Mary Lou Helms, 87, of Hartford, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary entered this world under humble circumstances in 1938 in Fadette, Alabama. She attended school in Fadette and Slocomb and began working at Van Heusen in Hartford before marrying the love of her life, Rex Helms. Together, they raised three children.
Mary later worked for the Geneva County School System, where she retired as a lunchroom manager. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed creating custom draperies. She also found great joy in her kitchen, preparing meals and sharing them with family and friends. Her generous spirit, strong work ethic, and love for her family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Mary was a faithful member of Hartford First Assembly of God, where she worshiped and served the Lord for more than 60 years. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She cherished her church family and was a living example of Christian love, kindness, and devotion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Nathaniel Smith and Ruth Odell Smith; her brothers, Eugene Smith, James Smith, Gerald Smith, and Harold Smith; and her sisters, Barbara Wilcox and Bonnie Proctor.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Rex Helms; her children, John Terriel Helms (Brenda) of Slocomb, Christopher Eugene Helms of Hartford, and Tracy Renee Cowan (Joe) of St. Johns, Florida.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Angela Helms, Michael Helms, and Laura Helms, all of Hartford; Hope Purvis (Ben) of Fadette; Angie Parker and Shannon Summerlin of the Clanton area; Christi Fillingim (Corey) of Chancellor; Billy Maddox of Slocomb; Casey Helms and Caitlyn Helms of Bonifay, Florida; and Tyler Cowan (Chelsey) and Blake Cowan (Gabrielle) of St. Johns, Florida.
Mary was blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren: Logan Hartzog (Sophia), Levi Helms, Lexi Helms, Cade Purvis, Trent Hilton (Tiffany), Michael Hilton (Emily), Chase Hilton (Rachel), Chelsea Hilton, RayAnna Summerlin (Cody), Emily Summerlin (Kyler), Beth Morris (Tory), Logan Fillingim, Gavin Fillingim, Savannah Cowan, Emmett Cowan, Holden Cowan, Hudson Cowan, and Grayson Cowan.
She was also blessed with ten great-great-grandchildren: Crayton Hartzog, Charlotte Kilgore, Hudson Hilton, Easton Hilton, Colton Hilton, Camden Hilton, Kriket Hilton, Kyra Hilton, Halle Morris, and Jensen Morris.
She is further survived by her sisters, Opal Whitehead, Carolyn Hathaway (Jimmy), and Elaine Hoffman; her brother, Robert Smith; her brother-in-law, Herbert Carroll “Tiny” Helms; and her sisters-in-law, Angelyn Yates (Paul) and Augathee Helms. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends who were blessed by her love, kindness, and friendship.
Mary’s legacy of faith, love, hard work, and dedication to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hartford First Assembly of God, with Pastor Glenn Tate officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in Hartford City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Cowan, Billy Maddox, Blake Cowan, Logan Hartzog, Michael Helms, and Logan Fillingim. Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Helms, Cade Purvis, Gavin Fillingim, and Keelan Leverette.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hartford First Assembly of God in memory of Mary Helms.
John Dewey Watford, 91, a long-time resident of Cowarts, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday June 2, 2026, in the Sanctuary of Cowarts Baptist Church with Reverend Joshua Watford and Reverend Jonathan Sorenson officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Cowarts Baptist Church, P.O. Box 10, Cowarts, AL 36321.
John was born July 14, 1934, in Houston County to the late Dewey & Jonnie (Johnson) Watford. He spent his life in Houston County and was a graduate of Ashford High School. Following graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Army. After his time in the service, he worked for many years in the trucking business, spending a large part of his career with AAA Motor Lines and AAA Cooper Transportation, as a terminal manager. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, hunting, and fishing. John was a longtime member of Cowarts Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon.
He is preceded by wife of 69 years, Marsha Ann Watford; his parents; his brothers, Albert Watford and Jerry Watford; and his sisters, Velma Howell, Annie Smith, and Bloncile Blakey.
He is survived by his son, John Michael Watford (Pam); his grandson, Joshua Watford (Rebecca); his two great-grandsons, Judah and Josiah Watford; his brother, Gene Watford (Shirley); and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Sharla Bivens, Stephanie Thomas, Ruby Merrill, Beverly Whatley, and the staff & nurses of Centerwell Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice, for the love and care shown to their loved one during this time.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
Shirley Vann Jeffcoat passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 25, 1939, to Dewey and Valletta Vann, Shirley lived a long life rich in family, friendship and experience.
She was the beloved wife of Charles Jeffcoat Sr., who preceded her in death.
Shirley is survived by her four children: Valerie Owen (the late David), Cathy Jeffcoat, Vannise Gillilan (Donny), and Charles Jeffcoat Jr. (Uschi); her grandchildren Lauren Dye (Denny), Chase Owen, Amber Chentnik (Matt), Taylor Gresham (Joel), Karlie Jeffcoat (Justin), Austin Cooper (Venessa), Jake Gillilan (Lindsay), Kendall Gillilan, Charles Jeffcoat III, and Philip Jeffcoat; as well as a many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived many special nieces and nephews.
She will be remembered for her strength, and the kindness she shared with those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 3 at 2pm at Ward Wilson Memory Hill Cemetery.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. James Kenneth Hughes, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Dale Medical Center following an extended illness. He was 92 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Hughes will be held 2:00 P. M. Monday, June 1, 2026, from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Dennis Tew officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Monday from 1:00 P. M. until time for the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Hughes, Danny Hill, Weston Hughes, Kenny Hill, Lee Hughes and Lynn Hughes. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Hughes, Mark Anderws and Clay Hughes.
Mr. Hughes was born March 5, 1934 to the late Floyd Hughes and Georgia Mae Snell Hughes. James was a life-long resident of Dale County whose dedication to family, community, and country defined his life. He began his career in 1953 in the United States Air Force, where he served as an air frame and propulsion technician on the B-47 Stratojet. After his time in the Air Force, he continued his civilian service at Fort Rucker, retiring as Director of Quality Control for the Army Apache Attack Helicopter Program. During this time he also partnered with his brother, Sonny Hughes, farming and raising poultry in a family business. James retired from his position at Fort Rucker in 2000. After his retirement, James served twenty-seven years on the Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, James married his high school sweetheart, June Chancey Hughes in 1956. Together they built a family centered on faith, hard work, and love. Known affectionately by many as a man of integrity, generosity, and quiet strength, James leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication and love that will continue through the family and community that he cherished. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Sonny Hughes and Eugene Hughes.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, June Chancey Hughes; his children, Pam Hill (Danny) and Jim Hughes (Angie); his grandchildren, Weston Hughes, Kenny Hill (Kimber), and Emmalee Hughes; and his great granddaughter, Alice Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1124 County Road 11, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to The Gideons, P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Richard Craig Hamilton, known to family and friends as Craig, passed away on May 28, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 71.
He was born on April 19, 1955, in Helena, Montana, to Carrol and Minnie Hamilton and experienced his childhood as one of five siblings growing up in a military family. He lived all of his adult life in south Alabama. Craig was a quiet, kind, and easygoing man who devoted his life to serving others. His happiest moments were spent watching Alabama football, bass fishing, spending time with his family, or anything that involved being called “PawPaw”, which was his favorite role and the one that brough him the most joy.
Craig served his country in the US Army and the US Army Reserve. He was a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, an experience that reflected his sense of duty and commitment to something greater than himself. He was honored to receive The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement while serving as an aircraft armament repair staff sergeant in the 214th Aviation Regiment during Operation Desert Storm. That same spirit of service remained with him throughout his life and was evident in the way he treated others. He was dependable, respectful, and always willing to help where he could. Those who knew him will remember his gentle manner, his warm smile, and the calm presence he offered in both ordinary and difficult moments.
Early in his professional career, Craig served the members of his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT before pursuing nursing school. He then worked for more than 25 years as a nurse in memory care, serving patients at Wesley Place in Dothan and later at Ozark Health and Rehab in Ozark, Alabama. He was dearly loved by the patients and families he served as well as the colleagues he worked with. Craig was known for his consistent, reliable and steady presence, and many will remember the comfort he brought to those in his care.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hamilton, who shared in his life with love and companionship. He also leaves behind his son, Richard Hamilton of Springfield, IL and his stepson, Jimmy Gay (Tracy) Cottonwood. Craig was a proud grandfather to Jada Gay and Max Hamilton. He is also survived by his brother and sisters, Roy Hamilton (Janice, deceased) of Bradford, PA, Marcy Lee (Marvin) of Enterprise, AL, Cathy Ray (Eugene) of Daleville, AL and Patty Distasio (Joe) of Daleville, AL. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Carol Hamilton and Mrs. Minne Brendible Hamilton.
A celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11 am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Todd Butler officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Craig will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA…Mr. Adam Williams, a resident of Panama City, Florida (formerly of Ariton), died Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Panama City. He was 44.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Randy Adams and Pastor Tom Hartzog officiating. Burial will follow in Universalist Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Williams, the son of the late John Henry Williams III and Rita Nell Jones Williams, was born and raised in Ariton, a place he always carried in his heart. He spent most of his life in Ariton before making a new home in Panama City in 2020.
He worked as a painter, taking pride in his craft whether he was working on someone’s home or a commercial building. He had a steady hand, a strong work ethic, and a quiet way of making things better than he found them.
He was a devoted Alabama football fan who rarely missed a game, cheering on the Crimson Tide with the same passion he brought to everything he loved. He found peace at the beach, where he enjoyed the simple pleasure of being near the water. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family. Those moments—big and small—were what mattered most to him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Williams, and his great‑niece, Riley Sasser. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.
Surviving relatives include his three sons, Adam Williams, Callaway, Florida, Christian Williams and Jackson Williams, both of Cottonwood; two sisters, Rita Williams, Ozark and Shelia Williams (Michael Rhett), Brundidge; three brothers, Bobby Williams, Ariton, John Williams (Brandy) and Benjamin Williams, all of Ozark; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
