Jerry Carlton Hicks, a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, unexpectedly left us on March 18, 2025. He was born on September 4, 1941, in Hartford, Alabama. He was the youngest of four siblings of Luther and Alma Capps Hicks.
Jerry, who also had a host of nicknames, spent his life in Hartford, Alabama, where he married the love of his life, Lynn Bradley Hicks. He served in the Army National Guard and worked in the textile and agricultural industries for forty years and attended Wesley Chapel Church his entire life. Jerry was known for his sense of humor and dry wit, love for all sports, frugality and “cautious driving.” Above all, he loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry had many life-long friends and loved to laugh and reminisce about their adventurous stories, which were a mix of being in a time loop and a history lesson. Jerry’s favorite time of the year was “pecan season.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Alma Hicks, sister Dot Brannon, brothers in law Charles Brannon and Robert Cannon, and father and mother-in-law Frank and Eula Maude Bradley.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Bradley Hicks; children, Carla Hicks Midyett (Ted), and James Mark Dillard (Gwenn); grandchildren Laine Dillard (Savannah), Macie Long (Brent), Carson Joyner, Annie Midyett and Ash Midyett; great-grandchildren Merritt and Jackson Long; brother Jimmy Hicks (Bonnie), sister Sue Cannon, sister and brother in law Leesa and Ernest Fleming; and several beloved nieces and nephews and life-long friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3pm Friday, March 21, at Wesley Chapel Church under the direction of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm prior to the service. The family requests that flowers be omitted and kindly requests that donations be made in Jerry’s name to Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of choice.
Geraldine “Jerri” Blackstock, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Clanton, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of faith and joy. Born on June 30, 1960, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Jerri grew into a woman whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to her family, her country, and her community.
Jerri was a proud graduate of Caroll High School in Ozark, Alabama, where her early life was filled with the sounds of music and the warmth of family. Following high school, she joined the Army where her love for music led her to play the French horn in the Army band, a testament to her patriotism and a cherished period in her life as an Army veteran. Her service to the nation was an embodiment of her selfless character, a trait that would continue to define her throughout her life. After her service in the Army, she went on to work as a sheriff’s deputy in Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina then obtained her avionics degree.
After her military service, Jerri’s melodious spirit found a home in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Dothan, where she sang with a passion that uplifted many. Her voice was a source of comfort and inspiration within the walls of the church. She always enjoyed attending family gatherings and partaking in the food and fellowship they provided.
Jerri’s life was a tapestry woven with love for her family. She is survived by her daughter, Christina Aderhold, and son-in-law Brett, who were the pride of her life. Her role as a grandmother to Brittany, Brooke, Brett II, and Brian Aderhold was one she cherished deeply, always sharing in their successes and offering encouragement with her infectious humor and unwavering support.
Her devotion to family was further manifested in her close relationships with her sisters, Susan Crutchfield (Jody) and Gail Pickett (Kyn), her brother, Dwayne Miller (Gena), and her nieces, Sarah Justice, Tricia Bryant, Abbie Lynn Pickett, Milley Pickett, Lexi Turnipseed (Kenny), and Macy Mendez (Willito), as well as a host of great nieces and nephews. She was a daughter to her mother, Shirley Miller, who will remember Jerri as an important part of their family. Jerri now joins her father, William W. Miller, her brother, Wesley C. Miller, and her nephew, Ian Crutchfield, in eternal peace.
A woman of many interests, Jerri was an ardent supporter of the University of Alabama, always ready to cheer on her beloved team. She had a knack for keeping up with the latest news, ensuring that her conversations were both enlightening and entertaining. Her good sense of humor was a light that never dimmed, and her love for music continued to resonate in every aspect of her life.
Those who knew Jerri would describe her as loving, selfless, and faith-filled. She navigated life’s challenges with grace and always placed the needs of others before her own. Her presence was a comfort to those around her, and her unwavering faith was a source of strength for many.
Jerri’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and a deep love for her family and friends. She lived her life as an example of how to love unconditionally and serve others with a joyful heart. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories shared by those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Dothan at 3:00pm. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Jerri will be laid to rest in Westview Cemetery in Ozark, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to First Presbyterian Church Mission Fund or Mercy Fund in Jerri’s memory.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brett Aderhold, Kyn Pickett, Jody Crutchfield, Dwayne Miller, George McClintock, Jr and Chris Barefield.
Mrs. Essie Raye Hatcher, a resident at the Henry County Nursing Home passed away Thursday, March 19, 2025 at the age of 92.
Graveside services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, March 21, 2025 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Chaplain Phillip Durr officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
Mrs. Hatcher is preceded in death her parents, Albert and Bonnie Davis, husband, Joseph Hatcher, sons, Joey and Terry Hatcher, brothers, Roger Davis, Sr., Charles Davis and sister, Syble Davis.
Barbara Meadows Williams Green, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away at her home on March 19, 2025, surrounded by family and the loving embrace of the Lord.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Billy Robinson officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm in the chapel.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Clarence Aubrey Williams; her second husband, Joe F. Green, who she found later in life; both parents, Theron Melvin Meadows and Ruth Abbott Meadows, and sister, Norma Sue Meadows.
She is survived by her siblings, Brenda Wallace, married to Jim, James Meadows, married to Donna, and Jerry Meadows, married to Mary; her children, Rita Faircloth, married to Chris and Sherry Selman, whose husband, Bob, passed in 2020. She has 5 living grandchildren as well as 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.
Barbara spent many years ministering for the Lord. She enjoyed spreading the gospel through her music, with four recorded albums to her credit, as well as writing poetry, reading, and vacationing at Lake Martin with family and friends.
Lloyd Reid Brown, Jr. “Sonny”, a resident of Headland, Alabama died Thursday, March 20, 2025 at his residence following a brief illness. He was 68.
Funeral services for Mr. Brown will be held at 11 AM Monday, March 24, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memory Hill cemetery with military honors.
Mr. Brown was born March 13, 1957 in Arlington, Virginia to Lloyd Reid and Dona Jean Budde Brown, Sr.. He joined the United States Navy in 1981 and served 21 years before an honorable retirement. Mr. Brown then began a career at Farley Nuclear Plant where he worked for another 15 years. He was passionate about fast cars, loved music, horror movies and most of all his family and our dog, Sophie
Mr. Brown is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Reid Brown, Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Anna M. Brown; mother, Dona Brown; children, Jaime Brannon (Jason), Justin Brown (Andrea); grandchildren, Lola and Atlas Brown, Shauna Brown, Katelyn Wesley (Devan), Grace, Amber and Erin Snyder; great grandchildren, Ryland and Waylon Wesley, Mia Roemer and Colten Snyder; brother, Raymond Brown (Kathy).
Mrs. Mello Jo Parrish entered the gates of Heaven, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was 89.
A graveside service will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, at 2p.m. at Memory Hill Cemetery with the Reverend Hosea Parker officiating.
Mrs. Parrish was born March 15,1936 in Geneva Co., to the late Berlin and Earline Smith. She was a lifetime resident of Taylor, AL. She was the devoted wife of Harvey “Shorty” Parrish. They were married for 71 years. “JoJo” was a caring and loving mother and grandmother. She loved her family with all her heart. She was a member of Berean Baptist church. JoJo spent many hours baking her special cookies for her loved ones. She also loved jewelry, flowers, and completing challenging puzzles. Most of all she loved Jesus and enjoyed telling people she met all about Him!
Upon her passing she was joyfully reunited with her parents, Berlin and Earline Smith, the love of her life, Harvey “Shorty” Parrish, her sister, Billie Faye Fulford, and her grandson, Colt Gilliam.
She is survived by her son Denny Ray Parrish (Debby), and daughters Penny Thrasher (Larry) and Jane Sunday (Ricky). Her grandsons John Parrish (Kim), Tra Gilliam (Shanda), Brett Thrasher, Scott Parrish (Kelly), Brandon Sunday (Ashley) and granddaughters Christa Lemon (Jayme) and Britney Rowell (James). Great grandsons Hunter Parrish, Austin Thrasher (Bailey), Trent Gilliam (Izzy), Brad Clements, Sam Martin (Mary Grace), and Liam Parrish. Great granddaughters Brianna Peters (Tyler) and Emma Martin. Great-great grandchildren Sophie and Olivia Peters, Kayden and Landon Brodmerkel, Hadley and Rhett Sunday, Blakely, Lawson, and Kayson Parrish, and Danny Mac Clements. Special niece Melinda Lamb (Robert), and special nephew Danny Miller. A special sister n law Ruth Parrish.
A special thank you to all the staff at dayspring hospice, especially our special, nurse Nicole.
Pallbearers will be John Parrish, Tra Gilliam, Scott Parrish, Brett Thrasher, Austin Thrasher, Trent Gilliam, Liam Parrish.
