Emma “Nell” Helmer, a beacon of love and warmth, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at the age of 87 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 5, 1937, in the heart of Alabama, Nell’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Nell will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Kocsis officiating.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Nell’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her husband, Edward Helmer. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that flourished over 50 years, filled with shared dreams and mutual support. She was a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends, who found comfort and joy in her company.
She was the embodiment of kindness, her actions always guided by her generous spirit.
Those who knew Nell will remember her for the love she so freely gave and the grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy is one of compassion and tenderness, traits that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Emma “Nell” Helmer will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her loved ones.
A special thank you to Wesley Place for their compassion and support and to Dayspring Hospice for their love and care.
Patsy Etheredge Caton, a cherished pillar of the Ashford, Alabama community, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 15, 1939, in the same town she would later leave an indelible mark. Patsy’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and service.
Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Homer Odell Etheredge and Willa Lucille Silcox Etheredge, and her devoted husband of 58 years, Dewayne Jasper Caton. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Stacey Prevatt (Danny), and son, Kevin Caton (Karen). She was a proud grandmother to Dustin Prevatt (Danielle) and Lynnsey Russell (Cody), and a doting great-grandmother to Adalyn Prevatt, Sawyer Prevatt, Willa Reese Russell, and Livy Caton Russell. Patsy is also survived by her brother, Rex Etheredge (Gwen), sisters-in-law, Rosalyn Wright (Farrell) and Gaylen Sims (Larry), and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Patsy’s commitment to education and her community was unwavering. After a fulfilling 33-year career as a teacher within the Houston County School District, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of inspired students and grateful colleagues. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she taught a variety of subjects including physical education, typing, math, and Bible literature. Patsy also took on the roles of cheerleader sponsor and senior sponsor, guiding countless young lives with her wisdom and kindness. Her impact on her students was profound—she was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and a guiding light.
A lifelong resident of Ashford, Patsy was deeply rooted in her faith and her community. As a lifelong member of Enterprise Baptist Church, she served as a women’s leader, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. Her love for Auburn athletics, frequently exclaiming “War Eagle,” and the Atlanta Braves was only matched by her passion for her family and friends. Patsy’s enthusiasm for family gatherings was evident. She was affectionately known as a beloved nanny to her grandchildren, supporting them in every endeavor.
Patsy’s post-retirement years were filled with adventure and love, as she traveled with her husband and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Her love for gospel music led her to attend many gospel singings.
Described as loving, generous, and thoughtful, Patsy Etheredge Caton’s presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her unwavering support and encouragement helped shape the future of many, and her memory will continue to inspire those who carry her spirit in their hearts.
Funeral services for Patsy will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Enterprise Baptist Church, with Dr. David Baker and Pastor Tim Wheeler officiating. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Visitation will take place from 2:00 pm until the time of the service at the church.
The pallbearers, honored to carry on her legacy, will be Steven Moore, Josh Etheredge, Tony Jimmerson, Robert Wright, Taylor Wright, and Chris Sasser.
As we say goodbye to Patsy Etheredge Caton, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart generously shared. Her impact on the Ashford community and beyond will be felt for generations. Patsy’s unwavering love and dedication to her family, faith, and students serve as a beacon of light that continues to shine even in her absence.
Stephen (Steve) Craig Pike, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He was 80 years old.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Steve was born on February 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Elizabeth and Douglas Pike. He was a Vietnam veteran, a Major in the United States Army National Guard, and an instructor pilot. He retired from Fort Novosel in 2006.
Steve had a great sense of humor and was known for his integrity, kindness, and generosity. Hunting, fishing, and marksmanship were among his many interests. Riding his motorcycle brought him immense joy. He will be greatly missed by his family. He showed his family what strength and bravery really mean. Steve died peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Stephen Brett Pike.
Survivors include his loving wife, Carol Shill Pike; daughters, Beverly Pike of Enterprise, Alabama, and Amanda Pike Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama; granddaughter, Kenzie Gale Nichols of Birmingham; and brothers, Robert (Linda) Pike of Moscow, Idaho, and Gary Pike of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
The Pike family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Southeast Health Medical Center, along with a special thanks to the dedicated and compassionate nurses in the Critical Care Unit who took exceptional care of their loved one.
Lurene Warren Jones, age 88, a resident of Dothan passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 at Westside Terrace Healthcare.
Ms. Lurene was born in Louisville on September 1, 1936 to L C Warren and Maggie Lou Banks. She was known for her sweet and quiet personality. All who met her loved her.
There are no public services scheduled at this time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
ENTERPRISE…Mrs. Liza Nell Watkins Curry, a resident of Enterprise, died early Saturday evening, February 22, 2025, in Elba Health & Rehabilitation Facility. She was 82.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Marshall Jean Shantena Leverette, known as Tena to her friends and family, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in her birthplace of Dothan, Alabama. Born on June 5, 1962, Tena’s life was a testament to her caring nature and her dedication to serving others. She was a loving mother, a devoted sister, and a cherished friend who left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Tena’s journey began as the daughter of Edward M. Cotton and Betty Jean Cotton, who preceded her in death. Her light continued to shine brightly as she nurtured a family of her own. She is survived by her beloved son, Nikko Leverette; Nikko’s father, Anthony Leverette; her steadfast brother, Willie Earl Baker; and her adored nephews, Quentin, Demetrius, Robin, and Christopher Baker, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her commitment to her family was matched by her dedication to her country and her community. Marshall proudly served in the Army for several years, an experience that honed her innate qualities of strength and resilience. Following her military service, she pursued a career in healthcare, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Troy University in nursing. Tena’s caring spirit found its true calling as she became a retired RN from Southeast Health, where she touched many lives with her compassion and expertise.
Tena’s interests and talents were as diverse as they were profound. She found solace and joy in her garden, where she cultivated not only plants but also a sense of peace and beauty. Her hands were rarely still, as she was often immersed in crafts, ceramics, and woodworking. She was also the proud owner of a crystal shop in Dothan, a place that reflected her radiant spirit and her love for natural beauty.
Music filled Tena’s soul, and she shared her passion as a singer, embracing genres like soul, R&B, disco, and gospel. Her voice was a reflection of her inner light—powerful, soul-stirring, and full of warmth. Those who had the privilege of hearing her sing were often moved by the depth of emotion and energy she conveyed.
Described by those who knew her as loving, thoughtful, and selfless, Tena’s intelligence and energetic spirit made her a warrior in the eyes of many. Her ability to care deeply for others, often putting their needs before her own, was a hallmark of her character. She was a guiding force, a shoulder to lean on, and a source of wisdom and encouragement.
Tena’s legacy is one of love and self-sacrifice. She was a woman who lived her life with purpose and generosity, always striving to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons remembered, and her spirit will continue to inspire.
A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. She will be laid to rest in the New Miranda Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
