OZARK…Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Holmes Nelson, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 11, 2025, at her home. She was 104.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and her son, Reverend Gene T. Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Nelson was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. She was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert T. Holmes and Edna L. Nyhart Holmes, she carried the values of hard work and kindness with her throughout her journey.
Her life took her to many places across the United States and even overseas while she stood proudly by her husband’s side during his service in the United States Army. Together, they embraced new experiences, built lasting friendships, and faced the challenges that come with military life. In 1974, they made Ozark their home, where they became cherished members of the community.
Mrs. Nelson had a strong work ethic, having been employed at Judy Bond in Ozark, and earlier in her career, she contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements while working at Peoria Lab, the facility responsible for manufacturing penicillin. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply involved in her faith and community. As a dedicated member and Past Worthy Matron of the Kolb Chapter #468, Order of the Eastern Star, a role she held three times, she guided and inspired many. She was also a proud member of the Daughter of the Nile of Montgomery and the Wiregrass Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Adah. Her unwavering commitment to service extended to her beloved First United Methodist Church of Ozark, where she found joy in being a part of the John Wesley Sunday School Class.
Mrs. Nelson’s life was one of love and devotion. She shared wonderful memories with her late husband, Clarence Edward Nelson, Jr. (1SG, United States Army, Retired), and cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard L. Nelson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Beech Nelson; and sister, Lois DeWitt.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Robert E. Nelson (Becky), Phoenix, Arizona and Reverend Gene T. Nelson (Janis), Ozark; daughter-in-law, Vicki Nelson, Benton, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren; special friend and loving caregiver, Patricia Fryer.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jarrett Brantley, Tracy Brantley, Cacey Christiansen, Wesley Lane, Jake Lawrence, David Mauldin, Dylan Mauldin, Robert Nelson, Jack Renfroe, and Mark Renfroe. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of Order of the Eastern Star, the John Wesley Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church, and Evan Renfroe.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mardell Marie “Mardi” Zumbrun, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Mardi was born on July 24, 1954, in Xenia, Ohio, to the late Marjorie Paulene Gearhart and Randall Gearhart. Mardi’s life was a testament to her kind and generous spirit, and her legacy is reflected in the love and memories she leaves behind.
Mardi’s life was largely spent in Dayton, Ohio, where she built a life full of joy, music, and love. She had a giver’s heart, always looking after others before herself. Her generous and kind nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from her career to the way she raised her children, Shawn Zumbrun and his wife, Danae, Danell Zumbrun Gray and her husband, Charlie, and Lawrence Randall “Buddy” Zumbrun. Mardi was a guiding light and source of strength for her grandchildren, Corey Zumbrun and his wife, Shelley, Celest Zumbrun, Chloe Zumbrun, Charlie Jr. Gray, Nolan Zumbrun, Alana Fleming, Calvin Gray, and Chad Howk, who was like a son to her. Her great-grandchildren, Elena, Ezabelle, Everleigh, and two others, will grow up hearing stories of their remarkable great-grandmother. She was the beloved sister of Norman Gearhart and was preceded in death by her brother Randall Keith Gearhart.
Mardi was a woman of many talents and trades. After completing trade school, she embarked on a career as a skilled carpenter, joining the union and contributing to the construction of skyscrapers and bridges with her strong hands and keen eye for detail. Not only did she work with wood, but she also excelled as a welder, showcasing her versatility and the ability to conquer any challenge that came her way. Mardi was a true artisan, and her work ethic was unparalleled.
Her hobbies and interests were as diverse and rich as her professional life. Mardi was known for her love of puzzles, which she tackled with patience and determination. Fishing was another of her favorite pastimes, offering her moments of tranquility and connection with nature. A fan of science fiction movies, she could often be found engrossed in tales of distant galaxies and futuristic adventures. Mardi had a passion for speed and style, reflected in her admiration for fast cars, especially hot rods. Her musical talents were evident to all who heard her play the guitar, clarinet, and piano. An avid racetrack attendee, Mardi enjoyed the thrill of the races and cherished the time spent with her family in these lively environments.
Mardi’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her spirit of generosity, kindness, and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures will continue to inspire those she touched. As we remember Mardi, we celebrate a life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a legacy of warmth and caring that will endure through the generations. Mardell Marie Zumbrun may have left this world, but her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends. Her light will continue to shine brightly, guiding and comforting us in the days to come.
Jerry Lynn Williams, lovingly known as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Jacksons Gap, Alabama.
Born on April 5, 1953, in Frederick, Oklahoma, Jerry’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to his loved ones, a passion for life’s simple pleasures, and a legacy of kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 4:00 P. M. until 6:00 P.M. in the home of Jan and James Lisenby (140 Wysteria Way in Ozark, Alabama). A private burial will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Jerry’s journey began in Frederick but found its roots in Ozark, Alabama, where he graduated from Carroll High School in 1971. His early commitment to hard work and community was evident through his long-standing career as an insurance agent with ALFA and American General. Jerry’s professional life was marked not only by his success but also by the relationships he built along the way.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gail McLaughlin Williams; sons, Keith Williams, Jeremy Williams, and Dr. Brad (Genesee) Cook; daughter, Amanda (Sam) Pack; grandchildren, Emily Ann Bell, Grayson Bell, Emilee Cook, Sydnee Cook, Marlee Cook, Will Pack, and Rob Pack; sister, Debbie (Jim) Head; brothers, Larry (Joannae) Williams, and Jeffery (Missy) Williams; aunt, Linda (Gary) Staples; brothers-in-law, Jim (Vivian) McLaughlin, Dr. Bill (Sarah) McLaughlin, and Rob (Anna) McLaughlin; sisters-in-law, Landra (Greg) Siegfried and Shelley (Waylon) Hoerner; step mother-in-law, Judy McLaughlin; a host of nieces and nephews; and his 26 toed spoiled cat, Mittens, who provided him with companionship and joy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Williams; mother, Rubye Beauchamp Medley; aunt, Clara Roy; father-in-law, Dr. Bob McLaughlin; and mother-in-law, Ann McLaughlin.
Jerry’s zest for life was reflected in his many interests and hobbies. An avid boater, he cherished the tranquility of the water and the adventure of travel. He found great joy in BBQ competitions and was renowned as the family chef, always eager to cook for others. His passion for Auburn football was infectious; as a former president of the Quarterback Club for Carroll High School, an active member of the Dale County Auburn Club, and a devout fan, he savored every moment from attending games to hosting tailgate gatherings. His faith played a significant role in his life. As a devoted Baptist, he found solace and community in Hillcrest Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church, both in Ozark. Jerry’s generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and loving heart made him a pillar in his community and a beacon of light to his family. To describe Jerry Williams as merely loving, generous, and thoughtful would be an understatement. His presence was a gift to those around him, and his memory will be a guiding force for generations to come. He lived a life that exemplified these virtues, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.
Mrs. Marilynn Annette Long Silavent, a resident of Ozark, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Flowers Hospital. She was 70 years old.
A memorial service for Mrs. Silavent will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 14, 2025, from Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church with Reverend Michael Lawler officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends in the church one hour prior to the service.
Mrs. Silavent was born December 28, 1954 in Albany, Georgia to the late John Edward Long and Anneliese Betty Glassle Long. She moved to Ozark at an early age and graduated from Carroll High School in 1973. Marilynn lived in various places while her husband served in the United States Army. She worked as an accountant with M. O. Carroll Grocery in Ozark and with Mark Dunning Industries in Dothan. She loved tending to her flowers, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Herbert Long.
Survivors include her husband, Stephen Silavent of Ozark; one daughter, Holly Chancey of Ozark; five grandchildren, Dorian Chancey, Chase Morrill (Maddie), Jack Chancey (Brooklynn), Edie Chancey and Jason Chancey. Several nieces, nephews and close friends also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 2926 Andrews Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
