Martin Lee Ackley, has taken his final bow on May 4, 2025. Born on March 21, 1970, in the charming town of Ozark, AL, Martin’s journey through life was as vibrant and spirited as the man himself. He was the life of the party, a title he held from his youth until his passing in Dothan, AL.
Martin’s legacy is carried on by a loving family who matched his larger-than-life personality. His son, Dalton Ackley and daughter in law, Jersey, who inherited many of his dad’s traits; his daughter, Kira Ackley, who got his knack for turning every day into a celebration; his adorable grandkids, Cassidy and Nova, who knew him as the legendary “Paw Paw”; the mother of his children, Jennifer; his loyal brother, Iril Brown; his sisters, Barbara Faulk and Margaret Adkinson, who could always count on him for a good laugh; his fur baby, Jack, who was his steadfast sidekick.
He attended Carrol High School and went on to construct a life filled with joy, hard work, and the occasional shenanigan. He was a man who built more than just buildings in his construction career; he built a community of friends and a family that was as sturdy as the structures he worked on.
To say Martin was the life of the party is an understatement. He was the party. A simple man who found happiness in the everyday, Martin was known for his ability to turn a regular Tuesday into an event to remember. He provided for his family not just with the necessities, but with laughter, boundless energy, and the kind of stories that become family legend.
Martin was preceded in death by those who surely welcomed him with open arms: his mother, Betty Lou Smith; his infant twin, Martha Ackley; his sister, Crystal Sells; and his brother, Alan Brown; and his lifelong partner in crime, Brian Myers, who had been causing ruckus with Martin since they were both five years old. One can only imagine the heavenly reunion filled with laughter and joy as Martin joined them.
Martin was a man who lived by his own rules, went out on his own terms, and never missed an opportunity to be outside, soaking up the sun or searching for arrowheads. He was also known for being a diehard Alabama fan. He was the guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, and then probably make a joke about how it looked better on you anyway. With him, there was never a dull moment, whether he was fishing, sharing his latest find, or just being his spirited self.
He will surely be missed but most importantly, he will always be celebrated.
Elizabeth Ann Holland McDonald of Geneva, AL passed away Monday, May 05, 2025. She was 83.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 09, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Nathan Castaneda officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends Thursday night at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund in her memory.
Ann was born April 26, 1942 in Geneva Co., AL to the late Curtis Clayton and Mary Louise Morris Holland. She was a faithful member of West Pittman Baptist Church. Prior to her retirement, she worked in the textile industry as an inspector with Phillips-Van Heusen for 40 years. She later worked for Wiregrass Medical Center and Nursing Home in housekeeping for almost 20 years. She enjoyed taking road trips with family and her church family. She will forever be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her ability to make something good from every situation. Ann was always full of joy, laughter and devotion to her family and her community. She was always ready to step to the front of the line if work was to be done to benefit a fellowman. She was deeply loved and cherished and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Alton Luveral McDonald; one sister, Jean Ellen Spivey and one brother, Curtis Ray Holland.
Ann is survived by one brother, Rex Holland (Loretta) of Geneva, AL; very special niece; Rachel Sullivan (Brien) and their children, Jake and Parker Sullivan; nephews, Jonathan Messer, Mickey Messer (Andrea), all of Geneva, AL and Doug Spivey of Phenix City, AL; very special uncle and aunt, Charles Morris (Jean) of Geneva, AL; a number of special cousins, extended family, friends and church family.
The family would like to say a special “thank you” to Wiregrass Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice for their devoted love and care for Ann.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Edwin Mack Sheehan of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at the age of 97¾.
Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9AM at Memory Hill Cemetery. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 10:00 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Caleb Galloway and Reverend Jay Joye officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the service.
Mack had a special place in his heart for his church and especially for those who prepared, served, and delivered the meals each week. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to “The Feeding Faith Ministry” at First Presbyterian Church, 3012 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama, 36305 or to the Student Learning Services program at Providence Christian School 4847 Murphy Mill Road, Dothan, AL 36303. This program provides resources to students with learning or developmental disabilities.
Born on September 20, 1927, he was the son of Austin DeWitt and Maude Ziglar Sheehan. As a young 12 year old, Mack looked forward to working at his dad’s business, Motor Bearings & Supply Company, in downtown Dothan. He was a 1946 graduate of Dothan High School and attended the University of Alabama. After this, he served his country in the United States Army as a Radio Inspection Specialist. Later, he worked at GMAC in Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan for 34 years. He served as a deacon, elder, Sunday School Superintendent, and as Property Manager at First Presbyterian. Until his death, he was the oldest active male at his church.
Mr. Sheehan spent his life as an encourager, a supporter, and a true southern gentleman. He loved the simple things in life and enjoyed long walks on the beach with his family, guiding them with his words backed by his faith in God and his desire to impact the lives of others. He had the gift of gardening and enjoyed growing spectacular plants, especially camellias and orchids.
He is survived by his children; Jan (Brooks) Cavell, Mark (Kathy) Sheehan, and Clark (Janet) Sheehan; his grandchildren; Brandon (Jennifer) Cavell, Steven (Lauren) Dooling, Courtney (Chris) Sloop, Rebecca (Tim) Caine, and Luke (Anna) Sheehan; his great grandchildren; Kate, Claire, and Cooper Cavell, Mackenzie and Ellie Dooling, J.J. Quinn, Pearce and Charleigh Kate Sloop, Edwin “Teddy” Caine, and June Lee-Sheehan; his sister, Francis Sheehan Rice, and several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 64 years, Janelle Clark Sheehan, a sister, Marjorie Sheehan Berry,and one grandson, Jason Grady Dooling.
HALEBURG… Robert Clifford Scott of Haleburg, Alabama, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Westside Terrace Health & Rehabilitation, in Dothan, Alabama. He was 78.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Haleburg Baptist Church with Pastor Ray Cobb and Pastor Bill Bond officiating. Burial will follow in the Scott Family Cemetery in Haleburg, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Miami, Florida, Robert lived a vibrant life marked by hard work, family ties, and humor. For over 40 years, he owned successful land development companies, leaving a lasting mark on the landscapes and communities he served. Robert was a devoted husband to JoAnne Scott and a proud father to Tammy Wise and Robert Scott, II (Cliff). He welcomed a daughter-in-law, Kathy Scott with warmth and love. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Katiana Wise (and partner Edgar Lange), Robert Scott, III (C.J.), and Presley Scott—as well as his great-grandson, Henry Lange. He is fondly remembered by his sisters, Catherine Moss and Mary Granda, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Mavis Scott, and his brothers Angus, Thomas (Jacqueline), and Henry Scott.
Robert found immense joy in family gatherings, golf cart rides, and his many passions. He loved Italian food, especially crispy crust pizza, and enjoyed watching his koi fish swim peacefully. An avid fan of old Westerns starring John Wayne, he never missed a chance to root for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Auburn University, and the Miami Dolphins. Robert’s adventurous spirit extended to drag racing dreams, cheering on NASCAR drivers, and horse racing, particularly the Kentucky Derby. He cherished fishing trips to Flamingo and deer hunting in Alabama. Music brought him great joy; he loved listening to and singing along with Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard, and Elvis Presley. His sense of humor was legendary, and he was known for his hilarious gorilla impression. A generous soul who always lent a hand to those in need, Robert believed deeply in kindness. He was a member of Haleburg Baptist Church and also attended Haleburg Methodist Church.
He often claimed—with characteristic charm—that he invented cheese grits. Whether or not that’s true may remain a mystery, but what is certain is that Robert Clifford
Scott lived life fully—with heart, humor, generosity, and love.
Mrs. Pamela Rene Adkison Bowdoin of Samson, AL went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 03, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was 58.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 07, 2025 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, Alabama, with the Rev. Kit Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Bowdoin Family Cemetery in Samson with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Pam was born on January 31, 1967 in Enterprise, AL to the late Gerald Adkison and Peggy Weatherford Adkison Johnson. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who lived for her family. She enjoyed spending every possible minute with her sons and grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Nanny”. Pam was an avid animal lover, who cared for all kinds of animals, especially enjoyed her horses and cattle. Of all the animals, “Mr. Jiggles”, her 18-year-old canine buddy, was her favorite.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Howard Jerome Johnson; step-sister, Deana Griswold and mother-in-law, Shirley Mock Bowdoin.
Pam is survived by her husband of 35 years; Jim Wade Bowdoin of Samson, AL; three sons, Dustin Blaine Hanks (Courtney) of Kinston, AL, Dillon Wade Bowdoin (Summer) of Samson, AL, Dexton Lee Bowdoin of Samson, AL, four grandchildren, Landon Parker Hanks, Charlotte Tatum Hanks, Maverick Rhett Bowdoin and Dellany Daniels Powell (Hayden) of Bonifay, FL; one brother, Steven Gerald Adkison (Kelly) and one step-sister, Lori Johnson, all of New Brockton, AL and her father-in-law, Bob H. Bowdoin of Samson, AL; sister-in-law, Wendy Bowdoin Massey (Brian) of Coffee Springs, AL and a number of other special family and friends.
HEADLAND… Mavis Clara Fleming Welch, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away peacefully, May 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.
Services will be held 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church, with Reverend Scott Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Born to the late Lester and Maggie Hutto Fleming, Mavis lived a life rooted in faith, family, and determination. She retired from Sony after a fulfilling career but continued to pursue her dreams. At the age of 59, she earned her GED and went on to graduate from Cosmetology school at Wallace Community College at 62 — a true testament to her tenacity and love for learning.
Mavis was a devoted member of Concord Baptist Church, where she loved her church family and loved to sing praises to Jesus. Her joyful spirit, deep faith, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. She never missed a chance to share her love for Jesus. Her spirit was joyful, her laughter contagious, and her faith unshakable.
She cherished her 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband Kendrick “Jiggs” Welch, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister Frances Crosby, brothers Harold and Anthony Fleming, and her granddaughter Amanda Watson.
Mavis was a devoted mother and Granny. She is survived by her son Michael Welch (Pam), and daughters Lisa Paramore (Bo), Patsy Barron (Tracy), and Kendra Pope. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her grandchildren: Hilliary Lott (Damon), Matthew Welch (Jessica), Blake Watson, Haley Murphy, Brooke Steadman (Arty), Tyler Dean (Ashley), Heather Reagan (Rob), Joshua Cobb, Gabby Qualls (Blake), Colby Pope, Kaylee Scearce (Ashton), and Will Hughes (Jacey). She is also survived by her 21 great-grandchildren — her cherished babies.
Mavis’s life was one of love, strength, and steadfast faith. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
