Marjorie Faye Hardy Bruce of Wicksburg went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church with Rev. Allan Singley and Rev. Buddy Hood officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Building Fund or to Pilgrim Home Cornerstone (Senior Citizen) Fund address 13534 US 84 West Newton, Al. 36352
Mrs. Bruce was born March 7, 1935, to the late Claude Avon and Katherine Langham Purdy. Margie was born and raised in Lambert Mississippi where she attended Lambert High School. She married Walter Hardy and became an army wife for 18 years. After Walt retired from the Army they resided in Newton. Following Walt’s death in 1970, Margie made the decision to stay in Newton and raise her four children, later moving to the Wicksburg community when she met and married Durwood Bruce. Margie was employed by Fort Rucker Exchange (PX) as a Warehouse Manager for 30 years, after a few months of retirement she went back to the PX and worked part time for the next 12 years. In addition to her job at the PX, Margie also worked with her husband Durwood at Bruce Mercantile and Hardware store in Newton. She enjoyed working in her beautiful flower garden and being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Margie was a faithful member of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church. She loved her preacher, Bro Buddy Hood and her church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Katherine Purdy; husband of 18 years, Walter Hardy; husband of 45 years, Durwood Bruce; infant daughter, Deborah Faye Hardy; granddaughter, Amy Hardy; grandson, Jeremy Bruce; sister, Mayford Escue; brother, Charles (Bub) Purdy; and sister-in-law, Frankie Purdy.
Survivors include her daughters: Sharon (Dewayne) Anderson, Carol Hardy Sellers, and Renay Bruce; sons: Walter E Hardy, Kenneth (Susan) Hardy, and Gary (Cathy) Bruce; grandchildren: Shannon (Doug) Jimmerson, Susan (Kevin) Broyles, Joshua (Tanya) Hardy, Amanda (Bart) Mathis, Staci Peterson, Hunter (Katiera) Sellers, Luther (Melissa) Hardy, Heather (Joe) Brooks, and Megan Knight, 13 great grandchildren; one great grandchild; sisters: Shelby Williams (TN), and Shirley “Sissy” Gentry (AL); sister-in-law, Barbara Hardy (MS); brother: Bill Purdy (MS); several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank Westside Terrace, for the care Margie was given while she was a resident there including the times they let her sit at the nurses’ station on Mulberry Lane and give her “work” to do. Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice for their care and guidance.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference” To sign a guest register, please visit
Jerry Wayne Coskrey, known affectionately as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on January 11, 1947, in Houston County, Alabama, where he lived his entire life, Jerry was known by his unwavering kindness, selflessness, and loving nature.
Jerry graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1965, where he showcased his athletic spirit on the football field and on the track. His passion for sports was only rivaled by his dedication to his community and his career in the grocery business, where he spent his entire working life, including many years at McCormick Spice Company and Piggly Wiggly.
Jerry was the beloved husband of Peggy Coskrey, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage filled with love, support, and cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that includes their children, Michelle Lawson (Chris), Brian Coskrey, Beth Sizemore (Dewayne), and Caleb Coskrey (Anna Norris), who will forever remember their father’s dedication to their wellbeing and happiness.
His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cheyanna Clark (Ben Hoefly), Coby Clark (Abi Garner), and Jacob Sizemore (Caroline Turochy), who will carry forward his lessons of kindness and the importance of family. Jerry also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Brackin, Martha Kingry, and Lucy Bowers, who will miss his presence deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Bob and Mary Goodson Coskrey; his brother, John Coskrey; sister-in-law, Carolyn Coskrey; and brother-in-laws, Ken Bowers, Al Brackin, and James Kingry.
Jerry’s interests and hobbies reflected his love for life and his commitment to his family. He was a fixture at the local McDonald’s, where he would enjoy his coffee while engaging in lively discussions with friends, often attempting to “solve all the world’s problems.” A true people person, Jerry never missed an opportunity to help others and was always there to lend an ear or a hand.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were special times for Jerry, as he loved to grill and share meals with his family, making each holiday a memorable occasion. He cherished his moments by the water, whether it was at Crystal Lake or Lake Eufaula skiing and fishing with his family. A loyal fan of Alabama football, Jerry’s enthusiasm for the game was infectious.
Jerry’s life was a testament to his character—loyal, trustworthy, kind, and honorable. He never failed to take care of his family, and his selfless nature ensured that he was always there for them in times of need. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his infectious laughter, and his genuine concern for others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2024 from the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Rev. Travis Free officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30pm on Friday until the service begins at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. Attn: Dothan Group Home at 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane Birmingham, AL 35216
Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Coskrey, Steven Kingry, Paul Kingry, David Johnson, Adam Treadwell, Jason Parker, Hugh Myrick, and Kevin Donaldson. Honorary pallbearers include his weekly coffee drinking buddies.
I want to share what has been heavily on my mind for a long time now and I have shared my feelings with some local funeral homes and maybe just maybe it will give some comfort to future grieving families …
There’s a quote that says
“ One small change can make a big difference “
Before I did the Angel Of Hope the standard norm of obituaries never stood out to me but after talking to hundreds of parents every year for 9 years who have lost a child I look at many things in life differently. Not sure you remember me telling you that I worked part time at Ward Wilson in the 1980’s. Obituaries have for as far back as I can remember been written with everything in the past tense……….
John was the son of..
Jane was the daughter of…
John was the father of…
Jane was the parent of.
And then……….
John LOVED his family
Jane LOVED her family
People have their own beliefs about the Bible’s interpretation of what happens after we die …but I believe if the obituary could be written…..
John IS the son of…
Jane IS the daughter of…
John LOVES his family
Jane LOVES her family
John IS the father of
Jane IS the mother of……
Maybe that might give just a small bit of comfort to the families .
I’ll always be my children’s father even after I’m gone
And my children and everyone else’s children will ALWAYS be my children and their children.
I know the computer programs and especially AI now that it exists automatically writes or gives hints to creating an obituary.
But Maybe. Just Maybe!!
If you could help change how they are written it might just help families.
I, just like you, will ALWAYS love my children after I’m gone…
Please don’t let anyone write in my obituary that I LOVED my children.
Just a thought.
Hopefully this will be that
SMALL CHANGE THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Margie Bass Holland, of Enterprise, AL passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 in Enterprise with her family by her side. She was 93.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 7, 2025 Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Walker and Rev. Bryan Simoneaux officiating. Burial will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home & Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 4127 Rucker Blvd, Enterprise, AL 36330.
She retired from the Enterprise City School system as a lunchroom worker at College Street Elementary School.
Mrs. Holland was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Oscar E. Holland, son Rickey E. Holland, sisters Willene McLean, Audie Murdoch McLean, Flora Mae Holt, Thelma McLean and Will Dalrymple, and brothers Howard Bass, Edd Bass, and Harold Bass.
Survivors include her daughter, Faye Waters (Jerry); daughter-in-law, Sandra Holland; two grandchildren, Amanda Waldrop (Steve) and Drew Holland (Nina); two great-grandchildren, Blake Waldrop and Cayson Holland all of Enterprise, AL.
Serving as pallbearers are Drew Holland, Jerry Waters, Blake Waldrop, Cayson Holland, Col. Steven Waldrop and Todd Waters.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sam Sawyer and DaySpring Hospice.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com .
Phillip Renee Gainey, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at his home. He was 66.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Phillip was preceded in death by his father David Gainey, daughter Jessica Gainey, and granddaughter McKenzie Speigner.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Gainey, Enterprise, AL; grandson, Trey Pittman, Panama City, FL; sister, DeeDee Harris, Dahlonega, GA; niece, Allison Harris, Wilmington, NC; two nephews, Tyler Harris, Gainesville, GA; John Harris (Ashley), Chicago, IL.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com .
NEWTON…Mr. Larry Burcham, a resident of Newton, passed away early Tuesday morning, February 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 68.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 7, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the church.
Mr. Burcham, son of the late Arnold McClellan Burcham and Ida Mae Goad Mazzeo, was a native of Galax, Virginia. He moved to Newton in 1975 and was retired from Quality Ready Mix in Midland City as the Office Manager. In earlier years, he was employed with Couch, Incorporated. Mr. Burcham always enjoyed being with his family and was a loving and caring husband, daddy, and Papa. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Newton. Mr. Burcham was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Mae Grimsley and an uncle, Arthur “Buck” Burcham.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-six years, Paula Beasley Burcham, Newton; two daughters, Misty Cherry (Mike), Newton and Kristy Barefield (Patrick), Brown’s Crossroads Community; two granddaughters, Madelyn Cherry and Reese Barefield; three nephews, Aaron Gartlan, Wicksburg, Patrick Gartlan, Australia, and Jesse Beasley (Wendy), Newton; niece, Jolie Beasley (Devin Fields), Pinckard; great nieces, Ashlyn Beasley and Emersyn Fields; great-nephew, Aaron Beasley; several aunts and uncles, including Shirley Burcham, and her daughter, his cousin, Lydia Sutphin (Hal), all of Galax, Virginia; his mother-in-law, Nell Bodiford (David), Newton; brother-in-law, Pete Beasley (Kim), Midland City; his “work family”, the workers at Quality Ready Mix.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Patrick Barefield, Mike Cherry, Aaron Gartlan, Ben Johnson, David Bodiford, Pete Beasley, Aaron Beasley, and Jesse Beasley.
He always be remembered as “Man’s Man, but a gentle girl dad and Papa”. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
