John H. Woodham, a cherished patriarch, devoted husband, and cornerstone of the Ashford community, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 19, 1934, in Ardilla, John’s life was a testament to the values of family, hard work, and faith that he held dear.
John is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Woodham and Edith Napier Woodham; his sister, Linda Faye Woodham Singletary, along with her husband, Billy; his great-grandson, Maverick Laramore; and his niece and nephew, Katie and John Kasey Knight. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Surviving John is his beloved wife of 72 years, Dean Woodham, the cornerstone of his life and love. Together, they raised a family of strength and character, including sons, Stanley Woodham, with his wife Georgia, and Paul Woodham, with his wife Renée; and their daughter, Deborah Jean Smith. John’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren—Jacob Smith with Stephanie, Ethan Smith with Andrea, Jonathan Woodham with Katie, Caleb Smith with Megan, Joshua Smith with Danni, Meghan Woodham, David Woodham with Callie, and Morgan Laramore with Dewayne—and his adored great-grandchildren Liam Smith, Logan Smith, Stanton Woodham, Corbin Woodham, Owen Smith, Olivia Smith, Andrew Smith, Dean Smith, Daphne Smith, Jemma Claire Woodham, Isaac Woodham, Mason Laramore, and the eagerly anticipated Milo Laramore; sister, Ella Jan Windham, and her husband, Johnny; his special friend, Bobby Knight; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
A proud graduate of Ashford High School’s Class of 1951, John was a pillar of the community, known for his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Woodham Plumbing Company Inc. since 1972. His professional dedication was matched only by his commitment to his faith, serving as a member and deacon at Enterprise Baptist Church since 1971.
John’s interests reflected his love for the outdoors and his joy in bringing people together. An avid fisherman and gardener, he was renowned for hosting fish fries with the best fried catfish—a treat his grandchildren eagerly anticipated. His presence was a constant at sporting events and dance recitals, cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with pride and enthusiasm. John’s love for travel led to many memorable adventures with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Philp and Lucy Karnes.
Described as faith-filled, selfless, and passionate, John’s life was a testament to the values he held dear. His actions spoke volumes of his character, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Funeral services to honor the life of John H. Woodham will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, where they will share stories, laughter, and tears, remembering a man who was not just a figure in their lives, but a guiding light.
Betty Lee Taylor, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after an extended illness.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Enon Church of Christ on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Sam Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church prior to services. A luncheon fellowship will follow the graveside services at Enon Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Enon Church of Christ cemetery fund or St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.
Born on March 27, 1938, Betty lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, cooking meals always with “peas and little cornbreads” that brought everyone together, playing games that sparked smiles and friendly competition, casting a line on a quiet day spent fishing, and being active in her cherished Enon Church of Christ community.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Vesta Wright Suggs and General Walter Suggs; her siblings Walter Suggs Jr., Johnnie D. Taylor, Vera Crawford, and Earl Suggs.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Rob” Taylor; her sister, Nell Wiehe; and her two sons, Tracy Taylor and Chris Taylor (JJ). Betty was the proud grandmother of Josh Taylor (Corrie), Dana Hubbard (Gary), Hughston Taylor (Melanie), and Weston Taylor (Meagan). She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren who were the light of her life: Maddox and Kayton Taylor (Josh), Ysabel, Carson and Cooper Hubbard (Dana), Lucas Taylor (Hughston), and Elizabeth “Lily” Taylor (Weston). Also survived by many nieces and nephews who were so much a part of her life.
Betty will be remembered for her kind heart, her strong faith, and the warmth she brought into every room she entered. Her legacy lives on in the love she poured into her family and the many lives she touched with her compassion and grace.
The family would like to especially thank Gentiva Hospice for all the nurses and support staff that helped throughout this difficult journey.
They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the family, church family, and friends who supported them and continue to surround the family with love and prayers.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mr. Dudley Wyatt Fortson, a lifelong resident of the Bay Springs Community passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital. He was 65.
A private family graveside service will be held at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, May 10, 2025 with Rev. Tommy Green officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Dudley Fortson was born at Moody Hospital in Dothan on February 14, 1960 to Charles Rex and Sara Janette Deese Fortson. He grew up in the Bay Springs Community. He graduated from Wicksburg High School in 1978 and attended Wallace College prior to entering the Navy, where he served for six years as an Electronic Warfare Technician. After his Navy career, he worked at Pemco Aerospace in Napier Field, then at Ft. Rucker as an Avionic Technician. He was a member of Bay Springs Baptist Church.
Mr. Dudley Fortson is preceded in death by his father, Charles Rex Fortson.
Survivors include his wife for thirty three years, Patricia “Trish” Fortson of Dothan; mother, Sara Janette Fortson of Bay Springs; three sons, Nate Mallory of Opelika, Frank Mallory (Magen) of Faison, NC, Dustin Fortson (Kayla) of Dothan; sister, Jan King (Frankie) of Bay Springs; nine grandchildren, Natalie, Landon, Callie, Karlee, Charlie, Kolton, Caroline, Colton, Hadley; niece, Sara Boswell (Paul) of Dothan; great nephew, Giani Mandella.
Pall bearers will be: Mike LaCross, Holden Ingram, John Skerlick, Franklin Mallory, Steve Smoak, Eddie Dasinger, Jody Spann and Scott Ellenburg.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Sarah Miller Burt Ratchford, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Oakview Manor Nursing Facility. She was 79 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Ratchford will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Pastor Doug MacCormack officiating. Interment will follow in Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Hagler, Nash Burt, Trent Burt, Jayden Cooper, Tracy Martin and Tyson Martin.
Mrs. Ratchford was born August 20, 1945 in Columbia, Alabama to the late T. J. “Jack” Miller and Ethel Henderson Miller. At the age of 13, they moved to Ozark. In her early years of marriage, she traveled a lot with her military husband. Of all the places she lived, Alabama and Alaska were her favorites. In her later years, she married Harold Ratchford of Columbia, Alabama. She enjoyed fishing, camping, reading and going on trips with Harold. She also enjoyed going to the beach, going to casinos, cooking for her family and spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, T. J. Miller and Ethel Henderson Miller; her husband, Harold Ratchford; the father of her children, John O’Neal Burt Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Burt; and brother-in-law, Randy Outlaw.
She is survived by her children, Vicki (Dennis) Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Neal (Lana) Burt of Prattville, Alabama, Jeff Burt of Malvern, Alabama, Tammy Burt (Daryl) of Malvern, Alabama; her step-son, Ronnie (Becky) Ratchford of Columbia, Alabama; and her sister, Gayle Outlaw of Ozark, Alabama. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Chad Hagler of Brundidge, Alabama, Brittany Martin of Midland City, Alabama, Sarah-Grace Cooper of Birmingham, Alabama, Brittany Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Jordan Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Lara Compton of Banks, Alabama, Molly Burt of Prattville, Alabama, Trent Burt of Pansey, Alabama, Nash Burt of Dothan, Alabama, Ashley Welch of Ozark, Alabama and Dylan Danner of Ozark, Alabama. She had eight great-grandchildren, Hayli, Lincoln, Tyson, Sawyer, Paisyn, Kyleigh, Paxton and Preslee. She is survived by her special friends, Ramona Sawyer of Maine and Willie Mae Norfleet of Midland City, Alabama.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 495 County Road 35, Ozark, Alabama 36360
Sharon Mitchum, a beloved member of the Geneva community, passed away on April 28, leaving behind a legacy of service, passion and deep devotion to the people and place she loved. A woman of many talents, Sharon spent her professional life shaping young minds and hearts. She taught speech, theater and physical education at Geneva High School and proudly served for many years as the girls’ varsity coach of several sports inspiring student athletes. Sharon’s love for music and faith was a cornerstone of her life. For over 50 years, she served faithfully as the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church, a role that brought joy to her and to all who heard her play.
As the mother of six, her leadership extended beyond the home, classroom, and sanctuary. She was a proud member of the Geneva City School board for many years and founder of Fun Land daycare, where her care and commitment reached even the youngest members of the community. Sharon’s adventurous spirit led her to become a licensed pilot, and her love for community was reflected in her active involvement with the Athenaeum Club. A devoted and lifelong supporter of the University of Alabama, Sharon’s heart beat for the Crimson Tide. Whether through her work with the Geneva County chapter or the National Alumni Association, she cheered with pride, loyalty, and joy. She also cherished her sisterhood in Phi Mu.
Sharon loved life at the beach, often hosting gatherings of family and friends where laughter and good food were always in abundance. Her garden and beautifully kept yard were a source of joy and pride, reflecting her love of nature and her eye for beauty.
Above all, Sharon will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sharon was born in Mobile, AL to the late Rev. Bain A. and Ella Pauline Annette Lambert. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. O.D. “Buddy” Mitchum; one daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Mitchum; one grandson, Tyler Lee Mitchum; two sisters, Beverly Williams and Delores Roberts.
She is survived by five children, Lisa Wood McGowan (Gary) of Dothan, AL, Todd Wood (Selina) of Albertville, AL; Mark “Hunk” Mitchum of Panama City, FL, Bain Mitchum (Renee Harpole) of La Grange, GA, and Dr. Dale Mitchum (Cyndi) of Geneva, AL; eight grandchildren, Wood McGowan (Kelsey Patterson), Seth McGowan (Ashton), Maggie Thompson (Clayton), Olivia Wood, Natalie Mitchum, Conner Mitchum, Cameron Mitchum, and Trent Mitchum; two great grandchildren, Monroe McGowan, and Tyler Thompson; and other special family members; one sister, Margot Ashbury (David) of Fairhope, AL.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Geneva with the Reverend Dr. Edwin Scott and Rev. Steve Skidmore officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Williams, Donald Williams, Rob Moyer, Michael Moyer, John Roberts, Conner Mitchum, Trent Mitchum, Wood McGowan, and Seth McGowan.
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
Betty Lee Taylor, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after an extended illness.
Mr. Dudley Wyatt Fortson, a lifelong resident of the Bay Springs Community passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital. He was 65.
