Samson, Al- Ms. Alice Faye Bennett, 86, passed away March 19, 2026, in her home with family. She was born in Livermore, Ky. She moved to Alabama in the late 60’s.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved playing bingo and took great pride in tending to her flower beds and houseplants. She was of the Baptist faith.
She worked as a parts manager at John Deere and Massey Ferguson. And at the Old Cotton Mill in Geneva. She had a passion for caring for the elderly as was evident in her many roles as caregiver, CNA and sitter for over 20 +years.
Ms. Bennett was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Lois P. Bennett; brother, Gilbert Bennett; father of her children, James Vindle Drake; her children; Doris Sue Drake , Barbara Kay Drake , Diana Lynn Del Valle and Billy Gene Drake and a few of her grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Geneva with Bro. Olen Strickland officiating and under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel. The family will begin receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
She is survived by her brother, Harold Bennett (Linda) Ruskin, FL; sister, Linda Revlett, Bronson, FL; sons, James Dennis Drake (Penny), John Dewayne Drake, Danny Arnold Drake (Danielle) Geneva,Al; daughters, Brenda Faye Bass, Americus, Ga, Janet Lee Drake (Daniel) Samson, Al, sixteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Columbia…. Ida Carolyn Ballard Braswell, age 80, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Carolyn lived a life rooted in faith, guided by grace, and marked by service. Her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ was the foundation of every decision she made, and her life reflected His love through her kindness, strength, and devotion to others.
A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Carolyn faithfully served the students and staff of Dothan City Schools for over 30 years as a school psychologist and test coordinator. She earned multiple administrative and counseling degrees from Troy University and was a steadfast advocate for students, counselors, and fairness in due process hearings. Her legacy in education includes her instrumental role in establishing the alternative school for at-risk students, offering hope and opportunity to those who needed it most.
Following her retirement, Carolyn continued her calling to serve through the Alabama State Department of Education, where she worked with school systems in need of guidance and restoration. Her wisdom and leadership were a blessing to many across the state. Above all, Carolyn’s greatest ministry was her family. With a servant’s heart and Christ-like love, she later devoted herself to caring for her aging parents. She was the heart of her family, the one who held everyone together through prayer, encouragement, and unconditional love. She will forever be remembered as a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, faithful servant, and trusted friend.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Sam, and Sarah Thompson; her brother, Sam D. Thompson, Jr.; her sister, Jackie Thompson Armagost; and the father of her two daughters, Cletus J. Ballard.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love in her surviving family: her husband, Remer Braswell of Dothan; her daughters, Janet Bradley (Bruce), and Jennifer Matheny (Jim); seven grandchildren, Christopher Matheny (Kenna), Elizabeth Bradley, Benjamin Bradley, Jennifer Bradley, Alan Matheny, Matthew Matheny, and Michael Matheny; and her great-grandson, Elijah Matheny.
Each of them carries forward her example of faith, strength, and love.
A graveside service will be held at Columbia Cemetery in Columbia, Alabama, on Monday, March 23rd at 10:30 A.M., with a celebration of her life and the promise of eternal hope through Christ. Friends and family may gather at 110 Boardwalk Place, where the family will be receiving visitors from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. each day.
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Mr. Burnard Craig Patterson, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Dothan following an extended illness. He was 69.
A Memorial Graveside will be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 27, 2026 in the Memory Hill Cemetery with Chaplain Darryle Bates officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Mr. Burnard was born to the late Burnard Wiley and Nita Henderson Patterson on August 29, 1956 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He spent his early years of life in Georgia, Guam, California and Alabama. His family made Dothan their home in his later grade school years. Mr. Burnard worked as a parts room manager for GE for thirty three years and played on their softball team. He also worked on the side as a handyman building decks and ramps. He enjoyed being at the pond fishing. Mr. Burnard attended Christ Church International.
Mr. Burnard is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of forty nine years, Lisa Roberts Patterson; three sons, Justin Craig Patterson (Alex Clemmons) of Columbus, Ga, Ryan Matthew Patterson of Dothan, and Brandon Kyle Patterson (Alyssa Page) of Dothan; two sisters, Linda Pearce (Fred) of Dothan, Donna Lucas (Ben) of Cowarts; one granddaughter, Nubia Dianna Patterson of Columbus, Ga; and good friends, Steve and Norma McKnight of Rehobeth and Hank Miller of Dothan.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Judith Dianne Stegall Grant, affectionately known as Judy to her friends and family, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 21, 1944, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Judy was the embodiment of a life well-lived, filled with love, faith, and resilience.
Judy’s early years in Biloxi were marked by the warmth of a close-knit family, being the cherished daughter of Calvin Ware Stegall and Kathryn Lavinia Saucier Stegall. Her journey led her to the heart of James C. Grant, Jr., whom she married in 1991, and together they built a life rich in love and shared experiences. Judy’s family was the centerpiece of her world, and she is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Grant, Jr.; her loving children, Mark Howard (Pam) Rogers, Bruce Grant, and Wendy Rogers (Ray) Weston; her adored grandchildren, Christopher (Whitney) Williams, Jenny Weston, Jason Grant, Hannah Grant, Emily (Rudy) Weston, Jay Weston, and Hunter Puckett; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Greydon Williams, Margot Williams, Graceley Thompson, Birdie Beaty, and Beau Beaty. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Patricia “Patsy” Richardson and Lona Kaye Burnett, who will miss her deeply.
Professionally, Judy was a respected Executive Secretary at Drew Chemical Company, where she worked for over 15 years. Her diligence and professionalism were hallmarks of her career until the company’s closure. Judy’s work ethic and commitment to excellence were admired by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Judy’s interests and passions were a testament to her vibrant spirit. She was a devout Christian, actively involved in her church communities at Harvest Church and Greystone United Methodist Church. Her faith was a source of strength and inspiration to not only her but also to those around her. Judy’s love for fishing with her husband was one of the many joys in her life, as were the moments spent cheering for Auburn University’s football team, a passion only rivaled by her enthusiasm for the University of Alabama when her grandchild became a student there. Judy’s love of shopping was more than a pastime; it was an expression of her thoughtful nature, always seeking the perfect gifts for those she loved.
Judy’s personal battles with brain tumors did not dim her spirit; instead, they illuminated her compassionate soul, as she provided comfort and guidance to others facing similar challenges. Her courage and empathy during such times were a beacon of hope to many.
Her character was marked by an unwavering faith, boundless love, and thoughtful nature. Judy’s presence in the lives of those who knew her was a gift one that will continue to resonate in their hearts and memories.
A celebration of Judy’s life is scheduled for 11 am on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, where Rev. Charles Goldsmith will officiate. Friends and family are welcome to gather and share memories of Judy an hour prior to the service, from 10-11 am, at the funeral home.
Randall Louis Johnson of Alabaster, Alabama, formerly of Hartford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, He was 84.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at The Branch at Mission Hills, 1669 Mission Hills Road, Alabaster, Alabama 35007, with Rev Brook Lovett officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time.
A committal service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home, 1315 West Lawrence Harris Hwy, Slocomb, Alabama 36375 with the family receiving friends following the service.
Randall will be laid to rest beside his late wife Nell and their son, Michael, in the Gardens of Memory cemetery in Headland, Alabama.
Randall attended Geneva County High School and proudly served in the Alabama Air National Guard for six years. He was dedicated to his job with Norfolk Southern, where he was employed for 38 years and finished his career as Superintendent of the Southeast Region’s Signals Department. He valued integrity and commitment and truly cherished the relationships he built during his time with Norfolk Southern. Randall was married to Nell, the love of his life, for 59 years and had a deep love for family. Randall was a talented basketball player, and his athletic abilities and passion for sports were passed on to his children and great-grandchildren. Some of Randall’s happiest and proudest moments were the years when he coached his children in softball, basketball, football, and baseball. Randall had a tireless work ethic, a love for all people, and never met a stranger. He positively impacted the lives of others by serving his community and church, The Branch at Mission Hills. Randall had a deep faith and was prepared to meet his Lord and Savior. Randall will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Randall was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nell Johnson, son, Michael, and brother, Charles Johnson.
Randall is survived by his daughters Sandra Hoiberg, Jennifer Hogan (Tim), and Jan Holcomb (Barry); grandchildren, Zachary Hoiberg, Sydney Ayers (John), Kaitlin Hogan, Jenna Hogan Cooch (Alex), and Taylor Holcomb; great-grandson, Caden Cooch; and sister, Sara Herring.
Mr. Stephen Watson of Dothan peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 70, at his home surrounded by the warmth and love of his devoted family. Born on September 28, 1955, to the late Earnest “Bob” and Adene Hall Watson, Stephen’s life was one marked by dedication, kindness, and heartfelt connection.
A proud graduate of Slocomb High School’s Class of 1973, Stephen contributed his talents and steadfast work ethic to numerous local enterprises, including Segrest Feed and Seed, Dolly Madison Furniture, the Slocomb Police Department, Meadow Gold Dairies, Kings Church Furniture, Collins Signs, and I.D. Associates Signs. Beyond his professional endeavors, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life: camping under the stars, fishing in tranquil waters, crafting exquisite woodwork, and sharing his culinary skills. Above all, he cherished the time spent among family and friends, nurturing bonds that reflected his gentle and compassionate spirit.
Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Gail Watson; his brother, Gerald Wayne Watson; and his parents.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his cherished daughter, Amanda Barron, and her husband Jonathan; his beautiful granddaughter, Taylor Leigh-Ann Barron; his sisters, Doris Tew and Pat Hall; his sister-in-law, Sandra Blount Watson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will fondly remember his warmth and unwavering kindness.
Though deeply mourned, Stephen’s memory endures in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him, a testament to a life well-lived and a soul truly at peace.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Chad Hixson, Rev. Dennis Singletary and Richard Mercer officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank Dr. Scott McAllister and his staff at Dothan Hematology and Oncology as well as Gentiva Hospice for the love and care that was given to Stephen during this time.
