Herminia Emely Dawson
February 22, 2023
Herminia Emely Dawson was born March 20, 1951, and she ran to the Lord’s arms Sunday, February 19, 2023. She loved her family, and everyone she encountered, in the name of the Lord. She set a beautiful example of love through serving family and community.
Herminia Emely Dawson is preceded in death by her parents Eduardo & Margarita Palacios and beloved husband of 17 years, Tommy Dawson. She is survived by her sisters: Rosario Perez, Margarita Palacios, Juanita Palacios; brothers: Abel Palacios, Eduardo Palacios, and Pedro Palacios (Carol); four children: daughter Jaquelin Lister and sons: Carlos (Jacksubelly) Valarezo, Rick (Melissa) Valarezo, and Michael Valarezo; twelve grandchildren: Carlos, Anna Marie, Allyson, Alexander, Roman, Valentino, Celeste, Carlie, Desiree, Christian, Javier, and Josiah; twelve great-grandchildren: Alaysia, Harmony, Avianna, Red, Isabel, Alonzo, Sophia, Titus, Hazel, Rylee, Carlos Jr., and Emilio. She also leaves behind her much loved dog Cujo.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 23 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North followed by a noon service by Pastor Mark Davis. Gravesite service immediately following at First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill (Cantonment).
Charles Roy Stander
February 22, 2023
Charles Roy Stander, 83, passed away peacefully to heaven on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Chuck had an infectious smile that brightened everyone’s day. Born in Chapman, Nebraska, Chuck married his high school sweetheart Barbara Jean Sinnett and moved to Pensacola, Florida. He worked as a Chemical Engineer for Monsanto. They raised three children, Julie Maddox, Lynda Boyle, and Jeff Stander, and have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Chuck was an avid gardener and loved to work and supervise in his garden. He was an emeritus member of the Escambia County Master Gardeners, and a member of several local garden clubs. Chuck always had an ongoing project and was a master at making a comprehensive “Things to Do” list.
He was caring, supportive, and unselfish in his interactions with everyone he was around, making sure to express his appreciation for others. He was always willing to discuss, advise, and debate the pros and cons with his friends and family. He believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard, and his honesty and integrity were an inspiration to all who knew him.
Chuck will always be remembered for his infectious laughter and love for life. He had a kind heart and a gentle spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Chuck, and know that you are loved.
The family will be receiving guests during a Celebration of Life at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Saturday, March 18th from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Jayne Runnels McBarron
February 18, 2023
With the surety of God’s grace and the love of her family, Jayne Runnels McBarron passed away, Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at the age of 75. Singer/songwriter Vince Gill’s eloquent words aptly described her passage, “Your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shouting love for the father and the son.”
Born October 19, 1947, to the Reverend William James Runnels, a celebrated WWII Navy fighter pilot and flight instructor (and, eventually, a minister), and Virginia Nixon Runnels, in Norfolk, VA.
Jayne grew up in Florida’s Panhandle region, graduating from Wewahitchka, FL; high school and then attending Chipola College. She later gave birth to her beloved daughter, Angelica Christine McBarron (Allen), who preceded
her in death in 2021 due to Covid.
Surviving Jayne are Virginia (Jennie) Runnels, her mother, and siblings Paul Runnels (Susan) and Linda Runnels Brimmer (Jim). The loves of her life are five grandchildren, who remarkably doted upon and provided dedicated care in her later years. They are Seth, Ara, Grace, Sullivan and Moses. Also dear to her was niece Brooke Runnels Kelly (Michael) and nephew Wesley Runnels (Angela).
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Bro. Seth Krueger officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Allen Krueger, Seth Krueger, Sullivan Krueger, Paul Runnels, and Chad Bowling.
Dr. Kenith “Ken” Gene Exum
February 18, 2023
Dr. Kenith “Ken” Gene Exum, 89, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on February 14, 2023 at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness of coronary artery disease.
Ken was born on November 19, 1933 to Virgil Frank Exum and Anne Louise Exum in Tchula, Mississippi. He came from one of the poorest families in the poorest town in the poorest county in the poorest state of the union, but he never lacked for love and encouragement from his family. He had a passion for baseball and while in high school, played on the state championship team for Mississippi American Legion. After graduating from Tchula High School in 1951, he went on to attend The University of Mississippi. In 1953, he joined the United States Army where he served in the Korean War with top security clearance as an International Morse Code specialist from 1954-1957.
Upon returning stateside, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geology and his Master of Arts in Science from the University of Alabama. After moving to Florida, he attended the University of Florida where he obtained his second Master’s Degree in Education with a major in Science Education. He went on to receive a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He began working at Satellite Beach High School in Satellite Beach, Florida in 1962 where he became the head baseball coach from 1963-1964. He came to Pensacola in 1965 where he began a lifelong career at Pensacola Junior College. During his fifty-two years of working there, he established the Earth Science and Geology program and curriculum while working as an Earth Science/Geology professor. He retired in 1998 but continued to work as an adjunct professor until 2016. He loved his students and colleagues and had such a passion for teaching others about the earth.
He married Claudette Hayes in 1957. While both went on to remarry others, they shared three wonderful children together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary; five children, Virginia (Rodney) Miller, Susan (Glen) Ross, John (Vicky) Exum, Carrie (Jared) Gann, and Jacob Exum; eleven grandchildren, Heather Ross, Michael Miller, Matthew Miller, Jessica Ross, Steven Exum, Zachary Exum, Anya Exum, Emmeline Gann, Levi Gann, Luke Gann, and Lilly Exum; and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as beloved cousins and dear friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Virgil Martin Exum.
Ken’s life was marked by hard, honest work and overcoming hardships. Out of all of Ken’s achievements, his greatest joy and purpose in life was his family. He will be forever cherished and remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and doting Pawpaw. He continuously blessed people with his generous heart, his delicious cooking, and avid story-telling. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL 32533. There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 8:00-9:00am followed by services at 9:00am. Burial directly follows at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:00am.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff at Emerald Coast Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.
Horace Eugene Pickern
February 18, 2023
Mr. Horace Eugene Pickern, age 96, passed away, Thursday, February 16, 2023, at his home in Bratt, FL; surrounded by his family at his bedside. He was a lifelong resident of Bratt, FL. He served in The United States Army and The United States Navy, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt, FL. He retired with Vanity Fair Mills with many years of service and just became “The Handy Man”.
Mr. Pickern loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed doing yard work and going fishing.
Mr. Pickern is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas (Della Mae Mason) Pickern, and numerous brothers, and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Pauline Pickern, of Bratt, FL; three sons, Rev. Gene (Julie) Pickern, of Fort Worth, TX; Rick (Lonna) Pickern, of Summerdale, AL; David (Debbie) Pickern, of Robertsdale, AL; one daughter, Jackie (Tommy) Steadham, of Robertsdale, AL; eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Greg Sellers, Rev. Larry Bein, Rev. Chip Barbas, and Rev. Mike Lynn officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 1:30 PM until service time at 2:30 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Josh Pickern, Bo Gideons, Adam Manning, Jonathan Lynn, Matt Pickern, Mark Pickern, and Brian Pickern.
Honorary pallbearers will be Eli Lynn, John Manning, Thomas Manning, Luke Pickern, Beneah Gideons, and Christian Gideons.
Norma Parkes Ramsey
February 16, 2023
Norma Parkes Ramsey, 88, of Molino, Florida, passed away Monday, February 13, 2023. She was born July 12, 1934, in Wilmington, Delaware to Francis Lee Parkes and Dora Pauline Detwiler Parkes. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 1955 with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Faulk Road in Wilmington, Delaware, Brentwood Elementary and Ransom Middle School for a total of 19 years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William A. Ramsey; parents, Francis Lee Parkes and Dora Pauline Detwiler Parkes.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Ramsey (Christopher) Granelli, William Alex (Alisa) Ramsey Jr.; grandchildren, Michael Granelli, John Granelli; sister, Nancy Parkes (Laurence) Waren.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Covenant Care Inpatient Hospice @ Sacred Heart Hospital or a food bank or animal shelter of your choice.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Jane Comalander Wiggins Hall
February 16, 2023
Mrs. Mary Jane Comalander Wiggins Hall, 69 years of age, passed away, Monday, February 13, 2023, in Gulf Breeze, FL; with her family at her bedside. She has resided most of her life in McDavid, FL. She retired with many years of service as a cafeteria manager with the school.
Mrs. Hall enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved to cook and feed everyone and enjoyed watching “The Cooking Shows”. She also enjoyed gardening, growing herbs and vegetables. She really enjoyed going fishing and traveling when she was able.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James Dove (Beulah Lee) Comalander, husbands, Henry Sylvester Wiggins, William Jerry “Happy” Wiggins, her siblings, Darriel Comalander, Georgia Prescott, David Comalander, Chris Comalander, and Reagan Comalander.
She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, William Dempsy Hall, of Bratt, FL; two sons, Brian Steven Wiggins, of Bratt, FL; Eric Thomas (Danette) Wiggins, of McDavid, FL; one daughter, Angela Gail (Kevin) Knowles, of Flomaton, AL; one step-son, Stephan Hall, of Pensacola, FL; five brothers, James (Elizabeth) Comalander, of McDavid, FL; Larry (Hazel) Comalander, of McDavid, FL; Jerry (Bobbie) Comalander, of Dothan, AL; Lamar (Patsy) Comalander, Florala, AL; Allen Comalander, of Uriah, AL; two sisters, Eleanor Stuckey, of Century, FL; Melba (Buster) Townson, of Byrneville, FL; ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, many other precious family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Andy Boutwell officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Knowles, Alston Wiggins, Allen Comalander, Scotty Wiggins, Javan Thompson, and Aydin Odom.
Alma Hall Taylor
February 16, 2023
Alma Hall Taylor, age 60, a native and resident of Bay Minette, AL, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Mobile Infirmary. She is survived by her spouse Stephanie Holland, her mother, Juliana Hall, sister, Kay Hall (Joe Hopson) Corley, sister-in-law, Rose Busby Hall; her son, Will Plato, step-daughters: Kim Holland and Kelly Holland and six grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father E. J. “Tiny” Hall, her brother Cecil “Skeet” Hall and her step-son J. B. Holland.
Alma loved her work at Pizza Hut in Bay Minette, throwing darts, her dogs and cats and being outside. Alma could often be found picking up sticks, trimming bushes and maintaining the flower beds in her yard and her mom’s yard. Alma was also a huge die-hard Alabama football fan.
There will be a memorial service for Alma, Saturday, March 4, 2023, visitation at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Home in Bay Minette, AL.
Bernice Tripp McGhee
February 14, 2023
Mrs. Bernice Tripp McGhee, 81, passed away, Sunday, February 12, 2023, at her home in the Poarch Community of Atmore, AL.
Mrs. McGhee was born August 22, 1941 to William and Pearl Tripp in Lone Oak, OK. She was married to John Arthur McGhee for 53 years before he passed away in 2015. Together they raised four daughters, Brenda, Sherry, Kim and Sheila. They moved from Waukegan, IL; to the Poarch Community in 1976. Mrs. McGhee lived in the Poarch Community for 47 years. While living in Illinois she worked at Abbott’s Pharmaceutical Laboratory and later Vanity Fair when the family relocated to Alabama. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker for her family. She loved her family dearly, especially her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She took pride in all their many accomplishments. She was even known as the “baby whisper”. She could softly and tenderly calm and sooth any child.
Mrs. McGhee is preceded in death by her parents, William (Pearl) Tripp; her siblings, Roady Tripp, Vinice Tripp, William Lee Tripp and Leon Tripp; her husband, John Arthur McGhee; her daughter, Sheila McGhee Caraway; her beloved granddaughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway; her son-in law, James (Jimmy) Dean; sister-in laws, Marie Martin, Francis Robbins, Julian Stacey, Hattie Mae McGhee and brother-in law, Clifton McGhee.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Michael) Johnson, of LaGrange, GA; Sherry (Kenneth) Howell, of Helena, AL; and Kimberly Dean, of Atmore, AL. Her sister-in law, Maxine Johnson, of Atmore, AL. Her brothers, Bryan (Ellen) Tripp, of Zion, IL; and Veron Tripp, of Holdenville, OK; and her sisters, Georgie (Ted) Lewis, of Bowlegs, OK; Cleady Johnson, of Tampa, FL; and Betty Coleman, of Oklahoma City, OK. Her grandchildren, Olivia (Thomas) Morgan, of Marietta, GA; Mason (Catie) Dean, of Auburn, AL; Nicholas Howell and Sophia Howell, of Helena, AL; James (Emily) Dean of Spanish Fort, AL; Jon (Malori) Dean, of Atmore, AL; and Miranda Hudson, of Atmore, AL. Her great-grandchildren, Porter James Dean, Mallie Claire Dean, Emilia Pearl Hudson and Carson Elizabeth Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Poarch Community Church with Rev. Josh Long officiating.
Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM at Poarch Community Church.
Pallbearers will be Mason Dean, Jon Dean, James Dean, Nicholas Howell, Kenneth Howell, and Thomas Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers Michael Johnson, and Nathan Martin.
Nancy Elizabeth Marks Williamson
February 14, 2023
Nancy Elizabeth Marks Williamson was 78 when she died on February 13, 2023. She was born on July 21, 1944, the only child of Edward Taylor Marks and Olive Hawkins Marks in Jacksonville, Florida.
She was baptized at Avondale Methodist Church in Jacksonville as a baby, confirmed in faith as a young woman and followed Jesus all her life. She went to Fishweir Elementary, Lake Shore Junior High School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1962. Growing up she enjoyed summertime in Rutledge, Georgia where she and her mother visited with her Grandmother, Annie C. Barnes. She held fond memories of picking wild bachelor buttons and larkspur to place on the graves in the town cemetery, learning the stories of her ancestors buried there. On those visits she learned to sew on her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine and peel butter beans.
Growing up she was active in the Girl Scouts, dance, editor of her high school yearbook and her church where she volunteered teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Her love for teaching children led her to major in Elementary Education at the Florida State University where she was also a member of the Delta, Delta, Delta sorority.
It was at FSU that she met James Franklin Williamson “Jim” whom she married on January 3, 1965. The story is that she tripped down the steps of Jennie Murphree Hall at FSU into Jim’s waiting arms, and the rest is history. They were married 58 years.
Jim and Nancy started their life together in Pensacola, Florida. She was an elementary school teacher for Escambia County Public Schools and Jim worked for Sears.
Together Nancy and Jim had three children, Elizabeth, David and Kathryn. They lived and made life-long friends in Pensacola, Ft. Lauderdale, Jupiter, Miami and Gulfport, MS. Nancy’s love for children, teaching and faith was a gift to her children who she got to stay home with as they grew up. She enjoyed volunteering in their classrooms and as Girl Scout leader, going to dance recitals, making trips to the baseball park and band performances.
As the kids got older, Nancy began caring more for her own mother, delivering meals on wheels, and doing genealogy research for her family and friends. Her love of mystery, history and her family fueled her joyful genealogical research that became a blessing for generations to come. As a result of this work she became a member of Colonial Dames 17th Century, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC), Jamestowne Society, Clan Crawford, Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars (CSDIW) and the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).
During their retired years together, Nancy and Jim loved gardening. She joined as a Charter Member of the Jasmine Garden Circle, the Pineglades Garden Circle, and the Garden Guild of St. Luke UMC. Nancy and Jim became local experts in horticulture, able to tell you the name of every plant, tree or shrub. They cultivated a beautiful back yard garden at their home with so many interesting varieties, and Nancy loved spending time in her later years on her hands and knees in the flower bed “relocating plants” (the term she used for weeding).
Nancy loved God, studying the Bible, passing on her faith to others and serving through her church, St. Luke United Methodist. She completed all the Disciple Bible Studies, the Companions in Christ series, was an active participant in Bible Study Fellowship and the Caring and Sharing Sunday School Class. She served many years as Chair of the St. Luke Altar Guild, coordinating weddings and making sure the sanctuary was prepared for worship each Sunday. It was Nancy’s faith in the faithfulness of God through Jesus that sustained her during the loss of her own parents and especially during the challenging and painful days of her cancer treatment. She thanked God that she got to live 20 years after her initial breast cancer diagnosis, and especially for the opportunity to get to know her grandchildren, Julia, JD and Hudson along with her great niece Gracie and great nephew Nicholas.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 58 years, James Franklin Williamson (Jim), her daughter Sarah Elizabeth Williamson, son Rev. David Andrew Williamson (Carolyn), daughter Kathryn Williamson Aufderheide (EJ), grandchildren Julia Sarah Williamson, JD Aufderheide and Hudson Aufderheide. She is predeceased by her parents Edward Taylor Marks and Olive Hawkins Marks.
Special thanks to people of Emerald Coast Hospice, Dr. Inclan and the Woodlands Oncology Staff, neighbors and all the many friends from the St. Luke United Methodist Church for their loving care for Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Nancy’s name to the St. Luke United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow at the St. Luke United Methodist Church. 1394 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514.
Interment will follow at a later date at the Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, FL.