Joseph Quirantes Jr., known affectionately as Joe to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 84. Born on November 16, 1940, in the vibrant state of Hawaii, Joe was a man whose warmth and intelligence left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Joe is survived by his adoring wife of 27 years, Nichole Quirantes, who stood by him through life’s many adventures and challenges. He was a proud father to his son, Charles Duncan, and his daughter, Nena Jacobs. Joe’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Williams, Jessi Duncan, Andrea Sanborn, Aspen Hall, Emma Duncan, John Duncan, and Caden Duncan, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Quirantes Sr. and Dorothy Quirantes, who instilled in him the values of love and family that he carried throughout his life.
Joe’s pursuit of knowledge led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a field that captivated his mind and fueled his career. He spent the majority of his professional life as a programming analyst, a role in which he excelled and brought significant contributions to the industry. Though he briefly ventured into commercial fishing, his passion for computers drew him back to the tech world. Joe’s career took him to various places, including Portland, Oregon, and Stockton, California, before he eventually settled in Dothan in 2005, after moving from Panama City.
His dedication to service was evident through his eight years in the Army Reserve, a commitment that showcased his love for his country and community. Joe’s journey began in the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, continued as he moved to Santa Clara at the age of 19, and finally found him embracing the warmth of Dothan, where he spent his final years.
Beyond his professional and service accomplishments, Joe was known for his deep love for all things related to computers, his admiration for Spiderman and Baby Yoda, and his affectionate nature. He was often referred to as a “big teddy bear” by those who knew him best. Joe’s generous spirit was such that he would offer a hug to strangers, believing that sometimes a simple embrace could make all the difference.
Loving, intelligent, and analytical are the words that best describe Joe. His ability to dissect complex problems and devise solutions was matched only by his capacity to love and care for his family. His analytical mind never overshadowed his warm heart, which was always ready to support and comfort those around him.
Joe’s life was a testament to the power of embracing one’s passions and the significance of human connection. His presence was a source of joy and comfort, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Joe’s life will take place at 11am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Saturday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Joe’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
As we say farewell to Joseph Quirantes Jr., we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by love, intelligence, and the gentle touch of a man who was never afraid to show his affection. Joe’s memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and his legacy will live on through the lives of his family and the many individuals he touched with his kindness.
Votie Snell Hodges, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of Christ passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her parents Tullis Earl Snell and Mary Dee Pelham Fears, two half-sisters, three stepsisters, and two husbands Donzell Hardy and Glen Alexander Hodges.
Votie is survived by her two daughters Donna Hardy Amick and Jill Hardy Hodges (John) Klosky, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply and cherished throughout her life.
A faithful member of her community, Votie devoted decades of her life to teaching Sunday school at Calvary Baptist Church, imparting her love for Jesus and her values to countless hearts. Her life was a testament to her selflessness, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to putting others first. She lived humbly, and she embodied the spirit of service every day, offering love, care, and support to all who crossed her path.
Votie’s life was guided by the words of Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she faced her passing with the same grace and humility that marked every moment she lived.
A service in honor of Votie will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The service will take place at Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gentiva Hospice, whose care and support brought great comfort during her final days.
Votie’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is now at rest with her Savior, where she will forever know peace.
Irene Peluso, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 92. She was born on August 15, 1932, in Vienna, West Virginia, to the late Louis and Elsie Palmer. Irene’s life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion to her family, her church, and her unwavering faith in God.
Irene grew up in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, where she attended New Brighton High School. After graduation, she contributed to her local community by working at Isaly’s in New Brighton. Her dedication to service extended well beyond her professional life, as she became deeply involved in church outreaches and prayer ministries, embodying the love and compassion she held for others. In 2003, Irene moved to Dothan, where she continued to be an active member of the Dothan Vineyard Church and served at Living Hope Community Center.
She was the wife of Albert Lyle Peluso, who was a teacher, coach and athletic director at New Brighton High School, who preceded her in death. Together, they welcomed their son, Lyle Peluso, who, along with his wife Beverly, blessed Irene with a lineage of love that included her grandchildren Lyle Peluso, Jr. and Deidre Frith, and her great-grandchildren Dayton Peluso, Jillian Peluso, Parker Frith, Campbell Frith, Samuel Peluso and Benjamin Peluso.
Irene was the last surviving sibling of her family, preceded in death by her brothers Kenny, Jimmy, and Leslie Palmer, and her sister, Betty Burdine. The memories and values she shared with them remain a cherished legacy for all who knew the Palmer family.
Those who knew Irene remember her first and foremost as a servant of the Lord. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding every action and decision with a sense of purpose and grace. As a homemaker, Irene took great pride in caring for her family, creating a warm and welcoming home that was a sanctuary of love for all who entered.
Described by many as loving, faith-filled, and selfless, Irene’s presence was a source of comfort and strength. Her gentle spirit and kindheartedness were evident in her every interaction, and her unwavering support for her family and friends was a testament to her generous nature.
Irene’s joy was caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her legacy is one of profound impact, touching the lives of many through her kind deeds and prayerful support. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the enduring footprint she leaves on the hearts of those she loved and served.
As the sun sets on a life so beautifully lived, we take comfort in the knowledge that Irene Anna Peluso has been welcomed into the eternal embrace of her Creator, where she reunites with her cherished husband, her parents, and her siblings. Her spirit, a guiding light for so many, will continue to shine brightly in the memories of those she leaves behind.
A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home with her son, Pastor Lyle Peluso officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to Living Hope Community Center, P.O. Box 365, Dothan, AL 36302.
Sandra Helen “Sandy” Hamilton, 81, a beacon of laughter and love, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 25, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, after an extended illness. Born on a crisp winter day, January 20, 1944, in the quaint town of Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania, Sandy’s infectious smile and warm heart touched many throughout her vibrant life.
Sandy’s journey through life was one marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. She was the cherished wife of David for 61 remarkable years, a partnership that stood as a testament to enduring love and mutual respect. Together, they raised a family that was the very center of Sandy’s world: sons Scott and Brian, daughters Shelley (Joe) and Betty “Bo”, who will forever remember her as a guiding light in their lives.
Sandy’s legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Hunter, Dustin, Addison, Kerragin, Nick, Breanna, Joey, Kirsten, and Julie, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Vivian and Isabella. Each of them will carry forward the memories of her boundless energy and the lessons of kindness she instilled in them. Sandy was a beloved aunt to her niece, Betty, and nephews, Sam and Michael, who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Barry and Sam, who no doubt welcomed her with open arms.
A woman of deep faith, Sandy enjoyed playing the organ and attended Harvest Church where she was a devoted member. Her musical talents were one of the many ways she expressed her love for her faith and her community. Sandy’s social nature shone brightly; she was a social butterfly who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like her love for coffee and ice cream. A wonderful cook with a knack for making even the simplest of meals taste extraordinary, she could make a rock taste good.
Sandy’s love for her family was paralleled only by her love for connecting with friends, whether in person or virtually through her favorite Facebook games. Her sense of humor was as legendary as her culinary skills, ensuring that laughter was a constant in the Hamilton household.
Those who knew Sandy will remember her as the epitome of funny, loving, and faith-filled. Her ability to find humor in every situation brightened the lives of all she encountered. Sandy’s outlook on life was an inspiration; she faced challenges with grace and always managed to keep her sense of humor intact.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Harvest Church with Rev. Larry Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 am.
Sandy’s family takes comfort in knowing that she lived a full and beautiful life, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an unwavering faith that will continue to guide them. While they mourn her passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary woman she was and the countless ways in which she enriched their lives.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Sandra Helen Hamilton was, and always will be, the heart of her family, a light in her community, and a friend to all fortunate enough to have known her. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded to cherish the time we have with our loved ones, to laugh often, and to love deeply, just as Sandy did.
Mr. Lance Horne, a resident of Ariton, died Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, at his home following an extended illness. He was 75 years old.
In keeping with his wishes, there are no public services planned. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Horne was born January 3, 1950 in New Deal, Texas to the late Alfred Leland Horne and Marjorie Elaine McDonald Horne later graduating from New Deal High School in New Deal, Texas. Lance worked on the family farm as a cotton farmer for many years and still owns the Farmall Tractor that he learned to operate when he was nine years old. Later, Lance went to work with the United States Postal Service in 1976 where he worked until his retirement in 2006. He met his wife, Judith Moore, on February 14, 2007 and they were later married. Following several personal losses he wanted to move his family somewhere green and hilly with a lot of trees. So they decided on the Ozark area. He enjoyed fishing at Baja California.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Sheena Buckmaster; and one brother, Rodney Horne. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Judith Moore Horne of Ariton.
BRUNDIDGE…Mr. Timothy Riley Bagwell, a resident of Brundidge, died early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, at his home. He was 74.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Avenue, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
Mr. Bagwell, son of the late Robert Bagwell, Sr. and Amelia Noga Bagwell, was a native of Bagwell’s Crossroads Community, near Newton. He was a 1968 Graduate of Carroll High School and has lived in Brundidge for the past forty years. Mr. Bagwell owned and operated B.C.S., LLC, a General Contractor Company in Brundidge. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Bagwell enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathleen Annette Bagwell and Patricia Nanette Bagwell.
Surviving relatives include his brother, Robert Bagwell, Jr., Tuscaloosa; nephews, John Wallace, Kyle Wallace, and Robert Bagwell, III; numerous friends including Wendi Dockery, Steven Carter, James Ward, Charles Ellis, and Mallory Slaughter.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
