On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Melonie Saunders departed this life and entered Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior after an extended illness.
Melonie was born March 12, 1961 in Dothan, Alabama to the late Myra Faye Creamer and Alfred “Bo” Bohannan. She graduated from Dothan High School in 1979. She began her work in the medical field as a CNA at Southeast Alabama Medical center after high school, later receiving her nursing degree from Wallace College. In 1983 she met and married the love of her life, Gary Bruce Saunders. Together they made a life in Malvern, Alabama. In 1986 the welcomed their only child, Samantha Saunders. Melonie’s nursing skills were legendary. She worked at Southeast Health, Flowers Hospital, Laural Oaks Behavioral Health Center, Wiregrass Hospice, Southern Care Hospice, Noland Hospital, and Dale Medical Center Home Health. She was kind, caring, hardworking, and incredibly funny.
She will be missed by all who knew her, however don’t let the sadness linger, as right now she is experiencing incomprehensible wonder and joy in Heaven with her Savior.
Melonie was preceded in death by her parents, Myra Faye Creamer and Alfred “Bo” Bohannan; her grandparents, Beatrice and Olan Creamer and Nettie Mae and Richard Bohannan; and her aunt, Elaine Berg.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Gary Bruce Saunders; her beloved daughter, Samantha Saunders; her brother, Greg Bohannan and his wife, Melissa; her nephews, Jake and Brett Bohannan; her uncle, Jack Berg; her cousins, Lisa Holman and Leigh Barham; and a special family friend and adopted sister, Sharon Sconyers.
Our family would like to give our sincerest thanks and appreciation to all staff of Dale Medical Center Home Health and Community Hospice of Daleville, especially nurses Telisha McBride and Jennifer Taylor for there kindness and unwavering devotion to Melonie’s Care during her final days.
As per her wishes there will be no formal services.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice. Exalt the Lord with me, And let’s exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He answered me, And rescued me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:1-4
Shirley Ann Hunt Todd, a devoted wife, mother, Nana, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 83.
Visitation will be held at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama, on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Selma Baptist Church in Dothan on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Guests are encouraged to wear bright and cheerful colors to reflect Shirley’s exuberant joy for life.
Shirley was born on April 21, 1943, in Houston County, Alabama, to the late Willie and Bessie Hunt. She attended Rehobeth High School and graduated with the Class of 1961. During her high school years, she met the love of her life, Kenneth L. Todd. They were married on April 6, 1962, and shared a loving life together until his passing in 2019.
Shirley worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for various companies, eventually joining the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, where she served under Sheriffs A.B. Clark, Lamar Hadden, and Lamar Glover, retiring in 2002.
She was an extraordinary cook and gracious hostess who also owned and operated several small businesses over the years, including Flower Talk Florist and a wedding planning service.
Shirley was a faithful member of Selma Baptist Church, where she served as a church hostess; participated in outreach ministries including WMU, Girls in Action, and several mission trips; and mentored young women through various church programs.
Shirley loved playing church-league softball and volleyball, bowling, dominoes, and listening to music, especially Elvis and Gospel Hymns. She treasured time with family and friends.
Known for her warm smile and generous heart, Shirley had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed and valued. Her legacy is one of faith, family, and compassion for others.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Todd; parents, Willie and Bessie Hunt; siblings and their spouses – Leon and Marjorie Hunt, Ruth and Ed Johnson, Addie and Vernon Ivey, Jack and Agnes Hunt; brothers Dan Hunt and Jerry Hunt, and brother-in-law George Richards.
Survivors include son, Andy Todd (Cheryl); daughter, La Trenda Tyler; son, Stewart Todd (Jody); grandchildren Caroline Todd Leonard (Matthew), Davis Todd (Tori), Zachary Tyler (Caycee), Christopher “CJ” Tyler (Myranda), Alex Todd, and Owen Todd; sister, Edna Richards; sisters-in-law Lyvonne Hunt and Linda Hunt; many nieces and nephews; and a close group of church friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Respite Care Ministry, 3255 S. Park Ave., Dothan, AL 36301. (https://www.fumcdothan.org/give)
Mrs. Lois K. Miles of Dothan passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at the age of 85.
Mrs. Miles was born July 2, 1941, in Florida. She was a member of the Graceville Community Church. She was a God loving, family oriented woman. She loved her children and grandchildren. In her younger years, she enjoyed doing puzzles with her grandchildren. She also loved crossword puzzles as well as a good book.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Adele Taylor and her husband, J.W. Stone, sisters, Loette Hayes, Hazel Burke, Louise Taylor, Myrtle Taylor, and brothers, Robert Taylor and J.B. Taylor.
She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Henderson (Keith) of Graceville, Fl., Gina Elmore of Graceville, Fl., Kathie Birge of Graceville, Fl., and son, Richard Miles of Dothan, grandchildren, Christopher Elmore, Kimberly Bryant (Junior), Angel Eggen (Trey), David Birge, Scott Miles (Melinda), Wesley Miles (Katrina), Todd Neighoff (Jennifer), Heath Neighoff (Christine), great-grandchildren, Destiny Bryant, Caleb Bryant, Randi Elmore, Nathaniel Elmore, Shaylynn Miles, Haley Eggen, Tyler Lloyd (Allison), Zack Dickens, John Paul Miles, Anna, Penelope, Charlie Neighoff, Isabelle Neighoff, Todd Neighoff, Jr., great-great-grandchildren, Oliver Lloyd, Raeleigh Lloyd, Audrey Lloyd, Ikaros Ham, sister-in-law, Juanita Turner, nephews, Johnny Mcfarland, Derek Hayes (Teresa), and niece, Tara.
The family would like to extend a speical thanks to Gentiva Hospice and Staff for their care and support.
Briggs Everett Lamphier, precious son of Brent & Emily Lamphier, was born prematurely on July 29,2026 in Dothan, Alabama. Heaven was waiting on him and quickly took him into the loving arms of Jesus.
For the seven months leading up to his birth he was immensely loved and cherished by his parents. He was created in love, only knew love, and is forevermore only knowing God’s perfect love and peace.
He will be deeply missed by his parents Brent & Emily along with his grandfathers Rodney Lamphier and Daniel (Heather) Adams, his grandmothers Amanda Linville and Suzy Adams; uncles Brock Lamphier, Tyler (Kim) Williams, Daniel R. Adams, Aunt Rainna Lamphier, cousins Rileigh Ward and Emma Williams, and his four fur “brothers”.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the family and friends who visited the hospital. Family is forever grateful to the staff at UAB Maternal High Risk OB unit, Southeast Health maternal eval unit, surgery nurses, family birth nurses, and the precious nurses who provided grief/bereavement support- words simply are not enough. We are eternally grateful for Dr. Ellen Phillips and Dr. Kent Heim’s expertise and compassionate care. Thank you, Ward-Wilson Funeral home, for your compassion during this extremely difficult time.
Jesus said let the little children come unto me for such is the Kingdom of God. Mark 10:14.
David Carsa Howell, 69, of 1407 Houston Street, Dothan, Alabama died Sunday, August 2, 2026 following a long illness.
Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Gardens of Memory cemetery with Dr. Jeff Peacock officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Howell was born August 12, 1956 in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama. He was a long-time resident of Dothan, where his family was reared. Mr. Howell was a carpenter in Dothan for 35 years.
Mr. Howell is preceded in death by his parents, Carson William and Johnnie Louise Fails Howell; wife, Starla Joy Ethridge Howell; sister, Carolyn L. Howell and a daughter, Christian Lashae Howell-Luther.
Survivors include a son, David Joshua Howell-Luther; sister, Helon Cutler; niece, Joya Wallace (Bill); nephews, Henry G. Williford, III (Anna), John C. Williford (Christy), Carol L. Hill (Michael), Victor M. Hollis (Nina) and extended family.
Michael Edward Huntley, age 71, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away at his home in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1954, in Clinton, Massachusetts, to Herbert Huntley and Gail Bruso Carriere.
Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class and receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military career, he continued serving his country through the Department of Defense, where he worked for another 20 years before retiring.
He was a member of the VFW while living in Germany. Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to music, and playing guitar in a band. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and, in his younger years, loved riding motorcycles. Above all, he cherished his family. He had a generous heart, was deeply family-oriented, and especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. As the oldest of six siblings, Michael naturally took on the role of protector, looking after not only his brothers and sisters but also the cousins who lived in the family home, always watching over and defending them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Huntley and Gail Bruso Carriere.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Liane Duerr Huntley, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years together, including 31 years of marriage; his son, Patrick Huntley; his daughters, Krystal Napier Lee, Diana Brisbone, Jenifer Osborne, and Sarah-Jean Stiegler André; his grandchildren, Jayden, Zoey, Aliah, Kristopher, Konnor, Kyree, Tyrell, Tyrone, Tyshawn, Sanya, Tessa, Kayla, Blake, Dustin, Dilon, Ethan, Aidan, Emily, and Eileen; three great-grandchildren; his brothers, Daniel Huntley Susan and Anthony Huntley; his sisters, Debbie Murray, Barbara Silver Ernie, and Penny Taylor Monte; his sister-in-law, Christine Barthelmes Rainer; his special friends, Curtis Gray, Bob, Robbie, Sharon Dockery, Kathy and Robert Jones, Chuck and his wife, Lisa and Steven Bowers, Amber Morningstar, Samantha Auletta, Sabine Auletta, Angelika and Herbert Uehlein, Stephanie Erp, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other dear friends.
Michael will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his faithful service to his country, his kind and protective spirit, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
