Peggy Annette Woods, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 86. Born on March 11, 1939, in Phenix City, Alabama, to the late Chester Huel Freeman and Violet Ruth Hicks Freeman, Peggy lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her profession, and her faith.
Peggy, known affectionately to her friends and family, graduated from Central High School in 1957. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing, earning her degree from the Medical Center School for Nurses in 1964. Furthering her expertise, she graduated from the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses in 1972, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in her field. Throughout her distinguished career, Peggy served with compassion and professionalism in the Flowers Hospital Anesthesia Department until 1995. She continued to share her skills and knowledge at the Anesthesia Consultants Medical Group at Surgery Center South, where she retired in 2012.
As a devoted military wife, Peggy supported her husband, the late Thomas Victor Woods, Jr., until his retirement from the US Army in 1983. Her strength and resilience were the cornerstones of her family, providing unwavering support through the many challenges and triumphs of military life.
Peggy’s faith was the guiding light of her life. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she poured her heart into teaching, mentoring, and participating in missions and the church’s music program.
Her legacy is carried on by her loving children, Michael “Mickey” Kiker (Ann), Kenneth Kiker (Susan), Andrew Kiker (Lori), and Blaire Woods Merritt. Peggy was a proud grandmother to Shannon, Drew (Courtney), Kasey (Brook), Zack, Cole, Jared, and Caitlin, and a doting great-grandmother to Bailey, Kaylee, Mason, Raylee, Raegan, Luke, Beau, Anne, Gracie, Violet, and Susie. Each of them will forever cherish the memories and the lessons she imparted.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, June 23, 2025 from Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Thompson and Reverend Randy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at 3 PM (CST) at Girard Cemetery in Phenix City, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Missions Fund.
Mrs. Sharon Helms Shiver, of Slocomb, passed away on June 6, 2025 at Hartford Healthcare. She was 77.
Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church Cemetery, in Blue Springs, Alabama, with Rev. Daniel Rieben officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
Mrs. Shiver was born on March 18, 1948 to the late John W. and Eileen Turner Helms. She enjoyed tending to her garden and spending time with her family. Sharon would enjoy coloring in her free time and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents; her husband, Franklin Shiver; son, Brian Shiver; brothers: John W. Helms, Bill Helms and James Helms, all preceded her in death.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Michele A. Shiver; daughter-in-law, Melena Shiver; sisters-in-law: Alicia Shiver, Gloria Helms, Janice Helms, and Debbie Helms; grandchildren: Erin Shiver and Jacob Shiver (Alex); great-grandson, Jayce Shiver; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.
“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference” To sign a guest register, please visit www.sorrellsfuneral.com.
Brittney Alise Henderson, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 39 in her hometown of Dothan, AL, on June 17, 2025. Born on April 15, 1986, Brittney’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.
Brittney was a graduate of Wicksburg High School, class of 2004, where she was known for her infectious laughter and kind heart. Her commitment to caring for others led her to a fulfilling career at FirstLight Home Care of Dothan, where she touched the lives of many with her compassion and dedication.
Despite the challenges she faced, including the loss of her mother Kim Luster, her nurturing grandparents Wanda and Bill Belsher, and her dear brothers Jonathan and Marcus Belsher, Brittney’s strength never faltered. Her resilience was further tested with the passing of her uncle Travis Robidoux. Yet, she remained a pillar of hope and love for her family, especially her children Neveah Leann, August Elise, and Gabriel Lee Henderson, who were the light of her life.
Brittney’s sisters, Tiffany Thweatt (Jason) and Courtney Brown (Joseph), will remember her as a beacon of joy and a source of unwavering support. Her memory will also be cherished by her grandparents Roger and Emelie Woodham and Shag and Cynthia Luster, alongside her nieces and nephews Winry Thweatt, Camilla Barnett, and Cooper Brown.
Her six-year relationship with her devoted boyfriend, John Weaver, was filled with laughter and mutual support. Brittney’s life was enriched by the presence of her uncle Jeffrey “Todd” Woodham and Stevie Robidoux, cousin, Wyatt Woodham, her special friend, Holly Bonk, as well as family members, Charlye (Brady) Henderson, Zac Henderson and Sandi Henderson. Alicia Snell and her husband Norman played a significant role in Brittney’s life as her bonus mom and dad.
Brittney’s journey included overcoming drug abuse, a testament to her incredible fortitude and desire to create a better life for herself and her children. She found solace and community at Mt Pisgah Church, where her faith sustained her through life’s trials and triumphs.
An ardent lover of nature, Brittney found peace and happiness in the beauty of the outdoors. Her passion for flowers was more than just a hobby; it was a reflection of her appreciation for life’s delicate and transient beauty. Brittney’s ethos of paying it forward was evident in all her actions, as she continuously looked for ways to uplift others and spread kindness.
Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Brittney’s memory will be lovingly preserved in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Her radiant smile, her bubbly personality, and her unwavering commitment to her family will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
As the sun sets on a life taken too soon, we remember Brittney Alise Henderson not for the tragedy of her passing but for the enduring light she shared with the world. Her spirit, a beacon of hope and love, will continue to guide and inspire us all.
A celebration of Brittney’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Bro. Hugh Kirkland officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Brittney’s memory to be made to The Haven, https://spectracare.org/our-services/behavioral-health-services/residential-treatment-facilities/ or The Wiregrass Angel House, https://wiregrassangelhouse.org/. The family kindly requests that all attendees wear white or bright colors in Brittney’s honor.
Richard Elgin Sumlin, 68, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on June 16, 2025, after a long battle with COPD.
Born on March 29, 1957, Richard was the son of the late John Frank Sumlin Sr. and Myrtie Myrick Sumlin. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank “Pete” Sumlin Jr. and sister Nancy Bartholomew.
Richard was a hardworking man with a sharp wit, a generous heart, and a strong spirit. He was an award-winning butcher and a natural entrepreneur, having owned and operated meat markets, automotive shops, and a repossession business over the years. In his later years, he found joy in lending a hand at his son’s lawn mower shop, staying active and doing what he loved most—working.
Richard never met a task he didn’t take on with passion. Whether it was woodworking, turning wrenches, or occasionally working on people’s nerves with his sharp sense of humor, he poured himself into everything he did. Above all, he loved his family. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. Saturdays were reserved for Alabama Football—Roll Tide.
He is survived by his two children, Cody Sumlin (Angel) and Desirea Sumlin (Yovany); four beloved grandchildren, John Bryson Sumlin, Avigail Mae Wright, Isabelle Annleigh Nunez, and Jolene Yvonne Nunez; his brother Bennie Sumlin; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
A gathering will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.until 12:00 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home (965 Woodland Dr Dothan, AL)
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.
As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.
After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed.
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.
He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn’t just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.
Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
John Perry “Johnny” Walker, Jr., a former resident of Ashford, died late Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2025, in the Vitas Community Health & Rehabilitation Center in Panama City, Florida. He was 78.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend George Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Friday at the mortuary in Headland.
Mr. Walker was born in Ozark and was reared in the Bertha Community of Dale County, son of the late John Perry Walker, Sr. and Bennie Pearl Snell Walker. He formerly lived in Ashford for thirty-two years before moving to Graceville Health Center in 2022. Mr. Walker was retired as a Petroleum Equipment Technician with RaceTrac Petroleum. In earlier years, he was engaged in farming. Mr. Walker was a member of the Dothan Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sheryl Bell and Kimberly McGriff, a sister, Donna Pettis, and a brother, Tommy Walker.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Candace Walker Phipps (John), Headland, AL; Dixie Walker Plumley (Jeremy), Chipley, FL; and Susan Walker Chailland (Ty), Doniphan, Missouri; a son, John Perry Walker, III, Slocomb, AL; son-in-law, Mark Bell; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren.
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.
Brittney Alise Henderson, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 39 in her hometown of Dothan, AL, on June 17, 2025. Born on April 15, 1986, Brittney’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.
