James L. Bledsoe, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 75. Born on September 3, 1949, James lived a life marked by selflessness and deep affection for his family and friends.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Bledsoe; his sister, Patricia Rackstraw and her husband Frank; his daughter, Juliet; his sons, James and Michael; his step-children, Chad, Carmen, Charlene, and Cameron; and four cherished nieces and nephews. Each of them benefited from his boundless love and unwavering support.
A Celebration of Life for James will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The service will be followed by a burial at Memory Hill Cemetery, with arrangements entrusted to Ward Wilson Funeral Home. James’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
Johnny Mack Whatley, Sr., a pillar of strength and a beacon of kindness, left this world on January 22, 2025, at the age of 89, in Dothan, Alabama. He was a man whose life was a testament to the values of love, faith, and community. Born on January 6, 1936, to the late Robert and Elizabeth Cox Whatley, John’s early years laid the foundation for a life full of achievement and service.
John, affectionately known by all who loved him, was a proud veteran of the US Army. After his service, he returned to his roots in Dothan, where he established himself as a respected farmer. His dedication to the land and his community was unwavering, and his work ethic was admired by many. In the late 1970s, he transitioned to the manufacturing industry, where he began a new career with the same vigor and commitment he had shown in farming.
He was a loving husband to his teenage sweetheart for 55 years, caring for her with unwavering devotion through her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. John’s role as a family man extended beyond his immediate circle as he was a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His children, Terri Knowles, Johnny (Angi) Whatley, Jr., and Russell (Anita) Whatley, his grandchildren, Shannon Smith, Matthew (Kimberly) Smith, Brynn (Sam) Dresser, Kadin (Kira) Whatley, Blake Whatley, and Britton Whatley, and his great-grandchildren, Andrew Davis, Dylan Smith, Griff Smith, and Eli Dresser, will forever hold dear the memories of his love and guidance.
John’s legacy is also carried on by his siblings, Mickey Whatley and Bobbie Whatley, along with numerous nieces and nephews who looked up to him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gennine, by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Whatley, his brothers Robert Whatley, Jr., and Bill Whatley, and his sisters Katherine Botscoe and Priscilla Hall.
An unwavering man of faith, John was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dothan. His commitment to his faith was evident in his role as a deacon, where he served with distinction, including several years as Chairman. His contributions to the church were significant, particularly his leadership on the building committee that oversaw the construction of the current sanctuary. He also shared his wisdom as a Sunday School teacher, impacting countless lives through his teachings.
John’s passion for life was matched by his love for golf, a game he played with enthusiasm and skill. He graced the greens 2-3 times a week and cherished the father/son tournaments with Blake and Britton. His love for the sport also took him on memorable trips to Hilton Head Island, where he enjoyed playing with his sons Johnny and Russell.
The words that best describe John are loving, faith-filled, and friendly. He was a man who touched the lives of many with his warm smile and generous spirit. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Brother Paul Edenfield officiating. John will be laid to rest with military honors in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, reuniting with his beloved wife. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. John’s life was a gift to us all, and his memory will be cherished forever. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Mr. John W. Shipman of Dothan passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 80
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, January 27, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Jake Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 A.M. Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Marthana Jane Manross Ward, fondly known as Marti, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at the age of 58, in Graceville, Florida. Born on December 27, 1966, at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Marti was a vibrant soul whose presence was felt like a burst of sunshine by everyone who knew her.
The daughter of Wayne Manross, Jr., and the late Jane Pauline Pleger Manross, Marti grew up with a strong sense of family and a contagious zest for life. Her sister, Robin D. (Scott) Brewster, remembers Marti as not just a sibling but a lifelong friend whose laughter and creativity brought joy to their family gatherings.
Marti’s passion for baking was not just a hobby but a form of expression that won her accolades, including the prestigious Bay County Baking Contest. Her kitchen was a magical place where flour, sugar, and a dash of her creative spirit produced treats that were much more than just desserts; they were edible manifestations of her love and care.
Her crafts were another outlet for her creative talents. With nimble fingers and an imaginative mind, Marti crafted beautiful creations that she generously shared with friends and family. Whether it was a handmade card or a carefully stitched quilt, each piece was a token of her generous spirit.
Marti’s poodles were her constant companions and a source of endless joy. She raised them with the same love and attention that she gave to every aspect of her life. Her furry friends were more than pets; they were a part of her family, a reflection of her loving nature.
To say that Marti was the life of the party would be an understatement. Her outgoing and talkative personality made her a natural at social gatherings. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and included, and her laughter was infectious.
As a friend, Marti was the epitome of warmth and friendliness. She had the gift of making connections with people from all walks of life. Her creativity was not just limited to her hobbies but was evident in her approach to life. She navigated the world with a creative flair that made ordinary moments extraordinary.
Marti’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and creativity. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated by all, especially her beloved father, Wayne, sister, Robin, brother, Wayne (Bud), nieces, Victoria and Elizabeth, along with the many friends who were like family to her.
As we bid farewell to Marti, we celebrate a life lived with passion and a spirit that will continue to inspire. Her journey on earth may have ended, but her story—a beautiful tapestry woven with joy, creativity, and friendship—will live on forever in the memories of those who loved her.
Mr. Jesse Tildon Brown, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 22, 2025, in Southeast Health Medical Center. He was 84 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Brown will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Dan Sheppard officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Mr. Brown was born July 29, 1940 in the Bertha Community of Dale County to the late Jesse Loyd Brown and Mary Ossie Snell Brown. He was a 1958 graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark. Following graduation, he worked with A & P Grocery in Ozark and the Commissary at Fort Rucker. He then worked with the United States Postal Service for 42 years until his retirement in 2000. After his retirement, Mr. Brown worked with Armstrong Trucking and with Blankenship Construction.
Mr. Brown was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for several years. He enjoyed raising cows and loved hunting arrow heads and studying about Native Americans. Mr. Brown loved his fur babies, Saydi and Sammy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Heath Brown. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Heath Brown; daughter, Lori Brown Blankenship (Mark); son, Jay Brown (Shelley); brother, Jimmy Brown (Cheryl); grandchildren, Brittany Blankenship Johnson (Troy), Jordan Blankenship Davis (Nick), Brandon Whipple and Kristen Nicole Tanner (Alex); great grandchildren, Ellis Johnson, Ella Beth Johnson, Romah Davis, Hamp Davis, Noah Davis, Knox Davis, Ford Davis, Jesse Tanner, Kayleigh Tanner and Michael Tanner.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Terry Allen Cole, known affectionately as Terry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Pensacola, Florida, Terry was a man whose quick wit and loving nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Terry’s life was one marked by dedication and service. For seventeen years, he served honorably in the National Guard, a commitment that spoke to his selfless character. In addition to his military service, he contributed to his community through his work at Thompson Tractor Company, where he spent twenty fruitful years.
Beyond his professional life, Terry was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman, often found with a line in the water, waiting patiently for the next big catch. His sense of humor was infectious, and he was always ready with a joke or a funny story to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him.
Terry’s love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Cole, and their children, Amanda Cole, April (Alan) Stephens, and Allen (Emily) Cole. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, Daniel, John David, and Katie, who will miss his playful spirit and tender care.
He also leaves behind his brother, David (Shirley) Cole, his sister, Kathy Armstrong, and his stepbrother, Ray (Mary) Norris, along with several nieces and nephews. Each of them will carry forward the memories of Terry’s generosity and the love he shared so freely.
Terry’s life was a testament to the qualities that best describe him: funny, loving, and selfless. He had the rare ability to make each person he met feel valued and important, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
As we say goodbye to Terry Allen Cole, we celebrate a life lived with laughter, love, and a deep commitment to others. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his stories will be told for generations to come. Terry’s life was a journey of joy, companionship, and unwavering love—a journey that has left an indelible mark on the world.
Funeral Services will be held 11 am Saturday, January 25, 2025 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors will be held in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the ceremony at the funeral home.
