Harriett Elaine Ball, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 75. Born on August 5, 1949, in Lagrange, GA, Harriett was a woman of remarkable spirit and vitality, whose presence brought joy and strength to everyone she encountered.
Harriett was a proud 1967 graduate of East Depot Street High School in Lagrange, GA, where her legacy as a basketball star began. Her athletic prowess was unmatched, earning her the reputation as the best to come out of Lagrange. She continued her education at Fort Valley State in Georgia and later achieved a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Troy University in 2002.
Her dedication to service extended to working at the courthouse in Ozark as a custodian. She had a fulfilling career that reflected her commitment to education and community. Harriett continued her journey at Northside Methodist Academy as a PE teacher, inspiring countless students with her energy and passion for sports. Harriett made a significant impact through her role as a teacher and testing coordinator for Dothan City Schools, where she administered GED testing. Her work in the PASS program demonstrated her commitment to supporting students in every aspect of their education.
Harriett’s love for her community was evident through her volunteer work with the Dothan Housing Authority, where she started the first all-girls basketball team. Her role as a substitute teacher further showcased her versatility and dedication to education.
Beyond her professional achievements, Harriett’s personal life was filled with the love and laughter that she so generously shared with others. Her vibrant energy and her ability to never meet a stranger made her a beloved figure in every circle she graced. Known as a jokester who was always hardworking, Harriett was an excellent mother who taught her children to be strong and resilient.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she loved Jesus with all her heart. Her favorite Bible scripture was Psalm 91. Harriett extended her love to her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, creating an extended family bound by affection and mutual respect.
Harriett leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through her children, Robert (Alyssa) Thomas, III, Shenise (Willie) Stevens, and Christina Oliver. She was a cherished grandmother to her grandchildren, Tyler Brown, Talia Thomas, Tamara Thomas, Robert Thomas, IV, Preston Stevens, Shondel Stevens, Ashton (Dykieria) Stevens, Treston Stevens, Gabrielle Oliver, and Leiauna Oliver, as well as her four great-grandchildren. She was a beloved daughter to her late parents, Robert Edward Thomas, Sr. and Alice Virginia Riley Thomas. Her siblings, Gwendolyn Thomas Cartlidge, Perrin Traylor Thomas (Bernice), Bettye Ann Pope, Barbara Jean Thomas, and Ridley Alfred Thomas, as well as her honorary brother, Sammy Gilbert, will hold her memory dear, alongside the memories of her deceased siblings, Robert Edward Thomas, Jr., Carolyn Virginia Thomas, and Donald Gonzelas Thomas, Sr. Harriett’s life was also marked by a 26-year marriage to Earl Ball, with whom she shared many of life’s journeys.
Described best as loving, faith-filled, and funny, Harriett Ball’s impact on the world was as profound as the laughter and love she spread. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. Harriett’s life was a testament to the power of joy, the strength of family, and the enduring nature of faith.
As we bid farewell to Harriett, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless lives she touched. May her legacy of love, laughter, and faith continue to inspire us all.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the funeral home.
ARITON…Indea Vance Dease, a resident of Ariton, died early Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Ariton. She was 50.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
LeAnne Patterson age 62 of Newton passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 following a lengthy illness.
LeAnne was born October 19, 1962 in Sarasota, Florida to Jerry and Mary Ballard McGowan. She loved making arts and crafts, watching Auburn football and True Crime shows, and going to the beach. LeAnne was known to be a warm and loving person, and made everyone laugh with her quick wit and outgoing personality.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her sons Clayton Tyler Kelley and Hunter Wayne Scott; brother Tony McGowan; sister Cindy Clay; nephew Colby Knight; nieces Jessica Harrison (Tommie) and Jera Mason; great nephews and nieces David, Shane, Paisleigh and Sydnie; best friend LaNae Allen and adopted mom Skye Nightsong.
DOTHAN. . .Mary Charles Maybin Gamble, a resident of Dothan, passed away Tuesday morning, December 17, 2024, in a Dothan hospital. She was 95.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 4, 2025, in the Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with Pastor Charles Uptain officiating and eulogies to be given by family and friends. The family will be receiving friends from 12:30 P.M. until service time in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Mary Gamble may be made to Dogs For Better Lives, 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, Oregon 97502; www.dogsforbetterlives.org or Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Montezuma Avenue, Dothan, AL 36303.
Mrs. Gamble was born and reared in the Maybinton Community in Newberry County, South Carolina, daughter of the late Arthur Harvin Maybin, Sr. and Nellie Chappell Maybin. She moved to Dothan in 1971 where she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Mrs. Gamble was self-employed as a co-owner and operator and on site Manager of Dothan Stor ‘N Lok. In earlier years, she assisted her late husband in the operation of Gamble Realty and Gamble Appraisals. Mrs. Gamble was preceded in death by her husband, Ted A. Gamble, sisters, Elsie Wise, Honoria Woodward, and Nell Howle, and a brother, Arthur Harvin Maybin, Jr.
Surviving relatives include a son, Richard Gamble, Hoover, AL; two daughters, Sharon Roberts (Mark), Meridianville, AL; and Laura Gamble, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; a brother, William Maybin (Shirley), Maybinton, SC; grandchildren, Jennifer Floyd (Charles), and Kristin Roberts (Andrew Alford); great-grandchildren, Spencer Nell Floyd and Charles Jack Floyd; eleven nieces and nephews, and her service dog “Carli.”
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.
ASHFORD, AL… Charlotte Johnson Butler, a resident of Ashford, Alabama, passed away Friday Morning, December 27, 2024, at her residence. She was 72.
There are no public services at this time.
Ms. Butler was born in Alabama on January 25, 1952, to the late Shelby Johnson and Ruby Skinner Johnson. She worked at Piggly Wiggly in Ashford for many years before she began working at Efurd’s Grocery. She was also employed at the hospital in Central Sterile Department where she later retired. She enjoyed visiting at the Cottonwood Senior Center as much as she could. Ms. Butler had a love for cooking, and she did it very well. Everyone especially loved her sour cream pound cake. She also had a love of fishing. But her favorite thing to do was to take care of her grandson, Evan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband Oscar Walls; son, Edward Lee “Bo” Walls; sisters, Juanita Brown, Mary Kelley Thomas, Ruth Ellen Brackin; brothers, Henry Johnson, Paul Johnson.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her son, Dewayne Walls (Amanda) of Ashford; Grandson, Evan McNeal; sister, Shirley Combs of Milton, Florida; brother, David Johnson of Avon; several stepchildren; special friends, Tina and Johnny Flowers; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loving friends.
SSG Ronald O. Beckon (US Army Retired), lovingly known as Ron by friends and family, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 94 in Opelika, Alabama. Born on November 8, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ronald was a beacon of kindness and faith throughout his life.
Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army for 20 years, a tenure that included his valiant participation in the Korean War. His dedication to service was a testament to his strength and character, qualities that he carried into every aspect of his life. Following his military career, he was employed with Ansell until his retirement. He attended The Bridge Church in Cusseta.
On November 6, 1953, Ron married the love of his life, Sarah Helen Jackson Beckon. Together, they built a family foundation strong in love and faith. Ronald’s legacy continues through his children, Ronnie Beckon (Dee) of Ariton, Alabama; Mike Beckon (Rachel) of Guin, Alabama; and Debbie Bryan (Bill) of Cusseta, Alabama. He was a pillar of strength and a source of wisdom for his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of a great-great-grandchild.
Those who knew Ron will remember him as a loving and kind man, whose faith-filled life was a source of inspiration. He approached each day with a gentle heart and a generous spirit, touching the lives of many with his quiet acts of kindness and his unwavering belief in the goodness of others.
Ron’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. Yet, we are comforted by the memories of his compassionate nature and the example he set as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His influence will continue to be felt by the many lives he touched, and his spirit will live on in the cherished moments shared with family and friends.
As we bid farewell to Ronald “Ron” Beckon, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, service, and faith. His journey on earth may have concluded, but his legacy will endure through the generations that follow. Ron’s memory will be carried forward in the stories told, the values instilled, and the love that will forever connect us to him.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. We take solace in knowing that Ron is now at peace, and we honor his memory with gratitude for the time we were given to share in his extraordinary life.
A funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in the chapel of Sunset Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation, beginning one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a burial with military honors will be held at Sunset Memorial Park.
