OPELIKA…Shirley Griggs Dismukes, 89, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born on February 9, 1937, to James C. Griggs and Lily Kilgore Griggs in Dothan, Alabama. Shirley was the youngest of 5 children. Her siblings included Evelyn Wicker, William Griggs, Hugo Griggs, and Sara Elliott.
Shirley met and married the love of her life, Robert Lee Dismukes, at age 17. Robert was the Pastor of Hurtsboro Baptist Church until they moved to the Beauregard area in 1968, when he became the Pastor at Providence Baptist Church, where he served until his death in 1983.
They lovingly raised two children, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David Kidron Dismukes and Susan Ashley Dismukes Schlenker.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Dismukes; sister, Evelyn Wicker; brothers, William and Hugo Griggs; and grandson, David Lee Schlenker.
Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David K. Dismukes (Barbara), Susan Schlenker, and Fawzy Shorrosh, who was like a son to her; her sister, Sara Elliott; and her grandchildren, Blake Kidron Dismukes (Genie) Columbia, SC., MSG (USA, retired) Gilberto A. Roman, San Antonio, TX, Miriam J. Roman, Opelika, AL, Scott Schlenker (April) Muncie, IN, Aaron Schlenker (Rose), La Habra Heights, CA, Kevin Schlenker, Houston, TX, Christopher Schlenker (Lindsay Holley), Madison, IN, and Grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Matthew, Kinsley and Claire Dismukes, Petty Officer Third Class Katherine Rogers (USN), and Kailey, Matthew, Albi, and Wolf Atzi Schlenker. Shirley has many much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other family members who are left behind to cherish her memory.
Shirley was a member of the Providence Baptist Church Encouragers Sunday School Class, where she had many lifelong friends. Shirley was a kindergarten teacher at Providence Baptist Church for many years and served as the Daycare Director from 1983 to 1986. She then served as the Hostess at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home until her retirement after more than 30 years until her retirement.
Shirley never met a stranger and always introduced herself to new friends. She loved learning about new people and their lives, and she never forgot anything, which wasn’t always a good thing! Shirley had a wicked sense of humor but was a very private person about most things.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus in Opelika. Burial will follow at the Dothan City Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama, at approximately 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church on behalf of the family.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
William Wayne Hilliard passed away on August 28, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 73.
William was born on November 28, 1952, in Eustis, Florida, to the late Vester Hilliard and Dorothy Segers Hilliard. He lived a life marked by hard work, quiet determination, and a deep devotion to the people and animals he loved. Those who knew him best will remember a man who was analytical, handy, and creative, with a mind that was always turning and a spirit that was always willing to help.
For more than 19 years, William owned and operated All in One Propane, where he built a reputation for reliability, integrity, and practical know-how. He took pride in his work and in doing things the right way. William was the kind of man who loved to tinker and figure out how things worked, and he found satisfaction in solving problems and making things function again. His hands were rarely still, and his mind was always engaged in the next project, repair, or idea.
William’s greatest joy in life was his family. He shared 53 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Carol Allen Hilliard, and together they built a life centered on love, loyalty, and steadfast commitment. He was a proud father to Michael Hilliard and his wife, Achammah, Jaime Smith and her husband, Byron, and Tiffany Jensen. To William, his children and grandchildren were his heart, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
He was also a loving grandfather to Hunter, Kaitlyn, Walker, Kayli, Dawson, Clayton, Allison, Addyson, Slater, Everett, Shane, Ridge, Phoenix, and Winnie. Each grandchild held a special place in his heart, and he delighted in watching their lives unfold. Whether offering a word of advice, sharing a story, or simply being present, William showed his love in steady and meaningful ways that will be remembered always.
William had a special affection for his multiple canine companions and his donkey, all of whom brought him companionship and joy. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life and found happiness in the everyday moments that others might overlook. His home and his heart were made fuller by the animals he cared for and the family who surrounded him.
Funeral services for William will be held at 3 PM Friday, September 4, 2026 at Marcini-Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Florida. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery in Lecanto, Florida. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until 3 PM, prior to the service at Marcini-Wilder Funeral Home.
OZARK…Mrs. Augusta Stewart McClendon, a resident of Ozark, died late Saturday morning, August 29, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Chapel with Reverend Dr. Ronald Britt officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Heath Peters, a resident of Ozark, passed away, Sunday, August 30, 2026. She was 88 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Peters will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from Mabson United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Skeen officiating. Interment will follow in Mabson Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Nancy Peters, born April 14, 1938, was a lifelong resident of the Mabson community in Dale County and a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, family member, and friend; but she was best known for being called “Nanaw”. Nancy lived a life marked by kindness, joy, and a genuine love for the people around her. Those who knew Nanaw will remember her for her happy spirit and the way she seemed to love everyone she met. She had a warm heart, a cheerful personality, and a special way of making those around her feel welcomed and cared for. Nanaw found happiness in the simple things in life and anyone who knew her knew how much she loved to clean. Keeping things neat and tidy wasn’t simply a chore to Nanaw—it was something she truly enjoyed and something her family will always smile about when remembering her. More than anything, Nanaw loved her family. She treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and those she held dear. Her love for her family was constant.
Nanaw was loved and cherished by her first husband, Gene (Buck) Simmons, the father of Ginny Enfinger and Brenda Jackson. Her second late husband, Morris Peters, was the father of Paul Peters, Mary Ann Shipes, and Herby Peters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Houston Heath and Eleanor Ard Heath; stepmom, Lutie Heath; sisters, Betty Moorehead and Margie West; brothers, Jimmy Ard Heath and Thomas Heath.
She is survived by her children, Ginny (Joe) Enfinger, Brenda (Terry) Jackson; grandchildren, Bill (Kristi) Enfinger, Clay (Kristie) Jackson, Robyn (Eddie) Logan; great grandchildren, Brooks, Ansbee Grace, Mack, Mary Morgan, Hayes, Grady, and Sawyer; stepchildren, Paul (Pam) Peters, Mary Ann (Scott) Shipes, and Herby (Leigh) Peters; stepsister, Judy Donohoo. Also not listed are numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy’s life was one filled with love, happiness, and devotion to those around her. While her family will deeply miss her presence, her smile, and the happiness she brought into their lives, they will find comfort in the many wonderful memories she leaves behind. To know Nancy was to be loved by Nancy and that love will live on through her family for generations to come.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mabson Cemetery Fund, C/O Mr. Harvey Monk, 2256 County Road 33, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Veronica Beth Stringer was born on March 7, 1966, in Queens, New York. On August 27, 2026, surrounded by love, Veronica received her ultimate healing and peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home. She was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was marked by strength, devotion, and a deep love for her family.
Veronica moved to Dothan from Long Island, New York, and made her home there with the same determination and pride that characterized every part of her life. She carried with her the values of hard work, honesty, and resilience, and she shared those values generously with the people around her. She was a woman who knew her own mind, spoke with honesty, and stood firmly in what she believed.
Veronica dedicated many years of her life to serving with the Alabama Department of Corrections from 1990 to 2015. Throughout her career, she demonstrated the strength, commitment, and work ethic that were so much a part of who she was.
Veronica accepted Christ as the head of her life and believed in keeping Him first. Her faith was an important part of who she was and guided the way she lived her life. She became known as someone who could be counted on, someone who stood firm in the face of challenges, and someone who carried herself with dignity in all that she did.
Veronica had a vibrant personality and was full of life. She loved her family deeply and found great happiness in being surrounded by those she cared for most. She shared a special bond with her grandmother, Ruth Kyles, whom she lovingly cared for, reflecting the devotion to family that remained central throughout her life. Her presence brought warmth and honesty to the lives of others, and she will be remembered for the way she spoke plainly, cared sincerely, and lived with a heart that was both strong and loving.
She is survived by her daughter, Erin Andrews (Carl); her granddaughter, Brooklyn Andrews; her brother, Gregory Stringer (Bayshore, New York); her sister, Vickie Stringer (Freeport, New York); her nieces, Nicole Ward (Riverhead, New York) and Ebony Jenkins (Garden City, New York); her nephew, Mark Harris (Germany); and a host of family members and friends who will cherish her memory and the many ways she touched their lives.
Her family was a source of great pride and joy to her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through them.
Veronica was preceded in death by her parents, James Person and Annie Pearl Stringer; her sister, Marylin Stringer; and her grandmother, Ruth Kyles. Though her family mourns her passing, they take comfort in the memories they shared and in the enduring impact of her life. Her journey was one of perseverance, commitment, and devotion to those she loved.
A celebration of Veronica’s life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, with Rev. Booker McMillian officiating. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
Infant James Waylon Burks, the son of James Cody & Jessica Renee (Nuckolls) Burks, was born peacefully sleeping early Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Southeast Health.
He is survived by his parents; his big sister, Eloise Anna’Lynn Nuckolls; his maternal grandparents, Mark & Kathy Nuckolls of Malvern; his paternal grandparents, Robby Burks of Hardaway, and Jennifer Schindler of Dothan; and his several aunts & uncles.
He was preceded by his great-grandmother, Iris Burks; and his great-uncle, Clinton Dean Burks.
In Memory of James Waylon Burks, the family ask for contributions to be made to one’s favorite charity.
Tiny Angel
For brief and fleeting moment, an angel touched the ground;
With tiny wings and halo, and sweet, soft angel sounds.
Blessing the lives of others, in beauty and in grace;
Those who saw the angel, knew God had kissed his tiny face.
The angel came for reasons we may not understand;
A journey brief, with gifts so great, and guided by God’s hand.
So, rest now tiny angel, your work on earth is through;
In the beauty of God’s perfect love we saw His gift in you.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
