Helen Ruth Taylor, cherished by many for her nurturing spirit and loving heart, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, in Graceville, Florida. Born on April 24, 1948, in Pansey, Alabama, to the late Robert and Daisy Watkins, Helen’s life was a testament to her resilience, warmth, and the deep bonds of family.
Helen’s journey began as the beloved daughter of her parents and grew to encompass the roles of a devoted wife, a caring mother, a doting nana, and a dedicated sister. She was the treasured matriarch of a family that revered her, including her son, David Lee Kirkland (Jo Ann), her daughter, Vikki Ruth Cheshire (Jason), her sister, Robbie Watkins Douglas (Bill), and sister in law, Sarah Taylor. Helen’s legacy of love is carried on through her grandchildren Benjamin Martin, Leigh Ann Ditz (Patrick), Judson, and Emma Cheshire, Taylor Cheshire and Stacie Waddell, as well as her eight great-grandchildren, with whom she shared countless cherished moments.
Helen’s family tree was rich and full, with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and notably, seven double first cousins, who will fondly remember her for her kindness, her laughter, and the wisdom she imparted. They, alongside her extended family and friends, will forever honor Helen’s memory.
Helen was a woman of faith and commitment, as evidenced by her long-standing membership at Cloverdale Baptist Church. After the loss of her beloved husband, Robert Earl Taylor, in 2008, she found solace and support within the congregation of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. There, she continued to nourish her spiritual life, actively participating in several Bible classes, and sharing her light with all those she encountered.
Professionally, Helen’s career was marked by loyalty and excellence. Starting as a teller in 1975 at Dothan Bank and Trust—later known as Regions Bank—Helen’s dedication and hard work saw her rise through the ranks. She retired in 2003 as an administrator assistant to the president of the bank, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and integrity.
Beyond her professional and spiritual commitments, Helen will always be remembered for her “green thumb” and her love for growing things. Her garden was a vibrant tapestry of life that not only brought beauty into the world but also served as a symbol of her ability to nurture and care for all living things. Her passion for gardening was an extension of her nurturing nature, as she cultivated plants with the same tenderness and attention she gave to her family and friends.
Helen’s life was a beautiful blend of her love for her family, her unwavering faith, and her joy in the simple pleasures of life. She approached each day with grace and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. As a wife, she was a partner in the truest sense; as a mother and Nana, she was a beacon of love and guidance; as a sister, she was a confidante and friend; and as a colleague, she was respected and admired.
Though Helen’s presence will be profoundly missed, the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared will continue to flourish in the hearts of those who knew her. Her spirit, like the gardens she so lovingly tended, will remain a source of comfort and inspiration.
A service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on December 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dennis Singletary and Rev. Chuck Locke officiating. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm-7:00pm Friday evening at Sunset Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers are Judson Cheshire, Lamar Watford, Jason Watford, David Sewell, Steve Scott, and Warren Abraham.
Mrs. Patricia Ann Tolbert (Bowman), previously from Dothan, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 20, 2024. She was 84. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery, Dothan, AL with Rev. Michael Lawson officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Patsy loved her family very much. She was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and in earlier years, as her health permitted, enjoyed fellowship with her Sunday School class. She had a soft spot for pets and always was watching redbirds in the yard. Patricia was born June 7, 1940 in Columbus, Ga to the late Clayton C. and Lois (Comer) Bowman. In addition to her husband, Richard of almost 64 years, her parents, and grandson, Elijah Tolbert, all preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Vickie Clearman (Tim) of Johnson City, TN; son, Richard Tolbert, Jr. (Pamela), Dothan; six grandchildren: Amy Rodriguez (Rene), Lori McCarty (Omar), Heather Caster, Ricky Tolbert (Angela), Sarah Jackson (Brandon), and Jessica Flowers (Charles); twenty great grandchildren: Nathan, Noah, Derek, Benjamin, Natalie, John Allen, Zion, Kennedy, Alli, Mia, Nora, Olive, Maille, Declan, Charles, Elijah, Charlotte, Madeline, Katelyn, and Ashlyn. Serving as pallbearers: Richard K. Tolbert III, Tim Clearman, Derek Chandler, Charles Flowers, Brandon Jackson and Chris Forsey. A special thank you to all the wonderful people at Graceville Health Center and Rehab who cared for Patricia.
Beverly “Bug” (Wheelless) Knowles, 71, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at her residence following an extended illness.
Complete arrangements and survivors will be announced by Glover Funeral Home of Dothan.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Ruth (Lyons) Holsomback-Mercer, age 98, resident of Dothan passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Noland Extendicare.
There will be no public services held at this time per the family wishes.
Ruth was born on February 10, 1926 in Kentucky to Curtis Lyons and Eva Fox Lyons. In the 1940’s, Ruth married and moved to Alabama. Later in the 1970’s, she moved to New Orleans. Ruth also lived in Mississippi and Florida before returning to Alabama. She worked as a clerical assistant in the medical field and a ticket salesperson in the theater industry over the years, but her main job and most important job was being a homemaker in her home to her family. Ruth loved painting and gardening, but her pride and joy was her cats. To her family, she was known as “the crazy cat lady”.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Willard Gibson, Ray Nash, Bobby Holsomback, and Paul Mercer; daughter, Shirley Ann Moore; brother, Jack; and sister, Jennie Russell.
Survivors include her daughter, Sue Robinson; son in law, Alton Moore; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
William Franklin Culpepper of Troy, Alabama, transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He was 88. Willie was born on July 11, 1936, to Gussie Monroe Culpepper and Chellie Mae Dease Culpepper in the Corinth community of Bullock County. Funeral services will be at 2:00pm on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Green Hills Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rick Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery with Tyler Culpepper, Jared Price, Brantley Simmons, Donnie Barron, Chris Wilkes, Derek Wilkes, and Keith Rushing serving as pallbearers.
Willie’s faith in Jesus was strong and he loved spending time with the elderly and children of all ages. His hobbies included horseback riding, watching western movies, and riding motorcycles. Willie was a devoted family man who loved his family dearly.
Willie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia Culpepper; brother, Robert Graddy (Linda) of Union Springs; a daughter, Tonya Gibson of Troy; son, Todd Culpepper (Jackie) of Dothan; four grandchildren, Kaylin Gibson, Tyler Culpepper (Bethany), Victoria Price (Jared), Olivia Simmons (Brantley); as well as four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Waldo Graddy; sister, Mary Lee Donahew; and son-in-law, Johnny Gibson.
The family would like to extend a word of gratitude to Compassus Hospice Care for their extremely caring and compassionate staff and to his caregivers, Martha Foster and Jennifer Bess.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hepzibah Baptist Church in honor of Mr. Willie.
ABBEVILLE… James “Keith” Ethridge, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, formerly of Headland, Alabama, passed away early Wednesday morning, December 25, 2024, at a Dothan hospital. He was 61.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at New Zion Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Joey Pettis officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Saturday evening at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made in Mr. Ethridge’s honor to, C.H.A.R.M., P.O. Box 216, Headland, Alabama 36345, www.charmheadland.org; or to the New Zion Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 9716 County Road 99, Headland, Alabama 36345.
Mr. Ethridge was born in Dothan, Alabama to Kenneth B. Ethridge and the late Martha Jean Gamble Ethridge. He lived most of his life in Headland, Alabama before moving to lake in the Screamer Community near Abbeville, Alabama three years ago. He was a member of the Headland High School Class of 1981. He was retired from Motion Industries Bearing Company after forty years of service. He was a member of the New Zion Free Will Baptist Church.
Along with his mother, he was also preceded in death by his wife, whom passed away October 29, 2024, Deborah Denise “Debbie” Gulledge Ethridge; and his brother, Kim Howard “Rooster” Ethridge.
Leaving to cherish his memories is his father, Kenneth B. Ethridge; his sister, Kendra Ruth Ethridge Feltman; his sisters-in-law, Tami Ethridge, Marcia Gulledge Hadden (Wayne), and Sheila Gulledge Welch; his brother-in-law, Anthony Gulledge (Amy); and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Gulledge, Caleb Gulledge, Jeff Ethridge, Donald Harbinson, Damon Lott, Matt Welch, Alan Ethridge, Brandon Ethridge, and Gary Jones.
