Marking the end of an era, Ila “Joan” Welsh passed away peacefully at her home in Eufaula, Alabama, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She lived 93 remarkable years and will be missed.
Ila Pearl was born October 19, 1931, in Louisville, Alabama to the late JC Dykes and Eula Kennedy Dykes. As the eldest of nine children, she honed her leadership skills at an early age. She utilized those skills while she proudly served as a Sergeant in the Women’s Army Corps, working as a statistical analyst at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. During her military service, she met her husband, Daniel C. Welsh, in a chance encounter at Walter Reed Hospital. The exact story of their meeting has varied over the years, but the consistent thread was an undeniable connection leading to a beautiful life story. They were married at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia, and started their family after settling in Cleveland, Ohio. While their five children were young, they returned to Alabama so their children would grow up in a small town surrounded by extended family. Ila later joined Harbison Walker where she worked diligently in several roles until she retired after many years of service.
The Welsh family was blessed with Ila as the matriarch. She has been the centering force of the family through her tenacity, strength, sass, and love. She was never happier (but also maybe a bit stressed) as when she was surrounded by loved ones. As her family grew, she was so proud as each new grandchild or great-grandchild joined the fray. Never one to sit still for long, Ila enjoyed spending time cultivating her yard, fishing, entertaining, or feeding her loved ones. She could often be found enjoying the view of Lake Eufaula from her beautiful back yard. Ila’s strength, wit, and perseverance are all a part of the legacy she has woven into the fabric of the family and life she built. Her memory will carry on in each family gathering and in beautiful days spent outside.
She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Daniel C. Welsh; sister, Leola Wilkes.
Survivors include one son, Daniel T. Welsh (Mendi) of Eufaula, Alabama; four daughters, Theresa Searcy of Eufaula, Alabama, Linda Bratcher (Wayde) of Eufaula, Alabama, Debbie Welsh of Johns Island, South Carolina, and Danette Stiggleman (Mark) of Ft. Myers, Florida; brothers, Cecil Dykes of Columbus, Georgia, and John Dykes of Brundidge, Alabama; four sisters, Bobbie Shelley of Phenix City, Alabama, Robbie Hughes of Phenix City, Alabama, Nell Mills of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and Judy Cole of Midland City, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Amber Martin, Brandy Bickley (Marcus), Kristin Stiggleman, Mark Stiggleman, Jr., Bryan Bratcher (Devon), Alex Welsh (Lindsey), and Auston Welsh; five great-grandchildren, Harper Hutchison, Cooper Bickley, Walker Bickley, Bryar Bratcher, and Brixton Bratcher.
Graveside services with military honors were held Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery Addition in Eufaula, Alabama. Father David Shoemaker officiated, and Glover Funeral Home directed.
Ila was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church- 533 W. Broad St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027.
Mary Dell Paramore passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 85 in Ashford, Alabama. Born on September 13, 1939, in Houston County, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, June 16, 2025 at Enterprise Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 A.M. Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Mary was the cherished daughter of the late Elmer and Hulitte Trawick Paramore. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with the love of her family and the many lives she touched. She was a protective force in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Mary’s presence was a comforting constant, her guidance a compass through the trials and triumphs of their lives. Mary also was an avid Auburn fan.
Mary’s sisters, Shirley Watford Gene), Voncile Johnson (Earl), Martha Colmar (Carl), and Bonnie Shelley (Mickey), will remember her as the loving heart of their family. Mary’s life was a beautiful reflection of the love she gave so freely, and her memory will be cherished in the countless stories and shared moments that will be passed down through generations.
The family she leaves behind is a testament to the love she both gave and received. Her nieces and nephews, each carrying a part of her spirit, will continue to honor her memory by living out the values she instilled in them. Her legacy is one of love, a legacy that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed, yet forever remembered.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dayspring Hospice for their care and support.
Michael Clifford Jastrzebski, age 75, of Dothan, AL peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on June 6, 2025. Mike was born June 14, 1949.
Mike was a writer, a wanderer, and a man who lived life on his own terms. Never one to shy away from risk, he followed his dreams wherever they led, from the mountains of Maine to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. He owned a bookstore and a sewing machine shop, built and lived in a log cabin in Maine, and for sixteen years he and his wife, Mary, sailed from the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi and then on to Florida, across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, up to the Chesapeake Bay and back to Florida all aboard a 36-foot sailboat, accompanied by their faithful dog.
Mike wrote what he loved: tropical mysteries filled with the flavor of Florida and the quirky characters of Key West, paranormal mysteries, and fantasy tales. While cruising he turned his experiences into stories that entertained and inspired, becoming the author of nine novels and two novellas. A regular at the Mystery Writers of America’s Florida Chapter meetings and a frequent participant in SleuthFest, Mike was always generous with his time and encouragement. He delighted in talking shop, swapping stories, and supporting fellow writers at readings.
Long before he took to the sea, Mike was an avid swing dancer. It was on the dance floor that he met Mary, the love of his life. He had a great sense of humor, and even in his playful teasing, it was clear to everyone how much he adored her. The affection was unmistakable in the twinkle in his eye whenever he joked about how he suffered from life on “Mary Time.” Once the legendary writer Elmore Leonard told him, “Mary must be a saint.” Mike just grinned.
Mike was a big guy who lived life large. He was a proud father and grandfather. Writing was always his passion, but Mike’s greatest joy was in his family.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, of 30 years and his son Neil (Stacie) and granddaughter, Cianna and grandson, David. Mike is proceeded in death by his parents Betty and Dan and son David Jastrzebski. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Bobby Gene Driver, 88, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, after a long illness. A proud Marine, successful business owner, and devoted man of faith, Bobby lived a full and meaningful life defined by honesty, service, and love.
Born on June 21, 1936, and raised in Coffee County, Alabama, Bobby went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps as a young adult. After settling into civilian life for some time, he moved his family to Ohio where he and Linda raised their three girls and then went on to become the owners of a respected air duct cleaning business. His customers trusted him not just for the quality of his work, but for the integrity and truthfulness that defined every interaction.
Bobby was a faithful member of his church throughout his life, dedicating countless hours to volunteer service. He lived his faith through action, offering a helping hand, a kind word, or a story that lifted someone’s spirit just when they needed it most.
He was the devoted husband of Linda, his beloved wife of 65 years. Together they built a family grounded in love. Bobby was a proud and loving father to his three daughters, Susan, Terri, and Jennifer; and a doting grandfather to Elizabeth, Zach, Evan, and Sam, who brought great joy to him. He was also a loyal and protective big brother to his siblings, Lomax and Diane.
Bobby had a gift for storytelling and an infectious sense of humor that brought light to every room he entered. Whether sharing a joke, a memory, or a song, he made people feel seen, valued, and loved.
His legacy is one of unwavering faith, integrity, and a deep love for family and community. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Driver family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and our regular nurse, Jada Culbreth, for their excellent and compassionate care over the previous two years.
A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Carl Greene and Rev. Dave Cortes, officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30am at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Bobby’s honor to Gentiva Hospice, located at 2431 W Main St #1102, Dothan, AL 36301 or call to make a donation at 334-792-1100.
OZARK…Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Holmes Nelson, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 11, 2025, at her home. She was 104.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and her son, Reverend Gene T. Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Nelson was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. She was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert T. Holmes and Edna L. Nyhart Holmes, she carried the values of hard work and kindness with her throughout her journey.
Her life took her to many places across the United States and even overseas while she stood proudly by her husband’s side during his service in the United States Army. Together, they embraced new experiences, built lasting friendships, and faced the challenges that come with military life. In 1974, they made Ozark their home, where they became cherished members of the community.
Mrs. Nelson had a strong work ethic, having been employed at Judy Bond in Ozark, and earlier in her career, she contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements while working at Peoria Lab, the facility responsible for manufacturing penicillin. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply involved in her faith and community. As a dedicated member and Past Worthy Matron of the Kolb Chapter #468, Order of the Eastern Star, a role she held three times, she guided and inspired many. She was also a proud member of the Daughter of the Nile of Montgomery and the Wiregrass Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Adah. Her unwavering commitment to service extended to her beloved First United Methodist Church of Ozark, where she found joy in being a part of the John Wesley Sunday School Class.
Mrs. Nelson’s life was one of love and devotion. She shared wonderful memories with her late husband, Clarence Edward Nelson, Jr. (1SG, United States Army, Retired), and cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard L. Nelson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Beech Nelson; and sister, Lois DeWitt.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Robert E. Nelson (Becky), Phoenix, Arizona and Reverend Gene T. Nelson (Janis), Ozark; daughter-in-law, Vicki Nelson, Benton, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren; special friend and loving caregiver, Patricia Fryer.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jarrett Brantley, Tracy Brantley, Cacey Christiansen, Wesley Lane, Jake Lawrence, David Mauldin, Dylan Mauldin, Robert Nelson, Jack Renfroe, and Mark Renfroe. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of Order of the Eastern Star, the John Wesley Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church, and Evan Renfroe.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Marking the end of an era, Ila “Joan” Welsh passed away peacefully at her home in Eufaula, Alabama, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She lived 93 remarkable years and will be missed.
