Aaron Franklin “Cotton” Farmer, passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on November 25, 1948, to the late Marion Aaron Farmer and Leila Love Farmer, Cotton’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love and hard work.
Cotton was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was often found sitting on the back porch, taking in the beauty of nature and the companionship of his family. His dedication to his loved ones was unwavering, and he was a pillar of strength for them all. Cotton’s work ethic was unparalleled, and he instilled the values of diligence and perseverance in all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Farmer, with whom he shared countless hours fishing and creating memories. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Farmer and Joe Farmer. His legacy of love continues through his family. Cotton was a devoted father to his son, the late Aron Farmer, and to his daughters, Cheri Fessenden and April Farmer. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Damian Farmer, Christopher Bean (Aryanna), Brett Jackson, and Alex Farmer, as well as his great-grandchildren, Levi Goff and Adonis Rodriguez.
Cotton is also survived by his brother, Max Farmer (Sheila), and his sisters, Peggy Lingo, Patricia Farmer, and Barbara Gatewood. Each of them carries a piece of Cotton’s generous spirit and will remember him for his unwavering support and boundless love.
Those who knew Cotton will recall a man who was the epitome of generosity. He gave freely of his time, his resources, and his wisdom, always putting others before himself. His legacy is one of kindness and selflessness, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral services for Cotton will be held at 1 PM, Friday, March 20. 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Judy Dyson officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 1 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Miss Kimberly A. Fulford of Hartford passed away Friday, March 13, 2026 at her home. She was 43.
Kimberly was born in Enterprise, Alabama to Edward Kenneth and the late Donna Anita Hataway Fulford on June 29, 1982. She graduated from Geneva County High School. Kimberly attended Wallace Community College where she earned her Certificate in Nail Technology. At the time of her death, she was working at Tate’s Grocery where she was cherished by many for her kind and selfless spirit. She was a hard worker that always brighten everyone’s day with her smiling face. Kimberly had a desire to make everyone she met feel loved and an infectious laugh that will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and the Hartford Community.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Anita.
The loving family that she leaves behind includes her daughters: Macy Fulford, Krista Fulford, and Alisa Fulford; father, Kenneth Fulford; sister, Heather Fulford; brother, Brian Fulford and other extended family and friends.
James Vincent Keeler, a man whose laughter and love knew no bounds, passed away on March 16, 2026, in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 8, 1978, James, lived a vibrant life full of joy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear.
James’s journey through life was marked by his boundless energy and a spirit that could brighten the darkest of days. His role as Assistant Plant Manager for Unifirst over the past six years was not just a job but a platform where he expressed his strong work ethic and his innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
A man of the earth, James was most at home in the great outdoors. With a fishing rod in hand or taking a refreshing swim, he found solace and joy in nature’s embrace. His love for the outdoors was only matched by the love he had for his family. A dedicated father, his daughters Courtney Fulford, Leila Keeler, Fiona Keeler, and Ariel Keeler were the apples of his eye. He instilled in them the power of tenacity, humility, and the importance of being non-judgmental. His words of wisdom and inspiring presence will continue to guide them throughout their lives.
James’s legacy of laughter and kindness is also carried on by his loving parents, Nancy and Don Keeler, his grandfather Wayne DuRocher, his sister Renee (Roy) Peters, and his nephews Tristan (Katie) Peters, Caleb Peters, and Avery Peters. He shared a special bond with his ex-wife, Jessica Keeler, with whom he navigated the complexities of life with grace and understanding. Though the family feels the absence of James’s son, Blake Keeler and his grandparents, James “Jim” Keeler, Elouise Fralick, and Ruth DuRocher who preceded him in death, they find comfort in knowing that they are all reunited once more.
His sense of humor was legendary; a true prankster at heart, James never missed an opportunity to share a joke or pull a harmless prank, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake. He never met a stranger, for his friendly and selfless nature made him a cherished member of the Dothan community. His faith-filled life was a testament to his character, a beacon of light for all who knew him.
A celebration of James’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Deese officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 am on Saturday, sharing stories, memories, and the infectious joy that James brought into their lives.
James Vincent Keeler was more than just a man; he was a source of strength, a well of wisdom, and a heart filled with love. As we say goodbye, we also say thank you—for the laughter, the support, and the endless acts of kindness. James, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest in peace, dear James, until we meet again.
It is with profoundly heavy hearts that the family of Michael “Mike” Dale Marshall sharesthe news of his untimely passing on March 13, 2026, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike was 63.
Born in Dothan, Alabama, on April 2,1962, to the late Gayle Bostick Marshall and the late Larry Wood Marshall, Mike was a member of the1980 class of Northview High School, where he graduated with honors. Following high school, he attended the University of Alabama on a full academic scholarship majoringin Biology and Healthcare Administration. While at the University, Mike formedmany lifelong friendships, pledged Phi Gamma Delta, taught Biology as a student professor, had a marvelous timeandgraduated with honors. He was exceptionallyintelligent, undeniably fun,mischievous (in a good way) and 100% unpretentious. He was, as one friend said, “gentle as a flower and tough as boot leather”. Mike was a man who demonstrated personal integrity, loyalty, compassion, kindness, and humor in all things. He was a rabid football fan and spent most of his Fall Saturdays cheering on the Crimson Tide.He was a loving and devoted husband to Jo Ann and a committed and caringfather to John Robert. Mike wasdearly loved by his family and friends. He was a person of substance. His laugh was unique and positivelycontagious, and he was known to be thoughtful and generous, especially to thosein need or with disabilities.Mikecared deeply for “his people” and gave of his time and his heartwithout reservation.
Professionally, Mike enjoyed a long and successful career in hospital administration at various hospitals, including Mobile Infirmary, several Health South Rehabilitation hospitals across the southeast, and later, as CEO of Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital in Demopolis, Alabama. He was a gifted leader, assets manager, and troubleshooter. In many instances, he instituted visionary procedures that brought about dramatic positive changes in the facilities he managed and communities he served. His“open door policy” was more than mere words as he literally removed the door to his office to encourage collaboration and openness amongst hospital leadership and fellow team members.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John Robert Christian III; brother, Marty Marshall (Cindy); and father-in-law JoeMiller (Mary Lou). He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Miller Marshall; brother, Mitch Marshall; sister-in-law, TeresaMiller Norman (Keith); nieces, Anna Marshall McKnight (Dustin), Dr. Rebecca Marshall, Makayla Marshall, Mariah Marshall, and Johnson Norman; nephews, Byrne Norman, Jr. (Kathryn), Miller Norman (Emily), and Harry Norman (Maggie); and many great nieces and nephews.
The date for Mike’s memorial service, which will be held at First United Methodist Church of Dothan, Alabama, has not yet been finalized. Details will be forthcoming shortly and posted on social media and onthe website of HM Patterson & Sons:
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IndependenceWORKS Day Program at JF&CS, where Mike and Jo Ann’s son, John Robert, spent tenjoy-filled years as a beneficiary of this wonderful special needs program:
MIDLAND CITY, ALABAMA. . .Betty Ann Freeman Dowling, a LPN Nurse whose fifty year career was defined by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, in her sons arms at home. She was 77.
Born in Tallahassee and raised in Milton, Florida, Betty knew at a young age that her calling was to care for others. Her Mother passed away when she was five and she always took on the caregiver role for her seven siblings at home. She graduated from Wallace Community College and immediately began a journey of service that spanned five decades at Extendicare Health & Rehab in Dothan.
Betty was known for her calm demeanor in the face of crisis. She mentored generations of nurses and was a trusted partner to countless doctors. She was a voice for patients, a comfort to families and a cornerstone to the hall she walked for many years. She was also a cherished Mother, Aunt, Grandmother and friend, who was known for her support and encouragement and unfailing love. She was a member of Rocky Branch Congregational Holiness Church in Midland City.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Victoria Freeman, her husband, Danny Dowling, brothers, William, Bill, Cecil and Bobby Freeman, and sisters, Vicky Stokes, Barbara McGriff and Alma Majors.
Surviving relatives include her son, Daniel Dowling (Stephanie Butler), grandsons, Christopher Dowling, Seth Warriner (Amy), a granddaughter, Katlynn Peters, great-grandson, Setu Warriner; a host of nieces and nephews; a Goddaughter, Angel Bryant, co-workers, and residents that she cared for and many friends.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in the Crain Cemetery, Milton, Florida. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Florida is in charge of funeral arrangements. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Rocky Branch Congregational Holiness Church in Midland City. Her shift has ended but her legacy of care lives on. Her hands are now at rest, their healing touch remains forever in the lives that she comforted.
Holman-Headland Mortuary, Headland, Alabama, was in charge of local arrangements.
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.
Darwin Earl Schaper, affectionately known as Gus to his friends and family, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 90 in Wicksburg, Alabama. Born on June 26, 1935, in State Center, Iowa, Gus was known for his unwavering faith, kindness, and courage throughout his life.
Gus was a devoted husband to Beverly Schaper, his beloved wife of 64 years. Together, they built a life rich in love and joy, marked by the milestones of their two sons, John (Kym) and Steve (Danna Kay). Gus’s legacy continued through his adored grandchildren, Tyler (Ashley) Schaper, Hannah (Harrison) Pitman, Austin Schaper, Jacob (Rebecca) Schaper. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Janet Burns. Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ruie Schaper, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication.
Educated at the University of Southern California, Gus earned a master’s degree that would serve as the foundation for his varied and impactful career. He honorably served in the United States Navy for 22 years as a Naval Aviator during Vietnam. After completing his service in the Navy, he transitioned into his second career in the civilian aviation industry at PEMCO World Air Services. His commitment to service didn’t end with his military career; he continued to serve his community as a hospital volunteer at Flowers and as a volunteer fireman in Wicksburg. Gus’s influence on naval traditions remained strong as both his sons followed in his footsteps, serving in the Navy.
In 1978, Gus moved his family to Wicksburg, where he embraced rural life with enthusiasm. He was a man who was always on the go, whether it was tinkering with a new project, playing a round of golf, or traveling the world with his wife, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Gus was a pillar of his community, serving as a deacon and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church, where his faith shone brightly. He was an avid reader and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially time spent with his beloved family. His passion for life was evident to all who knew him, and his laughter and stories will be deeply missed.
As we say farewell to Gus, we celebrate a life lived to its fullest, a heart given freely to family and friends, and a spirit that inspired courage and kindness in others. His was a life that embodied faith in every action, a testament to the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind. Gus Schaper’s memory will continue to be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of Gus’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Kocsis officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.
