Kaisley Brielle Baker, 9 months of age, peacefully departed this world on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at home in Dothan, AL. Born May 20, 2024 in Dothan, AL, Kaisley was the beloved youngest child of Denzell and Sharelle Baker.
Kaisley was blessed with two brothers, Gavin and Kalyx, whom she loved deeply.
Kaisley leaves her cherished memories to her parents, Sharelle and Denzell Baker. Her two brothers, Gavin and Kalyx, both of Dothan, AL. Loving Aunts: Dayjha, Jaliyah, Ke’Aisa, Mikayleigh, Peyton, and Porcha, all of Dothan, AL and Jasmine of Atlanta, GA. Protective Uncles: Jaden, Jerrell, Kristian, Nicholas, and Paul Jr. all of Dothan, AL. Doting Grandparents: Paul Sr. (Litivia) Kennedy and Brenda (Phillip) Pearce, all of Dothan, AL. Adoring Great-Grandparents: Catherine Rivers, Oradale Walker, George (Ruby) Turner, and Mattie Taylor, all of Dothan, AL. Caring God-mothers: Jalisa Threats and Keshia Berry, both of Dothan, AL. Also, forever mourning her passing are numerous great aunts, great uncles, cousins and a host of relatives, who all loved her dearly.
A celebration of Kaisley’s life will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Billy John Trotter, 93, of Dothan, Alabama was called to his heavenly home on March 11, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Bay Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Green officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Trotter was born on December 4, 1931, in Ozark, AL, and served in the Navy from 1951 – 1955. Billy worked for the Dothan Eagle, Thompson Newspapers, and National Health Care. He was a long-time member of Bay Springs Baptist Church. In his retirement, he enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Billy also had the ability to fix almost anything, frequently helping friends and neighbors with home improvement projects. He was also known for his carvings of water birds, selling and exhibiting at area and regional craft shows. Billy grew numerous fig trees and sold his produce to local residents and farmers’ markets.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; brother, Charles Trotter; and sister, Minnie Campbell.
He is survived by a sister, Mary Griffin; children: Cindy Keller (Bud), Scott (Patty), Rebecca Dawson (John), Joan Cobble (Crockett), and Judy Worthington (Will); grandchildren: Jared Trotter (Lauren), Taylor Trotter, Caraline Roussos (Stephen), Rachel Pitts (Charlie), Sarah Cobble, George Keller IV (Laurel), Lillie Ann Duke (Dale), Ana Worthington, Crockett Worthington, and Catherine Worthington; great-grandchildren: Everett & Margot Trotter, Miles & Emmy Roussos, and Sarah Jane Pitts; special friends, Kim & Greg Miller; special nephews: Charles Trotter, and Dr. Mike Trotter.
CLOPTON… Martha Nan Rigby Brown, a resident of Clopton, Alabama, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025. She was 87
Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Clio with Brother Bob Cox officiating.
Mrs. Brown was born in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Judd Rigby and Billie Rigby. She attended High School in Panama City, Florida. She was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church.
She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing. She had a passion for nursing and enjoyed working as a registered nurse. She was employed at Fort Gaines Health and Rehab for many years, where she worked tirelessly in offering comfort and healing to countless patients. When Mrs. Brown retired from Fort Gaines, she had advanced herself to associate administrator.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Brown.
Surviving relatives include her sons, Ralph “Michael” Brown (Stephanie) and Lance Brown (Alicia); grandchildren, Hunter Brown(Brooke), Cody Pace (Megan), Tyler Pace, Taylor Brown (Briana), Joseph Dalton Barron (Randi), Samuel Brandon Barron (Nicole); great grandchildren, Mikey Barron, Chase Barron, Paislee Barron, Zander Trammell, Dillon Trammell, Andrew Pace, Presley Pace, Axel Pace; several nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.
Edward Ross Pritchard, fondly known as Ed to his friends and loved ones, passed away on March 6, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born on April 30, 1938, in Patterson, New Jersey, to Wynas and Camille Pritchard, Ed was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Ross Joseph, Frank, and John Pritchard; and his sister, Ruth Pritchard.
Ed’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community. His marriage to Pat Pritchard spanned 38 joyous years, and together they raised a family that included their children Ross Pritchard, Neely Childrey (Dean), Cynthia Miller (Robert), Shane Yon, and Margaret Yon (Elizabeth). Ed instilled in his children the values of loyalty, respect, and the importance of family bonds. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Michelle, Meredith, Hunter, JR, and Gabe, and his great-grandson, Zander Allen, affectionately known as “Pookie number 1”, and his great granddaughters, Ella Camille and Lily Bosse.
A proud veteran, Ed served his country with distinction in the Navy for four years and retired from the Army after 30 years of exemplary service. Ed was a recipient of a Purple Heart Medal. His deep sense of patriotism was further reflected in his two years as a medic in Vietnam, where he demonstrated courage and compassion under the most challenging circumstances. His commitment to fellow veterans was evident through his active involvement with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Following his military career he served as Director of The Boys Club of Dothan. Ed continued to serve his community as a Lieutenant at the Dothan Police Department, where he was respected for his integrity and leadership. He was a graduate of Troy University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice, which he put to good use in his law enforcement career.
Ed’s interests outside of his professional life were simple yet profound. He loved to fish, particularly at Lake Eufaula, where he spent many peaceful hours enjoying the serenity of freshwater fishing. But above all, Ed’s heart belonged to his family and his country, which were his greatest sources of pride and joy.
Ed’s life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the value of service, and the power of love. His unwavering support for his family, his dedication to his fellow veterans, and his love for his country will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He leaves behind a host of friends, veterans, nieces, and nephews who were fortunate to have known this remarkable man. Ed Pritchard’s life was one of honor, kindness, and an enduring commitment to the principles he held dear. His memory will continue to inspire those who were touched by his generosity and steadfastness.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on Friday prior to service time.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Sarah Holman Bennett, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, after a period of extended illness. Born in Dothan, Alabama, on October 14, 1940, Sarah’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her deep-rooted faith, and her compassionate service to others.
Sarah’s early years in Dothan laid the foundation for a life of caring and commitment. She attended Stuart Hall in Virginia, and she then furthered her education by attending Auburn University. She then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her passion for helping those in need led her to a fulfilling career with the Department of Human Resources in Dothan, where she served with distinction. Sarah’s dedication to the welfare of children shone brightly during her tenure as Chief Juvenile Probate Officer for Houston County, a role she performed with both professionalism and empathy.
In 1977, Sarah’s life was beautifully intertwined with that of Don Bennett, as the two were united in marriage. Together, they built a family that became the center of Sarah’s world. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she took great joy in nurturing their growth. Sarah was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first, a loving matriarch who filled their home with kindness and warmth.
Sarah’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her son David and his wife Lisa Bennett, her daughter Katherine and her husband Matt Phelps, and her cherished grandchildren Bennett, Sarah Parker, and Smith Phelps. Her brothers and their families, along with several nieces and nephews, also held a special place in her heart. Known affectionately as “Mimi” by her grandchildren, Sarah’s gentle spirit and boundless affection were sources of comfort and joy.
A master gardener, Sarah’s passion for plants was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life. Her green thumb brought beauty to the world around her, as she tended to her garden with the same care and attention she gave to her loved ones. Friends and neighbors often sought her expertise on all things botanical, and she was always happy to share her knowledge. Closely related to her love for growing things, she loved birds as evidenced by numerous bird feeders dangling from the eves of the house so she could watch the birds feeding from her window.
Sarah’s sense of community was strong, and she relished spending time with her circle of lady friends, with whom she traveled and dined regularly. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active involvement with the First Presbyterian Church of Dothan. Sarah’s participation in church activities and its ministries reflected her belief in the importance of spiritual growth and fellowship.
Sarah’s life was rich with experiences and relationships, but it was her loving, thoughtful, and selfless nature that truly defined her. She was a source of unwavering support to her family and friends, and her presence was a comforting reminder of the power of kindness.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will take place at 2 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Caleb Galloway officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest at Dothan City Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 12:30-2 pm.
Sarah’s family would like to send a special thanks to the following: Dr. Chris Miller and his staff; caregivers, Paula, Kim, Keisha, Theritha, and others; Gentiva Hospice and nurse Jada; and all others who have aided in her care.
Sarah Holman Bennett’s legacy of love, generosity, and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a beautiful journey of giving, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA…Kristenia Joy Spears Jones, a resident of Columbus, died Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, at her home. She was 67.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Jones was born January 4, 1958, in Troy, Ohio and lived in various locations in the United States, including Ft. Rucker, while her husband served in the United States Army before moving to Columbus. Of all the places she lived, she was always very fond of Austin, Texas. One of her greatest joys was being a nurse, she was an RNC, MSN, APRN, and she received a master’s degree in nursing informatics from Troy University. Ms. Jones had a love for her fur babies, loved going to thrift stores, yard sales, and gardening. She married the love of her life in early 1995, Channing Jones and together they enjoyed flying in their own plane and going to air shows. Ms. Jones loved Georgia Tech University because of her husband graduating from the school. She enjoyed volunteering for the American Red Cross. Ms. Jones was preceded in death by her father, James Ralph Spears; husband, Channing Jones, brothers, James Spears and Joseph Dewayne Spears.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Angelenia Marie Smith, Ozark; her son, William Edward Duvall (Jammie), North Pole, Alaska; mother, Janice Marie Barbour, Ozark; four grandchildren, Rose Clark (Christopher), Shaylee Duvall, Tre Duvall (Katie), and Ben Smith; two great-grandchildren, Harper Duvall and Alexander Liam Duvall; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
