ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Scott D. “Harley” Adams, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at his home. He was 62.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Adams, son of the late Harold Eugene Adams and Ellen Mae Miller Adams, was a native of Lima, Ohio. He formerly lived in Florida before moving to the Ozark area thirty years ago. Mr. Adams was a veteran of the United States Army and was employed in the HVAC Industry. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and being with family and friends. Mr. Adams was preceded in death by a sister, Misty Dawn Adams.
Surviving relatives include his three children, Twyla, Jason, and Kyle; his half-sister; several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Bobbie Farmer Williams passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, with her son and
daughter-in-law by her side. Bobbie is survived by her son, Harry Cunningham and his wife
Shara, and their children Milly and Oliver. She is also survived by her sisters Hayward
(Merwin) Granberry, Peggy Fike, and Sandra Marotta, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law,
Judy and Allan Fowler, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bobbie
was preceded in death by her husband, Don Williams, her first husband, Harry
Cunningham, and her parents, Bernice and Aubrey Farmer.
Born in Headland, AL in 1947, Bobbie spent most of her life in Florida where she met many lifelong friends and built many incredible relationships. She worked for the Palm Beach
County Schoolboard and later worked for TGO Realty in Titusville. In 2021, Bobbie moved to
Fort Wayne, IN to be near her son and his family. There, she attended musicals and plays
for Milly and cheered on Oliver at his soccer matches, with great pride and celebration.
Always up for a new experience or adventure, she lived life to the fullest. Every stranger she
met always left as a friend.
Bobbie’s passing on the first day of Spring signaled a wonderful rebirth for her. May her
memory be a blessing.
A graveside service was held at Port Mayaca Cemetery, Canal Point, FL, on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 am.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in her
Sarah Pynes Batchelor, born January 13, 1943, in Houston County, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Southeast Health Medical Center, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Fair Daniel Pynes and Faye Johnson Pynes, as well as six brothers and two sisters. She leaves behind her beloved siblings: Dorothy Ryals, Mack Pynes (Merlene), Walter Pynes (Maxine), Dennis Pynes, and Linda McDaniel (Jesse), along with many nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.
A graveside service will take place at Liberty Chapel Baptist Church in Samson, Alabama, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
Sarah’s kind spirit, devotion to her family, and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Barbara Joan Poole Altonji, a beacon of faith and selflessness, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at the age of 93. She was surrounded by the love and comfort of her family in Dothan, Alabama. Barbara’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the well-being of family, of children and to the Catholic Church.
Barbara’s memory will be cherished by her loving children, Joseph (Kathleen) Altonji, Andrew (Stormy) Altonji, Cheryl (Philip) Green and Mark (Cathy) Altonji; her adored grandchildren, Aaron (Brandy) Altonji, Elizabeth (Adam) Berry, the late Dr. Kathryn Altonji (Jonathan Wolleben), Rev. Joshua Altonji, Christina (Daniel) Hicks, Dr. Samuel (Caroline Fry) Altonji, Major Michael (Elizabeth) Altonji, Casey Green, Hailey Altonji, Christopher (Elizabeth Ahler) Altonji, Hannah Altonji, Sarah Altonji and her eight treasured great- grandchildren, who brought her immense joy in her later years. She also leaves behind her cherished sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Poole (the late Francis Kenneth Poole). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph A. Altonji, parents James and Josephine Poole; her brothers Francis Kenneth Poole and James Poole and her granddaughter Dr. Kathryn Altonji.
Barbara grew up in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, NY. She met and fell in love with Joseph Altonji, a man born and raised two streets over that hung-out in the same social groups (CYO- Catholic Youth Organization). She attended Fordham University and graduated with a degree in education. Her professional life centered on children: teaching English and Math, coaching youth sports and teaching Sunday School (CCD) in each of the many states to which their life-journey took them. The family arrived in Scottsboro, AL in the summer of 1973, where she was given the opportunity to make a profound impact on Alabama’s statewide child development programs. She was instrumental in establishing the Jackson County Childhood Development Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, where she served as the Director for 29 years. Her work left an indelible mark on the community, touching the lives of countless families.
Barbara’s love for children extended beyond her professional efforts. Always ready to help a child in need, she took them into her care when necessary. Her dedication to her faith was equally strong. She was a devoted member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Scottsboro for over forty years, serving in roles of teacher and Director of Religious Education, and on the board and various committees.
In 2021 Barbara moved to Dothan, AL to live and learn with her loving daughter’s family. She continued reading books ravenously and praying the Rosary faithfully. She also became a devoted Atlanta Braves fan!
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home in Midland City, AL from 5-6pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 17205 Alabama Hwy. 35, Scottsboro, AL (35768). The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Joshua Altonji, with Fr. Thomas Woods (pastor) concelebrating. The family will receive friends from 10am-11am in the church. A breakfast reception will be given in the church hall beginning at 9:45am. Barbara will be laid to rest in Pinehaven Memorial Gardens, Hollywood, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or to the Dr. Katy Altonji Memorial Fund at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago at www.sralab.org/give-now.
Sarah Parker Blackburn, 79 years old, of Hartford, AL passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at her residence.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Hartford City Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Spivey and Rev. Scott Cox officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing
Mrs. Blackburn was born and raised in Hartford and was a 1963 graduate of Wicksburg High School. After graduation she began her career in bookkeeping until retirement. Sarah was a member of Hartford Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She was an avid Alabama fan and you could catch her watching every game during football and basketball season. She loved to crochet and do word searches in her free time. She also enjoyed shopping, shoes, and crystal bells. Sarah was a very loving and devoted praying mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.
Mrs. Blackburn was preceded in death by her spouse, Carols Randall Blackburn; parents, R.C.(Bob) Parker and Clara Mae Nall Parker; brother, Dennis Parker; sister and brother-in-law, Dollie & Foyette Austin; as well as aunts and uncles.
Survivors include a daughter, Denise (Mike) Fitzgerald of Hartford; step son, Chris (Mary Jane) Poole of Houston, TX; grandson, Jared Bottoms; granddaughter, Brianne Fitzgerald of Hartford; niece, Shanda (Kevin) Battles; nephews: Lee (Christi) Austin of Wicksburg; Jeff (Susie) Parker of Midlothan. TX; sister-in-law, Diana Parker of Midlothan. TX; great grandchildren: Noah Bottoms, Hadley Fitzgerald, Raschel Poole, and Riley Pool; Lisa Bottoms (Jason Fuqua) ), Scarlett Rose and Emily Kate of Marianna, along with many other family members and friends.
Pallbearers include, Johnny Isler, Jason Fuqua, Justin Daniels, William Hart, Tyler Johnson, and Trent Austin.
Flowers will be accepted as well as donations to be made to ACG Hospice in memory of Sarah Parker Blackburn. Send donations to ACG Hospice 966 Claxton Avenue Elba, AL 36323.
HILTON, GEORGIA. . .Norman Rupert Smothers, a resident of Hilton, Georgia, died Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025. He was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. (CDT) Tuesday April 8, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Jeff Brewer and Pastor Lori Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Headland Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M Tuesday at the mortuary in Headland.
Norman Smothers was born in the Echo Community in Dale County, Alabama, son of the late Mason Byrd Smothers and Cleo McKee Smothers. He was a 1957 graduate of Midland City High School. Mr. Smothers formerly lived in Echo and Columbia before moving to Hilton, Georgia in 1973. He was a member of Camp Springs Baptist Church where he served as church organist. He also attended Hilton Methodist Church where he served as church pianist. In earlier years, Mr. Smothers taught private piano and organ lessons. Mr. Smothers was retired as Operations Manager of Quick Buys Convenience Stores. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jennie Lou Crew, a brother, Byrd Smothers, Jr., and nieces, Botney Crew, Lisa Chandler. Jackie Smith, and a great-great niece, Kristyn Templeton.
Surviving relatives include a niece, Terri Mason (Jeff); great-nieces, Tabitha Boyett (Vance), Sara Griffin, Tasha Cook and Sandy Koch (Chris); great-nephews, Zac Mason, Geoffrey Crew, Sean Smith (Brandi) and Brian Smith (Samantha); special friend and caretaker, Pete Tyson and another special friend, Rickey Coleman.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
