OZARK…Mrs. Mary Louise Gonzalez, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday afternoon, January 29, 2025, at her home. She was 83.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penny’s Pantry of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 475 Camilla Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Mrs. Gonzalez, daughter of Henry Gonzales, Sr. and Crecencia Gonzalez Gonzales, was a native of Waco, Texas. She was a 1960 Graduate of Waco High School, Waco, Texas and 4 C’s Business College. Mrs. Gonzalez lived in various locations in the United States, while her husband served in the United States Army, prior to moving to Ozark in 1984. Over the past few years, she enjoyed being a “Band Mother” of the Carroll High School Marching Band. Mrs. Gonzalez was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was one of the founding members of the food pantry. In recognition of her faithful service to the church, she was recently awarded Christ the King Medal. Mrs. Gonzalez was preceded in death by her siblings, Beatrice, Carol, Geneva, Henry, Irene, and Richard.
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty-seven years, Juan J. Gonzalez; her children, Christine Herrera, Jackie Dover (Stephen), Henry Gonzalez, Floriselda Molina (Cristian), Brenda Simechak (Matthew), Crystal Kitchens (Christopher), Juan J Gonzalez (Monica); her siblings, Alfred, Bobby, Charlie, Dorothy, Joe, Paul, Pete, and Steve; grandchildren, Randall Herrera, Curtis Herrera, Maria Garza, David Garza, Christopher Gonzalez, InaYa Molina, Catherine Molina, Katelyn Simechak, Alsatia Kitchens, Noah Kitchens, Violet Gonzalez, Scarlett Gonzalez, and Jett Gonzalez; eleven great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Henry Gonzalez, Matt Simechak, Juan J Gonzalez, Cristian Molina, Chris Kitchens, and Eric Cedeno.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Joseph Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson, a pillar of strength and generosity, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on December 22, 1946, in Dale County, Tommy was a beacon of love and support to all who knew him.
Tommy’s life was a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. He was a lifelong farmer, tending to the land with a deep respect for nature and the community that it sustained. His years working with the railroads were marked by the same level of commitment and excellence. Tommy’s education at Wallace Community College and Auburn University equipped him with the knowledge and skills that bolstered his professional endeavors and enriched his personal interests.
A true family man, Tommy’s greatest joy came from being with his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for his son, Phillip Thompson and his wife Maegan; his daughter, Ashleigh Funk and her husband Shaun; and his adored grandchildren, Marshall Thompson, Clementine Thompson, Luke Hay, and Mason Funk. Tommy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anice Camp; by his parents, William Dewitt Thompson and Betty Jean Thompson, who instilled in him the virtues that he lived by every day.
Those who knew Tommy will remember him as a man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his ability to solve problems made him a go-to person in times of need. The Sylvan Grove and Midland City community, where he resided for the majority of his life, benefited greatly from his unwavering spirit of service.
Tommy’s interests extended beyond his work and community service. He had a passion for travel, with the Smoky Mountains and Panama City Beach being among his favorite destinations. His love for exploration and adventure was a source of joy and inspiration to his family and friends.
As a member of the Sylvan Grove Methodist Church, Tommy’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. Which reflected his belief in the power of fellowship and the importance of giving back to others.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Tommy will remember him as a loving, generous, and handy man. His ability to fix almost anything was matched only by his willingness to help others. His presence was a comfort, his laughter contagious, and his guidance invaluable.
Jospeh Dewitt “Tommy” Thompson lived a life marked by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his remarkable life. Tommy’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he enriched and the enduring love he shared with his family and friends.
A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 10-11am in the chapel prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.
BIRMINGHAM. . .Daniel Hulen “Danny” Brannon, a resident of Columbiana, Alabama, and a former resident of Birmingham, passed away Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025. He was 75.
Danny Brannon was born July 27, 1949, in Dothan, Alabama to Hulen Brannon and Myra Nell Hand Brannon. He lived his early years in the Old Center community of Henry County, Alabama before moving to Abbeville, Alabama in 1956.
Danny faced many challenges in his life with determination and grit, spurred on by his parents. During his teen years, he became a big brother to his two adoring sisters, Barbara and Leigh.
Danny graduated from Abbeville High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Alabama in 1971. Upon graduation, he immediately began his career at Moses Phillips, a CPA firm in Birmingham. He was the managing partner for many years before Moses Phillips merged with another firm and became Dent Moses in 2016. Danny retired after working at the same firm for forty-seven and a half years.
Danny married the love of his life, Mary, in 1989. They enjoyed many happy years traveling to the beach, to Lake Logan Martin, and on a mission trip to Moldova. His other passions included University of Alabama football, fishing, and reading. His biggest joy was his grandson, Maddox. He was active in civic groups and Valleydale Church for many years, serving as a Deacon, church treasurer, and finance committee chairman.
Danny was preceded in death by his father, Hulen Brannon, and his step-son, Timothy Lee Robertson, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Watkins Brannon, a grandson, Maddox Lee Robertson, both of Columbiana; his mother, Myra Nell Hand Brannon, Abbeville, AL; sisters, Barbara Evers (Charles), Birmingham; and Leigh Watford (Darrell), Newville, AL; nieces, Caroline Evers Phillips (Charles) and their children, Chase and Myra; Audrey Watford Burroughs (Luke) and their son, Jude; and Julianne Evers; nephews, Shelby Hulen Watford (Keely) and Charlie Evers; aunts, Joan Hand Parris and Mary Brannon Mims.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Old Center Church Cemetery, 764 County Road 89, Newville, Alabama 36353 with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Valleydale Church, Birmingham, AL, with Pastor Ross Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valleydale Church “Moldova Missions Fund”, 2324 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35244.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Shelby Watford, Charlie Evers, Luke Burroughs and Charles Phillips.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Olivia Christine Childree, known affectionately as Christine to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at her home in Clayhatchee, Alabama. Born on June 16, 1971, in Dale County, Alabama, Christine lived a life filled with laughter, love, and the simple joys of the natural world.
Christine was the beloved mother of two daughters, Katie Santamaria (Pablo) and Crystal Cheyenne Harris (Eric Johnson). She reveled in her role as a grandmother to Xander, Jasper, and Syrina Childree; Conner and Isla Melancon; and Joanna and Johnathan Santamaria. Her spirit will live on through the stories and memories she created with her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Survived by her brothers, Donnie, Danny, and Jessie Childree, and sisters, Mary Smith (Otis), Paula, Teresa, Samantha, Melinda Childree (Cody Galloway), and Jennifer Morris, Christine’s presence was a cornerstone of the Childree family. Her parents, Donnie G. Childree and Patricia A. Glover Childree, preceded her in death. Christine also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Known for her quick wit and spirited nature, Christine was the life of any gathering. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor brought joy to all who knew her. Despite being a self-proclaimed homebody, Christine relished her time outdoors. She had a green thumb and was happiest when she was tending to her yard, a haven for family and friends alike.
An avid fisherwoman, Christine could often be found by the water’s edge, rod in hand, waiting for the next big catch. Her love for the outdoors extended to her fascination with arrowhead hunting, a pastime that married her appreciation for history with her passion for exploration.
The night sky held a special allure for Christine, who loved astrology. She found solace in the stars and planets, and her curiosity about the cosmos was a testament to her lifelong desire to learn and grow. Her family will fondly remember nights spent under the stars, with Christine pointing out constellations and sharing stories of the universe.
Christine’s legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and an unquenchable zest for life. She was a woman who embraced the world with open arms and found beauty in the simple things. Her spirit, humor, and love of life will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we bid farewell to Christine, we celebrate a life well-lived life that touched so many with its warmth and brightness. Her memory will continue to be a guiding light for her family, a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in every day.
The Childree family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. Christine’s life was a gift to us all, and though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit remains, as vibrant and enduring as the stars she so loved to gaze upon.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 4:30 pm in the Belle Meade Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating.
Frances Ernestine Manning, passed away January 27, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on October 7, 1960, in Dothan, Alabama, Frances was a woman whose generosity knew no bounds and whose heart was as vast as the sky.
Frances, affectionately known as Nae Nae by her cherished grandchildren, was a woman who lived a life filled with melody, faith, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones. From her early days in Frith Hill Community Church to her devoted membership at Shiloh Free Will Baptist in Columbia, her spiritual journey was a testament to her deep-rooted faith. Frances had a natural talent for music, as she effortlessly learned to play the piano by ear. Her musical gifts were recognized early when she was crowned Little Miss Slocomb, a title that brought joy to her and her family.
The daughter of the late James Ernest Ray and Sarah Miles Fowler, Frances grew up surrounded by a loving family that would continue to grow and flourish throughout her life. She was a beloved sister to Ernest David Ray, Sara Ann Latham, Patricia McDonough, and James Ronald Ray. Frances was a guiding light to her children that preceded her in death, David LaVon Manning and Ashley Nicole Manning, and a pillar of strength to her surviving husband, Durwood Manning. Together, they created a legacy of love that extended to her sons, Sean (McKenzie) Manning and Clint Manning.
Frances’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the laughter and smiles of her grandchildren: Ashton LaVon Manning, Samantha Jo Tice, Jace Wesley Manning, Skylar Zane Manning, Nevaeh David Manning, Ayden Ashley-Marie Manning, Kayden Clint Manning, and Starla Nicole Brock. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she dedicated herself to making memories that would last a lifetime.
Her love for Christian and Country music was only surpassed by the love she had for her family. Frances’s life was a symphony of caring gestures, warm embraces, and selfless acts that touched the hearts of many. Her generosity extended beyond her family, reaching out to numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who were all blessed to know her.
Frances Manning lived a life that exemplified the very essence of generosity, love, and kindness. She was a woman who saw the good in others and inspired those around her to embrace their own capacity for compassion. Her spirit was a guiding light that encouraged us all to live with purpose, to cherish every moment, and to love without reservation.
A celebration of Frances’ life will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, February 2, 2025 from the Chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Brother James Welch officiating. Burial will follow in the Frith Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 4 PM until 6 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
