Calista Sheffield Turner, affectionately known as Phyllis by her friends, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 104, in Malvern, Alabama formerly of Dothan. Born on January 16, 1922, in Miller County, Georgia, to the late Charlie and Sallie Sheffield, Phyllis was a beacon of resilience and joy throughout her long and fulfilling life.
Calista’s early years in Georgia laid the foundation for a life marked by hard work and determination. As the world changed around her, she adapted and thrived, making her way to New Jersey during the war years where she contributed to the war effort as a dedicated factory worker. She was an official Rosie the Riveter. Calista ‘s work ethic and spirit of service were evident in everything she did.
Life brought Calista as she found companionship and partnership with her late husbands, Amon Troy Conrad and Duward Turner. Though they predeceased her, the love and lessons from these unions stayed with her always. Calista was also preceded in death by her stepchildren Dianne, Jerry, Larry, and Ronnie Turner, as well as her siblings Idus Bush, Ivey Bush, Lovern Womble, Davis Bush, Nellie Spooner, Geree Whidner, and Henry Sheffield, and step sibling, Jerry Turner (Patsy). Their memories remained a cherished part of her story.
Calista ‘s legacy continues through her beloved daughter, Susan Conrad Culpepper, and her husband, Tommy. She was a proud grandmother to Troy Culpepper and his wife, Rosy, and Todd Culpepper and his wife, Dana. Her great-grandchildren, Tucker, Trevor, Wesley, and Wyatt, were a source of immense pride and joy, as were her numerous step-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward her zest for life.
Known for her love of the outdoors, Calista could often be found basking in the beauty of nature, which provided her with endless happiness and serenity. An avid reader, she also enjoyed the quiet pleasure of a good book, which was a testament to her lifelong love of learning and exploration. Calista was known to be a busy body, always finding something to do or someone to help. Her feisty spirit and quick wit were hallmarks of her personality, endearing her to everyone she met.
Calista ‘s life was a tapestry of experiences woven with threads of love, hard work, and engagement with the world around her. Her presence was a gift to those who knew her, and her memory will be treasured as a reminder of a life well-lived.
A celebration of Calista’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home with Scott Messer officiating. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00pm – 2:00pm.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Jaann Lee Wells, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 with her husband by her side at the age of 81. Born on March 3, 1945 in Fort Worth Texas, Jaann was the daughter of the late Jimmy Landrine Burton and Mary Beasley Amenda.
In 1962, Jaann moved to Ozark and met her lifelong love Nigel Wells on a blind date. They were married on June 3, 1966 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Their vows were renewed during a trip to Israel in 2020 by The Reverend Eric Fuller. Together they built a life in Ozark while raising their children, working and being involved in their churches and other community organizations.
Jaann enjoyed a lifelong pursuit of learning and teaching. A 1964 graduate of Carroll High School, she went on to earn her degree from The University of Alabama in 1968 with a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Art. She later earned both a Masters in Education and Education Specialist graduate degree from Troy University.
For over 35 years, her career in education spanned across the Ozark City and Dale County school systems. She taught at Emma P. Flowers Elementary School, the Soldier Reading program at Fort Rucker and George W. Long School. She also served as Vice Principal and Principal at Eastgate Middle School and Principal at Joseph W. Lisenby Elementary School until she retired in 2011. Among her notable accomplishments was securing a grant to establish a computer lab in the 1980’s at George W. Long, a forward-thinking initiative at the time, and helping lead its implementation while also advising the yearbook staff.
Her life was defined by her faith that began with attending Gaston Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas with her favorite grandmother Blanche Beasley. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, participating in bible studies, the Lois Robinson Circle, and the church and hand bell choirs.
In addition to supporting her children’s activities, she was also a member Beta Sigma Phi, Ozark Dale County Library Literary Club, the Arts Guild and Ann Rudd Art Center.
Her strong love of children and animals meant the Wells home was always filled activity and excitement. The family pets were not limited to cats and dogs-there were birds, goats, donkeys, horses and even a squirrel she named Snort. She had a special passion for rescue animals and welcomed many into her life over the years. Jaann also had a deep love for art and explored many different mediums including watercolor, acrylics, pastels, pottery, slumped bottles and stained glass. She especially loved sharing her creations and often gifted her artwork to friends and family. She was always eager to learn something new and to share it with others, especially her grandchildren, often creating projects for them to enjoy during visits.
Jaann maintained a remarkable sense of adventure throughout her life. She once flew to Egypt by herself to visit her daughter Allison. She and Nigel also took many road trips together including Alaska, Canada, the Tennessee mountains and The Keys to name a few. She enjoyed kayaking, racquet sports, golf and many water activities like snorkeling and waterskiing and even learned to snow ski around the age of 65. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit extended to music as well, as she explored mandolin lessons and playing the dulcimer.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Nigel Eben Wells II; her loving daughters and son, Kimberly Blanche Wells Gordon (Scott), Allison Lee Wells Draper (Thomas), Angela Carol Wells Ganey (Brandon) and Nigel Eben Wells III (Ashlie); her adored grandchildren Tripp and Beasley Gordon, Ansley and Josiah Draper, Callie, Emmy and Wells Ganey, Eben and Elle Wells.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Arnold John Amenda, Sr., her beloved grandmother Blanche Hamilton Beasley, her sister Susan Burton Loretta, her brother Arnold John Amenda, Jr. and her sister-in-law Sylvia Carol Wells.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Madison Heights Memory Care in Enterprise and Compassus Hospice Care for their support and care.
A funeral service was held at Ozark Baptist Church on Monday, March 16, 2026 with The Reverend Eric Fuller presiding and interment followed at Westview Cemetery with Holman Funeral Home directing. The family received friends at Holman Funeral Home for a visitation on Sunday, March 15 with a Sunday Night Sing to follow at The Warehouse. A recording of the funeral service is available on the Ozark Baptist Church Alabama YouTube.com channel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360; Trinity Methodist Church, 246 Church Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360 or a favorite charity of your choice.
The legacy Jaann leaves is one of love, faith and compassion. Her joy and passion for learning, teaching and sharing will live on through the many lives she touched, leaving behind a world made brighter by her kindness and generosity.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
DOTHAN… Cathy Kay Cose, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Sunday, March 08, 2026, at a Dothan hospital. She was 63.
Memorial services will be held at a later time.
Ms. Cose was born in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Raymond Brown and Kathleen Livingston Holloway. She spent most of her childhood and early life in Tampa, Florida, where she attended Brandon High School before relocating to the Dothan area five years ago.
Ms. Cose worked for many years as a pharmacy technician and dedicated a large portion of her career to serving the community through her work at Walgreens. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others.
A faithful member of Dothan First Church, Ms. Cose had a deep love for God and lived her life with a generous and giving spirit. Her favorite color was yellow, and she especially loved daffodils and turtles.
She enjoyed many creative hobbies, including crafting and crocheting. One of her favorite pastimes was making diamond art bookmarks, and in the past year alone she created more than 700, which she lovingly gave away to friends, family members, nurses, and anyone who might enjoy them.
Above all else, Ms. Cose cherished her family. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.
Surviving relatives include her children, Daniel Cose (Katrina) and Ashley Mason (Steven); grandchildren, Celeste Cose (Carlos Ortiz), Jeremiah Diaz, Zoey Cose, Leonardo Cose, Kyle Cose, Albert Chavez Jr., Noelle Cose, Roman Mason, Gabriel Mason; sisters, Cindy Holloway (Mike) and Tammy Curls; brother, Chuck Holloway (Krista); many other family, friends, and loved ones.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
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Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
ASHFORD. . .Lorinda Jean “Lori” Carlisle, a resident of Ashford, passed away early Monday morning, March 9, 2026, in Noland Hospital-Dothan. She was 63.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Chapel at Watermark Church with Pastor Todd Thorpe officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the church chapel. Burial will follow in the Ashford City Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Promise Cancer Foundation, 101 Westside Drive, Dothan, AL 36303
Lori Carlisle was born in Dothan and raised in Gordon, daughter of the late William Lewis “Bill” Carlisle and Sara Whitaker Carlisle. Lori was a graduate of Ashford High School and attended Wallace Community College. She lived in Ashford for the past seventeen years. Lori was a member of Springhill Free Will Baptist Church. She was formerly employed by the Houston County Sheriff’s Department. Lori was preceded in death by a sister, Tracey Lynn Carlisle.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Lindsey Owens (Eric), Taylor, AL; a son, Jared Fordham, Ashford, AL; a brother, Jeff Carlisle (Allison), Webb, AL; grandchildren, Easton Owens and Erica Owens; nephews, Austin Carlisle (Amber), and Richard Carlisle (Bailey); a great-niece, Callie Austin Carlisle.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Melba Chandler at Extendicare Health Center and also the Ladies III Sunday School Class at Watermark Church for the loving care and kindness shown to Lori during her illness.
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.
OZARK…Mr. Kennard R. Coots, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday afternoon, March 6, 2026, at his home. He was 84.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Coots, son of the late James William Coots and Agnes Pearl Denny Coots, was a proud native of Madison, West Virginia, where he grew up and attended school. Those early years shaped him into the hardworking, steady, and good‑hearted man his family came to love so deeply. After finishing school, he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he spent four years building discipline, character, and lifelong friendships.
In 1963, life led him to Indiana, and it was there he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Lassiter Coots. Their marriage was a true partnership—full of devotion, laughter, and the kind of everyday moments that become treasured memories. He worked in the steel mills for thirty years, a job that demanded strength and grit, and he gave it everything he had. His coworkers respected him, not just for his work ethic, but for his easygoing nature and willingness to lend a hand.
He was proud to be a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Elks Lodge, finding purpose in fellowship and service. In 1994, he and his family made Alabama their home. Even after retiring from the steel mills, he wasn’t one to sit still. He worked at Lowe’s in Dothan and later at the Swedish Match Cigar Plant, always staying busy and always giving his best. He also earned his Airframe and Powerplant License from Enterprise Ozark Community College, an accomplishment he was truly proud of.
In his quiet moments, he enjoyed collecting coins, playing solitaire, and settling in to watch a good western. He was a loyal Auburn football fan and cheered on the Chicago Bears every season. But some of his happiest times were simple ones—“hanging out” with his dog, Kiba, tinkering with projects, and using his natural handiness to help his family with anything they needed. He loved being useful, being present, and being someone his loved ones could count on.
Above all, he will be remembered for the way he showed up for the people he loved. Whether through a small favor, a shared laugh, or just being there, he made sure his family knew they mattered. His steady presence, his humor, and his big heart will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Lassiter Coots; brothers, William Coots, Clyde Coots, Bob Coots, Jack Coots, Jimmy Coots, Kenneth Coots, Charles Coots, and Gene Coots.
Surviving relatives include his daughter, Carolyn Planer, Ozark; sister, Judy Wise, Ozark; brother, Danny Coots, Corsicana, Texas; two grandchildren, Kenna Planer, and Jacob Planer (Dennis); nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ARITON…Mr. Johnny Garner, a resident of Ariton, died early Saturday afternoon, March 7, 2026, at the home of his daughter. He was 93.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to DaySpring Hospice, 2464 W. Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301 or to Evergreen Free Will Baptist Cemetery Fund, 3266 CR 113, Ariton, Alabama 36311.
Mr. Garner, son of the late James Gilbert Garner and Alga Sue Faulk Garner, was a proud native of Dale County. He grew up with deep roots in this community, and those roots shaped him into the hardworking, dependable man everyone knew him to be. Farming wasn’t just his job—it was his way of life. He spent most of his years working the land, tending to crops, and doing the kind of honest work that leaves a person tired at the end of the day but grateful for the life they’re building.
He served his country with honor as a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War.
When he wasn’t working, Mr. Garner enjoyed coon hunting and growing vegetables. He had a natural gift for making things grow, and he took pride in watching a garden come to life under his care. He was one of those people who simply couldn’t sit still—he always had to be doing something. Whether it was fixing, building, tending, or checking on something, he stayed busy from sunup to sundown. That steady motion was part of who he was.
He had a special love for animals of all kinds. His chickens, goats, and dogs were more than just animals, especially his longtime loyal dog, Smut. They were part of his daily life and brought him joy and companionship. He had a way with them, and they trusted him completely. Truth be told, he loved just about any creature he came across.
Mr. Garner was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Hayes Garner, whom he loved. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Sarah Marshall, Cullen Garner, an infant brother, and Carolyn Phillips. Though he endured great loss, he carried himself with quiet resilience and continued to pour love into the people and animals around him.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for the outdoors, his heart for animals, and the way he always kept his hands busy. But more than anything, he will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, uncle and for the steady, simple, good life he lived—one built on love, loyalty, and the land he called home. He will be remembered by his family as a loving father, grandfather, and uncle
Surviving relatives include his daughters, Andrea G. McLendon (Terrance) and Renee Garner, both of Ariton; sister, Ann Phillips; brother, Thomas Garner (AnnDora) both of Ozark; two grandchildren, Libbi McLendon Mitchell (Justin) and Hannah Beckworth; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
