OZARK…Mrs. Mary Ella Cody Pugh, a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday evening, August 3, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 89.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Pugh, born to the late Horace Franklin Cody and Mary Ollie Hawkins Pugh, grew up in the small town of Robinson, Illinois, where she built the foundation of a life rooted in kindness, hard work, and faith. A proud graduate of Robinson High School, she carried the values of her hometown with her wherever she went. In 2015, she made the move to Ozark, Alabama, bringing with her a gentle spirit and a heart full of generosity.
For nearly twenty-five years, Mrs. Pugh dedicated herself to her work at Walmart, serving customers and coworkers alike with a smile and a steady hand. She spent time working in Beckley, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida, always leaving behind a legacy of warmth and reliability. Her work ethic was second to none—she showed up every day with a positive attitude and had a way of lifting others up, even on the hardest days. If someone was struggling, she was the first to offer encouragement, reminding them that brighter days were ahead.
But Mrs. Pugh’s life wasn’t just about work—it was about giving. She was a woman of deep faith, and she lived that faith through quiet acts of love. One of her favorite things to do was make blankets by hand, stitching each one with care and purpose. She gave them to local pregnancy centers and to people experiencing homelessness, hoping to offer a little comfort and warmth to those who needed it most. It was her way of wrapping others in love, even if she never met them.
She found joy in the simple things—curling up with a good book, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and watching birds flutter around her yard. She had a gentle appreciation for nature and a peacefulness that made others feel at ease in her presence.
Mrs. Pugh’s life was a quiet testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and faith. She didn’t seek recognition, but those who knew her will always remember the way she made them feel—valued, encouraged, and loved. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Michael G. Pugh and Scott A. Pugh; sisters, Marge Michael, and Dixie Schultz; brothers, Donald Cody, Clifford Cody, Jimmie Cody, Dave Cody, and William Cody.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Rebecca Buckland (Christopher), Ozark; sons, William E. Pugh (Allison), Acworth, Georgia and Robert A. Pugh, Oro Valley, Arizona; sister, Erma Turner (Lee), Summerdale, Alabama; six grandchildren, Emma Buckland, Katherine Pugh Lindsey Pugh, Leslie Pugh, Garrett Pugh, and Ryan Pugh; two great-grandchildren, Brody Pugh and Dawson Pugh; many nieces and nephews.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Annie Jeanette Brogden Fillingim, age 97, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Henry County Health and Rehabilitation.
As we celebrate a life well lived, all are invited to meet with family at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Thursday, August 7, 2025, beginning at 9:30 A.M. with service following at 11:00 A.M, Pastor Larry Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at New Prospect Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Edwin , Alabama, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Serving as active pallbearers will be Brandon Anthony Fillingim, Scott Woods Baker, Seth Robert Sowell and Tommy Self. Honorary pallbearers will be Stacy Sanders and Wesley Franklin Sowell.
Mrs. Fillingim was born on January 6, 1928, in Ozark, Alabama to the late Dewey Brogden and Ada Beasley Brogden. Jeanette attended Ozark, Blue Springs, and Baker Hill schools as a child and lived her younger days in the Dale and Barbour County area. She married the love of her life, Buford Fillingim, on December 7, 1943. They shared fifty wonderful years together and were blessed with three children as their life’s journey led them from military to ministry. In addition to her parents, Jeanette is predeceased by her husband, Reverend Buford Fillingim and her brothers, Robert Earl Brogden and Edward Franklin Brogden. She is survived by her sisters, Betty Harrison of Texas and Elaine Woods Baker of Georgia; daughter, Linda Sowell (William) of Clopton; sons, Leonard Buford Fillingim (Sandra) of Clopton, and Andy Jearld Fillingim (Sherry) of Wicksburg. Jeanette also leaves behind five grandchildren, as well as numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jeanette will be remembered as a devoted pastor’s wife and mother with a passion for service, whether it was to her family or others. Her life characterized strength, honesty, integrity, and a steadfast faith. She spent a considerable part of her life in service for Christ alongside her husband as they brought the love of Jesus to congregations throughout the area. Whether teaching Bible School, Sunday School, cooking for dinner on the grounds, or cleaning the church, Jeanette just loved being a part, and with a love of good southern gospel music and the great hymns of faith, Jeanette also loved opening her home for others to gather around the piano and sing about the joy of the Lord. Jeanette had an unquenchable love of flowers, trees, and a well- kept lawn. Her home was always draped in azaleas and dogwood trees and you might just catch her singing as she trimmed and weeded. You might catch her speaking to the plants as each was placed in just the right spot and each bloom was appreciated. A sun hat, long sleeves and gloves were standard uniform and a shovel or rake were her tools. The yard was her canvas and oh what artwork she created! The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Henry County Health and Rehab Center for their years of love and care. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in memory of Jeanette to the Gideons International P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
Gerald Wayne Burns, 87 of Geneva AL and formerly DeFuniak Springs, FL passed Friday August 1, 2025, peacefully at home.
A family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Geneva, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing.
Known as Jerry to some and GW to others, he was born to Robert and Pearl Burns in Brooklyn IA on 12/7/37. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955 and spent 2 years as an MP in the U.S. Army. He worked as a diesel truck mechanic in Camp Hill and Carlisle PA. Then switching careers to general maintenance for Christian ministries in Whiting, NJ and Murfreesboro, TN.
He knew how to love big, had an infectious smile and always had a strong work ethic. He had a huge heart for ministry and an unwavering faith for Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50-years Mary “Trilby” Hughes as well as his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He leaves behind his twin daughters Shannon Burns of Lemoyne, PA, Leah Burns of Raleigh, NC and Joyce Shelburne who was like a daughter of Roanoke, VA.
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
NEWVILLE. . .Lavon Shelley Farmer, a resident of Henry County, near the Tumbleton Community, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, at her home. She was 80.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Balkum Cemetery with Pastor Ron Baker officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 363021.
Mrs. Farmer was born and raised in the Tumbleton Community of Henry County, daughter of the late Harvey Shelley, Jr. and Ella V. Baker Shelley. She was a 1963 graduate of Newville High School. Mrs. Farmer lived in the Headland area most of her lifetime. She was a member of Hebron Baptist Church. Mrs. Farmer was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Farmer, a brother, Tom Shelley, and a step-son, Donnie Farmer.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Tammy Farmer (Alex Meyer), Newville; Teresa “Pollie” Braswell (Jason), Headland; and Elaine Graves (Marshall), Dothan; a step-daughter, Kathy Farmer Adams, Atlanta; two sisters, Pam Hopper (Keith), Abbeville; and Debbie Kirkland, Headland; a brother, Tony Shelley (Beverly), Headland; grandchildren, Jessica Farmer, Lindsey Farmer Clark (Ernie), Haley Farmer Hutcheson, Trey Windham (Ashley), Trevor Windham (Caroline Windham), Ava Grace Braswell, Ben Graves (Kristian), Sydney Graves Temples (Andy) and Tripp Graves (Katie); great-grandchildren, Hunter Clark, Bailey Clark, Landon Hollerman, McKenzie Hollerman, Tatum Baxley, Paisley Baxley, Aly Rose Windham, Sawyer Graves and Spencer Graves.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jason Braswell, Trey Windham, Trevor Windham, Hunter Clark, Landon Hollerman and Alex Meyer.
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.
Carolyn Joyce Bell, a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her, passed away on August 1, 2025, in Troy, Alabama. Born on December 12, 1947, in New Jersey, Carolyn spent her formative years in Mobile, Alabama, where she cultivated a life-long passion for antiques and decorating, traits that would later define her as the family’s beloved matriarch.
A graduate of Mobile High School, Carolyn’s path led her to Dothan, where she became an integral part of the community. She was a dedicated homemaker and an admired substitute teacher, touching the lives of many students with her kindness and wisdom.
Carolyn’s heart was always full when surrounded by her cherished family. She is survived by her loving children, Chris Bell and Brandi (Kevin) King; her adored grandchildren, Brittany King and Brandon King; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Natalie King and Hayden King. Her presence will be profoundly missed by her sister, Susan Smith. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Randolph Bell, whose memory she held close to her heart since his passing in 2012, by her parents, J. D. and Vera Wright and by her two brothers.
Renowned for her selflessness and generosity, Carolyn’s ability to give without expecting anything in return was a lesson in love and humility for all. Her outgoing nature and zest for life made her the life of any gathering, and her role as a fun grandma was one she cherished deeply. Carolyn’s flair for life earned her the affectionate title of ‘Diva’ among family and friends, a title that reflected her vivacious spirit and her impeccable sense of style.
A graveside service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 am, providing an opportunity for those whose lives were touched by Carolyn to come together in remembrance of a life well-lived.
Carolyn’s legacy is one of boundless love, a love that nurtured her family, enriched her friendships, and left an indelible mark on the community she held so dear. Her light, though no longer present in this world, continues to shine in the hearts of those she loved. As we bid farewell to Carolyn Bell, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless memories she gifted us, memories that will continue to inspire and comfort us in the years to come.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
