Mrs. Carolyn Elaine Taylor of Dothan passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at her home. She was 78.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, in the Malvern Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
Mrs. Taylor was born May 19, 1947, in Holmes County, Florida to the late Buford and Eva Shiver Brown. Carolyn grew up in Geneva County, Alabama and graduated from Geneva High School, Class of 1965. She was employed at West Main Medical Center and worked with Dr. Frank Crockett for 40 years until her retirement. She lived in the Malvern Community for many years and attended Malvern Baptist Church, and it was there that she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Carolyn was a committed woman of faith and loved her church family. She enjoyed canning vegetables, making homemade pickles, and working in her yards. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, her son, Randy Carl Watkins; husbands: Jimmy Hughes, and David Taylor; sisters: Diane May, Margie Crawford, and Phyllis Hall; and brother, Herdis Brown, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include one son, Christopher Watkins (Kristy); grandchildren: Jamie Carr, Cliff Watkins (Heather), Karla Castillo, Hunter Watkins, Shelby Watkins Ikarrain, and Christopher Watkins: great grandchildren: Kynlee Watkins, Karley Watkins, Keegan Watkins, and Kenzie Watkins; sister, Glenda Faye Brown Bowers; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Kenneth Harold Guy of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at his residence. He was 73 years old.
He was born on January 9, 1952 in Auburndale, Florida to the late Hurley and Dorothy Guy. He was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He loved his family very much and worked hard to provide for them. He was a retired building contractor. In 1987 he founded Kenneth Guy Construction and Remodeling, building his business from the ground up with integrity, skill, and dedication. Kenneth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, cooking-especially, grilling, smoking meat and frying fish. He built birdhouses by hand and took pride in gardening. He had a servant’s heart and would share his garden harvest with neighbors and friends. He was a good friend to many and will be missed by those left behind to cherish his memory.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering faith- a life well lived and deeply cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Pondtown Church with Pastor Edwin Colley officiating. Burial will follow in Pondtown Cemetery with Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving friends at 9:30 a.m. at the church until service time.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Hurley and Dorothy Strickland Guy; siblings, Faye Land and Sidney Guy; father-in-law, Herman Outlaw; and nephew, Mathew Guy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Colleen Guy of Hartford; children, Michael Guy (Becky), Beth McSwain (Danny), and Emily Brannon (Scotty) all of Hartford; grandchildren, Derek Guy (Caitlin) of Hartford, Jake Guy (Monica) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Wesley Kennedy of Pensacola, Florida, and Nolan Brannon of Hartford; great grandchildren, Jett Guy, Jude Guy, and Jax Guy all of Hartford; siblings, Melton Guy (Sue) of Goldsboro, North Carolina; mother-in-law, Martha Outlaw; brothers-in-law, John Land of Callahan, Florida, Alvin Outlaw of Dothan, Harold Outlaw of Gainesville, Georgia, and David Outlaw (Sharon) of Thomasville, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many special friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Grace Missionary Baptist Church (2330 County Road 18 Newville, AL 36353), Statesville Bible Camp (In care of Dale Wallace: 531 Rabbit Highway Harmony, North Carolina 28634), or Pondtown Cemetery Fund.
Mrs. Doris Patrick Lavender, a resident of Ozark, died Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, at her home. She was 90 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Lavender will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Reverend Scott Thompson and Reverend Jim Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends Tuesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Lavender was born February 27, 1935 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late James Sollie Patrick and Lelia Emla Adkisson Patrick. She attended school in Enterprise and later received her Licensed Practical Nursing Certification. Mrs. Lavender was employed with Lyster Army Hospital at Fort Rucker for eighteen years in obstetrics and eighteen years in pediatrics.
She was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark since 1960 where she taught the pre-school class in Sunday School and served on several committees. Mrs. Lavender loved gardening and working in her yard. She enjoyed shopping and decorating.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Moses Bunyan Lavender, Jr.; four sisters, Mirlene Fleming, Jeanette Pair, Jean Baker and Joyce Pair; four brothers, Ray Patrick, Manuel Patrick, Roger Patrick and Oscar Patrick. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
With heavy hearts but deep gratitude for a life filled with faith, love, and service, we announce the passing of Janice Morgan, who went home to be with her Lord on July 2, 2025, at the age of 86.
Janice lived her life as a shining example of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith. A devout Christian, she carried her love for God in her heart and shared it freely with everyone she met. Her prayers were constant, her faith unshakable, and her spirit endlessly generous.
For many years, Janice dedicated her life to education, shaping young minds and nurturing tender hearts as a beloved teacher. To her students, she wasn’t just an educator–she was a mentor, cheerleader, and often, a second mother. Her classroom was a safe haven where every child felt seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Beyond her professional calling, Janice was a devoted mother, a cherished aunt, and a steadfast friend. Family meant everything to her. She poured love and encouragement into the lives of those she held dear, always offering a listening ear, warm embrace, or wise counsel at just the right moment. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of her famous home-cooked meals.
Janice’s generosity knew no limits. While through acts of service, heartfelt letters, or quiet prayers whispered for others, she constantly found ways to bless those around her. Her loving demeanor and radiant smile left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.
In her church community, she was a source of both strength and comfort. Whether working in the nursery, volunteering at events, or simply offering kind words and encouragement. Janice lived her faith out loud—always pointing others toward hope, love, and grace.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and unconditional love that will live on in her family, friends, former students, and all who were privileged to know her.
A celebration of Janice’s beautiful life will be held at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with a visitation at 1:00 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Enterprise City Schools Special Projects Center, P.O. Box 311790, Enterprise, AL 36331-1790.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Elsie Grimes; her husband, Thadius William Morgan; and a daughter, Cornelia Anne Morgan.
Survivors include her son, Thadius William Morgan Jr., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Billy Ray Sewell, known affectionately as Ray to his friends and family, passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2025, in Pooler, GA, at the age of 63.
Born on July 2, 1961, in Dothan, Billy Ray was the beloved son of Billy Earl Sewell and Lennie Clark Sewell. A graduate of Ashford High School, Billy Ray carried with him the lessons and friendships he made there throughout his life. He was a man of many interests, but perhaps none so passionate as his love for Alabama football. Game days were sacred, and his enthusiasm was infectious.
Billy Ray’s zest for life was evident in his love for joyriding, often taking his beloved Susan on excursions that would lead to unexpected adventures and cherished memories. His leisure time was often spent in the comfort of his home, where he enjoyed watching television and playing games on his phone, always ready to challenge family members to a friendly match.
Above all, Billy Ray was a family man. His happiest moments were those spent surrounded by his loved ones, whether it was a boisterous family dinner, a quiet evening at home, or cheering from the stands at his grandchildren’s sporting events. His presence was a source of stability and joy, and his guidance was sought after and deeply respected.
He was a devoted husband to his wife, Susan Sewell, and a loving father to his son, Steven Smith (Michelle), and daughter, Stephanie Hanks. Billy Ray’s joy was multiplied by his six grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye. His parents, Billy Earl Sewell (Lynda) and Lennie Sewell also survive him and he was a cherished brother to Vickie Massey (Dean) and James Sewell (Zanna). Billy Ray is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. Although his grandparents and his sister-in-law Becky Dunn predeceased him, the memories they shared continue to be celebrated by the family.
Billy Ray’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the importance of family. He lived his life with a generous heart and an open door, always ready to welcome friends and family into his home. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to live on in the stories told and the memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral services for Billy Ray will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Brother S. E. Newberry and Reverend Tony Welch officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to your favorite charity.
Michael George Harris, affectionately known as Mickey to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, in Jakin, Georgia, just a week shy of his 71st birthday. Born on July 8, 1954, in the vibrant country of Panama, Mickey’s journey through life was marked by dedication, love, and an unwavering sense of adventure.
Mickey’s early years were spent in the lush landscapes of his birthplace before he answered the call of duty and went to serve in the United States Coast Guard after high school. His service to the nation was a source of immense pride and instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and commitment. Upon his return to civilian life, he embarked on a distinguished career with the City of Dothan, where he eventually retired as the Transportation Mechanic Director. His colleagues remember him not only for his expertise but also for his camaraderie and warmth.
Mickey’s life was a tapestry of deep relationships and cherished moments. He was a loving husband to his wife of 30 years, Judy Johnson. He is also survived by his children, Jimmy Harris, Mary Harris, Katie Keel, and Tanya Johnson Leonard, and a grandfather to five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His brother, Marshall Harris, along with Marshall’s wife, Tracey, fondly recall Mickey’s infectious laughter and his ability to light up any room he entered. The Harris family reunions will surely miss his presence, as will the memories of his late brother, John Harris, who predeceased him.
Mickey’s zest for life extended beyond his family and career. An avid golfer, he could often be found on the greens, perfecting his swing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golf enthusiasts. His love for the outdoors was evident in his countless boating excursions on Lake Seminole, where he was a familiar and welcome sight. Those who shared these moments with him will cherish the memories of the sunsets they watched and the gentle waves they rode alongside a man who truly lived life to the fullest.
Mickey’s legacy is one of joy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. His absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide his family, friends, and all who were touched by his generous heart.
A celebration of Mickey’s life will be held at a later date.
