Nettie Dianne Scarbrough, of Andalusia, AL, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was 75.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Dianne was preceded in death by her husband Roy Douglas Scarbrough and three brothers, Lonnie Smith, Buddy Smith and Tommy Smith.
Survivors include her three daughters, Dena Feagin, Jack, AL; Robin Scarbrough, Troy, AL; Keetra Carter (Ricky), Jack, AL; two sons, Douglas “Little Doug” Scarbrough, Troy, AL; Jeremy Scarbrough, Andalusia, AL; nine grandchildren, Justin Scarbrough, David Drinkard, Shania Smith, John Smith, Chasity Drinkard, Christopher Carter (Adri), Tyler Scarbrough, Zachary Scarbrough, and Hannah Williams (Kendall); eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; three sisters, Mary Wise, Opp, AL; Juanita Segers, Babbie, AL; Ada Wiggins, Andalusia, AL; brother, Lester “Bimbo” Smith, Andalusia, AL.
Charles Steven Locklar, of New Brockton, AL, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home. He was 64.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025 at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Rev. Cliff Quincey officiating. Burial will follow in Old Tabernacle Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents Ned Locklar and Remona Stevens.
Survivors include his brother, David Locklar (Gisela), Enterprise, AL; several aunts and uncles; special friend, Sheila Walters, Enterprise, AL.
Retha Monk Horsley of Dothan passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Retha was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Vera Monk of Newton; her husband, Lewis D. Horsley of Dothan; two brothers, Curtis and Julius Monk, both of Frostproof, Florida.
She is survived by her sisters, Viola Pitts (Eudon) of Dothan, Martha Solis (Joe) of Sebring, FL, Wanda Ruffin (Gene) of Montgomery; and brother, Marvette Monk of Frostproof, FL.
Services will be held at a later date at The Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Norman Van Ness, passed away on January 17, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Kingston, New York, on November 29, 1935, Norman’s early years were filled with the joys of small-town life, which laid the foundation for his strong character and handy skills. His departure is deeply felt by his loving son, Jeffrey Van Ness, his devoted daughter, Karen Van Ness (Elizabeth M. Donegan), and his cherished grandchild, John Miguel Van Ness. Norman now joins his late parents, Abraham and Mary Van Ness, his beloved wife, Elaine Van Ness, and his dear siblings, Jeanne Maggiorie and Mary Ellen DuBois, in eternal peace.
Norman’s academic journey led him to acquire a Civil Engineering Degree from the Citadel, marking the beginning of a distinguished career. His dedication to his country was evident as he joined the US Army, serving with honor and distinction. Following his military service, Norman worked for the Federal Highway Administration. Norman’s professional life reached a pinnacle as he became a member of the Senior Executive Service within the Federal Highway Administration, where he left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the nation’s infrastructure. His exceptional leadership was recognized with the Presidential Achievement Award, a testament to his commitment and excellence.
Norman’s life was a tapestry woven with love, service, and hobbies which brought him immense joy. In February of 1960, he married the love of his life, Elaine Van Ness. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them to various locations due to career commitments, each move strengthening the bonds of their growing family. Norman’s devotion to his faith was evident in his active participation in churches wherever he and Elaine lived and culminated at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church. He served in every capacity possible, short of taking on the role of Pastor, a reflection of his deep commitment to his church community.
Family was the cornerstone of Norman’s life. He treasured the moments spent with his loved ones and instilled in them values of kindness and resilience. His passion for golf provided him with both leisure and challenge, allowing him to forge enduring friendships on the greens. Norman’s creative spirit thrived in his love for landscaping and design, transforming his environment into a place of beauty and tranquility. Moreover, his skill in carpentry was not only a practical talent but also a form of expression, showcasing his ability to craft and create with his hands.
Those who knew Norman would describe him as a man of spirit and faith, with hands that worked tirelessly to build, repair, and uplift. His presence and dry sense of humor brought warmth and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
A celebration of Norman’s life will take place at 11 am on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The service, officiated by Pastor Craig Bailey, will be an opportunity for friends and family to honor the remarkable life of a man who touched so many. Norman will be laid to rest with military honors at Sunset Memorial Park, a fitting tribute to a man who served his country with pride. Prior to the service, from 10:15-11 am, the family will receive friends at the funeral home, offering a time to share memories and comfort one another.
Norman J. Van Ness lived a life marked by service, love, and a deep-seated belief in the goodness of others. His legacy will continue to inspire, and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of those who loved him.
Ida Jean Harper, affectionately known as GeGe to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, in Camilla, GA, at the age of 89. Born on March 6, 1935, in New Brockton, AL, Jean was a beacon of love and faith throughout her life. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to be cherished.
Jean was a proud graduate of New Brockton High School and furthered her education at Cosmetology School, where she honed her skills that would serve her well both professionally and personally. She went on to have a successful career as a cosmetologist, which she balanced beautifully with her role as a dedicated stay-at-home mom. Jean’s work allowed her to touch the lives of many, offering not just beauty services but also kindness and friendship.
In her retirement, Jean found a new calling that would define her later years. She opened her home to host Bible study sessions, guiding over a decade of weekly meetings with warmth and wisdom. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a living example of the values she held dear.
Jean was the loving matriarch of a family that revered her. She is survived by her daughters, Belinda (Ron) Ott and Donna (Tom) Chapman; her Daughter in love, Diane (Steve) Norman; her grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) White and Jonathan (Krista) Chapman; as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Madison Grace Chapman, Harper Sue Chapman, Caleb Chapman White, and Everly Carrington White. Jean’s family extended to numerous nieces and nephews, who all benefited from her generous spirit and loving guidance.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald T. Harper, with whom she shared a life filled with love and partnership. Jean was also the last of her siblings to pass, joining Pauline Edgar, Clayburn Griswold, Aubrey Griswold, Juiana Wood, Sue Pope, Joseph Griswold, and Zonya Griswold in eternal rest. Her parents, Benny Franklin Griswold and Easter Rebecca Griswold, instilled in her the values of family and faith that she carried throughout her life.
Jean will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and kind soul. She had the unique ability to make each person feel special and heard, a testament to her caring nature. Her legacy is one of love, devotion, and unwavering faith—a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Her life was a reflection of her beliefs, and she walked in grace and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on her community. Jean’s spirit, characterized by her loving nature and her dedication to her faith, will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
As we say goodbye to Ida Jean Harper, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the countless ways she enriched our lives. Her story is one of unwavering love and kindness, a narrative that will be recounted with fondness by all who were privileged to know her. Jean’s memory will be held close, a comforting presence that remains with us always.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at Harper’s Joy Church in Dothan, AL with Pastor Benny Lindsey, Pastor Eddie Littlefield and Murray Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Anthony Glen Yoakam, known to his friends and family as Tony, passed away on January 13, 2025, in Port Allen, Louisiana, at the age of 60. Born in California on January 19, 1964, Tony was a man who lived a life marked by courage, adventure, and a spirited heart.
Tony grew up under the golden sun of California and eventually made his home in the Wiregrass area for over 40 years. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, where he served with dignity and honor, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His dedication to his country was matched only by his commitment to his community, as he later took on the vital role of District Director under Harri Ann Smith at the Alabama State Senate.
A man of many passions, Tony’s love for the open road was undeniable. He owned a Harley Davidson, which he affectionately named “Beth,” and would seize every opportunity to ride, relishing the sense of freedom and connection to the outdoors. His adventurous spirit found a home among kindred souls in his riding club, where he forged bonds of camaraderie and brotherhood.
Tony is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Lee and Amy Yoakam, and his grandchild, James Marion Church. His friendships were profound, particularly with Harri Ann and Charlie Smith, who stood by him as pillars of support and shared in his many joys. Tony was preceded in death by his brother, Terrance “Terry” Lee Yoakam, and by his parents, Glen Lee and Nellie Dye Yoakam.
A big kid at heart, Tony often declared Disney World as “the happiest place on earth,” and his visits there were filled with laughter and magic. He was also an avid cook, with a particular flair for Italian cuisine, often bringing people together around a table full of his delicious creations.
Tony’s ability to connect with people was grounded in his authenticity and his willingness to give of himself. His character was a blend of courage, adventure, and a spirit that was both infectious and inspiring. Those who knew him will remember a man who was loyal to a fault and who brought a kick of joy into every room he entered.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Mike Shafer will officiate the service. Tony will be laid to rest with military honors at Sunset Memorial Park following the services. His family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm.
Tony’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness will continue to shine brightly. As we say goodbye to a man who lived life to its fullest, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit rides on, leaving a trail of memories that will never fade.
