Retha Rials Cherry, age 76, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025.She was born in Phenix City, Alabama, on August 9, 1948, to I.D. Rials and Odell Holley Rials.
Retha was a proud graduate of Opp High School, Class of 1966. Her class shared a unique and lasting bond, and she deeply cherished attending every class reunion-missing only the one held in 2024.
Retha retired in 2013 after 33 years of dedicated service-beginning with the State of Alabama, Department of Agriculture, and later transitioning to federal service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Science and Technology division.
She is survived by her two sons: Patrick Yates Cherry of Auburn, AL, and Rory Cameron Cherry of Arnold, MD; and by her five beloved grandchildren: Sloane Cherry, and Daniel and Tristan Jinright of Auburn, AL; Harper Cherry and Brenn Cherry of Arnold, MD.
She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Seay, and brother-in-love, Jimmy Seay; nephew Kerry Seay (Teresa) of Panama City Beach, FL; niece Kelly White (Paul) of Dothan, AL; great-niece Bethany Burgess of Montgomery, AL; great-nephew Ben Burgess of Nashville, TN; great-niece Kaylee Seay of Dothan, AL; great-nephew Kade Seay of Mobile, AL; and great-great-niece Braelyn Burgess of Dothan, AL.
Retha was preceded in death by her former husband, Jerome Cherry; her parents, her nephew Kenyon Seay; and a dear friend and companion, Jimmy Griffin.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama,
on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Luke Justice Taylor, age 45, passed unexpectedly on August 5, 2025, leaving behind a quiet legacy of kindness, generosity, and gentle humor that touched everyone who knew him.
A Visitation of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, 2:00 until 4:00 PM. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Luke’s memory to SOS Animal Shelter (https://www.sosshelter.com/donate), a cause close to his heart.
Luke had a wonderfully quirky soul. He was a lover of books, movies, and animals, and enjoyed discussing a new favorite novel or obscure film with anyone who shared those interests. Though he lived a quiet life, Luke cultivated a small, tight-knit circle of friends with the kind of loyalty that spans decades. They shared his love of games, conversation, and humor. Their friendship was a source of joy in his life, and their grief is a testament to the lives he touched. He was a 15-year employee of the Dale Medical Center. His calm nature, dependability, and quiet dedication earned him the affection and respect of his coworkers. Throughout his life, Luke showed up consistently and wholeheartedly, offering help before it was asked for and love without condition.
The youngest son of Margaret Ann Taylor and the late Robert Sellers Taylor, Luke is survived by his devoted mother, Margaret, and his older brothers, Scott Taylor (Jon Livingston) and Mark Taylor (Tabitha Taylor), who will forever miss his unique presence in their lives. He was a cherished uncle to Kayla Joiner (Cody Joiner) and Kenley Taylor, and a proud great-uncle to Sterling Joiner. He will be missed more than words can express, and his memory will live on in the many lives he brightened simply by being himself.
Michael Scott Brooks, a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 4, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was born there on July 10, 1967. Michael will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and love for the outdoors.
He was the son of Faye D. Brooks and the late A. Lamar Brooks. Michael grew up in Dothan with his brother, Russell Brooks (Nancy), and took great pride in being an uncle to Caleb Brooks (Sydney) and Josiah Brooks (Lauren), and a great-uncle to Carter Brooks. His family meant the world to him, and he remained closely connected to them throughout his life.
Michael graduated from Northview High School and went on to build a career as a self-employed specialist in pharmaceutical returns. He was independent, hardworking, and known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, and birds, as well as fishing—finding peace in the quiet moments nature offered. Michael also had a deep love for golf, having competed in tournaments like the Future Masters during his younger years.
A true dog lover, Michael found great comfort and joy in the companionship of his pets. He was always willing to lend a hand, and many remember him as someone who would quietly step in to help others without expecting anything in return.
Michael’s life left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him.
Family and friends will be gathering in the reception center at Sunset Funeral Home to share stories and memories of Michael on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions in Michael’s honor to be made to Alabama Wildlife Federation https://www.alabamawildlife.org/donate/.
Jimmy Earl Helms of Geneva, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Flowers Hospital. He was 71 years old.
Jimmy was born on March 8, 1954 in Andalusia, Alabama to the late John and Flosie Helms.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Larry Mock officiating. Burial will follow in Whitewater Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his brother, Johnny Helms; niece Kimberly Mims; nephews, Jason Helms (Leigh) and Chris Helms (Tyla); great nephews, Shawn Mims, Tyler Helms, Nick Helms, and Seth Mims, along with several great great nieces and nephews.
Laura Louise Lewis Cook, 53, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 5th, from natural causes.
Raised in the wiregrass area, Laura lived a life full of curiosity, laughter, and love. She was brilliantly intelligent – especially with computers- and yet somehow hilariously baffled by her smartphone. Her quirks made her unforgettable. She was proudly dorky, fiercely herself, and completely enchanted by giraffes, which became something of a trademark in her life.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Wayne Cook, whom she deeply loved and missed.
She is survived by her three children: Amber Baggerly (33), Alec Young (31), and Selwyn Lynn (29); her beloved grandchildren: Sage Wyatt (12), Rileigh Sophia (11), and Jackson Abel (3); her siblings Cheri Blackmon and Andrew Lewis; and her parents Martha and Andy Lewis.
Her service will be held at Wright’s Funeral Home in Headland, Alabama on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family’s wishes are that you make a donation to the Wiregrass Humane Society in her honor.
OZARK…Mrs. Veronica Diane Burke Kline (Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Retired), a resident Ozark, died early Monday morning, August 4, 2025, in the Ozark Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was 81.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Kline was born in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, the daughter of William Francis Burke and Amy Diane Isaacson Burke. From an early age, she had a creative spark and a curious mind, always drawn to color, texture, and the beauty in everyday things. She graduated from Mission High School, and later pursued her passion for the arts at San Jose State College, where she majored in Art. Her love for creativity would stay with her throughout her life, shaping not only her hobbies but the way she saw the world.
In 1978, Mrs. Kline made the bold decision to join the United States Army—a choice that would define much of her life. She served her country with honor and dedication for over twenty years, building a career marked by discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Her time in the military wasn’t just about duty—it was about camaraderie, growth, and finding strength in herself and others. She carried those values with her long after retirement, and they were evident in the way she approached everything she did.
After her military service, Mrs. Kline continued to work with the same determination and skill she was known for. She owned and operated a Xerox repair company, putting her technical know-how and problem-solving abilities to good use. Later, she became a tool room attendant at Fort Rucker, a role she held for five years. Whether she was fixing machines or organizing tools, she brought care and precision to every task, always willing to lend a hand or share a bit of wisdom with those around her.
Outside of work, Mrs. Kline’s life was rich with creativity and curiosity. She loved making jewelry, often crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her artistic eye and attention to detail. Painting was another passion—her brushstrokes told stories, captured emotions, and brought color to the lives of those who saw her work. She found peace in her garden, tending to plants with the same patience and love she gave to people. And she was a proud “Rock Hound,” always on the lookout for interesting stones and minerals, fascinated by the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Her collection was a reflection of her adventurous spirit and her appreciation for the wonders of the world.
Mrs. Kline was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dale Kline—a loss that left a deep ache in her heart. Yet even in grief, she carried herself with grace and strength, honoring his memory in quiet, meaningful ways.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Billy A. Kline, Ozark; daughter, Denise Lewis, Tennessee; sister, Gloria Lynne Burke Gibson (Raymond); her friend and caregiver, Tina Barber.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
