Nola Jean Tidwell, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the Dale Medical Center in Ozark AL. She was 81 years old. Born on August 2, 1943, in Houston County, AL Nola’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering love for her family.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2PM Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Rehobeth Cemetery with Pastor Chaplain Goldsmith officiating . The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM in the chapel. Flowers will be accepted.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Jerry Kirkland, and Mark Brock.
Nola is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Wilma Lassiter Tidewell, and a sister, Glenda Ballentine. She is survived by her nephew; Ricky Johnson (Penny), Nieces; Donna Lee (Robert), Debbie Booth (Sonny), Kassi Torres (Jose), Keisha Thompson, Kyla Hill (Tony), Lori Kirkland (Jerry), and Ashley Tyson (Kyle), as well as her nephews; Cody Lee (Jessica) and Jordan Johnson, who will miss her deeply.
Nola was a lifelong member of the Rehobeth Baptist Church, Her love for gospel music was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect and share her faith with those around her. A woman of simple pleasures, her love for Coca-Cola was only surpassed by her enduring love for her family, which stood as the very framework of her life.Those who knew Nola were touched by her loving nature. As we celebrate her life, Nola’s story serves as a testament to the power of kindness. Marked by her gentle smile and nurturing embrace. Each life she touched now holds a part of her eternal legacy.
Mrs. Nona Merle Whitman Ezell, age 97, of Huntsville, Alabama, and formerly of Ozark, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.
A private celebration of life is planned for Mrs. Ezell in Huntsville, Alabama. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Merle was born to the late Orie and Lucille Whitman on March 21, 1928, and lived in Ozark, Alabama, until 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bennett Milton “Buddy” Ezell. Together, they owned and operated Ezell Oil Company for over 30 years until their retirement.
While living in Ozark, Mrs. Ezell was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities. She was also a member of numerous community organizations throughout the years. Merle and her husband were instrumental in helping to establish the Vivian B. Adams School for special needs students. She was a true Southern matriarch. A passionate decorator, she made her surroundings beautiful with her unique flair. She was also a gracious hostess and accomplished seamstress. Merle was an avid reader who loved working puzzles and playing cards. She was a devoted mother and caregiver to her daughter Sandra for over 60 years.
Mrs. Ezell was preceded in death by three sisters, Maurine Kirkland, Helen Vaughn and Elizabeth Helms. Survivors include her daughters, Susan Ezell Connor (Tim) and Sandra Ezell, both of Huntsville. She is also survived by five grandsons who loved her dearly: Bennett and his wife, Madison, and Garrett and his wife, Kelly, of Huntsville, Alabama; David and his wife, Meg, of Marietta, Georgia; Drew Connor and his fiancée, Daelyn, of Columbus, Mississippi; and Everett Connor of Nashville, Tennessee. Merle was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren she adored: Wyatt, Beau, William, John, David, Claire, and Molly. Other survivors include her sister, Doris Creel.
Mr. James Edward Reeves, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday evening, April 9, 2025, at his home. He was 93 years old.
Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Seth Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Monday from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Mr. Reeves was born April 21, 1931, on a farm in Spring Hill community near Campbellton, Florida, to the late Thomas Jefferson Reeves, and Carrie Watford Reeves. He graduated from Campbellton High School and Troy University, then joined the United States Army serving one tour in Germany. He was an original member of the first Special Forces unit, later known as The Green Berets. After serving in the military, he began teaching math and coaching at Baker Hill and becoming principal.
Mr. Reeves left teaching to begin his career with Pea River Electric Cooperative and retired as manager in 1995. After retirement he was fortunate to have many years to enjoy life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Doyle Reeves and his grandson, Aaron Sheppard Andrews.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette Sheppard Reeves, Ozark, three daughters, Cindy Robinson (John) and Tammy Crozier (Chris), both of Valdosta, Georgia, and Allison Davis of Gaffney, South Carolina; stepdaughter Jean Zane, Roanoke, Virginia; two stepsons, Richard Warren of Eufaula, and Bob Andrews (Michelle) of Ozark. Four grandchildren: Samatha Robinson Smith (Dave) and Clay Robinson (Whitney) both of Athens, Georgia; Jessica Daivd Umbarger (Paul) of Midland City and Holly Davis of Orlando, Florida. Five step grandchildren; John Michael Zane of Roanoke, Virginia; Christopher Zane (Becca) of Roanoke, Virginia; Robert G. Andrews (Heather), Norfolk, Virginia, Adam Andrews of Ozark, and Kathryn Andrews of Tampa, Florida.
HALEBURG. . .Shirley Braithwaite Davis, a resident of Haleburg, Alabama, died Friday morning, April 11, 2025, in the Graceville Health Center, Graceville, Florida. She was 70.
A graveside service will be held in the Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, New Jersey. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of local arrangements.
Shirley Davis was born in Selma, Alabama, daughter of the late John Braithwaite, Sr. and Yvonne Sammons Braithwaite. She was raised in various locations while her father served in the U. S. Air Force. Shirley lived in Center Point, Alabama before moving to Haleburg in 1985. She was a member of Haleburg Baptist Church. Shirley was retired as the Secretary and Business Manager of Abbeville Bonding & Security Corporation.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Robert J. “Bob” Davis; step-daughters, Caryn Bizarro (James Jay Bizarro), Friendswood, Texas; and Christine Connery (Pat), Mahwah, New Jersey; a brother, John Braithwaite, Jr., Trussville, AL; three step-grandchildren, Justin Bizarro, Jillian Diffee and Caroline Bizarro; a step-great-grandson, David Diffee; an aunt, Johnna Rodgers, Mobile, AL; several cousins.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Keith Helms, of Enterprise, AL passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at UAB Hospital. He was 64.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 14, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Rev. Greg Adkins officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowlawn Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time.
Keith had a deep love for all sports and found great joy in umpiring games of every kind. A proud resident of Enterprise, Alabama, he cherished his community and treasured time spent with his family and his church, Refuge. Keith’s warm spirit was evident in his love for singing and his ever-present smile, which brought joy to those around him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to faith and family, and the light he brought into every room.
Keith was preceded in death by his father Donnie Helms and Grandparents Hubbard and Mary Alice Barnes, and Noah and Della Helms.
Survivors include his wife Melisa Helms, Enterprise, AL; two daughters, Amanda and Amber, Leesburg, FL; four grandchildren; mother, Sue Helms, Enterprise, AL; two brothers, Lee Helms (Sally Ann) England, and Wayne Helms, Chancellor, AL; along with numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted or memorials be made to American Cancer Society.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Ann Strickland, 77 years old, of Slocomb, AL passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Vitas Hospice Orlando Lutheran Towers in Orlando, Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church, in Slocomb, with Reverend Juston Carpenter officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family will receive family and friends on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home Slocomb.
Mrs. Strickland was born on April 28, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama to the late James and Lucille Warren Cochran. Barbara enjoyed dancing, swinging, doing search word puzzles, and drinking smoothies. She was a very active lady and was always “on the go”. Her favorite phrase to utter was “Let’s Go!”
Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Strickland; her parents; a son, Daryl Strickland; and sister, Sue Hale.
Survivors include a daughter, Julianna Hall (Nathan); a son, John David Strickland; granddaughters: Lucy and Lily Hall; Sisters: Judy Russell and Brenda Willis; aunt, Syble Jurkewicz (Tom) along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, her best friend Pauline Padgett. She was greatly loved and will be missed by those left to continue this life without her presents.
