ABBEVILLE. . .Martha Skelton Blalock, a resident of Abbeville, died Monday afternoon, January 6, 2025, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Joey Hudspeth and Pastor Tim Hamblen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist Cemetery Fund, c/o Jim Blalock, 570 Hickory Grove Road, Abbeville, AL 36310 or Gentiva Hospice, 2431 West Main Street, Suite 1102, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mrs. Blalock was born and reared in Haleburg, daughter of the late Oscar E. Skelton and Hilda Mae Baker Skelton. She lived in Abbeville all her adult lifetime. Mrs. Blalock was a member of Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist Church. She was formerly employed by West Point Pepperell, Phillips Van Heusen in Clayton and served as a Dispatcher for the City of Abbeville. Mrs. Blalock was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Lamar Blalock, Sr., sisters, Elizabeth Mitchell and Rhonda Loftin, and brothers, William Skelton, James Skelton and Thomas Skelton and two infant sisters.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Sharon Temples (Glenn), Headland; three sons, Kenneth L. Blalock, Jr. (Linda), Robert A. “Bob” Blalock (Karen), and Jim H. Blalock (Susie), all of Abbeville; sisters-in-law, Glenda Skelton and Lily Skelton; grandchildren, Chris Blalock (Morgan), Jason Blalock, Joshua Blalock (Heather), Kevin Blalock (Mariah), Shea Hicks (Dan), Kay-Anne Morgan (Justin), Leah Blalock, Ashley Blalock-Regazzi (Marlie/Matt), Garrett Temples and Kate Temples; fifteen great-grandchildren.
Serving as active pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Darden Kirby and the staff of Twin Magnolias Assisted Living and the staff of Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility and Gentiva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Blalock during her illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
DOTHAN. . .Lynwood Otto Davidson, a resident of Helena, Alabama and formerly of Dothan, died Sunday afternoon, January 5, 2024, at the home of a son in Tuscaloosa. He was 83.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend George Bryan officiating. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, near Blue Springs, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the mortuary in Headland.
Mr. Davidson was born in Gilbertown, Alabama, and was raised inn Mayo, Florida, son of the late Rex Cleveland Davidson and Mary Delphine Clark Davidson. He served his country in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Mr. Davidson graduated from high school in Mayo, Florida and received a B. S. Degree in Business Administration from Troy University. He was retired as the owner and operator of Otto Davidson Timber Company in West, Mississippi. He formerly lived in Mayo, Florida, West, Mississippi and Dothan before moving to Helena, Alabama. Mr. Davidson was preceded in death by his wife, Ervel Wilkinson Davidson, a sister, Reba Blackshear, and a brother, Lamar Davidson.
Surviving relatives include two sons, David L. Davidson (Amberly), Tuscaloosa, AL; and Kenneth J. Davidson (Beverly), Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, David Jacob Davidson, Garrett Russell Davidson and Mary Ashlyn Davidson; a sister, Bonnie Odom, Tuckasegee, NC; several nieces and nephews.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Kelley was a graduate of Ponce de Leon High School, attended Chipola Junior College and served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He lived much of his adult life in Gulfport, Mississippi, Holmes County, Florida, and most recently in Geneva, Alabama.
Kelley, by occupation, was a drywall finisher—a master craftsman of his trade. While living in Gulfport, his paternal aunt, Vetta Rose, introduced him to what would become his passion–antiques—buying, selling, collecting, refinishing—he loved it all. He built collections of buttons, trunks, postcards, pottery—to name a few. His knowledge of the antique world was extensive and valued by his peers, Eventually, Kelley began to exercise his artistic nature. He began with refinishing trunks, taking dirty, worn-out pieces of junk and creating wonderfully detailed, fully lined usable decorative trunks. His next artistic projects involved wooden shapes, drywall mud, and a layered painting technique he developed. He created a series of arrows, a group of “root” creatures, and wall art with geometric designs. Finally, was Kelley’s button art. He had an enormous button collection. He took white buttons and dyed them a variety of colors, then glued or sewed them in geometric patterns on painted boxes, lampshades, or on pegboard covered by black cloth.
Kelley was a very private person. For those who did get to know him, they were impressed by his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and his incredible knowledge of antiques and collectibles.
Although private, Kelley left behind many wonderful friends that he treasured throughout the years; Bob Barkley, Laura Rhodes, Cindy Campbell, Janice Jones, Jacky Bradley and most recently Ginger Stephens, Paul Spivey, Brandon Watford and Sarah Paulk with whom he spent time working with on various projects and enjoyed each of them so very much. Finally, Kelley was predeceased by his most treasured and dear friend, Becky Haynes, who he worked with for many years. He spoke fondly of each of these friends, and many more, to his family sharing kind words and entertaining stories of each. We would especially like to mention Sadie, the abandoned dog that adopted Kelley (she is named after the flea market) and the numerous cats that were his constant companions. He loved these pets and would take care of their needs before his own.
Kelley was born on December 3, 1952, to the late Floyd and Lula Powell English and departed this life on December 31, 2024. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Floy Pearl English, Ralph English, Ruthie Merle Motley, Ferrell Floyd English, Colin Larry English, and Jerry Donyer English; and one niece, Brenda English.
Kelley, by birth, was the youngest child in his immediate family. The births of he and his siblings stretched from 1929 to 1952. This placed Kelley much closer in age to his nieces and nephews, and he was, in some ways, like an older brother to all of us. He is survived by, one brother-in-law, Cecil G. Motley, Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Justice English and Patricia English Jackson; nieces and nephews: Merle’s children: Rhonda Joiner (husband Jesse), Becky Motley, Gordon Motley, Lisa Peeples (husband Forrest), Christy Paul (husband Lee). Ferrell’s children: Ferrell English Jr. and Tonya Jones-Cook (husband Mike). Jerry’s children: Dewayne English, Stacey English (wife Christy), Craig English (wife Amanda).
We are heartbroken by our loss. In months and years to come we will be sustained by our memories and by the furniture, trunks, artwork and other treasures that grace our homes–all because of Kelley. He will be missed.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
John D. Smith, of Dothan, AL, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old. Born in McCracken County, KY, on November 12, 1933, his life was marked by his love of family, learning, and sharing his wisdom with others.
After graduating from high school in 1952, then proudly earning his bachelor’s degree, John went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in Commercial Administration from the University of Detroit in 1965. He completed several courses toward his doctoral degree at the University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana before work transferred his family out of the area.
On June 20, 1959, he married Diana L. Kucinski, in Detroit, MI, and they remained together for more than 61 years, until her death in 2020. After living in several different areas of the Midwest, they settled in Traverse City, MI to raise their family. John was an accountant by trade, and he was active with the National Association of Professional Accountants. He was a past President of the Traverse City Exchange Club, a longtime member of the Elks Club, and a volunteer for the Father Fred Foundation.
Upon retirement, he and Diana moved to Dothan. There, he was a member of the Taylor Senior Center and enjoyed attending weekly Bible Study Sessions and Christian Fellowship. He loved WII bowling, reading, researching, investing, giving advice, and sharing his wealth of knowledge. His motto was “you’re never too old to learn.”
John is preceded in death by his parents, the late Warner P. Smith and Iris Dene (Anderson) Smith, as well as his siblings, Norma Freeman (Esco), Wanda McReynolds (Herbert), Warner Smith (Dorothy), Jean Aston (Eugene), and Jack Smith (Shirley).
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Corinne M. Ellis, his three children, Kevin Smith (Noreen Hodgins) of Chicago, IL, Kathleen (Michael) Ziglar of Dothan, AL, and Karen (Bruce) Abney of Waterford, WI. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Craig Lautenschlager, Amy (Drew) Blazo, Eric (Sarah) Abney, Megan (Steven) Worsley, Melanie (Allyson) Smith, Madison Smith, Carmen Ziglar Hamm (Jason Currie), Kayla (Lucas) Davis, and seven great-grandchildren.
The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Taylor Senior Center, 1457 S. State Hwy 605, Taylor, AL 36301 or the Father Fred Foundation at fatherfred.org.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
C B “Buddy” Jackson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather “Papa”, brother, and friend, passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 92 in Midland City, Alabama. Born in Early County, Georgia, to J B Jackson and Susie Smith on March 24, 1932. Buddy’s life was characterized by his unwavering strength, sharp wit, and profound love for his family.
Buddy grew up in the warm embrace of Georgia’s countryside before making Midland City his home for the last four decades. He served as a dedicated security guard, a role that reflected his protective and responsible nature. Upon his retirement he played an active role raising his grand and great grandchildren. His playful assertion that C B stood for “Crime Buster” was a testament to both his sense of humor and his commitment to safety.
Those who knew Buddy would fondly remember him as a man who was always right—or at least that’s what he’d jovially claim. His hard-headedness was matched only by his great sense of humor, making every conversation with him both a challenge and a delight. Despite his tough exterior, Buddy was a devoted family man. He took immense pride in caring for his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love and steadfastness.
Buddy is survived by his son, Jerry (Kathy) Shirah, his daughters, Lenora Graham, Dawn (Chris) Betsill, and Autumn (James) Stephens; his several grandchildren; several great and great great grandchildren; his sisters, Helen Beckon, Janice Robinson, Joyce Ingram and Peggy Dehne; and several nieces and nephews who will miss his guidance and laughter. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annise Jackson, his daughter Shirley Coker, his three brothers, his sister, and mother and father.
His interests painted the picture of a life well-lived and full of joy. An avid Alabama Football fan, Buddy’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious, and game days were always a special event in his household. He was also a keen outdoorsman, finding peace in the simple pleasures of squirrel and dove hunting. True to his adventurous spirit, Buddy loved to travel with his family, often setting out with no destination in mind, simply enjoying the journey and the company of his loved ones.
Buddy’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. As a faithful Christian, he found strength and solace in his beliefs. He lived by the words of Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” This profound faith was a source of comfort to him and to those who knew him.
Friends and family will gather to honor and celebrate Buddy’s life at 11 am on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating the service will be Reverend Tim, who will share words of comfort and hope. Following the service, Buddy will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. Loved ones are invited to join the family in remembrance of Buddy from 10-11 am at the funeral home prior to the service.
Buddy Jackson was the epitome of a life well-lived. He was handy, always able to fix what was broken; friendly, always there with a smile and a helping hand; and funny, never missing a chance to share a laugh. His presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will be treasured in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Mrs. Barbara Ruth Stokes Davis, a resident of the Salem Community, died Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 91 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Davis will be 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from Salem Baptist Church with Reverend Harold Peters and Reverend Tim Willis officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Tuesday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P. M.
Mrs. Davis was born December 7, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Samuel G. Stokes and Bardee Walker Stokes. In 1952 she married her late husband, Joe Merrill Davis and they made their home in Barbour County. She worked with the Bank of Ozark and then with the bank in Clio until her retirement. Mrs. Davis was a talented artist and seamstress who loved homemaking and working in her yard.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Joe Merrill Davis; three sisters and one brother. Survivors include three daughters, Gloria Davis Garrett Helms of Banks, Barbara Davis Lewis of Dothan and Carol Davis Nicholson (Michael) of Brundidge; one sister, Peggy Stokes Bullard of Foley, Alabama; grandchildren, Stacie Black (Jason), Micah Garrett (Amy), Justin Garrett (Kimberly), Whitney Deese (Brian), Zachory McDaniel (Cristy), Davis McDaniel (April) and Brady McDaniel. Eighteen great grandchildren also survive.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Mr. Don Johnson, P. O. Box 196, Skipperville, Alabama 36374; or to the charity of your choice.
