Bessie Mae Lampley, a woman of love and faith, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at a New York hospital, at the age of 78. Born on August 4, 1947, Bessie’s life was a testament to the power of unwavering faith and the strength of familial bonds.
A memorial service will be held at 11 Am Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends form 10-11 in the chapel. Interment will follow in the Memory Hill Cemetery with Reverend Gene Mathews officiating. Ward Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bertha Mae and Willie Lee Lampley, and her dear sister, Carrie. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her daughter, Jessica; brother, Ray; grandson, Roderic; nephew, Eric; and a host of numerous cousins
Bessie grew up in Dothan, Alabama, a place that held her childhood memories and shaped her early years. Her journey led her to Deer Park, Long Island, where she would lay down roots and create a life filled with joy, music, and service. Those who knew Bessie would describe her as loving, kind, and faith filled. Bessie’s life was a living example of the biblical teachings she held so close to her heart, and she was a living embodiment of the virtues she practiced daily.
Her dedication to her work was only surpassed by her commitment to her faith. Bessie was a lifetime member of the Holiness Church, where she not only found spiritual solace but also a platform to share her passion for gospel singing. he found solace and joy in the melodies and messages of the gospel. Despite a stutter that challenged her in conversation, Bessie’s voice soared unfettered when she sang, a symbol of the miraculous power of faith and music to transcend earthly limitations.
As we bid farewell to Bessie May, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her.
Dorothy Holmes, known lovingly to many as Kay and Nanny, passed away on June 11, 2026, in Midland City, Alabama, at the age of 82. Born on December 29, 1943, in Elberta, Michigan, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, resilience, and deep love for her family and community.
Kay was a woman of strong character and steady purpose, and those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, kind, and loving. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was always centered on her children and grandchildren. She was a single mother to five boys and carried that responsibility with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. Throughout her life, she remained committed to caring for her family and making sure they were loved, supported, and guided by her example.
In 1975, Kay moved to Dothan, where she built a life rooted in hard work and service to others. She worked in accounting and later devoted many years to Bethlehem Baptist Daycare, where she remained until 2017. She loved all of the children there as if they were her own, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on the many little lives she helped nurture. Her work was more than a job to her. It was a calling, and she approached it with patience, warmth, and a sincere love for children.
Kay attended Wallace and carried the values of education, discipline, and perseverance throughout her life. She was also a faithful member of Rainbow Meadows and Pathway Baptist Church, where her strong belief in God was evident in the way she lived, served, and loved others. Her faith sustained her through life’s many seasons, and she was known as a woman who stood firm in her beliefs and trusted God with a steadfast heart.
She had many gifts and interests that brought joy to those around her. Kay loved reading and writing poetry, and she had a way with words that reflected both her tenderness and her strength. She was a great cook, and many will remember the comfort and care she showed through the meals she prepared. She also loved her dachshunds, Mia and Peanut, who brought her companionship and happiness. Above all, she treasured her family, especially her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she took great pride in each of their lives and accomplishments.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Holmes; as well as several siblings. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Sapp, Richard Sapp (Shirley), David Sapp, Shawn Sapp (Shelly), and Christopher Hodges (Jessica). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Timothy Sapp, Ashley Price (Drew), Savannah Sapp, Madison Cooper (Hunter), Bailey Buchanan (Tyler), Alex Sapp (Maura), Ethen Sapp (Erin), Miles Hodges, Lennon Hodges, and Rosemary Hodges. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Turner Kate Price, Collins Price, Andrew Price, Ryles Cooper, Kathleen Buchanan, Wyatt Buchanan, and Bellamy Sapp. She is also survived by two siblings and by two special sons, Danny Metcalf and Hasty Wiggins, who held a meaningful place in her heart.
Those who knew Kay will remember her as a fighter and a resilient woman who faced life with courage and dignity. She was often called Nanny, a name that reflected the warmth, comfort, and love she gave so freely. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught through her words, her work, and her example. She cared deeply for her children and loved them with a fierce and enduring love that shaped generations.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
William Gray James of Geneva, AL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his residence, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was 75.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
William was born on October 21, 1950 in Grove Hill, AL to the late Edward Earl and Lora Mae Creighton James. For many years he worked with Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation. He proudly served his country in the US Army/National Guard for several years. William was affectionately known as “Willie” by his friends and “Foots” by his work family. He exhibited the most loving and giving spirit that a man could possess. He gave of himself, no matter what it cost him. Many times, he gave money, food, clothing and anything he thought might lessen the burden of another human being. William devoted his life to his family through hard work, dedication and sharing the love of Jesus wherever he went. He was a faithful member of Maple Avenue Baptist Church in Geneva.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Adam Ryan James and one sister, Nancy McGhee.
William is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tonya R. James of Geneva, AL; one son, William Jeremy James and his wife, Rachel Marie James of Clayhatchee, AL; one granddaughter, Cassity James of Salipta, AL; one brother, Steve James of Georgetown, GA; a host of special nieces, nephews and extended family; loving and devoted friends, Danny and Linda McDuffie of Samson, AL.
OZARK…Mr. Justin Nichols, a resident of Ozark, died late Monday afternoon, June 8, 2026, at his home. He was 43.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2026, 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. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Justin was a native of Ozark, Alabama, and a 2000 graduate of Carroll High School. After finishing school, he spent several years living in Kentucky before eventually finding his way back home to Ozark, where his heart had always been. Over the years, he worked in maintenance at Wayne Farms in Jack, Alabama, a job that fit him well because he had always loved working with his hands.
Anyone who knew Justin knew how much he enjoyed riding and repairing motorcycles. Being a “mechanic” wasn’t just something he did — it was a part of who he was. He could take things apart, put them back together, and somehow make them run better than before. He found joy in fixing things, and even more joy in sharing that passion with the people around him.
Justin had a way of enjoying life that was simple and genuine. He loved spending time with his family, whether it was a quiet moment or a loud, laughter-filled gathering. His animals were also a big part of his world, and he cared for them with the same steady kindness he showed everyone else.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeffrey Wayne Whatley and David Andrew Whatley, as well as his brother‑in‑law, Jake Graves.
Surviving relatives include his children, Hailey Nicols, Taylor Nichols, Stella Nichols, Bella Athena Nichols, and Kaylin Nichols; his parents, Todd and Shelli Whatley, Ozark; sisters, Christine Perrone, Cullman, Alabama, Jennifer Cysewski (John), Ozark, Carmen Nichols, Croghan, New York, Ashely McDaniel (Patrick), Ozark, and Aubrey Dee Martin, Yreka, California; his brothers, Todd Whatley, Jr. (Andrea), Chesterfield, Michigan and Adam Zoltan (Sarah), Seattle, Washington; nieces and nephews, Jacob Graves, Jessica Graves, Jordan Graves, Austin Perrone, Ethan Perrone, Logan Cotton, Destin Dedrick, Abigail Whatley, Makinlyn Munn, and Adalyn Whatley; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
David Michael Davis, passed away on June 9, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 73, after losing a courageous battle with a brief illness.
Born on January 8, 1953, in Cameron, Texas, to Laura and David Jefferson Davis, Dave spent the early years of his life as an outgoing and loving son and brother. He excelled in academics and music, while serving as the drum major of his high school marching band, riding motorcycles and working alongside his father in construction. He adored his mother and learned a great deal about hard work from his father.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1972. He served in the military for over 20 years, a commitment that reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and devotion to something greater than himself. His service was an important part of his life, and it stood as a testament to his strength of character and steadfast nature. He served his country with courage during Operation Desert Storm. His career for the past two decades has been in offshore oilfield construction.
Dave lived in the Wiregrass Area since 1990, as a parishioner at St. John’s Catholic Church in Enterprise, then St. Columba in Dothan. An early riser, he sought out hard work and connected with people with ease. He gave selflessly and freely of his time, always eager to help a friend or neighbor. He was the kind of person that couldn’t walk by a piece of litter without picking it up or drive by someone on the side of the road without offering help.
Dave was a devoted husband to his wife of nearly 40 years, Dixie Edgmon Davis. Their marriage was one of enduring love, companionship, and shared memories that spanned nearly four decades. They were the proud parents of their daughter, Ashley Davis Sandlin who served as the light of their life. He and his son-in-law Daniel shared a deeply close friendship and bond, enjoying golf and football together. He adored his grandson Graeme and took on the role of “Pop” with the same enthusiasm and dedication he showed as a father. His family was at the center of his world, and he treasured the time they shared together. As a brother to eight, his identity has always been rooted in the love of his family. And as a brother-in-law and uncle to the Edgmon family, his devotion and support was unending.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Laura and David Davis, as well his sisters Helen, Shirley, Dorothy, Gail and Jannette. He is survived by his wife Dixie, daughter Ashley, son-in-law Daniel, and grandson Graeme Elliot. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth, (Donna) and Carl, sister Tommie (Don), and brother-in-law Oscar.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Dave will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m for visitation.
Dave Davis will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His life was one of service, friendship, and family, and his memory will remain a source of comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
