Martha Kirkland Brown
May 25, 2015
Martha Kirkland Brown passed away on May 22, 2015 in Madisonville, LA. She was born on August 1, 1951, in Carriere, MS, to the late Houston Thomas Kirkland and Golda Pearson Kirkland.
Martha was married to her beloved husband, Dennis Ray Brown, for 40 years and together they had two sons, Jeremy Brown (Kelli), of Petal, MS, and Josh Brown (Jessika), of Pensacola. She was the loving grandmother of Logan, Lukas, Lexington and Brett Brown. She was the sister of Mary Burchfield (Mack), Margaret Wedgeworth (Robert), Patricia Miles (Terry), Janice Martin (Oliver), Richard Kirkland (Karen), Terry Kirkland (Suzanne), Pam Aultman (Mike), the late Charles Kirkland and Tommy Kirkland. She was the life of every family gathering and the best story teller of the group. Her husband and sons treasured her, her grandsons adored her, and her siblings, and multiple nieces and nephews will miss her greatly.
Martha resided in Century, where her husband is the pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She has faithfully served the Lord alongside her husband in churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. In addition to supporting her husband’s ministry, she led countless Sunday school classes, directed Vacation Bible Schools, led Bible study groups for women, and organized and led numerous women’s retreats. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was demonstrated through her devotion to her family and her friends and her desire for others to know him. All who met her recognized the joy she carried by the contagious smile, constant encouragement, and her positive attitude. She loved people wholeheartedly and spoke unashamedly about her desire to love Christ more.
Martha Kirkland Brown was a Godly example of wife, mother, MawMaw, sister, aunt, and friend. She lived and loved well. Those who care for her will “honor her for all that her hands have done” (Proverbs 31:31).
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service to celebrate this beautiful life at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at Bedico Baptist Church,, Ponchatoula, LA . A wake will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015, at the church from 6-9 p.m.. Visitation on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, will be from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at the West Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Carriere, MS.
Naoma Louise Hullett
May 23, 2015
Naoma Louise Hullett, age 92 of Jay, passed away on May 22, 2015. She was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. Louise attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee where she earned her Master’s Degree in education. She received several recognitions during her teaching career including Santa Rosa County Teacher of The Year. Louise enjoyed painting and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Joel Hullett and Edna Asseneth Hullett; sisters, Mary Ohrbom and Ruth Hullett; and brothers, Joel T. Hullett and John David Hullett Sr.
Louise is survived by her sister, Anna Hullett Almer; special sister-in-law, Annie Merle Hullett and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 3 pm. with Dr. Lenny Howard officiating services.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Lymon Ohrbom, Joseph Almer, David Gamble, Billy Hullett, Butch Wells, and Logan Rowell.
Honorary pallbearers will be her Mt. Carmel Methodist Adult Sunday School Class and her caregivers, Diane Anthony, Sandra Burch, Leah Campbell, Leslie Day, Jennifer Keen, Mavis Kisner, Barbara Rowell, and JoAnn Stead.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. C. David Smith and staff for the many years of devoted care and to Dr. Scott Moore and Jay Hospital Staff for the exceptional care given to Louise while she was in the hospital. The family would like to extend a special thank you for all the caregivers, Diane Anthony, Sandra Burch, Leah Campbell Leslie Day, Jennifer Keen, Mavis Kisner, Barbara Rowell, and JoAnn Stead for their devotion and kindness shown to Louise.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Mt. Carmel Building Fund.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Nell Elizabeth Lane Hendricks
May 23, 2015
Nell Elizabeth Lane Hendricks, age 45, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015, after a lengthy illness. She was a lifetime resident of Jay. She was born on March 12, 1970, in Milton to Irene and Kenneth G. Lane. Nell was married for 27 years to her beloved husband, Howard Hendricks. Nell attended school at Jay, PJC, and Locklin VoTech where she earned her degrees in Early Childhood Education. Nell loved working with children and enjoyed her job at Training Wheels Preschool where she taught Pre-K. Nell enjoyed reading and spending time with friends and family. She was an active member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.
Nell is survived by her husband, Howard D. Hendricks, and Riley Cooper her beloved pet. She is also survived by siblings, Jimmy (Janice) Everage, Joseph D. Everage, Elaine Shamloo, Sandy (Reid) Paronto and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Teresa Shirley.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2015, at the Temporary Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church located at 4003 Highway 4. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Brother Lenny Howard officiating service.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Jim Emmett, Jimmy Allison, Paul Madison, Will Madison, Derek Hendricks, and Bart Hendricks.
Honorary pallbearer is Ivan Hendricks.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Baptist Hospital 3 West and Emerald Coast Hospice and Nurse Melanie.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Kim Vansant
May 21, 2015
Kim Vansant, born May 20,1958, was a loving mother to Sandy Rainwater and partner in life with Gary Rainwater.
After serving her community in Rome, GA for many years as a nurse she moved to Christian Home, FL and spent her days serving her family and raising her daughter, of whom she was extremely proud. Watching Nascar races and working to support Northview High School filled Kim’s days with excitement. Marveling at her talented daughter twirling flaming batons filled many Friday nights while she waited on the sidelines eager to douse the flame.
Her own flame diminished too quickly on May 18,2015, for those that loved her, but the residual heat from her loving nature will be felt for years to come. A woman who valued friends and family, she was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Kim is survived by her daughter, Sandy Rainwater and life partner, Gary Rainwater; brothers, Tony and Mark Vansant; and a slew of nieces and nephews.
Kim was proceeded in death by her brother, Jerry Vansant, along with her parents.
A service celebrating Kim’s life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Jeffrey L. Slade
May 21, 2015
Jeffrey L. Slade, age 53, of Jay, passed away on May 19, 2015, after a lengthy illness. He was a member of Jay United Methodist Church and was very active in church fellowship and activities. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend to those he met.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Rupert and Marlene Slade.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marybeth Slade; daughters, Ashley Slade, Trinity Slade, and Linda Slade; brothers, Randy (Michelle) Slade and Gary Slade; father-in-law, Wallace Diamond; brother-in-law, Ed (Margaret) Diamond; sister-in-law, Amanda (Douglas) Ard; niece, Kristen Slade; two nephews, Cory Slade and Will Diamond; and close friends we consider as family, Wanda and Billy Boutwell and Johnny and Beverly Johnson.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2015, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Jay United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. with Pastor Ebb Hagen and Pastor Laura Weant officiating.
Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Cory Slade, Bryan Ellis, Devin Thompson, Will Diamond, Allen McLeod, and JD Diamond.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ludovico Ballesteros Alhambra
May 19, 2015
Ludovico Ballesteros Alhambra, 77, also known to many as “Dino”, died peacefully, surrounded by family, in his Pensacola home on May 11, 2015, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Dino is survived by his wife, Lynn Sweetman; his children, Eva Secchiari of Las Vegas, NV, Leo Alhambra of Marysville, WA, Mary Chesnut of Gaylesville, AL, Michael Sweetman and Tiffany Sweetman of Pensacola; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Magdalena “Maggie” Alhambra, when she passed in 1999 in Pensacola.
Dino was a veteran with 31 years of service. He began his military career in 1958 and served his country in the US Navy in the Steward and Mess Specialist Ratings until his retirement with full honors in 1988. His 31 years of dedicated service included duty on an array of naval vessels, but it was his “Silent Service” as a Submariner that defined his naval career. After military retirement, Dino continued to dedicate himself to the Florida State Corrections Department as the Road Prison’s Food Service Manager and transitioned to the Corrections Academy and was promoted to Road Prison Corrections Officer until his retirement in 2000.
Dino’s sense of service was boundless and never ending. He was an active member of numerous community and civic organizations such as Filipino-American Association; the United Pangasinan; Republican Executive Committee; Chairperson of the Black Republican Club and Chief of Staff of the Minority Coalition Club. His volunteer work at the Department of Veteran’s Administration will not be forgotten.
Dino’s greatest of all his illustrious life accomplishments, was being bestowed the Honorary 33rd Degree as conferred by the Scottish Rite. It is an honorary degree bestowed on a member who has already received the Knight Commander Court. Since 1983, Dino remained committed and devoted to the Masons. His Masonic journey included many positions including Past Master of the Ensley Masonic Lodge and District Deputy Grand Master of his District. His time was also provided as a member of the Masonic Memorial Team, the York Rite Bodys and the Zellica Grotto.
Dino was kind and generous, and he always had time to answer a question no matter how small. His time was your time. He always sought out new faces in the crowd and ensured they felt welcome to the community. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.
Dino’s Vigil Service was held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Sunday May 17, 2015.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 18, 2015, at Little Flower Catholic Church in Pensacola.
Dino was buried at Barrancas National Cemetary on Naval Air Station Pensacola beside his late wife, Magdalena.
The funeral arrangements and vigil are being coordinated through Faith Chapel Funeral Homes South.
Grant Murray Godwin
May 19, 2015
Grant Godwin passed away after an extended illness in Gainesville, Florida.
Grant was born and raised in Oak Grove. Growing up in Oak Grove, Grant was active in 4H Clubs and Future Farmers of America. In high school, Grant was rewarded with the prestigious ‘American Farmer’ award, one of three recipients in the State of Florida.
Grant graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Agriculture and worked for 4-H, IFAS at the University of Florida. Grant met his wife, Bronna while working as 4-H Staff members; Grant at the University of Florida and Bronna at Florida State University. They were married in Bartow, Florida on June 30, 1957. They have made their home in Gainesville since that date.
They have three children. Mark (Karen) who live on Lake Santa Fe in Alachua County; Jane (Randy) of Houston, Texas and have a son, Alex and Ann (Tom), of Naples, Florida, have a daughter, Lauren; and a son, Ryan (Lara) and Lauren has a son, Jesse.
Grant enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. Grant and Bronna aimed to visit all national parks and historical sites. They enjoyed some parks so much, they continued to visit. They toured many European countries including Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. They also enjoyed time in Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, and cruised regularly.
Grant enjoyed his Yorkie Annabel, a special companion in his later years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 11 a.m. in The Piano Room at Oak Hammock with Rev. Esther Rodriguez officiating.
A graveside service will be held Friday, May 22, 2015, at 11 a.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove.
Barbara E. Trawick
May 19, 2015
Barbara, 88, a native of Berrydale and resident of Pensacola, peacefully slipped into the arms of her Savior on May 12, 2015.
She was a member of the Community of Christ Church Pensacola.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Clarence E. Trawick; second husband, J. Russell Cassady; mother, Harriet Ellis; and father, William Jackson Allen.
Mrs. Trawick is survived by her daughter, Janice T. Howard; son, William E. (Jean) Trawick; granddaughter, Stacy Miles; grandsons, Teddy Howard and Christopher Trawick; great- granddaughters, Rebekah Miles, Kayla McIntosh, Ashley Davis, and Alexandra Howard; great-grandsons, Zayne Trawick and Hunter Howard; great-great-grandson, Luke McIntosh; sister, Charlotte Louise Cook; and former daughter-in-law, Brenda Trawick.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Evangelist Les Kelly, Reverend Ken Johnson, and Reverend Richard Altenbaugh officiating services.
Burial was in Whitfield Cemetery in Berrydale.
Pallbearers were Johnny Dunn, Woodrow Dunn, Wayne Cook, and Doug Dunn.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Daniel Currie Jones “Deacon”
May 19, 2015
Daniel was born in Muscogee, FL on April 30, 1926, to the late Tom and Inez Steagall Jones and passed away suddenly on May 15, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Roland, Edward “Sugerboy”, and Gene; and a sister, Helen Jones Harned.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Cofty Jones; his children, Daniel O. (Lynn), Arleen (Ronnie Keck), and Mark; his grandchildren, Lezlie Keck McLaughlan and Jason Keck; his great-grandchildren, Raeann and Tomas McLaughlan; and his sisters, Hilda Jones Ansley, Peggy Jones Odom, Judy Jones Rhodes, and Janie Jones Graves; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a CM3 during WWII in the South Pacific from 1944-1946 and returned to graduate from Tate High School. He continued on to graduate in the first class at Chipola Jr. College; and then to earn a B.S. Degree in Mathematics from Troy State University. While at Troy, he met the love of his life, Barbara Cofty of Colquitt GA. They married and made their home, for 63 years in Escambia County, where he worked as a millwright at St. Regis later Champion Paper from where he retired after 36 years.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling with his family. He loved and was very much loved by his friends and family.
We would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for all of the care that they provided.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Jimmy Cook, officiating.
Burial was in Rawls Cemetery in Coquitt, GA.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Walter “Bud” Sparshott
May 19, 2015
Walter “Bud” Sparshott, age 75, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015.
He served 32 years in the U.S. Navy retiring as a Command Master Chief. After retirement he owned and operated Century 21 Southern Homes Realty Inc. and Southern Homes Realty LLC for over 25 years. He was well respected in the community, having been a part of many organizations. He will be missed.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents; Walter Sparshott and Beula Sparshott; son, Kenneth Sparshott; and daughter, Gaile Ann Sparshott.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Nancy Sparshott; daughter, Scarlett (Dan) Tullos; grandson, Braden Shockley; and granddaughter, Athena Graves.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Interment will take place following the service at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.