James Glenn Gibson Jr., affectionately known as “Hoot” by those who knew him best, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on December 16, 1934, in Varnville, South Carolina, Hoot’s vibrant spirit and zest for life began to shine early on. He moved to Savannah, Georgia at the tender age of six, where he grew up and formed lifelong friendships before eventually settling at Whitehall Residence in Dothan, Alabama.
Hoot was a cherished family man, deeply devoted to his beloved wife of 53 years, Karen Gibson, until her passing. His love and legacy are carried on by his daughter, Gigi Schuyler, and her husband Dr. Robert Schuyler; his treasured granddaughters, Dr. Amelia Quinn Schuyler of Brimingham, AL and Gillian Marie Schuyler of Paris, France; and his sister-in-law, Ola Faye Rumpf. He was predeceased by his adored grandson, Carter James Schuyler, whose memory remained close to his heart always.
An active member of the St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA, Hoot’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both times of joy and hardship. He brought his strong work ethic and leadership to Hercules Incorporated, where he served as a Plant Shift Supervisor, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues through years of dedicated service.
Hoot’s personality was as colorful as the stories he would regale to anyone within earshot. He never met a stranger, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life was truly remarkable. His laughter and tales often found an appreciative audience, especially when influenced by his fondness for Dewar’s Scotch, which he enjoyed in good spirits.
A man of many passions, Hoot was a world-class skeet shooter, earning accolades and admiration in the sport. He was also a proud Master Mason and Shriner, dedicated to service and fraternity. His enthusiasm for life was matched by his love for golf, he could be found several times a week on the green, swinging with the same precision and focus that he brought to all his pursuits.
Hoot’s passing marks the end of an era filled with love, laughter, and the kind of adventures that could only belong to a man of his unique character. His memory will be a beacon of joy for those who had the privilege of knowing him. James Glenn Gibson Jr.’s story does not end here, for his spirit will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who cherished him for many tomorrows.
We would be remiss without acknowledging Hoot’s friends and caregivers: David and Jim Dennis and the staff of Whitehall Residence, Charlie Prater and Beverly Pool, Dr. Bill Bancroft, Vitas Hospice, Wiregrass HomeCare and friends of Nativity Episcopal Church.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Jessie Jackson O’Neal, affectionately known as Jessie to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born on March 21, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama, Jessie’s life was one of devotion, service, and love, traits that illuminated the lives of all who knew her.
Jessie’s early life in Dothan was filled with the warmth of a close-knit family. She was born to the late John Will Jackson and Jessie Beatrice Jackson and was the sister to her late brothers, John O. Jackson (Melba), Billy J. Jackson, Herbert V. Jackson, Henry G. Jackson, and Charles D. Jackson, Sr. (Frances). Despite the loss of her beloved family members, Jessie’s spirit remained unshaken as she continued to spread love and kindness to everyone she encountered.
Jessie and her late husband, Dr. Harry L. O’Neal, Jr’s love story led them to embark on a journey of adoption of their 3 loving daughters, Sandra Cundith (Tim), Erin Belinda Bethea, and Diana Brown. Together they built a getaway at Compass Lake to make memories with family and friends. Jessie’s legacy is carried on by her grandchildren, Brantley (Michael) Wood, Hayden Bethea, Maggie Bethea, and Justin Walding; her great-grandchild, Bracken Walding; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Jackson and Jeri Jackson. She is also survived by Ann Walden Jackson, who was like a sister to her. She was preceded in death not only by her husband and parents but also by her daughter, Diana Brown, who passed away on November 15, 2021. Jessie’s memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.
After graduating from Dothan High School in 1954, Jessie embarked on a career as a Civil Service Worker at Ft. Rucker, where she played a vital role in the Flight Board. Her professional journey later transitioned to working alongside her late husband, Dr. Harry L. O’Neal, Jr., as the administrator at O’Neal Chiropractic Life Center. It was there that her meticulous nature and unwavering support were truly appreciated.
Jessie’s life was a testament to her faith. A devout Christian, she was a pillar of the First Presbyterian Church in Dothan, Alabama. She maintained a cherished circle of Church family, family, work family, and community.
She developed a love for flowers and gardening from her mother, which reflected the beauty and care she brought into the world. Jessie’s talents extended to the piano, which she played with grace and joy. Her home was a hub of love, where she relished spending time with her family and friends. Friends and neighbors often remarked on the warmth that seemed to emanate from her doorstep – a testament to Jessie’s generous spirit and unwavering kindness. Her laughter filled every gathering, and her keen sense of humor could brighten the grayest of days.
Described by those who knew her as faith-filled, loving, and selfless, Jessie’s impact on the world was profound. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from her dedication to her family to her involvement in her church and community. She was a woman who put the needs of others before her own, and her presence was a source of strength and comfort to many.
A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, July 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Caleb Galloway officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church an hour prior to the service. Jessie will be laid to rest in the Memory Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Hayden Bethea, Gary Hughes, Britton Hughes, Chuck Jackson, Fred Hanners, and Will Hanners.
ARITON…Mrs. Doris Davis McCartha, a resident of Ariton, died late Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 87.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 18, 2025, in Stonebridge Church of God with Pastor Robin Bell and Reverend Floyd Ingram officiating. A eulogy will be given by her granddaughter, Tara Barlow. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. McCartha, daughter of the late Charles “Charlie” Davis and Birdie Hart Davis, was born and raised in the Pleasant Home Community of Covington County—a quiet place she always held dear to her heart. It was there, surrounded by the love of family and neighbors, that she learned the values of kindness, hard work, and deep faith that would guide her throughout her life.
In 1961, she moved to Ozark, beginning a new chapter that was filled with countless memories and moments of service to others. Twenty-five years ago, she settled in Ariton, where she spent the remainder of her days continuing to pour love into her family, her church, and everyone who crossed her path.
Mrs. McCartha was the kind of person who instinctively put others before herself—never needing recognition, never asking for anything in return. She was always ready with a listening ear, a comforting word, and often, a warm meal. Her kitchen was a haven, full of the smells and flavors that came straight from her heart. Whether she was cooking Sunday dinner or simply whipping up something for a friend in need, she used food as a way to bring people together and show her love.
Her faith was her foundation. As a devoted member of Stonebridge Church of God, she lived out the teachings she cherished, attending services faithfully and serving with quiet strength. She found peace in prayer and joy in fellowship, and her presence in the congregation was a steady source of warmth and encouragement to many.
Mrs. McCartha experienced heartbreak no parent ever wishes to endure. She was preceded in death by three of her children—Jerome McCartha, Jynell Cox, and Renee Posey—and her grandson, Joshua McCartha, her siblings, Geraldine Davis McCart Robins, Frances Davis Turner, James Milton Davis, and Mary Ellen Davis.
Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and generosity. To know her was to be blessed by her spirit—a quiet, steady kind of love that made you feel safe and seen. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of everyone she touched, and her memory will continue to bring comfort and inspiration for years to come.
Surviving relatives include her husband of seventy years, Perrie McCartha, Ariton; children, Perrie S. McCartha, Daleville, Donna Duke, Ozark, Todd McCartha (Lisa), Ozark, and Maria Jordan, Grand Ridge, Florida; grandchildren, Tara Barlow (Jonathan), Kendall Daniels (Anthony), Trevor Jordan, Jessica Duke, Nicholas Duke (Deanna), Charmane Carter, Courtney Carter, Kaitlyn Cox, Garrett Posey, and Savannah McCartha; a host of great-grandchildren and other relatives.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Perrie McCartha, Todd McCartha, Trevor Jordan, Joshua Senn, Taylor Senn, Jonathan Barlow, and Ashton Barlow.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Mr. Donald Lee Hyde, a resident of the Bertha Community of Dale County, died Friday, July 11, 2025, in Flowers Hospital. He was 74 years old.
A memorial service for Mr. Hyde will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from New Hope Baptist Church (4239 County Road 69 – Skipperville, Alabama 36374) with Chaplain Jonathan Smith officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.
Mr. Hyde was born March 24, 1951 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Robert Blake Hyde and Helen Virginia Duffee Hyde. Don graduated from Carroll High School in 1969 and married the love of his life, Sara Jane Enfinger. He enlisted in the Alabama National Guard where he served for several years. Don worked with General Telephone and retired following thirty years of service.
He also worked with the State of Alabama with the Water Shed Authority. Don enjoyed playing golf and loved following his son around the country to watch him play baseball.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Hyde Looney and one brother, Robert B. Hyde. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Sara Jane Enfinger Hyde of the Bertha Community; one son, Lee Hyde (Kristen) of Dothan; two grandsons, Parker Hyde and Grant Hyde also of Dothan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Mr. Chuck Barefield, 4239 County Road 69, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
Linda Thompson Sellers, age 78, of Columbia, Alabama, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Southeast Health.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a11:30 a.m. at Fowler Family Funeral Home (965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, AL) with Pastor Larry Elliott officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Linda was born on November 12, 1946, in Columbia, Alabama, to the late Stanton Alexander “S.A.” Thompson and Dorothy Lucille Herring Thompson. She graduated from Headland High School and began her working life at the local phone company. She later found her calling as a bus driver for the Henry County Board of Education, where she served faithfully for over 30 years before retiring in 2014.
She also volunteered with Haleburg Fire and Rescue, holding certifications in EVOC, CPR, and first aid, and served her community with pride and dedication.
Linda was a woman of deep faith. She was a member of Camp Springs Baptist Church in her early years and later a devoted member of Oakey Grove Baptist Church, where she shared her musical gifts by playing the piano. Coming from a large and musically talented family, she loved playing guitar and piano and singing with her loved ones. Together, they brought joy to many, performing at local venues including the Dupree School House in Ashford, Landmark Park, area nursing homes, and community events throughout the Wiregrass.
Her hobbies included sewing, crafting, bird watching, and cooking. She and her beloved husband Ronnie created a home full of love, laughter, and warmth, a place where the neighborhood kids always felt welcome.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Ronald “Ronnie” Sellers; her daughter, Rhonda Sellers Tomasino; her parents, Stanton and Dorothy Thompson; and her brother, Rodney “Rod” Thompson.
She is survived by her children Ronald Anderson “Ronnie” Sellers (Susan) of Washington State, Amanda McCullough Brackin of Columbia, Amy Sellers Shepard of Dothan, Son-in-law Christopher Tomasino of Webb; grandchildren Charles Jackson Flake (Shauntay) of South Carolina, Christopher Ronald Flake (Jordan) of South Carolina, Christopher James Sellers, Robert Anderson Sellers, and Abigail Patricia Sellers, all of Washington State, Baileigh Caroline Martin and Peyton Christian Martin, both of Dothan; great-grandchildren Sadie Quinn Flake, Shaun Flake, Patrick Flake, Jackson Flake, Ethan Flake, and Bobby Flake, all of South Carolina, nieces Stephanie Thompson Mezulic (Dennis) of Clute, Texas, Jessica Thompson Laskoskie (Frank) of Kemah, Texas, and their families She is also survived by numerous cousins and many cherished friends.
Linda will be remembered for her warm heart, musical spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community.
if you wish to send flowers please coordinate with House of Flowers 334-699-1800 as they are providing the family flowers.
Servanne Laura Weymouth White, age 70, of Newton, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Born April 16, 1955, in Florida, Servanne was the daughter of the late Richard Weymouth and Francoise Loyer Weymouth. She graduated from Bay County High School in 1973 and worked for many years as a talented seamstress.
Servanne had a deep love for the outdoors—she especially enjoyed hiking in the Smoky Mountains, relaxing at the beach, and spending time fishing. She was passionate about Alabama football and loved sewing, cross-stitching, canning, cooking, and making wreaths. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gregory Weymouth.
Survivors include her loving husband of 27 years, Thurman Lee White III; her son, Jeremy Hight (Daisy Strickland); daughters, Kathleen Singletary (Greg), Patricia White (William), and Jessica White; grandchildren, Gracelynn White, Andrew White, Fallyn Bowers, Gregory Singletary, Hayden Singletary, Jacob Strickland, and Hunter Strickland; and her brother, Eric Weymouth.
Servanne will be remembered for her creativity, her joyful spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her family.
Weymouth. She graduated from Bay County High School in 1973 and worked for many years as a talented seamstress.