Mr. Gary Lester Flatt, age 89, a resident of Pinckard, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Flowers Hospital.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Pinckard Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Philip Anderson officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mr. Gary Lester Flatt was born in Jamestown, Kentucky on December 2, 1935 to Arthur and Ida Pearl Mason Flatt. He spent his early years in Kentucky and Indiana. He joined the Air Force at the age of seventeen and finished his GED while in the service. He retired from the Civil Service in communications in 1988. In 1989, he and his family moved to Dothan for his daughter to attend school at Troy University. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. He faithfully attended early morning McDonald’s coffee group every morning. He was known as a tinker and fixer of cars, radios, and life’s problems.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of forty-seven years, Bonny Flatt; sisters, Versa Flatt Ingle and Thena Caster; brother, James Flatt.
Survivors include his daughter, Tracy Miller (Michael), Dothan; grandchildren, Ashley Baxley (Weston) of Dothan, Hunter Curran (Kelsey) of Kansas City, MO, Philip Curran III of Huntsville; two step grandchildren, Katelyn Miller and Carly Orlando (Tom); great grandchildren, Abigail Baxley, Clayton Baxley, and Quincy Curran.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
COTTONWOOD… Alexis Lily Rose Hartfield, was born into Heaven on Saturday, April 18, 2025, at Flowers Hospital.
An angel is sitting on Jesus’s lap. She is surrounded by other angels and dear loved ones that she got to meet for the first time. We never know why the good Lord chooses the angels he does, but we do know his plan is bigger and better than anything we can imagine. Please keep this precious family in your prayers.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her parents, Braiden Taylor Ian Hartfield and Victoria Elizabeth Swindle Hartfield; her paternal grandparents, Demetrious & Demetri Hartfield; her maternal grandparents, Tina Naquin (Derrick) and Jimmy Swindle (Stacey); her great-grandparents, Quenette Spurlock, Daisy Rabion, Brenda Blount, and Jane Thomas (Jeff); and her aunt and uncles, Madison Hartfield, Sammie Tidwell, Natalie Naquin, Nathan Naquin, and Kai Naquin.
MIDLAND CITY – Susan Shiver Covington, a resident of Midland City, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at HCA Ft. Walton Hospital. She was 61.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. Shiver was born in Headland, Alabama, to the late Dob Shiver and Lottie M. German Shiver. She attended high school locally and was known for her fun-loving spirit, warm heart, and creative hands. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing, where she loved spending quiet mornings by the water, casting a line and soaking in the peace of nature. She also had a competitive streak and a playful heart, often found at bingo with a big smile, lucky charms in hand, and always ready to shout “Bingo!” before anyone else.
She was a talented crafter who poured her love into every handmade blanket and piece of clothing she created—gifts that now serve as lasting treasures for her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dot Shiver; her brother, John D. Shiver; and a great-grandchild, M.J. Liles.
Left to cherish her memories, are her children, Michael Dwayne Covington (Christian Payne) and Gail Liles; spouse, John Sanders; her grandchildren, Hollie Nicole Liles, Mason Andrew Liles, Allison Kay Liles, Jacqueline Joyce Covington, and Logan Dewayne Covington; her great-grandchildren, Lucas, McKenna, and Amelia; her sister, Linda Faye Cummings; her brother, Tony Shiver; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Susan will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Tommie Ruth Gatewood, known affectionately as Tommie to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025. Born on December 7, 1946, Tommie lived a full and vibrant life, marked by her loving nature and her dedication to her family and community.
Tommie’s life was one of service and joy. She was a graduate of Mack M. Matthews School in Pinckard, Alabama. Tommie spent many years as a custodian at Wallace Community College, where she was not just an employee but a friend to many. Her warm smile and friendly demeanor made her a beloved figure on campus, and she took pride in ensuring that the college was a welcoming environment for all who passed through its doors.
As a mother and grandmother, Tommie’s heart was truly at home. She is survived by her caring daughter, Tonya (Ken) Tackett, and their two daughters, Breana and Alexis “Lexi”, her devoted son, Shawn Gatewood, and his children, Alexis, Alicia, Jataveon, Deion, Kris, Maziyah, Jalayah, Taniyah, Isiah, and Hasten. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She is also survived by her sisters, Mavis (Robert) Merritt and Jeannette Gatewood Johnson, and her sister Lillian Gatewood; her brothers, Thomas Gatewood Jr. and Clifton Gatewood, her uncles, Sonny M. Bennett and Ricky (Corinthia) Bennett, by her special nieces, Nikki Bennett and Ashley Merritt, Robbin Merritt, Linda Merritt, by her special nephew, Trey (Andria) Merritt, by her nieces Jena (Keesha) Johnson, Jessyca Gatewood Cambell and her nephew Christopher Gatewood.
Tommie was preceded in death by her mother Ruthie Bennett Hammonds, who instilled in her the values of love and family that she carried throughout her life, her stepfather Raymond Hammonds, by her father, Thomas Gatewood, Sr. and by her brother Allan Gatewood.
Tommie’s interests were a reflection of her personality. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her grandchildren, sharing with them the joy of creating something beautiful. She was also an avid fan of crossword puzzles and watching westerns, finding pleasure in the simple things that brought her relaxation and happiness. One of Tommie’s most endearing qualities was her ability to connect with people. She never met a stranger, and her selfless and friendly nature made her a cherished friend to many.
A celebration of Tommie’s life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. It will be a time for loved ones to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was. Tommie will be laid to rest in Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland City, Alabama, where she will be surrounded by the community she loved. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm, providing an opportunity for those whose lives she touched to come together in remembrance and fellowship.
Words like loving, friendly, and selfless only begin to describe Tommie. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on through the memories she created with all who knew her.
As we say goodbye to Tommie Ruth Gatewood, we also celebrate the enduring mark she left on our world. Her laughter, her generosity, and her unconditional love are gifts that will continue to inspire and guide us. Tommie’s life was a journey of love, and though her physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy will remain forever in our hearts.
Samantha Marie Dean, affectionately known as Sammie to her friends and family, passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 59 in Ozark, Alabama. Born on August 14, 1965, in Pensacola, Florida, Sammie was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her infectious spirit and boundless love will be deeply missed by all.
The daughter of the late Marvin and Margaret Brown, Sammie grew up in a lively household alongside several brothers and sisters, whose companionship and love she cherished throughout her life. Sammie’s joyful demeanor and loving nature were a testament to the close-knit family that shaped her.
Sammie’s passion for life was matched by her passion for culinary arts. She completed a chef certification course that set her on a path to becoming a renowned pastry chef. She poured her love and creativity into Tanta’s Little Dessert Boutique, a business she owned and operated with pride. Her skillful hands and imaginative mind earned her accolades in numerous baking competitions, where she shared her love for sweet creations with the world.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sammie lived a life full of zest and enthusiasm. She was the embodiment of the phrase “larger than life.” Her hobbies included dancing and singing, often becoming the life of the party. Sammie’s love for Christmas was legendary; her festive spirit made the holiday season a magical time for her family and friends. She was also an avid fan of Jimmy Buffett, with his music providing the soundtrack to many cherished memories.
Vacations and cruises were among Sammie’s favorite pastimes, as they gave her the opportunity to explore new places and cultures. These adventures were always filled with laughter, joy, and the occasional impromptu dance-off, which Sammie was always ready to win.
Sammie’s kind and loving nature extended beyond her family and friends. She had a way of making everyone feel special and valued, touching the lives of many with her kindness and compassion. She was the epitome of warmth, and those who had the pleasure of knowing her were all the better for it.
Left to honor Sammie’s memory is her devoted husband, Randy Dean, with whom she shared a love that was both strong and tender. Her legacy continues through her children, Gabriel Johnson, Christian Dean, Hannah Thomas, and Kaci Rodriguez (Joe), who will carry forward her spirit of love and generosity. Sammie’s joy will live on in the laughter and smiles of her grandchildren, Logan, Harlei, Jenson, and Jack, who adored their grandmother and her playful heart.
Sammie’s impact on the world is immeasurable, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. However, the memories of her loving, kind nature, and the happiness she brought to so many, will continue to provide comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.
A celebration of Sammie’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Troy West officiating. Sammie will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Mr. William Edgar Cooley IV, of Black, Alabama, passed away at his residence on Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was 67 years old.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Cedar Grove Methodist Cemetery in Bonifay, Florida with Rev. Tracy Hobbs officiating.
Mr. Cooley was born on Sunday, July 23, 1957, to the late William Edgar Cooley III and Dorothy Elease Gilbert Cooley.
In addition to his parents, one brother, Leslie Wilson Cooley all preceded him in death.
Survivors include uncles: Eddie Gilbert (Patsy), and Winston Gilbert (Bobbie Jean); aunts: Gaynell Brinkley, and Wynell Gilmore (Hubert); niece, Amy Reynolds; special friend, Kathy Tucker, and numerous other extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted and appreciated for funeral services. If funds exceed the final expense cost, the excess will be donated to the Cedar Grove Methodist Church Cemetery Fund: 1210 Hwy 177A, Bonifay, Florida 32425.
Mr. Gary Lester Flatt, age 89, a resident of Pinckard, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Flowers Hospital.
