Shelia peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones on July 3, 2026 at the University of PENN hospital after a brief illness.
She was born on August 20, 1958 in Dothan, Alabama to the late Joe David Duncan and Annie C. Hutchinson Duncan. In her formative years, Shelia attended Montana Elementary School and Girard Jr. High School. Shelia graduated from Dothan High School in 1976. From an early age, Shelia understood what it meant to be a servant and found opportunities to serve within her church, high school and local community. Shelia’s love for the youth showed through her seasonal work with the City of Dothan’s Recreation Department as a Therapeutic Recreational Camp Volunteer.
Shelia grew up as a child and attended Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church throughout her adulthood until she moved to Montgomery, Alabama. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Parks Chapel serving as the Financial Secretary, member of the Steward and Stewardess Board, Women’s Missionary Society, and singing in the choir.
Shelia matriculated to Troy State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1981. While at Troy State, Shelia remained committed to servitude and chose to pledge in the newly formed Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha where she was appointed Parliamentarian in 1978. After graduating from Troy, Shelia returned to Dothan and secured a Head Bank Teller position at First National Bank of Dothan in 1981. Shelia would quickly advance in her career and begin working in Home Health for the state of Alabama. In 2004, Shelia became Branch Director for Alabama State Department of Public Health where she managed and oversaw the accounts receivable function for the statewide Home Care programs.
After accepting a new position with the State of Alabama Department of Public Health and relocating, Sheila attended St. John’s Church in Montgomery, Alabama and served as an active member of the St. John’s Working Club, the Women’s Choir, Sanctuary Choir and Mass Choir. Upon moving to Delaware, Shelia found a home at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church where she became a member of the Stewardess Board and willingly offered her service to the church.
She would end her career retiring as the Alabama State Home Care Director, supervising 30 Home Health units within the state, recruiting, hiring, supervising, training and providing direct supervision to all staff, along with ongoing staff development.
Upon retirement, Shelia relocated to Delaware and continued to serve at POLYTECH High School as a Substitute Teacher for four years. Shelia exemplified the heart of a servant and this was mostly expressed through her service as a caregiver.
In addition to her parents, Shelia is preceded in death by her brother Willie C. Duncan and sister Betty Duncan Parker and brother-in-law Walter Parker.
She is survived by her nephew, Anthony Duncan, whom she was a dedicated caregiver for over 56 years, niece Dr. LaTonya Pierce (John), Niece Breahna Harmon (Katteem), Nephew John Pierce, III (Shemiah) and Derrick Duncan, Sisters Kandee Kennedy-London (Charles), Marie Payne and Katie Brascomb, Brother Kevin Kennedy (Josha-Lyn) Nieces Taliyah London, Mica Richardson, Ayana Turner, Jamilia Robinson, Alicia Payne, Katherine Brascomb, Penelope Pierce, Briana Robinson, Amiylah Robinson, Milani Merriweather, Paislei Robinson, Alexsix Mayo, Asa Payne; Nephews Damion London, Tyree London, Ben Kennedy, Tyson Kennedy, KJ Kennedy, Kailyn Kennedy, Jahal Robinson, Octavious Merriweather, Braylon Robinson, Kross Robinson, Isaiah Custis, Sr. (Carrie), Isaiah Custis, Jr., Adam Payne (Mya), Darrell Payne (Aliyah), Christopher Steele; Jhazhiere Harmon, Ronan Payne, Sister-in-laws Catherine Duncan, Gloria Brooks (Willie), Melinda Culpepper and Nancy Peralta; Special friends Charon and Darryl Scribbins, Jerry Moore, Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Dr. Mary, MacIntrye, Choona Lang, Debbie Myers, Ernestine Custis, Maggie Story, Lewis Timmons, Patricia Collins, Deborah Norcisa and a host of cherished loved ones.
Services were held at the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Dover, DE 19904. Her final resting place will be at the Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, AL.
Douglas Lamar Parker, age 85, of Midland City, Alabama, passed away on August 12, 2026, in the same town where he was born and spent much of his life. Born on March 17, 1941, in Midland City, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant to his community. He lived a life marked by love, kindness, and devotion, and he will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to those around him.
Douglas spent his early years in Houston, Texas, before returning to Midland City in 1956. That move proved to be the beginning of a lifelong connection to the community he would come to serve so faithfully. He carried with him the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for others, and those qualities shaped the way he lived each day. He was known for his strong work ethic and for the quiet, dependable way he met every obligation placed before him.
He devoted more than 39 years of his career to Dale County as an assistant engineer with the Road and Bridge Department. His work was steady and meaningful, and he took pride in doing his job well. After his long tenure with Dale County, he continued serving the people of his hometown by working for the City of Midland City for the last nine years of his career.
Douglas was also a faithful member of Midland City Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for more than 25 years. He was a man who believed in doing what was right, and he carried that belief into both his church life and his daily life.
Family was the great joy of Douglas’s life, and he was very proud of each member of it. He was preceded in death by his wife, Twylia Parker, and by his parents, Henry and Louise Parker. He is survived by his son, Doug Parker (Tina); his grandchildren, Hayden Ridge Parker (Jodie Lynn), Gavin Goss, and Melyssa Cochran (Ryan); and his great-grandchildren, Easton Goss, Elaina Goss, Carter Cochran, and Cooper Cochran. He is also survived by his brother, Benjamin William Parker of Richmond, Texas; his sister, Shirley Rose Dean of Katy, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family dearly, and he especially cherished his grandson. His love for them was evident in the way he spoke of them, cared for them, and celebrated their lives.
Those who knew Douglas will remember his warm heart, his loving nature, and the kindness he extended so freely to others. He enjoyed playing poker with close friends and family, and those times were often filled with laughter, fellowship, and good memories. He also enjoyed fishing throughout the Midland City area, where he found peace in simple pleasures and the quiet beauty of the outdoors. He was a gifted storyteller whose words could hold an audience with spellbinding intensity, and his stories brought joy to many who had the privilege of hearing them.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11am at Midland City Methodist Church with Pastor Ray Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 11am on Saturday. Following services, he will be laid to rest by his wife in Midland City Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Roger Friend, Brett Brockett, Brad Brockett, Arvin McCathern, Jr., Ryan Cochran, and Phillip Parker.
Gary Wayne Poole, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Crowne Health Care in Eufaula. He was 78 years old.
Per his wishes there will be no public services held.
Born on January 6, 1948, in Austinville, Virginia, Gary was the son of the late Clayton Lataine and Grace Loraine (Phillippi) Poole. He retired with over 35 years of service as a construction supervisor for Sprint Telephone Company. In his spare time, he enjoyed talking on the phone while he sat on his front porch, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, giving Terry advice about racing, and Virginia Tech and Alabama football. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and enjoyed visiting churches.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Pence; two brothers, Donald Dean and Jimmy Dean; grandson, Jack Jones.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Shirley (Safewright) Poole; son, Gary Wesley Poole (Andrea); daughter, Cindy P. Jones (Eric); stepson, Terry Wayne Davis; four grandchildren, Bryce Poole, Eli Poole, Anna Jones, and Dylan Davis.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Mrs. Vinetta Whatley Lynn was born on November 16, 1943, in Henry County, Shorterville, Alabama, to the late Dellmus Porter and Clara Mae Whatley. From the beginning of her life, she was surrounded by family, faith, and a strong sense of community—values that would remain the foundation of her life and legacy.
At an early age, Mrs. Lynn became a devoted member of the Old Friendship African Methodist Episcopal Church in Shorterville, Alabama, where she faithfully served in several capacities, including Secretary, Treasurer, and as a Missionary. Her service to God and His people was not simply a responsibility; it was a reflection of the love, compassion, and commitment she carried throughout her life.
In 1963, Vinetta was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Willie “Pop” Lynn. Their union was blessed with one son, Antonio Lynn (Jasir Abdus Shakur).
A woman of determination and purpose, Mrs. Lynn was a proud graduate of Henry County Training School Class of 1961. She furthered her education at Potomac University in Washington, D.C., earning a degree in Business Management. During her young adult years, she resided in both New Jersey and Maryland, where she built a life marked by hard work, perseverance, and excellence.
Mrs. Lynn dedicated more than 35 years of faithful service to BellSouth, later Verizon Wireless, before retiring. After retirement, she returned home to Shorterville, Alabama, where she continued to pour herself into the people and community she loved, as well as care for her mom.
Vinetta was more than a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—she was a community servant, advocate, and giver. She found genuine joy in helping others and believed in the importance of giving back. Her commitment to service was evident through her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star, Eta Rho Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Beta Upsilon Zeta Chapter. Through each organization and every relationship she cultivated, she left an imprint of kindness, wisdom, strength, and love.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, Mrs. Vinetta Whatley Lynn peacefully entered into eternal rest. While her departure leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, her life remains a testimony of faithfulness, resilience, service, and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Theresa Williams; great-granddaughter, Miracle Lynn; niece, Shyretta Williams-Hamilton; great-nephew, KuShon Earl Hamilton; first cousin, R.L. Reeves; and second cousins, Katina Reeves and Kevin Littleton.
Left to cherish her precious memory are her son, Jasir Abdus Shakur of Newark, New Jersey; two grandchildren, Camille (Javeon) Richardson of Dothan, Alabama, and Cameron (Deja) Lynn of Abbeville, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, Jalia Lynn, Malia Lynn, Jireh Richardson, and Cameron Lynn, Jr.; niece and nephew, Shakiyra and Ku’von Hamilton of Nashville, Tennessee; special friend, Melvin Howard of Silver Springs, Maryland; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, cherished friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Though our hearts are heavy because of the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. We rejoice in the assurance that Mrs. Lynn’s earthly assignment has been completed and that she has entered into the presence of the One she served.
Her work was faithful.
Her love was genuine.
Her legacy is everlasting.
She has fought a good fight, she has finished her course, she has kept the faith.
Rest well faithful servant. Your work here is done. Your legacy lives on, and you are now safe in the arms of our Lord.
Bonnie Lue Pelham Davis, age 70, of Webb, Alabama formerly of Graceville, Florida passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesuson August 11, 2026.
Bonnie was born on September 4, 1955, to Harry David Pelham and Bonnie Mae Pelham. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend who touched the lives of so many people throughout her 70 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Larry Mitchell, Ricky Dewayne and Danny Darrell Pelham along with many other family members as well
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Don Davis, and her children and family, including Melissa Lashley (Edgil) and Kenny; Christin Renew and Luke Sky Walker Allyson and Rashaad Wimbush Autumn,Emma,and Hope Edgil Stacy Lashley (Ingram) and Carl; Lisa Davis; Nathan and Lizzy Metcalf;
She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, along with many cherished friends who will forever remember her kindness, laughter, and one-of-a-kind personality.
Bonnie truly was one of a kind.
She attended Shady Grove CH Church.
She was an avid Gator fan, loved her coffee, and most of all loved spending time with her family and friends. The memories made around her will be treasured forever, her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Bonnie’s love and memories will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Rest peacefully, Bonnie. You were truly one of a kind, and you will be loved and missed forever.
Gary Wayne Poole, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Crowne Health Care in Eufaula. He was 78 years old.
