Mrs. Vinetta Whatley Lynn was born on November 16, 1943, in Henry County, Shorterville, Alabama, to the late Dellmus Porter and Clara Mae Whatley. From the beginning of her life, she was surrounded by family, faith, and a strong sense of community—values that would remain the foundation of her life and legacy.
At an early age, Mrs. Lynn became a devoted member of the Old Friendship African Methodist Episcopal Church in Shorterville, Alabama, where she faithfully served in several capacities, including Secretary, Treasurer, and as a Missionary. Her service to God and His people was not simply a responsibility; it was a reflection of the love, compassion, and commitment she carried throughout her life.
In 1963, Vinetta was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Willie “Pop” Lynn. Their union was blessed with one son, Antonio Lynn (Jasir Abdus Shakur).
A woman of determination and purpose, Mrs. Lynn was a proud graduate of Henry County Training School Class of 1961. She furthered her education at Potomac University in Washington, D.C., earning a degree in Business Management. During her young adult years, she resided in both New Jersey and Maryland, where she built a life marked by hard work, perseverance, and excellence.
Mrs. Lynn dedicated more than 35 years of faithful service to BellSouth, later Verizon Wireless, before retiring. After retirement, she returned home to Shorterville, Alabama, where she continued to pour herself into the people and community she loved, as well as care for her mom.
Vinetta was more than a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—she was a community servant, advocate, and giver. She found genuine joy in helping others and believed in the importance of giving back. Her commitment to service was evident through her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star, Eta Rho Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Beta Upsilon Zeta Chapter. Through each organization and every relationship she cultivated, she left an imprint of kindness, wisdom, strength, and love.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, Mrs. Vinetta Whatley Lynn peacefully entered into eternal rest. While her departure leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, her life remains a testimony of faithfulness, resilience, service, and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Theresa Williams; great-granddaughter, Miracle Lynn; niece, Shyretta Williams-Hamilton; great-nephew, KuShon Earl Hamilton; first cousin, R.L. Reeves; and second cousins, Katina Reeves and Kevin Littleton.
Left to cherish her precious memory are her son, Jasir Abdus Shakur of Newark, New Jersey; two grandchildren, Camille (Javeon) Richardson of Dothan, Alabama, and Cameron (Deja) Lynn of Abbeville, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, Jalia Lynn, Malia Lynn, Jireh Richardson, and Cameron Lynn, Jr.; niece and nephew, Shakiyra and Ku’von Hamilton of Nashville, Tennessee; special friend, Melvin Howard of Silver Springs, Maryland; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, cherished friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Though our hearts are heavy because of the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. We rejoice in the assurance that Mrs. Lynn’s earthly assignment has been completed and that she has entered into the presence of the One she served.
Her work was faithful.
Her love was genuine.
Her legacy is everlasting.
She has fought a good fight, she has finished her course, she has kept the faith.
Rest well faithful servant. Your work here is done. Your legacy lives on, and you are now safe in the arms of our Lord.
Bonnie Lue Pelham Davis, age 70, of Webb, Alabama formerly of Graceville, Florida passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesuson August 11, 2026.
Bonnie was born on September 4, 1955, to Harry David Pelham and Bonnie Mae Pelham. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend who touched the lives of so many people throughout her 70 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Larry Mitchell, Ricky Dewayne and Danny Darrell Pelham along with many other family members as well
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Don Davis, and her children and family, including Melissa Lashley (Edgil) and Kenny; Christin Renew and Luke Sky Walker Allyson and Rashaad Wimbush Autumn,Emma,and Hope Edgil Stacy Lashley (Ingram) and Carl; Lisa Davis; Nathan and Lizzy Metcalf;
She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, along with many cherished friends who will forever remember her kindness, laughter, and one-of-a-kind personality.
Bonnie truly was one of a kind.
She attended Shady Grove CH Church.
She was an avid Gator fan, loved her coffee, and most of all loved spending time with her family and friends. The memories made around her will be treasured forever, her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Bonnie’s love and memories will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Rest peacefully, Bonnie. You were truly one of a kind, and you will be loved and missed forever.
Mr. David Horace Simmons of Samson, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71 years old.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Samson First Methodist Church with Rev. Phil Craddock and Rev. Dustin Wise officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samson First Methodist Church, 204 West Main Street, Samson, AL 36477, or to Merle Wallace Purvis Center, 1682 East County Road 4, Black, AL 36314.
David was born in Hartford, Alabama, on October 9, 1954, to the late Horace Greely, Jr. and Mary Ellen Jeffcoat Simmons. He spent many years teaching and coaching at Samson High School and ended his career as the IT director with the Geneva City Schools. David loved sports and especially enjoyed coaching and sharing his love of athletics with his students and athletes.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. David also took great pride in keeping his yards and vehicles immaculate and was known for washing his cars every week. Most of all, he loved his family dearly. David lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Leonora “Nodie” Faulk Simmons of Samson, AL; two daughters, Naomi Kate Simmons of Samson, AL, and Kristi Simmons McHenry (Casey) of Panama City, FL; two grandsons, Brody McHenry and Gavin McHenry, both of Panama City, FL; bonus son, Alejandro “Hondo” Grajales Flaquer of Columbus, OH; one sister, Nedra Simmons Patchett of Dothan, AL; one brother, Andrew “Andy” Simmons (Sharlene) of Hacoda, AL; four nephews, Ashley Simmons, Shaun Patchett (Caitlyn), Trey Faulk (Jennifer) and Bruce Faulk (Megan) ; one great niece and four great nephews, along with a host of extended family and friends.
Cynthia Ann Odom, known lovingly to family and friends as Cindy, passed away on August 11, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 73. She was born on June 6, 1953, in Chesnee, South Carolina, and lived a life marked by devotion, strength, kindness, and an unwavering love for her family.
Cindy was the cherished wife of Tim Odom for 40 years, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. She was a devoted mother to Steven “Stevie” McMillan and his wife Christy, and Shane “Shaney Man” Odom and his wife Shelly. Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren, Ashleigh Ramirez, Jennifer McMillan, Lyndsey McMillan, Jackson Odom, Savannah Odom, Samantha Hussey, Matthew Hussey, and Aiden Baxter, as well as to her nine great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, June Jordan (Larry), Jackie Skipper, Jimmy Griffin (Rashonda), and Ryan Griffin (La Resa), brother-in-law, Charles Wayne Odom (Sylvia), and sister-in-law, Patricia DeVane, as well as a host of extended family and friends, including special friends, Scott and Christine Heath.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Fargason, grandmother, Ada Collins, mother-in-law, Rosa Lee Odom “Nana”, brother-in-law, Orbie DeVane, and nephews, Jarrid Jordan and Steve DeVane.
Cindy’s life was defined by service and responsibility, and she brought that same care into every role she held. She worked as a respiratory therapist in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she helped care for others with compassion and dedication. Later, she served as a manager at BP Oil in Florida, where her strong work ethic and dependable nature earned the respect of those around her. She also owned and operated Odom’s Petrol, a convenience store in Madrid, Alabama, where she continued to serve her community with pride and determination. In every job she held, Cindy was known as someone who could be counted on, someone who gave her best, and someone who treated others with dignity.
Above all else, Cindy’s life revolved around her family. She was known simply as “Mom” and “Mamaw,” titles she treasured more than any other. She took great pride in raising her boys to be good men, and her love for her children and grandchildren was evident in everything she did. Sunday lunch was a treasured tradition in her home, and holiday dinners were made special by her love of cooking and bringing everyone together. Cindy had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and cared for, and many were fortunate enough to experience her as a mother figure, a steady presence, and a source of comfort and encouragement.
Cindy was a compassionate woman who always wanted to help. She was selfless in spirit and had a heart that gave others a chance, especially those who were counted out or overlooked. She was a fighter her whole life, and those who knew her often described her as dynamite because of her strength, determination, and spark. She was the kind of woman who stood up for others, believed in the underdog, and offered support without hesitation. She was more than a mother to her own children, as she became “mom” to more people than just her family. Her kindness, wisdom, and steady love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Cindy was also a woman of deep faith, and her beliefs guided the way she lived each day. She was strong in her faith and carried herself with grace, humility, and conviction. She was a well-respected lady whose presence brought comfort and whose example inspired others. Her life was a reflection of perseverance, love, and devotion, and her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched.
A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
