Ernestine Jo Guyette Carey of Westville, FL passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. She was 59 years old.
A celebration of life service and fellowship will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the fellowship hall of West Pittman Baptist Church, 1599 Bradley Rd., Westville, FL 32464 with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating.
Ernestine was born on November 12, 1966, in Gloversville, NY, to Ethel Louise Fetrow Guyette Yates and the late Ernest Guyette. She was known for her love of family and friends, having the biggest heart to help anyone in need. Regardless of if she had just met you or known you for years, she was always willing to help. Ernestine was an amazing artist that only few closest to her knew about. She was known as a “jack of all trades” but being a loving and devoted mother and grandmother was at the top of her list. Her career was being the best mother and raising her sons. Her unconditional love was shown to her children and grandchildren, who were her world. She will be deeply missed by those she loved.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one brother, Kevin Tindell and 1 brother-in-law, Donald McLean.
Ernestine is survived by two sons, Cody Carey (Alex) of Westville, FL and Bradley Dylan Jackson (Maggie) of Panama City Beach, FL; four granddaughters, Abbi, Alli, Aubri and Autumn Carey, all of Westville, FL; her mother, Ethel Yates of Westville, FL; five siblings, Joe Guyette (Cindy) of Enterprise, AL, Richard Tindell of Enterprise, AL, Victoria Jackson (Dave) of Jonestown, NY, Robin McLean of Westville, FL and Net Guyette of Arkansas.
Emily Adams Fitch passed away at her residence in Ashford, Alabama on Sunday, May 10, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Emily was born on September 8, 1935 in Ashford and resided there her entire life. She was a 1953 graduate of Ashford High School. She was a member of the Ashford United Methodist Church. Emily was a devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her son, James “Jimmy” Fitch, III, her husband, James F. Fitch, Jr., her brother, Clyde Oates “Sonny” Adams, III, and by her parents, C. O. Adams, Jr. and Ruby Lee Stott Adams.
Emily is survived by her two daughters, Pam Fitch of Ashford, Alabama and Jill Fitch of Pike Road, Alabama; three grandsons, Elliot Fitch, Brandon Fitch, and Adam Fitch of Pike Road, Alabama.
Graveside services will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Ashford City Cemetery with Rev. Mike Grimes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Macon East Academy, 15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, Alabama 36013, (334) 277-6566.
CWO 3 Robert E. Whittaker Sr. (USA, RET), 82, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away on May 9, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born on April 7, 1944, in Chilhaley, Virginia, and was raised in Tennessee. Robert lived a life centered on service, family, and hard work.
At the age of 17, Robert volunteered for the United States Army, beginning a military career that spanned 25 years from April 1961 until October 1985. During his service, he completed three tours in Vietnam. He first served as a military police officer before later becoming a helicopter pilot. His military service was a great source of pride throughout his life. Throughout his distinguished career, Robert earned several honors and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, recognizing his courage, dedication, and faithful service to his country.
Outside of the military, Robert enjoyed computers, research, and aviation. He especially enjoyed watching helicopters fly overhead. He also loved caring for animals and his ranch with more than 90 animals. He preferred the comfort of home and valued quiet time with those he loved most.
Robert shared 25 years of marriage with his wife, Patricia Kay Whittaker. He was a devoted husband, father to his three sons, Robert Whittaker, Jr., Russell Whittaker and Brandon Whittaker and grandfather who deeply loved his family. He also shared a special bond with his service dog, Patches, who brought him companionship and comfort for five years.
Robert will be remembered for his strength, intelligence, loyalty, and caring nature. His legacy of service will continue through all who knew and loved him.
EWELL COMMUNITY…Amber A. Grimes, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, died late Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Ozark. She was 40.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Woodham. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Amber was born on February 23, 1986, in Ozark, Alabama, and from the very beginning she carried a light that touched everyone around her. She graduated from G.W. Long High School in 2003 and later went on to earn her degree in Avionics from Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. She was proud of that accomplishment, and her family was proud of her too.
Amber was a loving daughter, sister, and mother—roles she held close to her heart. She had a way of bringing laughter into a room without even trying, and she shared her love freely with the people she cared about. Her daughter, Natalie, was truly her whole world. Everything Amber did, she did with Natalie in mind, and the bond they shared was something beautiful to witness.
She had a gentle spirit and a big heart, always choosing to see the good in people, even when it wasn’t easy. That kindness made her someone others naturally gravitated toward. She loved deeply, and she loved honestly. Because of that, she will be missed by so many.
Amber enjoyed the simple joys of life—spending time with family and friends, cheering on the University of Alabama football team, feeling the sun and sand at the beach, and listening to music that made her feel alive. Those were the moments that brought her peace and happiness.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pat and Wilda Grimes and William and Betty Jane Childree; her uncle, Jeffery Grimes; her aunt, Patty Grimes; and her cousin, Ryan Harbuck.
Amber’s time here was far too short, but the love she gave and the memories she leaves behind will stay with us always. Her laughter, her kindness, and her gentle way of moving through the world will never be forgotten.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Natalie Cutts, Ewell; parents, David and Laura Childree Grimes; brother, Krey Grimes, all of Ewell; nephews, Ryan Grimes and Brooks Kelley; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; her boyfriend, David Maxwell.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
DOTHAN. . .Loren Ellison Sellers, a resident of Dothan, passed away Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, at her home. She was 67.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Chaplain (Colonel, U. S. Army, Retired) James “Dusty” Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.
Loren Sellers was born and raised in Dothan where she lived most of her lifetime. She was formerly employed by Farmer’s Furniture in Enterprise as Store Manager. Loren was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd L. Ellison and Flora Coleene Harper Ellison, and her husband, Charles Terry Sellers and her special canine friends, C. C., Sassy, Aubie and Sugar. She was a die hard Auburn and Georgia football fan.
Loren was always kind to everyone. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it, Hebrews 13:2.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Kristyn Baker Benitez (David), Dothan; Shellie Elyse Schoetzow (Johnathan), Foley, AL; and Jenna Sellers Miller (Bryan), Delray Beach, FL; grandchildren, Hailey Elizabeth Stewart, Harper Joy Tew, Madison Elyse Bright, Jackson Miller and Harper Miller.
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.
Gaylor “Gayle” Blanche (Pennington) Bridges Weeks, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Mt. Enon Baptist Church with Reverend Don Tew and Reverend Tim Wheeler officiating. Interment will be held immediately following the service in Mt. Enon cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the church.
Gayle was born to the late Ermine and Cora Lee Pennington in Vernon, Alabama on May 26, 1937. After graduating high school, she attended The University of Alabama and received her associate degree in accounting. She worked as an accountant for fifty years until her retirement. Her hobbies included playing softball, reading, crochet, and knitting, taking trips to the mountains, and cheering on her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide in the fall. “Roll Tide”. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for many years she was a faithful member at Southside Baptist Church in Ozark, until recently after moving in with her son and daughter in law, where she attended faithfully at Mt. Enon Baptist Church. She was a member of the Eastern Star.
Gayle is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband and father of her children, Hayden Bridges; her second husband, Charles Weeks; a son, Sammy Bridges; a daughter in law, Christy Bridges; a sister, Evelyn Johnson; and a brother, Jay Lee Pennington.
Left to cherish her memories are her two sons, Gilbert Bridges (Theli), and Stanley Bridges (Michelle); a sister, Mary Ellen Rogers (David); nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Colby Bridges, Hunter Bridges, Jerry Johnson, Terry Johnson, Mark Johnson, Tyler Strickland, Phil Newman, and Dwayne Watkins.
The family would like to send their sincere appreciation to DaySpring Hospice for the loving care they showed to Ms. Gayle and the family during this difficult time.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
