Melissa Jean Whatley
January 15, 2026
Melissa Jean Whatley went back many names. Mama Lissa, Aunt EE, GG, and seester.
She was born on June 11, 1968 in Atmore, AL.
She was a hardworking, loving, and compassionate person. Some of her favorite things included playing with her grandkids, making fun of her brother, watching Alabama football, and being there for her family when they needed her.
She is preceded in death by her mother Jean Wells, father Robbie Whatley, and brother Michael Whatley.
She leaves behind a beautiful family. Her children Leanne (Jacob) Bedsaul, Angel White, Brianna (Patrick) Parker, Alexandra Leddick, Michael Leddick, thirteen grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.
She also leaves behind her dog Kisses, to be cared by Mary Ann Hadley.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on January 19, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Dyas, Alabama.
Visitation will be held from on January 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM until Service time at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearer include Jacob Bedsaul, Brandon White, Patrick Parker, Jordan Bankster, Andy Whatley, & Jason Lindsey.
Charles Monroe Young
January 14, 2026
Charles Monroe (Monty/Shake) Young, 58, of Molino, FL, left us too soon on January 1, 2026, peacefully at home with his wife. Monty was born on Mar 24, 1967, in Athens, Ohio to Deanna Sue Young, but raised by his grandparents, Helen and Charles Young, with his 3 aunts, Sharon, Linda and Carol Young. He went to high school in Athens, Ohio and took the mechanic class at Tri-County Vocational School. He established a trucking business with his family in 1999, CVC Young & Son Transport, but currently was employed by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
Monty is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Helen Young; his birth mother, Deanna Sue Young; aunt, Linda Schlaghter; cousin, Kindalyn; and his brother, Jamie Ohler.
Monty is survived by his wife Valerie Stotts Young; son, Jamie (Nikki) Young; daughters, Lindsey Young, Ashley (Max) Clark, and Daphne (John) Rogers; grandchildren, Jaden, Jonsey, Tres, Haiven, Charlie and Little Max; aunts, Sharon Young of Virginia, Carol (Pat) Smith of Pickerington Ohio; sister, Helaina (Tony) Young Rittenhouse of Parkersburg WV; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews including Katie, Leann, Kaison among others, including other children who were always welcome into the family.
Monty’s passion was demolition derbies in his younger years then dirt track racing where he won lots of end-of-the-year championships. He loved his friends; he never met a stranger. He was so funny, he spoke fluent insults “LOL” but his biggest accomplishment was his family. He is referred to as a legend in Ohio. May his legacy live on through his children, who loved him very much.
A celebration of life was held Tuesday, January, 13, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory North.
Teresa Faye Stokes
January 14, 2026
Mrs. Teresa Faye Stokes, aged 69, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Milton, Florida. For the past 32 years, she called the Byrneville community her home. Teresa retired from the Atmore Nursing Center, where her compassion shone through. She had a passion for cooking and enjoyed attending Bingo games. Her favorite pastimes included watching cooking and crime shows. She cherished caring for others and treasured the moments spent with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, L.W. Flowers and Virginia Gaudet, her husband Larry Stokes, two sisters, Janet Tarver and Glenda Weaver, and one brother, Don Flowers.
She is survived by her three sons, James Steadham, of Byrneville, Florida; Brandon Stokes, of Byrneville, Florida; Micheal Stokes, of Flomaton, Alabama; two daughters, Lesley Haskew, of Pace, Florida; Dina (Alex) Lowery, of Flomaton, Alabama; two brothers, Ricky Flowers, of Molino, Florida; Glenn Tatum, of Orlando, Florida; one sister, Janice Padgett, of Milton, Florida; four grandchildren, Cody Kent, Paige Bell, Savannah Steadham, Reygan Steadham, three step- grandchildren, Ricky Kerns, Rusty Kerns, Raylin Martin, two great- grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
The funeral service is set to take place at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Mitch Herring officiating
Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Rigby Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Michael Stokes, Braxton Manning, Reygan Steadham, Jeffery Hagan and Iris Young.
Arrangements are being managed by Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in Atmore, Alabama.
Jean Edna Tesch Guidy
January 14, 2026
Jean Edna Tesch Guidy, 95, went home to our Lord, at home, with her loving family.
She was born in Kearny, New Jersey to Lt. Cmdr. Paul Tesch and wife, Edna Mae. She was a “Navy Bratt” raised for most of her formative years in the Panama Canal Zone. This is where she got her love of horses and her first pony. She started training jungle ponies and taking sailors out on trail rides.
She attended Auburn University Veterinary School for 2 ½ years, then was deferred due to soldiers from the Korean War returning and attending the school and she never returned. She would still scream “War Eagle!”
She settled in Mobile after leaving vet school. She worked for a stable owned by Bob and Helen Brasswell. Their stable provided the Mardi Gras horses. There, she became a Grand Marshall and as far as we know, the first and only woman Grand Marshall. She rode her personal horse, San Carlos, a blue roan American Saddlebred, side saddle.
She married the love of her life, Cecil, in 1960, bringing a son, David, with her. They began building a home and farm for their children. They also built a lasting legacy in the horse community- training horses and teaching adults and children the art of horsemanship, with a plus of sportsmanship.
Jean had a passion for teaching children that reached far and wide, even to Russia, adopting the Russian Delegates at 4-H Washington Focus. She was a 4-H leader since 1970 starting with horses, but soon branched out to all livestock and wildlife, then onto leadership and legislature. This led her to many awards, national trips, and being placed in the 4-H Hall of Fame.
She and Cecil ran the Pensacola Interstate Fair 4-H Red Barn for 35 years. She was a founding member of the Pensacola Hunter Jumper Association that was formed in 1973. She hauled kids and horses all over the southeast to shows.
Outside of her youth work, she was very active in the Lord’s work by supplying animals for live nativities and working the Allen Memorial Pumpkin Patch, and food pantry.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Kristin Manning; step-daughter, Rosa (Angie) Knickelbine; grandchildren, Anthony Manning, Justin (Amanda) Manning, Drew (Julia) Manning, Kim Vinson, Kelly Norris, Jessica (Shawnn) Knickelbine, Keri Litton, Doug (Kristin) Arnold, and Derrick Arnold; and great-grandchildren, Austin, Addalyn, Hunter, Logan, Aiden, Emma, Audrey, Elenor, David, and Angel. She was Mom and Granny to so many more that were not blood but loved the same.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved Cecil; her sweet son, David; step-daughter, Patricia; and step-son, Larry.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026 at 12:00 pm at:
Escambia County Extension Service
Livestock Facility
5701 Highway 29
Molino, Florida 32577
In lieu of flowers, please donate to:
4-H Arena Improvements
Escambia County Extension Service
3730 Stefanie Road
Cantonment, Florida 32577
4-H Pledge:
I pledge my head to clearer thinking
My heart to greater loyalty
My hands to larger service
My health to better living
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
James ‘Jimbo’ E. Horan Sr.,
January 13, 2026
James “Jimbo” E. Horan Sr., age 64 of Molino, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
He was born March 9, 1961, in Pensacola, FL the son of the late Thomas Edward Horan and Doris Marie Horan.
Jimbo worked for Escambia County as a building inspector in the North end of the county from May 2005 until his retirement in November 2023. Prior to that he was a baseball coach, home builder, cabinet maker, farmer and mechanic essentially there was no job too big for him to handle. His hobbies included racing and fishing.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, five siblings, Randy Horan, Cindy Wright (Morris), Kathy Brien (Glenn), Dorothy Horan and Gary Horan; two children, James Horan Jr. (TK) and Casey Walker (Gary); three step-children Janice DeLuca (Blake), Theresa Murray (Ben) and Michael Emmons; nine grandchildren Ambree, Landen, Branden, Hayley, Sabrina, Blake, Elise, Devlyn and Justin; and two great grandchildren Colt and Gracelyn.
Friends and family may visit Thursday, January 15th from 5pm to 7pm at Faith Chapel North, 1000 S Highway 29, Cantonment, FL. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16th at 12pm at Faith Chapel North with Rev. Rusty Knowles officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Cemetery located on Highway 29 in Molino, FL.
Pallbearers are Tommy Aaron, Jeff Aaron, Dickie Davis, Blake DeLuca, Jerry Godwin, Gary Horan, Gary Walker, Landen Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Tim Davis, Randy Horan, Branden Walker, and Louis Tharp.
Connie Charlene Rigby
January 12, 2026
Mrs. Connie Charlene Rigby, 77, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A native and lifelong resident of McDavid, Florida, Connie was well-loved in her community. She was a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she found joy and support throughout her life. Her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She had a heart full of love for many things in life. Bowling brought her joy, just like cooking delicious meals for her family. Her animals were a big part of her world, and she took great pleasure in crocheting beautiful pieces. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her children and grandchild, and she loved attending church to connect with her community. Flowers brightened her surroundings, reflecting her warm spirit and kind heart. In the evenings, she enjoyed sitting on the back porch, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the peaceful moments.
Preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dora Sims Ard; sister, Francis Townes; husband, Crediton Eugene Rigby.
She is survived by her son, Anthony Eugene Rigby from Molino, Florida, and her two daughters, Gena Renee Rigby of McDavid, Florida, and Cynthia Rigby Daniel, who is married to Nathan, from Bratt, Florida. She also leaves behind two sisters, Joanne Freeman and Mary Graf along with her husband Gary, both from Cantonment, Florida. Additionally, she will be remembered by her grandchild, Dalton Daniel.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Reverend Dexter Truesdale will be leading the service. Everyone is welcome to join as we come together to celebrate and remember the life of our loved one.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
Petty Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements
Susan Margaret Hardin
January 11, 2026
Susan Margaret Hardin, passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on December 17, 1947, she brought joy and warmth to all who knew her.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, William Aubrey Lynch and Hazel Hope Rush. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert Ray Hardin. Together, they built a loving family that includes their children: Susan Catherine “Cathy” Hardin, Becky Dawn (Rodney) Cory-Kuhns, John Stuart (Aimee) Hardin, Matthew David (Jesse) Hardin, and Jeffrey Paul (Monica) Hardin. She also leaves behind a brother, William Paul Lynch; fourteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; all of whom brought immense joy to her life.
Susan had a deep love for her family, especially the youngest members. She adored babies and puppies, and her cheerful nature was evident in her love for feel-good movies and music. She was known for her beautiful smile and infectious laughter, always bringing happiness to those around her. Susan enjoyed singing and in her earlier years, she was talented in playing the piano and cello.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL, 32534. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am with interment immediately following in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
Susan will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of joy and love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
James Earl Vickery
January 10, 2026
James Earl Vickery passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Cottage Hill, Florida.
James Earl was the beloved son of Charlie and Lizzie Vickery and was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Wilburn Vickery, Coy Vickery, Troy Vickery; and his sisters, Alice Daniels, Jo McCurdy and Estelle Shelby.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Vickery; son, Steven Vickery (Donna); his daughter, Suzanne Perry (Aaron); his loving grandchildren: Megan Porter, Rachel Logan (Joshua); his great grandchildren, James Thomas Porter and Oliver Raymond Porter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James Earl worked for 35 years as an automotive mechanic at Hill Kelly Dodge and Pensacola Chrysler.
James Earl gave his life to the Lord on March 4, 1999, something that he was very proud of.
A visitation will be held on January 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.
The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the same location.
Interment will also take place on January 12, 2026, in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
Charlotte Weaver Toop
January 9, 2026
Charlotte Weaver Toop, age 78, of Molino, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2025, at her home in Molino, lovingly surrounded by her family and her husband of 53 years.
Charlotte was born in McDavid, Florida, at her family home, to Charlie Weaver and Thelma Jane Weaver. She was the youngest of twelve children. From an early age, her life was grounded in faith, family, and a love for others.
She was known for her faithfulness to Christ, our Lord and Savior, and for the deep love she had for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Charlotte found great joy in tending to her garden, crochet, sewing, always offering a kind word to a stranger, and sharing an infectious laugh and smile that could light up any room. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and cherished visiting friends and family all over the world.
Charlotte is survived by her husband, Ted Toop; her children, Gary Toop Sr. (Pam), Richie Toop and his wife Loretta, Chandra Toop, Scarlett Hommerbocker and her husband Preston.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gary Toop Jr. and his wife Kylie, Amber McCraney (Chris), Dannah Knight and her husband Lucas, Marcus Toop, Chelsey Abbott and her husband Alex, Brian Toop and his wife Montana, Krystale Toop, Blessing Masciale and her husband Isaiah, and Breanna Hommerbocker.
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Skylar Wood; Adalynn and Dallas Toop; Ayden, Caleb, Chance, and Kaisen McCraney; Ethan Shelley; Kayla, Talan, Hadley, and Annika Knight; Savannah Workman; Atlas Abbott; Landyn and Gracelyn Toop; and Colby Wayne and Lila-Mae Toop.
She is further survived by her honorary grandchildren, Katie-John and Prosser Crow, as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Weaver and Thelma Jane Weaver; her brothers and sisters, Lucille Weaver Luongo, Mildred Weaver Bell, Beulah Weaver Nall, Hurtis Weaver, Curtis Alfred Weaver, Orley Kirby “Bill” Weaver, James Julius Roy Weaver, Henry “Hank Buddy” Weaver, Willie Lee Davis, Carlton Weaver, and James C. Weaver; and her beloved granddaughter, Kaylan Reshea Hommerbocker.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel North. A viewing will be held the evening prior on Tuesday, January 13th, at 5:00 p.m. Charlotte will be laid to rest at Enon Baptist Church in McDavid, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Enon Baptist Church for mission work in Charlotte’s memory.
Charlotte Weaver Toop will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and boundless love.
Senovia Velos Tyler
January 6, 2026
Senovia Velos Tyler, born February 13, 1928, in El Paso, Texas to Senovio Velos and Tomasa Vega, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, cleanliness, cooking skills and love of her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Buford M. Tyler, and 5 of her 11 children: James Bailey (Lalo), Elaine McDuffy, Gail Warne, Charles (Bobby) Tyler, and Dorothy O’Donovan.
Survivors include: Barbara Arend of Leesburg, Georgia; Melvin (Peggy) Tyler of Dothan, Alabama; David Tyler of Marianna; Bill Tyler of Cantonment; Faye (Ray) Boutwell of Molino; and Peggy (Michael) Oglesby of Milton. She is also survived by many loving relatives from Texas to Colorado and places in between, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, too many to mention by name, but loved no less than anyone else.
Visitation will be held on January 10, 2026 in the chapel of Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 W. Nine Mile Road from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Funeral service will immediately follow with burial in the family plot at Eastern Gate.
The family extends a special Thank You to her caregivers at Emerald Coast Hospice.