rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Donna Ellen (Hartzog) Lewis

Donna Ellen (Hartzog) Lewis

Donna Ellen (Hartzog) Lewis


Donna Ellen (Hartzog) Lewis, 67, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity with The Reverend Katie Bradshaw and The Reverend Carl Saxton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., in the Parish Hall prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to, Taunton Family Children’s Home, 173 Taunton Family Road, Wewahitchka, FL 32465.

Donna was born December 1, 1958, in Chipley, Florida to James Edward & Mary Elsie (Lunsford) Hartzog. She spent the early years of her life in Dothan and was a 1976 graduate of Dothan High School. Donna worked most of her life as a bookkeeper for her family business, H & H Doors and Hardware. Additionally, she worked at Chico’s ladies’ clothing store for several years. While away from work, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, tending to her flowers, and being at the beach. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dothan. Donna deeply loved her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded by her father; and her brother Mark Edward Hartzog.

She is survived by her two children, John David Lewis (Hannah) of Cottonwood, and Anna Kathryn Lewis (Katie) of Dothan; her mother, Mary Elsie Hartzog of Dothan; her sister, Laura Martin (Bill) of Dothan; her seven grandchildren, Landon Thompson, Elle Barron, Metz Miller, Grayson Lewis, Lucy Miller, Huff Barron, and Mary Reese Lewis; her three nieces & nephew, Lauren Beck, Mary Ashley Cole, Carly Leger, and Colby Martin; and several great nieces and nephews.


Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.

Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

Phillip Randolph Mixon

Phillip Randolph Mixon

 

Phillip Randolph Mixon, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at Wiregrass Medical Center on January 24, 2026, at the age of 78.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until service time.

Phillip was born on November 13, 1947, in Black, Alabama, to the late Randolph and Mary Romond Mixon. He lived a life rich in service, love, and dedication to his family. For 45 remarkable years, Phillip made significant contributions to the aviation industry, a journey that showcased his deep passion for flight and technology. He spent 21 years at Hayes/Pemco, two years at Fed Ex and 22 years at Mobile Aerospace. His career was a testament to his commitment and expertise, and it earned him the respect and admiration of many both within and outside the field. In addition to his professional achievements, he proudly served in the United States Marines, exemplifying the qualities of honor and bravery. His time in the military shaped him into the remarkable individual his family and friends came to admire.

In addition to his parents, two brothers: Douglas Mixon and Thomas Mixon; sister, Jean Golembewski and grandson, Tristan Segrest, all preceded him in death.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Teresa “Trish” Mixon; son, Phillip Ray Mixon; adopted daughter, Rita Smith; adopted son, Kenneth Mixon; stepson, Timothy Black; grandchildren: Kalid Segrest, Matt Segrest, Sam Smith, Phillip Mixon, and William Mixon; great-grandchildren: Abygale Segrest and Brysen Brannon; sister, Sarah Montgomery; and brothers: James Mixon and Loy Mixon.

 

Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb

(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements.

“Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”

To sign a guest register, please visit

www.sorrellsfuneral.com

Mrs. Mary Charlotte (Fennell) Watkins

Mrs. Mary Charlotte (Fennell) Watkins

Mrs. Mary Charlotte (Fennell) Watkins


Mrs. Mary Charlotte (Fennell) Watkins, 81, a life-long resident of Dothan, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her residence following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Grimes officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the services.
Mrs. Watkins was born on January 9, 1945, in Dothan to the late James & Lucille (Elmore) Fennell. She was a 1963 graduate of Dothan High School. Mrs. Watkins spent most of her life as homemaker, where she enjoyed caring for her family and cooking. She was a long-time member of Grandview Baptist Church, where she also previously worked as the church secretary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 2256 Montgomery Highway, Suite 2, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
She is preceded by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Albert G. Watkins of Dothan; her son, Todd Watkins (Kimberly) of Worthville, KY; her daughter, Renae White (Ronnie) of Cottonwood; her three grandchildren, Ben Watkins (Carlie) of Crawfordsville, IN, Lauren Watkins of Worthville, KY, and Colleen Sims (Tanner) of Dothan; one great-grandchild, Preston Graham Sims of Dothan, and one more on the way, due in August; two sisters, Ronda Burns (Tommy) of Dothan, and Paula Garrett (Rikk) of Pinson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her beloved cat, Buttons.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff, especially the nurses & aids of Southern Care Hospice, for the love shown to their family during this time.
Serving as pallbearers, Ben Watkins, Ronnie White, Robert Elmore, Tommy Burns, Tim Stonestreet, and Tanner Sims.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Sarah Elizabeth Williams Dean

Susan Elizabeth Meldrum of Dothan, AL

Susan Elizabeth Meldrum, age 61, passed away gracefully on January 25, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on July 15, 1964, in Ithaca, New York, Susan lived a life marked by generosity, skill, and the love of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3PM Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Union Hill Baptist Church in Cottonwood, AL.

Susan is Preceded in death by her parents, William Meldrum and Betty Jane  VanDyne Meldrum. She is survived by her sisters, Annette Meldrum, Linda Riley, and Anna Lane (John), her brother, Donald Meldrum (Debra), and an extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and an array of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was deeply loved by her family.

As a long-time employee of Lowe’s, where she dedicated 18 years, Susan was known for her diligence and a hands-on approach that made her both respected and adored by her colleagues. Her involvement in her work extended beyond her professional duties, touching the lives of those she worked with through acts of kindness and her ever-present willingness to lend a helping hand.

Susan found peace and joy in the simple pleasures of yard work, uncovering the beauty of her surroundings through her meticulous care. Her hobbies extended into the kitchen, where she loved to lose herself in cooking and baking. Susan’s spirit was further animated on game days as she rooted for her beloved Florida State University and the New York Giants, her enthusiasm and loyalty as unwavering as the teams themselves.

Those who knew Susan would describe her in two definitive words: kind and handy. She carried these traits like a badge of honor and left an indelible mark on the hearts and homes of those fortunate enough to have been graced by her presence. Susan’s kind-hearted nature was not just an aspect of her character; it was the very essence of her being.

As we bid farewell to Susan, we reflect on a life beautifully lived—a life of unwavering compassion and an undeniable gift for making the world a better place. Her departure is not just a loss, but a reminder to us all to lead with kindness and to always extend a helping hand.

 

Mrs. Betty Grace Edmonds, a resident of Ariton

Mrs. Betty Grace Edmonds, a resident of Ariton

Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama

 Mrs. Betty Grace Edmonds, a resident of Ariton, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 94 years old.   Funeral services for Mrs. Edmonds will be 11:00 A. M. Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Jonathan Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time.

Mrs. Edmonds was born July 22, 1931 in Dale County, Alabama to the late James Ralph Edmonds and Ila Lee Baker Edmonds. She graduated from Ariton High School.  Following graduation she obtained a degree in nursing and worked as a travel nurse for over twenty years.  She met and married Dean Edmonds; they were married for forty-three years until his death. Betty enjoyed southern gospel music, sewing, collecting Avon and ordering from QVC.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Dean Edmonds; one daughter, Dina Leigh Edmonds Hughes; one son, Gary Dean Edmonds; two sisters, Nina Pridgen and Joann Peters; and one brother, Bob Edmonds.   Survivors include one son, Lynn Edmonds (Belinda); one brother, Jerry Edmonds; one grandchild, Kristen Raymond (Cody); one great grandchild, Colton Raymond all of Ariton.

The family would like to give a special thank you to her caregivers: Cathy, Tonjulla, Yolanda, Catherine, and Jasmine; also her nurse, Kathy with Community Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Mount Olive Cemetery, C/O Mrs. Kathryn Goodson, 1681 Highway 51, Ariton, Alabama  36311.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com