ARITON…Miss Sylvia Jeanette Casey, a resident of Ariton, passed away late Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 87.
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
Elizabeth Spurlock Majors, 102, passed peacefully on September 15, 2026, surrounded by loving family and the staff of John Knox Memory Care in Montgomery, AL.
Elizabeth was born June 19, 1924 in Troy, Alabama to Frank and Ollie Bell Spurlock. Elizabeth was the 5th born out of a total of 13 children. Growing up surrounded by brothers and sisters, she naturally developed an affinity toward the education field, and entered Troy State Teacher’s College where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in education.
She met and married the love of her life, Sumpter Hilman Majors, Sr., while in college at Troy in 1948 – they shared 66 beautiful years together before he passed in 2014. They both stayed busy, working together in the education field as teachers and administrators, volunteering in various church roles, and raising their two children. Elizabeth taught all grade levels in Okaloosa County, FL, and in her later years taught at Troy University in Dothan, AL.
She accomplished many things in her life; one that she was most proud of being receiving her Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in 1975 from the University of Alabama. She loved the education field and helping children learn, as well as helping her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren foster a love of reading and learning.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by both parents, 11 brothers and sisters, a son, Sumpter Hilman Majors, Jr., and her husband.
She is survived by a daughter, Lucy Michelle Reese (Danny) of Montgomery, Alabama, a sister, Shirley Hood of Montgomery, grandchildren Christine Reese of Montgomery, Danny Reese Jr. of Gilbert, AZ, Ginger Urban (Chris) of Garner, NC, great-grandchildren Whitney Bilhorn (Richard), Lane Sands, Connor Davis (Bridget), Ross Sands (Aly), Danielle Urban, Preston Reese, Emma Urban, and Reese Urban. In addition, in her long life she had the privilege to know her great-great grandchildren, Vann, Wynnie, and Annie Bilhorn.
A private graveside service will be held with the family in Black, Alabama on September 18, 2026.
Ms. Nedra Kay Simmons Patchett, age 77, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at Southeast Health.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Baptist Church, 3754 Cedar Springs Road, Ashford, Alabama 36312.
Ms. Nedra Patchett was born in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Horace Greely Simmons, Jr. and Mary Ellen Jeffcoat Simmons. In her early years of life, she grew up in the Hacoda Community in Geneva County. She was a 1968 graduate of Samson High School. After graduating high school, she attended Troy University of Dothan and obtained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education. Ms. Nedra taught for the Houston County Board of Education for thirty-five years, during those years she taught at Webb, Harmon, Cottonwood, Ashford, and Hope School. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and getting away at the beach or lake to relax. Ms. Nedra attended Cedar Springs Baptist Church in Ashford. For years she taught, served, and mentored others. She will be missed by her family and those whom she left a mark on their lives.
Ms. Nedra Patchett is preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Horace Simmons.
Survivors include her special companion, Winston Edwards, Dothan; son, Shaun Patchett (Caitlyn), Dothan; brother, Andy Simmons (Sharlene), Hacoda Community; sister-in-law, Nodie Simmons, Samson; best friend, Shirley McCardle, Ashford; nephew, Ashley Simmons; two nieces, Kate Simmons and Kristi McHenry (Casey).
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
(334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Punola Jane Leslie was born on July 31, 1933, in Capps, AL to the late Alford James Bishop and the late Esther Hogans Bishop. She was the oldest of 6 children. Her family moved up north when she was a child living in New Jersey and New York. During that time, she gave birth to her daughter. In 1960 she married Karl Leslie, Sr. and 3 sons were born to this union. Punola was employed at Federal Reserve Bank in New York City.
Punola moved to Henry County Alabama in 1976. She was a long-time employee of SouthTrust Bank in Dothan AL, working in the data center. After SouthTrust left Dothan, Punola began her healthcare career, first with Flowers Hospital for many years, then Henry County Nursing Home, and ending at Southeast Health (formerly known as Southeast Alabama Medical Center). She was also involved in the foster grandparent program, working with children and special needs adults. She finally retired from working at the age of 75. She had an in-home collection of movies, and she loved to watch old movies on TV in her spare time.
She enjoyed being a retiree in her home in Headland, AL for many years until her health declined. At this time, she was moved to a nursing home in Florida. Sadly, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 93, Punola passed away in Green Cove Springs, FL at Kindred Hospital North Florida. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her six grandchildren, “Auntie Nola” to her many nieces and nephews, “Mrs. P” to her co-workers and friends, and Sister Leslie at the Kingdom Hall. In 1989 she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained a faithful congregant of the North Congregation in Dothan, AL until her passing. She loved Jehovah God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alford and Esther Bishop, her son (Michael Leslie), and 4 siblings: Willie Pearl Feggins, Elvira Coppin, Virginia Daniels, and Vernon Bishop.
Punola is survived by her three children Dorothea Culver of Headland AL, Karl (Chyrell) Leslie, Jr. of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Ralph Leslie of Headland, AL; her sister Jeanette Johnson of Headland, AL; her six grandchildren Melissa (Richard) Hall, Crystal (Roy) Jenkins, Michael Culver, Daneen (Zymeis) Mendoza, Danyasius Leslie, and Demetrus (Asia) Leslie; ten great-grandchildren and generations of nieces and nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.
A Memorial Service for the late Punola Leslie will be Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 pm in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 912 State Ave
Dothan AL 36303.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Rd Midland City, AL 36350 (334) 983-6604.
Gilbert “Bill” Bailey went to be with Jesus at 100 years of age on Sunday, September 13, 2026. He passed peacefully in his sleep.
Bill was a native of Bee Log, North Carolina, and after serving his country in the United States Navy, he lived in various places throughout the United States. Although welding was his occupation, farming was deep-seated in his heart and brought him great enjoyment.
His love for Jesus was the core of his life, and his love for his family enriched the lives of every member of it. Bill was a man of strong faith whose prayers were a meaningful part of his life and the lives of those he loved. His family will forever be grateful for the example he set, the love he shared, and the prayers he offered on their behalf. His legacy of faith and devotion will continue through the generations he leaves behind.
Bill leaves behind his daughters, Barbara Cook Smith (Fred) and BJ Brown (James Brown); grandchildren, Tabitha Cook Lowe (Ed), Molly Brown Myers (Luke), Macy Brown, and James Matthew Brown (Holly); and great-grandchildren, Avery Vice, Maddy Vice, Will Myers, Eve Myers, Adelaide Myers, and Daisy Brown.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Wilma Bailey; his daughter, Brenda Jennings; and his grandsons, James B. Cook, III and James B. Cook, IV.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Margaret Susan Bacher, a resident of Dothan, Alabama died Monday, September 14, 2026 at Chipola Health and Rehab in Marianna, Florida. She was 76.
Memorial services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Dothan Country Fellowship, 211 Johnny Murphy Road, Dothan, AL 36301with Pastor Bill Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to; Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.
Margaret was born February 1, 1950 in Kimbell, West Virginia to the late Levi and Margaret Martin Norman. She was a homemaker and loved her family.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Tammy Segle.
Survivors include her husband, Fred Bacher; son, Freddie Bacher (Katherine Lee) six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; siblings, Levi Norman, Martin Norman and Nancy Gore.
