Mr. James Farris Helms, beloved Dad and Husband, age 83, a resident of Dothan passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff and Rev. Jeff Ross officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM at the funeral home. The family will gather at their daughter’s home, Lawana Parrish, 109 Hamilton Place Headland, AL 36345.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Mr. Farris Helms was born in Pine Level on February 14, 1942 to James Roy Helms and Mary Elizabeth Thrasher Helms. He grew up in Coffee County and graduated from Elba High School in 1960. Later after graduation, he joined the Alabama National Guard. His first job was at Sawyer Candy Company in Elba. He later moved to Montgomery and worked for an insurance company, then later he became a food delivery man. He also worked at Tri-State meat from 1974 to 1985. After he semi-retired, he worked for Winn Dixie, Dothan City School, in addition to him and his wife starting their own lawncare business. Mr. Farris Helms was a member of Southside Baptist Church, formerly of Heritage Baptist Church. He was a simple man that worked hard for his family.
Mr. Farris Helms is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Agnes Wilson; infant brother; and infant son.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Belinda Helms, Dothan; daughters, Lawana Parrish, Headland, Kimberly Ferguson, Cristanna Sevec, both of Dothan; four grandchildren, Austin Ferguson, Nathan Parrish, Lila Parrish, Madison Sevec; niece, D’Aun Meherg.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and their wonderful staff members, Stephanie and Aisha; Southeast Health CCU 3rd floor nurses, Josh and Quan; Dothan Fire Station #4 and Pilchers Ambulance service; Dr. Dahlin and Sheyenne at Dothan Medical.
God came to earth and picked a beautiful flower to take back to Heaven with him.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
David “Reid” Oates, a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated physical therapist, passed away on April 19, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Born on October 21, 1962, in Dalton, Georgia, Reid lived a life steeped in compassion and service to others.
Reid dedicated thirty years to his career as a physical therapist, where he exemplified the qualities of caring, kindness, and sympathy. His commitment to helping others extended beyond his profession; Reid was a proud member of the First Baptist Church in Metter, Georgia, and a devoted Christian whose faith guided him throughout his life.
Beyond his professional and familial responsibilities, Reid had a zest for life that was infectious. He found joy in taking care of his cows and enjoyed spending time outdoors. A dedicated Alabama Football fan, he often expressed his enthusiasm for the game, sharing moments of camaraderie with friends and family.
Reid’s community contributions included serving as Rotary President in Reidsville, Georgia, where he positively impacted many lives. His dedication to service and community encapsulated his desire to make a difference.
David “Reid” Oates is preceded in death by his father, James Oates; and his stepson, Robbie Brinson.
Reid’s love for his family was immense. He cherished his wife, Karen Oates, and took great pride in his daughters, Taylor (Michael) Melvin and Caroline Oates. He was a beloved grandfather to four grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love and support. Reid is also survived by his mother, Pennie Oates; brother, Chuck (Shannon) Oates; and his sister-in-law, Sharon (Art) Elvins; three nieces, one nephew, three great nieces and three great nieces.
As we remember Reid, we reflect on the legacy of love, strength, and service he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
VISITATION: Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
FUNERAL: Friday, April 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Metter First Baptist Church.
BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.
REMEMBRANCES: Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga. 30417 or Metter First Baptist Church 50 S. Rountree St. Metter, Ga., 30439
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
Mrs. Evelyn Carnley, 87, of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025, at her residence.
She was born January 2, 1938, in Holmes County, Florida to the late James Franklin and Mattie Keiser Stewart. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Mrs. Evelyn enjoyed family, flowers and fishing. She loved her family very much, making unforgettable memories with them all.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband Hughlon, two sons Roger, Larry and six brothers.
She is survived by seven children, Bruce Carnley, Mary “Sis” Hilty, Daniel Carnley (Debbie), Gloria Barfield (Olen), Jack Carnley, Roy Carnley, Charlotte Benton (Mike), twenty-two grandchildren, fifty-seven great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, one brother Bobby Stewart, three sisters Carolyn Poyner, Frances Tindel (David), Joyce Stewart, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home with Bro. Stacy Stafford and Olen Barfield officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery, Slocomb, Alabama.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, 10 a.m. until the time of service.
COLUMBIA… Teressa “Terry” Cureton, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, Passed away Monday, April 21, 2025, at a Dothan Hospital. She was 72.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Haleburg Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Bond officiating. Burial will follow in the Haleburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made in Mrs. Cureton’s honor to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-2132, or www.msfocus.org.
Mrs. Cureton was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late Donald Cauley Sr. and Merle Helms Cauley. She was a 1971 graduate of Dothan High School. She attended Pensacola State College in Pensacola, Florida. She retired from Dothan Warehouse as an office manager. Terry had previously lived in Dothan, Alabama before moving to Columbia, Alabama thirty-three years ago. She was a member of the Haleburg Baptist Church where she was very active in the WMU.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Lawanna Tallent.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Kenneth Cureton, Sr.; her sons, Ken Cureton, Jr. (Jennifer) and Kevin Cureton (Amanda); her brother, Donald Cauley, Jr.; her grandsons, Tucker Cureton, Brandt Cureton, and Grayson Cureton; and her granddaughters, Parker Cureton and Karoline Cureton.
Rosanne Sharp Ridley, age 72, passed away on April 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on December 25, 1952, to Jim Quinton and Margaret Kathryn Darley Sharp. Rosanne lived in Bainbridge, Georgia, Tallahassee, Florida, Ashford, Alabama and Dothan, Alabama.
Rosanne was married to the love of her life, Joel Ridley, and they will celebrate their 50th anniversary on April 25, 2025.
She is a 1971 graduate of Dothan High School and attended Wallace Community College. Rosanne was employed at Woodland Pharmacy, East Gate Pharmacy, Southeast Alabama Medical Center and Burt Williams Construction Company.
Rosanne was an avid Florida State Seminoles and Auburn Tigers fan. She loved reading and her many pets. Taco, Sparky, Tabby, Oscar, Laverne and Shirley will certainly miss her.
She is survived by her husband, Joel Ray Ridley; a sister, Barbara Sharp Carpenter (Harry); a brother, David Sharp (Debby), nephews, Brent Carpenter (Amber) and Wesley Carpenter (Aeana); nieces, Jill Sharp and Claire Sharp Globeti (Sam); great nephews, Harrison, Quin and Wells Carpenter; and great nieces, Camille and Lillie Carpenter. Rosanne had three very special longtime friends that were a source of strength and love, especially in the past two years, Sara Jo Adams, Tommie Ann Bush, and Elaine Helms.
A Graveside Service will be held at Memory Hill Cemetery on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to the Wiregrass Humane Society in Rosanne’s memory.
Bailie Martin Welk, a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, went to her final resting place on Sunday, April 20, 2025. She was 37.
Bailie was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama to the late Terri Lynn Pipkin and Faron Paul Martin. A country girl at heart, Bailie enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved fishing, chasing sunsets, swinging, being outdoors, art, photography, and animals. Most of all, she loved her kids and loved spending time with them.
She was an employee of Waffle House for 10+ years. She is preceded in death by her mother, Terri Lynn Pipkin; and her grandparents, Reverend Tommy and Louise Martin and Leroy and Nell Rea Adams.
Left to cherish her memories are her children, Kadence and Carter Welk, of Ashford; her father, Faron Martin (Gloria); her step-dad, Glen Pipkin; her sisters, Holli Chesnut (Patrick) and Laurie Duck (Russell), Amy Franklin (Joey), and Melissa Barber (Evan); several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; numerous friends…all of Dothan; a very special Uncle DeWayne (Cecil) Adams of Hernando Beach, Florida. Bailie also leaves behind a lot of special friends; her two best friends, Amanda McGehee and Nikki Webb, and dear friend Joe. She also loved her customers who she adored so much at Waffle House.
A Celebration of Bailie’s life will be held at 3 PM, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Faith Tabernacle Community Church with Reverend Ricky Martin officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:30 PM until 3 PM, prior to the service at the church. Casual attire is requested.
Bailie was a light shining bright. May her light never go out.