Kerrie Lee Boutwell
November 14, 2024
Kerrie Lee Boutwell, age 50, of Atmore, AL passed away November 5, 2024. Kerrie was born on January 31, 1974, in Atmore, AL. Kerrie was a graduate of Woodham High School. She loved her family dearly. She is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Peggy Mitchell and her brother-in-law, Jeremy Boutwell.
Kerrie is survived by her husband, Terrell Wade Boutwell of Atmore, AL; her mother, Jill Hall of Atmore, AL; her father, Gary (Judy) Wiggins of Walnut Hill, FL; her children, Nealy Wiggins of Tuscaloosa, AL, Kierra McGhee of Poarch, AL, Nathan Boutwell of Atmore, AL, Landon Boutwell of Huxford, AL and Brooke Boutwell of Atmore, AL; her sisters, Melissa McElhaney of Walnut Hill, FL, Jessica (Terry) Levins of Byrneville, FL, Amanda (Bobby) Walls of Davisville, FL and Deana (Shawn) Jones of Beulah, FL; her special grandchildren, Elliana Scott, Na’Kiya McGhee and one on the way; her sister-in-law, Sandra Boutwell of Nokomis; her brothers-in-law, Randall Boutwell of Atmore, AL and Marcus Boutwell of Poarch, AL along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date with Rev. Jim Bankhead officiating.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Bay Springs Full Gospel Church.
Marie Horn Smith
November 13, 2024
Marie Horn Smith, age 86, of Hurtsboro, AL, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, November 10, 2024. She was born on December 13, 1938, to the late Ethel and Miles Horn of Wawbeek, AL.
She was a graduate of Escambia County High School and Samford University. She was the Maid of Cotton for Escambia County, AL, directed the choir at Sardis Baptist Church, and was very involved in Escambia County 4-H.
Marie lived a large part of her married life in Auburn, AL, before moving to Hurtsboro, AL, in 1979. She loved teaching young children Sunday school, singing in the choir, and making beautiful flower arrangements for the church, special occasions, friends, and shut-ins. Marie was a past president of the volunteer Red Cross and earned the title of Master Gardener. She could often be found in the garden working and growing flowers. She and her husband, Max, were companions for 63 years and enjoyed camping and cooking for family and friends.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Adkinson Horn and Leslie Miles Horn of Wawbeek, AL, and her grandson, Will Hitchcock.
She is survived by her husband, D. Max Smith of Hurtsboro, AL; her daughter, Anita Marie (Paul) Hitchcock of Gulf Breeze, FL; her grandchildren, Mary Miles (Shane) Banachowski of Greensboro, NC, Jack Hitchcock of Washington, DC, and Kate Hitchcock of Charlotte, NC; great-grandson, Cooper Daniel Banachowski of Greensboro, NC; twin sister, Mary (Suthern) Sims of Macon, GA; and her younger sister, Claire (Joe) Webb of Fairhope, AL. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Suzanne Sims of Wilmington, NC, David Sims of Macon, GA, Jennifer (Mark) Jones of Bald Head Island, NC, Joey (Michelle) Webb of Loxley, AL, and Connie (Mike) Weaver of Aiken, SC; brother-in-law, Mike (Janice) Smith of Dugout, AL, Brian (Rita) Smith of Port St. Joe, FL, and Ben (Becca) Smith of Atmore, AL; and many more great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service for the family will be held at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery in Wawbeek, AL, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, with Rev. Tim Hawsey officiating. Interment will follow in Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Clara Mae Houston
November 9, 2024
Clara Mae Houston, 82, passed from this life to her Lord and Savior on October 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 17, 1942, in Samson, Alabama.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Ollie Ville Simmons and Baskum Strickling; her brother, Kenneth Strickling; husband of 8 years, John Samuel Cox, and her husband of 44 years, Donald Houston.
Clara is survived by a brother, Dykes (Neva) Strickling; sister, Lila Faye (Ben) Hudson; two daughters, Jo Ann (Coy) Harris, and Joyce Wainwright; six grandchildren, Tawanna Brazwell, Tina Berrian, Norman Black, Ashley Dunsford, Amber (Brandon) Smith, and Marie Wainwright; eight great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Jay Funeral Chapel with Keith Strickling and Bobby Carnley officiating.
The family would like to express their immense gratitude and Thanks to The Terrace at Ivey Acres staff, and to Amedisys Home Health for their years of care and compassion. Ms. Clara loved each and every one of you. We would also like to thank Century Care Center and Vitas Hospice for their care of Clara for those few days with you. It is so difficult to lose a loved one, but each of you made it a little less hard. It takes a special person to do the work you all do. Not everyone can, You made a difference.
A very special Thank you to Dr. David Smith.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Anderson, Norman Black, Ryan Strickling, Keith Strickling, Bobby Carnley, and Samuel Hunt.
Darryl Singleton
November 7, 2024
Darryl Singleton
September 6, 1967 – November 3, 2024
Darryl met LaDawn his wife of 32 years in 1989. They shared a life filled with love and adventure. He worked for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, where he proudly served his community. His greatest achievement in life though was his family. He coached his sons Dakota and Shadow in baseball and never missed a soccer game for his daughter Sydney. Whether it was a vacation to Yellowstone or the traditional family trip of 25 years to an Atlanta Braves game, he only wanted to be surrounded by his family. In 2021, when his son Dakota married Jessica, Darryl accepted her with open arms and his family of 5 was now 6. In 2022, his family grew again when his son Shadow married Katelyn. With two new daughters his heart was fuller than ever. He wanted them around maybe more than his sons sometimes. In December of 2022, he was diagnosed with cancer. He never got down or asked why me? If anyone asked him how he was doing, he would always say “just right”. Through his two-year fight, he did it the way he did anything else, surrounded by his family, On November 3rd he went down swinging still surrounded by his family.
Darryl is preceded in death by his grandparents, Groce and Vera Singleton; grandparents, Jim and Josephine Singleton; brother, Mark Singleton, and mother-in-law, Sue Stafford.
Darryl is survived by his wife, LaDawn Singleton; son, Dakota and daughter in-law, Jessica; son, Shadow and daughter-in-law, Katelyn; daughter, Sydney; father, Gene Singleton; sister, Janet McCraney and brother-in-law, Timothy; sister, Janine Walker and brother-in-law Charlie.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, November 11 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at Faith Chapel North.
Martin Eby Gehman
November 7, 2024
Pastor, business-owner, and radio broadcaster Martin Eby Gehman, 88, of Atmore, Ala., went home to be with Jesus at 5:15pm on Sunday November 3, 2024 while in the care of North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette. Mr. Gehman, or “Marty” as he was lovingly known, was in the presence of family when he entered his Heavenly rest.
Martin (Marty) was born on April 28, 1936 near Selinsgrove, Pa. to the late Harry and Sarah (Eby) Gehman. As the youngest of 8 children, Marty follows three brothers and three sisters to Glory – Arthur Gehman, John Gehman, Lester Gehman, Edith (Gehman) Groff, Grace (Gehman) Aungst, and Lucy (Gehman) Rudy. He is survived by his brother Jacob Gehman.
Martin shared the joys and sorrows of a full life with his dear wife, the late Vernie Lee (Barnhill) Gehman. They married on July 11, 1956 and spent 65 years together building their family and ministering to the Atmore community as pastors of Gospel Light Church.
Martin was the beloved father of the late Randy “Dale” (Darlene) Gehman, Ephrata, Pa.; Martin Gerald “Jerry” (Faith) Gehman, Atmore; David Wayne (Shyrell) Gehman, Atmore; Joseph “Joe” Lynn (Rhonda) Gehman, Pelham, Ala.; and Martha Elaine Gehman (Todd) Gookin, Atmore. Martin was a cherished Grandfather to 16 grandchildren and to 18 beautiful great grandchildren. As Psalm 127 says, Martin delighted in his quiver-full and kept them daily in his prayers and love.
Martin ministered to countless lives through his service as a missionary, a lead pastor, owner of Marty’s Cabinet Shop and Furniture Company, and a radio station operator/producer for WASG, WYDH, and recently, WGYJ-LP. Many in Atmore enjoyed “Mom ‘n Pop’s Suppertime Gospel” which Martin and Vernie hosted together. Martin’s radio ministry reached listeners around the world with Contemporary Christian and Gospel music as well as preaching “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World”.
Martin took great joy in nature and gardening. He always had fresh peppers on the Sunday dinner table and would grin while offering them to guests. He is remembered as a man of integrity and passion for sharing the Gospel message of salvation. This passion, Martin would say, was a result of transformation and Providence in his own life. Martin was orphaned by age 11 when both of his parents died tragically within a year. He temporarily lived on a farm where he experienced abuse, but was removed to a new farm with the Henry Garber family who supported and loved him as one of their own.
At age 16, Martin was operating a tractor on a hillside field when the tractor rolled over, pinning him underneath its sharp steel wheels. Martin often shared a vivid memory of an angel protecting him from a crushing death. He survived with not even a broken bone and described the miracle as the moment he experienced God’s grace and salvation.
Martin began attending local camp meetings and one night when the altar call came, he answered with his whole heart. Over time, Martin participated in the Brunk tent revivals and became a close partner in ministry with Lawrence Brunk and helped facilitate a Brunk tent revival being held in Poarch, Ala.. Through the Brunk revivals, Martin was convicted of his need for second blessing holiness and entire sanctification. God called him to new life and a new purpose – to teach the world that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live apart from the world and dedicated in service to God. That is what Martin believed and what he lived. His obedience and faith transformed his life into a beautiful heritage. Those he leaves behind will miss him dearly.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Petty Funeral Home located at 9260 Highway 31, Atmore, AL 36502. A funeral service will be held at Unity Baptist Church located at 10310 Hwy 31, Atmore, AL. Interment will follow in a public ceremony at Serenity Gardens Cemetery located on Highway 31, East of Atmore near the municipal airport.
Dorothy Stacey Snellgrove
November 7, 2024
Atmore resident, Dorothy Stacey Snellgrove, age 95, passed away at her home on Friday, November 1, 2024. She was born February 13, 1929, in Fountain, AL and was a graduate of Barton Academy High School. After graduation, she attended business school and began her career of data processing until her retirement at age 62. Later in 2008, she moved to Atmore and became a member of Huxford Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Jessica Lee Griffin and her granddaughter, Angie Potter.
She is survived by her sons, Terry Dale (Jennifer) Snellgrove and Roger (Diane) Browning; four grandchildren, Jamie Lee Browning, Shannon Messick, Roddy (Aaron) Browning and Wesley (Katie) Browning; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other family members.
She touched many people in her lifetime and will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any local animal shelter.
Rodney Scott Owens
November 7, 2024
Dr. Rodney Scott Owens, age 71, of Atmore, AL, passed away on November 3, 2024, at his residence.
Dr. Owens was born on June 30, 1953, in Texas to Tolbert and Bessie Marie Richerson Owens. He was a graduate of Escambia County High School and later graduated in 1992 from the Doctor of Chiropractic Program at Life University in Marietta, GA. Dr. Owens was a member of Grace Fellowship Church and the former mayor of the City of Atmore. He is preceded in death by his mother and father.
Dr. Owens is survived by his wife, Donna Morris Owens; his sons, Johnathan (Angelique) of Atmore, AL and Jason (Melissa) of Birmingham, AL; his sister, Marilyn Davidson of Atmore and five grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Grace Fellowship Church.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please make a donation to Pilots for Christ, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
Franklin D. Barnes, Sr
November 5, 2024
Mr. Franklin D. Barnes, Sr., age 83, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, at a Century, Florida healthcare facility.
Mr. Barnes was born in Bay Minette, AL and had been a resident of Brewton for over 50 years, coming from New Mexico. During is working years he was a superintendent at Smurfit Stone. He was a gospel singer and enjoyed playing softball, working out and fishing. He was an avid Auburn football fan. He was a member of Alco Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Wilson Barnes; his parents, Burns and Mabelle Barnes; brother, William Travis Barnes; and a sister, Ann Hillman.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Barbara Barnes of Brewton; four sons, Lonnie (Chrissie) Barnes of Flomaton, Johnny (Jeanne) Barnes of Brewton, Matt Barnes of Gulf Shores, Brad Blackwell of Brewton; a daughter, Jennifer Blackwell of Brewton; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Zion Hill Cemetery with Bro. Lee Jernigan officiating.
Pallbearers: Logan Barnes, Travis Barnes, Derek Raines, Braden Blackwell, Cameran Bell.
Honorary Pallbearers: James Manning, Jimmy Maddox, Cody Anthony.
Kindly omit flowers and make contributions to Paws Crossed or Pilots for Christ.
Marvin Wrecil Shehan
November 5, 2024
Mr. Marvin Wrecil Shehan, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 29, 1953, in Atmore, Alabama, where he lived his entire life.
Mr. Shehan loved spending his days riding horses and driving cow trucks. The open fields and fresh air made him happy as he enjoyed the thrill of being outdoors. In the evenings, he liked to gather with his family, playing his guitar and singing songs together. These moments brought them closer, filling their home with laughter and music. Whether he was on horseback or strumming his guitar, Mr. Shehan cherished every moment spent with the things he loved and the people who mattered most to him.
He is preceded in death by his parents W.T. Bud and (Fannie Mae Shanks) Shehan; brother, Rusty Shehan.
He is survived by his son, Marvin Russell Troy Shehan of Atmore, Alabama; sister Rebecca Shehan (Doug) Rolin of Atmore, Alabama; cousins, Robin Palmeri of Atmore, Alabama, Darlene DeFee of Atmore, Alabama and a host of other cousins and family members.
Leon Stewart
November 5, 2024
For 94 years, Leon loved people. And people, all over the world, loved him. He lived a life of service for others because of his love for God and people.
Leon was born on December 5, 1929 to Rev. J.W. and Susie Stewart in the small community of Pineville FL. In his late teens he began to lose his vision and by age 20 was declared legally blind.
He was saved in 1947 and called to the ministry in 1949. That fall he entered Holmes Bible College. In 1952 he graduated, was ordained and married Donna Dooley. He had an active ministry as follows: 1952-1969 IPHC Pastor and Alabama Conference Superintendent; 1969-1981 IPHC Assistant General Superintendent; 1981-1989 IPHC General Superintendent; 1989-1991 Southwestern College President; 1991-2003 Pineview AL Pastor; 2003-2018 Speaker at many community churches, mentor to pastors and an active telephone ministry.
An author, Leon published Too Late in 1958, followed by The Preacher in 2001 and The Betrayal in 2006.
From the sixties thru the eighties Leon traveled extensively. He and Donna visited over 60 countries around the world. One of the major blessings in Leon’s life was pastoring Pineview. In his words, it was the “most meaningful and fulfilling ministry” in his career.
Leon is survived by two daughters, Dianne and Denise; two granddaughters, Lara and Karen; three great-grandsons, Benjamin, Elijah and Ashton; and many nephews/nieces, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Tommy McGhee officiating. A private interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Bethany Children’s Health Center (www.bethanychildrens.org).