Sara Louise Sawyer, age 90, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 7, 1935, in Scranton, South Carolina, Sara was the daughter of Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer. During her childhood in Alma, Georgia, and Marianna, Florida, she developed a lifelong love of music and the arts. She was a gifted singer and talented musician who played both the saxophone and piano. She frequently performed at school assemblies and in theatrical productions, bringing joy to those who heard her.
Sara was a lifelong learner whose passion for education shaped both her career and the lives of countless students. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Troy University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. Never one to stop learning, she later earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Florida State University.
Sara enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning feature writer for the Dothan Eagle, where her gift for storytelling and writing earned recognition and respect. She later fulfilled her calling as an English professor, teaching English Composition and Literature at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas, and Pensacola Junior College in Pensacola, Florida. Her love of literature, language, and her students left a lasting impression on many. After retiring from teaching at age 65, Sara began a second career in real estate in Pensacola before eventually retiring to Dothan, Alabama.
Above all, Sara was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully shared that hope with her family, leading many of them to a personal faith in Christ. Her kindness, wisdom, prayers, and steadfast example will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Sara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Sara was especially devoted to her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “Magnificent 7.” She always made time for each of them, and her love for them was constant, personal, and unwavering. Her family will remember her for the way she listened, encouraged, and made each person feel seen and valued. Her home and her heart were open, and her presence brought comfort and strength to those around her.
Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander (Sandy) Sawyer and Margaret King Sawyer; her sisters, Sandra Rich and Kay Shaughnessy; and her nephew, Alan Wright and her neice, Debbie Hobbs.
She is survived by her brother, Aleclane King Sawyer (Nancy), her three children, Beth Taliaferro Bouchard, Dan W. Taliaferro, and Rosemarie Taliaferro Rich; and her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Bankston (Magnus Nordgren), Hanna Bankston, Andrew F.(Chip) Bouchard II, William Taliaferro II, Ward Taliaferro, Rachel Ridley (David), and Tara Rich. She also leaves behind beloved extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Sara’s life was one of faith, intellect, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on through her family, the many students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast faith.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Theresa Ann Berry, was born on September 24, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida, and passed away on July 27, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Theresa was the daughter of the late Junior Berry and Bernadette Berry. She is survived by her children, Scarlet Hernandez (Alex), Ashley Miller (Jamal), and Dustin Calloway (Kayla). Theresa also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren, Cheyenne, Jewel, Zachariah, Zaine, Aaliyah, Jaiden, and Cody, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She also leaves behind her siblings, David Berry, James Berry, Sr., (Sharon) and Patricia Redman; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Theresa was a graduate of Northview High School and graduated from Troy State University. Later in life, she achieved a double master’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Phoenix, an accomplishment that reflected her determination, discipline, and commitment to personal growth. Her educational journey was a testament to her perseverance and her belief in the value of learning.
Those who knew Theresa will remember her as creative and kind, two words that beautifully describe the way she lived and the way she loved. She had an appreciation for arts and crafts earlier in life, and she enjoyed items that reflected her distinctive taste, including Indian turquoise, leather pieces, blingy accents, and dream catchers. She had a style all her own, and she found joy in the things that spoke to her heart.
Theresa’s life was one of love, resilience, and devotion. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who knew her. To take a verse out of Theresa’s favorite book of the Bible, “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11am at St. Columba Catholic Church.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Lora Frances Barefield Bowman, a resident of Leesburg, Florida and formerly of Ozark, passed away Monday, July 27, 2026, at her home. She was 59 years old.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bowman will be 2:00 P. M. Monday, August 3, 2026, from New Hope Baptist Church with Reverend Daniel Huff, Reverend Daniel Kellum and Reverend Bob Hvarven officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church Monday from 1:00 P. M. until service time. Serving as pallbearers will be Ethan Barefield, Eric Barefield, Chris Barefield, Denny Faulk, Toby Oliver and DeWayne Hayes.
Mrs. Bowman was born May 21, 1967 in Kewanee, Illinois. She grew up in Dale County, Alabama and had lived in Florida for the past twenty-nine years. She always loved coming “home” to visit. Lora worked as a DJ at WORJ in Ozark and with WESP in Dothan. She worked as a Manager the restaurant business for over twenty-five years. Lora was a member of Bushnell Church of God where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also enjoyed crocheting, baking cakes for special occasions, gardening, and spending time with her family and her dogs. Lora was an avid Alabama fan. Lora was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Bozeman “Cliff” Barefield.
Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Terry Bowman of Leesburg, Florida; her mother, Carol Kitterman Barefield; her brother; Dan Barefield (Jackilyn) all of the Bertha Community; her in-laws, Rita and Dan Kellum, Timmy Bowman all of Bushnell, Florida, Tonya Oliver of Inverness, Florida, and Christy and Tony Ruby of Eustis, Florida; April Courtney of Zephyrhills, Florida and Allison Kindel of Webster, Florida; several nieces and nephews, Joey and Dianna Oliver of DeLand, Florida, Ethan Barefield of the Bertha Community, Erin Barefield of Dothan, Scotty Oliver (Shelly) and Toby Oliver all of Inverness, Florida, Haley Beavers of Orange City, Florida and Ashley Boose of Gainsville, Florida.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in her memory to New Hope Baptist Church, C/O Mr. Chuck Barefield, 4239 County Road 69, Skipperville, Alabama 36374.
Norman Romalius Williams, 93, a life-long resident of Houston County, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Southeast Health.
Norman was born March 9, 1933, in Dothan to the late Louis Alvin & Esther Schulman Williams. He lived in Dothan all of his life and was graduate of Dothan High School. Following graduation, he enlisted and proudly served 4 years in the United States Air Force. After his time in the service, he returned to Dothan and opened a service station, before going in business as a homebuilder. He was longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan.
He is preceded by his parents; his two brothers, Bill Williams, and Larry Williams.
He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Bobbie Williams; his son, Robert “Scott” Williams; his daughter, Tammie Lynn Dixon; his 6 grandchildren, Amber Holland Smith (Justin), Danielle Williams (Corey Lashley), Nathan Dixon, Tyler Williams, Paige Dixon, and Natalie Dixon; his 8 great-grandchildren, Holland Smith, Hudson Smith, Henley Smith, J.D. Williams, Jax Williams, J.T. Williams, Raylie Lashley, and Cooper Lashley; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to, Wiregrass Pets Rescue & Adoption Center, 2638 Hartford Highway, Dothan, AL 36301 or to, Wiregrass Area Food Bank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, AL 36303.
Glover Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mr. William Vaughn “Van” Weeks, a resident of Ozark, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his home. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services for Mr. Weeks will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 31, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Minister Roger Howell and Reverend Joe Underwood officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Friday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Farmer, Louis Camp, Steve Underwood, Mark Brown, Joe Turnbull and Mike Adams.
Mr. Weeks was born March 19, 1953 in Dale County, Alabama to the late K. W. Weeks and Virginia Myrl Willis Weeks. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1971 and attended Wallace Community College where he received certifications in Electrical and HV/AC. Van was employed with Ozark Nursing Home, Carroll Heating and Air, Ted’s Heating and Cooling, Michelin, Dale Medical Center and with Little Caesars in maintenance retiring after twenty-four years. Van also drove a bus for the Ozark City School System. He attended Ariton Church of Christ. Van enjoyed working in the yard, raising bees and processing honey, tinkering and piddling. He loved his dog, Clawdy and enjoyed feeding him ice cream and chocolate milk every day. Van is survived by many special friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Major Joseph Warsh Oatson, Jr. (United States Army), a resident of Ozark, passed away, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. He was 83 years old.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned for Major Oatson. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 311 James Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Major Oatson was born January 28, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Joseph Warsh Oatson, Sr. and Mishie Hilton Oatson. He was a 1962 graduate of DeSales High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Following high school, he received his Bachelors Degree in History from Eastern Kentucky University. This degree allowed Joe to begin his career in the United States Army as an officer. His basic training was in Fort Benning, Georgia and later he was shipped out to Vietnam. While in country, the Army was in desperate need of helicopter pilots. Joe returned to Fort Rucker where he learned to fly the UH1 Huey helicopter. Following his flight training, Joe returned to Vietnam to fly dust-off missions. He received two Purple Hearts during his time of service there. Joe was one of the first Cobra helicopter pilots in Vietnam. Bruce Randall was his mentor and one of the founders of the Medical EVAC. They were modern-day commandos. A book was written about his group called “Snake Driver/Cobras in Vietnam”. He was among the first SOG (Studies Observation Group) and also part of the 1st Calvary Division, United States Army in Vietnam. Joe was a warrior, a patriot and a hero.
Following his military service, he worked in several jobs including CSX Railroad in Baltimore, Maryland and settled with Bell Helicopter in Ozark. Joe was a Christian who taught Sunday School and loved to witness for Jesus. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Rebecca Anne Steilberg Oatson of Ozark; one son, Marcos Miranda (Jenny Hall) and one grandson, Michael Miranda, all of Pembroke Pines, Florida.
