Claude Sidney Smith, Sr.
May 28, 2026
Claude Sidney Smith, Sr., age 71, of Century, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026 at his home. Born on January 3, 1955, in Anahuac, Texas, Claude was a man who deeply loved his family, the outdoors, and the simple joys of life. He spent many years working as a Correctional Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he dedicated himself faithfully to his work and responsibilities. He also had other various jobs throughout his life.
Claude was known for his love of hunting, fishing, farming, and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed raising birds and racing pigeons, and he had a lifelong passion for animals. He also loved horseback riding, attending auction and estate sales, and collecting unique treasures over the years. Those who knew him understood that if there was an activity happening around him, Claude was likely involved and giving it his all. He competed in many types of arena activities and was known for his hardworking spirit and determination. Above all else, Claude loved his family. He cherished the time spent with those closest to him and leaves behind many treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Smith and Matilda Shockley Smith; brother-in-law Butch Lambeth.
Claude is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Cheryl Smith of Century, Florida; his son, Claude Sidney Smith Jr. (Andrea) of Old Town, Florida, and their children Lorelei, Bailey, and Carter; daughters, Natalie Kidd of Allentown, Florida, and Monica Kidd of Bratt, Florida and her children Blaine, and Bionca; brothers, Clarence Smith of Pensacola, Florida, and Clinton Smith (Carrin) of Tallahassee, Florida; sisters, Clara Covan Gulsby of Byrneville, Florida, Teresa Lambeth of Flomaton, Alabama, and Claudia Williams (Tommy) of Berrydale, Florida; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC with Reverend Mitch Herring officiating.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Though he may be gone from our sight, the memories he created, the love he shared, and the life he lived will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Ida Nette Cooper Franklin
May 28, 2026
Ida Nette Cooper Franklin, 92 of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after battling a lengthy illness. Born in Canoe, AL to parents Albert Preston Cooper and Viola Ray Cooper.
Nette (Nana) was known for her kindness and was a loving Wife, Mother, and Nana. She had a passion for painting her vision on canvas and spending time with family. She loved to cook and all the Grandchildren looked forward to her signature dish of Chicken and Dumplings.
Her faith and family were an important part of her life. She loved when everyone was able to get together and play card games around the kitchen table. Of course, if a John Wayne or Elvis Presley movie was on television she was ready to watch. Elvis was her favorite all time singer, attending several of his shows.
Even after her lengthy battle with dementia and struggles to communicate, Nette (Nana) never forgot the words “I Love You.”
Nette enjoyed working different interesting occupations at Monsanto, Gayfers, and her time at WXBM Radio.
She is preceded in death by her Parents, Son-Steve Mathis, Son-Buddy Franklin, Grandson- K.J. Groff Jr, and all but one of her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her husband of over 45 years Cecil Franklin, Daughters, Diane Kuykendall (Doug), Sandy Erb (Bob), and Kaye Antone (Ronnie). She is survived by one sister Mary Young. Nana’s legacy will continue with 13 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, and 6 Great Great Grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Flannigan officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery Atmore, AL at 12:30 p.m.
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 21, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 21, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
Wayne Edward Lowrey
May 21, 2026
Wayne Edward Lowrey, of Atmore, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026.
Born on January 4, 1947, in Atmore, AL., Wayne was the son of the late Robert Lowrey and Mildred Lowrey.
Wayne was a Christian, hardworking, loyal, devoted man and loving brother who took immense pride in his family. He was married to the love of his life, Nellie Sue Jones Lowrey, for more than 57 wonderful years. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and unwavering commitment to one another and to their children.
Wayne dedicated more than 35 years of his career to Monsanto and retired as an ECO. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet leadership. In addition to his career, Wayne proudly served in the Army National Guard for many years and also served his community as an auxiliary officer with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Wayne loved fishing and spending time in his work shed. He was a dedicated supporter of youth athletics and spent many years coaching and volunteering with Little League baseball at Myrtle Grove Ballpark. Through his coaching and volunteering he positively impacted countless young athletes and was a proud supporter of the Myrtle Grove Ballpark.
He was an avid fan of Auburn University athletics and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Auburn Tigers. Wayne was known for his loyalty, his quick wit, and his wonderful sense of humor, which brought laughter and joy to those around him. Whether fishing, working in his shed, coaching at the ballpark, or spending time with family, he approached life with integrity, generosity, and a heart full of love.
Those who knew Wayne will remember him as a deeply loyal friend, a loving husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose word could always be trusted. He was steady, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family.
Wayne is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Nellie Sue Jones Lowrey of Pensacola; son, Ray Lowrey (Haley Lowrey and Sophia Jones Lowrey, and great-grandson Daxton Lett); daughter, Tammy Ridgley (Troy Ridgley and their sons Elias Ridgley and Maximus Ridgley); sister, Jan Kennedy; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of loyalty, hard work, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
WAR EAGLE
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:6
Opal Jeanette Wells
May 21, 2026
Opal Jeanette Wells, lovingly known as Jeanette, Momma, and Memaw, passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born on February 5th, 1938 in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Adolph and Daisy Lee Shields. Opal Jeanette was raised with strong values that shaped her into a woman of compassion, strength, and unwavering biblical love for her family and all of those around her. She was the gold standard of wife, mother, sister, and friend. Opal Jeanette married the love of her life, John A. Wells Jr., and their marriage, so full of adventure, lasted nearly 6 decades before the passing of John. It was a true testament to commitment, partnership, and enduring love. John preceded her in death in 2016 and her beloved son Kevin in 2021. Opal Jeanette longed to be reunited with the both of them. They were a family built on faith, love, and devotion.
In addition to her husband, parents, and son, Opal Jeanette was preceded in death by her siblings: Rudolph Shields, Raydolph Shields, and Annette Lawrence. She is survived by grandchildren, Hunter and Colby Wells; sister, Juliette Amendolare; brother, Randy Shields; and daughter-in-love, Sabrina Wells.
She was a proud grandmother to Hunter Wells and Colby Wells, whose lives will carry on her loving legacy. She dedicated all her adult years as a homemaker and part-time employee of American Greeting Cards. From her legendary biscuits n’ chocolate, savory dinners, bandaging boo boos, catching fish, and the wealth of quality time she gave to her family, words do not suffice to describe the impact this woman had on our lives. As Eric Church said, she loves us like Jesus does.
A woman of deep faith, Opal Jeanette was a devoted member of Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church where she found great comfort, fellowship, and spiritual strength in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her kindness, patience, and the biblical love she freely shared with others.
Opal Jeanette will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother. Though she will be deeply missed her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband John and son Kevin and is resting in eternal peace.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21st at Faith Chapel North with Brother Gerald Manning from Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 2pm and service will follow at 3pm. There will not be a graveside service following.
James Quinn Burrus (‘Jimmy’)
May 21, 2026
James Quinn Burrus, lovingly known as “Jimmy,” was born September 25, 1958, in Pensacola to Robert and Janice Burrus. He passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Pensacola after losing his hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jimmy was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful servant of God, and respected member of his community. He shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Sylvia D. Burrus.
He was a proud graduate of Pine Forrest High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, Jimmy answered to call to serve his country by joining the United States Army in 1977. He faithfully served for ten years and was honorably discharged in 1987 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After his military service, Jimmy dedicated 25 years of hard work as a warehouse manager for Haverty’s Furniture. Beyond his career, he poured his heart into mentoring and coaching youth baseball, softball, and football at Bellview Ball Park for many years. His influence on the young people in his community will not be forgotten.
Jimmy enjoyed golfing and bowling, above all else he cherished his family. The love he had for them was immeasurable and evident in everything he did. A God-fearing man who deeply loved Jesus Christ, Jimmy was a faithful member of Marcus Point Baptist Church for more than 20 years. He lived his life as a selfless servant to God, his family, and his community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Janice Burrus; his sister, Marian Burrus; his son, James Burrus; and Grandson, Rashee Ross.
Jimmy leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Sylvia Burrus; his children, Kristal L. Burrus, Michael A. Burrus (Sarah), and Michelle A. McCastle (John); 11 grandchildren; I great-grandchild; 5 siblings; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
His legacy of faith, love, strength, and service will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him. He will forever be our hero.
Tanner Ray Bailey
May 19, 2026
Tanner Ray Bailey, 22, of Barrineau Park, Florida, passed away suddenly on May 9, 2026, as the result of a car accident. He was taken far too soon, leaving behind a community of people whose lives were made richer simply by knowing him.
Tanner was born on December 20, 2003, in Barrineau Park. It was in this community that Tanner grew into the young man he was – grounded, warm-hearted, and always close to the people he loved. He attended school locally, where he built the friendships that would remain dear to him throughout his life.
Tanner had a simple and genuine way about him. He could be found fishing, riding ATVs with his friends at Boggs and Boulders, spending time with the people he loved, or lending a hand to his grandparents whenever they needed him. He took pride in showing up for the people he cared about.
He is survived by his mother, Michelle Voorhees; his father, Dan Bailey; his grandparents, Kenneth and Regina Voorhees; his uncle and aunt, Corey and Sarah Voorhees; his cousins; his beloved son, Kason, who will carry Tanner’s spirit forward; and a wide circle of friends who will miss him deeply.
The honorary pallbearers are Dathan Church, Hunter Cain, Zachary Stanton, Chandler Rogers, Cole Caldwell, and Kaleb Pace.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel North, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come celebrate his life and offer their support for those who loved him most.
Tanner Ray Bailey – gone too young, but never forgotten.
James Ray Dunlap
May 17, 2026
James Ray Dunlap, of Cantonment, FL, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on March 30, 1942, in Milton, FL to Otha James and Dollie Mae Dunlap. Ray attended Milton High School, class of 1960. His early career started as a local radio DJ and he later went to work at Air Products. However, he was more widely known as an exceptional and leading salesman (mostly appliances) for Sears for many years. Following this, he went on to work with Washington Mutual/Citi Financial, valet parking with West Florida Hospital and even returned to sales with Barrows Furniture before officially retiring. He also returned to the airwaves hosting the Sunday morning radio program from Olive Baptist Church.
Ray was known for his caring nature, his voice on air as a disc jockey, and his relentless sense of humor. Ray loved all things outdoors including various forms of fishing, bird watching, yardwork/gardening or just riding his golf cart. But most of all, he loved spending time with family.
Ray is survived by his sister Charlotte Brainard (Phil), sons David (Vicki), Jay (Dannielle), and Kevin (Mandy), grandchildren Katharine, Amber, Emily, TJ, Olivia, and Chase, and great grandson Kayce. He was preceded in death by his parents Otha and Dollie Dunlap and sister Betty Harrington.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Gonzalez Methodist Church. The family will receive visitors from 4-5pm followed by the celebration service. Arrangements will be made through Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home.
Joseph Michael ‘Mike’ Nevels
May 16, 2026
Joseph Michael “Mike” Nevels, age 78, of Jay, Florida, went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mike was born in Elba, Alabama, on November 30, 1947, to James and Claudine Nevels. In 1956, the Prescott family moved his family to Jay, where he grew up and graduated from Jay High School with the Class of 1966. Following graduation, Mike proudly answered the call of duty and voluntarily joined the U.S. Army, serving with honor in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive (1967-1968).
On June 2, 1967, he married the love of his life, Kay. Following his military service, the couple permanently settled in Jay, Florida, to build their life and raise their family. Mike was a highly skilled Master Electrician, dedicating 33 years of hard work and expertise to Exxon at the Jay plant and off-shore until his well-deserved retirement in April 2008.
Mike loved his family deeply, both immediate and extended. He was fiercely devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren, and was a constant pillar of support for his many brothers and sisters. Everyone in the community knew that if they called Mike for help, he would drop everything to be there. This servant’s heart extended to his faith; Mike was a dedicated member of the Jay First Baptist Church for 46 years, where he spent countless hours contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of the church buildings and grounds.
Fishing has always been Mike’s passion even when he was little and he and his brothers Patton and Obie would walk to the river bridge to haul a mess of fish back to the house. After retiring, Mike found great joy in the simple pleasures of life and continued fishing whenever he could along the Escambia & Tensaw River with Obie and his brother-in-law Kenneth. He also cherished his afternoons and summer days spent making memories with Joseph and Holley James after school. He did his absolute best to take care of everyone around him, leaving a legacy as the toughest, most dependable man his family ever knew.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James and Claudine Nevels; his two sisters, Willigem Crocker and Betty Ates; and his beloved daughter, Kimberly Kay Nevels.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Kay Nevels; his daughter, Melinda (Brian) Johnson; his son, James Michael Nevels; six grandchildren, Mary (Robby) Yant, Austin (Courtney) Sapp, Karrie (Tyler) Hutchcraft, Brody (Bentley) Johnson, Joseph Michael Nevels, and Holley James Nevels; three great-grandchildren, with a fourth expected blessing due in October; four sisters, Mary Dean Donaldson, Totsye Nevels, Jeanne Pepper, and Gwen Golden; three brothers, Patton (Sandy) Nevels, Obie (Reta) Nevels, and Marty (Delaine) Nevels; along with a large, loving network of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Pallbearers are: Obie Nevels, James Michael Nevels, Brian Johnson, Derrek Nevels, Austin Sapp, Brody Johnson.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Joseph Michael Nevels, Patton Nevels, Marty Nevels, Kenneth McPherson, Wilbur Moran and Bob Holland.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Jay First Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Jay First Baptist Church with burial immediately following at Jay Cemetery. Jay Funeral Chapel is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in honor of “daddy’s little girl,” Kimberly.