Morimitsu “Mori” Shimabukuro, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on July 21, 1946, in Okinawa, Japan, Mori was the son of the late Kimiko and Seige Shimabukuro, and one of five spirited children. His life was a testament to the power of love, family, and dedication.
Mori’s journey led him from Japan to Canada at the age of 16, where his family started a restaurant, igniting his lifelong passion for cooking. It was in America during the 1960s that Mori’s heart found its true match in Linda Marie Schmidt. They married and shared a remarkable 58 years together, building a legacy through their three loving sons, James Shimabukuro (Hope), Dirk Shimabukuro (Kristal), and Scott Shimabukuro (Heather). His role as a father was only surpassed by his joy in being “Papa” to his eight grandchildren, Katie Lewis (Ethan), Gillian Shimabukuro, Colby Shimabukuro (Kinley), CadenShimabukuro, DevinShimabukuro, WyattShimabukuro, AnabelleShimabukuro, and KaiShimabukuro, and his three great-grandchildren.
Professionally, Mori was a respected Dental Technician. For over 30 years, he honed his craft and built a reputation for excellence at his own business, Mori’s Dental Studio, in Dothan, Alabama. His precision and care in his work were paralleled only by his commitment to his community. He was a proud member of the Dothan Masonic Lodge and Alcazar Shriners club for over a quarter of a century.
Mori’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. His early experiences in Canada may have sparked his culinary curiosity, but it was his love for his family that turned cooking into an expression of affection. Always adventurous in the kitchen, he delighted in creating new “concoctions” for his grandchildren to savor. His passion extended to the soccer field, where he coached his sons and mentored his grandchildren, rarely missing a game no matter the distance.
Settling in Dothan, Alabama, in 1972, Mori and Linda created a home that was often filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of delicious meals. His commitment to youth extended beyond his family as he dedicated eight years to teaching chess at Highlands Elementary School’s chess club, sharing his strategic mind and nurturing potential in each child.
Mori’s love for the water was as deep as the ocean itself. A member of the aqua activity class at Westgate Recreation Center, he found joy and serenity in the water. The beach was his sanctuary, a place where he felt most connected to his island roots, and where he spent countless hours on his back porch, simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Known for his wisdom and passion, Mori was not just a family man but also a seeker of knowledge. He filled hundreds of notebooks with numbers, studying the lottery with a discipline that brought him close to winning on several occasions. This analytical side of him was balanced by his adventurous spirit and his eagerness to impart wisdom and learn new things alongside his grandchildren.
Mori’s siblings, Eiko Mah (Allan), Jimi Shima, Michi Shima, and Fugi Shima, will fondly remember his loving nature and the warmth he brought to their lives. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of love and unwavering support will continue to inspire and guide his family.
Mori was a beacon of love and wisdom, a passionate soul who lived a full and meaningful life. As we remember him, we celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and the countless ways he made our world a better place. Mori Shimabukuro will be deeply missed, but the memories of his loving, wise, and passionate spirit will be cherished forever.
OZARK… Beverly Hartzog Freeman, a resident of Ozark, Alabama, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, at Oakview Manor in Ozark, Alabama. She was 69.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Mrs. Freeman was born in Dothan, Alabama to the late James Lee Hartzog and Evelyn Elaine Walker Hartzog. She lived much of her life in the Midland City, Alabama area. She was a 1974 graduate of Dale County High School. She worked for HealthSouth as a transcriptionist for nineteen years before retiring. She was an avid Auburn fan. She loved working in her yard and just doing anything outside. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Ocala, Florida.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by several siblings.
Leaving to cherish her memories is her son, Trapper Bell (Emily); her sisters, Beth Smith, Lynn Smith, and Ann McCallister; her brother, Bob Hartzog (Pat); and her many nieces and nephews.
COWARTS, ALABAMA. . .Ronda Rae Brusius, a resident of Cowarts, Alabama, died Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva. She was 68.
There are no memorial or funeral services planned at this time. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Ronda Brusius was born in Long Beach, California, daughter of the late Ronald William Brusius and Betty Lorraine Weitz Brusius. She lived in the Enon community, near Webb, before moving to Cowarts. Ronda was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was formerly employed as a Data Processing Manager in a medical clinic.
Surviving relatives include two daughters, Erin Bassett and Emily Carlson, both of Omaha, Nebraska; three sons, Erik Carlson, St. Louis, MO; Kyle Baublitz, Nashville, TN; and Zachary Baublitz, Dothan; three sisters, Kathy Merrill, Farmington, MO; Paula Owens, Mason, TN; and Krista Stutz, Houston, TX; seven grandchildren.
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.
Dr. Sebron Kay was born in Ashford, Alabama to Cecil and Dovie Kay. A car accident tragically took Cecil’s life when Sebron was only months old. Sebron’s maternal grandparents (Carter) stepped in, as Dovie grieved. A few years later, Dovie was blessed to marry Buster Ingram, who readily accepted his new role as father to young Sebron. As part of a farming community, Buster and Dovie were hard working and God-loving, instilling a strong work ethic into young Sebron and their other three children. That strength lives on today in the next generation. Farm chores and responsibilities developed Sebron’s physical strength and tenacity, benefitting him all of his life. He always said his life was a vacation compared to his upbringing on the farm. Even with all the labor there was a heap of fun, at the age of nine, Sebron found his first love – playing the trumpet, under band director B.M. Cherry.
Excelling by hard work in music, academics and life, Sebron went on to college years at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, which included a year of band, completing undergraduate studies in only three years. Dental school was his goal from early on, having experienced the always busy local Ashford dental practice. Sebron was accepted into the first Dental School Class at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and graduated in 1960, with a Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry.
Their beautiful love story began in Birmingham, orchestrated by God Himself. In 1958, Sebron met Patricia, a nursing student, and they married in 1959. After graduating from dental school and nursing school, Sebron, Patricia and baby Lynda left Alabama for Texas. Sebron enlisted in the Air Force, serving his country as a dentist for two years. After his service in Texas ended, they began their next chapter in West Palm Beach, Florida, with Sebron working in private dental practice. They later moved to Brevard County, Florida at the beginning of the space race and he remained in practice there until retiring in 2015, at the age of eighty, having practiced dentistry 55 years, because he truly enjoyed working as a dentist! In addition to dentistry, he later earned his Masters of Business Administration through Stetson University, by taking night
classes. He also earned his Certified Financial Planner’s designation through self-study and a series of exams. Sebron loved his farm in Houston County, Alabama, so many joyful adventures.
Sebron was a godly example and a strong believer in Christ Jesus, serving as a Deacon at their beloved First Baptist Church of Merritt Island for many years. Faithful to use his music talents for the Lord, Sebron played trumpet and trombone for church services and special orchestra performances. Sebron was a founding member of the Community Band of Brevard and played in many of the memorable concerts over the years. Serving with leadership and volunteer work, Sebron was full of energy and did his best wherever he was, because of Jesus Christ he was able to do so much more.
Sebron and Patricia had five beautiful children together, who love and cherish their dear father, knowing all he did was meant for the family. He was a dedicated family man who was always there for his family, adoring his sweetheart Patricia, loving, encouraging, attending his beloved children’s games, athletic and musical events, and gave all the opportunities of education and life experience possible. His prayer was always for our Lord to lead, guide and direct.
Before passing, Sebron reassured his family he “absolutely knew the Lord as his Savior”. He lived a life of true dedication to the Lord in his humble way. He passed April 11th at 10:30 pm with family surrounding him at home in Merritt Island.
Surviving family include Patricia, his sweetheart and devoted wife of over 65 years, his daughters Lynda, Angela and Gloria, and his son Michael. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren, Leanna, Genelle, and Sophia and his grandson Douglas. Pre-deceased by their beloved daughter Carla in 2007. Sebron’s beloved sisters, Elaine Gayle and Joyce, and brother Byron Ingram, are cherished and have been faithful friends, they continue to be a blessing to the family.
We will miss him so much, but know he is in a better place! Thank you to our Lord Jesus Christ we will see him again one day! Praise the Lord for His goodness!
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel, Headland, Alabama, with Reverend George Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the mortuary. Burial will follow in the Webb Cemetery, Webb, Alabama. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, 140 Magnolia Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32952.
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.
Mrs. Joy Mac Parr Wright, a resident of Ozark, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025. She was 88 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Wright will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, April 21, 2025, from Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark with Reverend Scott Thompson and Reverend Jim Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends Monday in the church from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Mrs. Wright was born December 28, 1936 in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Oscar Parr and Bertha Ida Parmer Parr. She graduated in 1955 from Barbour County High School in Clio as Class Valedictorian. Joy met Gerald, aka “Mr. Wright”, at a church social, they were married in 1956 and moved to Ozark to start their family. She worked as a Clerical Secretary at Lyster Army Hospital and retired at Fort Rucker following thirty-five years of service. Joy was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark. She loved to sew, make crafts and take her grandchildren to Wal Mart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gerald Wright; two sons, Gerald Forrest Wright and Allan Wright; and one sister, Annette Preston.
Survivors include one daughter, Kim Winslett (Philip) of Ozark; her daughter-in-law, Kim Wright of Skipperville; four grandchildren, Jared Wright, Julie Wright McDaniel both of Ozark, Ashley Wright Clement (Paden) of Fairhope and Kolten Walker (Shelby) of Ozark; great grandchildren, Austin McDaniel, Logan McDaniel both of Ozark, Breslin Clement of Fairhope, McKenzie Wright and Leo Walker both of Ozark; and her sister-in-law, Sybil Wright of Ozark. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Extendicare in Dothan for their love and support.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mr. Brian Keith Myers, a resident of Enterprise, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Southeast Health in Dothan following a brief illness. He was 55 years old.
A private celebration of life will be held for Mr. Myers at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Myers was born March 6, 1970 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late Billy Ray Myers, Sr. and Shirley Ann Bright Myers. Brian graduated from Carroll High School in 1988. He enjoyed coaching his children when they were young, camping at the beach, tinkering around in his yard and jamming out to his music. He had a special bond with his dog “Ello”. Survivors include his children, Alee Folds (Tracy) of Ozark; Torrey Myers of Dothan, Terry Myers of Enterprise and Thomas Myers of Enterprise; four grandchildren, Laney Myers, Makenzie Folds, Jesse Folds and Wyatt Folds; one sister, Sherry Smith (Val) of Enterprise; and one brother, Billy “Bo” Myers of Enterprise.
