Sophia Iris Lynne Redleaf, affectionately known as “Phi Phi” to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, in Troy, Alabama, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on February 15, 2019, in Ames, Iowa, Sophia’s vibrant spirit and infectious smile brought joy to all who knew her during her six years of life.
Sophia was a beacon of love and laughter within her family. She was the cherished daughter of Emil Redleaf and Abigayle Hall, a beloved twin sister to Jackson Redleaf, and an adoring older sister to Addison Hall. Her doting grandparents, Dennis and Rachel Loyed (“MamMa and PapPa”) provided her with endless love and support through every step of her life. Her Grandparents, Craig Redleaf, and DeAnna Cruz loved and cared for her as did her great-grandmother Teresa DeCory and great-grandmother, Artie Burkholder. Sophia was welcomed into heaven by her grandmother Dana Redleaf, great-grandfather Titus Burkholder, and great-grandmother Joyce Burkholder. She was also a treasured niece to her aunts and uncles—Sydney Hall, Joshua Santos, Colby Hall, Tyler Hall, Clarissa Redleaf, Storm Redleaf, Darren Redowl, Bryce DeCory, and Asa DeCory—and a loving cousin and friend to many.
From a young age, Sophia’s aspirations were as boundless as her imagination. She expressed her dreams of becoming a doctor, a police officer, and even a mermaid. Despite her illness, she remained strong and optimistic, often visiting and uplifting others with her radiant smile. Her courage and resilience were evident to all who witnessed her journey through treatment, where she never failed to bring light and joy into the room.
Sophia’s interests were as colorful and lively as her personality. She adored playing with her Barbie dolls, her art projects, Bratz, LOL dolls, and her American Girl Doll. Her favorite movie was “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” often watching it on repeat, and she reveled in the festivities of Christmas and Halloween. The beach was a place of delight for her, where she could bask in the sun and play in the sand. Sophia loved her trip to Disney World, provided by Magic Moments. She had a fondness for stickers and enjoyed engaging in games on her iPad, especially “Roblox”, which she often played with her cousins. Sophia’s love for her cousins extended to frequent calls on her iPad, where they shared laughter and stories.
Quick to make friends, Sophia’s loving nature made her adored by everyone she met, and she, in turn, loved them wholeheartedly. Her visits to Children’s of Alabama were filled with moments of friendship and cheer, as she easily made connections and became a source of inspiration to others. Sophia was truly a one-of-a-kind soul, a light in every room she entered. Her presence was magnetic—her kindness radiated, drawing people to her effortlessly. It wasn’t just her laughter or her smile that made her unforgettable; it was the way she carried herself with such warmth and genuine care for others. When she walked in, the atmosphere seemed to shift, her energy brightening even the darkest of days. But there was something even more extraordinary about Sophia—the power of her voice. When she sang, she didn’t just sing; she poured her heart into every note, creating an experience that left everyone in awe. “Jesus Loves Me,” a song that had always held a special place in her heart, became her personal anthem.
Sophia’s imagination was boundless, and she approached life with a spirit that was nothing short of creative. Her bravery was remarkable, and her intelligence shone brightly. To describe Sophia as loving, spirited, and creative only begins to touch on the profound impact she had on those around her.
Sophia Iris Lynne Redleaf’s legacy is one of love, joy, and the indomitable spirit of a child who faced life’s challenges with a smile that could light up the darkest room. Her memory will forever be cherished by her loving family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. As Sophia’s life is celebrated, her spirit will continue to inspire and be a guiding light to all who remember her.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Wynell Savage, formerly of Geneva, AL, died in Orlando, FL on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was 86.
A graveside service will be held at Leddon Church Cemetery in Geneva, AL on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 at Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva. Wynell’s nephew, Rev. Mark Gainey will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Wynell Savage to the Leddon Cemetary Fund, c/o Delone Watson, 302 Hillcrest Street, Geneva, AL 36340.
Wynell, daughter of the late Lonie and Lucy Gainey was born on May 6, 1938. She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil Savage.
Wynell was devoted to her four girls, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Her happiest times were the frequent visits by family and friends at her home in Geneva, and later in Marianna, FL and Winter Garden, FL. They were guaranteed to have their favorite meal prepared by GiGi.
She also loved her extended family and spent as much time with them as she could.
We are truly blessed for all of the times she devoted to her family. Wynell was a wonderful loving mother, a powerful prayer warrior, and the epitome of the best wife to her sweetheart, Cecil.
Wynell is survived by her daughters Cheryl Maher (Joe) of Phoenix, AZ, Tina Bigham of Winter Garden, FL, Cindy Payne (Kevin) of Athens, GA, and Tami Jordan (Joel) of Marianna, FL, and her brother Wayne Gainey (Jan) of Calera, AL.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Wade Woodruff (Sarah), Rob Chancy (Cara), Andy Bigham (Erica), Caroline Hodkinson (Peter), Todd Bigham and Cecilia Chancy (Brandon), and many special cousins. Her most precious survivors are her twelve great-grandchildren.
Wynell’s life was a testament to the enduring power of family and faith.
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
Boyd Vensent Atterberry, known affectionately as Vensent, departed from this world on February 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 11, 1959, in Warner Robbins, Georgia, he was a beacon of generosity and love to all who knew him.
Vensent was a devoted husband to his wife, Kristy Atterberry, and a hero to his children, Boyd Ashley (Bekah) Atterberry, Zackery Ray Atterberry, Bethany Ann (Preston) Burch, and Morgan Kristyne (Devin) Simpson. His love and playful spirit will live on through his six grandchildren: Boyd Miles Atterberry, Amelia “Millie” Atterberry, Lane Atterberry, Weston Burch, Declan Burch, and Evy Mae Simpson. Vensent was a cherished son to his father, Boyd James Atterberry, and a beloved brother to his three sisters, Sherrie Rafferty (Rickey) Thomas, Rhonda “Roni” (Brent) McFarland, and Donna (Keith) Hill. His life was enriched by the presence of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Elijah Michael Simpson, by his mother, Priscilla Ann Baxley, by his brother-in-law, Kevin Rafferty, and by his special “son”, Johnny Leonard, Jr.
After serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Los Angeles, California, from 1978 to 1980, Vensent dedicated his career to helping others as a school psychologist. His passion for service was evident in his commitment to his faith and his community, including his involvement with the Boy Scouts. He moved to Blakely, Georgia, in 2014, where he continued to make a positive impact on those around him.
Vensent’s servant’s heart was matched by his zest for life. He could often be found swing dancing with his daughter, crafting the perfect meal with anything chocolate for his family, or using his self-taught handyman skills—often with a roll of Duck Tape—to fix just about anything. His talent as a DJ brought joy to many at church dances, school events, community gatherings, and weddings.
His adventurous spirit was complemented by his love for snacks—sometimes getting “hangry” if he missed a meal. A planner at heart, Vensent was always guided by a list and stood firm in his beliefs, attributes that served him well in both his personal and professional life.
Vensent’s generosity extended beyond his family; he was known for his readiness to lend a helping hand and his ability to find joy in the happiness of others. His legacy is one of kindness, reliability, and a love for life that inspired everyone he met.
A funeral service to honor the life of Boyd Vensent Atterberry will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Bishop Joseph Dougherty presiding. The burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, where Vensent will be laid to rest. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at Sunset Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m.
Vensent’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and faith. His memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his generous and adventurous spirit.
MAGNOLIA CHURCH COMMUNITY…Mr. Warren Arthur Murphy, a resident of Magnolia Church Community, near Skipperville, died early Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2025, in Dothan. He was 73.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Eddie Biss officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Church Cemetery, near Skipperville. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mr. Murphy, son of the late Buford Murphy and Inell Williams Murphy, was a native of Notasulga, Alabama. He was a graduate of Notasulga High School and received his college degree from Auburn University in Computer Science. Mr. Murphy was formerly employed with Troy University and the University of Alabama in Computer Science. He formerly lived in Tuscaloosa before moving to Skipperville twenty years ago. Mr. Murphy was a former member of Magnolia Church and attended Clopton Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Murphy and Buford Murphy, Jr.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-three years, Retha Childers Murphy, Skipperville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Karin Murphy, Dadeville, Alabama, Janice Childers Graves (Aubrey), Chipley, Florida, Lance Childers (Kim) and Lee Childers (Angie), all of Skipperville; several nieces and nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Julia Annette Worthy Trawick, 91, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Annette was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. A gifted seamstress, she was famous for her M&M cookies and tea cakes and never forgetting a birthday. She enjoyed time spent with her card-playing ladies, was an avid reader, made a mean grilled cheese, and was the kind of Sunday School teacher that we could all learn a thing or two from. She loved shoes, was a notorious cheater at board games, cheered for the Crimson Tide, had the softest hands, was tough as nails, and always said exactly what was on her mind. She loved her God with a mountain-moving kind of faith, and we are comforted by the knowledge that we will see her again, happy and healed and home.
Annette was born on March 21, 1933, in Newville, Alabama to Walter S. and Gladys Simmons Worthy. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lafayette Trawick; son, Kirby Gordon Trawick; and son-in-law, Charles Steven Harris.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Trawick Warren (Jimmy) of Dothan, Alabama, Walter Steven Trawick of Montgomery, Alabama, and Kathy Trawick Harris of Monroeville, Alabama; grandchildren, Amy Warren Dulion (Michael) of Roswell, Georgia, Ashley Steven Harris (Jessica) of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Kristin Warren Marsh (Craig) of Dothan, Alabama, and Bartley Trawick Harris (Hannah) of Hernando, Mississippi; and the “great grands” who brought her such joy, Anna Grace Dulion, Cooper Warren Dulion, Harrison Reid Marsh, Kathleen Ella Harris, Hayes Edwards Marsh, Steven Stuckey Harris, Charles Park Harris, Luke Sanford Harris, Addison Richard Melton, and Mollie Annette Harris.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home (1000 Hodgesville Road) in Dothan, Alabama on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with Brother Dennis Singletary officiating. Family and friends will gather for a reception at the funeral home immediately following the service. To honor Annette’s wishes, a private interment at Gardens of Memory Cemetery will take place prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Southern Heritage Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
“And may you have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:18)
