Martha Jean Gilley Dykes passed away on Wednesday March 4, 2026 at Southeast Health Medical Center. She was 72.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Harris officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM and continuing until service time.
Martha was born on May 15, 1953 to the late Vernie and Sadie Bowden Gilley in Newton, AL. She had a career in the manufacturing business at Allied Motion.
In addition to her parents; husband of 43 years, Junior Dykes; sisters: Falbie Gilley, Eura Harrell, and Margie Johnson; brother, Randall Gilley, all preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughter, Karen Bond (Joey); sons: Johnny Dykes (Terri) and Donnie Dykes (Stephanie); grandchildren: Jaida Strickland (Skyler) Ridge Dykes (Ashley), Valerie Grimes (Jacob), Blaise Dykes (Kaylie), Dalton Dykes (Brianna), and Laura McCardle (Ethan); great grandchildren: Landon Quick, Alexa Quick, Brynlie Dykes, Kalli Strickland, Lainey Grimes, Olivia McCardle and new addition to come, Adlee Kate Dykes; sisters: Betty Hancock and Diane Jones; brother Pete Gilley along with other extended family and friends.
Mrs. Emily Pippin Brown Snellgrove, age 85, of Malvern, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Malvern Baptist Church with Rev. Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Mrs. Snellgrove was born on October 12, 1940, in Houston County to the late Jasper Tom Pippin and Bertha Griffin Pippin. She attended Malvern School through the ninth grade, where she proudly played girls’ basketball, and later graduated from Slocomb High School. She was employed for 19 years with Van Heusen in Hartford before working 13 years with Sony in Dothan. Over the years, she also worked at Sawyer’s Produce. In addition to her work career, Mrs. Snellgrove faithfully served her community as a member of the Malvern Town Council for four terms. She was a devoted woman of faith and a member of Malvern Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees, including the Baptismal Committee, Social Committee, Nursery Committee, and Discipleship Training. Emily will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her strong work ethic, and her commitment to her community.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Margie Owen, Delores Turner, and Treadwell Pippin.
Survivors include her two sons, Jeffery Brown (Paula) and Joey Brown (Stephanie); her grandchildren, Jessica Brown, Hannah Cummings (Matt), Myranda Austin (Thomas), and Justin Brown (Sarah); her great-grandchildren, Addison Austin, Madyson Brown, Lily Cummings, Tommy Austin, and Madeline Austin; her siblings, Phillip Pippin and Judy Roland (Tommy); as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care …
Janice C. Atwell, a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 31, 1950, Janice lived a life defined by her caring nature, her devotion to family, and her spirited personality.
Janice was the beloved daughter of the late Walter Coates and Lillie Douglas Coates. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Lane and William F. “Leonard” Lane, and her sister, Nellie Garrett.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, who loved her deeply as both “Mom” and “Mimi.” She leaves behind her children, Teresa Williams, Tracy Dickey, Steven Atwell (Jessica), and Shane Atwell; her grandchildren, Shannelle Blankenship (Alex), Shea Strickland (Cody), Wesley Pybus (Kendra), Hunter Pybus (Rose Freeman), Joah Atwell (Peyton Hodge), Jaxon Atwell, Adaline Atwell, and Ally Mae Atwell; several great-grandchildren, and her sister, Eva Loyless.
Janice was truly the heart of her family. Known as the best babysitter ever, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always welcoming them with open arms and a loving heart. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she never missed a chance to support them, whether it was attending ball games, sharing meals together, or simply enjoying time together.
Janice was a proud member of the Elks Lodge, where she loved spending time with friends, dancing, bowling, and enjoying the fellowship. She also enjoyed relaxing by the pool at the Elks, often just dipping her feet in the water and soaking in the good company around her.
She had a special gift in the kitchen and was well known for her delicious homemade cooking. Her biscuits were considered world-class by those who loved her, and her desserts were legendary. Family gatherings were made even sweeter with her cheesecake, pound cake, peanut butter cake, and colorful rainbow cakes.
Janice also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved going out to lunch with friends, visiting the beauty shop, and proudly texting her children afterward to show off her freshly styled hair. She and her brother James shared many fond memories enjoying meals together at local favorites like Jacks and The Wiener Wagon.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she often expressed her gratitude with the words, “What a beautiful day the Lord has made.” Anyone who knew Janice knew her warm greeting when answering the phone — a cheerful “Hey Baby.” She was caring, loving, strong-willed, and sometimes a little stubborn and argumentative, but always full of heart and devotion to those she loved.
Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Janice C. Atwell will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Dennis Singletary officiating. Janice will be laid to rest at Memory Hill Cemetery following the service. Friends and family are invited to gather from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Linda Ann Baxley Norris, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Wesley Place. She was 80.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, March 6, 2026 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Billy Rich officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:15am until 10:15am prior to the services on Friday.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions can be made to Wesley Place, 718 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan, Alabama 36305.
Ms. Linda was born on June 20, 1945 in Dothan, Alabama to Hilton and Oletta McAllister Baxley. She grew up in the Rehobeth area and graduated from Dale County High School in 1965. In her younger years she was a member of a local bowling league and enjoyed drag racing cars. The first job she held was at Gaylord’s Retail. Later she worked at various places, Headland National Bank, Redwood, and AAA motor lines. She retired after twelve years of service as a bus driver for the Rehobeth School System. Gardening was her hobby, but she also had a passion for Alabama Football, Atlanta Braves Baseball, and NASCAR. She was voted as the South Hall President at Wesley Place.
Ms. Linda is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Mills Norris; and sister, Betty Ferguson.
Survivors include her two daughters, Kimberly Chappell (Stanley), and Angie Saliba (Mark), both of Dothan; one brother, James Hugh Baxley of Hadlock, WA; two grandchildren, Abbigail Downing (Landon) of Malvern, and Eli Saliba of Dothan; and three great grandchildren, Zayden Bennett, Emmanuel Bennett, and Lucas Downing.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eli Saliba, Mark Saliba, Herman Britt, Chris Ward, Ben Saliba, and Zach Rogers.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Rehobeth School System bus drivers.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Nathan Lee Gray, a cherished soul known for his kind heart and joyful spirit, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. Born on September 27, 1976, in Dothan, Alabama.
Nathan was a beloved member of the Dothan community, where he spent many years working at WRC.
He enjoyed playing his PS4 games, love watching old movies and playing card games with his friends. He also had a love for cats.
Though he is no longer with us, Nathan’s memory is carried on by the residents and staff of The Courtyard, who became his extended family. He is also lovingly remembered by his aunt, Darlene Taylor (John), his cousin Gretchen, and his young niece Ava.
Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Mavis Pauline Gray, and his brother, James Larry Gray.
His legacy is one of love, friendship, and the simple joys that make life beautiful.
A Memorial Service for Nathan will be held at a later date.
Joe Terrell Newsome, a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 3, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 28, 1951, in Holmes County, Florida, Joe’s life was a testament to faith, love, resilience, and joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wilsey Newsome and Edna Heath Newsome; his beloved daughter, Jolene Newsome Bryant; his sisters, Brenda Ashton and Faye Shirah; his brother, Jimmy Newsome; his half-brother, John Newsome, and his half-sister, Carolyn Newsome.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Vickey Newsome; his son, Joe Buck Newsome; his sisters, Joann Killingsworth, Wanda Willis, and Edie Hayes (Frank); his special nieces, Ann Killingsworth (Jerry) and Marie Metcalf; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will treasure his memory.
Joe and Vickey shared a remarkable bond. Together, they faced life’s challenges hand in hand, each offering the strength the other needed. Where one struggled, the other stood steady; where one was weary, the other lifted them up. Their marriage, which began on December 5, 1980, was a beautiful example of perseverance, deep devotion, and unconditional love. They truly completed one another and built a life grounded in faith and mutual support.
A man of unwavering faith, Joe felt called to share God’s love wherever he went. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a word of encouragement, a handwritten note, or a simple prayer with someone in need, he never missed an opportunity to speak about God’s goodness. He believed his purpose was to spread hope and remind others that they were never alone. Joe didn’t just talk about his faith — he lived it daily through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and a servant’s heart. Many were comforted, strengthened, and inspired by his willingness to boldly and lovingly deliver God’s message.
Joe found joy in fishing, good food, and especially in gathering with family. Known for his mischievous streak and playful pranks, his sense of humor brought laughter and light to countless lives. His warm heart and joyful spirit made a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Joe’s life of dedication and service will be honored at a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until the service begins.
