Kimberly Jo Brannan Dove, lovingly known as “Kimmie” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in Phenix City, Alabama, at the age of 60.
Funeral services for Kimberly will be graveside 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 17, 2025, in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Reverend Chris Wilkerson officiating. Interment will follow, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Monday from 12:00 Noon until time to depart for the graveside service.
Born on July 16, 1964, in Ozark, Alabama, Kimmie lived a life defined by love, learning, and unwavering devotion to her family and her students. Kim graduated from Charles Henderson High School in 1982 and went on to pursue her passion for education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Troy University, followed by a master’s degree in education from Auburn University, and later completed her Education Specialist (EDS) degree at Alabama State University. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to teaching and inspiring young minds. Her professional journey began as an elementary school teacher at Andalusia Elementary School, where she taught with dedication and joy from 1989 to 2004. In 2004, she transitioned to Troy University as the Director of the AMSTI/ASIM program, where she worked until retiring in 2017, supporting teachers across the region with innovative math and science instruction.
Missing her true passion, the classroom, in 2018, she returned as a middle school math teacher at Rainey-McCullers School of Arts in Columbus, Georgia. Her impact on her students was profound, as she made math come alive with her warmth, humor, and genuine care for their success. Beyond her career, Kim was a proud and devoted mother and “Kimmie” to her grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were the absolute center of her world. She would light up when talking about Joseph, David, and Morgan. She adored her grandchildren—Hayden, Grayson, Sawyer, Emory, and Madeline—and cherished every moment with them. Whether cheering at a ballgame, attending a recital, or simply sharing a story, Kimmie was always present with a heart full of pride and joy. Kim’s passions extended beyond her family and career. She was an avid reader, an enthusiastic Alabama football fan—“Roll Tide!”—and a committed member of her community. A woman of strong faith, she was involved in countless extracurricular activities at her school, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her calming presence and genuine interest in others made her a friend to many. She could talk with you for hours and leave you feeling heard, valued, and uplifted.
She is survived by her loving children and their spouses, Joseph (Hayley) Dove, David (Kristin) Dove, and Morgan (Will) Forgey; her beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Grayson, Sawyer, Emory, and Madeline; her mother, Betty Jo Brannan; her sister, Patty Jo Herndon; and her brother, Joey Brannan. She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick (Pat) Brannan. Kim’s legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and boundless love. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and education. Though she is no longer with us, her influence lives on in the hearts of her family, the minds of her former students, and the memories of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Mrs. Eva Jean Whigham Andrews, a resident of Ozark, passed away Thursday evening, February 13, 2025. She was 92 years old.
In keeping with her wishes, there are no public services planned for Mrs. Andrews. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com Mrs. Andrews was born August 9, 1932 in Dale County, Alabama to the late Lester Leroy Whigham and Lessie Trawick Whigham. She worked with the Army Aviation Training Brigade at Fort Rucker until her retirement. Jean was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark who enjoyed spending time with her family, friends at church and her neighbors.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Wilton Whigham. Survivors include, two sons, David Andrews (Michele) of Ponte Verda Beach, Florida and Paul Andrews of Ozark; one daughter, Candice Sullivan (Timmy) of Ozark; five grandchildren, Spencer Sullivan (Chelsea), Anna Sullivan Tucker (Colby), Austin Andrews, Erin Cranstone (Christopher) and Ian Andrews (Chasidy); four great grandchildren, Ainsly Tucker, Dixie Tucker, Dorian Cranstone and Eva Rose Andrews; and her sister-in-law, Kathy Whigham. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Ozark, 1971 Deese Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Lagara Anciso passed away on February 5, 2025. Born on June 4, 1956, in Dothan, AL, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Lagara was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Sam and Gladys Flowers, her sister Eulalia Flowers, and her daughter Wenona Jackson. Her memory will be forever honored and cherished by her devoted husband, Martin Anciso, and her loving daughter, Evelyn Bryant (Stephen) of Pansey, Alabama. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through her brothers, Edwin Flowers (Luretha) of Ashford, Alabama, Melvin Flowers (Hazel) of Gordon, Alabama, Sammy Flowers of Cottonwood, Alabama, and Malcolm Flowers, also of Cottonwood, Alabama.
Her life was further enriched by her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and happiness. Lagara also held a special place in her heart for her niece Ornechra Nash (Jermaine) of Ashford, Alabama. Her extended family of nieces, nephews, godchildren, bonus children, cousins, and a multitude of friends will remember her as a beacon of kindness and love.
Lagara’s professional journey as a truck driver was marked by her strong work ethic and her commitment to excellence. She was respected by her peers and known for her reliability and dedication to her work. Her career allowed her to touch many lives, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working with her. Beyond her work, Lagara’s greatest passion was her family. She was the heart and soul of family gatherings, and her presence was a source of comfort and joy. She was a woman who lived by example, demonstrating the importance of kindness, generosity, and the simple pleasures of life. The warmth and safety she provided made those around her feel at home, encouraging open communication and genuine connections. She was like a grandmother to any child.
Her unwavering love and her gentle spirit were her gifts to the world, and they will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
Mrs. Michele Bernard Martin, a resident of the Asbury Community in Dale County, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her home. She was 82 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Martin will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 24, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Tim Sewell officiating. Interment will follow in Beersheba Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
Mrs. Martin was born September 27, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Perry M. Bernard and Geraldine Lupion Bernard. Her family moved to Atlanta where she graduated from high school. She met and married Ron Martin in Ensenada Baja California in 1961. They lived in various duty stations while Mr. Martin served in the United States Army. While they were stationed at Fort Rucker, they decided to make their home in the Asbury Community of Dale County. Michele attended Morgan Baptist Church in Skipperville. She was an avid Alabama fan who loved to help people in need, loved sports of all kinds and loved her special fur-baby, “Baby Girl”. Survivors include one son, Stanley Ronald “Stan” Martin (Karen) of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren, Alex Martin, Jack Martin, Will Martin, Brett Porter and Lillian Porter all of Austin, Texas; long-time friend and caregiver, Dianne Tharpe (John) of Skipperville; other caregivers, Jennifer Bridges and Heather Hutto.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Beersheba Cemetery, C/O Rhonda Watson, 154 County Road 23, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
Kathy Sue Newman, a cherished soul known for her loving, gentle, and thoughtful nature, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 13, 2025, at the age of 69 with her family by her side. Born on January 19, 1956, in Dothan, Alabama, Kathy’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the enduring strength of family bonds.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Watford and Dorothy Watkins Watford, grandchild, Maci Granger and a special nephew, Kenneth “Lee” Rhodes. She is survived by her loving children, Lori Granger (John) and Derrick Newman (Tiffany). Two sisters, Margaret Brown and Judy Rhodes (Kenneth) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathy’s professional life was marked by 33 years of loyal service at Coleman Worldwide Moving company in Midland City, Alabama. Her colleagues knew her as a steadfast and reliable presence, someone who brought warmth and care to her work every day. Kathy’s dedication to her job was matched only by her devotion to her faith as a long-standing member of Cloverdale Baptist Church, where she found solace and joy in the community and worship.
Kathy’s role as a grandmother was one of her greatest joys., her grandchildren were the recipients of her boundless love and the special moments she created with each of them. Kathy’s ability to make every grandchild feel cherished was one of her most remarkable gifts.
Christmas was Kathy’s favorite holiday, a time when she could share her joy with those she loved most. Each ornament on her tree held a special memory, and her festive spirit was infectious, making the holiday season a magical time for her family. Kathy’s legacy is one of unwavering love and the gentle touch she had on the lives of those around her. Her thoughtfulness extended beyond her immediate circle, touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Kathy’s family will hold her close in their hearts, remembering the countless ways she enriched their lives. Her gentle soul and thoughtful nature will be deeply missed, but the love she gave will endure always.
Graveside services will be held at 3 PM Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Dr.John Granger officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM in the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel prior to the graveside service. Flowers will be accepted.
Dale Shaw, a compassionate spirit and adventurer at heart, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in Dothan, AL. Born on December 6, 1950, in Niceville, FL. Dale’s life was a testament to service, having dedicated 44 years to the nursing profession.
She was a living embodiment of care, not only for her patients but also for her loving family.
Dale is preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Katie Wells Early, and her brothers Doug and Donald. She is survived by her husband, Earle Shaw, daughters Jennifer Gillman (Greg) and Ashlee Newton (Dan), son, Earle Shaw III and her adoring grandsons Grady Gillman and Hank Newton will forever cherish her memory.
She celebrated every moment of life as a nurse for 44 years, beginning in Selma and eventually settling in Dothan, where she found her second home at Flowers Hospital. After retiring from this position, she continued to work part time until she decided to fully retire. Dale’s zest for life was evident through her enjoyment of growing up with her brothers on the bayous, creeks and bays they called home; Her summers on St. George Island, her passion for travel, her voracious reading habit, and her love of tending to her garden. Those who knew her will miss her adventurous spirit and the warmth of her presence dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 3 PM Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. with Pastor Harrison Parrish officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM in the chapel.
