Mrs. Sarah Miller Burt Ratchford, a resident of Columbia, Alabama, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Oakview Manor Nursing Facility. She was 79 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Ratchford will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Pastor Doug MacCormack officiating. Interment will follow in Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Hagler, Nash Burt, Trent Burt, Jayden Cooper, Tracy Martin and Tyson Martin.
Mrs. Ratchford was born August 20, 1945 in Columbia, Alabama to the late T. J. “Jack” Miller and Ethel Henderson Miller. At the age of 13, they moved to Ozark. In her early years of marriage, she traveled a lot with her military husband. Of all the places she lived, Alabama and Alaska were her favorites. In her later years, she married Harold Ratchford of Columbia, Alabama. She enjoyed fishing, camping, reading and going on trips with Harold. She also enjoyed going to the beach, going to casinos, cooking for her family and spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, T. J. Miller and Ethel Henderson Miller; her husband, Harold Ratchford; the father of her children, John O’Neal Burt Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Burt; and brother-in-law, Randy Outlaw.
She is survived by her children, Vicki (Dennis) Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Neal (Lana) Burt of Prattville, Alabama, Jeff Burt of Malvern, Alabama, Tammy Burt (Daryl) of Malvern, Alabama; her step-son, Ronnie (Becky) Ratchford of Columbia, Alabama; and her sister, Gayle Outlaw of Ozark, Alabama. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Chad Hagler of Brundidge, Alabama, Brittany Martin of Midland City, Alabama, Sarah-Grace Cooper of Birmingham, Alabama, Brittany Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Jordan Hagler of Troy, Alabama, Lara Compton of Banks, Alabama, Molly Burt of Prattville, Alabama, Trent Burt of Pansey, Alabama, Nash Burt of Dothan, Alabama, Ashley Welch of Ozark, Alabama and Dylan Danner of Ozark, Alabama. She had eight great-grandchildren, Hayli, Lincoln, Tyson, Sawyer, Paisyn, Kyleigh, Paxton and Preslee. She is survived by her special friends, Ramona Sawyer of Maine and Willie Mae Norfleet of Midland City, Alabama.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Chalkhead Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 495 County Road 35, Ozark, Alabama 36360
Sharon Mitchum, a beloved member of the Geneva community, passed away on April 28, leaving behind a legacy of service, passion and deep devotion to the people and place she loved. A woman of many talents, Sharon spent her professional life shaping young minds and hearts. She taught speech, theater and physical education at Geneva High School and proudly served for many years as the girls’ varsity coach of several sports inspiring student athletes. Sharon’s love for music and faith was a cornerstone of her life. For over 50 years, she served faithfully as the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church, a role that brought joy to her and to all who heard her play.
As the mother of six, her leadership extended beyond the home, classroom, and sanctuary. She was a proud member of the Geneva City School board for many years and founder of Fun Land daycare, where her care and commitment reached even the youngest members of the community. Sharon’s adventurous spirit led her to become a licensed pilot, and her love for community was reflected in her active involvement with the Athenaeum Club. A devoted and lifelong supporter of the University of Alabama, Sharon’s heart beat for the Crimson Tide. Whether through her work with the Geneva County chapter or the National Alumni Association, she cheered with pride, loyalty, and joy. She also cherished her sisterhood in Phi Mu.
Sharon loved life at the beach, often hosting gatherings of family and friends where laughter and good food were always in abundance. Her garden and beautifully kept yard were a source of joy and pride, reflecting her love of nature and her eye for beauty.
Above all, Sharon will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sharon was born in Mobile, AL to the late Rev. Bain A. and Ella Pauline Annette Lambert. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. O.D. “Buddy” Mitchum; one daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Mitchum; one grandson, Tyler Lee Mitchum; two sisters, Beverly Williams and Delores Roberts.
She is survived by five children, Lisa Wood McGowan (Gary) of Dothan, AL, Todd Wood (Selina) of Albertville, AL; Mark “Hunk” Mitchum of Panama City, FL, Bain Mitchum (Renee Harpole) of La Grange, GA, and Dr. Dale Mitchum (Cyndi) of Geneva, AL; eight grandchildren, Wood McGowan (Kelsey Patterson), Seth McGowan (Ashton), Maggie Thompson (Clayton), Olivia Wood, Natalie Mitchum, Conner Mitchum, Cameron Mitchum, and Trent Mitchum; two great grandchildren, Monroe McGowan, and Tyler Thompson; and other special family members; one sister, Margot Ashbury (David) of Fairhope, AL.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Geneva with the Reverend Dr. Edwin Scott and Rev. Steve Skidmore officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Williams, Donald Williams, Rob Moyer, Michael Moyer, John Roberts, Conner Mitchum, Trent Mitchum, Wood McGowan, and Seth McGowan.
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
Annie Bell Newsome, affectionately known as Annie to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 99, in Dothan, AL. Born on May 16, 1925, in Malone, FL, Annie grew up imbued with the warmth and charm of the Sunshine State. Her life was one marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community, leaving an indelible legacy of love and service.
Annie’s early years in Florida laid the foundation for a life characterized by compassion and kindness. Before moving, she was a teacher in Malone, Florida. She carried these virtues with her as she moved through life, spending significant periods in Tuskegee, AL, and Atlanta, GA, before finally settling in the Dothan area in 1989. Annie’s professional journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Atlanta showcased her innate desire to care for others, a trait that was only further exemplified in her later work as a social worker. Her career was not just a job but a true calling, as she touched the lives of countless individuals with her selfless nature.
A loving mother and grandmother, Annie is survived by her daughters, Rosa Wesley, Theresa Newsome, and Belinda Waters; her grandchildren, André Waters, Joel Newsome, Chanté Waters, and Justin Williams, her sisters, Ella Mitchell, Hattie Lester, Mary Langston, and Leola Speights (Johnny); and her sisters-in-law, Doris Collins and Dianne Collins. She also leaves behind a loving host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joel Newsome, her daughters, Lillie Bell Newsome and Edna Newsome Williams, her parents, Trexie and Daisy Collins, her siblings, Rosetta Williams, Johnnie Collins, Trexie Collins, Jr., Carrie Bowers, Elijah Collins, Emma Pittman, Ralph Collins; and sisters-in-law Diane Collins and Doris Collins.
Annie never met a stranger, and her friendly and gracious demeanor was a breath of fresh air to all who had the pleasure of crossing her path. Her ability to make anyone feel welcome and loved was one of her most remarkable qualities.
Annie found joy and tranquility in the water. It was a passion that kept her active and exemplified her love for life. Her spiritual life was also of great importance to her, and she found solace and inspiration in reading her Bible, an activity that enriched her faith and provided guidance throughout her life.
Annie was the epitome of a loving, faith-filled, and selfless individual. Her life was a testament to the power of positivity and the impact one person can have on the world around them. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Annie’s life will be held on Monday, May 5th, 2025 at 11am at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Robert Lamar Calloway, a man of exceptional character and joyous spirit, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 79. Born on April 6, 1946, in Marianna, Florida, Robert’s life was a tapestry woven with love, adventure, and unending dedication to his family and friends.
Robert’s journey through life was as heartwarming as it was inspirational. His love story began when he fell deeply in love with Kate, his soulmate, and life partner. Their romance faced an early challenge when Kate’s parents insisted Robert earn his diploma before they could marry. True to his determined nature, Robert obtained his GED with steadfast resolve and proudly presented it as a testament to his commitment to both his education and his future wife. Their marriage flourished over 59 beautiful years, blessed with his son, Robert Lamar Calloway, Jr., his two loving daughters, Samantha Reardon and Stephanie (Matthew) Minick, and further enriched by the joy of his grandchildren, Virgil Lamar Kutter Fulford and Kandlei Driskell.
Robert’s dedication to his family was mirrored by his commitment to his country. He was drafted into the US Army and honorably served in the Panama Canal, demonstrating the same level of steadfastness and courage that characterized his personal life. Upon returning to civilian life, Robert embarked on a career in construction, specializing in drywall work. His work ethic was unmatched, and he provided for his family with unwavering devotion, moving as far as Alaska to ply his trade for six years before eventually settling back in Casselberry, Florida.
Those who knew Robert will fondly remember him as the life of the party. His humor and generosity knew no bounds, and his laughter was infectious. He had a passion for stock car racing, a hobby that he shared with his beloved Kate, even gifting her with her own race car. His adventurous spirit was matched only by his thoughtfulness and his innate ability to fix and build, earning him the reputation of being exceptionally handy.
Robert was a man who lived life to the fullest, never missing an opportunity to make memories with those he cherished. His adventurous nature was complemented by a thoughtful and generous heart, always putting others before himself. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the kind of practical wisdom that comes from a life well-lived.
He leaves behind a family that adores him: his devoted wife, Kate; his daughters, Samantha and Stephanie; his son-in-law, Matthew; his treasured grandchildren, Virgil Lamar Kutter and Kandlei; and his brother, James Albert Calloway. Each of them carries a piece of Robert’s spirit, humor, and love within their hearts. Robert was preceded in death by his infant son, Robert Lamar Calloway, Jr.
Robert Lamar Calloway’s life was a testament to the power of love, the joy of laughter, and the importance of family. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate a life that was truly well-lived, and we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew him. His memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the love he gave so freely. Rest in peace, Robert, knowing you have left the world a better place for your presence.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home at 11:00am. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
DOTHAN. . .Sarah Petty Key, a former resident of Dothan, died Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2025, in Hartford Health Care. She was 97.
Graveside services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Friday, May 2, 2025, in Gardens of Memory, between Headland & Dothan, with Chaplain Chris Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Mrs. Key was born and reared in Amory, Mississippi, daughter of the late Mayo Petty and Velma Smith Petty. She moved to Dothan in 1947 where she was a member of Southside Baptist Church. Mrs. Key was formerly employed by Sony Corporation in Dothan. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Preston Key, and three brothers, Henry Petty, Robert Petty and Rex Petty.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Marilyn Key Ivey (Robert), Dothan; a son, Jimmy Key (Kerry), Dothan; a brother, Bernie Petty (Judy), Tupelo, MS; grandchildren, Jana Hollingsworth (Jamie), Susannah McCord (Adam), Jason Key (Christie) and Justin Key (Daria); great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Webb (Eddie), James Webb, Evan Key, Patrick Key, Jamie Hollingsworth, II (Rhandi), Anderson McCord, John Robert McCord, Dalia Key and Julian Key; a great-great-grandson, Everett Donaldson; several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Hartford Health Care and DaySpring Hospice for the extra special loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Key during her illness.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
