Timothy Scott Rafferty, known affectionately as Scott to his friends and family, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Born on December 2, 1963, in Decatur, Alabama to the late Edward Lee Rafferty and Margaret Ann McCulloch Rafferty, Scott was a cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and a loyal brother. He leaves behind a legacy of love, intelligence, and dedication that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Scott’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family. He is survived by his adoring wife of 40 years, Sandra Rafferty, and their three children, Ashton Reinelt (Josh), Houston Rafferty (Summer), and Rachael McCurdy (Jared). The joy of his life was further multiplied by his grandchildren, Owen and Ryanne Reinelt and Millicent and Margot McCurdy, who will miss their grandfather’s guiding presence. Scott also leaves behind his sisters, Pam Watford (Mike) and Missy Strength (Terry), his brother, Eddie Brown, sisters-in-law, Sherrie RaffertyThomas and Kim Rafferty Abbott. and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Rafferty, as well as his brothers, Kevin Rafferty, Mark Rafferty, and Matthew Rafferty.
A proud graduate of Ashford High School in 1982, Scott’s thirst for knowledge led him to Troy University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a successful career as an IT Director at Flower’s Hospital. Scott’s colleagues will remember him not only for his brilliant mind but also for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to lend a helping hand.
Outside of his professional life, Scott was a man of diverse interests and talents. His love for technology never waned, and he could often be found tinkering with computers, staying abreast of the latest advancements, and sharing his knowledge with others. Those who knew Scott would describe him as an intelligent and loving individual.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories shared by those who loved him and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
A service honoring the life of Scott will be held at 11 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at The Mount of Olives Memorial Garden in Cottonwood. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service at the church to offer their condolences and support.
Clara May Kelly Franklin March 27, 1930 – April 1, 2025
Clara Kelly Franklin, age 95, a resident of Dothan, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Westside Terrace Nursing Home.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025 at Gardens of Memory in Dothan, Alabama.
Born March 27, 1930, in Bratt, Florida (Escambia County), Clara was the eighth of fifteen children born to John Ora and Elvina (Gilley) Kelly. She was preceded in death by her parents and thirteen of her siblings.
Clara was also preceded in death by her son, Joe Franklin, and daughter-in-law, Mary Franklin.
She is survived by her loving family, including her daughter, Jean Fucich; two sons, Jimmy (Pam) Franklin and Jerry (Starla) Franklin; nine grandchildren: Wendy Franklin, Barbara (Matthew) Stowe, Tina Franklin, Joey (Amy) Franklin, Jessica (Tanner) Barefield, Zane (Vivian) Franklin, Jerry (Alison) Franklin, Suzanna (Hunter) Roberts, and Katie (Julian) Happy; twelve great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson, all of whom knew and loved her as “Honey.” She is also survived by her brother, Charles (Eloise) Kelly of Dunn, North Carolina.
Clara was a woman of many talents. She had a natural gift for gardening—she could grow anything. Her easy laugh, warm spirit and home cooked meals made her home a place of comfort for all who entered.
She was a devoted member of Dothan First Assembly of God for decades, where she shared her love and faith with many.
Fowler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Marie Johnson age 92 of Cowarts,Alabamapassed away Friday, March 28, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Marie was born October 8, 1932 in Tennessee to Brady and Pauline Horner Hux. She married Pastor Robert Franklin Johnson. She co-pastored with her husband for 54 years at Northwest Church of God in Knoxville, Tennessee. Together, they touched hundreds of lives. Marie worked as a surgical technician at the local hospital. The couple also worked in Gatlinburg at a wedding chapel. Marie played the organ and assisted her husband the Chaplain with the ceremony. She treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, family and friends. Marie also enjoyed her flowers and working in the yard.
Marie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Pastor Robert Franklin Johnson; daughter Robbie Gail Johnson age 3; parents Brady and Pauline Hux.
Leaving to cherish her memory, daughter Debra Kizer (Pastor Kerry Kizer); grandchildren Heather Nichols (Jeff), Ryan Kizer; great grandchildren Dustin Nichols (Brooke), Breanna Luffy (Stephen), Braden Nichols, Blaine Kizer, Harley Kizer, Adalee Kizer, Cooper Kizer; great-great grandchildren Asher Nichols, Wren Nichols, Hunter Nichols; brother Bennie Ray Hux (Loretta); sisters Fern Johnson, Linda Moore, Pam LaRue (Ray).
Mae Estelle Walker, 99, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Flowers Hospital, on April 1, 2025, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, a strong abiding faith and service to others.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Walker, and her parents, R. J. and Hattie Pearl Raybon, and siblings, Harmon Raybon, Edward Raybon, Esther Raybon Walker, Gene Raybon and Bessie Raybon Bridges. She is survived by her loving family – children, Larry Walker (Kim), Phyllis Walker Taylor (Fred), and Bruce Walker (Cheryl), her grandchildren, April Walker McKinion (Randy), Neil Walker (Susan), Bryan Taylor (Laurel), and Christina Taylor Russell (Drew), 10 great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews as well as many other close family and friends.
Born in humble beginnings, she left the farm and began her career at the local Hosiery Mill, where her work ethic was first recognized. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her decision to work from home—a choice made not for convenience but from dedication to serving her family. As an exceptional seamstress, she became well-known for her custom bedding, pillows and draperies for many families and businesses, including the old Houston County Courthouse.
In the kitchen, her talents were equally impressive. Known as a good cook and baker, her brownies became legendary among family, friends, and neighbors and were her signature creation, often requested for every gathering and celebration. Her table was always a place of warmth and welcome, with family recipes perfected through years of loving preparation becoming the centerpiece of celebrations and everyday moments alike.
Her pride and delight in her family was a source of great joy, and she found a friend in everyone she met. Those who knew her well will forever remember her infectious giggles. This joy stemmed from her unwavering faith, which served as the compass of her life. Her relationship with God informed every decision as well as her interactions with others.
Hard-working yet tender-hearted, she demonstrated daily that true strength lies in service to others. Her life was a beautiful testament to the power of selfless love and quiet devotion. She leaves behind a family who will strive to honor her memory by continuing her legacy of faith, generosity, and love. Though we mourn her absence, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived and the eternal peace she now enjoys.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Westside Terrace for their many years of dedicated love and care, and to the compassionate staff at Flowers Hospital, 6th Floor North, and Gentiva Hospice, for their exceptional care, dignity, and kindness during her final days.
A private graveside service will be held followed later by a celebration of life.