William “Bill” Norman Shawger, Jr, of Mary Esther, FL, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025 at his daughter’s home in Alabama. He recently celebrated his 99th birthday.
Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 403 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Burial service will be scheduled at a later date in Brielle, NJ.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Lois Ann Shawger, sister Elizabeth Kamis, and brother-in-law Richard Kamis.
He is survived by his children, Eric Shawger (Yori), Peter Shawger (Melissa), and Susan Fowler (Dan), and loving members of the family, Christine Diaz (Gilbert). His grandchildren, Jason Shawger (Samantha Ernest), Danielle Knight (C.J.), Sydney Fowler, Sabrina Fowler, Brittney Lilly (J.R.), Drew Kirsh, and Michelle Morehouse (Tom Kitzmiller). His great-grandchildren, Gwynn Shawger, Duke Knight, Colt Knight, Emerson Lilly, Peyton Lilly, Caden Ernest and Oliver Ernest.
Bill was born in Newark, NJ, on January 8, 1926, and after working at his family’s butcher shop and grocery store, he joined the Navy serving during WWII. After separating from the service, he returned to Newark and was introduced to Lois, the love of his life. They were married for 64 years until her passing in 2016. He worked for the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company and after retiring, moved from his home in Point Pleasant, NJ, to Mary Esther in 1991. He was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was loved and cherished by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. He will be truly missed by all.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
Steven Perry Whitworth, of Hanceville, AL, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home. He was 65.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Steven was a proud member of the Fort Walton Beach High School Class of 1979. His time at high school was marked by his dedication to athletics, particularly his passion for football. Following his graduation, Steven excelled as a student-athlete at Gardner Webb University, where he continued to pursue his love for football.
Survivors include his daughter, Kaylin Whitworth Grant (Win), Rehobeth, AL; two grandchildren, Frances Pippin Grant and Frazier Oaks Grant.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com .
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carla V. Parker, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Born on January 26, 1961, in Florida, Carla touched countless lives with her warm spirit, infectious laughter, and love for life. She passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, just shy of her 64th birthday.
A proud Army veteran, Carla dedicated her life to service and to spreading joy wherever she went. She spent nearly 20 years in Dothan, Alabama, where she became a cherished member of the community. Carla had an incredible sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest of days. Her quick wit and playful nature often left those around her laughing until they cried. She had a unique way of finding humor in life’s everyday moments, reminding everyone to not take life too seriously.
With an outgoing personality and a knack for brightening any room, Carla was also known for her love of music and dancing—whenever the music played, you could count on Carla to be moving to the beat.
Carla’s greatest pride and joy were her family. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Raleashia Parker, and her treasured granddaughter, Daija Parker, who will continue to carry on her legacy of love and resilience. She also leaves behind her brother, Roderick McArthur, as well as a handful of nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherished her dearly. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Grover Cleveland McArthur, and her brothers, Dwayne, Wendell, and Grover McArthur. A special acknowledgment is extended to Darrel (Ray) Parker for your support throughout.
Carla was a woman who made an impression on everyone she met, leaving them better for having known her. She will be remembered as someone who loved deeply, lived vibrantly, laughed wholeheartedly, and danced through life with a spirit that inspired everyone around her.
Thanks for all the cherished memories, well wishes, and prayers.
Rest in peace, Carla. May your light, laughter, and love continue to shine.
David Daniel Tindall, born on December 21, 1951, passed away at his residence in Dothan, Alabama, on January 27, 2025, at the age of 73.
He served in the Army for three years, dedicating his energy and commitment to his country with pride. Following his honorable military service, David embarked on a successful civilian career, retiring as a respected IRS Inspector. He was well-known for his keen sense of duty and exceptional work ethic.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home Directing.
OZARK…Mr. Sean Michael Gilbert, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, January 27, 2025, at his home. He was 47.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Josh Fisher officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Gilbert was born February 16, 1977, in Mattooh, Illinois and formerly lived in Dothan before moving to Ozark. He attended D.A. Smith School and Carroll High School in Ozark. Mr. Gilbert was formerly employed with Harris Security, Imperial Fence Company, Kubota of Dothan, and Farmer’s Furniture Store in Ozark as the Collections Manager. He was an avid University of Alabama Football Fan, Star Wars, Superman, and the television show, One Tree Hill. Mr. Gilbert loved his daughter dearly and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Jamie Diane Gilbert; daughter, Sierra Mae Gilbert; mother, Sara Gilbert; sister, Connie Burcham, all of Ozark; brothers, Lyle Burcham, Carbondale, Illinois and Brooke Burcham, Enterprise; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Marilyn Dees Bennett passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, DeAnna and Christopher Goellner, following an extended illness. She was born November 25, 1941, in Brewton, Alabama and grew up at Jay Villa Plantation, a large farm managed by her father in Conecuh County, Alabama near Evergreen. Marilyn was an outstanding student and graduated with honors from Evergreen High School and Auburn University. At Auburn, Marilyn was very active on campus, including as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. As alumna of Auburn, Marilyn was devoted to Tri-Delta and was a proud and exuberant War Eagle fan! She became a very accomplished pianist and organist at an early age and served as the organist of Evergreen First Baptist Church as a high schooler and was pianist and organist at Louisville Baptist Church for more than 40 years.
Ms. Bennett lived a life dedicated to service to others. She worked for many years for the Auburn University Extension Service helping numerous members of the community learn about nutrition, meal preparation, child rearing, health and hygiene, and seeking job opportunities. Marilyn served for nearly 15 years at Dixie Academy as a beloved science and home economics teacher. So many of “Miss Marilyn’s” former students fondly recall her constant encouragement and positive influence in their lives. In 1993, Marilyn joined the staff at Farmers Exchange Bank and served there for 20 years as a Vice President and Cashier working primarily in administration, operations, and human resources. During her entire professional career, Marilyn remained active in the community and at her beloved Louisville Baptist Church. Marilyn was a tremendous leader and achiever, always motivated to help and improve the lives of others. She was instrumental in countless community project efforts including renovation of the Old Louisville School, Louisville school reunions, Veterans Day events, and Louisville’s Bicentennial celebration, just to name a few. At LBC, Marilyn was a GA and Mission Friends leader, VBS teacher, choir member, and was very active in the Barbour Baptist Association and the State Baptist Convention. Marilyn served several years on the board and as Chairman from 2017-2019, of the Alabama Women’s Missionary Union and Worldsong. She provided leadership and was instrumental in the two most recent renovations of Louisville Baptist Church. Marilyn was a master “yard person” and worked hard to beautify the grounds of not only her own lovely home but also the church and other parts of the community. Marilyn selflessly moved in with her son Robert for two years to help care for her daughter-in-law Tara and family following Tara’s debilitating car crash in 2019.
Marilyn’s death marks a glorious reunion with her beloved husband of 48 years Robert Harris “Bobby” Bennett Jr. Marilyn was also preceded in death by her parents Alvin Howard and Hermie Parrish Dees of Evergreen, brother Alvin Howard Dees Jr. of Montgomery, and Bobby’s parents Robert H. and Lenoree Shiver Bennett of Louisville.
Survivors include her son Dr. Robert H. Bennett, III and his wife Tara of Eufaula, Alabama and her daughter DeAnna Bennett Goellner and her husband Christopher of Gainesville, Georgia. Marilyn had four beloved grandchildren: Anna Frances Goellner, Christopher Bennett Goellner, Robert Harris Bennett IV, and Sidney Rhodes McDonald Bennett. Survivors also include sisters-in-law Deborah Weaver Dees of Montgomery, Alabama, Lynne Bennett Givhan and husband Sam of Safford, Alabama, Beth Bennett Simpson and husband George of Birmingham, Alabama, and Carol Bennett Frederick and husband Beebe of Montgomery. Marilyn loved her many nieces and nephews and their spouses very much. Marilyn is also survived by her beloved Louisville Baptist Church family and her sweet and devoted companion, puppy Ruffles.
Funeral services for Marilyn Bennett will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Louisville Baptist Church in Louisville, Alabama with the Reverends Michael Whitman, Robert Baker, and Tim Callaway officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at noon and a graveside service will follow the church service.
Active pallbearers are Sen. Sam Houston Givhan, Matthew John King, David Bennett Givhan, Stephen Parrish Dees, Beebe R. Frederick III, Christopher Bennett Goellner, Robert Harris Bennett IV, and Sidney Rhodes McDonald Bennett.
Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Louisville Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Louisville Baptist Church- PO Box 115 Louisville, Alabama 36048.
The family wishes to send sincere appreciation to Inspire Hospice of Gainesville, Georgia for their exceptional care and support.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Marilyn Dees Bennett passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, DeAnna and Christopher Goellner, following an extended illness. She was born November 25, 1941, in Brewton, Alabama and grew up at Jay Villa Plantation, a large farm managed by her father in Conecuh County, Alabama near Evergreen. Marilyn was an outstanding student and graduated with honors from Evergreen High School and Auburn University. At Auburn, Marilyn was very active on campus, including as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. As alumna of Auburn, Marilyn was devoted to Tri-Delta and was a proud and exuberant War Eagle fan! She became a very accomplished pianist and organist at an early age and served as the organist of Evergreen First Baptist Church as a high schooler and was pianist and organist at Louisville Baptist Church for more than 40 years.