Shirah Froehlich, a loving and spirited matriarch, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 84, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on March 4, 1941, in Enterprise, Alabama, Shirah was a woman of great faith, known for her fiery personality and the straightforward wisdom she generously shared with all who knew her.
Shirah’s early years in Enterprise were filled with the kind of small-town charm that shaped her into a resilient and caring individual. A proud graduate of Enterprise High School, she carried with her the memories and friendships that would last a lifetime. Shirah’s heart found its match in Gerhard Anton Froehlich, whom she married in her hometown. Together, they embarked on life’s journey, which later led them to settle in Dothan.
Shirah’s professional life mirrored her personal ethos of hard work and dedication. She began her career in a sewing factory, demonstrating her meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Later, she joined Sony Magnetics, where her commitment to quality was evident in every task she undertook. Eventually, Shirah found joy in the simple pleasures of being a taste tester at Sam’s Club, a role that suited her love for food and her sociable nature.
Beyond her professional life, Shirah was a woman of many interests and talents. She cherished the time spent with her family, whether it was playing Scrabble with her sisters or cooking her renowned dishes for her loved ones. Her adventurous spirit often led her to the excitement of casinos, where she indulged in the thrill of playing slot machines. Shirah’s love for travel was fulfilled through the serene moments spent at her timeshare in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
A fan of Elvis Gospel music, Shirah’s faith was as profound as her taste in music was impeccable. She lived a life that was faith-filled, guiding her family with love and instilling in them the values that she held dear. Shirah’s influence extended to her sons, Randy and Ronnie Clark; her daughter, Heidi (Kevin) Searcy; and her cherished grandchildren, Jasmin Clark, Kelsey Hovey, Cameron Hovey, Robbie Clark, Gary Allen (Mindy) Clark, and Erika (David) Clark. Her great-grandchildren, Laney and Sam Clark, will also remember her fondly. Shirah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerhard Anton Froehlich and her son, Allen Clark.
Shirah’s legacy of love and strength will be celebrated at a service on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Sunset Memorial Park, where her family and friends can come to honor her memory. The family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service, offering a time to share stories and remember the remarkable woman Shirah was.
In the tapestry of memories she leaves behind, Shirah Froehlich will be remembered as a beacon of love and a testament to a life well-lived. Her spirit, as indomitable in death as it was in life, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Mr. Bond Cade Collins passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 90.
Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church West in Wicksburg, Alabama with Brother Sam Bodo officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home directing. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service.
Mr. Collins was born in Wicksburg, AL on April 5, 1935 to the late John Frank and Estelle Bond Collins. Bond was a farmer and business owner. He was a proud and loving son, father, husband, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Genolyne Collins Stokes.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Kate Collins; sons: Matthew Kevin Collins and Stephen Erick Collins; grandchildren: Claudia Grace Collins, Haven Elizabeth Collins, Karis Ann Collins, Matthew Cade Collins, and Stevie Grace Collins; sisters: Amelia Ann Kuykendall and Camelia Jan McKnight; brothers: Joshua Sparks Collins and John Lewis Collins, and numerous other extended family and friends.
Billy Ray Kirkland, 77, of Newville, Ala., passed away peacefully Thursday, May 15, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Mr. Kirkland was born March 10, 1948, in Webb, Ala., to the late Lillie Mae McNeil Kirkland and Hughey Earl Kirkland. He was a member of the Houston County High School Class of 1968. He married the love of his life, Joanne Towns Kirkland, March 6, 1970.
After 35 years as a commercial truck driver, he retired with more than a million miles travelled accident free, winning numerous safety awards. He loved hunting, fishing, cooking and sharing meals with his family, friends and neighbors. He was a wonderful storyteller who thoroughly enjoyed entertaining others whether in-person or during one of his frequent phone calls to those he cherished. He was a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hosea Earl Kirkland and Bobby Gene Kirkland; and a brother-in-law, Mike Towns.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne; a daughter, Michelle Kirkland Smith (Jackie); two sons, Jason Aron Kirkland (Deana) and Jonathan Edward Kirkland (Krystal); all of Newville; a sister, Elizabeth Dialane Temples; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Towns, Sue Kirkland, and Jackie Kirkland; one brother-in-law, Bill Towns (Eilene); four grandsons, Jacob Smith (Libby), Johnathon Smith (Cassandra), Ethan Kirkland and Brody Combs; four granddaughters, Jacklyn Smith, Haley Kirkland, Avery Kirkland, and Zoey Combs; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ararat Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. prior to the service.
Serving as pallbearers are David Kirkland, Jacob Smith, Johnathon Smith, Caleb Towns, Joshua Towns and Matthew Towns.
Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Virginia Rabon Byers, a resident of Dothan, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at her residence. She was 74.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday May 24, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Pastor Robert Hamilton officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount Zion Assembly of God Food Pantry 1078 County Road 112 Midland City, Alabama 36350.
Virginia was born January 29, 1951 in Mobile, Alabama to the late William Lee and Milera Broadhead Rabon. She was raised in Mobile and moved to Dothan in 1985. Virginia was a Nurse by trade working in healthcare at various offices. She was active in her church and will be remembered as a family oriented loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wayne Rabon; husband, Mike Byers and a stepdaughter, Donna Royer.
Survivors include her son, Jonathan Walley and his wife Blair; granddaughter, Kayla Walley; two stepchildren, Krista Byers and Michael Byers; five step grandchildren; siblings, Linda Taylor, Warner Rabon (Barbara) and Marcia Rabon; sister in law, Jackie Rabon; brother in law, Larry Byers; special cousins, Earl and Sybil Starling and many nieces and nephews.
Reverend Thomas Gerald Hollis of Slocomb went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was 86.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Corinth Baptist Church, 134 Co. Rd. 60, Slocomb, AL with Reverend David Zorn officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Visitation and refreshments will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Growing up in Cottonwood / Dothan area, AL, Gerald developed a work ethic that followed him throughout life. A seminary graduate, Rev. Hollis pastored churches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Early in his ministry, he served as a music minister encouraging children, youth and adults to develop and use their gifts in worship. From mission trips to choir tours, revivals to normal Sundays, he could be found using his gifts to point other to Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, General Tullie Hollis and Tommie Richards Hollis; his brothers, Tullie Hollis Jr., Jimmy Hollis, and his twin, Robert Earl Hollis. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Linda Lott Hollis; sons Greg Hollis (Mary) and Mike Hollis (Lynn); five grandchildren, Heather, Hanna, Trevor, Bethany and Rachel; three great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Corinth Baptist Church, c/o Myra Bolen-Church Clerk, 4932 Co. Rd. 49, Slocomb, AL 36375.
Betty Jean Watford Coxwell, known affectionately as Betty by friends and family, passed away on May 14, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Houston County on October 24, 1936, Betty’s life was a tapestry of love for her family, faith, and selfless service in the ministry.
Betty was the beloved matriarch of a large and loving family. She is survived by her devoted children, Gary (Terrie) Coxwell, Sylvia (Jim) Martin, Rebecca (Dave Jr.) Franks, and Alicia (Steve) Weed. Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren, Steven (Serena) Martin, Rachel (Eric) Farrell, Elisabeth (Darrin) Hargrove, Nathan (Alyssa) Franks, Kailey (Kyle) Johnson, Celeste (Jasper) Nichols, Kacey (Brandon) Acree, and Klara Beth Weed; as well as her great-grandchildren, Tyler Martin, Katelyn Martin, Trey Martin, Elijah Hargrove, Junia Hargrove, William Atwood, Toby Martin, Lydia Atwood, Matthew Hargrove, Lincoln Franks, Logan Franks, Kora Johnson, Kinley Johnson, and Abigail Nichols. She also leaves behind her sisters, Katie Metcalf and Margie (Alan) McAllister; sister-in-law, Mary Watford; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews. Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Nancy Strickland Watford, by her husband, Rev. Thomas Coxwell, by her brother, Grady Luther Watford, and by her brother-in-law, James Douglas Metcalf.
Her journey began in Houston County, where her parents, Grady and Nancy Strickland Watford, raised her with strong values. Betty attended Slocomb High School, and her commitment to education was underscored when she received her GED the same year her youngest daughter graduated from high school. Betty was a beacon of dedication and resilience, qualities that were reflected in her role as a pastor’s wife and caregiver, where she served her community with grace and devotion.
Betty’s life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit and her loving heart. She was a woman who not only loved the Lord but also embodied His teachings in her everyday actions. Betty was a faithful member of Timbers Drive Free Will Baptist Church.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 2 pm on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Timbers Drive Free Will Baptist Church. It will be a time for friends and family to gather and remember a woman whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her. Betty will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, where her memory will be cherished. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 pm, offering a space to share stories and comfort one another.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Wiregrass Homecare, Westside Terrace, and Vitas Hospice, who provided Betty with exceptional care and compassion during her final days. Their kindness has been a source of comfort and support to the family in this time of sorrow.
Betty’s journey through life was marked by her loving nature, her faith-filled soul, and her selfless approach to all she did. She was a woman of remarkable strength, leaving a legacy that will be honored and remembered by all who were touched by her kindness.
