Glenda Reece, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, Medical Center Enterprise. She was 69.
In honoring her wishes through cremation, no services are scheduled at this time.
Glenda had a deep love for gardening, spending countless hours nurturing her flowers and vegetables with care. Alongside her devoted husband, she delighted in canning the fruits of their labor, preserving not only food but cherished memories made together. A true animal lover, Glenda adored her fur babies, her heart was big and her home always open to four-legged friends. Glenda was an avid genealogist, dedicating herself to researching her ancestry and connecting the pieces of her family’s history.
Mrs. Glenda was preceded in death two brothers, Barry Allan Reece, and Gerald Wayne Reece.
Survivors include her husband Craig, Enterprise, AL; brother, Paul Edward Reece (Laurie), Kissimmee, FL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
ABBEVILLE. . .Billy Gene Hall, a resident of Abbeville, died early Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, at his home. He was 82.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the First Baptist Church of Abbeville Family Life Building with Reverend Teddy Ward and Darden Kirby officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Family Life Building.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Abbeville “Rebuild Fund”, P.O. Box 606, Abbeville, AL 36310.
Billy Hall was born and reared in Brantley, Alabama, son of the late Ralph Hall and Flarie Adams Hall. He served his country in the United States Navy. He lived in West Point, Georgia before moving to Abbeville in 1996. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Abbeville. He was retired as a Truck Driver. Billy was preceded in death by a son, Marty Hall, and sisters, Judith Hall, Barbara Sue Wells and Mary O’Dell.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Sybil Armstrong Hall, a son, Eric Hall (Deanne), Beulah, AL; step-children, Stephanie Jones Brown (Mike), Texasville, AL; and Chad Jones (Michelle), Abbeville; sisters, Gloria Cornett (Ben), Cynthia Williamson (Jimmy), Sylvia Sipper, Ann Godwin (Jerry), and Dottie Stricklin; brothers, Jim Hall (Carol), Kenneth Hall (Sharon), and Chester Hall (Joni); a sister-in-law, Connie Burdeshaw (Frank Lucas), Jacksons Gap, AL; grandchildren, Elijah Hall, Jordan Hall, C. J. Jones (Kellie), Dylan Jones (Chelsea), Brandon Barron (Nicole) and Dalton Barron (Randi); two great-grandchildren, Chase and Mikey Barron, who spent and lot of time with “Papa Billy” and “Nana”, and nine other great-grandchildren, Paislee Barron, Dillon Trammell, Zander Trammell, Dilynn Grace Jones, Liam Jones, Elleny Brown, Joslynn Graham, Caraleigh Jones and Cam Jones.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Billy during his illness.
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HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Mrs. Martha Jewell Watford, age 86, of Dothan, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 in Ft. Gaines, Georgia.
Born July 19, 1938 to the late Freeman and Lilly McLendon, Martha enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden and with her flowers. Family memories around the kitchen table included several specialty dishes, including her dressing and her chicken and rice.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James Durwood Watford; her daughter, Margaret Shirah; her brother, Millard McLendon; and her sisters, Mary Louise Chambers, and Alice Luverne Coe.
Martha is survived by her children, James Watford (Lisa), Billy Watford (Kim), Mary Eversoll (Abe), Lisa Smith, and Brenda Watford; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery.
James Earl Hemby (Jim), a resident of Dothan, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 91.
A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Dothan with Dr. Taylor Rutland and Rev. Bob Gross officiating. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, and Sorrells Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Mr. Hemby was born November 15, 1933, in Slocomb, Alabama, to the late Carlyn Earl Hemby and Mildred Underwood Hemby. A 1956 graduate of Slocomb High School, Jim was a proud Red Top on the undefeated football team his junior year; and he loved driving his Model A Ford around town. He continued his education at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Jim was also a very proud War Eagle alum, and for many years he attended football games making great memories on the “Loveliest Village on the Plains”.
Upon graduation from Auburn, Jim chose to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army. Afterwards, he began an extended career in education. His first teaching job was in Panama City, Florida, where he met two lifelong friends, Dave Hawkins and John Hope, known as the “three musketeers”. In 1963 Jim joined Dothan City Schools as a teacher of Distributive Education and furthered his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Vocational Education and an Ed.S. Degree in Administration and Supervision, which led to Jim leaving the classroom to serve Dothan City Schools as Director of Vocational Education and Support Services, which he dearly loved.
In this capacity he grew and developed the Dothan Vocational Center into a model school in the State of Alabama. He believed that any student who learned a skilled trade would have a boundless opportunity to succeed. Recognized with numerous state awards for his vocational education leadership and talents, his true award came in seeing students and teachers excel. After retirement, his passion for public education continued to be exhibited when he was elected in 2001 as Chairman of the Board of Dothan City Schools. He served four years where he was able to resume his vision of working to provide every student with a firm educational foundation and to equip teachers with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom.
In 1963 Jim met the love of his life, Sylvia Crane, of Headland. Six months later, they married and were blessed with two daughters. Jim’s “three girls” were his greatest joy, and he was the epitome of the ultimate “girl dad”. Whether it was a dance recital, gymnastic meet, cheerleader event, school project, fishing trip, or beach day, Jim enjoyed it all and stood just a little bit taller with pride. A devoted husband and father, Jim cared for his girls with unconditional love, incredible patience, and sincere devotion. Becoming a Gdaddy to grandchildren added another layer of love for his family, and Jim thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up and participating in their activities.
Involved in civic organizations, Jim held leadership positions in the Dothan Civitan Club and was a member of the Dothan Rotary Club. An active and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Dothan, he enjoyed teaching the 8th grade boys Sunday School and being a member of the “Older Men’s” Sunday School Class. Jim also took much pride tending to his yard and decorating with Christmas lights, receiving countless “Yard of the Month” and “Best Overall” recognitions by the Northside Garden Club. Jim’s life was one filled with devotion to his family, students, and faculty. He enjoyed Saturdays at Auburn and planning boating and fishing trips with friends. At times a man of few words, Jim will always be remembered and loved for his big heart and passion for his family and life.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sylvia; his daughters, Beth Hemby (Wiley McNeal) and Carla Woodall (Bob); his grandchildren, Brannon (Chelsea), James, Elizabeth Grace, and Robert Woodall; and his great-grandchildren, Emme Gholston and Charlotte and Tallulah Woodall. Cousins include Henrietta Sumner, Jennifer Golden, Priestly Underwood, Dr. D.J. Underwood, Evelyn Mullins, and John Mullins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dothan Technology Center, ATTN: Ryan Richards, 3209 Reeves Street, Dothan, AL 36303 for student scholarships. Contributions may also be made to the Respite Care Ministry, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36303 where the family extends deep appreciation for the love and care shown to Jim by the dedicated staff and volunteers. The family is also appreciative to Southern Care Hospice for their tender care and compassion and to all his friends and family for their love and prayers.
Dorothy Ann Hansen, of Enterprise, AL, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at her home. She was 81.
In honoring her wishes through cremation, no services are scheduled at this time.
Dorothy was a devoted hairdresser for more than 65 years, a career that was as much about connection and care as it was about style. She was known for her warm heart, welcoming spirit, and the lasting friendships she built behind the chair. A lifelong animal lover, Dorothy had a gentle soul and a home that was always open to furry companions. Whether caring for a pet or supporting animal causes, her compassion for all living things was unwavering. She cherished time spent at the beach, where she found peace in the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun. But above all, Dorothy treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in being with her children and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and unconditional support.
Mrs. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hansen; her first husband, James P. Peoples; and two sisters, Katherine Lyle and Sara Holland.
Survivors include her two daughters Elizabeth Salter (David), Coffee Springs, AL, Audrey Hall (Daryl), Enterprise, AL; two grandchildren, Ashley Ham (Jerrod), Enterprise, AL, Christopher Salter (Molly), Geneva, AL; brother, Clayton Newsom (Mazie), Enterprise, AL; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Rudine “Dean” Battles Howell was born July 18, 1927 in Houston County, Alabama to the late Bud and Parlee Battles. Dean passed away in her home accompanied by loved ones on the morning of April 12, 2025. She was 97 years old.
She was raised and lived in the Hodgesville/Ardilla community her entire life where she was a lifelong member of Memphis Baptist Church. Dean retired from Hedstrom Union Company in Dothan after 38 years of work and later worked at Florida Microfilm before she stayed home to care for her two great-grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Howell, with whom she spent 60 years, and daughter, Malinda McCallister Brown, as well as her eight siblings. She is survived by her two grandsons Jay (Carlotta) McCallister and Jeff (Lisa) McCallister, and her two great-grandsons Justin McCallister and Jayse McCallister. She is also survived by her best friend and caregiver for the past 12 years, Mary Anne Zuber, and one brother-in-law, James (Shirley) Howell. She also has several nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service held on Tuesday, April 15th at 11am at the Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Billy Rich officiating.
