Mrs. Martha Jewell Watford, age 86, of Dothan, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 in Ft. Gaines, Georgia.
Born July 19, 1938 to the late Freeman and Lilly McLendon, Martha enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden and with her flowers. Family memories around the kitchen table included several specialty dishes, including her dressing and her chicken and rice.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James Durwood Watford; her daughter, Margaret Shirah; her brother, Millard McLendon; and her sisters, Mary Louise Chambers, and Alice Luverne Coe.
Martha is survived by her children, James Watford (Lisa), Billy Watford (Kim), Mary Eversoll (Abe), Lisa Smith, and Brenda Watford; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery.
James Earl Hemby (Jim), a resident of Dothan, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 91.
A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Dothan with Dr. Taylor Rutland and Rev. Bob Gross officiating. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, and Sorrells Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Mr. Hemby was born November 15, 1933, in Slocomb, Alabama, to the late Carlyn Earl Hemby and Mildred Underwood Hemby. A 1956 graduate of Slocomb High School, Jim was a proud Red Top on the undefeated football team his junior year; and he loved driving his Model A Ford around town. He continued his education at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Jim was also a very proud War Eagle alum, and for many years he attended football games making great memories on the “Loveliest Village on the Plains”.
Upon graduation from Auburn, Jim chose to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army. Afterwards, he began an extended career in education. His first teaching job was in Panama City, Florida, where he met two lifelong friends, Dave Hawkins and John Hope, known as the “three musketeers”. In 1963 Jim joined Dothan City Schools as a teacher of Distributive Education and furthered his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Vocational Education and an Ed.S. Degree in Administration and Supervision, which led to Jim leaving the classroom to serve Dothan City Schools as Director of Vocational Education and Support Services, which he dearly loved.
In this capacity he grew and developed the Dothan Vocational Center into a model school in the State of Alabama. He believed that any student who learned a skilled trade would have a boundless opportunity to succeed. Recognized with numerous state awards for his vocational education leadership and talents, his true award came in seeing students and teachers excel. After retirement, his passion for public education continued to be exhibited when he was elected in 2001 as Chairman of the Board of Dothan City Schools. He served four years where he was able to resume his vision of working to provide every student with a firm educational foundation and to equip teachers with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom.
In 1963 Jim met the love of his life, Sylvia Crane, of Headland. Six months later, they married and were blessed with two daughters. Jim’s “three girls” were his greatest joy, and he was the epitome of the ultimate “girl dad”. Whether it was a dance recital, gymnastic meet, cheerleader event, school project, fishing trip, or beach day, Jim enjoyed it all and stood just a little bit taller with pride. A devoted husband and father, Jim cared for his girls with unconditional love, incredible patience, and sincere devotion. Becoming a Gdaddy to grandchildren added another layer of love for his family, and Jim thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up and participating in their activities.
Involved in civic organizations, Jim held leadership positions in the Dothan Civitan Club and was a member of the Dothan Rotary Club. An active and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Dothan, he enjoyed teaching the 8th grade boys Sunday School and being a member of the “Older Men’s” Sunday School Class. Jim also took much pride tending to his yard and decorating with Christmas lights, receiving countless “Yard of the Month” and “Best Overall” recognitions by the Northside Garden Club. Jim’s life was one filled with devotion to his family, students, and faculty. He enjoyed Saturdays at Auburn and planning boating and fishing trips with friends. At times a man of few words, Jim will always be remembered and loved for his big heart and passion for his family and life.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sylvia; his daughters, Beth Hemby (Wiley McNeal) and Carla Woodall (Bob); his grandchildren, Brannon (Chelsea), James, Elizabeth Grace, and Robert Woodall; and his great-grandchildren, Emme Gholston and Charlotte and Tallulah Woodall. Cousins include Henrietta Sumner, Jennifer Golden, Priestly Underwood, Dr. D.J. Underwood, Evelyn Mullins, and John Mullins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dothan Technology Center, ATTN: Ryan Richards, 3209 Reeves Street, Dothan, AL 36303 for student scholarships. Contributions may also be made to the Respite Care Ministry, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36303 where the family extends deep appreciation for the love and care shown to Jim by the dedicated staff and volunteers. The family is also appreciative to Southern Care Hospice for their tender care and compassion and to all his friends and family for their love and prayers.
Dorothy Ann Hansen, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at her home. She was 81.
In honoring her wishes through cremation, no services are scheduled at this time.
Dorothy was a devoted hairdresser for more than 65 years, a career that was as much about connection and care as it was about style. She was known for her warm heart, welcoming spirit, and the lasting friendships she built behind the chair. A lifelong animal lover, Dorothy had a gentle soul and a home that was always open to furry companions. Whether caring for a pet or supporting animal causes, her compassion for all living things was unwavering. She cherished time spent at the beach, where she found peace in the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun. But above all, Dorothy treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in being with her children and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and unconditional support.
Mrs. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hansen; her first husband, James P. Peoples; and two sisters, Katherine Lyle and Sara Holland.
Survivors include her two daughters Elizabeth Salter (David), Coffee Springs, AL, Audrey Hall (Daryl), Enterprise, AL; two grandchildren, Ashley Ham (Jerrod), Enterprise, AL, Christopher Salter (Molly), Geneva, AL; brother, Clayton Newsom (Mazie), Enterprise, AL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Rudine “Dean” Battles Howell was born July 18, 1927 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Bud and Parlee Battles. Dean passed away in her home accompanied by loved ones on the morning of April 12, 2025. She was 97 years old.
She was raised and lived in the Hodgesville/Ardilla community her entire life where she was a lifelong member of Memphis Baptist Church. Dean retired from Hedstrom Union Company in Dothan after 38 years of work and later worked at Florida Microfilm before she stayed home to care for her two great-grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Howell, with whom she spent 60 years, and daughter, Malinda McCallister Brown, as well as her eight siblings. She is survived by her two grandsons Jay (Carlotta) McCallister and Jeff (Lisa) McCallister, and her two great-grandsons Justin McCallister and Jayse McCallister. She is also survived by her best friend and caregiver for the past 12 years, Mary Anne Zuber, and one brother-in-law, James (Shirley) Howell. She also has several nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service held on Tuesday, April 15th at 11am at the Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Billy Rich officiating.
Nola Jean Tidwell, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the Dale Medical Center in Ozark AL. She was 81 years old. Born on August 2, 1943, in Houston County, AL Nola’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering love for her family.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2PM Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Rehobeth Cemetery with Pastor Chaplain Goldsmith officiating . The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM in the chapel. Flowers will be accepted.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Jerry Kirkland, and Mark Brock.
Nola is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Wilma Lassiter Tidewell, and a sister, Glenda Ballentine. She is survived by her nephew; Ricky Johnson (Penny), Nieces; Donna Lee (Robert), Debbie Booth (Sonny), Kassi Torres (Jose), Keisha Thompson, Kyla Hill (Tony), Lori Kirkland (Jerry), and Ashley Tyson (Kyle), as well as her nephews; Cody Lee (Jessica) and Jordan Johnson, who will miss her deeply.
Nola was a lifelong member of the Rehobeth Baptist Church, Her love for gospel music was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect and share her faith with those around her. A woman of simple pleasures, her love for Coca-Cola was only surpassed by her enduring love for her family, which stood as the very framework of her life.Those who knew Nola were touched by her loving nature. As we celebrate her life, Nola’s story serves as a testament to the power of kindness. Marked by her gentle smile and nurturing embrace. Each life she touched now holds a part of her eternal legacy.
Mrs. Nona Merle Whitman Ezell, age 97, of Huntsville, Alabama, and formerly of Ozark, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.
A private celebration of life is planned for Mrs. Ezell in Huntsville, Alabama. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Merle was born to the late Orie and Lucille Whitman on March 21, 1928, and lived in Ozark, Alabama, until 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bennett Milton “Buddy” Ezell. Together, they owned and operated Ezell Oil Company for over 30 years until their retirement.
While living in Ozark, Mrs. Ezell was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities. She was also a member of numerous community organizations throughout the years. Merle and her husband were instrumental in helping to establish the Vivian B. Adams School for special needs students. She was a true Southern matriarch. A passionate decorator, she made her surroundings beautiful with her unique flair. She was also a gracious hostess and accomplished seamstress. Merle was an avid reader who loved working puzzles and playing cards. She was a devoted mother and caregiver to her daughter Sandra for over 60 years.
Mrs. Ezell was preceded in death by three sisters, Maurine Kirkland, Helen Vaughn and Elizabeth Helms. Survivors include her daughters, Susan Ezell Connor (Tim) and Sandra Ezell, both of Huntsville. She is also survived by five grandsons who loved her dearly: Bennett and his wife, Madison, and Garrett and his wife, Kelly, of Huntsville, Alabama; David and his wife, Meg, of Marietta, Georgia; Drew Connor and his fiancée, Daelyn, of Columbus, Mississippi; and Everett Connor of Nashville, Tennessee. Merle was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren she adored: Wyatt, Beau, William, John, David, Claire, and Molly. Other survivors include her sister, Doris Creel.
