Joseph Reuben Fears III
January 8, 2025
Our Daddy, Joseph Reuben Fears III, 87, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida. He was born on April 15, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Louisville Male High School and attended the University of Cincinnati to study art. He went on to pursue a career as an optician specializing in contact lens technology, traveling extensively to teach physicians how to fit contact lenses.
He was an accomplished artist who loved painting horses and, later in life, creating pet portraits for people—a passion he pursued right up until the day he passed. His paintings captured not only the physical beauty but also the spirit of his subjects, leaving behind a legacy we will cherish forever. He also found time to explore other interests, including race car driving, fishing, and even long-haul trucking. However, his greatest passion was always his family, especially the love of his life, Judy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Carol Higdon Fears; his father, Joseph Reuben Fears, Jr.; his mother, Ocie Grace Carr Fears; and his sister, Anne Hayes.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynne Fears (David), Jennifer Grace (Frank), and Julie Morse; his son, Joseph Fears IV; six grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Grandaddy,” Julia (Riley), Annie, Jillian, Ryan, Addie, and Cole; and one precious great-granddaughter, Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Clubhouse in Hillcrest Subdivision, 12618 Ridgemoor Dr., Prospect, KY 40059.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Daddy’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that Mom and Dad supported faithfully for years.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Jeffery Ray Strickland
January 8, 2025
Jeffery Ray Strickland, age 71, from Pensacola Fl passed away at his residence on 25 December 2024 ending his battle with cancer.
Jeff was born in Wichita Falls, TX on 17 June 1953. He was a man full of laughter, the best storyteller and always smiling. He never forgot a face/name (good or bad). His family was the most important and instilled in many of us that no matter who you were, where you lived, blood or not blood -Family was/is always First. He’s an alumnus of Tate High School Class of 1971, served as a 2101 Aerospace Operator Control Helper at Keesler AFB until 8 April 1974; and then attended Tallahassee Barber College in 1975. After years in the barber business, Jeff went to finish his career hanging dry wall/sheetrock for several years later.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Roy J Strickland, and his grandparents Mary and Willbur Lee Maxwell.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Maxine Maxwell Strickland; his sisters, Kim Little (Rhyan), Kristy (Carl/Keeli/Tray) Miller, Kelly Lambeth, Angelia Miller; his brother, Buddy Brown; and his wife, Wendy Stevens-Strickland. Jeff has five children and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His daughter-Mandy Strickland-Figueroa (Charles); and his sons, Jeffery Anderson (Jennifer), Mackenzie Lee Strickland, Austin Gale Strickland, and Colin Ray Strickland. He has six grandchildren, Mitchell M. Belch, Alexis M. Worsnop (Paul), Valeri Andersson, Hannah Anderson, Devin Black and Dane Phillips. His 3 three great-grandchildren Syree Miyuki Belch 2yrs, Silas Manabu Belch 9mths, Vera Sophia Worsnop 17mths. He leaves behind many friends, family, and loved ones that will deeply miss him and cherish all the memories and laughter he left behind.
Jeff’s Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 340; 8890 Ashland Ave Pensacola, FL on 1 February 2025 from 12-3. All family/friends are welcome. His funeral will be held at the Westville Family Cemetery at a later date.
Ada Ruth Edwards
January 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ada Ruth Edwards, who left this world peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 90.
Ruth was born on February 23, 1934, in Harmon County, Tennessee, to Mary Elizabeth Ayers and John Jefferson Lafayette Ayers, in a time and place filled with humble beginnings and deep family bonds. She was the eldest of 9 children. She grew into a woman of unwavering strength, boundless love, and profound faith, leaving a lasting legacy for all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Theodore Edwards, her cherished son Bill Bostic, her parents, her brother Johnny Ayers, her sister Leda Hancock, and her niece Sheryl Downey, Ruth now reunites with them in eternal rest.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Janice Thorsen and Cheri Watson, who will carry her memory forward with grace and love. Ruth also leaves behind a rich family legacy, including five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy to her life and will cherish her memory.
Ruth is also survived by her six devoted siblings, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her brothers are Donald Ayers and his wife Sue, whom Ruth lovingly described as another sister; James Ayers; and Bob Ayers and his wife Beth. Her sisters include Dorris Van Deusen, Janie Troup and her husband Jerry, and Mary Wasson and her husband Joel Wasson Jr. Beyond her immediate family, she was surrounded by an extended network of nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who adored her. Her warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ruth’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and generosity. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Faith Chapel in Cantonment, FL. on Sat. Jan 11th. Family viewing is at 12pm, friends are welcome at 1pm and service will start at 2pm.
Though we mourn her loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that Ruth’s love and legacy live on in all of us.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Frances Marie Pate
January 7, 2025
Frances Marie Pate, 84, of Robertsdale, AL passed away December 23, 2024.
She was born March 4, 1940, in Pensacola, FL to Charley and Adelia Smith.
Frances graduated from Tate High School, then went on to work for the Escambia County School Board, as a bus driver until she retired. She attended 3 Rivers Church in Seminole, AL.
She is preceded in death by husband, WH Pate; daughters, Jewell Lee Fretwell, Vickie Lynn Fretwell, and Pamlar Jean Perez; sister, Charolette Salzar.
Frances is survived by daughters, Frances Lavell Watson, Laura Ann Carter, and Susan Elaine Fretwell; sisters, Debra Paulk Castler, Glenda Ruston, and Patricia Pudsey.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. January 13, 2024, at Whitmire Cemetery. The reception will follow at 3 Rivers Church in Seminole, AL immediately after.
The family would like to give a special thanks to her niece, Tracy Colasono; for helping take care of her while she was homebound. She had a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren she left behind.
James Earl Sermons
January 7, 2025
James Earl Sermons, known as “Jim” to his family and friends, was born on July 30, 1942. He passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2025, after a brief battle with renal cancer. Jim was a graduate of Tate High School. He was a member of Celebration Church of Saraland. Jim was an entrepreneur, with an eye for detail which he used to remodel and restore homes. Jim enjoyed visiting the beaches of Mississippi and mountains of Tennessee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John William and Nellie Katherine Summerlin Sermons; his brothers, Gerald Sermons and Donald Sermons; his best friend and brother-in-law, Robert Edwin Miller.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Sermons, of 39 years. Together, they share a daughter, Victoria Sermons Buford (Jonathan) of Prattville, AL and grandson, Deacon Buford. “Pawpaw” and Deacon share the sweetest bond. Jim is also survived by two other children, Damon Andrew and Ivy Burleson; his sister, Margaret Miller as well as several other grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wesley Hall officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Terry Miller, Billy Miller, Wayne Faircloth, Bryon Cook, Josh Hall, Keith Morgan, Terry Pritchett, Gary Bryan, and Carl Warren.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bovee, Vincent Glozier, Robert Talmadge and Jerry Mason.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until service time of noon at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Paul N. Yoder
January 7, 2025
Paul N. Yoder, age 79, of Atmore, AL passed away on January 5, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1945, in Dundee, OH to Noah and Ida Miller Yoder. Paul was an avid collector of old things and loved Braves baseball and Alabama football.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roman Yoder.
Paul is survived by his siblings, John (Brenda) Yoder, Miriam Classen, Barbara (James) Ward and numerous family and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Kyle officiating.
Active pallbearers were Mike Beachy, Kevin Classen, Jamison Ward, Kenny Rolin and Andrew Ward.
Donald Ray Jackson
January 7, 2025
Donald Ray Jackson, age 58, of Walnut Hill, FL passed away on January 2, 2025, at his residence. He was born on February 15, 1966, in Atmore, AL. He was a truck driver most of his life and loved watching football. He is preceded in death by his step-father, Eddie Wayne Boggs.
Donald is survived by his mother, Corine Thomas Boggs; his siblings, Susan Boggs of Hartselle, AL, Sarah (Marti) Pearson of Hartselle, AL, Clara (P.J.) Thomas of Walnut Hill, FL, Carrie Ellingsworth of OR and Gail Ellingsworth of OR; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Pine Barren Baptist Church with Bro. Don Sanks officiating.
Interment was in Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were P.J. Thomas, Joshua Muse, Joseph Muse, Matthew Boggs, Chris Roberts, and Barry Montgomery.
Gladys Kimmons Brown Smith
January 6, 2025
Gladys Kimmons Brown Smith, age 83, a long-time resident of Seminole, AL passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Mrs. Smith was a member of Seminole Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and doing things for others. She had a special place in her heart for her 1967 Mustang Coupe that she owned for a long time.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Kimmons; husband, Doyle Smith; children, Kelly Lynn Brown and Michael Brown; and her siblings, Mary Garrett, Edward Kimmons, Talbert Kimmons, Katie Lou Lee, and Annie Ruth Hall.
She is survived by her son, Rodney “Shorty” Brown (Patsy); step daughter, Laura Winkles (Kevin); brother, Ramond Kimmons; granddaughter, Kyle Lynn Neese (Zach); two great grandchildren, Leland Neese and Nolan Neese; three step grandchildren, Jordan Winkles, Crystal Harbin, and Ashley Kee; and very special friends, Wayne and Carla Givens; Wesley and Samantha Givens and the “little people”; and Ashley and Dane Ellison.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Seminole Baptist Church with Pastor Wesley Givens officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 9-10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Little Pine Barren Cemetery in Molino, FL. Flowers may be sent to the church for the funeral or memorials may be made to St. Jude.
Thomas William ‘Toby’ Weaver
January 4, 2025
Thomas William “Toby” Weaver
September 1, 1976- January 3, 2025
Toby was born September 1, 1976, in Brewton, Alabama. He was the son of the late Tommy Weaver and of Gayle Weaver of Walnut Hill, Florida. He was the grandson of the late J.W. and Mary Weaver of Evergreen, Alabama and of Lee Otis and Margie Baggett of Castleberry, Alabama. Toby passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola, on the evening of January 3, 2025.
Survivors include his mother, Gayle Weaver of Walnut Hill, Florida, his sister Tara Nikki “Sissy” Walden and husband Scott of Walnut Hill, Florida, a niece, Jami Andrews of Walnut Hill, Florida, a nephew, Logan and wife Marla Weaver of Evergreen, Alabama, and a niece Katherine Smith of Walnut Hill, Florida. He is survived by his grandnephews and grandniece: Thomas Luke Spears and Jamison Andrews of Walnut Hill, Florida and Elias, Vesper, and Claire Weaver of Evergreen, Alabama. Also, left to mourn him is his Aunt Gaye Evans and Uncle Bob Evans of Walnut Hill, Florida.
Toby was the “love” of everyone’s heart. He loved and was an avid fan of the Northview Chiefs, with whom he was a permanent fixture on the sidelines for football for many, many years. The State Championship Team of 2012 even let him bring the state trophy home with him after that game. He was also an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers, taking each loss personally. He loved his Atlanta Braves, being their biggest fan each year. He loved watching almost any type of movie, and he loved listening to almost any type of music, singing along for his own entertainment. His hobby was putting puzzles together. He loved to travel, even spending thirty days each on two trips to France, before COVID took its toll on him. Hard to describe Toby, since he was so much to so many, especially the ladies who were his “Honey” over the years. On behalf of Tommy and me, Toby has always been “the love of our lives.” He gave so much more than he took. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the love and care that Toby received from the ICU unit at Sacred Heart Hospital, from December 18, 2024 -
January 3, 2025.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Toby will be buried at Old Town Cemetery, Evergreen, Alabama. Services will be conducted by Pastor Glenn Weber. Special thanks to Elaine Holk for coordinating the music for the services. Thank you to everyone who always made Toby feel very special, because he truly was.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Logan Weaver, Scott Walden, Jerame Conn, Marc Taylor, Alan Lassiter, and Ronnie Gill.
Mr. Kyle Anthony Wood
January 3, 2025
Mr. Kyle Anthony Wood, age 29, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024 in Beatrice, Ala.
Mr. Wood was born in Baldwin County and had been a resident of Frisco City for the past 2 1/2 years. He was an employee of Busby Fencing and a member of Old Salem Baptist Church.
Preceded in death by his father, Jerry Anthony Wood.
Survivors include: his companion, Abbie Asberry of Frisco City; his mother, Geneva Capers of Magnolia Springs; three daughters, Willow Wood, Hazel Wood and Violet Wood, all of Pensacola, Fla.; two sons, Grayson Asberry and Garrett Asberry, both of Frisco City; two brothers, Kody (Rebecca) Wood of Molino, Fla. and Cameron (Lindsey) Corbett of Franklin; two nephews, Oliver Wood and Kaiden Lane; and aunts and uncles, Sharon (Jacob) Motes
of Bay Minette, Daniel (Kara) Capers of Jackson and Adam (Jennifer) Capers of Coffeeville.
A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.