Mary Celeste Oder, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Anderson, South Carolina. She was born on July 31, 1936, in Alexander City, Alabama, to the late Carl and Irene Oliver.
Mary was a kind, caring, and gentle soul whose warmth touched all who knew her. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially traveling and tending to her beloved potted plants.
Whether she was exploring new places or nurturing her flowers, Mary carried a quiet happiness that reflected her loving spirit.
She is survived by her step-son, Charles Oder and his wife, Jane; her daughter in law, Shirley Oder; as well as numerous grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Oder, whom she met later in life; her parents, Roy and Irene Oliver; her step children, Oliver Gilbert, Debra Gilbert, Ken Oder, Terry Oder, and Barbara Douglas; as well as her brother.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ricky Plummer officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Christel Becher Kennamore, unwavering wife, loving mother, cherished “Oma,” and loyal friend to all, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at the age of 87.
Funeral services for Mrs. Kennamore will be 11:00 A. M. Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Kevin Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A. M. until service time.
Chris was born on October 27, 1938, in Bremerhaven, Germany. She was the daughter of Christian Hans Becker and Gertrud Hildebrandt Becher and was the youngest of four siblings. Having three older brothers and a beloved family German shepherd, she was never short of protection, even as her family was forced to migrate across Germany by foot in the 1940s. While living in Germany, Chris met the love of her life, John Ray Kennamore, a young United States Army serviceman. Their love story began across continents and endured a lifetime. They were married on April 1, 1958—a date that Ray jokingly called an April Fools’ Day prank, though she lovingly “kept hanging around” for the next 67 years. Together, they built a life rooted in family, resilience, and commitment, weathering military life, deployments, and the many seasons of life side by side.
As a devoted military wife, Chris faithfully supported her husband throughout his more than two decades of service to the country. During those years, she carried the tremendous responsibility of raising their two children, Sylvia Diana and John Ray Jr., affectionately known as “Speedy,” often while facing the challenges of military life—frequent moves, long separations, and the uncertainties that come with service. Despite these hardships, Chris’s kindness, strength, and loyalty shone through. She built deep and lasting friendships wherever she went, leaving a meaningful impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Some of her most treasured friendships have remained a constant source of joy in her life including Ms. Pat and Ms. Margaret. To her family, she was simply “Oma”—a name that meant comfort, love, strength, and tradition. She created a home filled with selflessness and love, leaving behind a legacy that lives on in the generations she nurtured.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who cared for Chris in her battle with Alzheimer’s and in her final days. A special and heartfelt thank you to Nancy and Sandy, the dedicated team at VITAS, and to all caregivers whose compassion, gentleness, and unwavering presence brought comfort and peace during this time. Your care and devotion will never be forgotten.
Chris is survived by her children, John Kennamore, Jr. (Paula), and Sylvia Diana Scyphers (Sonny); her grandchildren, Steven Scyphers (Mallory), Justin Kennamore (Kerri), Brandy Kennamore, Sharon Mines, Brandon Kennamore (Anna), and Andrew Kennamore (Cherish); and her great-grandchildren, Natalie Pierce, Izabella Kennamore, Bradon Kennamore, Alexis Kennamore, Molly Kate Mines, Hadley Scyphers, Claire Mines, Brody Brannon, Paxton Kennamore, Maren Scyphers, Jaxon Robinson, and Braelyn Chalmers, along with many other close family members and friends.
Donations in memory of Chris may be made to your local animal shelter or the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1 Metroplex Drive – Suite 230, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (alz.org).
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Virginia Deal Hodges, a resident of Pinckard, Alabama, died Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home. She was 82 years old. In keeping with the wishes of the family, no public services are planned for Mrs. Hodges. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Hodges was born July 31, 1943 in Perry, Florida to the late Johnny and Agnes Hemphill Deal. She attended school in Salem, Florida and later worked as a Hostess at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. She started her family in Palm Harbor and moved to Pinckard, Alabama in 1979. Virginia was employed with Wextex Inc. and General Telephone Company. She had a nurturing spirit and loved taking care of people and visiting nursing homes. Virginia had a passion for repairing grandfather clocks. She attended Moore’s Chapel and Pinckard Baptist Church. She loved to go fishing, go thrifting, ride the side by side and go out to eat at C. B.’s formerly Zach’s in Slocomb. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Selena Paul; one sister, Mary Alice Pike; one brother, Billy James; one granddaughter, Monica Seless Paul.
Survivors include one daughter, Cecillia Paul of Holiday, Florida; four sons, David Paul (Jackie) of Crawfordville, Florida, Mitchell Paul of Ozark, Robert Mitchell Paul and Robert Paul both of Pinckard; two sisters, Margie Iconomou (Tommy) of Holiday, Florida and Shirley James of Thomaston, Georgia; two brothers, David James of Holiday, Florida and Rocky Bridges of Lakeland, Florida; six grandchildren, Travis Paul (Penny) of Crawfordville, Florida, Selisa Grigsby of Slocomb, Alabama, Misty Paul of Crawfordville, Florida, Sheena Bowden (Jay) of Wicksburg, Alabama, Bennie Paul of Dothan and Wayne Dixon of Holiday, Florida. Many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Mary Helen White Phillips, a resident of White Hall Assisted Living in Dothan, Alabama, died Monday, April 6, 2026, at Southeast Health surrounded by her family. She was 92.
A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Mary was born to the late Elton and Viola Tingle White on November 20, 1933, in Corner, Alabama. She was a high school graduate of Corner High School where she played and excelled in basketball. She was married to the love of her life, Billy Phillips, for twenty-six years. Her hobbies included cooking and canning vegetables for the community. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church. She previously served as Sunday School teacher, training union teacher, and GA leader at First Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama. She was a very active member of WMU. Mary was always looking to help people in need. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband; a son in law, Doug Summerford; three brothers, Troy White, Bill White, and Floyd White; one grandson, Gabe Summerford.
Left to cherish her memories are her three daughters, Kim Hartman (Bob), Kathy Summerford, and Carolyn Donner; one brother, MC White; two sisters, Jessie McIntyre and Peggy Mehearg (Tom); five grandchildren, Jake Summerford (Corinne), Jeff Hartman, Dana Bowden, Camilla Roberts (Lane), and Perry Summerford; five great grandchildren, Quinn Bowden, Nora Summerford, Rowan Bowden, Ava Summerford, and Arthur Roberts; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Mr. Jimmy Simmons of Geneva peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Ozark Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 85 years old.
Born on March 21, 1941, in Geneva County to the late Hosea and Florence Cotton Simmons, Mr. Simmons dedicated many years of his life working as an airframe and powerplant mechanic at Hayes International, PEMCO, and Ft. Rucker until his retirement. Alongside his family, he played a significant role in the founding and building of Omega Holiness Church in Echo, a testament to his commitment to his community and faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Sidney Kyle Simmons, Sr.; and siblings: Jake Simmons, Bobby Simmons, Earl Simmons, Ruby Byrd, and Autense Wilson.
Mr. Simmons is lovingly remembered by his son Todd Simmons and wife April; six grandchildren: Sidney Kyle Simmons, Jr., Hunter Simmons, Summer Simmons Anderson, Jeremy Simmons, Seth Simmons and Braden Simmons; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who cherished his presence.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Wicksburg Assembly of God Church with Rev. Timothy Simmons and Rev. Jamie Hattaway officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb will be directing the arrangements.
We honor the life of Mr. Jimmy Simmons and the lasting impact he made on those around him.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Irma Nell Russell, known lovingly to family and friends as Nell, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Kinsey, Alabama, at the age of 91.
Nell was born in Coffee County on November 27, 1934, to the late Lucious and Vonnie Lee, and lived a long life marked by devotion, kindness, and steadfast faith. She was a loving, selfless, and faith-filled woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. Those who were blessed to know her will remember her as a caring and giving person who loved her family deeply and carried herself with grace, strength, and compassion throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carroll Russell, Jr.; her son, Roger Sellers; her grandson, Daniel Sellers; her granddaughter, Becky Larson; her son-in-law, Andrew Countryman; and her siblings, Bill Lee, Kent Lee, Britt Lee, Mitchell Lee, and Annie Glynn Brooks.
Nell is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Countryman, Rhonda Newman (Jerry), Kathy Larson (Bill), and Jan Whaley (Sammy); her daughter-in-law, Linda Sellers; her grandchildren, Christie Milbeck, Christopher Countryman (Bruce), Jimmy Newman (Angela), Jennifer Levey (Tim), Billy Larson ( Jessica), Jeremy Whaley (Devon), and Aaron Whaley (Lizzie); 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sandra Sandlin and Sue Melhorn; and several nieces and nephews.
Family was the center of Nell’s life, and she found joy in the simple blessings of being surrounded by those she loved. She was the kind of woman who made others feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Her home, her words, and her presence reflected a heart that was always ready to help, encourage, and comfort. She loved deeply and gave freely, and her family will forever cherish the memories of her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering support.
Nell was also known for being a Christian woman whose faith guided the way she lived each day. Her life was a reflection of the values she held dear, and she served as an example of quiet strength and enduring love. She will be remembered not only for the love she gave her family, but also for the kindness she showed to others and the dignity with which she carried herself through life’s joys and challenges.
Her legacy is one of devotion, generosity, and faith. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her memory by living in the spirit of love and care that she so beautifully demonstrated. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the impact of her life will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Nell Russell will be remembered always as a faithful wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was a blessing to many, and her memory will be treasured with gratitude and love.
A celebration of Nell’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Harrison Steege officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Mary Celeste Oder, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Anderson, South Carolina. She was born on July 31, 1936, in Alexander City, Alabama, to the late Carl and Irene Oliver.
