Edward Ross Pritchard, fondly known as Ed to his friends and loved ones, passed away on March 6, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born on April 30, 1938, in Patterson, New Jersey, to Wynas and Camille Pritchard, Ed was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Ross Joseph, Frank, and John Pritchard; and his sister, Ruth Pritchard.
Ed’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community. His marriage to Pat Pritchard spanned 38 joyous years, and together they raised a family that included their children Ross Pritchard, Neely Childrey (Dean), Cynthia Miller (Robert), Shane Yon, and Margaret Yon (Elizabeth). Ed instilled in his children the values of loyalty, respect, and the importance of family bonds. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Michelle, Meredith, Hunter, JR, and Gabe, and his great-grandson, Zander Allen, affectionately known as “Pookie number 1”, and his great granddaughters, Ella Camille and Lily Bosse.
A proud veteran, Ed served his country with distinction in the Navy for four years and retired from the Army after 30 years of exemplary service. Ed was a recipient of a Purple Heart Medal. His deep sense of patriotism was further reflected in his two years as a medic in Vietnam, where he demonstrated courage and compassion under the most challenging circumstances. His commitment to fellow veterans was evident through his active involvement with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Following his military career he served as Director of The Boys Club of Dothan. Ed continued to serve his community as a Lieutenant at the Dothan Police Department, where he was respected for his integrity and leadership. He was a graduate of Troy University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice, which he put to good use in his law enforcement career.
Ed’s interests outside of his professional life were simple yet profound. He loved to fish, particularly at Lake Eufaula, where he spent many peaceful hours enjoying the serenity of freshwater fishing. But above all, Ed’s heart belonged to his family and his country, which were his greatest sources of pride and joy.
Ed’s life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the value of service, and the power of love. His unwavering support for his family, his dedication to his fellow veterans, and his love for his country will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He leaves behind a host of friends, veterans, nieces, and nephews who were fortunate to have known this remarkable man. Ed Pritchard’s life was one of honor, kindness, and an enduring commitment to the principles he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire those who were touched by his generosity and steadfastness.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on Friday prior to service time.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Sarah Holman Bennett, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, after a period of extended illness. Born in Dothan, Alabama, on October 14, 1940, Sarah’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her deep-rooted faith, and her compassionate service to others.
Sarah’s early years in Dothan laid the foundation for a life of caring and commitment. She attended Stuart Hall in Virginia, and she then furthered her education by attending Auburn University. She then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her passion for helping those in need led her to a fulfilling career with the Department of Human Resources in Dothan, where she served with distinction. Sarah’s dedication to the welfare of children shone brightly during her tenure as Chief Juvenile Probate Officer for Houston County, a role she performed with both professionalism and empathy.
In 1977, Sarah’s life was beautifully intertwined with that of Don Bennett, as the two were united in marriage. Together, they built a family that became the center of Sarah’s world. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she took great joy in nurturing their growth. Sarah was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first, a loving matriarch who filled their home with kindness and warmth.
Sarah’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her son David and his wife Lisa Bennett, her daughter Katherine and her husband Matt Phelps, and her cherished grandchildren Bennett, Sarah Parker, and Smith Phelps. Her brothers and their families, along with several nieces and nephews, also held a special place in her heart. Known affectionately as “Mimi” by her grandchildren, Sarah’s gentle spirit and boundless affection were sources of comfort and joy.
A master gardener, Sarah’s passion for plants was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life. Her green thumb brought beauty to the world around her, as she tended to her garden with the same care and attention she gave to her loved ones. Friends and neighbors often sought her expertise on all things botanical, and she was always happy to share her knowledge. Closely related to her love for growing things, she loved birds as evidenced by numerous bird feeders dangling from the eves of the house so she could watch the birds feeding from her window.
Sarah’s sense of community was strong, and she relished spending time with her circle of lady friends, with whom she traveled and dined regularly. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active involvement with the First Presbyterian Church of Dothan. Sarah’s participation in church activities and its ministries reflected her belief in the importance of spiritual growth and fellowship.
Sarah’s life was rich with experiences and relationships, but it was her loving, thoughtful, and selfless nature that truly defined her. She was a source of unwavering support to her family and friends, and her presence was a comforting reminder of the power of kindness.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will take place at 2 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Caleb Galloway officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest at Dothan City Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 12:30-2 pm.
Sarah’s family would like to send a special thanks to the following: Dr. Chris Miller and his staff; caregivers, Paula, Kim, Keisha, Theritha, and others; Gentiva Hospice and nurse Jada; and all others who have aided in her care.
Sarah Holman Bennett’s legacy of love, generosity, and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a beautiful journey of giving, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA…Kristenia Joy Spears Jones, a resident of Columbus, died Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, at her home. She was 67.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Jones was born January 4, 1958, in Troy, Ohio and lived in various locations in the United States, including Ft. Rucker, while her husband served in the United States Army before moving to Columbus. Of all the places she lived, she was always very fond of Austin, Texas. One of her greatest joys was being a nurse, she was an RNC, MSN, APRN, and she received a master’s degree in nursing informatics from Troy University. Ms. Jones had a love for her fur babies, loved going to thrift stores, yard sales, and gardening. She married the love of her life in early 1995, Channing Jones and together they enjoyed flying in their own plane and going to air shows. Ms. Jones loved Georgia Tech University because of her husband graduating from the school. She enjoyed volunteering for the American Red Cross. Ms. Jones was preceded in death by her father, James Ralph Spears; husband, Channing Jones, brothers, James Spears and Joseph Dewayne Spears.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Angelenia Marie Smith, Ozark; her son, William Edward Duvall (Jammie), North Pole, Alaska; mother, Janice Marie Barbour, Ozark; four grandchildren, Rose Clark (Christopher), Shaylee Duvall, Tre Duvall (Katie), and Ben Smith; two great-grandchildren, Harper Duvall and Alexander Liam Duvall; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mrs. Elizabeth Juliette Snell Jacobs, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully at her home in Ozark Monday night March 10, 2025 surrounded by her loving family following a very brave and strong fight against breast cancer. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jacobs will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Justin Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Wednesday from 5:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M.
Mrs. Jacobs was born March 4, 1944 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Winfred D. Snell and Ludie Mary Eddie Hagler Snell. Elizabeth was a lifelong resident of Ozark where she worked the majority of her career with Pea River Electric. She married her lifelong love on February 15, 1974 and they have been inseparable for 51 years. She was a devout Christian and always remained steadfast in her Faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Winfred D. Snell and Ludie Mary Eddie Hagler Snell; her son, Billy Jack Jacobs; sister, Grace Snell; sister-in-law, Rachel Marshall Snell. She is survived by her husband, Norman Lomax Jacobs; son, David Jacobs (Kim); daughter, Amanda Redding (Ryan); seven grandchildren, Samantha Austin (Thomas), Shelby Jacobs, Dylan Jacobs, Jordan Jacobs, Kaiden Jacobs, Makayla Redding, Brantley Redding; three great-grandchildren, Hayes Austin, Tyson Austin, Emilyn Austin; three bonus grandchildren, Madison Redding, Aubrey Redding, Jayden Austin; one brother, Archie Snell; several nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation; Susan G. Koman for A Cure (For AREA TN300 Alabama), 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380.
Sister Thelma Whaley Turner, age 82, of Dothan, AL was born on February 25, 1943 to the late John Whaley and Thelma Johnson Whaley. She was the second child to this union of two daughters and one son. One brother preceded her in death.
Thelma accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of North Highland Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. In 1961, Thelma graduated from Carver High School in Dothan, AL. A few years later, she was united in holy matrimony to the late James Turner.
Thelma worked for Bishops Cleaners in Dothan for 44 years and loves the Bishop family and friends. She retired after 44 years of employment with the Bishop family.
Thelma transitioned and entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at home in Dothan, AL.
Thelma leaves to mourn her homecoming a loving daughter, Davida Turner Williams of Dothan, AL; one sister, Norma McCloud of Kinsey, AL; one brother, Edward Whaley preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one brother in law and two sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and a special friend, Pat McLlendon Thompson.
A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 1pm at North Highland Baptist Church in Dothan with Rev. Robert Jones officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel from 3pm until 5pm. She will be laid to rest in Gates of Heaven Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mr. Samuel Harrison Eubanks of Slocomb passed away on Sunday, march 9, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Sorrells Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kevin Presley officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends, at the chapel, one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Eubanks was born on April 22, 1938 in Slocomb, Alabama to the late Charlie and Thelma Eubanks. He attended Slocomb High School and quit school for two years to help his daddy on the farm. During those two years, he went hunting almost every day and cleaned out every squirrel in Geneva County and even though he was not attending school. It didn’t stop him from having hunting partners such as C.R. Bass- The Ag teacher, the principal and the football coach. Needless to say, they let him in school two years later and he graduated in 1958. All of his aunts were so proud that he went back and finished high school, so they bought him a new suit to wear for graduation. His daughter, Priscilla said that he gets two class Alumni invitations every year from the class of 1956 and 1958. Sam worked all his life and never went far from the farm, planting crops, raising pigs, and growing some of the most beautiful gardens you have ever seen. He definitely had a “Green Thumb.” He worked for many years in the public sector, working on the road with GE, putting up phone offices all over the United States. While working with GE, he met his wife, of 46 years, Rose June Marell. He also worked several years at Twitchell. He continued his working with the public at Ansell, Inc in Dothan and then retired to go back to his roots of farming. After several years of farming, he worked a few more years with Collins Signs of Dothan, which was his final job. His greatest accomplishment was becoming a Christian. He was a member of the Hartford Highway Church of Christ and loved all his church family very much. He was very active in his church and using the gifts God gave him. He taught lessons, lead songs, lead prayers, and hosted many preachers in his home through the years. He loved the Lord and taught his children to read the Bible, pray, and to put God first in their lives.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest brother, Gareth Eubanks; two sisters: Myra Eubanks Robinson and Ruth Eubanks Ray; Sister-in-law, Lena Eubanks;
He leaves behind a daughter, Priscilla Eubanks; son, Timothy Eubanks (Charlotte); brother, Lawrence Eubanks; brother -in -law, Don Ray; grandsons: Caleb Eubanks (Katarinne) and Cameron Eubank all of Dothan, Alabama; great- grandchildren: Liam, Ethan, Lily Eubanks, Cade and Addie Cunningham; nieces: Jenny Ray, Cindy Boyett, Wanda Langford; nephews: Charles Eubanks, Jonathan Eubanks, Scott Ray, Patrick Ray, Mark Ray, Roger Marell, Wendell Marell, Willard Marell and several great nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.
