rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Frances Jeannette Cordell

Frances Jeannette Cordell

Frances Jeannette Cordell, a resident of Texasville, Alabama, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. She was 78 years old.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in the Edwin Community with Rev. Clyde Hancock officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula directing. A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Glover Funeral Home in Eufaula.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to the New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church cemetery fund.

Frances was born July 7, 1946, in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Ruby J. and Nellie C. Gulledge Cordell. She graduated from Bakerhill High School and worked at West Point Pepperell in Abbeville, Alabama for over 20 years. She enjoyed fishing, flowers, and gardening in her spare time.

She is preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; Rufus Cordell (Josie), JC Cordell, Sr., Woodrow Cordell, Ruben Lee “Doodle” Cordell (Myrtle), and Johnny Cordell; three sisters, Sadie Smith (Pete), Winnie Blankenship (Hubert), and Christene Brown (Wayne).

Survivors are her loving husband of 60 years, Olin Cordell, Jr.; three sons, Norman Cordell (Barbara) of Texasville, Alabama, Terry Cordell (Lori) of Valley, Alabama, and Kenny Cordell (Misty) of Radcliff, Kentucky; ten grandchildren, Terry Cole Cordell, Haley Richburg, Ryan Cordell, Alyssa Donner, Shelby Blankenship, Megan Wood, Corey Wood, Lexie Wood, Alex Brown, and Ryan Brown; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Willie Nell Cordell and Susan Cordell; many nieces and nephews.

Asked to serve as pallbearers are Norman Cordell, Terry Cordell, Kenny Cordell, Ryan Cordell, Andrew Harris, and Ray Simmons.

 

Jean Knight Golden

Jean Knight Golden

Jean Knight Golden, 95, passed away February 2, 2025 at Superior Residence in Niceville, Florida.

Born on September 28, 1929, in Greenville, AL, Jean spent most of her adult life in Dothan, where she was a member of Southside Baptist Church for many years. A devout Christian, she lived a life dedicated to serving others and sharing about her faith in Jesus.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Allie Knight, her husband, Earl, and her brother, Pete.

She is survived by her daughter Kaye Barrett (Roger), grandsons David (Katie) of Dallas, TX, Mark (Angel) of Orlando, her great-grandchildren, Luke, Matthew, Hailey, Charlie, Hannah and Jack and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, located at 2414 Hartford Hwy. Dothan, Alabama. Visitation will be held from 10 to 10:30 A.M. on Friday, prior to the service. Interment will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Sarah Elizabeth (Woodham) Shepard

Sarah Elizabeth (Woodham) Shepard

Sarah Elizabeth (Woodham) Shepard, 90, a resident of Dothan, passed away with her family by her side, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Flowers Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Sterling Boykin and Reverend Elizabeth Hinton officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends in the church parlor from 11:00 until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. A private family burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, First United Methodist Church Respite Care Ministry, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.

Sarah was born January 1, 1935, in Hartford to the late Robert Bentley & Sally Cleo (Stewart) Woodham. She spent the early years of her life there and attended Geneva County High School. At the age of 16, she met and married the love of her life, Jack Hayes Shepard. Soon after they married, Jack’s time in the service quickly moved them to Pennsylvania, where she attended and graduated from New Cumberland High School. Sarah and Jack moved back to Alabama after his time in the service ended. Once back in Alabama, Sarah pursued a career as a dental hygienist, where she worked until she had her children, Lynne and Ben. Outside of family, she frequently participated in her Friday Morning Coffee Bunch, Geneva County High School Lunch Bunch, Suburban Women’s Club in Albany, Bridge Groups, and Garden Club. Sarah was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Dothan, serving in many areas such as a founding member of the Pathfinders Sunday School Class, and was an active member of the Progressor’s Sunday School Class, multiple women’s bible study groups, Church Study Club, FUMC book club, Respite Care volunteer, FUMC Altar Guild, and the FUMC Senior Exercise Group. Throughout her life, she managed her family farm and in 2018, she was named the Geneva County Outstanding Conservationist.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Jack Hayes Shepard; her three sisters, Dorothy (Woodham) Williams, Mary (Woodham) Hutchinson, and Margaret (Woodham) McDonald; and her brother, James Woodham.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynne (Shepard) Woods of Dothan; her son, Ben Shepard (David) of Birmingham; her two grandchildren, Sam Woods (Brandi), and Sally Kelley (Tyler); her two great-grandchildren, Finley Woods, and Evelyn Kelley; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Sharon “Shing” Rinehart

Sharon “Shing” Rinehart

Sharon “Shing” Rinehart, a spirited and loving soul known for her friendly demeanor and zest for life, passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 76 in Rehobeth, Alabama with her children by her side. Born on February 14, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois, Sharon brought joy and laughter to those around her from the very beginning.

Sharon was a dedicated waitress her entire career, serving up smiles and comfort food at Larry’s BBQ, Pofolks, and Glo’s with her brother Gary. Her work was more than a job; it was a way to connect with her community and she became a well-known figure in Dothan, where she lived since 1992.

A fiercely independent woman, Sharon thrived on the thrill of a good find, whether it was at a yard sale, thrift store, or the Graceville Bingo hall. Casinos held a special allure for her adventurous spirit, and she could often be found trying her luck and socializing with friends. When she wasn’t out thrifting or at the casino, she was eating her snacks and watching talk shows on volume 82. Her interests were not just hobbies, but a testament to her belief in enjoying every day to the fullest.

Family was the cornerstone of Sharon’s life. She is survived by her loving children, Brady Myracle, Brenda Gertz (John), Bryan Myracle (Theresa), and Bridget Myracle-Tyson (John); her stepsons, Bobby Jr. Rinehart and Steve Rinehart. Sharon’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Brooklyn, Landen, Bryan Jr., Devin (Erika), Tiffany, Desiray (Khary), Dezmond, and Gabrielle, as well as her great-grandchildren, Calynn, Kai, and Jasper, who brought her immeasurable joy. Her special niece, Heather, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, also survive her. She also leaves behind many special friends, as well as her granddogs. The family extends special thanks to Cassidy, KeKe, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, John Sommer and Gloria Sommer; her beloved husband, Bobby D. Rinehart; her sister, Diane Price; and her brother, Gary “Gig” Sommer. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and their memories were cherished deeply.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her as the embodiment of a life well-lived. Her resilience, open heart, and ability to find joy in the everyday will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Sharon’s infectious laugh, her willingness to lend an ear, and her endless stories will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her presence.

As we say goodbye to Sharon Rinehart, we celebrate a life that was as vibrant and full of love as the woman herself. Her spirit will live on in the memories she created with those she loved and the community she served. Sharon’s journey through life was one of connection, joy, and unwavering love, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Thursday , February 6, 2025 at 11am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Bro. Charles Goldsmith officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

Johnny Baker

Johnny Baker

Johnny Baker age 64 of Daleville, Alabama passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Baptist South Hospital following an illness.
Johnny was born February 3, 1960 in Brundidge, Alabama to Charlie Baker and Lula McClendon Baker Baxley.  He worked for over 30 years as a Paramedic.
Johnny was married to Debra Baker, the mother of his three children  for 32 years.  Even though they went their separate ways,  she was an important part of his life.   He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, working on motors.  He treasured spending time with his family and traveling to the mountains.  He also enjoyed watching Alabama football and Star Trek.
He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie Baker and

Lula Baxley,  and brother Mack Baker.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Debra Baker, son Jonathan Baker (Amanda); daughters Kelly Cheek (Andrew), Kayla Paulk (Casey); grandchildren Emma Cheek, Andi Grace Cheek, Harper Paulk, Mackenzie Baker and Waylan Baker; sister Bonnie Finch.

Stacy Granger

Stacy Neil Granger, 57, beloved son, brother, uncle, partner, and friend to many, passed away on January 30, 2025.

He was born June 24, 1967, in Dothan, Alabama. He graduated from Northview High School and later attended Wallace College, Art Institute of Atlanta, and Florida Panhandle Technical College.

In his early years, he was employed in the food industry and as an agent for Goldwell Products. At his passing, he was the Manager of Dollar General, Malone, FL.

He leaves behind his mother, Carole Granger; brother, Clay and his wife, Krista; daughter, Annalee Granger; his partner of 25 years, Scott King; and many friends and extended family.

Stacy loved his puppies Tiny, Marley, Maggie, and Miley. Both he and Scott were known for picking up abandoned puppies and bringing them home to care for and love. He enjoyed the beach, watching Antiques Roadshow, and collecting Flow Blue China. He had a sweet, nurturing heart and cared for others, and was always helping in any way he could. His many friends and coworkers will miss him and the impact he had on their lives.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. His smile and light will never fade.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Pastor John Granger officiating. Burial will follow in Cottonwood Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the time of service at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Rescue To The Max, c/o Tina Tedford, 2117 Davenport Road, Marianna, Fl. 32448.