Gerald Wayne Burns, 87 of Geneva AL and formerly DeFuniak Springs, FL passed Friday August 1, 2025, peacefully at home.
A family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing.
Known as Jerry to some and GW to others, he was born to Robert and Pearl Burns in Brooklyn IA on 12/7/37. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955 and spent 2 years as an MP in the U.S. Army. He worked as a diesel truck mechanic in Camp Hill and Carlisle PA. Then switching careers to general maintenance for Christian ministries in Whiting, NJ and Murfreesboro, TN.
He knew how to love big, had an infectious smile and always had a strong work ethic. He had a huge heart for ministry and an unwavering faith for Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50-years Mary “Trilby” Hughes as well as his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He leaves behind his twin daughters Shannon Burns of Lemoyne, PA, Leah Burns of Raleigh, NC and Joyce Shelburne who was like a daughter of Roanoke, VA.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
NEWVILLE. . .Lavon Shelley Farmer, a resident of Henry County, near the Tumbleton Community, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, at her home. She was 80.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Balkum Cemetery with Pastor Ron Baker officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 363021.
Mrs. Farmer was born and raised in the Tumbleton Community of Henry County, daughter of the late Harvey Shelley, Jr. and Ella V. Baker Shelley. She was a 1963 graduate of Newville High School. Mrs. Farmer lived in the Headland area most of her lifetime. She was a member of Hebron Baptist Church. Mrs. Farmer was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Farmer, a brother, Tom Shelley, and a step-son, Donnie Farmer.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Tammy Farmer (Alex Meyer), Newville; Teresa “Pollie” Braswell (Jason), Headland; and Elaine Graves (Marshall), Dothan; a step-daughter, Kathy Farmer Adams, Atlanta; two sisters, Pam Hopper (Keith), Abbeville; and Debbie Kirkland, Headland; a brother, Tony Shelley (Beverly), Headland; grandchildren, Jessica Farmer, Lindsey Farmer Clark (Ernie), Haley Farmer Hutcheson, Trey Windham (Ashley), Trevor Windham (Caroline Windham), Ava Grace Braswell, Ben Graves (Kristian), Sydney Graves Temples (Andy) and Tripp Graves (Katie); great-grandchildren, Hunter Clark, Bailey Clark, Landon Hollerman, McKenzie Hollerman, Tatum Baxley, Paisley Baxley, Aly Rose Windham, Sawyer Graves and Spencer Graves.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jason Braswell, Trey Windham, Trevor Windham, Hunter Clark, Landon Hollerman and Alex Meyer.
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.
Carolyn Joyce Bell, a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her, passed away on August 1, 2025, in Troy, Alabama. Born on December 12, 1947, in New Jersey, Carolyn spent her formative years in Mobile, Alabama, where she cultivated a life-long passion for antiques and decorating, traits that would later define her as the family’s beloved matriarch.
A graduate of Mobile High School, Carolyn’s path led her to Dothan, where she became an integral part of the community. She was a dedicated homemaker and an admired substitute teacher, touching the lives of many students with her kindness and wisdom.
Carolyn’s heart was always full when surrounded by her cherished family. She is survived by her loving children, Chris Bell and Brandi (Kevin) King; her adored grandchildren, Brittany King and Brandon King; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Natalie King and Hayden King. Her presence will be profoundly missed by her sister, Susan Smith. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Randolph Bell, whose memory she held close to her heart since his passing in 2012, by her parents, J. D. and Vera Wright and by her two brothers.
Renowned for her selflessness and generosity, Carolyn’s ability to give without expecting anything in return was a lesson in love and humility for all. Her outgoing nature and zest for life made her the life of any gathering, and her role as a fun grandma was one she cherished deeply. Carolyn’s flair for life earned her the affectionate title of ‘Diva’ among family and friends, a title that reflected her vivacious spirit and her impeccable sense of style.
A graveside service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 am, providing an opportunity for those whose lives were touched by Carolyn to come together in remembrance of a life well-lived.
Carolyn’s legacy is one of boundless love, a love that nurtured her family, enriched her friendships, and left an indelible mark on the community she held so dear. Her light, though no longer present in this world, continues to shine in the hearts of those she loved. As we bid farewell to Carolyn Bell, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless memories she gifted us, memories that will continue to inspire and comfort us in the years to come.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mary Kathryn Sanders, aged 62, entered her heavenly home on July 28, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she moved through life as a beacon of kindness and devotion, deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ and love for her family.
Mary dedicated over 30 years to teaching preschool children, where she touched the lives of many young children by instilling in them the values of kindness, love, and purpose. Her commitment to integrating faith into her teachings showed her deep belief in each child’s significance not only to her, but more importantly to God and to the world.
She was an integral part of her husband’s ministry, supporting and participating in various capacities. She was there by his side at every opportunity, and that presence will be missed by not only him but by the many she touched along the way. Mary also cherished her personal time, especially going to the beach with her family, enjoying moments with her loved ones and friends, and watching her granddaughter grow.
She leaves behind a loving family: her husband of 39 years, Bob Sanders; her daughter and son-in law, Courtney and Logan Branch; her granddaughter, Lyla Rhea Branch; siblings Kathleen (Everett) Trigger, Brian (Carol) Burke, Peggy (Larry) Gronewold, Pat Burke, and Nancy (Joe) Pfeifer, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Julia Hancock, father Brian Burke, stepfather Gean Hancock, and her brother Martin Burke.
Mary’s life was honored and celebrated in a private family service. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped them during Mary’s illness. Each of you are a blessing to us. ” Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. Eph 3:20-21
Kelli Fulghum Croft, 51, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025, surrounded by love and held in peace.
Born in Macon, Georgia, on March 2, 1974, Kelli graduated from Mount de Sales Academy and later earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy from Oconee Falls. With a heart full of compassion, she devoted many years to serving others as a Respiratory Therapist, leaving a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues with her kindness, strength, and steady presence.
Kelli lived a life marked by resilience, curiosity, and generosity. Never one to stop growing, she had recently begun pursuing a new dream—studying to become an aircraft mechanic—a beautiful testament to her belief that it’s never too late to chase your goals. She lived boldly, fiercely, and with an unwavering commitment to the people and passions she loved.
On September 12, 2015, Kelli married the love of her life, Lori Croft. Their bond was deep, abiding, and true—built on years of laughter, and quiet understanding. Together, they shared countless moments of joy and built a life full of love and grit.
Kelli adored her children, Averi Brinson and Peyton Brinson, and was endlessly proud of the lives they’re building. One of her greatest joys was being “Yaya” to her beloved grandson, Aiden Cooper. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Kasey (Blake) Beaty.
At the heart of Kelli’s world was her grandmother, Edna Bady—her guiding light—who lived to be 103, gifting Kelli three extra years of love and wisdom beyond her promise to make it to 100.
Kelli’s soulful voice was one of her quiet gifts, often heard humming or softly singing around the house, wrapping those around her in a sense of calm and comfort. She loved animals deeply, especially her loyal chihuahua companions, Nikki and Viola, who rarely left her side. She found joy in cooking, in laughter, and in the simple beauty of being present with those she loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Kay and Dan Fulghum; her brother, Klay Fulghum.
Kelli had a quiet, steadfast faith in God, which showed in the way she comforted, cared, and loved. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched—with humor, warmth, and a spirit that never stopped reaching for something more.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Forest Hill Park in Perry, Georgia.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
