BLUE SPRINGS… Voncille Hagler Sheppard, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Blue Springs, Alabama, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Danny Rieben and Reverend Dr. Dennis Tew officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Springs Word of Truth Cemetery, between Clio and Blue Springs. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 12:00 Noon Wednesday at the funeral home.
Born on October 25, 1939, to Ira and Versie Hagler, Voncille grew up in Blue Springs and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1958 as both Salutatorian and Homecoming Queen. Later that same year, she married Navy Petty Officer Robert H. Sheppard, and in 1960, they welcomed their daughter, Rene’.
Voncille had a servant’s heart that defined her life. She dedicated her career to Civil Service at Fort Rucker and poured her energy into serving others—both in her professional life and her community. She was a faithful member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, where she found great joy in worship and service. A true community leader, Voncille devoted more than 50 years as a councilmember and town clerk, championing the needs of Blue Springs and its residents.
Family was the cornerstone of Voncille’s life. She cherished every moment with her loved ones and found special joy in attending the events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her second great love was gardening, and she was well known for her beautiful flowers and impeccable landscaping skills.
Other than her parents, Voncille was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Sheppard; her brothers, Lamar and Hubert Hagler; her brothers-in-law Gene Smith and Donald Moates; her sisters-in-law, Francis and Bernice Hagler; and her stepson, Bobby Sheppard.
She is survived by her best friend and devoted companion of 27 years, Dwight Moates of Blue Springs; her daughter and son-in-law, Rene’ and Chris Wilkerson of Blue Springs; her granddaughters, Brittany (Weston) Jones of Blue Springs and Jennifer Wilkerson of Ozark; her great-grandchildren, Aidan and Tyson Pelham of Ozark, and Savvy and Shep Jones of Blue Springs; her sisters Merle Smith of Clio and Mauline Moates of Blue Springs and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Weston Jones, Wade Miller, Aidan Pelham, Tyson Pelham, Blake Moates, Vince Moates, and Mickey Smith.
Flowers are welcome, or contributions may be made in Voncille’s memory to Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church.
Voncille’s legacy of love, service, and faith will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The family would like to especially thank Adilene Slater, Mary Lightner, and Gentiva Hospice Care for their kindness and compassion shown over the past few months.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
James “Jim” LeRoy Peebles, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, at his residence. He was 83 years old.
Jim was born on September 7, 1941, in Camden, South Carolina, to the late LeRoy Ferrell and Hilda Mae Ray Peebles. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Jim also worked as a hay farmer, as a tax assessor for the Putnam County Tax Assessor’s Office, and as a Supervisor in Quality Control for Delta Airlines. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and was a fishing guide on Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee in Georgia.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia Fulkerson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nina Gay Morelock Peebles; son, Jeffrey Lyn Peebles of Hollywood, Florida; daughter, Laurie Jean Peebles Ricks of Bethlehem, Georgia; step-son, Martial Alan Honnell (Tammy); four grandchildren, Justin, Jacob, Taylor, Jacob, and three great-grandchildren.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
SKIPPERVILLE…Mrs. Mary Lois Ivey, a resident of Skipperville, died early Saturday evening, July 26, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 84.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 4, 2025, in the Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brian Presley and Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. A eulogy will be given by her grandson, James Ivey. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.
Mrs. Ivey, born to the late Johnny Cobb and Ruby Lois Arnett, was a proud native and lifelong resident of Ozark, Alabama—a town she loved deeply and never wanted to leave. Her roots ran deep in the red clay of this community, and she spent her entire life pouring love, time, and energy into the people and places that meant the most to her.
She worked hard all her life, retiring as a supervisor from Pridecraft in Enterprise, where she was known not just for her dedication but for her kindness and steady leadership. Before that, she spent years working with White Knight in Ozark, always showing up with a smile and a strong work ethic. Later on, she took on a role that truly touched lives—driving a school bus for Ozark City Schools for twelve years. She didn’t just drive; she cared. She knew the kids by name, asked about their days, and made sure they got to school safely and with a little extra encouragement along the way.
But if you really wanted to know Mrs. Ivey, you’d find her heart in her church. She was a devoted and active member of Ozark First Assembly of God Church, where she served in more ways than most could count. For forty years, she taught Sunday school, sharing not just Bible stories but life lessons, hugs, and prayers. She was the Widows Coordinator, always checking in on those who had lost their partners, making sure they felt seen and supported. She poured herself into Missionettes, Forever Young, and the Women’s Ministry Group, lifting others up with her faith, her laughter, and her unwavering belief in the power of community.
Mrs. Ivey was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-three years, Amos Ivey, who passed in 2020. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was waiting with open arms to welcome her home. She also joins all of her siblings who went before her, a reunion surely filled with joy and peace.
Her life was a testament to love, service, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.
Surviving relatives include son, Tim Ivey (Amy), Skipperville; sister in law-Mildred Ivey-Ozark; grandchildren, Spencer Ivey (Mary-Payton), Seth Ivey (Claire), Stetson Ivey (Hayden), James Ivey, Kaitlyn Ivey (Parker), and Shaun Ivey (Crystal); great grandchildren, Griz H. Ivey, Ellis Graye Ivey, Hadley Ann Ivey, Trey Yon, Aurora Burns, and Tyler Burns,; nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special cousin, Patricia Reynolds.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Spencer Ivey, Seth Ivey, Stetson Ivey, Nic Boatwright, Michael Boatwright, Grant Grider, Lonnie Burks, and Joe Sexton.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Morris Gregory “Greg” Knowles, also known as “Bubba” to his family, passed away in Dothan, Alabama, on July 27, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on May 12, 1966, in Frankfurt, Germany, Greg’s outgoing personality and infectious laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Greg is survived by his father, John Knowles, and his cherished siblings: Jammie, Brandon, Marsha (Tim), and Paula. He was a loving uncle to Nic (Janna) McElveen, Savana (Johnny) Glover, Cody (Rachel) Northcutt, Heath (Madeline) Knowles, Trevor Whitehurst (Kathleen Powell), and Charity Knowles. Greg also leaves behind a host of beloved great-nieces and nephews—Emberlin, Charlie, Max, Scout, Eden, Zane, Kennedy, and Maverick—who will deeply miss his playful nature and boundless energy. He also leaves behind many special friends who he held dear to his heart. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Frances Knowles.
A proud graduate of Dothan High School, Greg built a successful career as a regional sales manager in the electrical supply distribution industry, working throughout Texas and Florida. Known for his strong work ethic and charismatic personality, he formed lasting connections with clients.
Greg’s passions were many. He was a lifelong fan of Alabama Football and the Houston Astros. Outgoing and outspoken, Greg never met a stranger. He was an adventurer at heart—riding his Harley, enjoying deep-sea fishing and practicing judo in his younger years.
Greg was well-traveled and loved sharing stories from his journeys. He especially enjoyed watching NASCAR with his father, a pastime that strengthened their close bond. Greg’s joyful, selfless, and adventurous spirit touched all who knew him.
Though his physical presence is gone, Greg’s sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends will remain in our hearts. His life was one of deep connection, wholehearted adventure, and loyalty.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
Shirley Thomas Smith, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence. She was 85 years old.
Shirley was born on August 2, 1939, in Miami, Florida to the late Elmer and Josephine McDuffy Thomas. She worked for many years in the textile industry as a line worker. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bingo and crossword puzzles. When Shirley lived in Louisville, Alabama, she attended Louisville Assembly of God.
She is preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Brenda Smith and Cheryl Smith; son, Daryl Smith; three grandchildren, Tracy Runnels, Kelly Garrison, and Jason Smith; four brothers, Woody Thomas, Charlie Thomas, Bobby Thomas, and Raymond Thomas; three sisters, Hazel Rafford, Murlyne Durden, and Louise Myrff.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Lynne Runnels of Newville, Alabama; sister, Patricia Patterson of Haleyville, Alabama; two grandchildren, Lindsey Sentz (George) and Ginny Spivey (Darrin); three great grandchildren, Zaydee Runnels, Haleigh Bauer, and Emaleigh Bauer; several nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
James “Jim” LeRoy Peebles, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, at his residence. He was 83 years old.
Shirley Thomas Smith, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence. She was 85 years old.