Virginia “Ginger” Broadaway Russell went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was 83 years old. She was born on Sunday morning, December 6, 1942, on a farm right outside of Clayton. She was the youngest child of Robert Edward and Truitt Green Broadaway.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Clayton with Rev. Shane Traylor officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
Ginger graduated from Clayton High School in 1961, having been a cheerleader and Miss Clayton High. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Birmingham Southern College. While at college, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, was active in sports and spent a summer working at Glorietta Baptist Assembly in New Mexico. Also, while at college she met her husband, C. Wayne Russell, and they were married 40 years.
Ginger enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and all animals, especially cats. She also loved people.
Ginger is preceded in death by her parents and her two older sisters, Carolyn B. Ewing and Mary B. Emory. She is survived by her children, Molly Russell of Lake Lanier, Georgia and twins, Jessica Russell of Bend, Oregon and Charles Russell and his wife, Mary Beth of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her nephew, Bob Ewing and his wife Tracy of Saraland, Alabama.
If you would like to honor our mother, please make contributions to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery c/o Clayton Baptist Church P.O. Box 129 Clayton, Alabama 36016.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Joan Ellen Vasquez passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 70.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1955 to Jack Satkowitz (later Sands) and Florence Alpert and would move to South Florida at the age of two and would live there for 55 years before moving to Dothan, Alabama to retire.
Orthodontist assistant was her profession but at various times in her life she was a den leader, occasional crafter, NFL halftime show dancer, and Hallmark field merchandiser. She had a great laugh, loved to sing along and dance to her favorite music, and was an avid reader.
She was a beloved wife, amazing mom, a favorite aunt, the best bubbe, and loyal friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband Leon (Tony) Anthony Vasquez and two sons Ryan Vasquez (Mrs. Dominique V) and Alex Vasquez (Mrs. Ava V) stepson Brian Lapham and stepdaughter Barbara Jacobs (Mr. Billy J) and granddaughters Maddy Vasquez, Alana Vasquez, and Carly Lapham and grandsons Clayton Lapham, Brandon Jacobs, and Billy Jacobs and great grandson Zeppelin Jacobs. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Veiga and nieces Julie Veiga and Debbie Cohen and nephew Eric Veiga, and her brother Orin Sands and nephews Jesse and Noah Sands and also her niece Samantha Sands.
She is preceded in death by parents Jack and Florence Sands, and her brother Scott Sands.
A service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Ward-Wilson Memory Hill at 2414 Hartford Highway in Dothan, AL 36305.
Robert “Rob” Johnson, Jr., a man of exceptional courage and boundless love, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 18, 1978, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Rob was a beacon of friendliness and dedication throughout his 47 years of life. His warm presence and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by all who had the fortune to know him.
Rob’s journey began as a cherished son on October 18, 1978 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Rob was raised in a loving home with his parents, Lillie M. and Dr. Gaynel Taylor, his loving brother, Gaynard Barron Taylor of Tennessee, and his sister, Rhoda Johnson. The legacy of his familial bonds is carried on by his devoted daughter, Isabella K. Johnson, and the mother of his child, Felitta (Johnson) Kirk. His great aunts, Ollie Chapman and Retha Watkins, as well as his aunts and uncles—Cynthia, Helen, Norma, Linda Faye, Laverne, Jo Francis, Bill (Sheila) Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Freddie Taylor, Robert (Rose) Wilder, and Charles Warren and his special cousin, Khaalis Burroughs—fostered a sense of kinship and community that Rob carried with him throughout his life. His expansive circle of cousins, colleagues, extended family, and close friends further enriched his world.
Rob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Johnson, Sr., by his sister, Rhoda Johnson. Their memories remained a guiding light in his life, inspiring his kindness and generosity.
Rob’s educational journey was marked by dedication and achievement. After moving to Dothan in 1996, he graduated from Dothan High School in 1997. His thirst for learning was matched only by his desire to serve, a path that led him to join the US Navy, where he honorably served his country. He continued to expand his knowledge and skills, attending Oakwood College and then receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University in 2003. Rob graduated from the Police Academy and began a distinguished 21-year career with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, where his heart and passion for serving as a Deputy Sheriff were evident to all.
Known affectionately as “Robbie”, “Ace” and “Cyrus” by his family, Rob’s character was defined by his loyalty and dedication. His mother never doubted his love for her, as he made it his mission to ensure she was always taken care of. Rob’s capacity for forgiveness was immense; he never held a grudge against anyone. His spiritual life was rooted in the 7th Day Adventist Church, where he served as a Pathfinder, Usher, and Deacon. Rob was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, where his fraternal bonds were strengthened through service and brotherhood.
Rob’s love for the water was undeniable. He found joy and tranquility in riding a jet ski across the lake, embracing the freedom and adventure it provided. This love of the water was a testament to his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
A celebration of Rob’s life will take place at 2 pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Dothan with Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating. His final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Park, where he will be laid to rest with honors. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at Sunset Funeral Home on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, from 4-6 pm. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Neurofibromatoses Network, www.nfnetwork.org.
Robert Johnson, Jr.’s life was a narrative of courage, love, and friendship. His legacy will continue to inspire those he has left behind, and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of many for generations to come.
Rob was blessed to receive devoted and loving care from his aunts, Cynthia Johnson, Norma Jean Johnson, and Linda Faye Johnson, during his recent illness.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL 36350 (334)983-6604
ARITON…Mrs. Anne Calhoun Powell, a resident of Wetumpka (formerly of Ariton), died late Thursday evening, February 5, 2026, in Wetumpka. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dave Walsh officiating. Burial will follow in Center Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Powell, the daughter of the late Johnny Oscar Calhoun and Lula Blackmon Calhoun, was born and raised in Ariton, a place she carried in her heart her whole life. She graduated from Ariton High School in 1956 as Valedictorian, an accomplishment she was always quietly proud of. She went on to build a long and respected career in Civil Service at Fort Rucker, retiring in 1991 as a writer and editor. Even after retirement, she wasn’t one to sit still—she continued serving her community as the administrative assistant to Dr. Nathan Hodges at Wallace Community College.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Center Ridge Baptist Church. But more than anything, she loved being “Granny.” Time with her grandsons was her greatest joy, whether she was cooking their favorite meals, cheering them on from the bleachers, or simply listening to them talk about their day. Those were the moments that lit her up. She also enjoyed the quiet comfort of crossword puzzles, a small daily pleasure that kept her mind sharp.
She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Norman Eugene Powell, whom she loved deeply and missed dearly; her daughter, Beverly P. Stevens; and her brother, Howard Calhoun. Their memories stayed close to her heart throughout her life.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Audrey Powell, Prattville; two sisters, June C. Johnson, Midland City and Jeanette Calhoun Senn, Ozark; four grandchildren, Mason Stevens (Haley), Tucker Stevens (Mary Frances), Austin Fain (Taylor), and Carson Fain; three great-grandchildren, Sophie Grace Stevens, Mary Mason Stevens, and Walt Stevens; son-in-law, Chris Stevens, Titus; sister-in-law, Sara Powell Bush (Eddie), Selma; brother-in-law, Neal Powell, Skipperville; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Tucker Stevens, Mason Stevens, Austin Fain, Carson Fain, Chris Stevens, and Chris Carroll.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Deborah Rice Whitfield a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to many. Deborah passed away Friday, January 30th, following a short illness at the age of 73 in her home in Dothan, Alabama.
Deborah was born on June 5th, 1952 at Moody Hospital in Dothan, Alabama to Ottie Weed Rice and Eugene Rice. Born and raised in the Dothan area, she was a graduate of Dothan High School. She briefly moved to the Memphis area, working in the trucking industry where she was a devoted and well respected employee for many years. She built her family there and returned to Dothan in later years. She enjoyed tending to her plants, watching Nascar and spending time with her beloved pets over the years.
Along with her parents Ottie and Eugene Rice, Deborah was preceded in death by her brothers Samuel ‘Sammy’ Rice and Brother Donald Ward.
Deborah is survived by her two daughters Tiffany Banks (husband Denny) and Jessica Wicklund; her grandchildren Sawyer and Gracyn Banks; Mercedes Farmer and Casper Wicklund (wife Miranda) and one very special great granddaughter Izabella ‘Bella’ McVay. Deborah shared a unique and exceptional bond with Bella for which she will be deeply missed. Other surviving family includes her two sisters Delores Ward and Pamela Borton and her brother Danny Rice, along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held on Monday, February 9th at 3:00 pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel located at 1700 Barrington Road in Dothan Alabama. Deborah will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park directly following the service.
Beverly Siter Youse, 71, of Dothan, Alabama, died on January 21, 2026, after a courageous, six-year journey with breast cancer. She was born July 2, 1954, in Hampton, Virginia.
Beverly is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Riddick Graves and her father, Willard James Youse.
Beverly attended Hampton High School. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary in Newport News, Virginia, and a Master of Science in Agency Counseling from Troy State University in Dothan. Beverly worked as a Medical Social Worker at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia before relocating to Dothan, Alabama in 1984. As a survivor of domestic violence, it was in working with other survivors, that she found her life’s calling. She served as Executive Director of The House of Ruth, an organization that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 9 counties in southeast Alabama. Beverly held that position for 36 years, from 1984 until her retirement in 2020. Under her leadership, the agency saw tremendous growth by providing crisis intervention, safe shelter, court advocacy, children’s services, counseling, community education and outreach, no doubt, saving the lives of hundreds of women and children. Beverly was fiercely committed to improving the lives of all domestic violence survivors, and her Impact reached far beyond the 9 counties in her service area. At the state level, she was a charter board member of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she served as Treasurer for one term, Vice President for 2 terms, President for 3 terms, and Legislative Chairperson for 11 terms. She was especially gifted in her understanding of the law. She shared her knowledge; training dozens of advocates on the inner workings of the legislative process and how to educate their respective legislators on issues of importance to survivors of domestic violence. Beverly authored many bills that became law, ultimately eliminating barriers and improving services for women state–wide. Beverly was a crazy cat lady. She enjoyed jewelry–making and loved vintage jewelry. She loved the color purple, and shopping for, and collecting antiques. She was known for her colorful language and for having matching accessories for every outfit that she owned. Beverly was a loyal and generous friend, and a tireless voice for those who had none. Her legacy lives on through the impact she had on countless numbers of survivors of domestic violence, not only in the Wire Grass region, but across the state of Alabama.
She is survived by her chosen family, her dear friend, Phyllis Thomas (Dothan, AL), who selflessly became her primary caregiver over the last year; her close friend, of more than 30 years, Melanie Miller (Statesboro, GA); and her beloved cats, Moo Moo and Suki.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: The House of Ruth, PO Box 968, Dothan, AL 36302. Arrangements will be handled by Ward–Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama.
Virginia “Ginger” Broadaway Russell went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was 83 years old. She was born on Sunday morning, December 6, 1942, on a farm right outside of Clayton. She was the youngest child of Robert Edward and Truitt Green Broadaway.
