Karen Lee Watson
Mrs. Karen Lee Watson of Cottonwood passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at the age of 76.
A complete list of survivors will be announced later by Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
Denvil Dunn, Jr.
Denvil Franklin Dunn Jr. (Debo), 42 of Dothan al on July 30, 2026, in his temporary home; died from an infection that he had been battling for years paired with a large sacral wound.
On February 12, 1984, in Orlando Florida, Debo was born to his parents, Lisa Barksdale and Denvil Franklin Dunn Sr.
Debo had two brothers and lots of cousins who were close. Debo married once and had a long-term partner of 16 years with the mother of his 4 children. And his two children from his prior marriage.
Debo was a master of all traits that included block work, carpentry, mechanics- anything you needed he could do. He enjoyed watching tv, cooking/grilling, and spending time with his children. Debo later on in his life, found faith in Jesus and lived through the word of God.
Debo is survived by his five children, Heavenly Necole-Grace Dunn(23), Denvil Franklin Dunn the third(22), Nickolas Parker Dunn(19), Jackson Javier Dunn(16), and Aspen Darby(25) Bobbie Walker(27) He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Rinley Rae-Grace Bruce(2), Kalila Dunn(2), Leviathan Darby(4), and Lillyan Darby(15). And finally, his brother Charles Dunn and Mark Barksdale.
There will be no formal funeral service, as the family be going to do an ash spreading in Tampa, Florida at Al Lopez Park. The date is to be determined at this time.
Debo will be cremated.
His family would like to thank you all for all the condolences and words of love. They appreciate space at this time. As it is very hard for them.
“Time passes, but love remains “
Gertrude Noshir Engineer
Gertrude Noshir Engineer, lovingly known as Gertie, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 86.
Born on August 25, 1939, in India, Gertie carried with her throughout her life the grace, strength, and quiet dignity that so often defined her generation. She brought warmth and steadiness to those around her, and she was admired for the care she gave to her family and the thoughtful way she lived each day. Her life was rooted in devotion to her loved ones, and she created a home filled with love, comfort, and lasting memories.
Gertie devoted her life to her family as a homemaker, a role she embraced with pride and purpose. Through her daily acts of care, her patience, and her unwavering support, she helped shape a family legacy built on love and togetherness. She understood the value of simple kindness, hard work, and consistency, and those who knew her will remember the many ways she made life better for others. Her home was a place where family gathered, where traditions were honored, and where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.
She is survived by her beloved spouse, Noshir Engineer; her daughter, Persis Engineer; her grandchildren, Riyan Patel and Rivan Patel; her brother, Brian Robinson; and several other family members who will cherish her memory. Her family was the center of her world, and she gave them her love freely and faithfully. The bonds she formed with them were deep and enduring, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gertie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her resilience, and her devotion to those she loved. She had a way of making others feel valued and cared for, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life reflected the importance of family, faith, and perseverance, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.
Though her passing leaves a deep sorrow, her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to her family and friends. The lessons she taught through her example, the love she shared so generously, and the life she lived with dignity will not be forgotten. Her family will carry forward her memory with gratitude and affection, honoring the beautiful life she lived and the many ways she enriched the lives of others.
A celebration of Gertie’s life will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11am in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Mrs. Donna Lee
Donna Rae Johnson Lee, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 65.
Donna was born on September 26, 1960, in Brownsville, New Jersey, to the late William Earl Johnson and Glenda Rae Tidwell Ballentine. She lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength, and she carried herself with a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Donna was a generous and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and warmth to her family and friends.
Donna shared 35 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Robert Lee. Together, they built a loving home centered on faith, family, and togetherness. She was a proud and loving mother to Cody Lee and his wife Jessica, Kassi Torres and her husband Jose, and Chris Lee and his wife Carla. Donna found great joy in her grandchildren, Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Jeremy Lee, Dakoda Lee, Renee Howell, Landon Lee, and Caylin Lee, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching her family grow.
She is also survived by her sister, Debbie Booth and her husband Sonny; her brother, Ricky Johnson and his wife Penny; and her sisters-in-law, Martha McLain and Joette Booker. Donna valued her family deeply and remained a steady source of love and encouragement to those around her. Her life was a reflection of the care she gave so freely, and her family will forever remember her for the many ways she made each person feel loved and important.
Donna was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. In her daily life, Donna enjoyed spending time with her family above all else. She loved being surrounded by the people she cherished, and those gatherings were often filled with laughter, conversation, and the comfort of being together. She was also known for her love of baking, especially her pound cake and lemon bars, though her homemade pizza was especially beloved by those fortunate enough to enjoy it. Donna also enjoyed playing dominos, where her competitive spirit and cheerful personality often made every game memorable. She was a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and cheered them on with enthusiasm and pride on Saturdays in the fall.
Funeral services for Donna will be held at 11 AM, Monday, August 3, 2026 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Jonathan Tomlin officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adrian Torres, Kamran Torres, Tristan Hill, Jose Torres, Dylan Searcy, Jordan Johnson, Tony Hill, and Jerry Kirkland.
Obituary for Dr. Mahlon D. Horton of Echo Community
ECHO COMMUNITY…Dr. Mahlon D. Horton, Pastor, a resident of the Echo Community, died early Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 95.
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
Sara Louise Sawyer
Sara Louise Sawyer, age 90, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 7, 1935, in Scranton, South Carolina, Sara was the daughter of Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer. During her childhood in Alma, Georgia, and Marianna, Florida, she developed a lifelong love of music and the arts. She was a gifted singer and talented musician who played both the saxophone and piano. She frequently performed at school assemblies and in theatrical productions, bringing joy to those who heard her.
Sara was a lifelong learner whose passion for education shaped both her career and the lives of countless students. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Troy University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. Never one to stop learning, she later earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Florida State University.
Sara enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning feature writer for the Dothan Eagle, where her gift for storytelling and writing earned recognition and respect. She later fulfilled her calling as an English professor, teaching English Composition and Literature at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas, and Pensacola Junior College in Pensacola, Florida. Her love of literature, language, and her students left a lasting impression on many. After retiring from teaching at age 65, Sara began a second career in real estate in Pensacola before eventually retiring to Dothan, Alabama.
Above all, Sara was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully shared that hope with her family, leading many of them to a personal faith in Christ. Her kindness, wisdom, prayers, and steadfast example will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Sara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Sara was especially devoted to her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “Magnificent 7.” She always made time for each of them, and her love for them was constant, personal, and unwavering. Her family will remember her for the way she listened, encouraged, and made each person feel seen and valued. Her home and her heart were open, and her presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.
Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer; her sisters, Sandra Rich and Kay Shaughnessy; and her nephew, Alan Wright and her neice, Debbie Hobbs.
She is survived by her brother, Aleclane King Sawyer (Nancy), her three children, Beth Taliaferro Bouchard, Dan W. Taliaferro, and Rosemarie Taliaferro Rich; and her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Bankston (Magnus Nordgren), Hanna Bankston, Andrew F.(Chip) Bouchard II, William Taliaferro II, Ward Taliaferro, Rachel Ridley (David), and Tara Rich. She also leaves behind beloved extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Sara’s life was one of faith, intellect, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on through her family, the many students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast faith.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
