EWELL COMMUNITY…Mrs. Monique Humphrey, a resident of the Ewell Community, near Ozark, died early Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026, at her home. She was 71.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Humphrey, daughter of the late Hans Halfpapp and Christine Brocks Halfpapp, was a native of Germany, where her strong work ethic, love for people, and quiet resilience first took root. Throughout her life, she carried those qualities with her, no matter where she lived. As the devoted wife of a United States Air Force serviceman, she moved from place to place, building a home wherever her husband’s career took them. She embraced each new community with an open heart, making friends easily and treating everyone she met with kindness.
After her husband retired from the military, they stayed in Germany for several years. While in Germany, she had a daycare in her home, where she loved and cared for numerous children as if they were her own. She and her husband eventually moved to Warner Robins, Georgia, in 1998. It was there that she poured her passion for cooking and hospitality into something truly special — Monique’s German Restaurant. She owned and operated the restaurant with pride, sharing the flavors of her home country with others. For many people in the community, her dishes were more than meals; they were memories, comfort, and a reminder of her generous spirit. She loved serving others, and it showed in every plate she prepared and every conversation she shared across the counter.
In 2024, she made her home in the Ewell Community, where she quickly became known for her vibrant personality and her willingness to help anyone who needed it. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life — fishing at the Wochenendhaus in Santee, South Carolina, playing cards with friends, and browsing the shops. She had a natural way of making people feel safe, cared for, and welcomed.
One of the things that always made people smile was her love for Corvettes. Even while living in Germany, where BMWs and Mercedes were everywhere, she proudly chose Corvettes. They were her favorite, and she enjoyed them with a sense of fun and confidence that matched her personality.
Above all, Mrs. Humphrey will be remembered for her servant’s heart. She was the kind of person who took care of others without hesitation — offering a meal, a helping hand, or simply a listening ear. Her life was marked by generosity, love, and a deep desire to make the world around her a little brighter. In a Facebook post by her niece- “She was at her happiest when her house was filled with family and friends. She cherished spoiling anybody that had the fortune to be invited into her home. I always called her the hostess with the mostess; nobody left her house unless they were sufficiently fed and cared for. In typical German fashion, she was bossy, fierce, loyal, stubborn, tough as nails, honest to a fault, had a wicked sense of humor and you never knew when you would become a victim to one of her crazy pranks.”
Surviving relatives include her husband of forty-seven years, Donald Humphrey (TSgt., United States Air Force, Retired); daughter, Nicole McKenzie (Stan), all of Ewell; son, Pascal Humphrey (SPC, United States Army, Retired), Warner Robins, Georgia; grandchildren, Celina, Jaden, Lucas, Kaelyn, Lilly, and Cassie; four sisters, one brother, nieces, nephews, including nephew, David Halfpapp and niece, Halina (Art).
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Rev. William Parr, a cherished spiritual leader, devoted family man, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at the age of 92 in Ozark, Alabama. Born on November 5, 1933, in Hamilton, Alabama, to Luvenia and Lansford Parr, he lived a life marked by faith, service, and love.
Rev. Parr faithfully pastored Lighthouse Church in Ozark for 45 years, shepherding his congregation with steadfast dedication and grace. His ministry was defined by a deep knowledge of Scripture, a compassionate heart, and an ability to encourage and uplift those around him. Before answering his call to ministry, he worked for Offshore Radist Navigation for 15 years as a private contractor working on nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy, reflecting both his skill and his commitment to supporting his country’s defense.
On April 1, 1945, he married the love of his life, Myrtle, beginning a partnership that endured for 72 years until her passing. Together they built a home grounded in faith and love and raised two daughters, Brenda Yarberry and Linda Barentine, who carry forward his legacy of warmth and integrity. He was a proud grandfather to Heidi (Jon) Isaacs and a devoted great-grandfather to Alayna (Nathan) Weeks, Alivya (Drew) Meadow, and AnnaKate Isaacs. He was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Adley, who brought him tremendous joy.
He found peace and enjoyment in the outdoors, especially in fishing, which offered him quiet moments of reflection. For 27 years, he also hosted an annual camp meeting, welcoming people from across the country for worship and fellowship. These gatherings reflected his heart for community and his desire to bring people together in faith.
Rev. Parr lived the teachings he preached. He was a steady presence, a source of encouragement, and a guiding light to his family, his church, and the wider community. His life leaves a lasting testimony of unwavering faith, faithful service, and genuine kindness.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Myrtle Parr, and his parents, Luvenia and Lansford Parr. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Rev. William Parr’s 92 years were a testament to a life faithfully lived. Though he will be deeply missed, his influence and example will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
A celebration of Rev. William Parr’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Lighthouse Church in Ozark. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Watson, Jonathan Watson, Michael Watson, Cedric Scott, Scottie Scott and TJ Creamer.
Larry Charles Bennett, affectionately known as Larry to his friends and loved ones, passed away on February 22, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71. Born on July 4, 1954, in the warm heart of Marion, Alabama, Larry’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love, education, and community.
Larry’s journey began as a bright and ambitious student, graduating from Francis Marion High School in 1972. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to personal growth led him to attend Alabama State University, where he excelled academically, but also became a proud member of the Gamma Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. It was there that he met the love of his life, his soulmate, Evonne Washington, and together they embarked on a lifetime of shared dreams and unwavering companionship.
Larry’s professional life was marked by a deep dedication to the field of education. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Alabama State University and furthered his educational accomplishments by completing post-30 hours above his Master’s degree from Troy University. He inspired countless students as an assistant principal, football coach, and basketball coach at South Dale Middle School, and later, as a coach and Principal at Dale County High School, he shaped the lives of many young individuals with his intelligence and caring nature. Larry’s impact extended beyond the school walls, as he was a mentor and father figure to many young men in the community.
A man of faith, Larry was a devoted member of First Missionary Baptist Church. His Christian beliefs were the cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and interactions with everyone he met. This faith-filled man lived his life with a loving heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement.
Larry’s interests were as diverse as his talents. In his younger years, he enjoyed remodeling trucks, a hobby that showcased his competitive spirit and attention to detail. He also enjoyed playing checkers, often turning a simple game into moments of laughter and friendly competition. He loved going to the gym, keeping fit, and staying active. Larry found solace in the simple pleasures of life.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, William Bennett, Sr. and Sarah Jane Knight; his beloved daughter, Tonja Shameka Bennett; and his brothers, Sonny Williams, Jr. and Lee Curtis Bennett.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and learning, by his cherished and loving wife, Evonne Bennett; and his daughters, Tangila Shavon Bennett and Taneisha Lavon Bennett, who are the absolute pride and joy of his life. Larry’s love for his daughters is unwavering and unconditional. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and cherished every moment spent with them. He is also survived by his daughter, Tierra Horne, brother, Ralph Lorenzo Bennett (Wanda); his sister, Lucille Williams (JC); along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family who will continue to honor his memory. He also leaves behind two special friends who were like brothers to him, Richard Thomas (Aneesha) and Tellis Copeland.
Larry’s life was a portrait of a man who was truly one of a kind—intelligent, loving, and always looking to make a positive difference in the world around him. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to his family, his students, and his community. Larry’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Larry made sure his daughters always knew they were deeply cherished and loved. His strength, warmth, and steady support were constants in their lives, and the lessons he instilled in them will continue to shape and uplift them for generations to come.
Larry Charles Bennett’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him, especially in the lives of his beloved daughters, who carry forward his love, values, and enduring spirit.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Larry will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
Flowers will be appreciated; however donations can be made to the diabetes, heart, or kidney associations in Larry’s honor.
James Edward Hicks of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on February 20, 2026, at 80 years old following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was born to the late Frank J. and Francis Hicks on August 18, 1945, in Atlanta and grew up in Decatur, Georgia. From his early days as an award-winning paper boy through his doctorate degree in aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Jim displayed a strong work ethic and a true passion for his work. After being in ROTC during school, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army as an engineer. In December 1969 he married his college sweetheart, Nita Elizabeth Norman. He next worked with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh on a nuclear submarine project. Desiring to return to the South, Jim was happy to be asked to be the senior safety engineer at the U.S. Army Safety Center at Fort Rucker. He and Nita moved to Dothan in 1974 and began raising their family together. During his 30-year career, Jim made many cherished lifelong friends and colleagues, including interactions with the highest military leaders in our nation’s capital to advance flight safety standards and design. Still energized to make an impact, he continued working as a consultant in the aviation safety and operations field with Westar/QinetiQ for nearly another decade.
Over the years, Jim brought his sharp intellect and meticulous care to every endeavor. His deep faith and love for his family influenced all he did. In addition to his love of cars (beginning with his 1967 Corvette), he also enjoyed sailing, photography, and tennis.
After a tragic car accident claimed the lives of Nita and their youngest daughter Erin in 2003, Jim saw the world and his need for God with different eyes. Inspired by his ever-deepening relationship with God, Jim found joyful purpose in community service and spiritual discipleship. Through Covenant Methodist Church, he helped establish and direct the Home Improvement Ministry, building scores of handicap-accessible ramps for people in need. Having witnessed through this ministry the challenging circumstances of so many, he approached then-Director of SARCOA Robert Crowder to start the Santa for Seniors program, which grew under Jim’s leadership to several hundred recipients and continues to benefit elderly residents throughout seven counties.
Jim dedicated himself to the Early Risers Men’s Bible Study at Covenant where his love for God’s Word fueled in-depth analysis of Scripture each week with men who became loyal friends united in Christ. He also faithfully participated in person and online in the Men’s Bible Study at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. In addition, having been trained as a Stephen Minister, Jim pursued his passion for helping people suffering difficulties from loss by establishing and eventually leading Covenant’s Grief Support Ministry for the past 20 years. In October 2008 he married Leslie Harkins Hall, who worked by his side as they supported these ministries together.
Even-tempered and kind, Jim exuded gratitude, allowing the joy of the Lord to be his strength. He loved his family with deep devotion, enjoying travels and ministry with his cherished wife, Leslie, and supporting his adored children and grandchildren in their various activities.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nita Norman Hicks, and daughter, Erin Kathleen Hicks. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Harkins Hicks of Dothan; daughter, Amy (Justin) Hardee of Auburn; son, Joshua (Lisa) Hicks of Dothan; stepchildren Meredith (Jimmy) Rich of Dothan, Mason Hall of Huntsville, and Madeline (James) Barfield of Marianna, FL; grandchildren Cooper, Kate, and Abigail Hardee of Auburn, and J.T. and Bennett Barfield of Marianna; siblings Don (Pat) Hicks, Shirley Hayes, and Susan Maslanka; brothers- and sisters-in-law Steve and Hilda Norman, Bill and Lei Norman, Reba Norman, and Jane and Bob Sutton; and many nieces and nephews.
The family greatly appreciates the superior care and kindness Jim received from Dr. Ryan Conner and Dr. Scott McAlister of Dothan, and Dr. Rami Manochakian of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Covenant Methodist Church in Dothan with the Rev. Kyle Gatlin officiating and a reception following. A private burial ceremony for the family will be held graveside afterwards.
Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Methodist Church for their Grief Support Ministry.
DALEVILLE…Mr. Dale Thimothy Chesson, a resident of Daleville, died Monday morning, February 23, 2026, at his home with his wife, Betty at his side. He was 65.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there will be a Celebration of Life Service at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Chesson was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and started school in Vinton, Louisiana. He later moved, with his mother, to Holmes County, Florida, where he, his sisters, and brothers started school at Bethlehem High School. Later, he returned to Louisiana where he met the love of his life in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Betty Edwards. They were married on August 11, 1990, in Sulphur, Louisiana by Randall Chesson. They have been together for a total of forty-two years and married for thirty-six years. Eventually, they settled in Daleville where they have lived for the past thirteen years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Chesson and Dorothy Loudean Register Chesson Lundy; brothers, Gene M. Chesson, Luther A. Chesson, Wendall Alton Chesson, Donlad Ray Chesson, Danny Keith Chesson, and Willie Douglas Chesson; sisters, Edith Chesson Bufford, and Jo Ann Chesson Bufford.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Betty Edwards, Daleville; siblings, Donald Ray Glenn (Donna), Bellwood; Daryl Wayne Chesson, Coffee Springs, Alabama, David Michael Chesson, Alexandria, Louisiana, and Doretta Chesson Maloy, Coffee Springs, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Brenda Edwards Simmons, Starks, Louisiana and Kathy Edwards; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Edwards (Gayle), Sulphur, Louisiana and Danny Edwards; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Lejuine and Melba Lejuine; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the Daleville Rescue and the Daleville Police Department for their care and support to the family during the illness of Mr. Chesson.
OZARK…Mr. Horace J. Peters, a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at his home. He was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Harold Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Mr. Peters, the son of the late Lewis Peters and Ida Fralish Peters, was a native and lifelong resident of the Marley Mill Community in Dale County. He grew up there, raised his own family there, and spent his entire life rooted in the place he loved most. The people of Marley Mill were not just neighbors to him—they were part of his extended family.
He proudly served his country and community as a member of the Ozark Unit of the Alabama Army National Guard. His time in the Guard shaped him into a man known for his steady nature, quiet strength, and willingness to help others whenever he could.
Mr. Peters was happiest when he was outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, gardening, and farming—anything that let him work with his hands and enjoy the simple beauty of being outside. He had a way of making even the most ordinary day feel peaceful, whether he was tending a garden row, checking on his crops, or sitting by the water with a fishing pole in hand. He enjoyed being with his family most of all, and he treasured every moment of quality time spent with them. Those who loved him will always remember his easy smile, his gentle spirit, and the way he made people feel welcome and cared for.
He was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ozark. His faith was not something he kept to himself—it was something he lived out every day. He believed deeply in sharing God’s love with others, and he did so in his own humble way. Many people will remember him for handing out Bible tracts wherever he went and taking the time to talk with others about salvation. His quiet, unwavering commitment to witnessing was one of the defining parts of his life.
Mr. Peters retired from Dyncorp at Fort Rucker after thirty‑seven years of dedicated service as an aircraft inspector. He took great pride in his work and was known for his reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic. His coworkers respected him not only for his skill, but for the kind of man he was—steady, dependable, and kind.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and a life lived with purpose. Those who knew him will remember his love for the outdoors, his devotion to his family, and the gentle way he shared his faith with everyone he met.
Mr. Peters was preceded in death by his spouses, Carolyn Benefield Peters and Elizabeth Deal Peters; a son, Stanley Peters; his siblings, Bertha Gunter, Myrtle Rugg, Merlene Peters, Earlene Beasley, Floyd Peters, Foy Peters, Wyatt Peters, Toby Peters, Wilford Peters, and Malcolm Peters.
Surviving relatives include his children, Marilyn Ivey (Joe), Enterprise, and Gary Peters, Ozark; daughter-in-law, Carol Peters, Troy; stepson, Larry Deal (Cathy), and their children, Michael and Marissa; grandchildren, Amanda (Chuck), Craig (Sarah), Stan (Andrea), Jennifer (Jose), Ryan, Wesley (Avery), and Stuart (Haleigh); great-grandchildren, David, Brooke, Emma, Ellie, Tripp, Jimbo, Miguel, and Cecilia; sister, Sarah Byrd Cooper, Ozark; sisters-in-law, Gayle Peters, and Charlotte Byrd, both Ozark; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
