OZARK…Mrs. Esther Clapp Welch, a resident of Ozark, passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday evening, July 4, 2026. She was 91.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Scott Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Addition Cemetery in Eufaula. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Alabama Chapter, 500 Office Park Drive, Suite 221, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.
Mrs. Welch was a lifelong woman of faith, talent, and dedication whose life touched many people along the way. Born in Eufaula, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of the late Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp. Throughout her life, she embraced every chapter with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for others.
In her younger years, she made her home in Cottonton, Alabama, where she worked in the Photo Lab at Fort Benning. She later moved to Phenix City and turned her passion for creativity into a business, becoming the owner and operator of Originality Needle Works Shop in Columbus, Georgia. Her artistic gifts were evident in everything she did, and she took great pride in creating beautiful work that reflected her attention to detail and imagination.
Mrs. Welch eventually moved to Clermont, Florida, where she was employed by Disney World. Her warm personality and cheerful spirit made her a natural fit for bringing joy to others. After many years of hard work and service, she retired and, in 2005, settled in Ozark, Alabama, where she enjoyed being closer to family, friends, and her church community.
A woman blessed with remarkable talents, Mrs. Welch had a deep love for music and the arts. She was an accomplished artist and a gifted musician who could play the piano, organ, harp, and several other instruments. Music was a central part of her life and a way she expressed both her creativity and her faith. In addition to her instrumental abilities, she was a wonderful vocalist whose beautiful singing brought inspiration and comfort to those who heard her.
Her faith in God guided her throughout her life. As a devoted member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she was an active participant in the choir and found great joy in worship through music. In earlier years, she faithfully served her church by teaching Sunday school and playing the piano during services. She treasured the opportunity to share her faith with others and to use her talents in service to the Lord.
More than her accomplishments, Mrs. Welch will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was marked by creativity, faith, perseverance, and service. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her music, her faith, her artistry, and her unwavering love for those around her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas Welch; her parents, Franklin C. Clapp and Benita Bailey Clapp; and all of her siblings. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Surviving relatives include her children, Enoch Judge Sims (Canora), Ozark, David Hugh Sims (Lori), Helotus, Texas, John Jefferson Sims (Darlene), Cottonton, Alabama, and Dianne Elizabeth Smith, Pittsview, Alabama; eleven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Donald Henry Mellott, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Chipley, Florida, at the age of 70. Born on April 21, 1956, in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, he lived a life marked by hard work, quiet generosity, and a steady presence that brought comfort to those around him. He was a kind, friendly, and handy man whose practical nature and warm spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Donald spent much of his working life as a lineman, a profession that reflected his strength, reliability, and willingness to do difficult work without complaint. He took pride in being someone others could count on, and he carried that same dependable spirit into every part of his life. He also worked for Yellow Wood, where he continued to demonstrate the same strong work ethic and commitment that defined him throughout his career. Whether he was on the job or helping out at home, Donald approached each task with patience, skill, and a sense of purpose.
Outside of work, Donald found joy in simple, meaningful things. He loved to tinker, and he had a natural ability to fix, build, and improve whatever needed attention. He also enjoyed yardwork and took pride in caring for the spaces around him. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his mother’s garden and admiring her flowers, where he found peace and happiness in the beauty she had created. These interests reflected the gentle and thoughtful side of his personality, as well as his appreciation for the value of hard work and the comfort of familiar routines.
Donald was deeply connected to his family, and those bonds were an important part of his life. He is survived by his mother, Mary Richman, and preceded in death by his stepfather, Charlie Richman. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Sammy Mellott and Blair Jr. Mellott. He is survived by his brother, Bobby Mellott; his sister, Doris Cyr; and his nephews, Steven Mellott (Janet), and Michael Mellott (Dana). His family will remember him for the steady kindness he showed, the laughter he shared, and the way he made others feel welcome and valued.
A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on July 8, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be receiving friends an hour prior to the service. Donald will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
OZARK…With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Illa L. Fortier, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life was centered on faith, family, and love.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Whitman officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Illa was preceded in death by her parents, William Russell and Dicie Maloy; her siblings, James Carlos Russell, James Olin Russell, and Willene Brown; her children, Mary Glass and Jimmy Kirkland; and her son-in-law, Rocky Brock.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Robert J. Fortier, whom she adored and shared a lifetime of love with. She is also survived by her children, Diane (Lionel) Glass, Terri Brewington, Cassie (Gil) Cofresi, and Josh Fortier.
She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Patricia (Michael) Sutley, Alisha Glass, Brady Glass, Aubrey (Addie) Glass, LB (Abbi) Downing, Malik (Roxie) Delancey, Jalen Delancey, Alexa Cofresi, Dominic Cofresi, Alexander Fortier, Illa Fortier, and Helena Guinn-Fortier; along with 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren who were all a treasured part of her life.
Illa found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time working in her yard and tending to her garden, where her patience and care helped beautiful things grow. More than anything, she loved being surrounded by her family. Her children, grandchildren, and every generation that followed were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone who knew her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those who loved her forever.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so completely.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Walter Frank Lunsford passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his residence. He was 59 years old.
Frank was born on November 17, 1966, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Walter Raybon and Ruth Evelyn Lunsford.
Frank was a good man. He enjoyed fishing. He adored his “Lisa Jenny”. He was especially proud of his children. He always looked forward to Thursday night suppers with his family and getting to babysit Ava.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Sister June Tidwell officiating and Shelby Lett directing. The family will begin receiving friends at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa Lunsford; two sisters, Sharion Bowden (Tony) and Donna Veger (Mike); four children, Ryan Lunsford (Brianna), Alicia Lunsford (Loftin), Dillon Lunsford, and Drake Lunsford; three grandchildren, Ava Lunsford and two others; along with several nieces and nephews.
ASHFORD. . .Van Franklin “Wormie” Etheridge, a resident of Ashford, passed away Friday morning, July 3, 2026, at his home, with loved ones by his side. He was 73.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Greg Aman officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:00 A.M. Monday at the mortuary in Headland. Burial will follow in the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Pansey, Alabama.
Van Franklin Ethridge was born in Indiana, son of the late Tom Franklin Etheridge and Virginia McKinnon Etheridge. He was a graduate of Ashford High School. Van lived in Houston County, near Ashford, most of his adult lifetime. He was retired from Marley Construction Company (MCT) as a Superintendent and worked at several nuclear plant sites including Farley Nuclear Plant near Columbia. Van loved the outdoors including fishing and hunting. An avid NASCAR fan, Van was also a die-hard Alabama football fan and was always yelling “ROLL TIDE”. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Elaine Platz.
Surviving relatives include a sister, Robin Etheridge Conrad, Ashford; his former wife who was very special to him, Catherine Etheridge, Columbia; a step-daughter, Tiffany Thurman, a step-son, Brad Thurman; a step-grandson, Brayden Thurman; several nieces and nephews including three special nieces, Vanna Conrad (Chris Snell), Keely Conrad Pugh (Dustin), Samantha Jo Conrad (Michael Robinson), and several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Donnie Cosby, Jimmy Dupree, Terry Parker, Randy Underwood, Brad Thurman and Phillip Pelham.
The family would like to express their appreciation to ACG Hospice and especially Cassidy and Kiva for the loving care and kindness shown to Van during his illness.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
With heavy hearts, our family shares that our beloved mother, Judy Roland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the age of 81.
She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on her birthday and even in her final weeks, she spent more time worrying about our dad than herself. After 63 years of marriage, her greatest concern was always the people she loved—a testament to the selfless, compassionate woman she was.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Malvern Baptist Church with Rev. Hosea Parker officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Judy will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Malvern Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in honor of Judy’s life and legacy.
Born on June 11, 1945, in Houston County to Jasper Thomas and Bertha Griffin Pippin, Judy embodied the warmth, grace, and strength of the South. Her unwavering faith and deep devotion to her family were the foundation of her life. A dedicated employee of Van Heusen for many years, Judy was a loving wife, devoted mother, and adoring grandmother. Her kindness, compassion, and enduring love touched all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain etched in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Thomas Treadwell Pippin (Dot), Margie Owen (John), Delores Turner, and Emily Snellgrove; sisters-in-law, Betty Pippin and Annette Edmonson (Michael); brothers-in-law, David Pete Roland (Pat) and Jimmy Walden; and her son-in-law, David Cain.
Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Tommy F. Roland; her daughters, Kathi Cain, Vicky Marsh (Reggie), and Jennifer Brazzelle (Randall); her son, Thomas Roland (Bobbie); her cherished grandchildren, Crystal Girton (Jordan), Jennifer Newman (Jason), Robbie Cain (Ashley), Anna Himes (Zack), Justin Marsh (Alyssa), Emma Branch (Gavin Seay), Leighann Rinehart (Tim), Rachael Godwin (Tuck), Garrett Brazzelle (Lacee), Steven Brazzelle (Leah), Jackson Roland, and Caroline Roland; several beloved great-grandchildren; her brother, Phillip Pippin; her brothers-in-law: Johnny Walden, and Andy Turner; her sister-in-law, Libby Walden; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Judy devoted her life to caring for others, always putting the needs of her family before her own. She had a remarkable gift for making ordinary days feel special and creating lasting memories around her table and in her home. Her quiet strength, unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and unconditional love will continue to guide and inspire those who were blessed to know her.
While our hearts grieve her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is in the presence of her heavenly Father and has been joyfully reunited with those who went before her. Her beautiful legacy of faith, love, kindness, and family will live on through each life she touched.
