Robert Leonard Karpovich, a resident of Dothan, died Friday, January 10, 2025 at his home. He was 94.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, January 17, 2025 in Clearman Chapel at Southern Heritage with Chaplain Eddie Biss officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the services at the funeral home.
Mr. Karpovich was born August 12, 1930 and raised in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. He joined the United States Air Force and met the love of his life, Hazel Vickers Karpovich. Following his tenure in the Air Force he began a career in Banking in Washington, D.C. Mr. Karpovich moved to Dothan in the early 90’s where he resided for the remainder of his life. He was a member of St. Columba Catholic and enjoyed rooting for the Washington Redskins.
Mr. Karpovich is preceded in death by two sons, Christopher Jon Karpovich and Michael Andrew Karpovich.
Survivors include his wife, Hazel Vickers Karpovich; grandchildren, Jason Karpovich (Stephanie), Laura Karpovich, Kimberly O’Quinn (Chris), Beth Karpovich and Joseph Karpovich; three great granddaughters, Aubrey and Emily O’Quinn and Olivia Karpovich; two sisters and a brother.
Arthur Robert Durham, known affectionately as Bobby to his friends and family, passed away after an extended illness on January 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born in Bluffton, Georgia, on October 28, 1944, Bobby was a man whose life was defined by the love he had for his family, the passion he had for his work, and the joy he found in his many hobbies.
Bobby grew up in the warm embrace of a close-knit community in Fort Gaines, Georgia, where he later became a well-respected figure. He spent his career working the land he loved as a farmer and serving the city he called home as the Superintendent of Maintenance. His dedication to his town was further shown through his work with George T. Bagby State Park, where he contributed over five years of service.
Those who knew Bobby will remember him as the man who could bring life to music with his skillful play on the keyboard and his talent as the lead guitarist for his first band, The Mustangs. His love for music was only matched by his love for the outdoors; Bobby was an avid fisherman and hunter, finding peace and solace in the harmony of nature. His green thumb was evident in the beautiful gardens he tended, and he was known for his ability to fix anything that was broken, a true testament to his handy and adventurous spirit.
Bobby’s kind soul shined through in his interactions with others, though he was very introverted, preferring the comforts of home and the quiet companionship of his loved ones. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were filled with wisdom and kindness.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his sons, Rob Durham and Will Durham (Stacie Blankenship). His granddaughter, Madison Durham, will miss her grandfather’s gentle presence and the quiet lessons he imparted. Though his marriage to Jeanie Jeffcoat did not last, their relationship remained amicable and respectful throughout the years. Bobby will also be fondly remembered by his several nieces and nephews who looked up to him as an example of quiet strength and integrity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ethel Durham, and his brothers, William Jack Durham and Daniel Myrus Durham, who have welcomed him into eternal rest.
Arthur Robert Durham’s life was a tapestry of hard work, humble passions, and quiet moments with family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a man who lived a life true to himself, always kind, always adventurous, and forever handy. As we say goodbye, we celebrate the life of a man who was content with the world he built around him and the simple joys that filled his days. May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved and his memory will always be treasured.
ABBEVILLE…Evelyn Marie Giles, a resident of Abbeville, died late Friday night, January 10, 2025, at her home. She was 87.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 13, 2025, in the Holman-Abbeville Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Danny Rieben and Pastor Jerry Bolton officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until l0:30 A.M. Monday at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.
Evelyn Giles was born in Dozier, Alabama, daughter of the late Clayton Lorie Williamson and Myrtice Bozeman Williamson. She lived in Eufaula before moving to the Wills Cross Roads Community in 2024. Evelyn was a member of Abbeville First Assembly of God. She is preceded in death by a grandson, Rocky Kolar, a great-grandson, Jakeob Mullen, a son-in-law, Marty Goodwin, a sister and four brothers.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Roger Lamar Giles, Abbeville ; a daughter, Brenetta Goodwin, Robertsdale, AL; four sons, Russell Kolar of Georgia; Lyle Kolar (Marie), Eufaula; Sterlin Giles (Shannon) Abbeville; Michael Giles (Kelly) of Germany; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
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.
NEWVILLE… Jessie Lee Grooms, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Friday afternoon, January 10, 2025, at her home. She was 29.
Jessie was born February 23, 1995, in Libertyville, Illinois. She attended Grant High School. She obtained an Associate in Liberal Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. Her incredible drawings were blended creativity, technical skill, and emotion. She invented a unique style of her own. Her art forged a path all their own, pushing the boundaries of conventional art and inventing a style that was entirely unique to them.
She also had a love for Pokémon and Mario, which brought her joy and countless hours of entertainment. A true fan of all things Nintendo, “Princess Peach” was known for her radiant personality, her creativity, and her unwavering positivity. Much like the princess she admired, she had a heart full of compassion and a gentle spirit that made her a cherished friend to many.
Jessie was a person of deep warmth and love. She had a special bond with her best friend, Shooter, a loyal and loving yellow lab, who brought endless joy and comfort. Together, they were an inseparable pair, sharing many quiet moments and adventures. She would dress him up in bandanas and he would run around showing everyone how handsome he was.
Jessie had a fondness for pampering herself, especially enjoying regular visits to have her nails done. This small ritual brought her joy, and it reflected her personality—nurturing, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the little things in life.
She cherished her family deeply, with a special and unbreakable bond with her father. Their connection was one of love, understanding, and mutual respect, and it was clear to all how much he meant to her. The love she shared with her family was a cornerstone of her life, and they will carry forward her memory with pride.
Jessie also had a special friend, Thomas, whose presence in her life brought her immense happiness. Their time together was filled with laughter, love, and moments that made her smile brighter than anything else. Thomas had a way of making her feel truly special, and their bond was one of joy and warmth. She found true happiness in his companionship, and they shared many wonderful moments that will remain in the hearts of those who knew them.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit, creativity, and the love she shared with those closest to her will live on in the hearts of everyone who was touched by her.
Mrs. Hulene Lunsford Stevens Crosby, a resident of Ozark, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old.
A memorial service for Mrs. Crosby will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 17, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
Hulene was born January 29, 1941, in Troy, Alabama to the late Huey Walton Lunsford and Gurthel Irene Clark Lunsford. She lived in the Old Tabernacle Community of Coffee County during her childhood and graduated from New Brockton High School in 1959. She attended Auburn University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. She served Ariton at Ariton Drugs, Clio at Clio Drugs and most recently in Ozark at Crosby Drugs. She also served as a board member of the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association.
In addition to her parents, Hulene was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her two sons, Jerry Mack Stevens; and her husband of 28 years, Dr. George Robert Crosby. Survivors include sons, Blaine C. Stevens (Teresa) of Ozark, Christopher Walton Stevens (Kimberly) of Titus, AL, John Edward Crosby (Jennifer) of Mobile and Scott Mitchell Crosby (Melissa) of Springfield, MO; two sisters, Rebecca Killingsworth (Randall) of York, PA and Elizabeth Douglass (Gregory) of DeFuniak Springs, FL; three brothers, Joseph Lunsford (Betty) of Huntsville, AL, Larry Lunsford (Wilda) of Helena, AL and Brannon Lunsford (Mena) of Van Vleck, TX; grandsons, Harris Stevens and Pierce Stevens of Montgomery, Mason Stevens (Haley) and Tucker Stevens (Mary) of Ozark, Gwen Crosby and Clay Crosby of Springfield, MO; great grandchildren, Sophie Grace Stevens, Mary Mason Stevens and Teagan Sanders. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Vivian B. Adams School, 2047 Stuart Tarter Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360. VivianBAdams.org Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
Mr. William “Donnis” Sellers of Wicksburg passed away, Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home. He was 74.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the Wicksburg Assembly of God Church with Rev. Tim Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Sellers was born June 8, 1950, in Geneva County to the late William Talmadge “Tal” and Gladys Owens Sellers.
In addition to his parents, a brother, Gary Sellers, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife of 14 years, Linda Kay Sellers; children: Jennifer Welk (Frank), Kristie Gibson (Michael), Tal Sellers, Mandy Norris (Bryan), and Jason Mercer; grandchildren: Sammi Jo Hill (Kevin), Anna Moncrief (Brandon), Blake Gibson, Sellers Gibson, Talan Sellers, Hunter Mercer (Nickole), and Maddie Norris; great grandchildren: Judson, Sloan, and Marx Hill, Adler Moncrief, and JM Mercer; siblings: Joyce Smith (Steve), Earl Sellers, and Sandra Gerleman; special friend, Robert Richie; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
