Judith Dianne Stegall Grant, affectionately known as Judy to her friends and family, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 21, 1944, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Judy was the embodiment of a life well-lived, filled with love, faith, and resilience.
Judy’s early years in Biloxi were marked by the warmth of a close-knit family, being the cherished daughter of Calvin Ware Stegall and Kathryn Lavinia Saucier Stegall. Her journey led her to the heart of James C. Grant, Jr., whom she married in 1991, and together they built a life rich in love and shared experiences. Judy’s family was the centerpiece of her world, and she is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Grant, Jr.; her loving children, Mark Howard (Pam) Rogers, Bruce Grant, and Wendy Rogers (Ray) Weston; her adored grandchildren, Christopher (Whitney) Williams, Jenny Weston, Jason Grant, Hannah Grant, Emily (Rudy) Weston, Jay Weston, and Hunter Puckett; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Greydon Williams, Margot Williams, Graceley Thompson, Birdie Beaty, and Beau Beaty. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Patricia “Patsy” Richardson and Lona Kaye Burnett, who will miss her deeply.
Professionally, Judy was a respected Executive Secretary at Drew Chemical Company, where she worked for over 15 years. Her diligence and professionalism were hallmarks of her career until the company’s closure. Judy’s work ethic and commitment to excellence were admired by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Judy’s interests and passions were a testament to her vibrant spirit. She was a devout Christian, actively involved in her church communities at Harvest Church and Greystone United Methodist Church. Her faith was a source of strength and inspiration to not only her but also to those around her. Judy’s love for fishing with her husband was one of the many joys in her life, as were the moments spent cheering for Auburn University’s football team, a passion only rivaled by her enthusiasm for the University of Alabama when her grandchild became a student there. Judy’s love of shopping was more than a pastime; it was an expression of her thoughtful nature, always seeking the perfect gifts for those she loved.
Judy’s personal battles with brain tumors did not dim her spirit; instead, they illuminated her compassionate soul, as she provided comfort and guidance to others facing similar challenges. Her courage and empathy during such times were a beacon of hope to many.
Her character was marked by an unwavering faith, boundless love, and thoughtful nature. Judy’s presence in the lives of those who knew her was a gift one that will continue to resonate in their hearts and memories.
A celebration of Judy’s life is scheduled for 11 am on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, where Rev. Charles Goldsmith will officiate. Friends and family are welcome to gather and share memories of Judy an hour prior to the service, from 10-11 am, at the funeral home.
Randall Louis Johnson of Alabaster, Alabama, formerly of Hartford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, He was 84.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at The Branch at Mission Hills, 1669 Mission Hills Road, Alabaster, Alabama 35007, with Rev Brook Lovett officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time.
A committal service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home, 1315 West Lawrence Harris Hwy, Slocomb, Alabama 36375 with the family receiving friends following the service.
Randall will be laid to rest beside his late wife Nell and their son, Michael, in the Gardens of Memory cemetery in Headland, Alabama.
Randall attended Geneva County High School and proudly served in the Alabama Air National Guard for six years. He was dedicated to his job with Norfolk Southern, where he was employed for 38 years and finished his career as Superintendent of the Southeast Region’s Signals Department. He valued integrity and commitment and truly cherished the relationships he built during his time with Norfolk Southern. Randall was married to Nell, the love of his life, for 59 years and had a deep love for family. Randall was a talented basketball player, and his athletic abilities and passion for sports were passed on to his children and great-grandchildren. Some of Randall’s happiest and proudest moments were the years when he coached his children in softball, basketball, football, and baseball. Randall had a tireless work ethic, a love for all people, and never met a stranger. He positively impacted the lives of others by serving his community and church, The Branch at Mission Hills. Randall had a deep faith and was prepared to meet his Lord and Savior. Randall will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Randall was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nell Johnson, son, Michael, and brother, Charles Johnson.
Randall is survived by his daughters Sandra Hoiberg, Jennifer Hogan (Tim), and Jan Holcomb (Barry); grandchildren, Zachary Hoiberg, Sydney Ayers (John), Kaitlin Hogan, Jenna Hogan Cooch (Alex), and Taylor Holcomb; great-grandson, Caden Cooch; and sister, Sara Herring.
Mr. Stephen Watson of Dothan peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 70, at his home surrounded by the warmth and love of his devoted family. Born on September 28, 1955, to the late Earnest “Bob” and Adene Hall Watson, Stephen’s life was one marked by dedication, kindness, and heartfelt connection.
A proud graduate of Slocomb High School’s Class of 1973, Stephen contributed his talents and steadfast work ethic to numerous local enterprises, including Segrest Feed and Seed, Dolly Madison Furniture, the Slocomb Police Department, Meadow Gold Dairies, Kings Church Furniture, Collins Signs, and I.D. Associates Signs. Beyond his professional endeavors, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life: camping under the stars, fishing in tranquil waters, crafting exquisite woodwork, and sharing his culinary skills. Above all, he cherished the time spent among family and friends, nurturing bonds that reflected his gentle and compassionate spirit.
Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Gail Watson; his brother, Gerald Wayne Watson; and his parents.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his cherished daughter, Amanda Barron, and her husband Jonathan; his beautiful granddaughter, Taylor Leigh-Ann Barron; his sisters, Doris Tew and Pat Hall; his sister-in-law, Sandra Blount Watson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will fondly remember his warmth and unwavering kindness.
Though deeply mourned, Stephen’s memory endures in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him, a testament to a life well-lived and a soul truly at peace.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Chad Hixson, Rev. Dennis Singletary and Richard Mercer officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank Dr. Scott McAllister and his staff at Dothan Hematology and Oncology as well as Gentiva Hospice for the love and care that was given to Stephen during this time.
OZARK…Mr. James Robert Brannon (Staff Sergeant, Alabama Army National Guard, Retired), a resident of Ozark, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family, Thursday morning, March 19, 2026, at his home. He was 98.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with his grandson-in-law, Mr. Aubrey Sullivan officiating. Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Brannon was born on January 18, 1928, in Newton, Alabama, to the late Ernest Brannon and Minnie Jewel Windham Brannon. After growing up in Newton, he married his sweetheart, Margaret Herring Brannon, whom he affectionately called “Dotsy”. Together they shared an extraordinary 80 years of marriage, building a life centered around love, faith, and family.
Mr. Brannon proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corp for many years and retired from the Army National Guard after twenty plus years. Following his service, he dedicated much of his life to his work at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he faithfully served for fifty-five years and three months. Known affectionately by many as “Daddy-Rabbit,” Robert loved the people he worked with and cherished the friendships he made there. He eventually retired as one of the longest-employed inspectors at Fort Rucker.
Robert was a devoted provider and family man who believed family was one of life’s greatest blessings. He and his beloved wife Margaret were blessed with two sons, the late Jerry Brannon and Steve Brannon Sr. of Ozark.
He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Tiffany Sullivan (Aubrey) of Dothan, Stevie “Bo” Brannon Jr. of Ozark, and Stephanie Johnson (Trae) of Ozark. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Hayden Taylor (Konnor) of Dothan, Meagan Sloop (Brantley) of Dothan, and Jaxon Brannon of Ozark. He was also blessed with one great-great-grandson, Bennett Sloop, and another great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by three sisters, Jean Quattlebaum, Taylor, Martha Barlow, Eufaula, and Bobbie Mahaney, Newton.
Robert shared a special bond with his great-grandson Jaxon and took great joy in watching him play sports. He deeply loved his great-granddaughters and was proud to support them as they participated in many mission trips over the years.
Music brought Robert tremendous joy. He had a gift for playing the guitar and writing songs, and he even recorded an album years ago. Some of his family’s most cherished memories were made during summer trips to Nashville, where he always made sure to visit the Grand Ole Opry. He also loved traveling and spending time in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Though he will be greatly missed by those who loved him, his family finds peace in knowing he is no longer suffering and that they will see him again one day in Heaven.
In his own words from a song he wrote many years ago: “One thing I want to leave with you as my testimony here; I want you to know that the Lord’s been good to me.”
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Wanda Coker Shipes, age 85 of Clio passed away Friday, March 19, 2026 at her son’s residence.
Wanda was a 1959 graduate of Slocomb High School and moved from Slocomb to Clio in 1969. She retired from Bracewell Grant Timber Company and after that she worked over 20 years at the Barbour County Probate Judge Office as a clerk. She was a faithful member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church.
Left to cherish her memory, sons, Vic (Angie) Coker of Clio, AL; Paul Shipes and Scott (Mary Ann) Shipes of Clio, AL; grandchildren, Josh (Cayla) Coker, Brittany (Joe) Green, Tori (Cody) Dees, Lilli Coker, Baker Shipes, Zach (Jasmine) Shipes, Macy (Dylan) Prescott; great grandchildren, Tripp Coker, Sawyer Green, Myles Coker, Jesslyn Dees, Walker Green, Laci-Jo Green, Tatum Dees, Mila Shipes; sisters-in-law, Jean Smith, Phyllis Smith, Gaye Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m., until time of the services. Rev. Randy Adams will officiate. Burial will follow in the River of Life Cemetery in Blue Springs, Alabama. Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Coker, Cody Dees, Joe Green, Tommy Smith, Terry Smith, and Bruce Casey. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Shipes, Scott Shipes, and John Watson.
Keahey Funeral Home of Clio is entrusted with the arrangements.
Wanda Coker Shipes Obituary
Wanda Coker Shipes, age 85 of Clio passed away Friday, March 19, 2026 at her son’s residence.
Wanda was a 1959 graduate of Slocomb High School and moved from Slocomb to Clio in 1969. She retired from Bracewell Grant Timber Company and after that she worked over 20 years at the Barbour County Probate Judge Office as a clerk. She was a faithful member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church.
Left to cherish her memory, sons, Vic (Angie) Coker of Clio, AL; Paul Shipes and Scott (Mary Ann) Shipes of Clio, AL; grandchildren, Josh (Cayla) Coker, Brittany (Joe) Green, Tori (Cody) Dees, Lilli Coker, Baker Shipes, Zach (Jasmine) Shipes, Macy (Dylan) Prescott; great grandchildren, Tripp Coker, Sawyer Green, Myles Coker, Jesslyn Dees, Walker Green, Laci-Jo Green, Tatum Dees, Mila Shipes; sisters-in-law, Jean Smith, Phyllis Smith, Gaye Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m., until time of the services. Rev. Randy Adams will officiate. Burial will follow in the River of Life Cemetery in Blue Springs, Alabama. Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Coker, Cody Dees, Joe Green, Tommy Smith, Terry Smith, and Bruce Casey. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Shipes, Scott Shipes, and John Watson.
Keahey Funeral Home of Clio is entrusted with the arrangements.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Anita Louise Knight Helms, a resident of Blue Springs, Alabama, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was 83 years old. Funeral services for Mrs. Helms will be graveside 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Bob Cox officiating. Interment will follow, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.
Mrs. Helms was born December 31, 1942 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late Aaron Samuel Knight and Anna Laura Hudson Knight. She graduated with the last class of Blue Springs High School and worked with Page Aircraft at Fort Rucker as a stenographer. Mrs. Helms carpooled together with James Haywood Helms and after two months he asked her to marry him. Two years later she gave birth to their first son, William and they moved to Morrow, Georgia in 1970. They returned to Blue Springs in 1995 and hit the road as work-campers at Florence Marina and Fort McCallister Park in Savannah, Georgia. They settled back in Blue Springs ten years later. Anita was a member of the Eastern Star and served as a Pink Lady at Dale Medical Center from 2007 until 2020. She loved to work in her yard and crochet.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, James Haywood Helms; and one brother, Buddy Knight. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law: Bill and Susanna Helms of Dahlonega, Georgia; Barry and Nicole Helms of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren: Kelcey, Dylan, Matthew, Cody, Dalton and Makena Helms; and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3146 County Road 53, Clio, Alabama 36017.
