Ashly Mariah Freeman Trawick, a cherished and devoted mother, wife, sister, and daughter, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, at Southeast Health. Born on October 2, 1986, in Dothan, Ashly’s life was a testament to her loving nature and her unwavering dedication to her family.
She is preceded in death by her father, Harry Thomas Freeman; her grandparents, Cleo and Curt Freeman; and her uncle, Rodney Folsom, Jr. Despite these losses, Ashly’s spirit remained resilient, and her heart, ever-expansive, embraced those around her with love and care.
She is survived by a loving family who will miss her deeply: her husband, Jeremy Trawick, whom she had been with since the tender age of 14, and their two children, Christopher Trawick and Emily Trawick, who were the center of her universe. Ashly’s mother, Virginia Smith; her sister, Kaitlyn Smith; her grandparents, Sylvia Manley and Rodney Folsom (Lisa); her nephews and niece, Grayson Argan, Kayleigh Smith, and Caleb Folsom; as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bruce and Agnes Trawick, and numerous other family members, will forever cherish the memories of her loving presence.
Ashly’s professional journey was marked by her compassionate spirit. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she provided care and comfort to those in need. Her nurturing instincts found another outlet in her role as a stay-at-home mom, where she poured her heart and soul into creating a loving home for her children.
Beyond her family and professional life, Ashly had a variety of interests that brought joy to her and those around her. She was an avid follower of politics, always keen to stay informed and engage in thoughtful discussions. Shopping and trips to the beach were among her favorite leisure activities, but nothing compared to the joy she found in spending time with her children. They were not just her whole world—they were her everything, plus some.
Those who knew Ashly will remember her as a loving, thoughtful, and passionate individual. Her ability to light up a room with her smile and her unwavering support for her loved ones were hallmarks of her character. Ashly’s legacy is one of love and devotion, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Ashly Mariah Freeman Trawick will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Pastor Joseph McCreight, A burial will follow at Old Tabernacle Cemetery in New Brockton, where Ashly will be laid to rest. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M., offering friends and family a moment to reflect on the remarkable life that Ashly led.
Ashly’s life, while cut tragically short, was filled with an abundance of love and laughter. Her spirit and the memories she created will forever be etched in the hearts of those she touched. As we bid farewell to Ashly, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love will continue to resonate through the generations.
Mr. Greg Gerber of Dothan passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the age of 66.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 P.M. Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Alabama Kidney Foundation.
Greg was born January 10, 1959, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Marvin John Gerber and Mary Sue Powers Lambert. Greg received his BS Degree from Troy University. He was employed with Georgia Pacific for the past 24 years. He spent many years volunteering for the National Peanut Festival. A big fan of Auburn football, Greg was always ready with a big “War Eagle.” When not watching Auburn football, he enjoyed working on cars. Greg was blessed with a loving family and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and taking them fishing.
But Greg’s greatest joy came from time spent with his loving wife Kay and the rest of his family. Greg will indeed be sorely missed by all, but especially by Kay who lost her soul mate and best friend. God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
Along with his parents, Greg is preceded in death by his grandparents Daniel Floyd Powers and Clynora Martin Powers and Ernest and Marie Gerber.
He is survived by his wife Kay Hall Gerber of Midland City; step-dad Millard L. Lambert of Taylor; daughters Kayla Gerber Berry (Caelan) of Gallatin, TN; Brianna Gerber of Huntsville, Al; sons Brad McKnight (Sheila) of Wicksburg; Chad McKnight (Ana) of Midland City; Matt McKnight of Midland City; brothers Brett Gerber (Jan) of Dothan; Richard Gerber (Kathy) of Dothan; grandchildren Bryce McKnight, Dylan McKnight, Savannah McKnight, Kaylee McKnight, Easton McKnight, Sawyer McKnight, Leighana Lee, Liberty Fountain, Chelsea Weldon, Tyler Weldon, Isaac Berry, eight great-grandchildren, mother and father-in-law Louise and George Hall, cherished brother and sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will be Dewayne Kennedy, Ken Stallings, Clay Bright, Mitch Adcox, Steadman Gerber and Thomas Finn.
Paul Edwin Terry, Sr. of Ozark, AL was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, February 15, 2025, by his beloved wife, Harriett, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Paul died just six months shy of his 90th birthday after fighting a good fight against the numerous illnesses that slowly intruded upon his body. His funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in The Chapel at Searcy Funeral Home in Enterprise, AL. Visitation will be from 12 PM until the service begins. Fox Fleming will conduct a service in Celebration of Paul’s Life. The graveside service will be limited to immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, guests may choose to donate, in Paul’s memory, to the COPD Foundation or the American Lung Association.
Our sweet daddy was born at home on August 16, 1935, in the Pinhook Community of Wren, AL, and grew up in nearby Decatur. Paul was encouraged to get involved in sports during his Junior High School years and went on to become an exceptional athlete at Decatur High School, earning Varsity Letters in both football and basketball each year.
When Paul was a Senior in High School, Coach Shug Jordan recruited him to play both offensive and defensive tackle at Auburn University. Dad and Mom met each other while attending Auburn University, were married, and soon began our family. When Dad graduated in 1957, the Cleveland Browns offered him the opportunity to play professionally in the National Football League, but he chose instead the career that would come to define him, High School Coaching.
After short stints as an Assistant Coach, first in Andalusia and then in Enterprise, Paul became the Head Coach at Enterprise High School in 1961 at the age of twenty-six. Later, his coaching career would take him to Florala High School and Carroll High School in Ozark, where he would eventually retire from the profession he loved with a total of 34 years as a High School Football Coach.
The exceptional football programs he developed received recognition when Paul was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, The Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame, and The Morgan County Hall of Fame. Dad always attributed his winning programs to the outstanding players and Assistant Coaches who collaborated with him. He often said, “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and I always had the BEST.”
Dad always challenged himself and those around him to pursue excellence. During his time as Head Coach at Enterprise High School, he obtained a Master of Education degree from Troy State University, was a mentor in the American Legion Alabama Boys State Program and coached several Alabama All-Star Teams. Dad’s love for football was a fundamental part of his life.
His deep love and enjoyment of family, football, fishing, and poker were reason enough for the many celebrations Paul presided over during his lifetime, celebrations that always included his friends and family. These gatherings usually featured at least one of Paul’s favorite foods, raw oysters, crackling bread, fritters, or barbecue chicken with rice, and always included far too many desserts to mention, his favorite being homemade coconut cake. This, of course, explains why Dad loved walking, for miles and miles and miles, with his four dogs around the lake near his home.
“Coach” will always be remembered by those who loved him. He leaves behind his loving family – one son, Paul Terry, Jr. of Ozark, AL; two daughters, Vicki Stayton (Jeff) and Karren Lewis (Fred) of Enterprise, AL; brother-in-law, James Tillman of Marietta, GA; grandchildren Derek Lewis (Betsy) of Freeport, FL; Rachel Ryken (Curtis) of Enterprise, AL; Jessica Stayton (Erik) of Aurora, CO; Lynsi Kaner (Will) of San Diego, CA; great-grandchildren Landry, Gracie, Roman, Lilly, and Roland; and two well-loved dachshunds, Little Bit and Sammy.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Kimberly Carol McGriff of Fadette passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 48.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Dr. J. Chris Adams officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvery Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
Kimberly was born August 31, 1976, in Dale County to John Perry Walker, Jr. and the late Margaret New Spivey. She had a bubbly personality and always had a special way of brightening your day. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be dearly missed.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Spivey; stepfather, Terry Spivey; and sister, Sheryl Bell.
Survivors include her husband, Rodney McGriff; daughter, Ashley Nicole Daniels; son, Justin Skylar Walker (Hannah); eight grandchildren; father, John Perry Walker, Jr.; sisters: Candy Phipps (John), Dixie Plumley (Jeremy), and Susan Chailland (Ty); brother, John Walker III; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Larry Wayne Jones, of Goodman, AL, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at his home. He was 69.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 21, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Rev. Lamar Wood, Rev. Randall Pearson, and Rev. Ray Melton officiating. Burial will follow in Goodman Assembly Church Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home & Crematory.
Larry was a true light in every room, always the life of the party and never meeting a stranger. His sense of humor and love for making others laugh was contagious. A dedicated worker, Larry put his heart into providing and caring for his family. He poured endless love into raising his two daughters and had the joy of raising two grandkids as his own. Larry gave his all to his family until his body could no longer keep up. His love was expressed in his own unique way, but his family always knew they were deeply loved. A devoted husband, loving father, and humorous Ganka, Larry’s life was defined by his hard work and dedication. Now, his earthly work is complete, and he can rest, free from pain, with his body finally healed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alcus and Annie Jones; father and mother-in-law, Leon and Louise Adkison; siblings, Elaine Donaldson, Ronnie Jones, Bill Jones, Monroe Jones, Lamar “Man” Jones, Margaret Avant, and Jan Adkison.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Tami Jones, Goodman, AL; three daughters, Brittani Nicole Jones (Matt), Level Plains, AL, Breonna Jones Zettel (Grant) Goodman, AL, Jayda Jones, Goodman, AL; one son, Mason Kelley, Goodman, AL; two grandchildren; Brent Mason, Level Plains, Madi Zettel, Tennessee; siblings, Patricia Avant (Joe), and Nell Griffin (Tim), Linda Savage (Guy), Judy Hanson, David Adkison (Lolita), and Jason Adkison (Tracy).
Serving as pallbeares will be, Jason Adkison, Grant Zettel, Jim Jones, Tim Jones, Brian Reid, Luke Reid, Dawson Reid, and Wayne Johnson.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Darren Michael McDonald was born on March 16, 1959 and passed away on February 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
After nearly a year long struggle with depression, Darren lost the battle and joined his father in heaven where he is at peace.
Darren has spent his whole life in the restaurant business starting at age 14 working as a bus boy in a French restaurant in Amityville, NY.
After graduating from Amityville High School, he attended the University of Buffalo. He then moved to Denver, Colorado and worked in restaurants and hotels. He eventually returned to New York to work at the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group as a waiter, working himself up as General Manager. He was responsible for overseeing the construction and launching of many restaurants for that group all around the United States, including Las Vegas, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami and Dallas. After many years with Smith & Wollensky his next move was to Ocean City, Maryland, where he resurrected a failing restaurant into a thriving and popular culinary establishment called Lighthouse Sound. His next move was to Ft. Worth, Texas to oversee the construction and opening of B&B Butchers & Restaurant working as Managing Partner. Then off to Houston to Berg Hospitality Restaurant Group and eventually becoming the President and COO.
The restaurant business was his life. All through his travels he has met and befriended many interesting people. He helped wherever there was a need. That was his forte, if anyone needed help Darren was there.
Darren is preceded by his father, Joseph P. McDonald. He leaves behind his mother JoAnn DiDomenico McDonald, his older brother Joseph F. McDonald (Janet) and his sister, Regina Taliaferro. He is the beloved uncle of Ryan McDonald, Megan McDonald, Annie Sider (Howard) and Emily Taliaferro. He also had a large extended family of first and second cousins.
A celebration of Darren’s life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 12pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Father Thomas Lapointe officiating. Darren will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. The family invites friends to join them at the family’s home for additional fellowship following the service, located at 261 N Park Ave, Dothan, AL 36303.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations be made in Darren’s honor to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at supporting.afsp.org or to the Humane World for Animals at www.humaneworld.org.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604