Hayes Funeral Home

04/27/2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Judy Carol Downs (nee Turner), 78, of Elba, AL, announces the tragic, unexpected loss of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on April 24, 2026, due to injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident.

Born on October 16, 1947 in Athens, AL, Judy was known for her unwavering faith, beautiful smile, tremendous work ethic, compassion and pure joy she emanated to everyone she met. She dedicated 40+ years to work in government service, was an active volunteer in her community and church devoting much time teaching children through Sunday school and vacation bible school. She had a passion for work in missions, operating as Women’s Missions President for 3 years at her church and completed international mission trips to China and Nicaragua. A devoted wife, loving mother and doting grand- and great-grandmother, her sudden passing leaves a void that can never be filled.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Terry, children Jeff Downs (of Alabaster, AL) and Ginger Kurmann (of Pace, FL), grandchildren Brett and Braelyn Downs, Kyle and Jacob Kurmann and Emily Wiggins, great-granddaughter Blaire Wiggins, and sisters Dorothy Fogg and Peggy Looney. She was preceded in death by brothers David and Jerry Turner.

A faithful and passionate servant of God, Judy loved and lived every moment she was given to make a difference for His glory until God called her home.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Enterprise, AL on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 with visitation at 12:30, funeral at 2:00 pm with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Elba, AL.
Hayes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Downs family during this time.

04/26/2026

https://www.hayesfuneralhome.net/obituary/judy-downs

Mrs. Judy Downs, age 78 of Elba, Alabama, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home of Elba.

04/26/2026

Johnnie B. Smith age 77, a resident of Opp, Alabama passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 at his home. Funeral services will be held from Hayes Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, April 27, 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dorman Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Level Community Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Hayes Funeral Home on Monday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM
Mr. Smith leaves behind his Son - Brandon Smith, and Daughter-in-law - April Smith, of Elba, AL, Son - Patrick Brent Smith, and Daughter-in-law - Holly Smith of Kinsey, AL, Brother - Donald Smith, Ino, AL, Sister - Judy Linzey, Opp, AL, Sister - Joyce Jackson, Opp, AL, Sister - Bonnie Nelson, Kinston, AL, along with Grandson - Jacob Smith, Elba, AL, Grandson - Cody Lambert, Andalusia, AL, and Granddaughter - Angel Brooks of Opp, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Ennis Smith, by his parents, Pearlie and John D. Smith, along with two brothers, Roy and Charles Smith.
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Smith family.

04/26/2026

Jewellan Friend age 74, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Elba Health and Rehabilitation Center in Elba, Alabama. Arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home.

04/26/2026

Shirley Ruth Adams age 84, a resident of Opp, Alabama passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her daughter's home in Opp. In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter - Betty Ruth Moncrief, Opp, AL, daughter - Cathy Kinney (Ira), Gainesville, FL, along with sisters, Hazel Weeks, Opp, AL, and Sue Lacey, Gautier, MS, and by a brother, Johhny Earl Adams of Winterhaven, Florida. She is also survived by grandchildren, John Harbin (Debbie), Justin Harbin (Sam), Tifani White (Eric), Falon Reddish (Steve), Shanna Ray (Frankie) and Sarah Gillen, along with several great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Ms. Adams was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Lesley Adams, by a daughter, Nita Reddish, a grandson, Brian Gillen, along with siblings, Hubert, Winston, and Hayward Adams, and Ann Johnson.

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

04/25/2026

Judith Lavern Eastburn 84 of Elba, AL departed this life Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her residence. In accordance with her wishes no services are planned at this time.
Survivors include: Son - Donnie Huckaby, Elba, AL, Daughter - Cindy Shuck, Daleville, AL, Son - Jeff Huckaby, Phoenix, AZ,
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Eastburn family.

04/25/2026

Mr. Johnnie B. Smith, age 77 of Opp, Alabama, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at his residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home of Elba.

04/23/2026

Dwain Rhoades, age 74, a lifelong resident of Kinston, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. Funeral services will be held at Hayes Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 25, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with Rev. Joe Farris officiating. Burial will follow at Rhoades Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at Hayes Funeral Home on Saturday from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM. The family requests the omission of flowers and asks that memorials be made to the Rhoades Cemetery Fund, c/o LeJune Davis, 3044 Hwy 189, Kinston, Alabama 36453.
Dwain’s story is one rooted in humility, hard work, and a deep connection to the land and people he loved. A proud graduate of Kinston High School, he carried the values of his upbringing into every chapter of his life. Not long after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, answering the call to serve during the Vietnam War. He fulfilled his duty with honor, courage, and steadfast resolve yet he never sought praise or recognition. His service was simply something he believed needed to be done.
Upon returning home, Dwain pursued his education at Troy State University, earning his bachelor’s degree. Though he appreciated the opportunities his education provided, he soon discovered that his greatest satisfaction came from working with his hands. He became a skilled home builder, known for craftsmanship that stood the test of time. Many families continue to enjoy the homes he built, unaware that the quiet, hardworking man behind the hammer poured pride into every board and nail. But it was farming that truly captured Dwain’s heart. The farm was where he felt closest to God’s creation, where the rhythm of planting, tending, and harvesting brought him peace and purpose. He found solace in the early mornings, the smell of freshly turned soil, and the satisfaction of watching a crop grow under his care. Farming allowed him to carry forward a family legacy, one built on perseverance, gratitude, and faith.
Dwain was happiest behind the wheel of his old Ford truck or tinkering with older tractors, coaxing life back into machines that had seen better days. He had a gift for making things work, whether it was equipment, a building project, or simply the challenges of everyday life. Those who knew him remember a genuine friend, a steady presence, and a man whose love for his family was evident in everything he did.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward with pride. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Skinner Rhoades, Kinston, AL, sons, Dustin Rhoades, Kinston, AL, and Don (Sarah) Rhoades, Guyton, GA, along with a grandson, Riley Rhoades, Guyton, GA, and a granddaughter, Lainey Rhoades of Kinston, AL. He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Jimmie Rhoades and Margaret Rhoades, both of Kinston, Alabama, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. His grandchildren, in particular, were a source of joy and hope for him, reminders of the future he worked so hard to help build.
Mr. Rhoades was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and O.V. Rhoades, and by two brothers, Larry Edward Rhoades and James C. “Jim” Rhoades. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is honored to serve the Rhoades family.

04/23/2026

Mrs. Judy Eastburn, age 84 of Elba, Alabama, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her residence. Arrangements will be announced upon completion by Hayes Funeral Home of Elba.

04/20/2026

Mary Nell Morrow Bass, 92, of New Brockton, Alabama, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Hayes Funeral Home, with Pastor Adam Carlee officiating. Interment will follow at Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Damascus Baptist Church, 774 County Road 547, Elba, Alabama.

Nell, as she was known to all who loved her, lived a life defined by sweetness, tenderness, and an unshakeable love for her family and her God.

Nell’s kitchen was the heart of her home, and her cooking was one of the most beloved expressions of her love. She poured herself into every meal, and the people around her table knew it. That same tenderness carried into everything she did, from the way she spoke to the way she listened, and it was rare to spend any time with Nell without being called her “angel.”

Nell’s trust in God was deep-rooted and unwavering, the kind of faith that steadied her in hard seasons and filled her with gratitude in good ones. She was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, and those who knew her saw that faith lived out in her gentleness, her grace, and the way she genuinely cared for the people around her.

Nell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Bass; her parents, Hubert and Sara Morrow; her brothers, Wildon Morrow, Doyle Morrow, and Dan Morrow; her son Keith Bass and daughter-in-law Sharon Bass; her daughter Debbie Freeman and son-in-law Art Freeman; and her grandson Craig Bass.

She is survived by her sons, Don Bass (Fely) of Hammond, Louisiana, and Ted Bass of New Brockton, Alabama; her daughters, Brenda Howard (Rick) of Enterprise, Alabama, and Sara McMahan (Rick) of New Brockton, Alabama; two sisters, Frances Bradshaw of Elba, Alabama, and Jo McDowell of Jackson, Alabama; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, with one precious new arrival expected on May 4th; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Enhabit Hospice of Enterprise for the extraordinary love and care shown to their mother in her final days.

Special thanks go to Nell’s devoted caregivers, each one an “angel” she would have said herself - Libby, Lakeveya, Tiffany, Britni, Veronica, Sarah, and Pastor Adam Carlee. The family also extends their warmest gratitude to a very special caregiver, Cutrena Williams, another one of Nell’s “angels,” whose kindness and dedication were a true blessing to Nell and to the whole family.

04/20/2026

Funeral service for Mrs. Nell Gilmer

04/20/2026

Ms. Mary Nell Bass 92 of New Brockton, Alabama passed away Sunday morning at her home. Funeral services will be announced upon completion.