He was a member and Deacon of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church. Mr. Griffin was a former member of Smyrna Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon and Music Director. He was a past President of the P.T.A. at Webb Jr. High School. Mr. Griffin retired as the owner and operator of Bill’s Welding and Repair in Webb. In earlier years, he was employed by Dothan Machine Shop. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sara Hand.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Clyde Deese Griffin, daughters, Lori Anne Skidmore (Steven), Geneva, AL; and Jennifer Metzger (Charles), Dothan; a son, Frank Griffin, Jr. (Suzanne), Headland; brothers-in-law, Earl Hand and George Deese (Glenda); grandchildren, Megan Jarman (Richard), Trey Skidmore, Nick Metzger (Maggie), Addison Stokes (McKinsey), Alexandria Griffin and Will Griffin (Lydia); great-grandchildren, Landon Mixon and Dawson Skidmore; a special friend, David Carroll.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trey Skidmore, Addison Stokes, Will Griffin, Landon Mixon, Steve Skidmore, Dawson Skidmore and Nick Metzger. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Earl Hand, Richard Jarman and Johnny Pitchford.
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.
