Mrs. Rebekah (Vinson) Saunders, 77, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her residence following an extended illness.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Wiregrass Area Foodbank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
Mrs. Saunders was born July 9, 1948, in Cottonwood to the late Gordan Carey & Ruth (Seay) Vinson. She was a 1966 graduate of Dothan High School. Mrs. Saunders spent her life as a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara Vinson Creamer; and her brother, Carey James Vinson.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jimmy Harold Saunders of Dothan; her son, Jimmy Harold Saunders, Jr. (Kelly) of Dothan; her two grandchildren, Lauren Brooke Saunders Jones (Tyler) of Dothan, and Logan Beth Saunders of Dothan; her brother, Jearld Vinson (Annette) of Dothan; her sister-in-law, Alberta Vinson of Dothan; and several nieces and nephews, and special friends Elouise Tindell and Tommy & Paula Alley; Rebekah was looking forward to the May Arrival of her first Great-Grandchild.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Mark Andrew Locke, known as Mark to his family and friends, passed away on February 1, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. He was born on January 3, 1961, in Douglas, Arizona, and later made his home in the Dothan/Newton area, where he spent much of his life.
Mark worked for many years as a welder at Factory Direct and also contributed his skills to various construction projects. He was known for his strong work ethic and took pride in doing quality work. Those who worked alongside him knew him as dependable and straightforward, someone who could always be counted on to get the job done.
Family was important to Mark, and he was deeply devoted to his loved ones. He is survived by his children, Anthony Locke, Grace Locke, and Johnathan Maxwell Locke. His grandchildren include Alan and Aiden Locke; Austin, Blake, and Pax Blair; Haven Carkins; Brittany Herring; and Alayna Hall. He is also survived by his significant other, Sylvia Sellers, and his brother, Billy Locke and sister, Patty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Maxwell Locke and Carol Louise Locke.
Outside of work, Mark enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially grilling and tending to his garden. He was a loyal Alabama football fan and was known for his sarcastic sense of humor. Mark will be remembered as a steady presence in the lives of his family, a kind man who valued hard work, loyalty, and time spent with those he loved.
John. M. Mallia was born on May 1, 1927, in Valparaiso, Chile to United States of America citizens. The family lived in Chile until 1935 when due to his father’s employment moved to the Panama Canal Zone, where John attended school graduating from Balboa High School. John began his U.S. Government Service on April 7, 1949, with the U.S. Air Force Supply Division. On January 5, 1953, he was employed as a Canal Zone Customs Inspector, later he was promoted to a Canal Zone Investigator, With the Panama Canal Treaties, the Canal Zone Customs was terminated, and John spent the last few years of government service with the General Service Bureau. On July 14, 1982, John retired and moved to Dothan, Alabama. As a dutiful and unselfish son, he took care of his mother until her death on September 16, 1997. On November 13, 2019, John moved to Providence Living in Ozark, Alabama, where he was living at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Felix Mallia; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Earl Mullins, Sr., his brother, Louis Mallia. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Mallia (Janice) of Mandeville, Louisiana; his nephew, James Mullins (Karen) of Arnold, Maryland, whom were constantly there to help him through the years. Also, many nieces and nephews; grand and great-great nieces and nephews. John was a long-time member of the Panama Canal Society and enjoyed reading the Canal Record.
A memorial service to honor John’s life and service will be held at 1:00 PM on February 7, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Highway, Dothan, Alabama.
Daniel John Mullins, known affectionately to many as “Danny,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born on February 28, 1946, in the Panama Canal Zone, Danny was the beloved son of the late Earl and Mary Mullins of Gamboa. The second of seven children, he spent a vibrant childhood playing among the jungles and the banks of the Canal. After graduating from Balboa High School in 1964 and attending Canal Zone College, Danny answered the call to service by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served with distinction for six years aboard the USS Enterprise and USS Hancock, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. Danny’s dedication to the Navy continued into his civilian career. He worked as a Fuels Management Specialist at the U.S. Navy Shipyard in Alameda, California, before eventually retiring from Naval Air Station in Pensacola after 25 years of committed service.
A man of many passions, Danny was happiest when around motorcycles, attending aviation shows, or traveling in his RV. He was known for his ability to make friends effortlessly. Beyond his hobbies, Danny was a man of immense character and compassion. He was a devoted son who cared for his parents until their passing and provided the same loving care for his elderly Uncle, John Mallia until his death. After retirement, Danny settled in Dothan, Alabama, where he remained an active and cherished member of the community.
He survives by his sons, Darren Mullins, Charles Mullins (Erica), his cherished grandchildren, Ariana and Amaya; and his siblings, Earl (Sue) Mullins, Clifford Mullins, Jim (Karen) Mullins, Kathleen Mullins (Beattie) Hendricks, and Joe (Debbie) Mullins. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Mullins and Robert Mullins.
A memorial service to honor Danny’s life and service will be held at 1:00 PM on February 7, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Highway, Dothan, Alabama.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Dr. Nathan Lee Hodges, a resident of Ozark, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 2, 2026. He was 83 years old. Memorial services for Dr. Hodges will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2026, at The First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Meditation Garden, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary Friday from 12:30 pm until service time.
Nathan was born December 7, 1942 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges. He graduated from Wewahitchka High School in 1960. Following High School he attended Gulf Coast Community College and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He pastored churches in Dale, Houston and Coffee County, Alabama from 1962 to 1968. He then graduated from Troy State University with a double major – BS Degree in Psychology and History and then a Masters degree in Educational Administration. Between earning his BS Degree and getting his Masters degree he began his educational career as the principal at Midland City Elementary School. One little known fact is that during this time he also earned his solo pilot’s license, just one more certificate for the wall.
He liked to say “Just keep moving; just keep learning!” and that is exactly what he did. His next educational moves included time as principal of Ariton High School and then as the Associate Superintendent of Dale County Schools. In1976 he was elected as Superintendent of Education of the Dale County School system. During this time he was selected by the Alabama Jaycees as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Man for his distinguished service to his community, state and county. Realizing he needed and wanted to know more, Nathan moved his family to Auburn University. He kept his family with him every step of the way. After earning his doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University, Nathan became president of Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. This marked only the beginning of an extraordinary career in post secondary education.
Upon leaving Wallace he attended the University of Alabama Birmingham to begin a study in Hospital Administration and continued his studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This led him to University of New Mexico’s Children’s Hospital where he served in hospital administration. He ultimately returned to his roots and lifelong calling in education and attended the University of Texas in Block 49 in Community College Leadership. That journey led him to serve as President of Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina; Haywood Community College in Waynesville, North Carolina; and Southcentral Kentucky Technical and Community College in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where his leadership left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and communities alike.
Despite a lifetime of professional achievements, Dr. Hodges believed life was best lived in balance. He deeply valued time with friends and family and found happiness in the simple pleasures – caring for animals, the quiet focus of competition archery, and the peaceful rhythms of rural life. From the sloughs of the Dead Lakes to his farm in Alabama, he always found peace in the outdoors. Nature was not just a backdrop to his life, but a place where his gentle spirit thrived. He had a special softness and kindness toward animals, forming close bonds caring for pets of all kinds(from dogs and cats to cows and more); each one truly hitting the jackpot when they found their way into his care. Though his career was far-reaching in service, his heart remained rooted in his love for the Lord, his family, his friends, his pets, and his home on Route 2.
Nathan’s education, degrees, and career accomplishments were never about recognition or simply achievements; they were part of his calling to serve others. The people he encountered along the way shaped his life just as deeply as he shaped theirs. While he received many awards and honors throughout his career the most cherished and meaningful titles held closest to his heart were husband, dad, Pop Pop and friend.
Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges; and his sisters, Evelyn Hodges and Clara Hodges Caine. He is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Rebecca Elaine Sutton Hodges of Ozark; and his two children, Jeff Hodges (Dee) of Ozark, AL and Ginger Hodges Scarbrough (Kevin) of Enterprise, AL. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hayden Elizabeth Scarbrough; Judson Hayes Scarbrough (Zoe); Alexander Slater Hodges; Hannah Nicole Kelley (Michael); Grayson Michael Hodges; Cooper Sutton Hodges; and by one great grandchild, Westin Hayes Kelley. He is also survived by his brother Larry Von Hodges (Debbie) of Albertville, AL; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to honor with sincere appreciation, Lorine Gissendanner, who has been so loving and helpful throughout this past year and the community of medical professionals from Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, Ozark, AL. The family is also grateful for friends, community, and church family whose support, kindness and presence have meant so much during this time.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org
Mrs. Mary Leona Smith Pritchard of Zellwood, FL, formerly of Samson, AL, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was 91 years old.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 04, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Geneva, AL with Rev. Sonny Moore officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time for departure to the cemetery.
Mrs. Leona was born in Geneva County, AL on November 15, 1934, to the late Glen Harvey and Vester Mae Mitchell Smith. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and church family. Prior to her retirement, she worked in the sewing industry and textile mill. She was a very hard worker and one who could be depended on when someone needed help. Leona was a firm believer in saying what she meant and meaning what she said. She will be missed by those who knew her best and loved her.
She is survived by one sister, Hettie “Betty” D. Allen of Zellwood, FL; several special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
