Zelma Penton Floyd, age 87, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on September 1, 2026.
Zelma was born February 21, 1939, in Pensacola, Florida, to Charles Anderson and Arvie Malone Penton. The oldest of four children, she was gifted with a musical talent from an early age and excelled at the piano. At just 14 years old, she began playing every Sunday at her church, a gift she continued to share throughout her life through hundreds of weddings and special events.
Zelma excelled in school and was especially proud that she was voted “Friendliest” every year at Pensacola High School. She attended Judson College in Marion, Alabama, for two years before graduating with honors in Psychology from the University of West Florida. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Troy State University and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama.
Zelma loved her career with the Department of Human Resources, particularly her work with Child Protective Services, before becoming Director of the department. Her professional life reflected a deep commitment to the welfare of children and families, but for Zelma, helping others was far more than a career – it was a calling. She especially cherished her years serving as a board member of the Children’s Home in Dothan.
Throughout her life, Zelma had a heart for people. She was always giving herself to others, visiting those who needed companionship, serving others, and opening her home to those in need. Her home became a place of prayer and Bible study, and a place where abused children and teenagers could find love, care, and a safe place to stay, whether for a short time or much longer. She had an extraordinary ability to recognize the needs of those around her and faithfully sought to meet them through God’s strength.
Zelma was gifted in intercession. She prayed both privately and publicly, with and for all who needed prayer. She listened carefully, remembered prayer concerns, lifted those concerns in prayer, and continued to intercede on their behalf. Prayer was not simply something Zelma did – it was one of the ways she loved people.
Of all of Zelma’s accomplishments, she will be remembered most for her passion for God’s Word and her unwavering obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her faith was not merely something she believed; it was the foundation of the life she lived and the way she loved others.
For her to live was Christ, and to die was gain.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Zelma is survived by her four children, Catherine Buntin Johnson (Robert), Rosemary Buntin Gillespy (Gerald), Charles Douglas Buntin (Amy), and Sharon Floyd McCracken; and her nine grandchildren, Anna Catherine Gillespy Garrett (Austin), Elizabeth Rose Gillespy, James McAdory Gillespy, Martha Ayres Buntin, Westly Spann Buntin, Thomas West Buntin, Chase Wend Buntin, Judah James McCracken, and Eden Ferguson McCracken. She is also survived by her sisters, Arvie Charlene Clement and Gwenith Anne Graham (Phillip). She is preceded in death by her brother, Carl Jackson Penton.
A private graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida, on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Zelma was a devoted member of Harvest Methodist Church in Dothan, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Church or to First United Methodist Church Meals on Wheels. The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to DaySpring Hospice for the loving care they provided, especially Lilli, Jade, Brittany, and Daulton.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Millard Angus Powell of Geneva, AL, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his home. He was 82 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva with Minister Harry O. Adkison officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Millard was born on March 3, 1944, to the late Matthew and Ernestine Powell. He graduated from Samson High School with the Class of 1962. He then attended Troy University, where he earned a degree in Mathematics, and later graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Millard began his career teaching mathematics at Samson High School, where he also served as assistant principal. He later worked as a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and then with the Public Works at Fort Rucker until his retirement. He was also a licensed land surveyor and the owner and operator of Powell Land Surveying, which he continued to operate until recently.
Millard loved working on his land and hunting. His dedication to the land and his community was reflected in his service as a board member of the Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority.
Above all, Millard loved his family. He was married to his devoted wife, Donna, for 57 years. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Emmett Powell.
Millard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Burch Powell of Geneva, AL; his two children, Stephanie Powell Price (Jimmy) of Troy, AL and Todd Powell (Kimberly) of Thomasville, GA; his seven grandchildren, Anna Bivin (Bryson), Cara Rushing, Jack Price (Sierra), Michael Powell, Mason Powell, Kayley Powell, and Mathew Ambrose; one great-grandchild, Jameson Price; his four siblings, Roy Powell (Beverly), Genita Drury, Debbie Beckham (Sonny), and Robin Powell (Ashley); and a host of nieces and nephews.
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
PENIEL COMMUNITY…Mr. Billy Ray Cummings, a resident of the Peniel Community, near Skipperville, died early Thursday morning, September 3, 2026, at his home. He was 69.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Arguta Community, with Pastor Jason Waddell officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cummings, son of the late William James Cummings and Evie Lee Walker Cummings, was born and raised in Ozark and carried a deep love for his hometown throughout his life. For the past thirty-three years, he made his home in the Peniel Community, where he built a life surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors who came to know and appreciate his kind heart, strong work ethic, and outgoing personality.
A hardworking man, Mr. Cummings spent many years in the logging industry, working for both Echo Logging Company and Eufaula Pulpwood. He took great pride in his work and was never afraid of long days and hard labor. Those who knew him understood that he believed in earning an honest living and providing for those he loved.
When he was not working, Mr. Cummings found great joy outdoors. He loved spending time hunting and fishing and was especially fascinated by searching for arrowheads. Whether he was walking through the woods, casting a fishing line, or sharing stories about his latest discovery, he was happiest when enjoying the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of nature.
More than anything, Mr. Cummings treasured time spent with family and friends. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome. His larger-than-life personality, quick sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh made him the life of any gathering. Whether it was a family cookout, a hunting trip, or simply sitting around talking with friends, he loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to him. His presence could light up a room, and his stories, laughter, and friendly spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Ann Cummings, and his brother, James Leonard Cummings.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-eight years, Ilene German Cummings, Peniel Community; daughter, Billie Jean Webb (Lucas), Ozark; three sisters, Betty Jean Cummings, Patricia McKnight, and Effie Beasley; two brothers, Floyd Cummings (Pauline) and Earl Cummings (Linda Faye), all of Ozark; two grandchildren, Cade Webb and Alyssa Waddell (Cole); great-granddaughter, Braelynn Rhae; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
James Michael Griggs, 76, passed away at his home in Dothan, after a long illness.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Memphis Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Tate officiating and with Glover Funeral Home & Crematory of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service.
He was born on the campus of The University of Alabama on February 5, 1950, “Roll Tide!” His parents were Hugo Black Griggs & Betty Louise (Stewart) Griggs of Dothan.
Michael was a longtime member of Heritage Baptist Church and had been attending Memphis Baptist Church until becoming ill. He was a 1968 graduate of Dothan High School and attended Wallace Community College and studied art at Troy State University.
Michael retired from the City of Dothan after 37 years of service in the Engineering Department, beginning as a surveyor and retiring as an engineering assistant. For 27 years he enjoyed making a difference, serving as both co-chairman and chairman of the Dothan Employee Relief Fund Committee while working with the City of Dothan. In his spare time, he also helped his father and grandfather, J.C. Griggs, with the family flooring business.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo Black Griggs and Betty Louise (Stewart) Griggs.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 40 years, Sally Tillman Griggs of Dothan, they were married on July 31, 1986.
He was blessed to have two daughters, Heather Sherie Griggs Harley (David) of Greenville, SC, and Anna Catherine Griggs Cornelius (Clark) of Dothan. Through his marriage to Sally, he was also blessed with two stepsons, Scott McLelland (Tina) of Maui, HI, and Chase McLelland (Stacey) of Pensacola, FL.
Additional survivors include his siblings, Stewart Griggs (Nanci) of Cartersville, GA; Margaret Griggs Green (Bill) of Dothan, and Beth Griggs McNeal (Bobby) of Dallas, TX; his six grandchildren, Sierra Harley, Amery Morehead Delamarter (Marc), Eve Morehead, Linden Morehead, Ava Morehead, and Isabella Morehead; and his aunt, Sara Griggs Elliott of Madrid.
Michael was a gifted drummer, playing since the age of 13. Music became a lifelong passion which he shared with the community by performing with numerous bands in the Wiregrass Area over more than 55 years. Among the bands he most enjoyed were The Beatnicks (his first band), Stoneground, Alabama (the original, not the one you’re thinking of!), Dear Creek, Flashback, Flambeau, Jeff Golden and the Flames, and the City of Dothan Band. Through his music, he brought joy to countless people.
He was always a peacemaker and gave freely whenever he could to both friends and strangers alike, doing whatever was necessary for those he loved. He leaves a legacy of peace, kindness, generosity, and love as big as his heart.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in his memory.
The family appreciates all the love, prayers, and support given during this time.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
John Sterling Criswell, born on January 31, 1957, in Orange Park, Florida, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He leaves behind a life remembered for his service, hard work, love of family, and unmistakable personality.
John served in the United States Army. In his younger years, he also attended military school in Miami for a short time. He later worked in commercial building maintenance and at Walmart. After many years of hard work, John eventually retired and enjoyed time with his family and the things he loved.
John cherished his family and the time he spent with those closest to him. He is survived by his wife of five years, Sonia Criswell. Together, they shared a marriage filled with love, companionship, and plenty of laughter, and John brought a special energy and color into her life.
He is also survived by his sons, John Criswell, Jr. and his wife Rachael, Nicholas Criswell, and Dalton Criswell; his grandchildren, Isla and Atlas; his former wife and the mother of his sons, Tammie Smith Parker; and his brother, John David “JD” Knight and his wife Rose Marie. He is preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Ann Knight Brown.
John especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and treasured the moments they shared together. He had a genuine appreciation for plants and enjoyed caring for them.
Those who knew John will remember his animated personality, his sense of humor, and the energy he brought with him wherever he went. He had a way of making himself known and was certainly not someone easily forgotten. Beneath that lively personality was a hardworking man who cared deeply about his family and the people in his life.
John will be remembered with love by his family and friends, who will carry his memory with them and cherish the many stories and moments they shared with him.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. Robert Irvin “Bob” Beasley, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Southeast Health Medical Center following a brief illness. He was 66 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Beasley will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from Ozark Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Eric Fuller and Reverend Greg Aman officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Wednesday from 10:00 A. M. until service time.
Mr. Beasley was born on August 23, 1960 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Jerry Glover Beasley and Glenda Snellgrove Beasley. He was a 1978 graduate of Carroll High School and a graduate of Troy University. Mr. Beasley was President of Beasley’s Inc. in Ozark and a member of Ozark Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Patrick Beasley. Survivors include one sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Patrick Ramsey of Montgomery, and his beloved nieces, Anna Beth Ramsey and Allie Ramsey Hendrix (Benjamin), and great nephew, Hank Hendrix, as well as a special aunt and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360 or Children’s Harbor, 434 Children’s Harbor Drive, Eclectic, Alabama 36024.
