WEBB. . .Jimmie Nell Purvis Stewart, a resident of Webb, Alabama passed away early Tuesday morning, September 1, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 79.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 3, 2026, in the Webb Baptist Church with Reverend Tim Willis officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be to the Webb Baptist Church, P.O. Box 70, Webb, AL 36376.
Mrs. Stewart was born in Waynesboro, Mississippi and moved with her family to Birmingham as a child. She was a graduate of Ensley High School. Mrs. Stewart formerly lived in Waynesboro and Webb before returning to Webb ten years ago.
She was an active member of Webb Baptist Church and participated at the Webb Senior Center. Mrs. Stewart retired in the state of Mississippi as an Assistant School teacher and also retired from WalMart. Her true passion was sharing the gospel with children and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School in all the churches that she attended. She was delighted to serve as “Nellie Bell” the clown at the Dothan Peanut Festival and parade. Mrs. Stewart was preceded in death by her father, James Purvis and mother, Zaddie Hutcherson Purvis, her husbands, John Stevens and Robert Stewart, and a brother, James Robert “Bobby” Purvis.
Surviving relatives include a son, Jimmy C. Warden (Jennifer), Dothan; a sister, Judy Purvis Goldman, Hattiesburg, MS.; grandchildren, Makinley Warden, Brooke Gay, Bradley Gay (Makayla), Sierra Stevens and Santana Stevens; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Jonna Peters (Eric); a most special friend and caregiver, Ruby Stallworth; and a special cousin, Rebecca Pope. 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.
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bedsole, of Samson, Alabama, departed this earthly life and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2026, following a major stroke. While our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord whom she loved and trusted throughout her life.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday September 3, 2026 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Jim Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Samson First Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Gwen was one amazing woman. She was a strong, independent, and strong-willed woman who worked hard and rarely ever sat still. She enjoyed the simple things in life, especially working in her garden and flowerbeds and watching the hummingbirds she loved so much.
More than anything, Gwen was a helper. She was always willing to go the extra mile for a neighbor, friend, or family member. Whether she was baking a cake for someone, picking up groceries for a sick friend, “fixing a plate” to take to a neighbor, taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, walking a neighbor’s dog, or helping pay a friend’s bills during difficult times, Gwen was there.
She never did these things for recognition. When Gwen helped someone, you usually didn’t hear about it. She believed in helping people quietly and keeping their business private. She was one of the best secret keepers you could ever have.
Her faith was a very important part of who she was. She often reminded those around her, “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. The Good Lord will take care of it. They have to answer to Him.” Another phrase that was uniquely Gwen was, “I’ll be there if the creek ain’t rising and the Good Lord willing.” Those words will forever remind her family and friends of her.
Gwen was the heart and rock of her family. She was the best mother anyone could ask for. She would have given the world to her children and grandchildren if she could. She talked to her children every day and was always there when they needed her. As a child, all her daughter had to see was Momma “cut those eyes,” and she knew Gwen meant business.
Gwen’s greatest joy was her granddaughter, Reagan Cortez, who was truly the love of her life. The two shared a special bond that was treasured beyond words. Gwen loved giving Reagan “ice cream money,” always finding a way to slip it to her when she thought no one was looking—as if the rest of the family didn’t already know exactly what Nana was doing. Those little moments were just one of the many ways Gwen showed Reagan how deeply she loved her.
Gwen was also a devoted wife and spent many years caring for her beloved husband, Bobby Bedsole, while being a full-time caregiver to him. Her love, strength, and dedication to her family were evident in everything she did.
If you knew Gwen, you were blessed to know her. She was a special lady, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and a woman who left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her absence leaves an enormous void in the hearts of her family and friends.
Gwen is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby Bedsole; daughter, Karen Cortez (Samuel); Heather Dunn, whom she welcomed into her family and loved as a daughter; granddaughter, Reagan Cortez; sisters, Carolyn Watson, Debbie Williams, and Foyce “Frosty” Johnson; brother, James Black; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene Black and Jesse Black; sister, Elaine Moody; brother Shelly “June Bug” Williams; granddaughter, Hope Cortez; and nephews, Johnathan Watson and Dustin Watson.
Though we selfishly wish we could keep Gwen here with us, we find peace in knowing that she is now home. The woman who spent her life caring for others, loving her family, helping her neighbors, and trusting in the Lord has finally been called home to her eternal rest.
Until we meet again, Momma. We love you more than words could ever say.
“I’ll be there if the creek ain’t rising and the Good Lord willing.”
Shannon Lerea Booker-Sablich of Webb, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, leaving behind a family and circle of friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Shannon was preceded in death by her loving parents, Billy Conn Booker and Linda Lee Dungun Booker, who welcomed her with open arms into eternal rest.
She is survived by her devoted boyfriend, David Railey; her daughter, Candiece Hill; her sons, Joshua (Ashley) Pangburn, Allen Duffy, and Mason (Bailey) Duffy, brothers James,William and Brandon(Rachel) Booker, and step mother Linda Booker. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Phillip, Persephone, Brantley, Jaycob, Brynleigh, Fisher, and Rory, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and unwavering love.
Shannon found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She was a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan who never missed an opportunity to cheer on her team, proudly saying “Roll Tide” whenever she could. She found peace at the beach, where the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun brought her comfort and joy. But above all else, Shannon’s greatest love was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones, creating memories that will be carried in their hearts forever.
Shannon will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength, her laughter, and the unconditional love she shared with those fortunate enough to know her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that while she is no longer by their side, she will always be in their hearts. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
OZARK…Dr. Brian-Christopher “BC” Farnham, 56, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by love. A native of Ozark, Alabama, BC divided his life and heart between his hometown and Atlanta, Georgia.
Celebration of Life Services will be held from 10:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Holman House in Ozark. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor BC’s life and work:
Affinity Hospice Foundation – Dr. Farnham Legacy Projects:com/donate
The Dr. BC Farnham Scholarship Fund: Supporting the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University (Wellstar College Online Giving)
Those wishing to honor BC are also invited to do so simply through an intentional act of kindness or service in his memory.
BC lived his life with an uncommon combination of brilliance, energy, humor, compassion, authenticity, and purpose. He was an educator, healthcare executive, social worker, scholar, author, speaker, advocate, mentor, colleague, devoted husband, father, and loyal friend. Across more than two decades in healthcare, higher education, research, and service, BC moved seamlessly between the bedside, the boardroom, and the classroom—always keeping the human beings at the center of his work.
A Life of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service
BC held multiple advanced and terminal degrees spanning clinical medical social work, business administration, higher education, and organizational leadership. His academic journey included study at The University of Alabama and Oriel College at Oxford University. A former ESU International Oxford Scholar and National Maternal Child Health Research Fellow, he received numerous honors for academic excellence and leadership, including the Allen Award and recognition as an Outstanding American Scholar.
His deep commitment to service was evident early in his career. Following the September 11 attacks, BC served as a Clinical Response Team Leader during relief efforts in New York, a formative experience of service that helped shape a career dedicated to human dignity. His work ultimately reached from coast to coast and appeared in professional publications as well as national media, including CBS Television.
Education was not simply BC’s profession; it was foundational to who he was. Having served in higher education for many years—including at Troy University—he was a tenured Full Professor in the Department of Social Work and Human Services within Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. In early 2026, he was appointed Executive Director of Kennesaw State’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth—a role uniquely aligned with his lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, ethical practice, and helping others reach their fullest potential.
Beginning in 2018, BC also became an integral force within Affinity Hospice, serving on the Executive Leadership Team as Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. He held a deep conviction that hospice care is a sacred calling centered on compassion, service, and the privilege of guiding families through life’s most profound seasons.
Legacy, Family, and Tribe
For those who knew him well, however, the résumé tells only a small part of the story. BC was a natural teacher in every room he entered, using humor, storytelling, and unmistakable energy to help others grow. Whether gathered around a dinner table, celebrating life’s milestones, traveling the world, or sharing a quiet conversation, BC had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, heard, and valued.
BC’s greatest legacy lives not in his titles or accomplishments, but in the people he loved, taught, and inspired. He lived authentically and unapologetically, fiercely cherishing the inner circle who made up his world.
He leaves behind his loving husband and life partner, Wesley C. “Chuck” Doyle, III; his sons, Mark Daniel Holton-Farnham and Caden P. Brady-Doyle, who completed their blended family unit; and his beloved four-legged children.
BC’s memory is carried forward by his “tribe”—his small and mighty circle of chosen family—as well as countless close friends, students, and trusted colleagues who showed up, stood by him, and walked through life by his side.
He was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents, Dr. S.R. Davis and Margaret Davis of Ozark, Alabama.
BC is survived by his mother, Linda D. Miller (David) of Ariton, Alabama, with whom he shared a deep bond of love. He is also survived by his brothers, Jason Miller (Jennifer) and their children Jordan (Brianna), Eli, Jacob, and Jenna of Ozark, Alabama; Ashley Miller (Anna) and their children Ella, Emma, Joseph, and Abigail of Opelika, Alabama; and his sister, Amber Goolsby (Scott) and their children Gracey and Lyla of Auburn, Alabama.
LIVE LIVE LIVE
BC lived by a simple, powerful philosophy: LIVE LIVE LIVE.
He understood that when everything else falls away, the people who show up are what matter most, and that everything else “is just noise.” He leaves behind a simple charge for all who loved him:
Show up. Be a Do’er. Protect your tribe. Serve others. Teach what you know. Laugh often. Travel when you can. Love people well. And live authentically.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Bonnie Gail Locklear, a resident of Wicksburg, Alabama died Sunday, August 30, 2026 at her residence. She was 76.
Memorial services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the family residence.
Gail was born February 10, 1950 in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late Alto Kelly and Eva Roberts Harlow. She married her husband and travelled the World while he served his country in the military. Gail loved her family and was most happy cooking and enjoying family time. She retired as a Cake Decorator and loved to be in her yard and gardening.
Gail is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Elaine and a brother Al Harlow.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Locklear; daughters, Angela Shultz (Norven), Dana Boyd (David); grandchildren, Amanda, Elisa, Dustin, Shanna and Dixie; great grandchildren, Midian and Marley; siblings, Linda Hodges, Jim Harlow (Sherry and Thomas Harlow.
