Rita Ellen Isler Cureton, a resident of Madrid, died Friday, January 24, 2025 at her residence. She was 57.
Funeral services for Rita will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Bishop Joe Patterson and Reverend Charlie Joyner officiating. Burial will follow at Madrid City cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 1:45 Pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
Rita was born April 16, 1967 in Homestead, Florida to the late James Iverson and Grace Elizabeth Monk Isler. She moved to the Dothan area at an early age and was a graduate of Dothan High School. Rita attended college and began her work career at Ansell, General Cigar and later retiring from McLane Trucking. She was a member of United Pentecostals of Dothan and enjoyed crafting, shopping and spending time with family.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings.
Survivors include her husband, John Cureton; children, Monica Grace Isler Sims (Skyler), Stacy Foster (Bobby), Kristi Adams (Ron), Stephen Cureton (Brittany) and Kay Cureton; grandchildren, Eli Adams, Kaleigh Adams, Wyatt Isler, Chloe Foster, Lylah Cureton, Bryce Foster, Jonah Sims, Greysen Adams, Carson Cureton, Zacc Cureton, Haylee Cureton and Emmett Cureton; siblings, Karen Mills (Jerry), Nora Forrest (Danny), Sandra Isler, Janice Floyd (Stan) and Paul Isler.
Wilmer McCormick was born Dec. 8, 1936, to Walter McCormick and Ruth (Holman) McCormick in Darlington, FL, and died there Jan. 22, 2025.
He married his “one and only love,” Carolyn Voss McCormick, on June 6, 1955. They had two sons, Wilbur Ray McCormick and David Wayne McCormick, a granddaughter, Hope Jenece McCormick, and grandson, Marshall Codie McCormick.
Wilmer loved his family dearly and he loved God. He was a lifelong musician and construction worker who never met a stranger.
As a teen, he performed around Geneva, AL, and was a DJ at WGEA radio station. In Nashville, TN, Wilmer sang at Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop and performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
He built houses and served as Walton County Building Inspector in the 1980s. In his mid-30s he began using his musical talent to glorify God and evangelize. He also built and repaired instruments. He helped lead a prison ministry in Walton County, FL, as a volunteer for 26 years.
Wilmer was a member of the Lower Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter McCormick and Ruth (Holman) McCormick; sisters Lillian, Lila, Lily, Lolie “Lou”, and Lunita; brother William; and grandson Marshall Codie McCormick.
Survived by his wife, Carolyn (Voss) McCormick; sons Wilbur Ray McCormick and David Wayne McCormick; daughters-in-law Patty (Berry) McCormick and Janet (Kirkland) McCormick; granddaughter Hope Jenece McCormick; brother Walter McCormick Jr.; and several relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at The Garden cemetery in Darlington, FL.
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
Marvin Carter Phillips, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 79 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 22, 1945, in Columbus, Georgia, Marvin’s life was a testament to his unwavering kindness and selfless nature.
After graduating high school, Marvin answered the call to serve his country and proudly joined the Army. His bravery and dedication were evident as he fought in the Vietnam War. It was during his time in the military that he met the love of his life, Sen Phillips. The two were inseparable and their love blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted 58 years.
Following his honorable military service, Marvin continued to serve his community through his work at Fort Rucker, where he meticulously repaired night vision goggles, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the equipment for those who followed in his footsteps to protect our nation.
Marvin was the beloved patriarch of his family, which includes his devoted wife, Sen Phillips; his children, Kim Phillips, Cindy Rudisill, John Phillips, and Steven Phillips; his grandchildren, John Michael Phillips, Kacie Phillips, Mickey Rudisill, and Emma Fisher; his great-grandchildren, Skylar Phillips and Robyn Phillips. He was a guiding light and source of unwavering support for them all. Marvin was also a loving brother to Rodney Phillips and Barbara Vlass; and uncle to nephew Geoff Collins. He was predeceased by his grandson Cris Phillips, and his brother Jerry Blackmon.
Those who knew Marvin would describe him as the epitome of a “super dad.” He was always there for his children and grandchildren, providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. His humble approach to life and the love he had for his family were evident in every interaction.
Marvin’s love for the outdoors was a significant part of his life. He found solace in fishing and gardening, two pastimes that allowed him to connect with nature and impart his knowledge and passion to his children and grandchildren. His home was a sanctuary for animals, where he cared for dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, and even nurtured his love for aquatic life through fishing.
A man of deep faith, Marvin was also known as a “fisher of men.” He dedicated many hours ministering to those in prison, bringing hope and spiritual guidance to those seeking redemption and a new path in life.
Marvin’s kindness extended beyond his family and friends; it was a trait that he freely gave to all who crossed his path. His selfless acts, often done without a desire for recognition, touched the lives of many and left a legacy of compassion that will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with Brother Charles Goldsmith officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mary Alice Robinson of Geneva passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was 65 years old.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Geneva with Father Zachary Greenwell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Geneva with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., at which time we will depart for the church.
Mary was born on October 27, 1959, in Buffalo, NY. Mary attended Merle Wallace Purvis Center in Geneva for a number of years. She enjoyed coloring, dancing, listening to music, reading and solving her word search puzzles. She learned to sew, quilt and operate a computer, with help from her brother. Mary had a gift of humor and never met a stranger. Once you met her, you were forever her friend. Two things she enjoyed most were watching Jackie Gleason on television and sneaking her chocolate candy, when she could get by with it. She was loved much and will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Barnes Robinson; one brother and sister-in-law, Michael Paul Robinson (Linda) and one sister, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Robinson.
She is survived by her loving and devoted father, Burton P. Robinson, Jr. of Geneva; sister and brother, Susan Robinson Meidenbauer, John Burton Robinson (Holly) all of Geneva; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John F. Simmons, Sr. as well as Wiregrass Nursing Home for their devoted love and care of Mary throughout the years.
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
Mr. Joseph Wayne McLean, of Slocomb, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at his home. He was 49.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM at 328 Old Fadette Road in Slocomb, Alabama.
Mr. McLean was born on September 19, 1975, in Brunswick County, North Carolina to Stevens and Glenda Brisson McLean. Joseph worked with Houston County Maintenance.
Survivors include his wife, Kim Hope McLean; son, Jacob McLean; daughters: Emily McLean and Stevie McLean; Sisters: Stephanie Stover(John) and Joy Carpenter(John); niece, Kimberlee Stover and nephew, Zachary Stover; and other extended family and friends.
ABBEVILLE. . .Albert Harold McCoy, a resident of Abbeville, passed away Thursday night, January 23, 2025, at his home. He was 86.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Henry Fullington and Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow in Abbeville Memorial Cemetery-East. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, c/o Claudia Trawick, 213 McClendon Drive, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Mr. McCoy was born and reared in Henry County, near Newville, son of the late Daniel Albert McCoy and Georgia Pearl Arnold McCoy. He served his country in the Army National Guard in the Abbeville unit. Mr. McCoy was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was employed for most of his lifetime as the Manager of the Piggly Wiggly (Food Giant) and retired after forty-five years. Mr. McCoy was also engaged in cattle farming. He was preceded in death by his his brothers, Floyd McCoy, Robert McCoy, Louie McCoy and Jack McCoy.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-nine years, Lois Carr McCoy, a daughter, Kelli McCoy Searcy (Robert), Abbeville; a son, Dr. Chris McCoy (Donna), Capps, AL; a brother, Billy McCoy (Libby), Abbeville; sisters-in-law, Joyce McCoy, Diane Perry Edwards, Dot McCoy Long and Lougenia Carr Hudspeth (Joey); grandchildren, Cason McCoy (Deanna), Cailin McCoy and Payton Searcy; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Bobby McCoy, Jeff McCoy, Jess McCoy, Tim McCoy, Cason McCoy, Payton Searcy and Gene Arnold. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Mr. McCoy at Piggly Wiggly and Food Giant.
The family would like to express their appreciation to special caregivers, Rebecca Murray and Ruth Lawrence for the loving care and kindness shown to Mr. McCoy during his illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
