Marilyn Starr Whitehead, age 88, a resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on April 3, 2025.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Cottonwood City Cemetery in Cottonwood, Alabama.
Starr was born on September 16, 1936 to Victoria and Ancil Hughes in Cottonwood, AL. In December of 1953, she married the love of her life, Charles Raymond Whitehead, while he was home on a furlough from the Army. She graduated from high school in the spring of 1954. Then she rode a train to New York City and later set sail alone to Kaiserslaughtern, Germany where her and Charles started their married life while being stationed with the Army. After Charles was honorably discharged from the Army, they moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for him to pursue a degree at the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! While living in Tuscaloosa, Starr gave birth to their first two children, Charles Whitehead, Jr. in 1957 and Patti (Whitehead) Walker in 1959. When Charles graduated from The University of Alabama, all the wives earned degrees signed by the president of Alabama called the PHT-Putting Hubby Through. After living for a short time in Orlando, they moved to Fort Walton Beach. In 1964, Starr gave birth to Mark Whitehead. As Charles’ career progressed, Starr found her place in Fort Walton Beach, FL. She took art classes, held positions in her kids’ PTAs (Parent Teacher Association), was president of the Vitro Wives Club, and president of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. In 1969, she gave birth to her fourth child, Shelley (Whitehead) Rynearson. In 1987, Starr opened a gift shop called P.S. Gifts. She had a keen eye for special gifts and knickknacks and her store became a landmark place for locals to shop. She ran the gift shop until she sold it to another owner in 1995. Starr was very creative and enjoyed finding ways to express her artistic talents. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing clothing and other pieces for her family. She was a gifted artist and painted beautiful landscapes. She spent many years making gorgeous silk flower arrangements and wreaths that were highly sough after in the community, especially at Shalimar United Methodist Church’s annual Holly Fair. Her and Charles were faithful members of Shalimar United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the chancel choir for many years as well as holding various leadership positions in the church. She thoroughly enjoyed finding and collecting antiques. She sold many of these antiques at booths in Destin, Florida and Dothan, Alabama even into recent years. Starr was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was a classy lady who loved life and will be greatly missed by her family and many others.
Starr is preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-eight years and the love of her life, Charles Whitehead, Sr. She is survived by two siblings, Nellie Jean Grace of Dothan, AL and Tony Hughes (Beth) of Clanton, AL. She is also survived by four children, Chuck Whitehead, Jr., Patti Walker (Wayne), Mark Whitehead, and Shelley Rynearson; nine grandchildren, Starr Olivo (Rudy), Josh Walker (Ashley), Shelley Thiess (Jeremy), J.R. Rynearson (Shelby), Skyler Rasbeck (Bo), Storme Holton (Tyler), Jacob Rynearson, Jordan Serio (Matt), and Chase Whitehead; fifteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mr. Mark Randall Littlejohn, a resident of Dothan, died Friday, April 4, 2025. He was 61 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Mr. Littlejohn. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
COWARTS… Jolene Ann Johnson, a resident of Cowarts, Alabama, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at a Dothan Hospital. She was 71.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Margate, England to the late James Emmett Dent and Janet Davie Dent. She obtained her Master of Special Education from Grand Canyon University and the University of Phoenix. She taught school in Colorado Springs before moving back to Cowarts, Alabama nine years ago. She was a member of the Newton Methodist Church.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Phillip Johnson; her daughters, Amy Jo Meuli (Todd), Erica Lee Larsen (Mark Robinson), and Sara Jane Larsen; her sister, Tina Nelson (Thomas); and her brothers, Jonathan Dent (Kathy) and Perry Dent.
Mrs. Mae F. Nichols Davis, age 93, of Ozark, passed away Saturday morning, April 5, 2025, at her residence.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 P. M. Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home, 995 South Union Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360, with Chaplain Seth Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens in Ozark, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Mrs. Davis’s family will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Davis was born July 19, 1931, in Coffee County, a daughter of the late Oscar and Neoma (Snow) Nichols. She was a member of Pinckard Baptist Church and worked at Ft. Rucker (Ft. Novosel) for 27 years. She enjoyed taking cruises, gardening, fishing and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Davis was a die-hard Alabama Crimson Tide fan.
Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delmas Davis; one grandson, Jason Haney; three brothers, Hilmer Nichols, Bill Nichols and Don Nichols; and three sisters, Sybil Hart, Annie Ruth LeCompte and Bobbie Jo Walters.
Mrs. Davis is survived by her children- sons, Wilson Robertson and Oscar Robertson of Ozark; daughters, Deborah King (Dave) of Dothan, Janie Ward (Maurice) of Dothan and Mala VonGunten of Davie, Florida; stepchildren, Ricky Davis (Jackie) of Ozark and Vicky Snell of Ozark; grandchildren, James King, Natalie Altiner, Sommer Wilson, Amanda Shelley, Joshua Robertson, Clay Robertson, Kevin Snell, Brandon Snell, Tori Davis; thirteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and special friend, Kay Robertson. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
Tina Marie Franklin passed away peacefully at her residence on April 7, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on September 17, 1973, Tina’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering generosity and love for her family.
Tina was predeceased by her parents, Joe Franklin and Mary Howard Franklin. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her wife, Eugenia Hayes, and her son, Garrett Money. Tina’s legacy of love and laughter will also live on through her sister, Wendy Franklin, brother, Joey Franklin (Amy), her stepchildren, Ivanna Irvine, Brook Sims (Bailey), and Dustin Hayes (Seara), and her step-grandchildren, Everleigh and Hastien Sims, and Emerson Hayes.
A memorial service will be held at 2PM Sunday, April 13, 2025 in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Bolin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM in the chapel. Flowers will be accepted.
For 17 years, Tina dedicated her professional life to Georgia Pacific, where she was not only a valued employee but also a friend to many. Her commitment to her work was paralleled by her involvement with United Steelworkers Local 1703, where she stood in solidarity with her colleagues. Tina’s was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, where she found great comfort and community.
Throughout her life, Tina found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially when surrounded by family and nature. Tina’s loved the outdoors, fishing, shooting pool and simply hanging out with her family and friends.
Those who knew Tina would describe her as the epitome of kindness with a huge heart. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her adventurous soul led her to embrace life’s challenges with grace and courage. Tina’s battle with cancer was fought with the same tenacity and strength that characterized her entire life. Her memory will be treasured in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Linda Hall passed away peacefully at her residence on April 4, 2025, at the age of 58. Born on June 15, 1966, to the late Eddie and Jo Ann Hall, Linda’s life was a testament to the power of compassion and family devotion.
Linda’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her loved ones. She is survived by her husband; Anthony McLaughlin, who stood by her side in both joy and sorrow. Her children; Belinda Hall (Jessie), Lisa Hall, and Terry Hall (Heather) Brother; David Hall (Darlene). Stepdaughter; Amber McLaughlin (Kyle). Grandchildren, Linda Paige Griffin, Buckshot, Harley Cassidy, Lilly Hall, and Zaide Daniels. Great-grandson; Zhier Young Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Linda faced her battle with cancer with the same courage and grace that characterized her approach to all of life’s challenges. Linda’s strength during this time was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Linda’s faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a dedicated member of Tabernacle Praise in Chipley, Florida. Her spiritual devotion was evident in her everyday actions and the way she treated others. Linda’s love for her family was paralleled only by her love for her church community, where she found solace and fellowship.
Her interests were simple, as she found joy in watching TV and spending quality time with her family. These moments, often filled with laughter and storytelling, Linda was the embodiment of kindness and loving spirit. Her gentle demeanor and warm smile were a comfort to all who had the privilege of crossing her path. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel seen and heard, and her presence was a source of calm in a bustling world.
As we bid farewell to Linda Hall, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and generosity. Her legacy is one of love, a guiding light that will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched.
A memorial service will held at 2 PM Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Tabernacle Praise Church in Chipley, FL.
Marilyn Starr Whitehead, age 88, a resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on April 3, 2025.
