Sherry Elaine Tutor Brown, age 75, of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away peacefully with her husband, Gerald Brown, by her side on February 22, 2026. Born on July 31, 1950, Sherry lived a life centered around love and family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Gerald Brown, for 39 years, together they built a life filled with cherished memories.
She was a proud mother to her two children, Sandra Rush Coker and Larry Rush. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her five beloved grandchildren: Dallas Jordan Lowrie Papathanasiou, Hunter Barrett Rush, Dalton Scott Lowrie, Andrew Chase Rush, and Joseph Alexander Rush and four great-grandchildren: Nova Jo Layne Rush, Noah Marilyn Grace Rush, William Knox Papathanasiou, and Shepherd Rush Papathanasiou. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching them grow.
She had a creative spirit and gifted hands. Sherry enjoyed diamond art and was a fantastic seamstress, pouring care, patience, and love into everything she made. Whether working on a sewing project or carefully placing each sparkling piece of diamond art, she found peace and joy in creating something beautiful – just as she created a beautiful life for her family.
Sherry will be remembered for her laughter, love, and joy she freely gave to those who were fortunate enough to enjoy time with her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family.
She leaves behind her a devoted husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her lifelong friend, Rose Reeves, along with many extended family members and friends who will dearly miss her.
Though she is no longer with us, her love and memory will remain a guiding light to all who knew her.
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to her sister-in-law and devoted caregiver, Colleen Brown, for the loving care, compassion, and comfort she provided during Sherry’s final days. Her kindness will never be forgotten.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
ABBEVILLE. . .Myra Nell Hand Brannon, a resident of Abbeville, passed away early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, in the Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility. She was 94.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Abbeville Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Greene officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday in the Abbeville Methodist Church Family Life Center. Burial will follow in the Old Center Church Cemetery, 764 County Road 89, Newville, AL 36353. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abbeville Methodist Church Sanctuary Fund, P.O. Box 100, Abbeville, AL 36310 or to the Old Center Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Priscilla Trawick, 4852 County Road 7, Newville, AL 36353.
Mrs. Brannon was born in Henry County and raised in Newville, daughter of the late Henry Lamar Hand and Ethel Smith Hand. She attended Newville High School. Mrs. Brannon lived in the Old Center Community of Henry County before moving to Abbeville in 1956. She was retired as Librarian at the Abbeville Memorial Library. Mrs. Brannon was an active member of the Abbeville Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Her life was characterized by perseverance, strength, hard work, and service to others. She was totally devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hulen Brannon, her son, Daniel Hulen “Danny” Brannon, a step-grandson, Timothy Lee Robertson, Jr., a brother, Royce Lamar Hand, and an infant great-grandson.
Surviving relatives include her daughters, Barbara Brannon Evers (Charles), Birmingham; and Leigh Brannon Watford (Darrell), Newville; daughter-in-law, Mary Watkins Brannon, Columbiana, AL; a sister, Joan Hand Parris, Duncan, SC; a sister-in-law, Mary Brannon Mims; grandchildren, Caroline Evers Phillips (Charles) and their children, Chase, Myra and Walter Phillips; Julianne Evers (Fiancé Seth Self) and Charlie Evers (Fiancé Caroline Parker), Audrey Watford Burroughs (Luke) and their son, Jude; Shelby Hulen Watford (Keely); and Maddox Lee Robertson; several nieces and nephews, and a very special cousin, Jeanine Holman.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Shelby Watford, Charlie Evers, Charles Phillips, Luke Burroughs, Seth Self and Randy Brannon.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Henry County Health & Rehabilitation, Gentiva Hospice, and caregivers, Jackie Dennis and Annie Reynolds, for the loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Brannon.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Martha Ballard cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Abbeville, at the age of 97. Born November 13, 1928, Martha lived a long, self-directed life defined by strength, independence, and commitment to her family and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucious Rollins and Maude Bruner Rollins; her husband, Red Ballard; and three siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Barrett (Pete); her grandchildren, Jason Watson (Kelly) and Katherine Barrett (Elena); her great-grandchildren, Alex Martin Watson and Madison Watson; and her grand dogs, Leo and Lloyd.
Martha was a woman who took care of herself and others. She lived independently until the age of 97, emphasizing the importance of exercise and proper nutrition and continuing to drive and manage her own affairs. Her independence was not just a circumstance, it was a choice she upheld every day.
Throughout her life, Martha was deeply involved in her community and committed her time where it made a difference. A dedicated member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church, she lived her faith through action, serving, organizing, preparing meals, and visiting homebound members. She did not wait to be asked; she stepped in and handled what needed to be done. Martha believed in hard work, personal responsibility, and compensating people fairly for their time, values she upheld consistently. Her steady presence and willingness to serve made a lasting impact on her church and community.
Martha’s love for her country was profound, and she expressed her patriotism with pride. An ardent supporter of Auburn Football, she was often referred to as the team’s biggest cheerleader. Summers were a special time for Martha, as she cherished the moments spent with her grandson, Jason, during his childhood. Together, they embarked on countless adventures that would become treasured memories.
A graveside service in honor of Martha’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Bluff Springs Baptist Church. Reverend James Bell will officiate the ceremony, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s honor to Bluff Springs Baptist Church 1990 Bluff Springs Road, Ashford, AL 36312.
Richard “Dick” A. Dempsey, Sr., of the Ashford-Lovetown Community, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 91.
Mr. Dempsey retired as a brick mason after 40 dedicated years with Snow Jr. and King Masonry. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family.
Dick shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Betty. They were married in May 1957 and would have celebrated 69 years together this year. Though separated here on earth, they are now reunited and celebrating together in Heaven. He cherished time spent with his family, especially camping, fishing, traveling, and many other activities that created lasting memories for those he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Dempsey and Mary Lew Higgins; his beloved wife, Betty Dempsey; five siblings; and his son, Richard “Ricky” Dempsey, Jr.
Survivors include his daughter, Terresa Krusen of Ashford; his son, Timothy Dempsey (Wendy) of Chesapeake, VA; grandsons, Todd Lewis of Chesapeake, VA, Kyle Lewis (Emily) of Knotts Island, NC, and Alexander Dempsey (Ali) of Richmond, VA; great-grandsons, Aiden Dempsey and August Dempsey of Richmond, VA; along with a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Crestlawn Cemetery, with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
