James L. Burleson, Jr. (Jim, Papa) of Dothan passed away on May 16, 2026. He was born in Moulton, Alabama on May 23, 1941, to James Leon & Stella Wicker Burleson.
Following graduation from Dothan High School in 1959, he attended Auburn University and was a member of the National Guard for seven years.
Jim married Jeanie Ball in 1968. They lived in Ocala, Florida for several years until they moved to Marianna, Florida in 1975, where Jim was the owner of Associated Contractors Inc. He was a former member of the Marianna Kiwanis Club where he was past president and Kiwanian of the Year. He also was previously Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #1516, and on the board of the Family Stop-Over House. Jim was one of the founding members of The Chipola Civic Club and actively attended every week until his passing. Jim & Jeanie moved to Dothan in 2021.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanie; sons, Dave Burleson, and Heath Burleson (Natalie); grandsons, Coe Burleson, Carter Burleson (Emma), Cameron Burleson, and Colin Burleson; sister, Betty Burleson Carpenter; and brothers, David Burleson, and Lee Burleson (Amy).
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Burleson.
The family will be receiving friends and having a casual celebration of his life at the home of his son and favorite daughter-in-law, in Dothan, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Delma Ruth Lee, 85, resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on May 17, 2026.
Delma was born on July 15, 1940, and was originally from Clayton. After graduating from high school, she moved to Dothan, where she built a life marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and a deep love for the people and places around her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Joe Lee, by her parents, Grover and Ruth King, and her son in law, Alan Wright.
Delma devoted 32 years of faithful service to the City of Dothan, where she served as city clerk. Throughout her long career, she was known for her professionalism, her reliability, and the gracious manner in which she carried out her responsibilities. Her work reflected the same integrity and care that she brought to every part of her life, and she earned the respect of those who worked alongside her.
A woman of strong faith, Delma had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1960. Her church family was an important part of her life, and she found joy and comfort in worship, fellowship, and the fellowship of Sunday School. Her faith remained a steady presence throughout her years and was evident in the way she lived with kindness, humility, and grace.
In retirement, Delma enjoyed working in her yard. She also loved being involved in her neighborhood garden club and took pleasure in the friendships and shared interests that came with it. She appreciated simple joys and found happiness in the everyday moments that made a house feel like home and a community feel like family.
Above all, Delma cherished her family. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Amy Park and her husband Aubrey, and Carol Wright. She was a proud grandmother to her four grandsons, Jordan Park and his wife Chelsea, Everett Park and his wife Kelsey, Colby Wright, and his wife Wendy, and Bailey Wright and his fiancée Kathleen Weatherford. She delighted in her great-grandchildren, Everlee Park, Peyton Park, Ellie Park, and Charlee Park, and treasured the blessing of watching her family grow through the generations. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Benefield, and several nieces and nephews.
Delma will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and her devotion to her family and community. She lived a life of purpose and quiet dignity, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and steadfast commitment to those she held dear. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Delma’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Tuesday. A private family graveside will be held at Gardens of Memory.
Marianne James Paulk, age 72, of Cowarts, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
A Memorial Visitation service will be held at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23 at 1 pm.
Marianne was born on May 3, 1954 to Wilbur and Anne James in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After her parents’ passings, her older brother, Jack, was her caretaker, as well as Joseph and Betty Friel, who she looked to as a second set of parents.
Marianne graduated Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in 1972. In 1985, she moved to Cowarts, Alabama, where she lived the remainder of her life. She had a wide range of jobs throughout her lifetime, but no matter where she was, she had no shortage of friends and loved ones. She was a beloved mother to her daughter, Allison, and “Tootsie” to her grandchildren, Jamie and Cody. Her love and support laid the foundation for her family to pursue their education, careers, and passions, and for that, they are forever grateful.
No matter where she went, Marianne was the life of the party. She had a bright wit,an unmistakable laugh, and immediately breathed life into whatever room she was in. She was a lifelong reader and music-lover, something she passed down to her daughter and grandchildren. If you ever got in the car with her, you were bound to hear a Stephen King audiobook or songs by Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, or John Denver.
Marianne was also deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, especially in her later years. She was an active volunteer for Catholic Charities and was quick to help those in need. Her generous heart was felt by all who knew her.
Above all, Marianne wanted to be remembered as a “tough old broad”, someone who, despite whatever life threw at her, persisted with resilience, wit, and humor.
She is survived by her daughter, Allison Friel Sims, brother John “Jack” James (Amanda), and grandchildren, Jamie Friel Leverette and Cody Skelton (Kaitlin). She is preceded in death by her parents Wilbur and Anne James, and Joseph and Betty Friel. She also leaves behind many dear friends, including Brittney Brooks and Beth Slayback, who she considered her family.
The family wishes to thank Southern Care Hospice and Nurses, Candy, Cherry, Pheobe and Susan for their love and care extended to them.
DOTHAN. . .John Leslie “Johnny” Bryan, a resident of Dothan, passed away early Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Dennis Singletary and Reverend Steve Skidmore officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the mortuary in Headland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to F.A.I.T.H. Riders, c/o Memphis Baptist Church, 4595 Eddins Road, Dothan, AL 36301.
Mr. Bryan was born in Marianna, Florida, son of the late E. D. Bryan and Mamie Lou Self Bryan. He was raised in Dothan where he lived all his adult lifetime. Mr. Bryan served his country in the Army National Guard in the Dothan unit. He was employed by Carmichael Wholesale Electronics from 1967 until 1998 and also worked for Deanco Auto Auction for several years. Mr. Bryan was an active member of Cloverdale Baptist Church where he formerly served as a Deacon and sang in the church choir. He was a devoted member of F.A.I.T.H. Riders Ministry at Memphis Baptist Church in Dothan. Mr. Bryan was passionate about sharing faith and serving others. He helped lead a group dedicated to “planting seeds,” spreading the message of Jesus, and allowing God to work in the lives of others. Mr. Bryan loved attending church, loved the Lord and Alabama football. Johnny loved his routine of eating lunch out every day at his favorite places with friends. He spent many fall Saturdays with his buddies eating at Dreamland and cheering on the Tide! Mr. Bryan was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Bryan, a son, Brent Wood Bryan, a sister, Lillian McDonald, and two brothers, Wayne D. Bryan and Dr. Sigurd Bryan.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Leslie Liebetrau (Bruce Beckman), Port Orange, FL; grandchildren, Shelley Johnson (Brian), Tuscaloosa, AL; and Bryan Liebetrau, Port Orange, FL; great-grandchildren, Mabry Johnson and Maddie Johnson and a great-granddaughter on the way; a sister-in-law, Sara Bryan, Birmingham; and special friends, Joey Reynolds and Randy Taylor; among many others.
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.
Clarabelle Johnson of Webb, age 84, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on April 6, 1942.
Clarabelle loved going to church and loved the Lord. She enjoyed watching movies, watching The Incredible Dr. Pol, spending time with her family, and cooking for her oldest son. She was known as a hard worker who loved to stay busy and work throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, William F. Brunson, Sr., and her sister, Patricia Crooke.
She is survived by her children, Debra Hurst, Terry Brunson, William Brunson, Jr., and Mary O’Neal (Johnny); grandchildren, Whitney Wyatt, Tyler Wyatt, Tiffany Brunson, Dustin Crawford, Devin Brunson, and Mallory Brunson; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Per her wishes, there will be no services at this time.
Her family and friends will remember her in their own special ways and cherish the memories shared throughout her life.
WM “Babe” Harrison of Geneva, AL passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was 84 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Geneva First Assembly of God Church with Bro. Donnie Earles officiating and Sister B.J. Harrison delivering the eulogy. Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva will be directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
WM “Babe” Harrison was born in Walton Co., FL on April 15, 1942 to the late Emmette and Vallie Sharpe Harrison. Being born and raised in Darlington, he worked hard as a young child helping his family farm and work the cotton fields. He quickly grew to love horses and all things farm related. Later, he became a certified truck driver, both commercial and local fruit delivery, which he did for 26 years. Babe also found a love of building businesses, one of which was B&H Welding and Automotive repair. At his shop in Darlington, that he built by hand, he was able to help others and had many friends to stop by and visit daily.
Babe was a wonderful husband of 49 years to Gale Harrison, where they raised 2 wonderful boys and built a home where everyone was welcome to come sit, eat and visit for a while. They had built a beautiful marriage that they were so proud of. In later years, he moved his family to Geneva, AL where he cleared land, built a homestead, raised cows, horses and grew beautiful gardens. He was especially proud of his huge Loquat trees, his quail, cane mill, boats and tractors. He never met a stranger, loved everyone, generous to a fault, but always had an open seat at his table for anyone needing a meal.
Due to his declining health, Patricia Burkett was a caregiver to Babe and Gale, making it possible for him to stay in the home he loved. The 3 of them raised their children together for 49 years, truly being 3 peas in a pod. They supported each other through all of life’s big events and health challenges.
Babe was a true family man, and nothing was more important. He was a believer in “The Good Lord” and told us along the way that everyone must take their final journey on the Lord’s time, not ours.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Louie Harrison, Lounette Harrison Danley, Donnell “Pete” Harrison, Bobby Harrison and Roy Harrison; six children, William Harrison, Randy Harrison, Shani Renee’ Rice, Christopher Harrison, Jeremy Burkett and Micky Harrison.
He fathered 15 children: 11 sons, 6 living, Royce Harrison (Anita), Auburndale, FL, Emmette Harrison (Toni), MO, Michael Wade Castleberry (Vickie), Barnesville, GA, WM Harrison, Jr., Barnesville, GA, Ali Harrison (BJ), Samson, AL, Anthony Harrison (Brandi), Geneva, AL; 4 daughters, 3 living, Jackie Dryden (Torsten), Jacksonville, AL, Tresa Wood (Tommy), Marianna, FL and Maresa Thompson (Travis Jones), Bonifay, FL; 33 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. One very special nephew, whom he loved, William “Bill” Danley; five close, longtime friends, Buddy Sayre, Joe Bovee, Randy Beck, Bubba Malone and Jimmy Suttles, who he had many life adventures with these fellas.
Serving as pallbearers: Buddy Sayre, Mason Owens, Kolton Owens, Ethan Thompson, JC Harrison, Bryson Whitaker, Tommy Wood, Travis Jones and Bubba Malone.
