Rosanne “Rose” Day Johnston of Geneva passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was 63 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held privately by her family at a later date.
Rose was born in Andalusia, AL on July 14, 1961, to the late Andrew Jack and Clara Evelyn Jordan Day. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She was an avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoyed her flower gardens, planting, harvesting, canning and preserving fruits and vegetables and watching her family enjoy the bounty. Rose was never scared of hard work and believed in providing for her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Day.
Rose is survived by six children, Donna Antolik (Ian) of Geneva, AL, Kelly Mathis (Trevor) of Midland City, AL. Angela Mitchell (Reggie) of Hartford, AL, Christie Tucker, Daniele Johnston and Daniel Johnston, Jr., all of Geneva, AL; 14 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, a number of special brothers and sisters; her husband and companion, John Medley, also survives.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
DALEVILLE…Mr. William Alan Riley, a resident of Daleville, died early Thursday evening, July 17, 2025, at his home. He was 49.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matt Sasser officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Riley was a native of Dothan, Alabama, where he graduated from Dothan High School in the class of 1993. He spent much of his life in and around the place he called home, building a legacy of craftsmanship, kindness, and deep faith. For years, he owned and operated Aquariums by Will, a business that reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and his love for nature. He took great pride in his work, and anyone who ever stepped into his shop knew they were dealing with someone who truly cared about what he was doing.
Beyond work, Will was a man of many passions. He had a true talent for woodworking—he could take a simple piece of wood and turn it into something beautiful and lasting. He was most at peace when he was outdoors, soaking up the sunlight and the fresh air, especially down by the river. The calm of the water and the quiet moments in nature brought him joy and reminded him of God’s creation.
More than anything, Will loved his family. He was a devoted grandfather who lit up when spending time with his grandsons, teaching them how to fix things, showing them how to build, sharing life lessons, and patiently answering every curious question they asked. Watching them grow and guiding them with love gave him a deep sense of purpose.
His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything he did. It was evident in the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the way he faced both the good and hard times. That strength carried him through life’s toughest moments, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jacob Wade Smith, in 2024. Though that pain never left him, Will remained steadfast in his faith and continued to pour love into those around him.
Will Riley will be remembered not just for the things he did, but for the way he made people feel—welcomed, valued, and cared for, especially his loving wife, whom he adored, Rosie.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Rosie Serna, Daleville; his children, Kaylin Cureton (Kyle), Sable Riley, all of Dothan, Corporal United States Marine Corps, Anthony Nash (Anya), San Diego, California, Isabell Nash, Daleville, and Krista Bogert, Enterprise; his mother, Ellice Lord (Larry), Dothan; three sisters, Maggie Lord, Dothan, Mindy Terryn (Raymond), Miami, Florida, and Lanice Riley, Jacksonville, Florida; step-sister, Amy Lord, Dothan; six grandchildren, Carson Alan Cureton, Carter Cureton, Liam Wood, Ellis Riley, Marcus Nash, and Kynleigh Cureton; aunts, Donna Snyder and Denise Johnston; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
ABBEVILLE… Roy Lee Daniels, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at a Dothan Hospital. He was 77.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend James Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the First Baptist Missionary Church in Shorterville, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Daniels was born in Abbeville, Alabama to the late Mitchell Daniels, Sr. and Mary Alice Daniel Daniels. In his earlier years he lived in Abbeville, Alabama, but moved to New York, New York in 1969, and lived there until moving back to Abbeville, Alabama in 2005. While in New York, he worked with UCP as a bus driver for the disabled. He was a member of the First Baptist Missionary Church in Shorterville, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Oza Dell Daniels; his sisters, Willie Reece, Johnnie Mag Lewis and Eva Mae Daniels; and his brothers Johnny Daniels, Frank Daniels, Horace Daniels, and Bennie Daniels.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his children, Michael Daniels, Johnny Daniels, Victoria Daniels, Valerie Daniels, Crystal Daniels, Roy Daniels, Jr., Monique Daniels, Alicia Daniels, Deidre Daniels, Sharon Daniels, and Faith Daniels; his sister, Betty Daniels; his brother, Mitchell Daniels, Jr. (Lynn); his several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley Hays Guess, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on July 17, 2025, in Cottonwood, Alabama, after an extended illness. Born on December 1, 1950, in Troy, Alabama, Shirley’s early years set the foundation for a life characterized by hard work, boundless generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Shirley’s journey through life was marked by her dedication to her family and her career in the textile industry. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she took great pride in her ability to provide for her loved ones while building a community of friends and colleagues across Alabama. Despite the demands of her career, Shirley never missed an opportunity to be there for those she cared about, embodying the very essence of a people person.
Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her existence. Shirley was the cherished mother of Benji Grier and his wife Sabrina, and Brenda Towler and her husband David. She was a doting grandmother to Amanda Harper, Jay Grier, Carolina Walker, Kaytlyn Grier, and Timothy Tatum, and her joy multiplied with the arrival of each of her eleven great-grandchildren. She was the rock of her family, a constant source of strength and comfort, leaving a legacy of love that will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
Shirley’s life was shaped by the joy she found in the simple acts of giving and caring for others. Her selfless nature was evident in everything she did, from the meals she prepared with love to the time she devoted to listening and offering words of encouragement. Her generosity extended beyond her family; Shirley was always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear to friends and strangers alike.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce Guess, her son, Barry “Cowboy” Grier, and her parents, Morris and Lillie Mae Jordan Hays. Shirley’s memory will be carried forward by the countless lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.
Shirley’s character could be summed up in three words: loving, selfless, and generous. Her spirit of giving knew no bounds, and she left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. The absence of her presence will be felt deeply, but her impact will continue to inspire those she has left behind.
As we bid farewell to Shirley, we celebrate the extraordinary life she led and the immeasurable love she shared. Her legacy of caring and generosity will continue to resonate through the generations, and her memory will be treasured always. Shirley Hays Guess was more than just a name; she was a blessing to all, and her story will be recounted with admiration and love for years to come.
Coy “Gordon” Walker, of Dothan, Alabama went to his heavenly home in the early morning hours on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was blessed with 89 years on this Earthly home to spend with friends and family.
Gordon and his wife, Glenda Cook Walker, shared 67 years of marriage. Together they built a life for themselves and their three daughters: Sheila Barfield (Rickey / predeceased), Denise Beatty (Brad), and Pam Hall (Tim), who will always treasure his memory and carry on the faith and generosity their daddy showed.
As time passed and his family grew, he took on a new and cherished role as “PaPa” and boy, did he love his grandchildren and great-grands! They loved playing with PaPa and he could make the best silly faces they had ever seen. Joy is the only word to describe the times they spent with him. He had six grandchildren including: Tiffany Tomaino (Anthony), Tammy McCall (David), Daniel Smothers (Kelsey), David Barfield (Janet), Tabitha Wallace (Brian), Tina Thomley (Colby) along with 15 great-grandchildren. What a blessing of God!
Gordon joined the military at a young age and became an awesome sailor in the U. S. Navy. Throughout his career he showed dedication, hard work, patriotism, and love for our great country so much so that he was honored as “Sailor of the Year”. He retired while serving on the USS Lexington in Pensacola in 1974. The decision to retire came as a bittersweet moment for him, as he cherished and was proud to serve this great nation. Upon retiring, he and his family returned to Dothan, Alabama and he began a new adventure. Gordon and Glenda soon opened Walker’s Barber Shop. The business grew quickly and became more than a job for him as he made friends, gave advice, and helped those who needed a hand up. Each customer was always greeted with his infectious smile and the children with bubble gum; even the children getting off the school bus in the afternoon came in for their daily bubble gum “fix”.
Gordon was definitely a “handy man” and could fix just about anything. He loved fishing, classic cars, and working in the yards. His favorite thing to do was to tell others about his Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was faithful to him throughout his life and he wanted others to know and experience his faithful Father and Friend. He was generous in praying with others, giving his testimony and helping others when they were in need. If he were here today, he would tell you, the reader, that Jesus loves you. He would continue by saying, “I love you, too.” So, today, know that no matter what you are facing, God loves you and he can be your Father and your Friend too.
While the family cherishes their friends and family, they have chosen to celebrate the homegoing of their husband, father, and PaPa privately and no services will be held. No need to be sad because Gordon is at peace and is in the most beautiful place, with Jesus. May we keep our lamps lit and be ready to join him when the time comes.
Donations to honor Gordon’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ May we never forget those who serve our country.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Mary Helen Grant Gearhart, a former resident of Ozark, passed away Monday, July 7, 2025. She was 93 years old. The family will receive friends at the Holman Funeral Home in Ozark Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Private interment will be in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Mrs. Gearhart was born September 12, 1931 in Ozark, Alabama to the late Lee Roy Grant and Prillie Hines Grant. She graduated from high school in Ozark and began work with Civil Service at Fort Rucker. Later she continued her work with Civil Service and retired as a Contractor with the Department of Defense. Helen met and married Donald Eugene Gearhart while he was serving in the United States Army stationed at Fort Rucker. They made their home in California where they lived until his death. She then lived with her son and later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to be with her daughter. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Pamela Gearhart Cooper; her sister, Martha Levelle Grant Bryant; and one niece, Susan Bryant. Survivors include one daughter, Valerie J. Andersen of Las Vegas, Nevada; and one son, Wesley Gearhart of Fernley, Nevada; ten grandchildren, James McGill, Joshua Duhon (Lua), Caitlyn Cooper, Jennah Cooper, Nicole Andersen, Samantha Gearhart, Kristen Logan (Kolby), Jason Andersen, Stephen Andersen (Brynley) and Christopher Andersen (Julia). Nine great grandchildren and seven nieces also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
