OZARK…The beautiful and mighty woman known as Dorothy Miriam Brown released her embrace on life and closed her eyes to find rest and peace with her Lord and Savior after heroically fighting Multiple Myeloma Cancer for 9 years. She died as she lived: fearlessly.
Over the past nine years she endured over 300 Chemotherapy sessions, Cell Replacement Therapy, and CAR-T therapy, all very painful. She left this life peacefully in a wave of love from her family and friends.
She was a wonderful wife to Cliff, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend who was beloved by all.
Delightfully funny and bright she brought joy to all. As a dedicated fashionista she was always on the hunt for the next clothing bargain. Goodwill, the Dale Baptist Association and Salvation Army are much richer thanks to her steady stream of classy, chic clothing donations.
Dottie attacked each holiday with gusto: baking; decorating the house, yard, and all the holiday fashions in existence!
She loved crafts and was quite talented in her creations. She hosted countless sparkling gatherings at her home for friends at Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those who knew her realize how lucky they were to have her in their lives.
She was a faithful, loyal and loving wife and she worked hard every day up until her illness. The end of her life here on earth will not extinguish Dotties light. She has passed on the torch to younger generations. May we always live in a way that honors her memory.
When we are listening to someone’s problems we will remember how she never turned away from a hurting heart. Whether family or stranger, she would hear someone’s story and make them feel understood.
When we prepare meals for friends and family, we will remember how many people she blessed with her good humor, great cooking and endless hospitality.
When we are tired, we will remember how she persevered. She is preceded in death by her mother Miriam Lewis.
She is survived by her husband Cliff, sons Cody and Charley and their wives Casey and Tammi, five beautiful grandchildren: Cayla 22, Ciara 16, Roxi 14, Carter 12 and Griffin 9.
She is also survived by brothers Buddy and wife Barbara Lewis, Pete and wife Sharon Lewis, and her sisters Susie and husband Harvey Boyette, Kitty Manning and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Please keep Dottie in your hearts, she was much loved and will be missed so much.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
WEBB… Benny F. McCraney, a resident of Webb, Alabama, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 11, 2026, at Crowne Health Care in Eufaula, Alabama. He was 91.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Wright Funeral Home & Crematory.
Bessie Mae Lampley, a woman of love and faith, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at a New York hospital, at the age of 78. Born on August 4, 1947, Bessie’s life was a testament to the power of unwavering faith and the strength of familial bonds.
A memorial service will be held at 11 Am Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends form 10-11 in the chapel. Interment will follow in the Memory Hill Cemetery with Reverend Gene Mathews officiating. Ward Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bertha Mae and Willie Lee Lampley, and her dear sister, Carrie. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her daughter, Jessica; brother, Ray; grandson, Roderic; nephew, Eric; and a host of numerous cousins
Bessie grew up in Dothan, Alabama, a place that held her childhood memories and shaped her early years. Her journey led her to Deer Park, Long Island, where she would lay down roots and create a life filled with joy, music, and service. Those who knew Bessie would describe her as loving, kind, and faith filled. Bessie’s life was a living example of the biblical teachings she held so close to her heart, and she was a living embodiment of the virtues she practiced daily.
Her dedication to her work was only surpassed by her commitment to her faith. Bessie was a lifetime member of the Holiness Church, where she not only found spiritual solace but also a platform to share her passion for gospel singing. he found solace and joy in the melodies and messages of the gospel. Despite a stutter that challenged her in conversation, Bessie’s voice soared unfettered when she sang, a symbol of the miraculous power of faith and music to transcend earthly limitations.
As we bid farewell to Bessie May, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her.
Dorothy Holmes, known lovingly to many as Kay and Nanny, passed away on June 11, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, at the age of 82. Born on December 29, 1943, in Elberta, Michigan, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, resilience, and deep love for her family and community.
Kay was a woman of strong character and steady purpose, and those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, kind, and loving. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was always centered on her children and grandchildren. She was a single mother to five boys and carried that responsibility with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. Throughout her life, she remained committed to caring for her family and making sure they were loved, supported, and guided by her example.
In 1975, Kay moved to Dothan, where she built a life rooted in hard work and service to others. She worked in accounting and later devoted many years to Bethlehem Baptist Daycare, where she remained until 2017. She loved all of the children there as if they were her own, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on the many little lives she helped nurture. Her work was more than a job to her. It was a calling, and she approached it with patience, warmth, and a sincere love for children.
Kay attended Wallace and carried the values of education, discipline, and perseverance throughout her life. She was also a faithful member of Rainbow Meadows and Pathway Baptist Church, where her strong belief in God was evident in the way she lived, served, and loved others. Her faith sustained her through life’s many seasons, and she was known as a woman who stood firm in her beliefs and trusted God with a steadfast heart.
She had many gifts and interests that brought joy to those around her. Kay loved reading and writing poetry, and she had a way with words that reflected both her tenderness and her strength. She was a great cook, and many will remember the comfort and care she showed through the meals she prepared. She also loved her dachshunds, Mia and Peanut, who brought her companionship and happiness. Above all, she treasured her family, especially her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she took great pride in each of their lives and accomplishments.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Holmes; as well as several siblings. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Sapp, Richard Sapp (Shirley), David Sapp, Shawn Sapp (Shelly), and Christopher Hodges (Jessica). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Timothy Sapp, Ashley Price (Drew), Savannah Sapp, Madison Cooper (Hunter), Bailey Buchanan (Tyler), Alex Sapp (Maura), Ethen Sapp (Erin), Miles Hodges, Lennon Hodges, and Rosemary Hodges. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Turner Kate Price, Collins Price, Andrew Price, Ryles Cooper, Kathleen Buchanan, Wyatt Buchanan, and Bellamy Sapp. She is also survived by two siblings and by two special sons, Danny Metcalf and Hasty Wiggins, who held a meaningful place in her heart.
Those who knew Kay will remember her as a fighter and a resilient woman who faced life with courage and dignity. She was often called Nanny, a name that reflected the warmth, comfort, and love she gave so freely. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught through her words, her work, and her example. She cared deeply for her children and loved them with a fierce and enduring love that shaped generations.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
William Gray James of Geneva, AL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his residence, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was 75.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
William was born on October 21, 1950 in Grove Hill, AL to the late Edward Earl and Lora Mae Creighton James. For many years he worked with Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation. He proudly served his country in the US Army/National Guard for several years. William was affectionately known as “Willie” by his friends and “Foots” by his work family. He exhibited the most loving and giving spirit that a man could possess. He gave of himself, no matter what it cost him. Many times, he gave money, food, clothing and anything he thought might lessen the burden of another human being. William devoted his life to his family through hard work, dedication and sharing the love of Jesus wherever he went. He was a faithful member of Maple Avenue Baptist Church in Geneva.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Adam Ryan James and one sister, Nancy McGhee.
William is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tonya R. James of Geneva, AL; one son, William Jeremy James and his wife, Rachel Marie James of Clayhatchee, AL; one granddaughter, Cassity James of Salipta, AL; one brother, Steve James of Georgetown, GA; a host of special nieces, nephews and extended family; loving and devoted friends, Danny and Linda McDuffie of Samson, AL.
OZARK…Mr. Justin Nichols, a resident of Ozark, died late Monday afternoon, June 8, 2026, at his home. He was 43.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 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. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Justin was a native of Ozark, Alabama, and a 2000 graduate of Carroll High School. After finishing school, he spent several years living in Kentucky before eventually finding his way back home to Ozark, where his heart had always been. Over the years, he worked in maintenance at Wayne Farms in Jack, Alabama, a job that fit him well because he had always loved working with his hands.
Anyone who knew Justin knew how much he enjoyed riding and repairing motorcycles. Being a “mechanic” wasn’t just something he did — it was a part of who he was. He could take things apart, put them back together, and somehow make them run better than before. He found joy in fixing things, and even more joy in sharing that passion with the people around him.
Justin had a way of enjoying life that was simple and genuine. He loved spending time with his family, whether it was a quiet moment or a loud, laughter-filled gathering. His animals were also a big part of his world, and he cared for them with the same steady kindness he showed everyone else.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeffrey Wayne Whatley and David Andrew Whatley, as well as his brother‑in‑law, Jake Graves.
Surviving relatives include his children, Hailey Nicols, Taylor Nichols, Stella Nichols, Bella Athena Nichols, and Kaylin Nichols; his parents, Todd and Shelli Whatley, Ozark; sisters, Christine Perrone, Cullman, Alabama, Jennifer Cysewski (John), Ozark, Carmen Nichols, Croghan, New York, Ashely McDaniel (Patrick), Ozark, and Aubrey Dee Martin, Yreka, California; his brothers, Todd Whatley, Jr. (Andrea), Chesterfield, Michigan and Adam Zoltan (Sarah), Seattle, Washington; nieces and nephews, Jacob Graves, Jessica Graves, Jordan Graves, Austin Perrone, Ethan Perrone, Logan Cotton, Destin Dedrick, Abigail Whatley, Makinlyn Munn, and Adalyn Whatley; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
