Jerry Homer Best, a beacon of light and love in the lives of all who knew him, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, in Graceville, Florida. Born on October 23, 1946, in Houston County, Alabama, Jerry’s journey through life was marked by unwavering selflessness, a friendly demeanor, and a faith-filled heart that guided him every step of the way.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Best Family Cemetery in Pansey, Alabama. The family will receive friends at 12:00 P.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
Jerry was a proud graduate of Ashford High School, where he left a lasting legacy as an outstanding point guard on the basketball team. His love for sports, especially Alabama football, was a testament to his competitive spirit and loyalty, often echoing the cheer “Roll Tide” with great enthusiasm. Beyond the courts, Jerry dedicated 38 years of his life to the local paper mill, working diligently until his well-deserved retirement.
Not one to sit idle, Jerry was also a dedicated farmer, tending to his fields of peanuts, cotton, soybeans, wheat, oats, and rye with the same passion and dedication he applied to every aspect of his life. His connection to the land and the fruits of his labor were a source of great pride and joy.
In his leisure, Jerry could often be found with a fishing pole in hand, relishing the tranquility of nature, or spending time with his beloved pets. He was an avid fan of westerns, a genre that perhaps reflected his own adventurous spirit and strong moral compass. Jerry’s admiration for the legendary Bear Bryant was more than that of a fan; it was a reflection of his own commitment to excellence and determination.
Jerry was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Kermit Best and Francis Harper Best, his loving wife of 57 and a half years, Elner Best, and his brother, Mack Best. His legacy of love and compassion lives on through his children, Michael Best, Robyn Best, and Kerry Best. His grandchildren, Jayde Best Pepper (Boyd) and Anders Best Pybus, will carry forward his teachings and the fond memories of times spent together. His great-grandchildren, Janie Pepper and Jeddy Pepper, will grow up knowing their great-grandfather’s remarkable character through the stories that will be passed down. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Frederick Best.
Ramona Brunson Byrd, 68, of Dothan, Alabama, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 28, 1956, to the late Sybil and Graymon Brunson of Enterprise, Alabama, Ramona lived a life filled with faith, love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.
Ramona was a woman of many gifts. Her kindness and compassion radiated through everything she did, leaving a legacy of love and encouragement that will continue to inspire those blessed to know her. She had a heart for helping others, which was most evident when she and her husband, Lloyd, opened a daycare in 1998. Together, they built a nurturing and faith-filled environment where every child who walked through the doors felt safe and loved. Ramona’s team of caregivers became like family, and her ability to share the love of Christ with children and their families made an indelible impact on her community.
Family was Ramona’s greatest joy. She poured her heart into creating meaningful moments with her loved ones, whether gathering in the kitchen to cook one of her delicious meals, sharing stories around the dinner table, or laughing until tears rolled down her cheeks. Her humor and smile were infectious, and her warmth made everyone feel at home.
The beach was Ramona’s happy place, and she cherished her time there, soaking in the wonder of God’s creation. She never missed an opportunity to watch the sunset, marveling at the beauty of the colors painted across the sky and always giving thanks to her Creator for such a gift. After selling their beach property, Ramona and Lloyd began their next adventure—a dream farm in Kinsey. They built a beautiful home together, creating a haven where they spent their retirement caring for their cattle, nursing calves and injured animals, and enjoying quiet evenings on their front porch, basking in the view they had built with love and hard work.
Ramona also had a remarkable professional career. She spent 34 years with Time Warner Cable, including 25 years as General Manager. Her work ethic, leadership, and integrity left a lasting impression on her colleagues and employees. She retired in 2017, but her influence and example continued long after leaving the office.
Ramona’s strength and grace shone brightest during her courageous four-year battle with breast cancer. Even in the face of immense challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith, leaning on God’s promises and finding joy in every day. Her laughter, her unwavering faith, and her selflessness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved her.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Sybil and Graymon Brunson; sisters, Diana Haire and Sandra Manning; brother-in-law, Searcy Manning; grandson, Ethan Byrd; and nephew, Adam Manning.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 41 years, Lloyd Byrd; her children, Bran Byrd (Kristie), Ashley Schaule, Caitlin Byrd, and Jessi Lauren Byrd; her grandchildren, Logan Spann, Addysan Schaule, AnaLea Byrd, and Aiden Byrd; her great-granddaughter, Layla Spann; her sister, Carole Rainwater (Ken); her sisters-in-law, Tanya Stephens and J. Yveta Phillips; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her dearly.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home, with a celebration of her life to follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to honor Ramona’s journey and to support others in the fight against cancer.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice Services, especially Melissa, for the compassionate care and support provided to Ramona and her loved ones during her final days.
Ramona’s legacy is one of faith, family, love, and joy. She touched countless lives with her kind heart, her servant spirit, and her contagious laughter. While her earthly journey has come to an end, the memories she created will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew her. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, watching sunsets in the arms of her Savior.
Harrison Randolph “Rand” Christy, III, age 80, a resident of Dothan passed away January 17, 2025 at Extendicare Health Center.
A private family and friends service will be held at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Dothan Area Botanical Gardens at 5130 Headland Avenue Dothan, AL 36303.
Rand was born on August 6, 1944 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to U.S. Air Force Colonel Harrison Randolph Christy, Jr. and Catherine Willard Justice Christy. Rand lived in many places growing up and as an adult including Germany, England, Scotland, France, and the United States. He attended Gordonstoun School in his early years in Scotland, Dothan High School his senior year, and college years at Birmingham Southern. Rand was a historian and worked in administration for the Department of Agriculture, the Hariri Foundation and other non profit organizations.
Rand is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include several cousins and friends.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mr. James William “Jimbo” Blackwell, Jr., a resident of Skipperville, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at his residence. He was 59 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Blackwell was born October 6, 1965, in Columbus, Georgia, the son of the late James William “Jimmy” Blackwell, Sr. and Jackie Ann Harper Blackwell. He was known throughout the area as a well-known painter. Jimbo was a true Alabama fan who would always yell “Roll Tide”.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela “Pam” Walding Blackwell of Skipperville; his daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Adrian Brown of Ozark; twin sister, Jacqueline Wendy Hope (Kyle) of Tuskegee; sister, Pamela Ann Higginbotham (John) of Phenix City; brother, David Wayne Blackwell of Tuskegee; grandchildren, Liam, Kullan and Morgan; brothers-in-law, Keith Walding, Rocky Williams and Shane Williams; sisters-in-law, Tammy Walding and Jamie Williams; and his dogs, Nova, Emma Lou, Mater and Oreo. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Nettie Dianne Scarbrough, of Andalusia, AL, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was 75.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Dianne was preceded in death by her husband Roy Douglas Scarbrough and three brothers, Lonnie Smith, Buddy Smith and Tommy Smith.
Survivors include her three daughters, Dena Feagin, Jack, AL; Robin Scarbrough, Troy, AL; Keetra Carter (Ricky), Jack, AL; two sons, Douglas “Little Doug” Scarbrough, Troy, AL; Jeremy Scarbrough, Andalusia, AL; nine grandchildren, Justin Scarbrough, David Drinkard, Shania Smith, John Smith, Chasity Drinkard, Christopher Carter (Adri), Tyler Scarbrough, Zachary Scarbrough, and Hannah Williams (Kendall); eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; three sisters, Mary Wise, Opp, AL; Juanita Segers, Babbie, AL; Ada Wiggins, Andalusia, AL; brother, Lester “Bimbo” Smith, Andalusia, AL.
Charles Steven Locklar, of New Brockton, AL, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home. He was 64.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Rev. Cliff Quincey officiating. Burial will follow in Old Tabernacle Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents Ned Locklar and Remona Stevens.
Survivors include his brother, David Locklar (Gisela), Enterprise, AL; several aunts and uncles; special friend, Sheila Walters, Enterprise, AL.
Harrison Randolph “Rand” Christy, III, age 80, a resident of Dothan passed away January 17, 2025 at Extendicare Health Center.
