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Regina Lawson Blankenship

Regina Lawson Blankenship

Regina Lawson Blankenship

July 23, 1933 — July 11, 2025

Blakely

 

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Regina Lawson Blankenship entered her eternal home with the Lord on July 11, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born the second of ten children to G. D. and Edith Hilton Lawson on July 23, 1933. She was married to Foy Blankenship and together they raised three sons. Regina is predeceased by her husband, Foy Blankenship, and sons Daniel and Jack. Her parents and siblings, Jimmy, Clorine, Pete, and Rex Lawson, and Christine Sanders also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Samuel (Noella) Blankenship and grandchildren Alejandro Blankenship, Emanuel Blankenship, Jacqueline Matteri, and Billy Blankenship, and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Mildred (Wayne) DuBose of Aiken, SC, brothers Billy (Martha) Lawson of Columbia, AL, George (Helen) Lawson of Albany, GA, and Russell (Sharon) Lawson of Aiken, SC, brother-in-law Larry Sanders of Leary, GA, sister-in-law Peggy Lawson of Graniteville, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Regina worked for many years at the Judy Bond factory in Columbia, AL, retiring as a supervisor. She faithfully served along with her husband who was a lay minister as a Sunday school teacher and mentor. She hosted many gatherings in her home and hymns were often part of the fellowship. She lived a life full of wit and grit and is greatly loved by her family and will be remembered as the matriarch.

Regina’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Friday, August 1st, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Manry- Jordan- Hodges Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Michael Lawson will officiate the service. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor the remarkable life she led.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.

Mary Lou Thompson Smith

Mary Lou Thompson Smith

Mrs. Mary Lou Thompson Smith of Geneva, AL passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.  She was 94 years old.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Providence Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Providence Cemetery Fund in her memory.

Mary Lou was born on December 07, 1930, in Geneva Co., AL to the late Solomon Perry and Ruby Clyde King Thompson. She was their first child. She attended school at Bullock School when she was not working in the field plowing a mule or picking cotton. She was standing on an apple crate cooking before she could even reach the stove. Mary Lou was an awesome cook and an accomplished seamstress, who loved children and was always looking out for their welfare. She was employed at Van Heusen Textile factory in Geneva for almost 45 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Leamon Smith “Dick”; three sisters, Abbie Watson Glenn, Ann Smith, Lula Webb Miller and one brother, Bennie Frank Thompson.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Solomon Thomas Smith and wife, Glenda T. of Geneva, AL; two granddaughters, Sabrina T. Smith of Geneva, AL and Gloria Smith Merriman (Derek) of Vestavia, AL; two great granddaughters, Reagan Kessler of Auburn, AL and Vivian Merriman of Vestavia, AL; siblings, Clyde Thompson and Geraldine Sellers, both of Geneva, AL, Don Thompson (Belinda) of Malvern, AL, Sue Cullifer (Bobby) of Westville, FL, Curtis Thompson (Paula) of Birmingham, AL, Sally Thompson of Bethel, AK, Solomon P. Thompson, Jr. of Geneva, AL; brother-in-law, R.C. Smith of Geneva, AL, sister-in-law, Clovette Thompson of Geneva, AL and a host of special nieces and nephews.

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com

 

Mr. T. R. Munn Jr. of the Mabson Community

Mr. T. R. Munn Jr. of the Mabson Community

Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama

Mr. T. R. Munn, Jr., a resident of the Mabson Community in Dale County, died Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Funeral services for Mr. Munn will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 1, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Russell Hagler officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P. M.   Serving as pallbearers will be Chip Whitman, Billy Kennedy, Allen Norsworthy, Ronnie Lewis, Brad Loyal and Steven Baxley.  Mr. Munn was born January 5, 1949 in Dale County, Alabama to the late T. R. Munn, Sr. and Louise Bludsworth Munn. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shorty thereafter.  Following his military service, he returned to Ozark where he was employed first by Garner Furniture Company and later by Associates Financial Services before being hired by Pea River Electric.  He worked in several capacities at the cooperative, including construction crew and meter reader. Before his retirement in 2015, he was promoted to Billing Manager.  Mr. Munn was an avid deer hunter and men’s softball player, as well as an enthusiastic University of Alabama football fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Clara Munn Fisher and her husband Don Fisher and Helen Munn Michalic; two brothers, Robert T. Munn and his wife Mae Opal Munn, John Edward Munn and his wife Linda Munn; brother-in-law, Dwayne Burke; nieces, Millie Munn Gray and Shana Bludsworth Grantham; nephews, Billy Munn, Jeff Bludsworth and Gary Munn.  Survivors include his wife, Patricia Jones Munn; daughter, Courtney Munn Snyder (Andy); granddaughters, MaKinlyn Munn, Adalyn Whatley and Kaydence Snyder; one sister, Frances Munn Burke; and one brother, Willie Ralph “Pete” Munn (Brenda).  Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive.   Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.   Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com

 

Lucille “Ludy” Thomas

Lucille “Ludy” Thomas

Lucille “Ludy” Thomas, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 91. Born on February 24, 1934, in Tell City, Indiana, to Fred and Orpha Laura McDaniel Montgomery, Ludy grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Her journey through life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family, a passion for nature, and a legacy of service that touched many lives.

Ludy’s life was one of constant movement and adventure, much of it alongside her beloved husband of over 50 years, the late Paul E. Thomas. Together, they raised a family that was both large and exceptionally close-knit, instilling in them values of love, resilience, and the importance of family ties. Ludy’s heart was big enough to embrace not only her own children but also her 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Her role as a landlady of a trailer park showcased her knack for creating a sense of community and belonging, while her time as a homemaker reflected the warmth and care she put into every aspect of her family’s life. Her and her husband opened the family business, Tri-Glas Industries, which became a Fortune 500 Club, Ludy’s commitment to service was evident in her tenure as treasurer and officer of the ladies’ auxiliary in the Daleville VFW, where she made lasting contributions and formed enduring friendships.

Ludy’s interests were as diverse as they were passionate. She was an avid fisher, a lover of gardening with a true green thumb, and an enthusiast of all things avian. Her home was often filled with the sound of birds and the beauty of flowers, reflecting her deep connection to the natural world. As a den leader for the Cub Scouts, she guided young minds with patience and kindness, leaving a positive impact on the next generation.

Her family fondly recalls the times spent in Indiana, where making syrup was not just a task but a cherished tradition. Ludy’s love for her grandchildren was evident in every hug, every word of encouragement, and every moment spent in their company. She was the epitome of a loving and selfless soul, always putting others before herself and ensuring that her family felt her unwavering support.

Though she has left this world, Ludy’s legacy endures through her sons, Doug (Kim), Kirk (Colleen), Dale (Lynnia), and Michael Thomas; her daughters-in-law, Janie, Tamara, and Linda Thomas; her 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild; and a host of brothers, sisters, extended family members, and friends. Her special friends, Bill and Helen Hanson will always cherish her memory. She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Thomas; her sons, Stuart, Little Paul, and Mark Thomas; and a few siblings.

Lucille “Ludy” Thomas lived a full and vibrant life, marked by love, generosity, and a spirit that will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of her loved ones like the flowers she so tenderly cared for in her garden. As we say goodbye to Ludy, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

A celebration of Ludy’s life will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Bob Williamson officiating. She will be laid to rest in Daleville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jimmy Lamar Brock

Jimmy Lamar Brock

Jimmy Lamar Brock passed away on July 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of courage, and an unsurpassed dedication to his family and country. Born on August 22, 1954, in the charming town of Geneva, AL, Jimmy’s early life was as sweet and spirited as the festivals by the river he so adored.

Jimmy was a man of many hats, but none he wore as proudly as that of a United States Marine. His service as a Lance Corporal during the Vietnam War was a testament to his bravery and unwavering patriotism. He never missed a chance to regale his grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “PawPaw” and “Pollywog.”

After serving his country, Jimmy returned to his roots in Alabama, where his heart remained anchored. He was as passionate about his cooking as he was about his fishing. Those lucky enough to taste his culinary creations would agree that Jimmy’s kitchen was where magic happened, and laughter was the main course.

An avid Alabama fan, Jimmy bled crimson and white. His infectious enthusiasm for his team was matched only by the joy he found in his grandchildren’s company. Jimmy’s playful spirit will forever be remembered in the echoes of their giggles and the warmth of their smiles. Jimmy’s legacy is one of a life well-lived and well-loved.

Jimmy was born to the late J.D. and Eris Adell Graham Brock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Brock; son, Bradford Brock, and one brother, Johnny Brock.

Jimmy is survived by three children, Jessica Brock Day (Greg) of Andalusia, AL, Jeremy Brock (Chelsea) of Geneva, AL, and Kelly Young Werry of North Georgia; four grandchildren, Rylann Day, Alivia Day, Connor Brock, and Finley Brock; three siblings, Bobbie Jean Shiver (Eugene), Ricky Brock (Shanna), and Danny Brock (Carol) all of Geneva, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. John Boy Trim officiating. Burial will follow in the Hurricane Creek Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Lewis, Dale Willingham, Chad Brock, Dustin Ward, Lamar Yarbrough, and Mike Yarbrough.

The family would like to thank Southeast Health especially the nurses and doctors of the Critical Care Unit, 4th floor for their devoted care.

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com

Clara “Ann” Blackmon

Clara “Ann” Blackmon

Clara Ann Bruner Blackmon, a beloved lifelong resident of the Wiregrass, passed away peacefully at her home on July 29, 2025, at the age of 81. Surrounded by love, Ann left this world with a heart full of grace.

Born to the late Addis and Winnie Bruner, Ann was their cherished only child. She grew up in a home filled with love and carried that same warmth into every corner of her own life. For 65 beautiful years, she shared an enduring love with her husband, Carl Fain Blackmon, and together they built a life grounded in devotion, kindness, and unwavering family values. Their greatest joy came from raising three daughters, each of whom carries her strength and sweetness forward.

Ann served the Dothan City Schools Central Office for 37 years with quiet diligence and steady dedication, becoming not just a trusted colleague but a friend to many. Outside of work, her heart belonged to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for over 50 years. Whether teaching Sunday School, serving on committees, or simply lending a hand wherever needed, Ann was a pillar of faith and fellowship.

She had a true gift for hospitality—her home was always open, her table always full, and her spirit always welcoming. She loved to cook, to gather, to laugh, and to nurture. Holidays, Sunday dinners, and spontaneous get-togethers were all made richer by her generous touch and genuine care. Ann’s legacy is one of quiet service, deep love, and a life well-lived.

She leaves behind her husband, Carl, and her three daughters: Donna Blackmon Storey (Gary), Carla Blackmon Good (Steve), and Dawn Blackmon Sanders (Briggs)—all of Dothan, Alabama. She also leaves five adoring grandchildren: Cameron Good (Jessica) of Graceville, FL; Conner Good (Tommi) of Suffolk, VA; Davis Storey (Lauren) of Auburn, AL; Will Storey (Sarah) of Birmingham, AL; and Abby Catherine Sanders of Birmingham, AL. Her two great-grandsons, Owen and Grant Storey, will grow up hearing stories of the gentle, loving woman who adored them from the start.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jerry Rabb, Pam Boyette, and Ranae’ Kelley for their compassionate care during Ann’s illness. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

Serving as pallbearers are David Blackmon, Conner Good, Cameron Good, Davis Storey, Will Storey, and Billy Blackmon—all men who held a special place in Ann’s heart.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2pm, in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel, with Pastor Bradley Rushing officiating. She will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Ann’s love will continue to bloom in the lives of those she touched. Her presence, her laugh, her hugs, and her heart will be missed every day—but never forgotten.

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