Jimmie Mabel Grimes Gillis of Samson, AL, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was 85 years old.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Rev. Sam Totten officiating. Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva will be directing.
Mabel was born on June 23, 1940 in Coffee Co., AL to the late Charlie B. and Mattie Mae Carter Grimes. She was a loving and devoted grandmother and great grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a dedicated member of Samson First Baptist Church where she attended regularly and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Mabel was retired from Fleming Foods and Dobbs Eye Clinic, where she was in the clerical field and served as secretary. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren and taking part in their sporting events. She was an avid sports fan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Gillis; son Mike Gillis and two sisters, JoAnn Pridgen and Annie Merle Grimes.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Shannon Gillis of Slocomb; one grandson, Chris Gillis (Jessi) of Coffee Springs; one granddaughter, Hannah Gillis of Slocomb; two great grandchildren, Maci and Wyatt Gillis of Coffee Springs; and a host of extended family, dear friends and church family.
Harry Kendall Richardson, Jr., affectionately known as Kendall to his friends and family, passed away on July 28, 2025, in Newton, Alabama. Born on April 16, 1948, in the serene town of Rural Retreat, Virginia, Kendall’s life was a testament to the values of kindness, dedication, and service.
Kendall’s journey began as a bright-eyed student at Wicksburg High School, where he cultivated a love for learning and community. His academic achievements were momentarily paused when he was called to serve his country. Kendall answered the call with honor, spending three years in the Army specializing in special communications. His service to the nation was a defining period of his life, instilling in him a deep sense of duty and resilience.
After his military tenure, Kendall embarked on a multifaceted career that showcased his diverse talents and unwavering work ethic. He found his calling in the practical arts, working as an electrician and HVAC technician, skills that he would carry with him throughout his life. His commitment to safety and well-being led him to oversee factory safety in Virginia, a role he approached with the same gentle determination that characterized all his endeavors.
Throughout his life, Kendall’s calm demeanor was a source of comfort to all who knew him. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about his character. His gentle nature and kind heart made him a beloved figure, and his influence extended far beyond his immediate circle.
Kendall’s legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 34 years, Deborah Richardson, who stood by his side through his happy years and his long illness. His son, Joshua Blevins, will remember his father as a guiding light and a source of unwavering support. He also leaves behind his grandson, Braxxton Bernard Blevins who gave Kendall many happy days. Kendall’s nephew, Earl Hensley and Ernest, and nieces, Michelle Hensley and Amanda, will cherish the memories of their kind uncle who always had time for them. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and friend, Charles Hensley.
While Kendall was preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Hensley and Harriett Borasa, the values he embodied and the love he shared will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
BERTHA COMMUNITY…Mr. Marty Parson, a resident of the Bertha Community, died late Monday afternoon, July 28, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 60.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brian Presley and Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Marty was born on August 3, 1964, in Alabaster, Alabama, and spent his childhood in the historic town of Selma. He graduated from Selma High School in 1983, and those who knew him back then would tell you he was the kind of guy who made friends easily—always quick with a smile, a joke, or a helping hand.
In 1989, Marty made Dale County his home, and it didn’t take long for him to become part of the fabric of the community. He worked at Sanders Plumbing & Electric in Ozark and Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Facility, where his caring nature made a real difference in the lives of those around him. Whether he was fixing something or lending a hand, Marty was the kind of person you could count on.
He was a die-hard University of Alabama football fan—Saturdays in the fall were sacred, and you could always count on him to be cheering on the Crimson Tide with passion and pride. But Marty’s favorite places weren’t just stadiums or living rooms with the game on—they were quiet lakesides with a fishing pole in hand or his own backyard garden, where he found peace in the soil and joy in watching things grow.
Faith was a cornerstone of Marty’s life. He was an active member of Ozark First Assembly of God Church, where he found strength and brotherhood in the Men’s Prayer Group. He didn’t just show up—he showed up with heart, always ready to pray, listen, and support those around him.
Above all else, Marty was a family man. He loved his family fiercely and deeply. Whether it was a phone call, a shared meal, or just sitting together in the quiet, he made sure the people he loved knew it. And if you ever saw him with his dog Gunner, you’d know that love extended to his four-legged family too. Gunner wasn’t just a pet—he was a companion, a buddy, and a source of comfort and joy.
Marty was preceded in death by his father, Marshall O’Neal Parson, Sr., and his beloved dog, Gunner. Their absence left a hole in his heart, but he carried their memory with him every day.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Tammy Barefield Parson, Bertha Community; his children, Blake Parson (Katie), Ozark, Mary Jo McCollough, Auburn, Jackob Wright (Rachel), Bertha Community, and Summer Wright, Ozark; his mother, Mary Franklin, Bertha Community; sister, Vicki Grammar, Dothan; three grandchildren, Aries Wright, Charlie Cluck, and Mary Tyler Cluck and one on the way, Marshall Parson; sister-in-law, Sandy Yarberry (Buddy), Ozark; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Group of Ozark First Assembly of God, Alex Spears, Chris Yarberry, and Ryan Tanner.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Mary Margaret Butler Hendrix, of Dothan, Alabama passed away at Flowers Hospital, Monday, July 28, 2025. She was 78.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at New Hinson Baptist Church with Reverend Jacob Hatcher, Reverend Brian Klobe, and Reverend Chris Stewart officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends and family at the church beginning at 10:00 AM and continuing until service time.
Interment will follow at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Hendrix was born September 25, 1946 to the late Marion H. and Larris Victoria Coker Butler. Mary was a woman of faith and always shared the gospel when she had a chance. She loved to paint, go fishing, going to the movies, and going out to eat with family. She worked in the Van Heusen Shirt factory for a number of years before retiring from Southeast Medical Center in Dothan. Mary’s greatest joy and love was spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by everyone
In addition to her parents, husband, Lonnie Earl Hendrix; a son, Johnny Earl Hendrix; a brother, Kenneth Butler; and sister Katheryn Pearce, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Laura Ann Smith (Charles); a brother, Harold Butler (Joann); a sister, Barbara Sue Ryder; grandchildren Kellie Hatcher (Jacob), Brad Hendrix, Caleb Smith; great grandsons: Micah Hatcher and Eli Hatcher; a special little friend, Scarlet Smith; and other extended family and friends.
NEWTON…Mrs. Virginia Mayhall Wilson, a resident of Newton, died Monday morning, July 28, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 95.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Cedar Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Kuhn, Pastor Edward Douglas, and Mr. Bimbo Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Community Cemetery, Newton. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the church.
Mrs. Wilson was born on September 2, 1929, to the late William Mayhall and Myrtle Quinn Mayhall, in the quiet town of Grant, Alabama—a place where family, faith, and hard work were the cornerstones of life. She carried those values with her when she moved to Newton in 1960, bringing with her a gentle spirit, a strong will, and a heart full of love.
On Christmas Day in 1948, she married her soulmate, Kenneth Wesley Wilson. It was a love story that stood the test of time—built on laughter, shared dreams, and the kind of devotion that doesn’t fade. Kenneth preceded her in death, but anyone who knew them could tell you that their bond was unbreakable. Even after his passing, she spoke of him with a sparkle in her eye and a tenderness that never wavered.
Mrs. Wilson was a familiar and beloved face at Newton Elementary School, where she worked as a crossing guard for twenty-five years. Rain or shine, she stood at her post with a wave, a smile, and a watchful eye, making sure every child crossed safely. She didn’t just guard the crosswalk—she guarded hearts. Generations of students remember her not just for her job, but for her kindness, her stories, and the way she cared for them.
In her later years, she found joy and companionship at the Newton Senior Center, where she was a lively and competitive spirit. She didn’t just participate—she shined. She won countless medals and ribbons at the Senior Citizen State Championship Games, showing off her skills in dominoes, shuffleboard, and Rook. Her laughter was contagious, and her determination was inspiring.
At home, Mrs. Wilson found peace in the simple pleasures. She loved tending to her garden, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, and sitting on her porch watching hummingbirds flit and dance in the air. Those quiet moments were her sanctuary, and she cherished them deeply.
She was a faithful member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, where she found strength in her faith and community. Her presence there was steady and comforting, a reflection of the grace and warmth she carried throughout her life.
Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, Kenneth Wesley Wilson, her beloved son, Kim Wesley Wilson, and her cherished grandson, Jordan Williams. Their loss was a deep sorrow, but she carried their memory with love and resilience.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Cindy Bradshaw (Doyle), Newton and Tammy Williams (Greg), Ozark; sister, Ruth Baker, Huntsville, Alabama; five grandchildren, Ashley Sanders (Adam), Wesley Bradshaw, Tyler Bradshaw (Amanda), Delora Hughes (Mark), and Mark Bradshaw; great-grandchildren, Jessi Golden (Jesse), Aiden Hughes, and Eli Hughes; many close friends and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Wesley Bradshaw, Adam Sanders, Bimbo Turner, Frank Baxter, Bobby Thomas, Tony Canalejo, and Tyler Bradshaw.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
BLUE SPRINGS… Voncille Hagler Sheppard, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Blue Springs, Alabama, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Danny Rieben and Reverend Dr. Dennis Tew officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Springs Word of Truth Cemetery, between Clio and Blue Springs. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 12:00 Noon Wednesday at the funeral home.
Born on October 25, 1939, to Ira and Versie Hagler, Voncille grew up in Blue Springs and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1958 as both Salutatorian and Homecoming Queen. Later that same year, she married Navy Petty Officer Robert H. Sheppard, and in 1960, they welcomed their daughter, Rene’.
Voncille had a servant’s heart that defined her life. She dedicated her career to Civil Service at Fort Rucker and poured her energy into serving others—both in her professional life and her community. She was a faithful member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, where she found great joy in worship and service. A true community leader, Voncille devoted more than 50 years as a councilmember and town clerk, championing the needs of Blue Springs and its residents.
Family was the cornerstone of Voncille’s life. She cherished every moment with her loved ones and found special joy in attending the events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her second great love was gardening, and she was well known for her beautiful flowers and impeccable landscaping skills.
Other than her parents, Voncille was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Sheppard; her brothers, Lamar and Hubert Hagler; her brothers-in-law Gene Smith and Donald Moates; her sisters-in-law, Francis and Bernice Hagler; and her stepson, Bobby Sheppard.
She is survived by her best friend and devoted companion of 27 years, Dwight Moates of Blue Springs; her daughter and son-in-law, Rene’ and Chris Wilkerson of Blue Springs; her granddaughters, Brittany (Weston) Jones of Blue Springs and Jennifer Wilkerson of Ozark; her great-grandchildren, Aidan and Tyson Pelham of Ozark, and Savvy and Shep Jones of Blue Springs; her sisters Merle Smith of Clio and Mauline Moates of Blue Springs and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Weston Jones, Wade Miller, Aidan Pelham, Tyson Pelham, Blake Moates, Vince Moates, and Mickey Smith.
Flowers are welcome, or contributions may be made in Voncille’s memory to Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church.
Voncille’s legacy of love, service, and faith will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The family would like to especially thank Adilene Slater, Mary Lightner, and Gentiva Hospice Care for their kindness and compassion shown over the past few months.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
