In loving memory of our son, Adam Ryan James, 36, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at his residence due to a lengthy illness with diabetes.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Maple Avenue Baptist Church. There will be a meal provided after the service and everyone is invited to attend.
Adam is survived by his parents, William G. and Tonya W. James; one brother, Jeremy James; one daughter, Cassity Anne James; two uncles, Billy Wheeler who Adam loved very much, and Steve James; and last but not least his K-9 companion, Buddy.
Adam is also survived by his “best friends” or who he referred to as his brothers, Wally Wilson, Josh Martin, Joseph Martin, Stephen Hogue, Nick James, Matt James, Morgan Paul, Ben Blakeslee, Jamie Parker, Danny McDuffie, his landlords who he like to call “Ma and Pa”, William and Vallary Kelley.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Elizabeth Caroline Simmons, (Beth), passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025 after enduring a lengthy, courageous battle with diabetes. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, Alabama with Russell Johnson delivering the eulogy and Warren, Holloway, Ward Funeral Home of Geneva Directing. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Beth’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.
Beth was born on April 30, 1963 to William B. Simmons Jr. and the late Janie E. Simmons. Beth was the first grandchild on both sides of her family. She was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and aunt. Beth was very proud of her nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them. Beth was a very talented and published author of short stories and poetry. She was a member of the Graduating Class of 1981 of Geneva High School. She played the trumpet in the Geneva High School Marching Band and was voted Wittiest by her classmates’ Who’s Who.
Beth was a kind hearted, gentle soul with a free spirit in search of fun, happiness and peace. She loved to make people laugh, and to have a good time. She never met a stranger. Beth loved listening to all genres of music; loved reading, especially Stephen King, and loved animals and all of nature. Her favorite past time from a very early age was fishing. She began fishing in her granddaddy Simmons’ pond as a small child and her love of fishing continued until she passed away. She was fortunate to be able to spend her last Easter Sunday fishing with an old friend when she caught 14 small bream. She was looking forward to spending her birthday on the river, fishing with friends.
In addition to her mother, Beth was preceded in death by her grandparents; W.B. Simmons, Lillian T. Simmons, George M. Echols, and Josephine E. Echols; a very special aunt, Mary Louis Simmons Crews, (Cookie) and a nephew, Christian Simmons Bates. Beth was also preceded in death by her best friend and classmate, Kimberly Ward Johnson.
Beth is survived by her father, W. B. Simmons, brother, Will Simmons, (Karinne), Celia Lee Simmons Schoeller, (Carl), all of Geneva. Nephews and Nieces; William Simmons, Hanna Simmons Waldner, (Ben), Coffee Springs, AL, Kessler Bates, (Shelby), Virginia Beach, VA, Lilli Beth Johnson (TJ), Rehobeth, AL, Jay Greene, (Lacie), Headland, AL, and Wykle Greene, (Alex), Tampa, Florida. Great nieces and nephews, Lyla Belle, Sadie Grace, and Atticus Simmons, Ruthie Elizabeth Waldner, Liam and Evelyn Grace Bates, and Allie Kaye Greene. Beth also leaves behind many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to cherish her memories.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
John H. Woodham, a cherished patriarch, devoted husband, and cornerstone of the Ashford community, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 19, 1934, in Ardilla, John’s life was a testament to the values of family, hard work, and faith that he held dear.
John is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Woodham and Edith Napier Woodham; his sister, Linda Faye Woodham Singletary, along with her husband, Billy; his great-grandson, Maverick Laramore; and his niece and nephew, Katie and John Kasey Knight. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Surviving John is his beloved wife of 72 years, Dean Woodham, the cornerstone of his life and love. Together, they raised a family of strength and character, including sons, Stanley Woodham, with his wife Georgia, and Paul Woodham, with his wife Renée; and their daughter, Deborah Jean Smith. John’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren—Jacob Smith with Stephanie, Ethan Smith with Andrea, Jonathan Woodham with Katie, Caleb Smith with Megan, Joshua Smith with Danni, Meghan Woodham, David Woodham with Callie, and Morgan Laramore with Dewayne—and his adored great-grandchildren Liam Smith, Logan Smith, Stanton Woodham, Corbin Woodham, Owen Smith, Olivia Smith, Andrew Smith, Dean Smith, Daphne Smith, Jemma Claire Woodham, Isaac Woodham, Mason Laramore, and the eagerly anticipated Milo Laramore; sister, Ella Jan Windham, and her husband, Johnny; his special friend, Bobby Knight; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
A proud graduate of Ashford High School’s Class of 1951, John was a pillar of the community, known for his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Woodham Plumbing Company Inc. since 1972. His professional dedication was matched only by his commitment to his faith, serving as a member and deacon at Enterprise Baptist Church since 1971.
John’s interests reflected his love for the outdoors and his joy in bringing people together. An avid fisherman and gardener, he was renowned for hosting fish fries with the best fried catfish—a treat his grandchildren eagerly anticipated. His presence was a constant at sporting events and dance recitals, cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with pride and enthusiasm. John’s love for travel led to many memorable adventures with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Philp and Lucy Karnes.
Described as faith-filled, selfless, and passionate, John’s life was a testament to the values he held dear. His actions spoke volumes of his character, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Funeral services to honor the life of John H. Woodham will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, where they will share stories, laughter, and tears, remembering a man who was not just a figure in their lives, but a guiding light.
Betty Lee Taylor, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after an extended illness.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Enon Church of Christ on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Sam Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church prior to services. A luncheon fellowship will follow the graveside services at Enon Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Enon Church of Christ cemetery fund or St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.
Born on March 27, 1938, Betty lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, cooking meals always with “peas and little cornbreads” that brought everyone together, playing games that sparked smiles and friendly competition, casting a line on a quiet day spent fishing, and being active in her cherished Enon Church of Christ community.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Vesta Wright Suggs and General Walter Suggs; her siblings Walter Suggs Jr., Johnnie D. Taylor, Vera Crawford, and Earl Suggs.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Rob” Taylor; her sister, Nell Wiehe; and her two sons, Tracy Taylor and Chris Taylor (JJ). Betty was the proud grandmother of Josh Taylor (Corrie), Dana Hubbard (Gary), Hughston Taylor (Melanie), and Weston Taylor (Meagan). She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren who were the light of her life: Maddox and Kayton Taylor (Josh), Ysabel, Carson and Cooper Hubbard (Dana), Lucas Taylor (Hughston), and Elizabeth “Lily” Taylor (Weston). Also survived by many nieces and nephews who were so much a part of her life.
Betty will be remembered for her kind heart, her strong faith, and the warmth she brought into every room she entered. Her legacy lives on in the love she poured into her family and the many lives she touched with her compassion and grace.
The family would like to especially thank Gentiva Hospice for all the nurses and support staff that helped throughout this difficult journey.
They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the family, church family, and friends who supported them and continue to surround the family with love and prayers.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mr. Dudley Wyatt Fortson, a lifelong resident of the Bay Springs Community passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital. He was 65.
A private family graveside service will be held at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, May 10, 2025 with Rev. Tommy Green officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Dudley Fortson was born at Moody Hospital in Dothan on February 14, 1960 to Charles Rex and Sara Janette Deese Fortson. He grew up in the Bay Springs Community. He graduated from Wicksburg High School in 1978 and attended Wallace College prior to entering the Navy, where he served for six years as an Electronic Warfare Technician. After his Navy career, he worked at Pemco Aerospace in Napier Field, then at Ft. Rucker as an Avionic Technician. He was a member of Bay Springs Baptist Church.
Mr. Dudley Fortson is preceded in death by his father, Charles Rex Fortson.
Survivors include his wife for thirty three years, Patricia “Trish” Fortson of Dothan; mother, Sara Janette Fortson of Bay Springs; three sons, Nate Mallory of Opelika, Frank Mallory (Magen) of Faison, NC, Dustin Fortson (Kayla) of Dothan; sister, Jan King (Frankie) of Bay Springs; nine grandchildren, Natalie, Landon, Callie, Karlee, Charlie, Kolton, Caroline, Colton, Hadley; niece, Sara Boswell (Paul) of Dothan; great nephew, Giani Mandella.
Pall bearers will be: Mike LaCross, Holden Ingram, John Skerlick, Franklin Mallory, Steve Smoak, Eddie Dasinger, Jody Spann and Scott Ellenburg.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Betty Lee Taylor, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after an extended illness.
Mr. Dudley Wyatt Fortson, a lifelong resident of the Bay Springs Community passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Southeast Health Hospital. He was 65.