Mr. Merwyn E. Brown, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his home.
Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, with Reverend Carl Saxton officiating. The family will receive friends prior following the service on Tuesday in the Parrish Hall. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 205 Holly Lane, Dothan, AL, 36301.
Mr. Brown is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Neville Brown; and a granddaughter Stacey Shaddix.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Kathy C. Brown of Dothan; 3 sons Marlon Brown (Jeanne) of Michigan; Tal Brown (Tammy) of Dothan; Evan Brown (Christina) of Montgomery; 2 daughters Kathleen Brown of Anniston and Theresa Shaddix of Oxford; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great- grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the Staff of Enhabit Hospice and especially nurse Tina Legette.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
OZARK…Mrs. Sophia Nicole Covington-Bess, a resident of Ozark, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 48.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Ozark with Elder Willie F. Lett, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in St. Rose Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. at the church.
Mrs. Sophia Nicole Covington-Bess, age 48, of Ozark, Alabama, was born on January 30, 1978, to Lillie Jewel Covington-Weeks and Jerry Lee Brown. She peacefully departed this life on April 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and all who her cherished her deeply.
Sophia received her early education at Mamie Thompkins Kindergarten and continued her studies at Mixon Elementary School, D.A. Smith Middle School, and Carroll High School. During her time at Carroll High School, she actively participated in R.O.T.C and Cosmetology, demonstrating her strength, discipline, and creativity.
During her childhood, Sophia spent part of her early years in Englewood, New Jersey, where she attended middle school in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, she returned to Ozark, Alabama, where she continued her education and formed lifelong friendships and treasured memories.
Sophia was blessed with her firstborn son, Christopher Raheem Covington, in 1993. On November 20, 1995, she was united in holy matrimony to Benjie Marcellous Bess, Sr. From this union, two sons were born: Benjie Bess, Jr. and Tyrese Kevon Bess.
Sophia was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly, and her presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone around her. Her unwavering love for her family was evident, and she treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Jewel Covington-Weeks; her father, Jerry Lee Brown; two unborn children, Baby Angel No. 1 and Baby Angel No. 2; along with a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-grandparents.
Sophia’s legacy of love, strength, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her stepfather, Fred Nance; her husband, Benjie Marcellous Bess Sr., her sons, Christopher Raheem Covington, Benjie Bess Jr. (DaNeisha), and Tyrese Kevon Bess; her stepdaughter, De’siona Grider; her beloved grandchildren, Emorii Grace Blair, Emmanuel Ky’rie Covington, Irie Alea-Rose Covington, Yuri Amina-Christian Covington, Sanaii Yanae Faith Raines, Skye Janae Hope Williams, and Kayden Lanier Arnold; sisters, Shanika Crittendon, Lamekia Campbell, and Felicia Covington; brothers, Jeffery Covington (Priscilla), Willie B. Covington (Christina), Clyde Covington, Alex Barrow, Brandin Davis, and Bernard Campbell; grand pup, Athena Rhose; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Through Sophia’s physical presence will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all WHO cherished and loved her.
Sandra Gail Simmons, 70, a resident of Slocomb, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Flowers Hospital after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home with Lenny Hallford officiating. Burial will follow at Fadette Pentecostal Ministries with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the services.
Sandra was born November 23, 1955, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late James Alford & Ezra Wynell (Ray) Simmons. Her family moved to Slocomb during the early years of her life. She worked as a cook at Dobbs BBQ for almost 40 years. Sandra attended Fadette Pentecostal Ministries.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, James Ronald Simmons.
She is survived by her two brothers, Rickey Simmons, and Richard Simmons both of Slocomb; her two sisters, Mary Nell Thomas (Marvin) of Dothan, and Peggy Simmons of Slocomb; her two nieces, Tammy Hallford, and Carol Love both of Dothan; her nieces and nephews, Matthew Doty, Joshua Walker, Alexis Whittington, Aubrey Smith, Noah Whittington, and Nathan Ramey; her great-nieces and nephews, Sarah Grace Doty, Penelope Smith, Aiden Smith, Emma Smith, and Anna Whittington.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Marla Renae (Meadows) Hodge, 42, a resident of Wicksburg, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, unexpectedly at Southeast Health.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, at Bay Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Tommy Green and Reverend Dustin Wisecarver officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. They will receive family & friends from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service.
Marla was born on November 2, 1983, in Dothan, she was the beloved daughter of Ron and Mona Meadows. Marla was a proud 2002 graduate of Dothan High School. She continued her education at Wallace Community College, Troy University, and Auburn University, where she earned her master’s degree. She devoted her career to caring for others as a Certified Nurse Practitioner, specializing in cardiology, and was most recently serving patients at Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute. Known for her compassionate heart and dedication to her patients, Marla made a lasting impact on everyone she cared for. Beyond her profession, she had a deep love for dance, which brought her great joy throughout her life. Above all, Marla was a devoted and loving wife & mother. Her children were the center of her world, and she found her greatest fulfillment in nurturing and caring for them. Her kindness, strength, and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Marla was a member of Bay Springs Baptist Church.
She is preceded by her grandparents, John H. Meadows, Ruth Meadows, and Richard Schulman; and her father-in-law, Dewayne Hodge.
She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Steve Hodge of Wicksburg; her two children, Ava Grace Hodge and Braxton Samuel Hodge of Wicksburg; her parents, Ron and Mona Meadows of Dothan; her mother-in-law, Chelita Hodge of Elba; her sister, Rachel Meadows of Dothan; her two nieces, Marla Kate Pattillo of Dothan, and Kaylee Hodge of Elba; her brother-in-law, Chris Hodge (April) of Elba; her grandmother, Marilyn Schulman of Dothan; her step-grandmother, Ouida Schulman of Dothan; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for her work family at the Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute for the love and compassion shown to them during this time.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bryan Brunson, Matt Brunson, John Foster Hamm, Kalvin Nelson, Kevin Nelson, and Kent Calhoun.
Flowers will be accepted.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Marcia Turner Huggins, age 81, of Hartford, Alabama, passed away on April 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on October 16, 1944, at Turner Air Force Base Hospital in Albany, Georgia, to the late Eugene “Gene” Turner and Mary Francis Lee Turner. She graduated from Albany High School in 1962 and went on to attend Valdosta State College, where she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. By profession, Marcia was a teacher, but her impact reached far beyond the classroom. She was a teacher in the truest sense of the word, guiding, encouraging, and pouring into others with patience and compassion.
On November 3, 1966, she married the love of her life, Jerry Huggins. Their 59 years of marriage were a beautiful testament to unwavering love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and meaningful connection. Some of Marcia’s most cherished memories were the years spent camping with Jerry, where she often reflected on the countless friendships formed and the joy those simple, laughter-filled days brought her.
The light of her life was her daughter, Janna, whom she loved beyond measure. The two shared an incredibly special bond and were the best of shopping buddies, spending countless days together laughing their way through every outing and adventure. Whether it was a quick trip or a full day out, those moments together became treasured memories filled with joy, laughter, and deep friendship. Marcia’s heart overflowed with pride and endless love for Janna.
Marcia was a natural extrovert who truly never met a stranger. She had a genuine curiosity about people and a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Her warmth drew people in, and her kindness kept them close. She adored others deeply and lived her life with a passion for loving people to the fullest.
She spent a meaningful portion of her life in Fort Gaines, Georgia, where she was known for her vibrant social life and deep involvement in the community. She was an active member of several local organizations, including the Sewing Club, the Fort Gaines Women’s Club, and a Bridge Club, forming lifelong friendships and treasured memories along the way.
A woman of strong faith, she was a longtime member of the former First Methodist Church, where she found both fellowship and purpose.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Huggins; her daughter, Janna Huggins Bowers (Steven Bowers) of Hartford, Alabama; and her sister, Lynn Turner Owens (Carey Watson) of Albany, Georgia; and a loving extended family of in‑laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene “Gene” Turner and Mary Francis Lee Turner, and niece, Erica Francis Lovell.
Marcia Turner Huggins will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her deep love for others, and the way she made every person she encountered feel important. Her life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, joy, and connection. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A service to celebrate Marcia’s life will be held at Ft. Gaines Fellowship Church located at 120 Commerce Street West, Fort Gaines, GA on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (EST) with Rev. Randy Spicer officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Flowers are appreciated, and donations may also be made to the American Cancer Society in Marcia’s honor.
John Holman Watson, 88, a long-time businessman and Dothan resident, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Evergreen Presbyterian Church with Reverend Christine W. Herrin officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, at Evergreen Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1103 N. Pontiac Avenue, Dothan, AL 36303, or Southeast Health Foundation – Neuro Balance Center Parkinsons Program, 1922 Fairview Avenue, Dothan, AL 36301.
John was born February 12, 1938, to Absolom and Mary Outlaw Watson in Skipperville, a rural Dale County community where hard work wasn’t a virtue so much as a necessity. Friends from those days called him by his middle name, Holman, and still tell stories of a boy who walked to school barefoot because his family couldn’t afford shoes. Whether every detail has grown with the retelling, the meaning has not: Watson never forgot where he came from. As a teenager, Watson worked whatever jobs were available — delivering ice, doing carpentry, roofing — then graduated a year early from Newton High School in 1955. He dreamed of playing college football and becoming an engineer. A promising running back, he turned down a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama and chose Auburn University, where he studied mechanical engineering. He hoped to make the football team as a walk-on.
The first in his family to attend college, Watson became a co-op student, working at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and with the Corps of Engineers at Fort Rucker. He participated in advanced ROTC and graduated from Auburn in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering. That same year, he married Gail Pearson of Ozark and entered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant. He served on active duty in 1961 and 1962 during the Berlin Crisis. When his service ended, Watson and his wife returned to Dothan, where he took a job with Smith’s Inc., then the area’s largest mechanical contracting firm.
In 1966, he and two other employees bought an interest in Smith’s Inc. from James M. Smith. Four years later, they purchased the rest of the firm, aided by financing provided by Smith himself. Watson considered growing the company into a regional or national powerhouse. Instead, he made a choice that reflected both business instinct and personal priorities: he would diversify, protect against the economy’s swings, and stay close enough to home to be present for family. The experience of building Smith’s alongside trusted partners also shaped his approach to business for decades — he sought ventures with people he liked, respected, and believed added real value.
Over time, Watson became connected to a wide portfolio of enterprises. Among them were Engineered Systems, Inc., a general contracting and design firm focused on negotiated projects and design/build work for shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses and industrial facilities. In 1998, Engineered Systems worked with Auburn University to design and build the Auburn Indoor Football Practice Facility.
Those ventures, people said, were never just about profit. Watson’s greatest asset was the ability to evaluate risk and reward — and when he believed something could work, to bring in friends and partners, spreading opportunity as widely as possible. He was often described as selfless, soft-spoken and deeply concerned for others. That concern extended beyond the marketplace and into the community’s institutions. Watson served as a trustee and elder at Evergreen Presbyterian Church and served on boards including Houston Academy, the Dothan Boys Club, the Alabama Research Institute and Alabama Industrial Relations. He was named the 1996 President’s Council Volunteer of the Year for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and served on the institute’s board. He chaired the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce in 1988 and was a graduate of Leadership Alabama. In 1998, he received Troy State University Dothan’s Community Service Award. John also received several Paul Harris Fellow awards through the Rotary Club.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Franklin D. Roosevelt Watson, and James Lamar Watson.
He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Gail Pearson Watson of Dothan; his daughter, Abby Jo Watson Downs (Jed) of Dothan; his son, John “Ron” Ronney Watson (Leslie) of Dothan; his loving twin sisters, Mary Andrews of Pinckard, and Martha Pate (Blann) of Newton; his six grandchildren, Watson Downs (Kendall) of Dothan, Mary Grace Downs O’Connor (Tate), James Downs of Fort Worth, TX, Sara Watson of Redding, CA, Hanna Watson of Sarasota, FL, and Rachel Watson of Dothan; his seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Boone, Mark Chambers, Hayne Hollis, Jim Kelly, Jim Knighton, Wayne Palmer, Tom Parks, Dwan Pilcher, Felton Woodham.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
