Hayes Funeral Home

12/14/2025

Clara E. Wise, affectionately known as Mrs. Tiny, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on December 13, 2025, in her home in Elba, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, D. K. Wise, her daughter Pamela Jan Clements, and her great-grandson Jeremy Speros.

Mrs. Tiny is survived by her children, Joan Clark and Therrell Wise, and her grandchildren, Robert Clark, Thomas Clark, Shanna Ballard, and Joe Ballard. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Amara Clark (Eden), Dakota Ballard (Garrett), Matthew Ballard (Mercedes), and Matthew Speros, as well as four great-great-grandsons.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Southern Care Hospice for the exceptional love, care, and support provided to Mrs. Tiny and the family during her final days. Clara was a gracious and kind woman who loved deeply and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

12/14/2025

12/13/2025

Sara Calhoun Donaldson, 88, of Enterprise, Alabama (and formerly of Elba, AL), passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Elba on October 15, 1937, Sara was the fifth of seven children to Charles Fitzhugh and Minnie Lee Clark Calhoun. She lived her entire life in Coffee County, graduating from Elba High School in 1955, where she was honored as homecoming queen her senior year. That same year, she married her soul mate, John William "Buck" Donaldson. They remained in Elba for their entire 46-year marriage and raised their three children.

Sara was a gifted and meticulous homemaker who took great pride in keeping an immaculate home and yard. Radiant and always impeccably dressed, she never left the house without her makeup, remaining beautiful in every season of her life. Yet, she was perhaps best known for her kitchen. Sara cooked the way Southern women have for generations by instinct, with love, and a steadfast belief that food could heal almost anything. Her legendary biscuits were rivaled only by her cakes. Her spirit will live on in every recipe shared and passed down. Her family takes comfort knowing she has simply gone ahead to prepare one more heavenly meal, no doubt dressed to the nines.

Sara is predeceased by her parents, Charles Fitzhugh Calhoun and Minnie Lee Clark Calhoun; her husband, John William "Buck" Donaldson; and all of her siblings: Charles Calhoun, Helen Calhoun Hamm, Fred Calhoun, Floyd Calhoun, Harold Calhoun, and Betty Calhoun Crook.

Sara is survived by her children: Bruce (Ale) Donaldson of Enterprise, AL; Cindy (Terry) Lawford of Elba, AL; and Sherrie (Daniel) Winarski of Inlet Beach, FL.



Sara is also survived by five grandchildren: Heather (Anthony) Strickland of Auburn, AL; Joshua (Kristin) Donaldson of Jacksonville, AL; Ashley (Chris) Lankenau of Dacula, GA; Adam Winarski of Big Rapids, MI; and John Donaldson of Enterprise, AL. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Christopher Lankenau, Kaden Lankenau, Addison Strickland, Elijah Donaldson, and Alyssa Donaldson.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Serenity South, Enterprise Health and Rehab, Enterprise Medical Center, and Enhabit Hospice for the exceptional care, love, and support Sara and her family received.

The family will receive friends and family at Hayes Funeral Home in Elba, AL, on Sunday, December 14th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Graveside service to follow at 3:00 p.m. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Elba, AL.

Sara will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is honored to serve the Donaldson family during this time of loss.

12/11/2025

Jerry Mack Bradshaw, age 74, of Elba, Alabama, departed this life on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. He is survived by his son, Jerry Jay (Tasha) Bradshaw of Elba, AL; his brother, Eddie Bradshaw of Samson, AL; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren and a host of extended family.

Graveside services will be held at New Brockton City Cemetery on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Derek Snellgrove officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at Hayes Funeral Home in Elba on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 1:40 PM.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is honored to serve the Bradshaw family during this time of remembrance.

12/02/2025

Carolyn Senn Colvin, born August 19, 1936, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on December 1, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. Graveside services will be held from Evergreen Cemetery on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM with Rev. Allen Richard officiating. Visitation will be at Hayes Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her children, Charlotte (Jackie) Windham and Ronnie (Teresa) Colvin. She was a proud grandmother to Jack (Melissa) Windham, Jill (Troy) Dunn, Jama (Benji) Hutchison, Joseph (Shelane) Colvin, Will (Elise) Davis, Jenny (Brian) Meadows, two bonus grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Larry) Hall, and her brother, Rodger (Wanda) Senn, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Odessa Parker Senn and Leroy Senn, as well as her brothers, Ralph, Roy Dean, Kenneth (Buddy), Hennon, and sisters, Mildred Senn, Dorothy Green, and her beloved husband, William Colvin.

Carolyn was a long-term resident of Serenity South, formerly Taylor Mill Oaks, and was known for her crocheting and crafting. She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the deep care she showed to her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Colvin family.

12/02/2025

Brenda Lynn Rothwell age 60, passed away Monday, December 1, 2025 at her home in Elba, Alabama. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home.

12/02/2025

Carolyn Colvin age 89, a resident of Elba, Alabama passed away Monday, December 1, 2025 at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home.

12/01/2025

Myra Parker Kelley, 89, of Elba, Alabama, departed this life on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Grand South Senior Living in Dothan.
Private graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Michael Woodham officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Elba First Baptist Church or Basin Baptist Church, reflecting Myra’s lifelong devotion to faith and community.
Survivors include: Son: Mark (Miyoko) Kelley of Birmingham, AL Granddaughter: Kaori (Walker) Amarilla-Philips of Birmingham, AL Sister: Patsy Goodson of Enterprise, AL Sister: Janice (Ken) Hall of Dothan, AL and numerous extended family members.
Myra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Kelley; her brothers, Robert Wesley (Martha) Parker and Freddie Lamar Parker; her sister, June (Bryan) Johnson and Brother-in-Law Jerry Goodson Sr..
Myra’s life was marked by devotion to her family, steadfast faith, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service that will continue to inspire her family and friends.
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Kelley family.

12/01/2025

Sherri Manning, 61, of Elba, Alabama, departed this life on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at her home in Elba. Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM from Elba First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Billy James officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at Elba First Assembly of God Church.



Survivors include Husband: Johnny Manning of Elba, AL, Son: Shawn Michael Smart of Plainfield, IN, Daughter: Kasey Manning of Elba, AL, Son: Derrick Kyle (Lyn) Manning of Ocean Springs, MS, Daughter: Hannah Amanda Manning of Montgomery, AL, 12 Grandchildren, Brother - Mark Smart, Warner Robins, GA, Sister - Jackie Stinson, Elba, AL, Mother-in-law - Faye Manning, Elba, AL, Daughter-in-law - Wendy Manning, Elba, AL, Brother-in-law - Dennis (Catina) Manning, Elba, AL, Brother-in-law - Michael (Evelyn) Manning, Elba, AL.

Sherri’s life was defined by her devotion to family and her steadfast faith. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend whose kindness and strength touched all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and in the community, she cherished as part of the class of 1982.

Preceded in death by Father - Jack Smart, Mother - Donna Wilcox Smart, Father-In-Law - Johnny Ed Manning.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Manning family.

11/30/2025

Myra Parker Kelley age 89, a resident of Elba, Alabama, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Grand South Senior Living facility in Dothan, Alabama. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home.

11/30/2025

Ms. Sherri Smart Manning 61 of Elba, AL passed away peacefully at home this evening. Services will be announced by Hayes Funeral Home and Cremations .