Stanley Bruce Sessions, affectionately known as Stan, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 61. Born in Greenville, Alabama, on October 17, 1963, Stanley was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith.
Stan grew up in the warm embrace of Greenville, where he spent his early years learning the value of hard work alongside his father in the logging industry. His keen mind and natural aptitude for numbers led him to pursue higher education in finance. Stan’s diligence and commitment to his studies culminated in his graduation from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) with a degree in Banking, a field in which he would excel for many years.
Professionally, Stan was a respected Commercial Lender with Five Star Credit Union, where his genuine care for his customers garnered him not only their business but their lifelong friendship. His reputation for honesty and integrity followed him in every endeavor, including his successful stint in the realty business. Stan’s colleagues and clients alike admired him for his generous spirit and his ability to make even the most complex financial matters seem straightforward and manageable.
Stan’s heart was as full as his schedule, and he was always ready to lend a hand or share a joke, brightening the day of those around him. He was a pillar of his community, calling Dothan home for three decades. His infectious laughter, good-natured ribbing, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life made him a cherished companion to many, especially his lifelong special friends and his beloved buddies.
A man of great faith, Stan was raised in the Church of Christ and lived by the principles he held dear. His moral compass, guided by his belief in God, steered him through life with grace and dignity. His good humor, combined with his generosity and handy skills, made him a treasured friend and neighbor. Stan’s ability to connect with children, his big heart, and his unwavering commitment to good values earned him the love and respect of all ages.
Family was the cornerstone of Stan’s world. He was preceded in death by his father, James Carl Sessions, Sr. Stan is survived by his daughter, Heather Sessions; his mother, Evelyn Hilliard Sessions Lewis; his brother, James Carl Sessions, Jr.; his sister, Rachel Sessions (Todd) Janke; his aunts, Margaret (Dennis) Phillips and Mildred (Robert) McCann; a niece, Hannah Janke; numerous cousins and lifelong special friends who became family, Jeff Rogers, Nan Herring Landwehr, Bonnie Whittle Staley, and Wanda Milstead Couch. His buddies who were more like brothers to him were, Les Pinckard, Fox Flemming, Bobby Landwehr, Richard Talley, Joel Harris, Eddie Rhodes, David Cornelius, and Lister Reeves. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Melinda Sessions for her care and compassion during Stan’s final days.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Stanley embodied this philosophy daily, touching the lives of those around him with his faith-filled spirit, his generous nature, and his unwavering commitment to doing good.
As we bid farewell to Stan, we celebrate the remarkable man he was and the indelible imprint he has left on our hearts. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will continue to inspire and guide us. Though he may be gone from our sight, Stanley Bruce Sessions will forever remain a beloved son, father, brother, relative, and friend. His memory will be cherished, and his life celebrated, as we hold him close in our thoughts and prayers.
Stan’s wish was to have a celebration of life. The details and date of this event is to be determined.
KINSEY, ALABAMA……..Betty Davis Jones, a resident of Kinsey, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 01, 2025. She was 82.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 04, 2024, at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Reverend Brad Hardy officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. on Saturday prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made to Kinsey Baptist Church Bus Fund, 6745 Walden Dr, Kinsey, AL 36303 or online at https://kinseybaptistchurch.org/give (select General Fund and then there is the choice to specify “Bus Fund” in note). .
Mrs. Jones was born in Columbus, Georgia to the late Andrew Jackson Davis and Velma M. Register Davis. She attended Poplar Springs School in Graceville, Florida. She was an avid quilter for many years and loved sharing the talent with others. She especially enjoyed the ministry opportunities with her quilting partners including Sewing for Souls at Kinsey Baptist Church. She loved music and played the piano since she was a little girl. She frequently supported area churches when they needed pianists. She cherished reading and there was always a book by her side. Her favorite hobby was hunting, which she did until just a few years ago. She was an active member of Kinsey Baptist Church for the past eleven years.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, Joseph Haywood “Joey” Jones, Jr.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Haywood Jones; daughters, Velma Susanne “Susie” Jones-Szoldra (Stanley), Cindy Mechelle Jones Austin (Bobby); son, Michael Jones; sisters, Janie Herring (Nolan) and Barbara Thomason; brother, Ronnie Davis; grandchildren, Rebecca Talley (Shaun), Brian Austin (Hillary), Ashley Elizabeth Spivey (Christina), Olivia Blaire Dufresne (Scott), Emily Brooke Austin; seven great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.
Robert Earl Powell, a man of honor and generosity, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on March 12, 1934, Robert’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family.
Robert’s journey began in the halls of Dothan High School, where he excelled and laid the foundation for a life of service and community involvement. After graduation, he answered the call of duty and served with distinction in the United States Marines, a period of his life that instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and camaraderie.
Upon returning to civilian life, Robert became a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, where he was known for his unwavering commitment and generous spirit. His involvement in the church was not just a reflection of his faith but also of his desire to contribute to the community that he held so dear.
Robert’s love for the outdoors was unparalleled. He found solace and joy in camping and fishing at Lake Arrowhead and Lake Eufaula, where he would spend countless hours surrounded by nature’s beauty. His passion for woodworking allowed him to express his creative side, crafting pieces that were not only functional but also imbued with the warmth of his personality. An avid fan of Alabama Football, Robert’s enthusiasm for the game was infectious. He shared this love with friends and family, creating memories that would last a lifetime during spirited game days.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Powell, and his son, Steve Powell. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, which will be carried on by his daughter, Cynthia Falzone (Ray), and his granddaughter, Savannah Birks, along with a host of friends who were like family to him.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Robert at 2 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 from the Chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Dothan, 300 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301.
DOTHAN. . .Charlie Joe Hughes, a resident of Dothan, died Wednesday morning, January 1, 2025, in Wesley Place on Honeysuckle. He was 85.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 16, 2025, in the Memphis Baptist Church with Brother Billy Rich officiating. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. There will be a private burial in the family plot in the Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery, Friday, January 3, 2025.
Mr. Hughes was born and reared in Dale County, near Midland City, son of the late Travis Hughes and Ida Lee Martin Hughes. He formerly lived in Auburndale, Florida before moving to the Memphis Church community. Mr. Hughes was a member of the Memphis Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a greeter. He was employed as a truck driver for most of his lifetime. Mr. was preceded in death by his wife, Roslynn Green Hughes, a step-son, Jerry Woodham, two sisters and five brothers.
Surviving relatives include a step-son, Lynn Woodham (Sarah), Headland; a step-daughter-in-law, Shoanna Woodham, Marietta, GA; two sisters, Nell Hughes and Ann Stewart, both of Winter Haven, FL; a brother, J. L. Hughes, Dothan; 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.
Kelly Saxon Ellenburg, age 48, of Wicksburg, Alabama, passed away peacefully, at UAB Hospital, on Monday, December 30, 2024, with her husband and 2 children by her side.
The family will receive friends at Sorrells Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A private service will be held at a later date.
Kelly was born on Tuesday, March 23, 1976, in Ozark, Al. She graduated from Wicksburg High School in 1994. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Paxton. A compassionate soul with a heart full of kindness, Kelly had a special way of making everyone around her feel valued. She was known for her infectious laugh, generous spirit, and ability to give compliments that brightened the day of anyone fortunate enough to receive them.
A lover of animals and nature was evident in the way she cared and respected all living things. This compassion extended to everyone she met. She spent countless hours enjoying music with her husband, Paxton, and creating memories through their shared love of tunes. She was also a talented photographer, capturing beautiful moments and telling the stories of families through her lens. Her photographs will serve as cherished memories for many.
Kelly was preceded in death by her half-brother, Jerry Oliver Williams, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Paxton Ellenburg; her son, Tyler Ellenburg(Haviland); granddaughter, Nora Kate, due in February 2025; her daughter, Alle Ellenburg; her parents: David and Doris Saxon; half-sisters: Ruby “Laney” Giles(James), Lisa Ann Endler(Scott); brother, Dewayne Saxon(Bobbie Jo); sister in law, Thess Williams, and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones who will miss her deeply. Kelly’s warm smile, kind words, and generous heart will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Beverly Wheelless Knowles, affectionately known as “Bug”, age 71, a resident of Dothan passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 surrounded by love and cherished memories.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm at The Episcopal Church of Nativity on Saturday, January 4, 2025 with Rev. John Coleman officiating. A private family burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm in the Parrish Hall at the church prior to services.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Wiregrass Humane Society at P.O. Box 1045 Dothan, AL 36302.
Bug was born on December 11, 1953, in Dothan, Alabama, to Hugh Ward Wheelless Sr. and Billie Freeman Wheelless. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1972. During her time at Dothan High, she was honored to serve as Sophomore Beauty and was a member of the Homecoming Court all three years of high school. Following her high school years, she attended Auburn University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Phi sorority and pursued her passion for Early Childhood Education. She earned her degree in 1976 and returned to her hometown to begin a lifelong dedication to teaching young minds. Bug worked as a Kindergarten, First, and Second-grade teacher in the Dothan City Schools system, where she touched countless lives with her kindness, patience, and dedication until her retirement.
After retiring, Bug devoted much of her time to her mother, Billie. Together, they spent their days crafting beautiful creations and tending to their flower gardens, sharing laughter and love along the way. Bug’s compassionate spirit extended to animals as well; she was an avid animal lover and volunteered her time with the Wiregrass Humane Society, advocating for and caring for animals in need.
Summers brought joy and relaxation as Bug spent cherished time at the lake with her children and friends. She was a source of light, always bringing warmth and laughter to those around her.
Bug was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dwayne Knowles; her daughter, Jessi Knowles; her parents, Hugh Ward Wheelless Sr. and Billie Freeman Wheelless; her sister, Patricia Wheelless (Goldman) Paschen; and her brother, Hugh Ward Wheelless Jr.
She is survived by her loving son, James Dwayne Knowles Jr. (Elizabeth) of Auburn; her adored granddaughter, Elizabeth Grace “Lizzy Grace” Knowles of Auburn; other family members, Trip Wheelless (Michelle), Barbara Wheelless, Hayes Wheelless (Paola Ramirez), Richard Goldman, Beth Knowles Cain (Tom of Webb and Dot Knowles Bristow (Lowell) of Columbia, Courtney Bristow Henderson (Jamie), Jamie Sewell (Nick), Caleb Bristow (Freda). Bug’s life was also graced by special friends Casey Phillips and Sherry Hodgson, who remained close to her heart.
Bug’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to family, friends, and community. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Serving as pallbearers will be Darren Kennard, Will Sconyers, Brock Hodgson, David Reves Forrester, Josh West, Landon Wheelless, and Brannon Vann.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
