Mildred Rosalee Smith Powell
April 3, 2016
Mildred Rosalee Smith Powell age 94, passed away on April 1, 2016. She was born on March 9, 1922, to Oliver Smith and Eddis Shirley Smith who migrated to Jay from Geneva, AL to clear new ground to farm.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Miller Powell; daughter, Vera Lloyd Jackson; son-in-law, Aubrey Jackson; grandson, Eric Jackson and brother, Lewie Frank Smith.
She is survived by her son, Adone (Nancy) Lloyd; grandchildren, Shannon Wright, Wendy (Scott) Blackmon, Brent (Angie) Jackson; great-grandchildren, Jared (Contessa) Smith, Cameron Wright, Olivia Wright, Zoe Wright, A.J Nash, Slater Nash, Tyler Blackmon, Zachery Blackmon, Ali Jackson, Sissy Jackson, Brandy Jackson, Alan Jackson; and one great-great grandchild, Jace Jackson.
Active pallbearers will be Jared Smith, Cameron Wright, A.J Nash, Slater Nash, Elton Nowling, and Scott Blackmon.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mickey Diamond, Terry Baldree, Donald Cobb, Bill Spears, Jeff Boutwell, W.L Simmons.
Mildred’s life journey began with wanting to go to college at a young age. She took a business course which led her to working at Scott’s Grocery, filing books (her true passion). She then decided to borrow money in the early 1960’s where she opened up Teen’s Delight. She sold five hamburgers for a dollar and shakes as well and this was only the beginning, which led to a purchase of another restaurant in town. After retiring Mildred moved to Pensacola with her husband until his retirement, which led to her journey of traveling. She visited all 50 states along with their capitals and Hawaii twice. Years later she decided that it was time to move back home to Jay where she made a very bold decision. She purchased Jays only video store which everybody knew (if you were late returning the movie, you were going to pay or she would show up at your house to collect both). If there was one thing about Mildred she was a very savvy business woman and had great success. Her ledgers were known to have the books perfect down to the very last penny, or Mildred could not sleep.
Mildred was the oldest member of Cora Baptist Church where she gave her life to Jesus. She was baptized by Brother Hall on July 14, 1968. The family would like to thank The Terrace at Ivey Acres and Jay Hospital for the care given to Momma Mildred.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 4, 2016, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 2:30 pm with Brother LaDon Hall and Brother Greene officiating.
Burial will be at Cora Baptist Cemetery.
Raymond Ernest Robinson, Jr.
April 1, 2016
Raymond Ernest Robinson, Jr, 58, of Fairhope, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016, at his residence. He was employed at Chuck Stevens Automotive as a salesman. He was born on December 9, 1957 in Crestview to the late Raymond E. and Margene Still Robinson, Sr. He was an avid fisherman.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Scott Louis Robinson.
Survivors include one son, Samuel Scott (Ruth) Robinson of Atmore; one sister, Donna Faison Rock of Daphne; two grandchildren, Mary and Lydia Robinson; two nieces, Brandi and Leia; two nephews, Jacob and Austin; one great-nephew, Jackson; and one great-niece, Anberlyn.
Memorial services were held Friday April 1, 2016, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bruce Hooks and Pastor Gene King officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sav-A-Life.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Rufus Hamilton Diamond
April 1, 2016
Rufus “Butch” Hamilton Diamond, age 69, of Riverview, Alabama, passed away on March 28, 2016, after a long battle with heart disease. He loved to fish, deer and turkey hunt.
He is preceded in death by his father, Guy H. Diamond Jr. and his mother, Lullene Johnson Diamond.
He is survived by two daughters, Wendy Diamond (Wally) Booker of Jay and Miranda Diamond (Mike) Stansbury of Biloxi, MS; two sons, Kevin (Christy) Diamond of Byrneville and James (Corina) Diamond of Riverview, AL; brother, Johnny Dimaond of Atmore; and numerous family members.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 1, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Bryan officiating.
Milford E. Lassitter
April 1, 2016
Milford E. Lassitter, 84 of Atmore, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Atmore. He was retired from the City of Atmore, as a building inspector. He was born on January 30, 1932, in Escambia County (AL) to the late Robert Jack and Ada Bell Wall Lassitter. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church of Atmore.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce M. Lassitter; and daughter, Vickie A. Lassitter.
Survivors include one granddaughter, Alece Hadley; three great-grandchildren, Ashley Wilson, Jonathon Dunigan and Brandon Stone, all of Atmore; one brother, Russell (Maxine) Lassitter of Atmore; and one sister, Shirley White of McCullough.
Services will be held Monday April 4, 2016, at 2 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Davis officiating.
Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery.
Family will receive friends, Monday April 4, 2016, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Michael Gene Tucker
April 1, 2016
Mr. Michael Gene Tucker age 51, of Sand Flat Road in Flomaton, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at his residence after a brief illness. He was a native of Milligan, TN and a former resident of Tuscaloosa before moving back to Flomaton. Mr. Tucker was a member of the Catawba Springs Baptist Church where he was active with RPM Ministry and was better known as Brother Goliath. He was a 1983 graduate of W.S. Neal High School and was a retired Marine. He was an avid Alabama fan and enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his parents, Pat and Marie McRae of Brewton; wife, Lana Nelson Tucker of Flomaton; one son, Matthew (Good Friend Anna) Tucker of Flomaton; Ethan Pickern and Cloie Pickern.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Tucker.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating.
Interment will follow in Catawba Springs Cemetery in Brewton.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.
Roger M. Griffey
April 1, 2016
Mr. Roger M. Griffey, 60, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Atmore.
Mr. Griffey was a native of Frisco City, Alabama and resided in Atmore most of his life. Mr. Griffey coached baseball for a number of years, worked for All-State Beverage, Gulf Distributing and Martin Construction. He attended the Friendly Holiness Church.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Roy Ladon Griffey; and father, Roy Griffey.
He is survived by his mother and step-father, Imogene and R.J. (Snuffy) Lane of Atmore; wife, Georgia McGhee Griffey of Atmore; four sons, Jason (Shannon) Griffey, Scott Griffey, Mikey (Jennifer) Griffey and Justin (Lulu) Norman, all of Atmore; two brothers, Teddy Wayne Griffey and Johnny Dale Griffey Turk, both of Mobile; three sisters, Betty Jean Griffey Hood of Gulf Breeze, Joanne Griffey Durbin of Atmore and Pamela Sue Griffey Brantley of Atmore; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 4, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Friendly Holiness Church with Rev. Ray Ward and Rev. Joe White officiating.
Burial will follow at the Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 3, 2016, from 6 p.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at the Friendly Holiness Church.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Eunice Lucas Gunn
March 31, 2016
Eunice Lucas Gunn, 89, graduated to heaven, Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
Mrs. Gunn is preceded in death by her son Lavaughn Gunn and great grandson Tommy Hennessey.
Mrs. Gunn is survived by her husband of 68 years, Sidney W. Gunn and her four other sons: Lomax Gunn and wife Alice, Kenny Gunn and wife Susan, Michael Gunn and wife Judy and Richard Gunn; six grandchildren: Susan Hennessey, Kenny Gunn, Jr., Michael Gunn, Jr., Jennifer Yuhasz, Jeremy Gunn and Amanda Forst); nine great grandchildren (plus one on the way); and two great, great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 1, 2016,, 2:00-3:00 p.m. with the service following at 3:00 p.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home. Reverend Carlos Jackson will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Eastern Gate memorial Gardens.
Arrangements under the direction of Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL.
Marsha Johnson Cook
March 28, 2016
Marsha Johnson Cook was born on April 20, 1971, in Franklinton, LA. Marsha was known as the most beautiful baby ever born. She passed away March 27, 2016, surrounded by all her loved ones and her three loving children, River, Hunter and Brook.
Marsha was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Mami Johnson, Earl and Mattie Johnson; her step-father, Charles Miller; father-in-law, James Cook; nephew, Christopher Miller; and best friend, Brandi Moye, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survivors include her husband, Daryl Cook; her three loving children, River Cook, Hunter Cook and Brook Cook; her mother, Skippy (Johnson) Miller; her daddy and step-mama, Fred and Faye Johnson; brother, Jeff (Trisha) Johnson; sister, Tinia (Marc) Hennington; special niece, Rachel Pardue; special nephews, Josh and Bo Johnson; step-sisters, Tammy Cable, Jeannie Page, Ann Whitehead and Loretta Ditmire; step-brothers, Adam Daw, Calvin Miller and Gerald Miller; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Johnson and Rev. Cliff Emmons officiating.
Burial will be at the Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 30, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Josh Johnson, Bo Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Jackie Johnson, Jacob Pardue and Hewtil Mumaw.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Lee, James Emmons, Terry Capps and Adam Daw.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Annie Mae Oswald Gimbel Bailey
March 28, 2016
Annie Mae “Sue” Oswald Gimbel Bailey, age 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday night, March 21, 2016, at Kershaw Health Hospital in Camden, SC. To most of her family and friends, she was known as Sue. She was a long-time member of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
She was born on September 21, 1925, to C. Bonnie Oswald and Sallie Mae Bodiford Oswald in Frisco City, Alabama. When she was 12, the family moved to Pensacola. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young teenage girl. She completed her education at Tate High School and went to work at Biggs Sporting Goods in downtown Pensacola. Working at Biggs is where she was given the nickname, “Sue.” One of the ladies who worked there said, “You don’t look like an Annie Mae. You look like a Sue.” She attended First Baptist Church of Pensacola. There on the steps of the church one Sunday morning, she noticed a young Naval officer dressed up in his white Navy uniform. She later saw him at Biggs and helped him pick out some golf clubs. Before long, they were dating. She married that young Naval officer, Lt. Robert Henry Gimbel, on September 28, 1946. Life took them to the Panama Canal Zone; Philadelphia, PA; Patuxent River, MD; Anderson, SC; Jacksonville, FL; and Pensacola, FL. In 1967, after years of being away from Pensacola, Sue, Rob, and family settled back in Pensacola. However, on December 20, 1976, Sue became a widow when Rob passed away.
She was a loving mother and cared very deeply about her children. She always wanted what was best for them. As spouses to her children became a part of the family, she welcomed them as her own.
She relished her role as Grandma Sue to her six grandchildren. She always had time to rock them and sing “Love Lifted Me.” She spoiled them, and they loved it! As years passed, she became a Great Grandma, and she cherished the time she spent with her great-grandchildren. Birthdays and Christmas were always special times for her to be with her family, and she showed how much she loved them by making fried chicken and her specialty at Christmas—fruit cake.
She was the oldest of nine children. She loved each one of them and their families. She and her sister, Burnis, were inseparable growing up. She always looked out for her younger brothers and sisters, Earl, Frances, Geraldine, Bob, Roland, Helen and Linda. She had plenty of love to go around for each of them.
Later in life, she started attending her high school class luncheons. There she saw a former classmate who took an interest in her. She married Grover Jackson Bailey, Sr. on July 15, 2000. They enjoyed their life together doing some traveling and spending time in Baldwin County at their ranch house. After Grover’s death on June 9, 2014, Sue moved to Lugoff, SC, in May 2015, to live with her daughter, Gayle.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, CDR Robert Henry Gimbel; her second husband, Grover Jackson Bailey, Sr., her sister, Geraldine Fillingim; her brother, Bob Oswald; brothers-in-law, Anthony Fillingim, Norman Crawford, Edward Viita, and Julian Godwin.
Sue is survived by: her sons, Charles (Kathy) Gimbel, and Fred (CJ) Gimbel; and daughter, Gayle (Trey) Gilstrap; grandchildren, Julie (Derek) Paden, Tiffany Gimbel, Stacy (Phil) Vidal, Laurie (John) O’Brien, Tyler (Marissa) Gilstrap, and Justin (Lindsey Marshall) Gilstrap; great-grandchildren, Richie Paden and Luke Vidal; step-children, Grover (Pam) Bailey, Jr. and Brenda (Mike) Seymour; step-grandchildren, Michael (Samantha) Seymour, Christopher (Jaime) Seymour, Stephanie (Grey) Burge, Allison (Lang) Tarrant, Jaclyn (Richard) Hines, and Jackson Bailey; and numerous step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Burnis Godwin, Earl Oswald, Frances Crawford, Roland (Terry) Oswald, Helen (Don) Jordan, and Linda Viita.
The family of Mrs. Annie “Sue” Bailey would like to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Kershaw Health Hospital for their diligent care of our mother.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. for family on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at 10 a.m., with Dr. Jerry Passmore officiating, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South.
Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, at 11:45 am.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Gilstrap, Justin Gilstrap, Derek Paden, John O’Brien, Phil Vidal, and Steve Godwin.
Louise Simmons Tyree
March 28, 2016
Louise Simmons Tyree, age 95, of Jay, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 24, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County and a member of Ebenezer Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed quilting and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Tyree; mother, Bessie Simmons Shirley; sister, Peggy Goodson; an infant child; daughters, Gladys Ann and Ruth Tyree; and son, Billy Tyree.
She is survived by her children, Evelyn (Billy) Moore of Pensacola, Betty Hall of Andalusia, AL, and Bobby (Elaine) Tyree of Milton. She was very proud of her 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She had lived the last five years at Century Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 28, 2016, at Jay Funeral Home with Brother Gene Hudson and Brother LaDon Hall officiating.
Active pallbearers were Sammy Simmons, Doug Simmons, Cecil Simmons, Malcolm Reed, Eddie Simmons, Tim Diamond, and Jerry Carnley.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Smith and Jay Medical, Century Health and Rehabilitation, and Covenant Hospice for all their special care and dedication for our mother.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.