Judy Butterworth, of Dothan, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026. Born on July 3, 1939, in Phenix City, Alabama, Judy’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.
Judy was a cherished member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dothan, where her commitment to her faith was evident in her active participation and service. Her professional life was marked by over two decades of dedicated work as a medical records specialist at Southeast Health, where she was respected and admired by her colleagues.
She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Though she was preceded in death by her beloved parents James Robert Hardy and Mary Clegg Adams and her son-in-law, Danny Lewis She is survived by her children, Lisa Lewis of Dothan, Greg Butterworth (Shannon) of Eufaula, and Sharon Washington (Robert) of Dothan. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Andy Tomberlin (Sheena) of Dothan, Nathan Tomberlin (Courtney) of Decatur, Lacey Tomberlin of Vancouver, Washington, and Keri Washington of Atlanta, Georgia; six great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Hearn of Columbus, Georgia; nephews, Keith Milligan and Gil Milligan; special friends, Kat and Janice, and her beloved fur baby, Katie, who was a source of comfort and companionship.
Those who knew Judy will fondly remember her as a great cook, whose culinary creations brought joy to many a family gathering. Her love for watching television, particularly QVC, was well-known, and it brought her simple pleasures in her leisure time.
A graveside service to honor Judy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Memory Hill Cemetery. Bishop Jake Mathis will officiate the service, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Judy’s memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those she touched, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Manuel Gerardo Venegas, affectionately known as Manny to those closest to him, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast dedication and unwavering faith. Born on August 24, 1938, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Manny’s journey through life was marked by a profound commitment to his family, his work, and his Christian beliefs.
Manuel is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lydia Alicia Venegas, with whom he shared a life full of love and devotion. Together they raised their two children, Juan Manuel (Toni) Venegas and their children, Noel (Steven) Leopold, Jessica Venegas, Kathryn (John Mark) Porter, Joshua (Faith) Venegas, David Venegas, Lily Venegas, Julia Venegas, Samuel Venegas, Melody Venegas, and Joseph Venegas, and his great grandchild, Caleb Robert Leopold, and his daughter, Alicia (John Edward) Johnson, and their children, Laura Elizabeth Johnson and Rebecca Johnson Caltabiano (Nik), and his great-granddaughter, Mia Grace Caltabiano. Manuel also leaves behind a loving brother, Rafael Adrián Venegas, a niece, Adriana Elizabeth Venegas (Scott) Northcutt, nephews, Robert Nathan (Faith) Venegas and Rafael David Venegas, his half-brother, Evan (Sonia) Venegas, niece, Ambar Venegas, half-sister, Lizabeth Venegas (Tony), half-sister, Trinidad (Trini) de los Angeles Venegas (Victor), and several nieces and nephews who will all cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Tony Collazo.
Manny’s life was a testament to hard work and consistency. For 45 years, he dedicated his professional life to the Army Aviation Test Activity, from which he retired with honors. His colleagues knew him as a man who never wavered in his responsibilities and who could always be relied upon for his thoroughness and integrity.
His dedication at work was only matched by his commitment to his faith. A faithful servant of the Lord, Manny was a cornerstone of his local Christian community. He practiced his Catholic faith with fervor and was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. Manny’s passion for the Word of God was evident to all who knew him, as he spent countless hours reading his Bible and living out its teachings. His hunger for spiritual knowledge and understanding was an inspiration to many.
Manny also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed conversing over C.B. Radio during his drives home from work, engaging with friends and strangers alike. This hobby was one of the many ways he connected with the world around him, always eager to lend an ear or share a word of encouragement.
His legacy is one of building a strong foundation for his grandchildren, instilling in them the values of faith, family, and hard work. Manny’s life was a blueprint for how to live with purpose and grace, and his influence will continue to guide his loved ones for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to Manuel Gerardo Venegas, we are reminded of the impact one life can have on so many. Manny was a beacon of light in his community, a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a devout Christian. His memory will be held in the hearts of those he touched forever, and his spirit will live on through the love and lessons he imparted. Manny’s journey on earth has concluded, but the echoes of his life’s work will resonate for eternity.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 5514 Double Oak Lane, Birmingham, AL 35242.
Ms. Hilda Faye Bradley of Ebro, Florida passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Vitas Inpatient Hospice Care in Panama City, Florida. She was 84 years old.
Faye was a faithful member of Esto Baptist Church. She found joy in the outdoors, tending to her plants, and cooking for those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John A. Welch and Essie June Gates Welch; husband, Donald Bradley; daughter, Donna Love; and several siblings.
Survivors include her grandchildren, Ryan Love of Ashford, Damon Love (Courtney) of Ashford, and Casey Tillery (Blake) of Headland; sister, Johnnie Ruth Crutchfield of Dothan; son-in-law, Roger Love of Ashford; long-time friend, Dr. Johnny Savage; several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bobby Gene Bottoms of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence. He was 81 years old.
He was born on November 26, 1944, to the late Harley D. Bottoms and Gladys Killingsworth Dowling.
Bobby loved the outdoors, music, his family and friends. If you ever knew Bobby, you were sure not to forget him.
He is survived by his children, Tony Bottoms of Hartford, Amy Cobb of Taylor, Bobbie Jo Bottoms, Jay Bottoms, and Harley Bottoms all of Slocomb; siblings, Ann Ford of Slocomb and Billy Bottoms of Geneva; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Rest easy, Daddy. Until we meet again. We love you!
Ms. Barbara Louise Leigh Shirley of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Flowers Hospital. She was 82 years old.
Barbara was a faithful member of Hartford Methodist Church and a cherished member of The Red Hat Society. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her kind heart and caring spirit. She never hesitated to help—whether it meant giving someone a ride, gathering magazines for shut-ins, or lifting spirits with her bright personality and warm smile. It was once said that Barbara did what people are meant to do for others, but too often don’t, and that truth perfectly reflects who she was. Her family finds comfort and peace in knowing she has received her heavenly reward.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Drik WIlliford officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. until service time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Mayhair and Omar Leigh; stepfather, Earl Moore; husband, Bobby Ray Shirley, Sr.; son, Bobby Shirley, Jr.; grandson, Christopher Ray Shirley; and brother, Donald Leigh
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Holland (Aaron) of Vance, Alabama and Ronda Barnes (Greg) of Slocomb, Alabama; one son, Johnny Shirley (Martha) of Headland, Alabama; sister, Venita Horton of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brandon Holland, Marie Holland, Abby Holland, Kendall Holland, Dillion Lunsford, Drake Lunsford, Dalton Barnes, and Donavon Barnes; several great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
DOTHAN…Mr. Tony Cumuze, a resident of Dothan, died Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 64.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Adams officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cumuze was born on August 14, 1961, in California, and from the very beginning his life was shaped by movement, service, and family. As the son of Antonio George Cumuze, Jr., a dedicated United States Air Force Major, he spent his childhood living in different places across the country while his father served. Those early years gave him a sense of adventure, a love for seeing new things, and a deep respect for the men and women who serve our nation.
He eventually made his way to the Wiregrass area in 1980, a place he chose to call home. Not long after, he followed in his father’s footsteps and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. His time in the military shaped him in lasting ways — he carried himself with quiet discipline, loyalty, and a strong sense of responsibility.
In his earlier years, he worked as a truck driver, a job that suited him well. He enjoyed the open road, the independence, and the steady rhythm of long drives. He also had a real love for motorcycles. Riding brought him peace and freedom — the kind of freedom that comes from the wind on your face and the world stretching out in front of you.
More than anything, he valued time with the people he loved. Whether it was sharing a meal, swapping stories, or simply being together, he found comfort and joy in the company of family. Those who knew him remember his steady presence, his easygoing nature, and the way he could make you feel at ease just by being in the room.
He was preceded in death by his father, Antonio George Cumuze, Jr. (Major, United States Air Force, Retired), whose legacy of service and strength lived on in him.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Mary Lou Crockett Cumuze, Dothan; brother, Phillip Cumuze (Kris); niece and nephew, Jessica Moates (Taylor) and Ryan Cumuze (Paula), all of the Asbury Community, near Ozark; great-niece and nephews, Rhett, John Lane, Aniston, Elli, and Iverson; his best friend, Terry Ingram.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
