OZARK…Mrs. Lillie Mae Johnson Beaty, a resident of Ozark, passed away late Saturday evening at the home of her daughter, Sophia in Tuscaloosa. She was 67.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Rebekah Annette Staley of Geneva, AL, a devoted woman of God, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and faithful prayer warrior, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 31, 2025. She was 89.
A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 05, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Annette was born on October 03, 1935, living a life marked by grace, strength and unwavering faith. A deep spiritual woman, her life was a testament to the power of prayer. Her daily walk with the Lord touched many lives with her kindness, wisdom and unwavering belief in God’s promises. Psalm 91 was a constant source of strength and comfort to her, and she lived each day under the shelter of the Most High.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Staley and her cherished grandson, Chris Staley.
Annette is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughter, Debbie Staley Friend and husband, Jerry, her son, Danny Staley and wife, Cindy. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Amy Williamson-Bowling and husband, Josh, and Travis Maund. Her legacy of love continues through her great grandchildren, Ariel Staley, Tylee Zuckerman and Grace Bowling.
Annette’s presence was a blessing, and her prayers were a covering for her family. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she now rests in the presence of her Savior.
“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me”
WEBB, ALABAMA. . .Janice Rials “Jan” Sumerlin, a resident of Webb, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord Friday afternoon, May 30, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 70.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Friday June 6, 2025, in the Webb Baptist Church with Reverend Danny Sumerlin, Reverend Shawn Fanchette, Reverend Tim Willis and Reverend Tim Gay officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:30 until 5:00 P.M. Friday in the sanctuary of the Webb Baptist Church.
A second funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, Alabama 36582. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Serenity Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Road, Mobile, AL 36619.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Webb Baptist Church, P.O. Box 70, Webb, AL 36376.
Jan was born in Panama City, Florida and was reared in Panama City and Theodore, Alabama, daughter of the late Frank Davis Rials and Roberta Huffman Rials. She graduated with honors in 1972 from Theodore High School. Danny and Jan were married June 8, 1974 in Grand Bay, Alabama. Following their marriage, she followed Danny to Montgomery while he served in the U. S. Air Force until 1978. After moving to Montgomery, Jan developed a career in Office Management and served as an Office Manager in various businesses and Baptist Churches, serving as an Administrative Assistant until her retirement in 2017. From 2002 until 2014, she rehabbed orphan squirrels and was affectionately nicknamed “The Squirrel Whisperer”. Jan loved being “Mom” to Jessica, “Nana” to Taylor and Brayden, sister to John and Jimmy and friend to many. Most of all, she loved being Danny’s wife and best friend for almost fifty-one years. Jan loved children. Throughout their ministry together, she worked with children, started and built children’s ministries, and made lasting friendships with children. Jan is frequently called a “Kid Magnet”. They all knew she loved them. At Webb Baptist Church, she picked up children and brought them to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, taught a Children’s Sunday School Class and a Wednesday night children’s class. At the time of her homegoing, Jan was mentoring a sweet twelve year old young lady whom she dearly loved . She has made a lasting, profound, positive difference in countless lives and only eternity will reveal how many. Her last ministry assignment was teaching a Senior Adult Ladies Class whom she dearly loved. Jan had a loving appeal to people of all ages, an infectious sense of humor, a genuine warmth, and a delightful laugh.
Jan was a generous and selfless lady who was much loved and will be sorely missed.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Reverend Danny Sumerlin; a daughter, Jessica Sumerlin Donaldson (Michael), Dothan; grandchildren, Taylor Hope Zirlott and Brayden Alexander Donaldson; a brother, James Rials (Linda), Montgomery; a sister-in-law, Susan Rials, Pensacola, FL; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law from the Sumerlin family, David and Rita Sumerlin, Debbie Sumerlin, Donna Sumerlin and Tim Sumerlin, several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be David Sumerlin, Tim Sumerlin, James Rials, Jamar Ivey, Trey Wright and Aaron Cornett.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Chief Master Sergeant Sherman Hoover Horne, USAF, Ret., a cherished patriarch and respected community member, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, in Ozark, Alabama, at the age of 96. Born on March 2, 1929, in Clopton, Alabama, to Tommie and Willie Horne, Sherman grew to embody the virtues of kindness, humor, and dedication throughout his long and fulfilling life.
Sherman attended Henry County Training School, shaping him into a young man of intelligence and character. Upon graduation, he entered into the Airforce on December 8, 1948, serving his country with honor and distinction until his retirement. Following his military career, Sherman was employed with Johnson Control Battery in Tampa, Florida, where he further demonstrated his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
In 2003, Sherman’s journey brought him back to Alabama, where he married his beloved wife, Lillian Lenard Horne. Together, they shared 22 years of love and companionship. Even after a successful military and second career, Sherman continued to serve his community, working at Wal-Mart in Dothan as a greeter and in asset control. His friendly demeanor and genuine care for others made him a favorite among customers and colleagues alike.
A man of faith, Sherman attended St. Paul AME in Ozark, where he found strength and solace in his beliefs and the fellowship of the congregation. His involvement in the church was a testament to his commitment to service and his compassionate spirit.
Sherman’s love for his family was unparalleled. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with his wife, Lillian, his children, Tonita Williams, Sherilyn Williams, Darryl (April) Horne, and James Horne, and his treasured 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. His sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Horne, along with a special cousin, Rowanna Mathis and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends, will also hold his memory dear. Sherman was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mariah B. Horne, and his eight siblings.
Those who knew Sherman will remember him as a man who loved to grill and entertain, always ensuring that his guests were well-fed and smiling. His sense of humor was infectious, and his stylish presence never went unnoticed. Sherman was the embodiment of thoughtfulness and selflessness, always ready to lend a supportive hand or share a humorous anecdote. His ability to brighten the day of those around him was one of his most beloved traits.
Sherman Hoover Horne’s rich legacy will be celebrated by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As we bid farewell to a man who brought joy, wisdom, and kindness into the lives of so many, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Sherman’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and service, and his memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Sherman Horne will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will be held following the ceremony in Sunset Memorial Park.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com