Mrs. Janice Wilkinson Strickland, age 82, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Wesley Place in Dothan.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Bluff Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Kory Knight officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM in the church on Thursday prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bluff Springs Baptist Church Choir or Youth Department, 1990 Bluff Springs Road Ashford, Alabama 36312.
Mrs. Janice Wilkinson Strickland was born in Houston County and grew up in Rehobeth. She attended Rehobeth High School and graduated in 1961. She was the lunchroom manager for Ashford High School and attended Bluff Springs Baptist Church.
Mrs. Janice Wilkinson Strickland is preceded in death by her parents, LeeAnder Wilkinson and Opie Odelle Simmons Wilkinson; brothers, Johnny Wilkinson, Cecil Wilkinson, Rufus Wilkinson and William Wilkinson.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Strickland; two sons, Keith Strickland (Stacy), Pansey and Paul Strickland (Megan), Dothan; one daughter, Vicki Norris (Steve), Rehobeth; five grandchildren, Jennifer Teague (Brian), Nathan Norris, Seth Strickland (Katherine), Sabrye Strickland, Landrye Strickland; five great grandchildren, Connor Teague, Daniel Teague, Evan Teague, Andrew Teague, Kash Strickland; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Marcus Wilkinson, Robert Wilkinson, Kevin Knight, Brian Teague, Seth Strickland, and Jim Folkes.
Special thank you to the staff at Wesley Place and Southern Care Hospice.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Jimmie Frances Rogers Pike of Pansey, AL, formerly of Dothan, AL passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, April 14, 2025. She was 98 years young.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, April 18, 2025 at Liberty Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Peacock officiating. Burial will follow at Hodgesville Baptist Church Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at Liberty Baptist Church on Friday, from 12:30 to 2 P.M. prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the Children’s Ministry Building Fund at Liberty Baptist Church, 477 Liberty Rd., Pansey, AL.
Mrs. Pike, known to most as Granny Pike, was born May 6, 1926, in Jefferson County to the late Carl and Alaga Rogers of Wylam, AL. Mrs. Pike was a loving and dedicated Navy wife to her husband, Walter H. Pike, of 70 years. Her life was a testament of her enduring love for the Lord and her family. She served the Lord as a Sunday School teacher, leader and member of Hodgesville Baptist Church for many years and currently attended Liberty Baptist Church. She was cherished and loved by many.
Mrs. Pike is survived by her loving family: daughter, JoAnn Pike Hutton (late husband Pete Hutton); son, Walter and Janice Pike; grandchildren, Kelli (Josh) Harper and Jason (Deede) Pike; great-grandchildren, Blake (Sierra) Harper, Jordan (Dalan) Harper, Cooper and Kennedy Pike; and great-great-grandchildren, Ivy and Lawson Harper; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter H. Pike; three sisters, Doris Hendricks, Louise Waldrip, and Margaret June Stewart.
Katherine Turner Shiver, known to friends and family as Granny Shiver, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2025, after an extended illness. She had just celebrated her 94th birthday in February.
A celebration of Katherine’s life will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bascom, FL at 4:00 PM CST (5:00 PM EST) with Rev. John Howell officiating. The family will gather and receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3:00-4:00 PM CST (4:00-5:00 PM EST) at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Kyle Woodfin, Patrick Woodfin, Jason Shiver, Lee Fitch, Rickey Linville, and David Gilmer serving as active pallbearers. You may sign the online guest book at evansskipperfh.com
Katherine worked most of her years as a seamstress at Warner’s Factory and USL before retiring. She didn’t stop there. She worked through the foster grandparent program in Houston County at Ashford and Webb Schools. This is where she received the name Granny Shiver from the many children whose lives she touched. After her retirement, her life was her yard and flowers from sun up until sundown.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Shiver; her four grandchildren, Christy Darby and husband Greg, Jason Shiver and wife Kerri, Patrick Woodfin and wife Megan, and Kyle Woodfin; her great grandson, Cole Raley and wife Cassie; and her great great grandson, Bane Raley. Also surviving is her loving sister, Ida Dean Howell and husband A.Z., along with many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Shiver was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert (Elb) Shiver; son, Freddie Shiver; brother, Eldridge (Buddy) Turner; and sisters, Doris Gilmer, Lois Golden, Rosa Mae Cherry, and Shelby Jean Trusty.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their love and compassion during Katherine’s final months. A special thanks to Pastor Eddie Biss, social worker Mark Clark, and CNA Molly, whose visits and support were a source of comfort to Katherine and her family. There are not enough words to express the love, devotion, and comfort shared with Katherine and Brenda by her nurse Joyce. She was not only her nurse but became a friend, which in Brenda’s heart will remain forever.
Evans-Skipper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Ronald Paul “Ronny” Reid of Samson passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025. He was 75.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Lime Springs Church with Rev. Clifton McWhorter and Rev. Phillip Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Lime Springs Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Lime Springs Church c/o Regina Sanders, 2826 Highway 153, Samson, AL 36477.
Ronny was born in Opp, AL on November 27, 1949 to the late Clifford Paul and Lillian Narelle Martin Reid. He was a man who was not afraid of hard work and along with his wife, taught their family the value of it. He was most happy when his grandchildren were near. Ronny was an avid lover of gospel music, traveling to numerous sings, near and far. For 21 years, he and Dianne organized and sponsored the annual New Year’s Eve Gospel Sing at Lime Springs Church. He was a member of Lime Springs Church and faithfully served where he could. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing softball. He was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football and NASCAR fan.
In addition to his parents, Ronny was preceded in death by one brother, Keith Reid.
Ronny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Dianne McCollough Reid; two sons, Christopher Reid and Brian Reid (Crystal); four grandchildren, Tanner Reid (Marley), Dawson Reid (Landra Free), Emmy Reid (Brandon Mock), Luke Reid (Mollie Fain); two great grandchildren, Mallie and Maddox Reid, all of Samson, AL; two sisters, Sherrie R. Phillips (Buddy) of Lockhart, AL and Donna R. Inabinett of Opp, AL; one brother, Tim Reid ( Marcie) of Kinston, AL; a host of extended family, friends and neighbors also survive.
Montine “Monty” White Sorrells passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, after an extended illness. Born on November 2, 1942, in Houston County, Alabama, Monty was a beacon of light and love to her family, friends, and community. Her final days were spent in Midland City, Alabama, surrounded by the love and care of her cherished family.
Monty’s early years were spent in the warm embrace of her parents, Jack and Vera Myrtle White, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her beloved sister Judy White and brother Sidney White. Monty’s legacy continues through her children, Tommy Sorrells, Jr., Eddie Sorrells (Stacie), and Susan Brown (Gary). She was a proud and doting grandmother to Alex Sorrells (Tiffany), Regan Sorrells, Peyton Sorrells, Sara Brown, and Tyler Brown, and a great-grandmother to the delightful Brayley Sorrells.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Monty went on to further her education at Samford University, where she honed her intellect and passion for learning. She dedicated her professional life to educating young minds as an elementary school teacher with Dothan City Schools. Monty’s love for knowledge and her commitment to her students left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched throughout her esteemed career.
Monty’s professional journey also included significant roles outside of education. She was affiliated with Wiregrass Commons Mall and brought her talents to the Tri-Glas Corporation in Daleville, AL, as well as Medical Center in Enterprise, AL. Her diligent work ethic and warm personality made her a valued colleague and friend in every endeavor she pursued.
A devout Baptist, Monty’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Her spiritual devotion found a special expression in music, as she served for many years as the pianist for First Baptist Church and Mt. Enon Baptist in Dothan. Her melodic contributions uplifted countless congregants and added to the richness of worship.
Monty’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her passion for education, and her boundless love for her family. Her presence was a comfort and inspiration to those around her, and her memory will be cherished in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Thomas Burton Merritt was born on May 11, 1934 and went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 12, 2025.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide P.O. BOX 670212 Dallas, TX 75267-0212.
Thomas graduated from Auburn University where he was part of the Naval ROTC program and track team. After finishing Auburn, he joined the Navy and completed his medical degree. While in the Navy, he served as a Naval aviator, and psychiatrist. During his 20 years with the Navy, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Naval Aviator Medal, and the Expert Medal for a .45 Caliber pistol. In 2008, he met the love of his life, Robbie (Honey) Merritt. They traveled the world together with stops in England, France, and Auburn where he watched his beloved Tigers. He was an avid rose gardener and won too many ribbons to count and a silver tray for his roses. His love for animals earned him the name of “Father Goose” for the geese and ducks he raised and released at Emerald Lake. We will miss Thomas for his warm smile, sense of humor, and adventuresome spirit.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Janet Merritt, father, Samual Merritt, and sister, Ella Merritt.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Merritt, sister, Jane Myers, sons, Thomas Burton Merritt, Jr., John Merritt, and Samual Merritt, his stepchildren, Chuck Preston, Peppi Cooper (Jeff), step grandson, Jon Preston, and step granddaughters, Kortney Cooper (Scott Bukosky), Kasey Cooper, and Peyton Preston; cousins, Margaret Merritt, Fay Merritt, Deede James Scarborough, Becky D. Evans, John Duke; numerous nieces, nephews, and other cousins.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Janice Wilkinson Strickland, age 82, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Wesley Place in Dothan.
