Virginia Rabon Byers, a resident of Dothan, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at her residence. She was 74.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday May 24, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Pastor Robert Hamilton officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount Zion Assembly of God Food Pantry 1078 County Road 112 Midland City, Alabama 36350.
Virginia was born January 29, 1951 in Mobile, Alabama to the late William Lee and Milera Broadhead Rabon. She was raised in Mobile and moved to Dothan in 1985. Virginia was a Nurse by trade working in healthcare at various offices. She was active in her church and will be remembered as a family oriented loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wayne Rabon; husband, Mike Byers and a stepdaughter, Donna Royer.
Survivors include her son, Jonathan Walley and his wife Blair; granddaughter, Kayla Walley; two stepchildren, Krista Byers and Michael Byers; five step grandchildren; siblings, Linda Taylor, Warner Rabon (Barbara) and Marcia Rabon; sister in law, Jackie Rabon; brother in law, Larry Byers; special cousins, Earl and Sybil Starling and many nieces and nephews.
Reverend Thomas Gerald Hollis of Slocomb went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was 86.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Corinth Baptist Church, 134 Co. Rd. 60, Slocomb, AL with Reverend David Zorn officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Visitation and refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Growing up in Cottonwood / Dothan area, AL, Gerald developed a work ethic that followed him throughout life. A seminary graduate, Rev. Hollis pastored churches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Early in his ministry, he served as a music minister encouraging children, youth and adults to develop and use their gifts in worship. From mission trips to choir tours, revivals to normal Sundays, he could be found using his gifts to point other to Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, General Tullie Hollis and Tommie Richards Hollis; his brothers, Tullie Hollis Jr., Jimmy Hollis, and his twin, Robert Earl Hollis. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Linda Lott Hollis; sons Greg Hollis (Mary) and Mike Hollis (Lynn); five grandchildren, Heather, Hanna, Trevor, Bethany and Rachel; three great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Corinth Baptist Church, c/o Myra Bolen-Church Clerk, 4932 Co. Rd. 49, Slocomb, AL 36375.
Betty Jean Watford Coxwell, known affectionately as Betty by friends and family, passed away on May 14, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Houston County on October 24, 1936, Betty’s life was a tapestry of love for her family, faith, and selfless service in the ministry.
Betty was the beloved matriarch of a large and loving family. She is survived by her devoted children, Gary (Terrie) Coxwell, Sylvia (Jim) Martin, Rebecca (Dave Jr.) Franks, and Alicia (Steve) Weed. Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren, Steven (Serena) Martin, Rachel (Eric) Farrell, Elisabeth (Darrin) Hargrove, Nathan (Alyssa) Franks, Kailey (Kyle) Johnson, Celeste (Jasper) Nichols, Kacey (Brandon) Acree, and Klara Beth Weed; as well as her great-grandchildren, Tyler Martin, Katelyn Martin, Trey Martin, Elijah Hargrove, Junia Hargrove, William Atwood, Toby Martin, Lydia Atwood, Matthew Hargrove, Lincoln Franks, Logan Franks, Kora Johnson, Kinley Johnson, and Abigail Nichols. She also leaves behind her sisters, Katie Metcalf and Margie (Alan) McAllister; sister-in-law, Mary Watford; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews. Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Nancy Strickland Watford, by her husband, Rev. Thomas Coxwell, by her brother, Grady Luther Watford, and by her brother-in-law, James Douglas Metcalf.
Her journey began in Houston County, where her parents, Grady and Nancy Strickland Watford, raised her with strong values. Betty attended Slocomb High School, and her commitment to education was underscored when she received her GED the same year her youngest daughter graduated from high school. Betty was a beacon of dedication and resilience, qualities that were reflected in her role as a pastor’s wife and caregiver, where she served her community with grace and devotion.
Betty’s life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit and her loving heart. She was a woman who not only loved the Lord but also embodied His teachings in her everyday actions. Betty was a faithful member of Timbers Drive Free Will Baptist Church.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 2 pm on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Timbers Drive Free Will Baptist Church. It will be a time for friends and family to gather and remember a woman whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her. Betty will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, where her memory will be cherished. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 pm, offering a space to share stories and comfort one another.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Wiregrass Homecare, Westside Terrace, and Vitas Hospice, who provided Betty with exceptional care and compassion during her final days. Their kindness has been a source of comfort and support to the family in this time of sorrow.
Betty’s journey through life was marked by her loving nature, her faith-filled soul, and her selfless approach to all she did. She was a woman of remarkable strength, leaving a legacy that will be honored and remembered by all who were touched by her kindness.
Lenora Hartzog Johnson, a resident of Clayton, Alabama passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her residence. She was 78 years old.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton, Alabama with Rev. Don Highland and Rev. Bob Cox officiating. The burial will follow in the Creel Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to the Creel Church Cemetery Fund- c/o Andrew Hartzog: 48 Creel Church Road Clayton, Alabama 36016.
Lenora was born on April 1, 1947, in Barbour County, Alabama to the late James Huey, Sr. and Callie C. Brown Hartzog. She worked at Van Heusen for many years and retired from the Barbour County Courthouse as a Probate Clerk. She loved cooking, crocheting, sewing, gardening, and ceramics. Lenora was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Donald Hartzog, Richard Hartzog, and Kent Hartzog; sister, Catherine Howerton; special brother-in-law, Ray Johnson.
Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband of 54 years, Andrew Leon Johnson; son, Wayne Faulk (Melanie); daughter, Cindy Adams (Jeff); two brothers, Jr. Hartzog and Larry Hartzog; sister, Imogene Matthieu; four grandchildren, Melanie Ashleigh Eubanks (Justin), Brittany Coker (Derek), Austin Martin (Ashley), and Jacob Martin (Jordyn); five great-grandchildren, Leia Doster, Myles Eubanks, Aubrey Martin, Hayden Martin, and Henleigh Martin; three special sisters-in-law, Betty Johnson, Glenna Hartzog, and Hilda Hartzog; special brother-in-law, Dean Brown; several nieces and nephews.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Austin Martin, Jacob Martin, Justin Eubanks, Kyle Hartzog, Andrew Hartzog, and Derek Coker.
Honorary pallbearers are Buster Volf and Doug Ward.
The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to Yvonne Faulk, Annie Bell Daffin, Rosa Daffin, and all the staff of Gentiva Hospice.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Katherine Lunsford passed away in her home peacefully on May 14 2025. Per family wishes, a direct cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held at a later time.
She was born November 11, 1950 in Douglas County, Georgia to Bill Inman and Louise Solomon Inman.
She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her grandkids, great grandkids, swimming, watching her soap operas and the beach.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, James Lunsford and her parents.
Survivors include her son James Norman Lunsford IV; Buddy Hagans (Tina); daughter Wendy Skipper (Jimmy); grandchildren James Norman Lunsford V; Heather Skipper (Justin Cantor), Christy Marlin (Scott), Patrick Hagans, Emily Hagans, Jamie Hagans, Joshua Hagans, Sarah Hagans; great grandchildren Jasmine Wambles, Levi Cantor, Olivia Rankin, Dallan Cantor, Declan Cantor.
Edward “Wayne” Shackelford, a man known for his faith-filled heart and loving humor, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on February 13, 1946, in Coffee County, Alabama, Wayne was a playful soul who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Wayne spent his early years in New Brockton, where he graduated from high school. He then moved to Dothan, where he would lay the foundations of a long and respected career. Wayne first worked with Hayes Aircraft and later with Paige Aircraft, demonstrating a strong work ethic that became his trademark. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate Tri-State Marble for 14 years, after which he worked with Lewis-Smith Supply for over a decade until his retirement in 2016.
Beyond his professional life, Wayne was a jokester and a mischievous spirit at heart. He was an avid fisherman, often found at Lake Eufaula, where he cherished teaching his nieces and nephews the art of fishing and simply enjoying time with his family. Wayne’s playful nature was balanced by his deep faith. A faithful Christian, he was a dedicated member of Dothan First Church of the Nazarene, where he taught Sunday School to special needs children, touching lives with his compassion and patience.
Wayne’s love story with his wife, Rebecca “Beckie” Shackelford, was one for the ages, spanning 59 beautiful years. Together, they raised their daughter Amy Shackelford and cherished the memories of their late daughter Leigh Ann Shackelford. His family was his pride and joy, and he was a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews. Although Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings John Waylon Shackelford, Betty Gross, and Ann Sanborn, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Tallie Riley, his legacy of love and laughter lives on through his family.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 3 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Dothan First Church of the Nazarene, officiated by Pastor Kevin Knight. Friends and family will gather from 2-3 pm on Friday at the church to honor a man who was truly one of a kind. Wayne will be laid to rest at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, leaving behind a community enriched by his presence. Flowers are being accepted, or memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s honor to Love in Action Ministries, 279 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Serving as active pallbearers are Mark Smith, T.J. Jones, Ron Kaita, Eli Jones, Ryan Benton, and Jim Metcalf. The honorary pallbearers, consisting of Tom Watson, Dan Henderson, and Jimmy Douglas, stand as a testament to the many lives Wayne touched.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Southern Care Hospice for their kindness and care during Wayne’s time of illness.
Wayne Shackelford was a man who lived a life full of purpose, love, and laughter. His memory will be cherished, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring mark he left on our hearts and the example he set for living a life filled with joy, kindness, and unwavering faith.
Lenora Hartzog Johnson, a resident of Clayton, Alabama passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her residence. She was 78 years old.
