Sarah W. Harper
May 9, 2026
78, of Pensacola, Florida, passed peacefully from this life on April 30, 2026 surrounded by her children.
She was born on June 15, 1947, in Andalusia, Alabama, to Vernon and Levonia Williams. Sarah was raised in downtown Pensacola, Florida, where she made many childhood memories of school, meeting her sweetheart, and working her first job at the courthouse. When she spoke of her childhood, her eyes would sparkle. She would tell stories of simpler, but also challenging, times.
On August 4, 1967, she married Johnny Ray Harper, the love of her life. As a young mother, she was a devoted stay-at-home mom to four children. She made a special effort to celebrate all of her family’s birthdays, graduations and other special events. She happily supported them in all of their activities. Following the death of her husband, Johnny Ray, she continued to support her family as both homemaker and provider working as an office manager for 20 years. She demonstrated to her family the values of courage, hard work, and steadfastness.
Sarah was one of the beloved mothers of Greenridge Drive where family, friends, and neighbors felt loved and welcomed. She was a remarkable woman known for her infectious laugh, strong and gracious demeanor, ability to nap on command, compassion, love for Tab cola, and dedication. Sarah showed her family what it meant to treat others with kindness and respect, not just sometimes, but always.
Sarah was very involved with her church family. She spent most of her lifetime serving and helping various members of the congregation. She willingly served in many different church positions throughout her life. Her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, was exemplified through her service.
Last, but definitely not least, Sarah found great joy in “tittle-tattle” while preparing Sunday dinner for family and friends at her home, where they gathered around the table to laugh and enjoy many memories together.
Sarah is survived by her four children: Bryan (Lydia) Harper, Jennifer (Jacob) Smith, Benjamin (Cara) Harper, and Melissa (Joshua) Spiers; nine granddaughters: Meagan (Brynn) Olsen, Jacqueline Smith, Abigail (Brandon) Morse, Sydney Smith, Lily Smith, Claire Smith, Madelyn Harper, Reese Harper, and Kennedy Harper Spiers; and her sister-in-law, Lynn Williams.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Vernon and Levonia Williams; her husband, Johnny Ray Harper; and her brother, Nathan V. Williams.
A public visitation will be held on May 14, 2026 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 9490 Fox Run Road, Pensacola, Florida 32514. A private family service will be held graveside at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida.
Mom, we love you, and we will miss you. Thank you for every lesson, every story, every warm meal, and every gentle correction. You taught us that life isn’t perfect, but it’s beautiful when shared with honesty, humility, and heart. Mom, we will carry you with us in our hearts, in our stories, and in the way we live. And we will keep telling those stories, sharing that laughter, and honoring you by the way we love each other.
At the end of the workday, Sarah would come down the hall and say, “I’ve been all I can be. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.” Mom, your work here is done, and we’ll see you again soon.
Thaddeus Marion Morris
May 4, 2026
Thaddeus Marion Morris, 46, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away on April 29, 2026.
Born on December 25, 1979, in Dayton, Ohio, Thaddeus lived a life defined by service, leadership, and devotion to his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 23 years as a Cryptologic Technician (Collection) (CTR). Enlisting as an E-3, he rose through the ranks through determination, technical excellence, and exceptional leadership, ultimately achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Thaddeus’ distinguished naval career spanned the globe and multiple critical commands. He began his service at Naval Security Group Activity, Rota, Spain from 1999 to 2001. He then served at Navy Information Operations Command San Diego, supporting Naval Special Warfare from 2001 to 2006. From 2006 to 2010, he was assigned to the Center for Information Dominance Detachment at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
He went on to serve as a proud plank owner aboard the USS Spruance (DDG-111) from 2010 to 2014, helping bring the ship to life and establish its operational foundation. He later completed a key assignment at Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola from 2014 to 2017, followed by service at the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) in Pensacola from 2017 to 2020.
His leadership culminated in his role as Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Information Operations Command Pensacola (NIOC Pensacola), where he mentored countless Sailors and shaped the next generation of Information Warfare professionals. He was widely respected for his steady leadership, deep technical knowledge, and genuine care for those under his charge.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Thaddeus had a passion for golf, fishing, woodworking, home improvement projects, and technology. He was known for his ability to build, fix, and improve anything he touched, and for always being willing to lend a hand.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kimberly Seedorf; his father, Earnest Morris; and his grandmother, Maxine Morris.
Thaddeus is survived by his loving wife, Kristie Morris; his two beautiful sons, Bryson Morris (3) and Jayce Morris (7 months); his sisters, Tarra Crompton (Ryan) and Jennifer Tydingco (Dan); and his stepmother, Linda Morris.
Thaddeus will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, and respected leader whose legacy of service, strength, and integrity will live on in all who knew him.
Fair winds and following seas, Master Chief. Your watch has ended, but your impact will endure.
James ‘Jim’ Stephen Walters
May 1, 2026
James “Jim” Stephen Walters, 77, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2026, having survived cancer for more than 20 years. He was born on May 1, 1948 in Buffalo, NY. He is survived by his wife, Deecee Haslett, his daughter, Sheila M. Johnson, and his grandson, Logan D. Johnson of Monrovia, MD. He is also survived by his brother John “Jack” & wife, Reba Walters of Tullahoma, TN, his brother Joel and wife, Lynne Walters of Vashon, WA and his sister, Jill W. & husband Mahlon Erb of Frederick, MD. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald S. and Dorothy (Rodak) Walters.
After graduating from Lake Shore Central High School, Angola, NY in 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country for 26 years retiring as a CTRCS (SW) in 1992. His duty stations included Great Lakes, IL, Pensacola, FL, Winter Harbor, ME, Ft. Devens, MA, Hanza, Okinawa, Edzell, Scotland, Homestead, FL, Adak, AK, Washington DC, Ft. Meade, MD and he served on the USS California (CGN-36). He earned his Bachelor of Science Magna cum Laude in Management Information Systems & Business Administration from Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, WV in 1997.
Jim obtained his Amateur Radio license in 1968 and maintained his license throughout his life using call signs WA2GIN and N4SAR. He was active in emergency communications as: Emergency/Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Escambia County, FL; Communications Captain/Commander, Assistant Director & Public Information Officer with Escambia Search & Rescue for 30+ years; and as a volunteer CPR & First Aid instructor for the American Red Cross. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association and the Disabled American Veterans.
Jim was also employed by the Escambia County, FL Clerk of the Circuit Court and worked in both the private and government sectors as an information systems contractor.
In his free time, he and Deecee enjoyed square and round dancing both locally and at various locations throughout the U.S. They also enjoyed traveling and cruising.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Emerald Coast Hospice, and the excellent care provided by their staff, especially Tiffany, Breana and Anna.
Services will be held on April 30, 2026 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington Rd, Pensacola, FL. with visitation at 11:00am, service at noon and committal following at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Huston Anthony ‘Tony’ Cozart
April 30, 2026
Huston Anthony “Tony” Cozart was born in Century, Florida, on February 26, 1952, to Huston and Lillian Cozart. Tony traveled to heaven on April 28, 2026.
Tony lived much of his life in Jay, Florida, growing up the oldest to 3 brothers Joe, John and Stephen (Amy) Cozart, and 2 sisters Linda (Terry) Peterson and Nora Walker.
Tony was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and Paw Paw. He was always there to help his beloved family, special friends, dear nieces and nephews, close neighbors or a stranger with anything he could help them with.
Tony graduated from Jay High School and was employed by Santa Rosa County for many years. He was a member of Pine Level Baptist Church. Tony was a volunteer fireman for many years with Station 27 in Jay, Florida.
He loved hunting, fishing, listening to music, restoring classic cars, and riding his golf cart with his granddaughter and dog.
He is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Nelda Acree Cozart; and was blessed with 2 sons, Anthony Dewayne Cozart and Adam Joseph Cozart; one granddaughter, Kylie Cozart; and 2 great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Services will be held at Pine Level Baptist Church Saturday May 2, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. with Reverend Chad Diamond officiating.
Patricia Ann Leblanc
April 30, 2026
Patricia Ann Leblanc 81, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of April 26, 2026. She dedicated her life to caring for others as an oncology and hospice nurse. Nursing was not her profession; it was her calling. She touched countless lives while she dedicated decades to healing others. She was also a devoted wife, a nurturing mother and a doting Nana. She lived to care for those she loved.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Bob; her children and their spouses, Melanie Morgan (Brent), Michelle Flaherty and Tharon Leblanc; her sisters Maureen Chapman (David) and Mary Ann Hankin; her grandchildren Samantha Flaherty, Katelyn Tyler (Johnny), and Taylor Swafford (Gage). She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Joan Ballard and grandson Ryan Flaherty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida with Reverend Father George Thekku officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM preceding the funeral Mass. A reception in the parish hall will be held following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Saint Jude Ladies Society, 303 Rocky Avenue, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
Mary Joan Linam
April 30, 2026
Mary Joan Linam, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born in Salina, Kansas, on August 25, 1939, where her loving grandmother, Mary
Crouthers, raised her.
“Joanie” met the love of her life, Ray, in Salina, KS, while he was serving in the United States Air Force. She traveled with him, working in the commissary and raising 3 growing boys. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.
She is preceded in death by her Grandmother and her sister, Jeanie Sawyer.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Joseph Ray Linam; her sons, Kevin Linam, Todd and Rhonda Linam, Joel and Lana Linam; her sister, Janet Moore; nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held to celebrate Joan’s life at Lottie Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Wade Stanton
April 29, 2026
Charles Wade Stanton, 61, of Robinsonville, AL., passed away on April 26, 2026. He was born in Atmore, AL., to Jesse Sewell Stanton and Gladys Moye Stanton.
Charles was a farmer most of his life and later worked at West Florida Cotton Gin. He enjoyed going to the creek with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Hudson Stanton; his son, Jesse Stanton of Milton, FL; his daughter, Amy (Johnny) Lacy of Bratt, FL; and a step-son, Trey (Cierra) Hudson of Theodore, AL. He is also survived by a brother, Dennis (LeeAnn) Stanton of Robinsonville, AL, his sister Judy (Steve) Lambert of Robertsdale, AL, 11 grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Johnson- Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Sanks officiating. Charles will be laid to rest beside his great-great-grandfather, W. W. Stanton, at Canoe Methodist Cemetery in Robinsonville, AL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Tracy Edwards, Tony Hadley, David Coleman, Ben Lindsey, Rodney Helton, Chad McMurphy, Jake Godwin, and Blake Young.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Giovanni ‘Gino’ Christopher Planer
April 29, 2026
Giovanni “Gino” Christopher Planer, age 33, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on April 22, 2026.
He was born at West Point Military Academy on September 11, 1992 to Russell Scott Planer and Wendy Lynne Groover. Giovanni had a ten-year career in the United States Navy and later became an IT cybersecurity specialist government contractor. He attended both Liberty Church and Voyage Church and had a passion for sharing the Lord. Giovanni enjoyed family and friends, motorcycles, finance trading, video games, and living his life to the fullest in his new found home of Florida.
He is survived by his daughter Anna, his father Russell Planer and his wife Eileen, his mother Wendy Groover and her husband Jeff, his sisters Christina and Alyssa, his brothers Carlos, Zach, Brian, Eleazar, and Erl Joaquin.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home at 1000 S. Hwy 29 Cantonment, FL on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor John Teele officiating.
Giovanni’s final resting place will be at the at the Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144. A graveside service will be held there at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, with Pastor David Cooper officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 34 in Rock Hill along with the US Navy.
Sandra Marie Ferguson
April 29, 2026
Sandra Marie Ferguson, 38, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on April 27, 2026. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Charles and Jamie Johnson Ferguson.
Sandra was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and a cook at Wind Creek Casino. She was also hardworking, kind, funny, and enjoyed socializing with her friends.
She is survived by her parents; her brothers, Chris Ferguson of Virginia Beach, VA., David (Sarah) Ferguson of Canada; her sister, Amanda (Jason) Hardy of Columbus, MS, nieces and nephew, Abbriana, Kensley, Allie, and Alex.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Richard ‘Mike’ Caraway
April 28, 2026
Michael Richard “Mike” Caraway, 53, of Canoe, AL., passed away on April 17, 2026, in Atmore, AL. He was born on December 27, 1972, to Collin “Pete” Caraway and Mary “Janie” Caraway.
Mike was a Correctional Officer and a Shriner. He enjoyed gardening and hanging out with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway.
Mike is survived by his parents; his daughter, Girdielene Ella Wade Caraway; his sisters, Vicky (Jerry) Timothy, Sandra Caraway (David) Brown; his brother, William (Debbie)Caraway, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 27, 2026, with Pastor Richard Daniel officiating. Interment followed at Caraway Family Cemetery in McCullough, AL.
Johnson-Quimby was in charge of arrangements.