James Robert Lucas (Bob), was born March 12, 1946, in Merced County, CA. He was number 3 of 7 children. His family soon relocated back to Dothan once his father’s career ended in the Military.
At age 15, Bob started working for his Uncle J.R (Bob) Sealy and Aunt Ida Inscor Sealy at their hot springs, Sealy Mineral Wells in Cottonwood, AL. His duties included being a lifeguard and maintenance. He later attended George C. Wallace Technical School where he learned to be a brick mason.
As a young adult he enjoyed being part of the local CB Radio club. His handle was “Lobo.” In January of 1977 he met the love of his life, a widow named Jaquita Hicks who was also a CB Radio enthusiast. Her CB handle was “The Crisco Baby.” On Valentines Day in 1977 he proposed, and they were married in April the same year. Bob joyfully became a stepfather to Jaquita’s three children. They were married until her death in May of 2017.
In 1978 he and his new family moved to Orange City, FL. While living in Florida, Bob took up beekeeping. Each time he visited his mother in Dothan, he would bring her mason jars of orange blossom honey with honeycomb. He would bring treats of sugar cane for his nieces and nephews. Both were always eagerly awaited.
During his time in Deland, FL while working as a brick mason he was part of the crew who built Disney Park Epcot. Now while he loved brick laying, and could lay the hell out of everything, he took a break from that trade to work at the facility that employed his wife. Jaquita was a nurse at The Duvall Home for special needs children. Bob was employed there for many years as a maintenance man. The residents who resided there loved Bob dearly. In turn, Bob and Jaquita lovingly thought of them as family.
Eventually, Bob and Jaquita returned to Dothan, AL to be closer to family. Their children married and added grandchildren to their lives. Bob loved being a Paw Paw to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Jaquita were always up for an adventure with them.
Bob went back to masonry with Ricky Starling Masonry where he worked until he retired at age 67. He helped build many churches, restaurants and businesses in the Dothan area in his later years.
Bob was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Dothan and tried to never miss a service. He loved going to church and worshipping the Lord. He loved his church family and missed them after going into the nursing home. He talked about them often.
He loved to listen to Gospel music and the Bible on tape. He had no problem praying in public when the need arose. He was known to be generous with his time and talents. His friends and family knew that he could be called upon in times of need and he always showed up. Bob was a well-loved father, son, brother, husband, cousin, friend and most of all Pawpaw. If good memories were as valuable as gold, everyone would have amassed a fortune having him in their lives. He was an absolute treasure.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ruth Lucas, His wife Jaquita and his brothers Edward and Walter. He is survived by his children, Glenn Hicks, Morgan Hicks (Salina) and Scarlet Hicks (Philip T. Cheek). His grandchildren, Dustin Hicks (Jessica), Dr. Tiffany Sexton (David), Harlie Cheek (Alyssa), Ryleigh Cheek and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Lucas (Yamilla) and Ben Lucas (Donna). His sisters, Fran Fontain, Ida Sewell (Tony), honorary sister Kay Mckinney. Many nieces, nephews, family and friends. All were loved and cherished.
Berit McDuffie went to be with our Lord on August 30, 2025. She passed away peacefully in Hartford Alabama.
Berit was born on November 24, 1940, in Escanaba, Michigan to the late George Stewart and late Martha Baver Stewart. She had two brothers, George (deceased) and Bill.
Berit was the beloved wife of the late Fred McDuffie. She was also a loving and nurturing mother to her children, the late Gene McDuffie, Debbie Dowling (Keith Bloodworth), Michael McDuffie (Susan) and Stephen McDuffie. Her legacy extended to her cherished grandchildren, Marcie Sawyers (Travis), Andy McDuffie (Brittany), Holly McDuffie, Lauren McDuffie Shipp, Michael McDuffie (Kathryn), Joseph McDuffie (Rachel), Chuck Dowling (Nijhal), and Cody Houston (Jessica), as well as her adored great-grandchildren, John David, Elijah, Gracie, Ashlyn, Elliot, Hill, Brooks, Mary Hollis, Vivianna, Isabella, Emma, Anna, Lily, Damon, Evie, Wade, June, Finley, Benjamin, Ruth, Ollie, Lynde, Levi, Ava, and Camilo; and great-great-grandchildren, Art, Wes, and Nash who brought immense joy and pride to her life.
Berit’s love for and commitment to her family was evident as she invested everything in the lives of her children. Her passion for teaching and raising her kids in the right way was constantly on display as she challenged them with chores and projects, helped with schoolwork, served as Class Mom and Den Mother (for Cub Scouts) and volunteered as Sunday School and VBS teacher in her children’s church activities. She made her home “the place to be” for her children and all of their friends. Berit impacted on the lives of so many children with her generosity, unconditional love and kindness. She became known as “Ma Berit” to many of her children’s friends.
Berit’s faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord was the cornerstone of her life. She loved sharing about Jesus to everyone that she met.
Later in life, Berit became an avid collector of many things. She found joy in the simple pleasure of adding to her treasures, each piece holding a story or a memory dear to her heart.
Funeral services for Berit will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, September 4, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventure in Berit’s name.
Joyce Annette Sasnett Williamson, a cherished soul, departed this life on August 28, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family. Born to Bishop J. and Zada Irene Sasnett on June 23, 1940, in the Dothan area, Joyce’s life was a testament to her boundless generosity, selfless nature, and loving heart.
Joyce’s journey began as a young woman of great ambition and creativity. After graduating from Rehobeth High School, she married the love of her life, David Williamson, in 1957. They celebrated an incredible 70 years together. Their union was blessed with a son, Bruce (Sheila) Williamson, and daughters, Beverly Humphreys and Dana (Andy) Ming. Joyce’s joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Danielle (Nicolas) Dickinson, William (Emma) Humphreys, Kristen (Gunner) Smith, Heather (Phillip) Williamson, Amanda (Tyler) Williamson, Drew (Morgan) Ming, and Jessica (Zac) Allen. The family circle expanded further with the adoration of great-grandchildren, Elijah Ming, Addie Kate Ming, and Oliver Dickinson, as well as several loving nieces and nephews. A special friend and caretaker to Joyce and the family, Yashira DeLeon, also survives. Joyce was preceded in death by her infant son, by her parents, Bishop J. and Zada Irene Sasnett and by her daughter-in-law, Renee Williamson.
From a young age, Joyce demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering work ethic. She became a beautician at the tender age of 16, a profession through which she would touch countless lives. Joyce was the proud owner and operator of The House of Wigs and later Joyce’s Touch of Class since 1972. Her establishments in Dothan, Ozark, and Panama City, Florida, were more than just businesses; they were places where she could express her creativity and compassion, helping those who had lost hair due to cancer treatments and other challenges. Joyce’s dedication to her craft and her clients was evident until her retirement in 2005.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joyce was known for her innate ability to care for others. She was always a “Giver” at heart, going out of her way to lend a helping hand. Joyce’s creativity was not confined to her salons; it was an integral part of her essence, fueling her desire to help those in need and ensure that everyone she met felt loved and cared for. She has made a difference in people’s lives, always taking time out for people who were in need.
Those who knew Joyce will remember her as a beacon of love and selflessness. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, her work, and her community. As we say goodbye to Joyce Annette Williamson, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that gave so freely. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the profound impact one person’s kindness can have on the world. Joyce’s spirit, ever generous and loving, will be deeply missed, but the warmth of her presence will forever remain in the hearts she touched.
A private family service was held on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Terry Guillory Smith, known affectionately as Terry, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 69. Born on April 6, 1956, in Houston, Texas, Terry’s early years were filled with the vibrant culture of her Cajun/Creole heritage, which remained a cornerstone of her identity throughout her life.
Terry was a woman of strength, resilience, and love. Known by many as “OG Terry,” she became a mother at a young age and faced life’s challenges with courage and determination. She was resourceful and skilled, whether sewing clothing for her family, working under the hood of a car, or navigating the outdoors with ease.
Her faith was a steady guide, and she found comfort in reading her Bible. She was a “daddy’s girl,” holding close the memory of her late parents, Watney Joseph and Mazie Guillory. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Phillip, Judy, and Carolyn Guillory; and nephew, Ebon Hunter.
Terry is survived by her sons, Paul Joseph Smith and Evan John Guillory (Glenda Shepherd-Guillory); her granddaughter, Gabriella Joy Guillory; her brother, Steve Guillory; and nephews David Claybon, Gery Claybon, and Tracy Claybon. She also shared a special bond with Joseph Ronald Cleveland and Hans Alan Clark, who were both like a son to her.
Family gatherings were not complete without Terry’s barbecue, which brought everyone together in laughter and love. Selfless and giving, she always put her family first and passed down life skills with patience and care. She also found purpose and joy in her work as a home healthcare nurse aide, where she cared for her patients with the same compassion and dedication she showed her family.
Though she spent most of her life in Texas, Terry later moved to Dothan to be closer to some of her family members. More than her work or community involvement, her role as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was her true legacy.
Terry will be remembered as a loving, adventurous, and faith-filled woman whose presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the love she gave and the lessons she instilled in those she cherished.
James Tillman Fox, known as Jaimee, passed away on August 28, 2025, in Daleville, Alabama. He was born on May 18, 1990, in Dothan, Alabama.
Jaimee was a man of many talents and interests. He attended school in Columbia, Alabama, where he showcased his athletic abilities by playing football and baseball at Houston County High School. Though he did not graduate, Jaimee’s love for learning and personal growth never waned. He had a natural aptitude for working with his hands, which led him to become a skilled handyman, capable of fixing and building a myriad of things. His passion for electronics and wiring was matched only by his creative pursuits; Jaimee also found solace in drawing and music, hobbies that reflected his introspective and artistic nature.
He was a loving father to Brianna, Lilliann, Laela, Jamison, Jayda, and Brittney who will cherish the memories of their father’s unwavering love. Jaimee is survived by his devoted mother, Cindie (Mike) Shaughnessy; his siblings, David (Andrea Sharp) Fox, Jessica (Shane) McNemar, Christie Fox, Jasmine Fox, Michael Shaughnessy, and Brittany Gibson. His life was a testament to the joy and laughter children bring, and he was an uncle to a host of nieces and nephews. Jaimee was preceded in death by his father, Charles Fox, and his grandparents, Stan and Loiselle Standridge.
Jaimee enjoyed Florida Gators football, fishing, and working on cars. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jeff Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am on Thursday at the funeral home.
Clara L. Odom of Black, Alabama passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in Flowers Hospital. She was 69 years old.
Clara was born on April 6, 1956, to the late Alf Booth and Katie Booth. She was a graduate of Bethlehem High School, Class of 1974.
She was preceded in death by her son, Stacey Douglas Odom. She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Odom of Black, AL; sister, Janice Pollard (Gary) of Geneva, AL; brother, J. Carter “Alf” Booth (Ann) of Bonifay, FL; sisters-in-law, Peggy Hatcher (Carthel), Patsy Herring (Tommie), Ann O’Quinn (Jeff), Jan Dillard (Ricky); brother-in-law, Jerry Odom all of Hartford, AL; along with a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.
Clara loved doing arts and crafts and anything to do with sewing. She worked at Tate’s Grocery as a stocker/cashier.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Douglas Kitts officiating. Burial will follow in Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Bonifay, FL with Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home directing. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Clara’s life was a testament to her character was a very kind and a very honorable soul. She was very dedicated to her family. She was the type of person that was there for everyone in their time of need. She will be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife, sister, aunt and friend.
Serving as pallbearers: nephews, Lee Herring, Travis Dillard, and Julio Lopez Devictoria and great-nephews, Tyler Spann, Zachary Spann, and Matthew Kinman.
Joyce Annette Sasnett Williamson, a cherished soul, departed this life on August 28, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family. Born to Bishop J. and Zada Irene Sasnett on June 23, 1940, in the Dothan area, Joyce’s life was a testament to her boundless generosity, selfless nature, and loving heart.
