Tammy Lynn Meyers, age 66, of Ashford, Alabama, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Ashford. She was born on September 1, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Tammy moved to Ashford from Kansas 20 years ago and built a life centered around the things she loved most—family, country living, and caring for others. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the peace of home.
A compassionate and hardworking woman, Tammy attended nursing school and became a registered nurse. She dedicated her career to caring for others and was known for her kind heart and willingness to help those in need. Even after becoming disabled, she faced life’s challenges with strength and determination.
Tammy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and partner. She treasured time with her family and took great pride in the relationships she built throughout her life. She was also an animal lover who found joy in the companionship of her cats and dogs.
She is survived by her significant other of 25 years, Steven Petersen; her daughter, Kimberly Knoerzer; her son, Steven Myers; and her beloved grandchildren.
Tammy will be remembered for her caring nature, devotion to her family, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A private celebration of life will be held to honor Tammy’s life.
Zona Gayle Cheshire of Taylor passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 91.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Chaplain Eddie Biss officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, beginning at 1:30 P.M. till service time.
She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Qualls, son Danny Masters (Shirley), grandchildren, Shanda Gilliam (Tra), Chris Lee (Carla), Lindsay Still (Garrett), great-grandchildren, Bradley Clements, Trenton Gilliam (Izzy), Landon Lee, Kaylin Lee, Asher Still, Layton Still, and great-great-grandchild, Danny Mack Clements.
Billy Bush Shellhouse, Sr., known to many simply as Billy, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 88.
He was born on October 6, 1937, in McRae, Georgia, and from the beginning of his life he carried the steady, hardworking spirit that would come to define him. Billy moved often during his years with the Army, and his first move took him to Virginia. Those early experiences helped shape a life marked by adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to serve wherever he was needed. He was a kind, faith-filled, and handy man who was known for his dependable nature and his generous heart.
Billy began his working life as a helicopter and aircraft mechanic in the Army. His skills and strong work ethic later led him to Fort Rucker, where he worked in the T-37 test unit. He was a true jack of all trades, and he had a gift for fixing, building, and improving whatever needed attention. He was the kind of man who could tinker with almost anything, and he used those abilities not only in his work, but also in the service of his family, his church, and his community. He even owned the Tasty Freeze in Headland, adding another chapter to a life filled with honest labor and practical service.
Billy’s faith was central to his life. He accepted Christ in a church in Texas, and that decision guided the rest of his days. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State, then moved to Texas, where he attended Theology School in Fort Worth and received his master’s in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later answered the call to ministry and served faithfully as a pastor. He pastored Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Enterprise, Alabama, for three years, then started Taylor Baptist Church in Dothan, where he served for three years as well. He also pastored Glenwood Hill Church in Macon, Georgia, for three years. His ministry reflected the same steady devotion that marked every part of his life, and he was cherished by those who heard his preaching and felt his care.
After retiring from ministry, Billy moved to Dothan and obtained his CDL in his late forties. He worked hard in that season of life too, and he never lost his appreciation for honest work. Mary often went with him on his hauls for three months out of the year, sharing in the road life and the memories that came with it. Even in retirement from truck driving, Billy remained active and engaged, and he continued attending Pathway Baptist Church, where his faith and fellowship remained important to him.
Billy loved God, country, and family. He was a devoted husband, a great provider, and a man who took pride in caring for those he loved. He and Mary shared 68 years of marriage, a testament to enduring love, commitment, and companionship. Together they built a life filled with faith, labor, and family devotion. His presence was a source of strength to those around him, and his quiet kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Shellhouse; his son, Billy Bush Shellhouse, Jr. (Mary K.) of Dothan; his daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Shellhouse of Midland City; his grandchildren, Cindy Shellhouse of Dothan and Donna Kilpatrick (Donovan) of Dothan; his step grandson, Wesley Hamann of Salt Lake City, Utah; his great-grandchildren, Kane Shellhouse and Adalynn Kilpatrick; and his sisters, Sarah Hall and Betty Holmes. He also leaves behind a host of friends and family who will remember him with love and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Shellhouse and Addie Free; his granddaughter, Amanda Shellhouse of Daleville; and his brothers, Webb Shellhouse, Jr., Fred Shellhouse, Ernest Shellhouse, and James Shellhouse.
Billy’s life was one of faith, service, and steadfast devotion. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his strong hands, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to the Lord. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the memories he created will continue to bless those who knew and loved him.
A private celebration of life will be held to honor Billy’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Taylor Baptist Church in his honor: 4156 Taylor Rd, Taylor, AL 36301.
Sara Thames Hughes of Elba, AL passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was 85 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise, AL with Minister Greg Hanchey officiating. Burial will follow in the Asbury Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The family will receive flowers, or memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Church of Christ Building Fund.
Sara was born on December 2, 1940, to the late James Oliver and Annie Pearl Bradley Thames. Sara was a member of Liberty Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as Secretary/Treasurer. In addition to her church involvement, Sara was a proud member of the Red Hatter’s Club and the Damascus Senior Center. These memberships brought her friendship, laughter, and many meaningful connections. Sara also found great pleasure in the simple joys of life. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and spending time outdoors, where she could appreciate the beauty around her. Watching the birds brought her peace and delight, especially hummingbirds. She loved to fish for hours at her place on the river in Steelefield Fish Camp in Vernon, FL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and the love of her life, Bobby Hughes; two brothers, Junior Thames and J.D. Thames; one sister Vernell Thames.
She is survived by one son, Ricky Hughes (Kim) of Elba, AL; one daughter, Phyllis Griswold (Reggie) of New Brockton, AL, seven grandchildren, Kenny Hughes (Jessica), Ashton Hughes, Cayla Register (T.J.), Brandon Griswold, Justin Griswold (Rachel), Darren Holden (Kirstin), and Jack Hughes; 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kenny Hughes, Brandon Griswold, Justin Griswold, Ashton Hughes, Clay Garner, TJ Register, Jack Hughes and Darren Holden.
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.net
Wilma Jean Story Gilliam, a resident of Avon, Alabama died peacefully Sunday, June 21, 2026, at her home. She was 90.
Jean was born October 23, 1935 in Charlotte, TN. At 18 years old, she married the love of her life, Jerry Mathis Gilliam. Together they spent many years relocating all over the country with Jerry’s job and finally moved to Dothan in 1972 for Jerry to succeed Mr. Red McGuirck as the president of the Colonial Bakery. After decades of raising children and supporting her husband, Jean went to nursing school and became a LPN, first working at Extendicare but spent the majority of her career at Dothan Pediatric Clinic as Dr. Barron’s nurse.
Jean enjoyed spending time as an Eastern Star, volunteering with The National Peanut Festival, and many years as a member of The Dothan Pilot Club. She was a devoted member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church as well as an annual donor to SEACT and The University of Alabama.
Jean will be remembered for her generous spirit, always looking her best, and loving her family and friends well. She enjoyed traveling the world, giving to others, watching Alabama football, and most importantly, spending time with her family. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she had a stocking for every person in her family hanging from her mantle every year.
Jean was cared for by such loving and devoted caregivers. The family expresses their gratitude to Ms. Betty, Ms. Hattie, Ms. Monica, and Joyce with Gentiva Hospice.
She is preceded in death by her parents Roger and Mabel Story of Charlotte, TN, her loving husband, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, her brother, Charles Story and his wife Wilma Story, her oldest son, Jerry Mathis Gilliam, Jr, and her grandson Dustin Colt Gilliam.
She is survived by her sisters: Sandra Fergueson (Carl) and Brenda Holder (Terry). Her daughter Pamela Leverette (Ben) and youngest son Steven Gilliam (Ashley). Her beloved daughter-in-law for many years: Jane Sunday (Rickey). Grandchildren: Jerry Mathis Gilliam III (Shanda), Ashley Leverette, Jessica Nichols (Adam), Judson Leverette (Hope), Sarah Kathryn Lyndall (Colby Mansman), and Mary Elizabeth Lyndall (Bull Milstead). Great grandchildren: Bradley Clements, Trenton Gilliam (Isabella), Banks Nichols, Weston Nichols, Cooper Milstead, Benjamin Leverette, and Lucy Grace Leverette. Jean had one Great-great grandchild: Danny Mack Clements. She had a great-granddaughter on the way, Charlotte Elizabeth Mansman as well as a great-great grandson due in November, Colton Gilliam. Jean was also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held in Cumberland Furnace, TN on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s honor can be made to The Dothan Pilot Club, The National Peanut Festival, or SEACT.
