Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. George Edward “Eddie” Whitehead III, a resident of the Bertha Community, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, leaving behind family and friends that will forever cherish his memory. He was 57 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Whitehead will be 2:00 P. M. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Shiloh Word Fellowship, 3498 State Highway 10, Clio, Alabama 36017. (Five miles East of Blue Springs) with Reverend Buddy Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Thursday at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon.
Eddie served the City of Ozark for 28 years as a Fire Fighter and Paramedic. He loved his job and the people that he served. After retiring in 2019, he picked up his hobby of fishing. He took his love of fishing and people to become a fishing guide at Lake Eufaula. He was an outdoorsman at heart. Eddie Shared his love of hunting and fishing with his two children. He was a devoted Christian, husband and father. His children were his whole world. Eddie was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, George Edward “Ed” and Mildred Whitehead.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Shannon Lott Whitehead; son, Preston Whitehead; daughter, Shelby Whitehead; father, Edd Whitehead; mother, Sue Snellgrove Adams; brother, Scott Whitehead; mother-in-law, Rita Lott and father-in-law, Mack Lott; brother-in-law, Frankie Lott; sister-in-law, Lauran Lott; nephew, Will Lott; and niece, Lee Lott. Numerous step-brothers, step-sisters, half-brothers and half-sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and other nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in his memory to Shiloh Word of Fellowship Church, C/O Mrs. Winelle Teal, 141 Pacific Street, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
Mrs. Carla Jo McNeal Burkett, age 61, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Southeast Hospital.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00am on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Dowdey officiating. Burial will follow in the Memphis Baptist Church Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00am until 10:00am prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease, P.O. Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187 or https://pkdcure.org/give/
Mrs. Carla was born on January 4, 1965, to the late Carlson Bird and Joanne Hicks McNeal. Born and raised in Dothan, she graduated from Northview High School in 1983. Mrs. Carla worked at Jeffers Pet, Equine, & Livestock for thirty-one years. While working at Jeffers, she met the love of her life, Bobby, in 1991 and they married in October 1993. She was currently employed at Summerford Pallet Company, where she has worked for four years. Mrs. Carla loved to craft, sew, and watch America’s Got Talent with her grandchildren. She put her heart into everything she did. She loved her family and was most proud of her children and grandchildren. She attended Church of the Crossing.
Mrs. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Benny McNeal.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Bobby Burkett; sons, Stuart Tate (April) and Bryan Tate; grandchildren, Weston Tate, Cash Tate, JoJo Tate, Bird Tate, and baby Turner on the way.
Serving as pallbearers will be James Snellgrove, Clay Sellers, Michael Mullins, John Paul Miller, Johnny Shelley, and Andy Wood.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Irving “Chip” Smith Jr., age 61, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on August 24, 2026. Born on June 12, 1965, Chip lived a life that was marked by warmth, personality, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was loving, friendly, and spirited, and he carried those qualities with him throughout his life. Chip was truly a character in the best sense of the word, and his presence brought smiles, laughter, and comfort to many.
Chip loved working at Larry’s BBQ restaurant, where he found joy in being part of a place that suited his personality and allowed him to connect with others in a meaningful way. He took pride in his work and enjoyed the routine, the people, and the familiar atmosphere that became such an important part of his life. His time there reflected the dependable and affectionate nature that made him so memorable. He was known for his kind heart and his ability to brighten a room simply by being in it.
He also had a deep love for Auburn football and Braves baseball. These interests were a source of excitement and enjoyment for him, and he followed them with enthusiasm. Whether cheering on Auburn or keeping up with the Braves, Chip found happiness in the traditions and energy of the games he loved. These passions were part of what made him uniquely himself, and they gave those around him another way to share in his joy.
Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Irving Smith, Sr. and Anne Smith, and by his sister, Hollie (Angel) Batiz, and his brother in law, Lynn Verzwyvelt. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life, and the bond of family was always an important part of who he was.
He is survived by his siblings, Sandra Verzwyvelt, Carole Gant and her husband Billy, Susan Eldredge, and Missy England and her husband David. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will remember him with affection and gratitude. His family will forever treasure the love, laughter, and special moments they shared with him over the years.
The family would like to extend special thanks to ACG Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided to Chip and his loved ones. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort during a difficult time, and their presence was deeply appreciated.
Chip’s life was one of simple joys, deep affection, and enduring family ties. He will be remembered for his loving nature, his friendly spirit, and the happiness he brought to those around him. Though his passing leaves a great emptiness, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be missed dearly and remembered always with love.
Johnnie Gerome Johnson, born November 5, 1954, in Newville, Alabama, passed away on August 15, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
Johnnie lived a life marked by love, devotion, and quiet strength. She was a cherished daughter, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a treasured sister, and a proud grandmother whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. Throughout her life, she carried herself with grace and warmth, and she touched the hearts of many through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast spirit.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Johnson, Sr., by her parents, Samuel and Johnnie Belle Akins, and her sister, Patricia Corbitt. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she honored them by the way she cared for her family and lived each day with faith and purpose. Her legacy is one of devotion to those she loved and a life well lived in service to family and community.
Johnnie is survived by her loving sister, Annie B. Willis, her sons, Robert Johnson, Jr. and his wife Kim, and Revarr Johnson. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jaden Johnson, Jordyn Johnson, and Matthew Todd. Her family circle also includes her great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will remember her with deep affection. She is also lovingly remembered by her special friend, Janice Cannon, whose companionship was a meaningful part of her life.
A hardworking and dependable woman, Johnnie spent much of her career serving in the workplaces where she was known and respected. She worked at Warners, later at Movie Gallery, and then at Swedish Match. In each place, she was valued not only for her work ethic but also for the kindness and steady presence she brought to those around her. Her dedication and reliability reflected the strong character that defined her life.
Faith was an important part of Johnnie’s journey, and she attended North Highland Baptist Church in Dothan. Her connection to her church community was a source of strength and fellowship, and her life reflected the values of compassion and devotion that she held dear. She found comfort in her faith and in the relationships she built through it.
Johnnie also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved watching her shows, hosting gatherings, and cooking for family and friends. Her home was often a place of welcome, laughter, and good food, and she took great pride in bringing people together. She was known as a devoted wife, loving sister, and mother whose nurturing spirit extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Though her earthly journey has ended, the love Johnnie shared remains a lasting gift to her family and friends. Her life was rich with meaning, and her influence will be felt for generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love and gratitude.
A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, August 28, 2026 at North Highland Baptist Church with Rev. James Harvey officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 10am until 11am on Friday. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Charlotte Ann Cost Higginbotham, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, with her loved ones by her side. She was 81 years old.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Higginbotham will be held at a later date. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Charlotte was born July 22, 1945 to Morris and Sara Cost. She was a life-long resident of Florida until retiring from Ameripath/Quest Laboratories after over twenty years and moving to Alabama. Charlotte was loved and cherished by family and friends, always the one to offer help, comfort and friendship with a sincere smile and a loving heart.
She is survived by one daughter, Tina Rolston; two brothers, Wayne Cost (Dean) and Jim Cost (Miriam); two granddaughters, Sarah Johnson and Ashley Phillips; four great granddaughters, Maddy Desin, Jaedyn Kemprowski, Lily Phillips and Cassidy Thomason; and one great-great grandson, Maddox Desin. God speed our sweet angel, always loved and forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorials be made in her memory to Community Hospice, 368 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Sara Judith “Judy” Mitchell, 87, of Slocomb, passed away on August 22, 2026, at Hartford Healthcare.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb. Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Judy was born on March 20, 1939, in Birmingham to the late Hiram and Ruth Leonard. She played the piano and organ for her church. Judy graduated from Troy University, where she earned her master’s degree in education. After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by her daughter, Julianne Mitchell Stern, and sister, Susan Martin.
She is survived by her son, James Austin Mitchell, Jr. (Debra); grandchildren, James Anthony Mitchell (Courtney), Callie Ray Stern, and Richard Edward Stern II; great-grandchild, Theadora Stern; and sister, Karen Houge.
Judy will be remembered for her love of music, education, family, and the many memories she created throughout her life.
Mrs. Carla Jo McNeal Burkett, age 61, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Southeast Hospital.
