ABBEVILLE… Liliana “Lili” Grace Sparrow, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 4, 2025, at Children’s of Alabama Hospital. She was 13.
A memorial service will be held 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Sardis Baptist Church, with Reverend George Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Lili was born in Dothan, Alabama to Brandi Wells and the late Joseph Andrew Sparrow. She lived in Abbeville, Alabama most of her life. She had previously attended Abbeville Elementary and Abbeville High School. She was a flute player with the Abbeville High School Marching Band. She was a member of the Sardis Baptist Church.
Leaving to cherish her memories is her mother, Brandi Wells (Cory Yeater); her brothers, Noah Wells and Colton Sparrow; her grandmothers, Donna Turner and Rhonda Bullington (William); her great-grandmother, Faye Turner; and several cousins and friends.
NEWVILLE… Ben Gregory “Greg” Bell, a resident of the Mt. Pisgah Community, near Echo, Alabama, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 4, 2025, at a Dothan hospital. He was 73.
Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday March 07, 2025, at Omega Holiness Church Cemetery, 268 North County Road #67 Ozark, Al 36360, with Pastor Jamie Hattaway officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service in the church. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Greg Bell was born in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Ben Bell and Pastor Betty Jenkins Bell. He spent his early years in Midland City, Alabama, where he was raised with a strong sense of community and family. A proud member of the Class of 1970 at Dale County High School, Greg made a name for himself as an All-State linebacker for the Warriors. His athleticism and dedication on the field were indicative of his strong work ethic that would carry through the rest of his life. He served his country for ten years in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.
After high school, Greg went on to pursue a career as a welder. His skills in the trade led him to establish his own business, Bell’s Welding and Machine Shop, where he became well-known for his craftsmanship and dedication to providing quality service.
Outside of his professional life, Greg had a passion for fishing, often finding peace and enjoyment on the water. He was also a regular at the local drag strip, where he could indulge his love of cars and racing. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, making him a beloved figure in his community. He loved his friends and family, especially his son.
Surviving relatives include his son, Trapper Bell (Emily); his uncles, James Earl Jenkins and Bill Jenkins; as well as several other loving family members and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Simmons Blake Walden, Heath Moorehead, Mark Beverett, Reginald Burks, Donald Shipes, Willie Atkins, and Ralph Brown.
Emma “Nell” Helmer, a beacon of love and warmth, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at the age of 87 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 5, 1937, in the heart of Alabama, Nell’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Nell will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Kocsis officiating.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Nell’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her husband, Edward Helmer. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that flourished over 50 years, filled with shared dreams and mutual support. She was a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends, who found comfort and joy in her company.
She was the embodiment of kindness, her actions always guided by her generous spirit.
Those who knew Nell will remember her for the love she so freely gave and the grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy is one of compassion and tenderness, traits that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Emma “Nell” Helmer will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of her loved ones.
A special thank you to Wesley Place for their compassion and support and to Dayspring Hospice for their love and care.
Patsy Etheredge Caton, a cherished pillar of the Ashford, Alabama community, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 15, 1939, in the same town she would later leave an indelible mark. Patsy’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and service.
Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Homer Odell Etheredge and Willa Lucille Silcox Etheredge, and her devoted husband of 58 years, Dewayne Jasper Caton. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Stacey Prevatt (Danny), and son, Kevin Caton (Karen). She was a proud grandmother to Dustin Prevatt (Danielle) and Lynnsey Russell (Cody), and a doting great-grandmother to Adalyn Prevatt, Sawyer Prevatt, Willa Reese Russell, and Livy Caton Russell. Patsy is also survived by her brother, Rex Etheredge (Gwen), sisters-in-law, Rosalyn Wright (Farrell) and Gaylen Sims (Larry), and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Patsy’s commitment to education and her community was unwavering. After a fulfilling 33-year career as a teacher within the Houston County School District, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of inspired students and grateful colleagues. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she taught a variety of subjects including physical education, typing, math, and Bible literature. Patsy also took on the roles of cheerleader sponsor and senior sponsor, guiding countless young lives with her wisdom and kindness. Her impact on her students was profound—she was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and a guiding light.
A lifelong resident of Ashford, Patsy was deeply rooted in her faith and her community. As a lifelong member of Enterprise Baptist Church, she served as a women’s leader, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. Her love for Auburn athletics, frequently exclaiming “War Eagle,” and the Atlanta Braves was only matched by her passion for her family and friends. Patsy’s enthusiasm for family gatherings was evident. She was affectionately known as a beloved nanny to her grandchildren, supporting them in every endeavor.
Patsy’s post-retirement years were filled with adventure and love, as she traveled with her husband and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Her love for gospel music led her to attend many gospel singings.
Described as loving, generous, and thoughtful, Patsy Etheredge Caton’s presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her unwavering support and encouragement helped shape the future of many, and her memory will continue to inspire those who carry her spirit in their hearts.
Funeral services for Patsy will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Enterprise Baptist Church, with Dr. David Baker and Pastor Tim Wheeler officiating. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Visitation will take place from 2:00 pm until the time of the service at the church.
The pallbearers, honored to carry on her legacy, will be Steven Moore, Josh Etheredge, Tony Jimmerson, Robert Wright, Taylor Wright, and Chris Sasser.
As we say goodbye to Patsy Etheredge Caton, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart generously shared. Her impact on the Ashford community and beyond will be felt for generations. Patsy’s unwavering love and dedication to her family, faith, and students serve as a beacon of light that continues to shine even in her absence.
Stephen (Steve) Craig Pike, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He was 80 years old.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Steve was born on February 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Elizabeth and Douglas Pike. He was a Vietnam veteran, a Major in the United States Army National Guard, and an instructor pilot. He retired from Fort Novosel in 2006.
Steve had a great sense of humor and was known for his integrity, kindness, and generosity. Hunting, fishing, and marksmanship were among his many interests. Riding his motorcycle brought him immense joy. He will be greatly missed by his family. He showed his family what strength and bravery really mean. Steve died peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Stephen Brett Pike.
Survivors include his loving wife, Carol Shill Pike; daughters, Beverly Pike of Enterprise, Alabama, and Amanda Pike Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama; granddaughter, Kenzie Gale Nichols of Birmingham; and brothers, Robert (Linda) Pike of Moscow, Idaho, and Gary Pike of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
The Pike family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Southeast Health Medical Center, along with a special thanks to the dedicated and compassionate nurses in the Critical Care Unit who took exceptional care of their loved one.
Lurene Warren Jones, age 88, a resident of Dothan passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 at Westside Terrace Healthcare.
Ms. Lurene was born in Louisville on September 1, 1936 to L C Warren and Maggie Lou Banks. She was known for her sweet and quiet personality. All who met her loved her.
There are no public services scheduled at this time.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
