Vernell Pardue Smith
November 4, 2018
Vernell, 91, went to her heavenly home Tuesday morning, October 30, 2018, at her home in Cantonment, Florida, peacefully, with her loving daughter and caregiver, Betty, at her side.
She was born May 20, 1927, in Cullman, Alabama to William David Pardue and Zelma Mae Day Pardue. She lost her mother to tuberculosis when she was only 4 years old and was extremely close to her older sister Ruth and baby sister Maxine as a result. Later, at the young age of 16, and near the end of World War II she became a “Rosie the Riveter”, welding on Liberty ships in Portland Oregon. She worked in the date fields in Indio, California and traveled the country as a Navy wife. Nell was an amazing seamstress. She sewed for her children, not always needing a pattern. She crocheted and made several keepsake afghans and quilts that will be forever treasured. She crafted stuffed bunnies and bears and delighted in dressing them just so.
Nell was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who adored being with family and friends. She was an excellent cook and she especially loved holidays. She had a playful side that was enjoyed by all. She loved coffee and could drink it all day, even on the hottest days. She and her husband, Glenn, loved to camp in their motorhome and did so until he passed in 1992 leaving a tremendous hole in her heart. She was his bride and his baby.
Life has a way of throwing curves and Nell faced her share of heartache but her family is so grateful God allowed them to have her for so many years. They know she is whole again and having many glorious reunions in heaven today. This eases the terrible loss they feel but they know she is happy and they will see her again.
Nell was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 23 years, Hosie Glenn Smith; the fathers of her children, Emmett Wesley Nail, Jr. and Ervin George Gardner, Jr.; her baby son, George David Gardner; her sister, Ruth Pardue Alverson (Alfred); her brothers, Eddie Pardue, McDuffy Pardue, Junior Pardue, Donald Pardue, James Pardue, Ollie Pardue, and Wendall Pardue.
She is survived by her daughters, Betty Jean Nail and Janet Lavern Gardner Enfinger (Adrian) of Cantonment, Florida, and Zelma Diane Gardner Blackman (Larry) of Valparaiso, Florida; eight grandchildren, Karen Hatcher (Larry), Darlene Holmes (Russ), Linda Tatum (Andy), Larry Blackman, Jr., Ryan Blackman (Lisa), Travis Blackman (Hilda), Alicia Janell Doran (Jerry), and Kari Morrison (Ryan); 11 great-grandchildren, Justin Hatcher (Lindsey), Katelyn Hatcher, Jared
Tatum, Brandon Tatum, Kayla Tatum, Heather Verhaagh (Nick), Alyssa Cook (Chris), Elizabeth Blackman, Bennett Blackman, Brianna Blackman, and Ethan Morrison; and three great-great-grandchildren, Easton Verhaagh, Henry Verhaagh, and Ryker Cook; four sisters, Maxine Oliver (Carl) of Cullman, Alabama, Linda Faye Taylor of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gail Ragsdale (Boyce) of Wetumpka, Alabama, and Connie Milam (Roy) of Childersburg, Alabama; three brothers, Jerrell Pardue of Westover, Alabama, Eddie Pardue (Pat) of Harpersville, Alabama, and Joe Pardue (Diane) of Childersburg, Alabama and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services were held Friday, November 2, 2018, in the Chapel of Faith Chapel Funeral Home North in Cantonment, Florida.
Pallbearers were Larry Hatcher, Andy Tatum, Justin Hatcher, Jared Tatum, Chris Cook, Ryan Morrison, and Jerry Doran.
Honorary pallbearers were Larry Blackman, Jr., Ryan Blackman, Travis Blackman, Bennett Blackman, Brandon Tatum, Ethan Morrison, Jerrell Pardue, Joe Pardue, and Eddie Pardue.
The family would like to give a very special thank you to Regency Hospice and especially Heather, Erika, Tammy, Whitney, Darlene, Tony, Diane, Debra, Carolyn, Elise, and Pastor Ricky for their loving care and compassion shown to all during these difficult days.
In lieu of flowers donations in Nell’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Florida or Regency Hospice.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Time Change: Fall Back, Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries
November 3, 2018
Don’t forget to “fall back” and set your clocks back one hour night before heading off to bed Saturday night as daylight saving time comes to an end.
(Curious about the year-round daylight saving time? Click here for an earlier story.)
Escambia Fire Rescue is also reminding residents that it’s time to make another potentially life saving change — replace the batteries in your smoke alarm.
“Most home fire fatalities occur overnight when most families are sleeping,” according to Escambia Fire Rescue. “Changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and performing other maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk and a working smoke alarm can give the extra seconds needed to get out safely.”
In addition to checking smoke alarms, residents should plan “two ways out” and practice escape routes with the entire family. Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.
Each year more than 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. The majority of these deaths are a result of unattended cooking. It is strongly recommended that someone always be present when cooking on top of the stove and that smoke alarms be located properly and in working order. Test the smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least every six months.
For more information about fire safety, Escambia County Fire Rescue at 475-5530 or visit www.myescambia.com. For information about obtaining a home smoke alarm call 850-595-HERO (4376).
Woman Critically Injured In Cantonment House Fire
November 3, 2018
A woman was critically injured in a house fire Friday night in Cantonment.
The fire in the 2500 block Portobella Place, just south of East Kingsfield Road, was reported about 8 p.m. Firefighters pulled the woman from the burning home.
The woman was transported by Escambia County EMS in critical condition to Sacred Heart Hospital due to smoke inhalation. An update on her condition was not available.
The home was heavily damaged by fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Trafficking Fentanyl, Meth, Heroin, Cocaine
November 3, 2018
An Escambia County man is facing multiple drug and weapons charges.
Jerrel Lamar Leverette, 36, was charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, possession of controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, keeping a public nuisance structure for drug activity and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $25,000 bond.
His arrest came after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant in the 800 block of South Madison Drive.
During the search, narcotics officers found 3,418.2 grams of methamphetamine, 682.5 grams of heroin and Fentanyl, 35.2 grams of cocaine, seven hydrocodone pills, one AR015 style rifle and a handgun, and more than $9,400 in cash, according to the sheriff’s office.
Blue Angels Impress At Homecoming Show (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2018
The Blue Angels annual Homecoming Air Show on board Naval Air Station Pensacola will continue on Saturday.
Scheduled to perform are the Stearman Flight Team and Doc Serrato in his T-28C Trojan. Adam Baker will fly his Extra 330 to thrill the crowd, and Skip Stewart will pilot his Prometheus Biplane. The show will feature an F-22 Raptor demonstration from Langley Air Force base and a USAF Heritage Flight. Chris Darnell will drive the world’s fastest jet powered truck “Shockwave” at more than 300 miles per hour, and Keith Sayers and the Freestyle Motocross Team will perform amazing stunts.
Dozens of military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays will include a variety of aircraft ranging from the present-day, state-of-the-art fighters to aircraft from the 1930s.
Gates open at 8 a.m. and admission and parking are free.
Pictured: Friday’s airshow at NAS Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Early Voting Ends Today
November 3, 2018
Today is the last day of early voting for the November 6 General Election. A total of nine sites will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the county:
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street
- Molino Community Center, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- Mobile Hwy/Pine Forest Rd Early Voting Center, 6675 Pine Forest Road
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street
- University of West Florida, Building 90, Campus Lane
On Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to verify their Election Day polling location by checking their Voter Information Card, sample ballot, the Where Do I Vote? feature on EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting us by phone or e-mail prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date. Voters may track the status of their mail ballot at EscambiaVotes.com.
Chiefs Dominate Freeport, Head To Playoffs
November 3, 2018
The Northview Chiefs are headed to the playoffs with a winning season record.
The Chiefs wrapped up a winning regular season on the road with a 49-21 win over Freeport Friday night.
Northview jumped out to a 21-7 lead by the end of the first quarter, and doubled their advantage to a commanding 42-7 lead at the half.
The Chiefs (6-4) will host a playoff matchup next against Graceville.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Super Saturday Forecast
November 3, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 73. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Tate Aggies Beat Elba (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2018
The Tate Aggies ended their season with a 42-35 Senior Night win over the Tigers of Elba, AL.
Elba took the first score of the ballgame at Pete Gindl Stadium, but the Aggies answered about 30 seconds later for a 7-7 tie at the end of the first. The Aggies held a 21-14 advantage at halftime and went on to score 21 in the third.
The Tate Aggies finished their season at 3-7, 1-2 in the district.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Finals
November 3, 2018
Here are Friday night high school football scores from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Tate 42, Elba 35 [Read more...]
- Northview 49, Freeport 21 [Read more...]
- Jay 44, Lighthouse Christian 16
- West Florida 35, Washington 14
- Pine Forest 27, Milton 0
- Escambia 19, PHS 14
- Pace 37, Pensacola Catholic 30
- Gulf Breeze 49, Gadsden County 6
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy 45, Coosa Valley Academy 14
- Southern Choctaw 26, Flomaton 21
- T.R. Miller 14, W.S. Neal 12
- Escambia County (Atmore) 14, Marion 0 (Thursday)