Mary Joyce Crabtree Mason
January 7, 2015
Mary Joyce Crabtree Mason, 75 of Atlanta, passed away January 4, 2015, in Atlanta.
Joyce was born on April 26, 1939, in McKinnonville, FL, where she was raised. At a young age she helped her daddy in his turpentine business. She later met and married Paul Mason. She was always a mother first and was always involved in her daughter’s activities. She did cheerleader camps to rodeos across the United States. She worked as a church secretary for many years at the First United Methodist Church of Atmore and was a lifetime member. She attended another Methodist Church in Atlanta after moving to Georgia. She was also an employee for Olan Mills for years before retiring. Joyce was incredibly loving and a very loyal friend. She was always trying to help others and often went out of her way to do something nice for them. Unfortunately, Joyce had many health issues, which caused her to move to Atlanta for the past 10 years to live with her daughters so they could care for her. She was the best mom and wife anyone could ever have.
She is preceded in death by her parents Leander and Inez Lewis Crabtree and her husband Paul Mason.
She is survived by her daughters Shayne Lee and Missy (Harley) Kindig and two grandsons Garrett Lee and Colby Kindig all of Atlanta. She is also survived by her sister Lillian Jackson of Pensacola, a nephew Tommy Jackson of Pensacola, and a niece Jeannie McKenzie of Macon, GA. She had a lifelong friendship with Doris Van Pelt; they were close as sisters and took many enjoyable trips together with their husbands and families.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at noon from the First Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Leon Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015,from 11 a.m. until service time at noon from the First United Methodist Church of Atmore.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore is in charge of arrangements.
Linda Faye Magaha
January 6, 2015
Linda Faye Magaha, age 68 of Jay, passed away January 3, 2015, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola with her son by her side. Linda was a loving mother, sister and friend to many. She never met a stranger and was generous to a fault. She always had a joke to tell and a love for life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Texie Magaha of Jay.
She is survived by her son, John (Lisa) Weaver of Pensacola; sisters, Carole (David) Barnes of Tyler, TX, Glenda Moss of Jay, and Sharon (Dean) Kratchmer of Chumuckla; three grandchildren, Krista Weaver, Randi Weaver and Starla Weaver; nieces and nephews, Marla Lyle, Mark Masat, Melissa Robertson, Michael Moss and Ben Kratchmer.
A memorial service in honor of Linda’s life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015, at Jay Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 5 p.m. followed by services at 6 p.m.
Henry Rufus Joiner
January 5, 2015
Mr. Henry Rufus Joiner, 66, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2015, in Stockton, Alabama.
Mr. Joiner was a native of Rabun, Alabama and a resident of the Rabun and Stockton area for most of his life. His mother, Myrtle Hudson; father, C.B. Joiner and brother, Elzie Joiner precede him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Debra Sue Joiner of Stockton; one daughter, Debbie (Michael) White of Pine Grove, AL; one son, Elzie Joiner of Stockton; four grandchildren, Cameron White, Dalton Rufus White, Henry Lee Hadley and Shawna Delaine Huggins; one great-grandchild, John Huggins; three nieces, Traci (Elton Brooks) of Perdido, Conny (Tony Williamson) of Cantonment and Amanda (Kevin Boyington) of White House Fork, AL; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Dean Holiness Church with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at the Dean Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, January 5, 2015, from 6 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2014, at the Dean Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Elzie Joiner, BW Milstead, Josh Vinson, Bert Joiner, Henry Hadley and Elton Brooks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Heath Jaye, Larry Jaye and Tony Merle Milstead.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
William Haynes (Bill) Gandy, Sr.
January 3, 2015
William Haynes (Bill) Gandy, Sr., age 70 of Century, went home to be with his Lord on January 2, 2015, after a brief battle with kidney cancer.
Bill was born in Century on June 15, 1944, to John Lytle Gandy and Louise Gaskey Gandy and was the younger of two sons. After graduating from Century High School in 1962, lettering in all four sports, Bill attended University of Arkansas at Monticello on a football and baseball scholarship, being inducted into the Wall of Fame and serving as captain of the football team in 1965. While at UAM, Bill earned AIC Linebacker and played on the championship baseball team in 1963 and championship football teams in 1963-65 and started 39 straight varsity college games. He is a proud UAM Alumnus and later served as a recruiter for the college. Bill earned his teaching degree in physical education and started coaching at Milton High School in Santa Rosa County. Bill continued his athletic adventures by playing in the World Series in the 1966 Slow Pitch Softball Division, baseball with the Southern Alabama Baseball League, basketball with the Phillips 66 Southern Regional Champions and with The Sportsman. He was also an avid ping pong player and racketball player, participating in numerous tournaments.
He later earned his master of science degree from Troy State University. He stayed in the coaching and teaching profession for 42 years before retiring, working at Atmore (where he coached an undefeated football team in 1966) and Robertsdale (undefeated year in 1970), Jay, Century (head football coach and athletic director), Tate and Gulf Breeze. He was athletic director in Baldwin County and Robertsdale High School. He also coached many Little League baseball teams and had several undefeated years. Fortunately for his children and grandchildren, all of his athletic experience and expertise paved the way for his coaching and volunteering in their athletic adventures as well. He served as a private investigator for many years, and he spoke on the coaching speaking circuit and served as a Jay Royals Football Radio announcer and a Northview Chiefs Football Cannon and Fireworks expert with his son-in-law.
Bill was active in his Poplar Dell Baptist Church family for several years, especially in the Brotherhood organization and assisting with BBQs and fish cook-outs. He was an honorary chapter member of FFA, an active member of Century Historical Society, Century Lion’s Club, Northview, Jay and Flomaton High School Quarterback Clubs, Santa Rosa County Juvenile Justice Council, National Teachers Association, Florida Educators Association, American Federation of Teachers, and the Santa Rosa Professional Educators. Some of his professional achievements centered around being president and CEO of the SRPE for 11 years (where he helped start the SRPE Members’ Senior Scholarship Award), FEA Leadership Award, Who’s Who in America, Pride of Union Award, The Gold Award , and National and State Convention delegate. He founded many scholarships for local cancer, accident or catastrophe victims. Bill founded the Solon Lee Gandy Scholarship, a scholarship in memory of his son, given to a Flomaton and/or Jay High Senior, and the Gandy Family Scholarship at Poplar Dell Church. He was instrumental in the naming of the Gandyville Community to honor his grandfather, John Oxford Gandy and in the naming of Gandy Lane and Gandyville Road. He is known throughout the communities as being the one to go to to assist high school athletes in obtaining athletic scholarships from colleges and in helping young people who are seeking jobs.
Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to tell stories to his children and grandchildren’s friends while gathered around a bon fire, especially the one he is so famous for: “The Three-Toothed Lady.” Bill enjoyed riding his motorcycle across the country and around his community. He started the family hunting club, Gandy’s Hunting Club in Old Texas, Alabama. He lived a full life and was loved immensely. His favorite response to many of life’s situations: “Trust God in All Things,” and “Stop and hear that lonesome whippoorwill.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. and Louise Gandy of Gandyville; and his son, Solon Lee Gandy.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Smith Gandy; brother, John (Faye) Gandy of Flomaton;son, Haynes Gandy (Suzanne) of Chumuckla; daughter, Vicki Baggett (Garry) of Bratt; daughter-in-law, Tara Gandy of Pensacola; his children’s mother, Brenda Godwin of Jay; step-son, Brandon Carroll (Davina) of Jay; step-daughter, Stephanie Hudson (Brad) of Century; grandchildren, Jace, Sawyer, Madison and Garrett Gandy of Chumuckla; Corry and Lexxi Baggett of Bratt; Natalie and Luke Gandy of Pensacola; step-grandchildren, Carly and Christa Sanders, Cadee and Cathleen Carroll of Jay; and Savannah and Preston Hudson of Century; step-aunt, Addie Williams of North Carolina. He also leaves behind a special niece, Belinda Black (E.J.) of Flomaton; nephews, cousins, and two very special lifelong friends, Floyd Adams of Atmore and Bill Bryan of Mississippi.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 7, at 2 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church with Revs. Mitch Herring, Fred Funches and Robert Gandy officiating. Guest speakers will be Rhonda Chavers, Robert Hudson, and Floyd Adams. Burial will be in the Poplar Dell Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Jace Gandy, Sawyer Gandy, Corry Baggett, Mike Gandy, Tracy Gandy and E.J. Black.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Century Lions Club,members of the Adult Sunday School Class of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, and Beta Sigma Phi Society and their husbands.
A special thank you to the doctors and staff at the Woodlands Cancer Center, West Florida Cancer Center and Covenant Hospice of Pensacola, and a special thank you to Debbie Hayes of the Jay Medical Center.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Petty Eastside Chapel has been trusted with all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poplar Dell Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Gandy Family Scholarship Fund.
Danette Purvis Morris
January 3, 2015
Danette Purvis Morris, age 64, of Flomaton, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2015.
She was a valued member of Century United Methodist Church and a graduate of Century High School Class of 1968. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She served as a registered nurse for more than 20 years.
Danette is survived by her husband, Martin T. “Buddy”; her daughter, Candy (Blake) Mitchell of Headland, AL; her son, Brad (Jill); six cherished grandchildren; and her sister, Susan (Jimmy) Johnson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Sarah Purvis.
The family will receive friends, Monday, January 5, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Century United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Century United Methodist Church with Rev. Janet Lee officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Danette’s memory to the church.
Mary Pearl “Rusty” White Stewart
January 2, 2015
Mary Pearl “Rusty” White Stewart passed away at a local hospital on January 1, 2015. She was born on March 24, 1938, in Escambia County, FL and was a lifelong Pensacola resident.
She is survived by her children, Sue Scherffius (Wayne) Butts, Richard “Ricky” (Tami) Scherffius and Monte Crabtree; 11 grandchildren, Larry Girdner, Kacee Andrews, Taylor Crabtree, Stephanie Walker, Brandie Crabtree, Colton Crabtree, Conner Scherffius, and Nikki Kelley; 12 great-grandchildren, Lauren Ballard, Brianna, Hunter, and Kaleb Girdner; Jasmine and Garrett Crabtree; Jillian and Jacob Andrews; Ayden and Ryleigh Crabtree; Trey Bankston; Alicia Smith; Stephen and Matthew Butts; and Kayla Wolfe; as well as her dear friend and neighbor, Debra Hardy.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Sydney “Syd” Stewart; daughter, Kay Scherffius Crabtree; parents, Austin and Mary White; and brother, Curmee White.
Even during very difficult situations, Rusty always overcame her circumstances with determination. She loved to laugh and would always have everyone around doing the same. She loved having her family around her. She was very generous and loved giving to people, especially her children.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel North on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, with Pastor Wayne Butts officiating.
The family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. follwed by the services at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow at Lathram’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Trey Bankston, Daniel Kelley, Colton Crabtree, Taylor Crabtree, Dennis Walker, Kaleb Girdner, and Hunter Girdner.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Minnie “Louise” Conway
January 1, 2015
Minnie “Louise” Conway,84 of Atmore, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2014, in Atmore. She was a caregiver with home health for the home bound. She was born in Atmore on October 5, 1930, to the late William McKinley and Minnie Lee King Conway.
She is preceded in death by a daughter, Willonese Boutwell.
Survivors include one son, Raymond (Donna) Boutwell and one daughter, Eloise Adkins all of Atmore and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Friday January 2, 2015, at 4 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Grindle officiating.
Family will receive friends Friday, January 2, 2015, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 3 p.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Ethylene Overstreet
December 29, 2014
Ethylene Overstreet, long time resident of Walnut Hill, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2014, from cancer at the age of 85. Mrs. Overstreet was born in Wallace, Alabama on June 26, 1929, to John Emmons and Linnie Virginia Jeter Kirchharr. She was the mother of four children, six grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. “Granny” as she was affectionately called, was a member of Enon Baptist Church in Walnut Hill. She was retired from Monsanto as a production worker.
Ethylene was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Wilson Overstreet; daughter, Betty Jo Overstreet; brothers, Willie Agee Kirchharr and James Woodrow Kirchharr; sisters, Imaree Miller Carter, Myrtle Davidson, Alice Grubbs, Hazel Timothy, and Lynette Milstead.
Mrs. Overstreet is survived by her children, Charlotte Lucas (Phil), Margaret Little (John), and Calvin Dewayne Overstreet; grandchildren, Rhonda Little Baca, John Eric Little (Jennifer), Kinzie Lucas Shamblin (Jim), Kelly Lucas Lawson, Brittni Overstreet Stanford (Blake), and Calvin Taylor “Ty” Overstreet; great-grandchildren, Ryan Baca, Alex and Julianna Little, Lorri and Raegan Harrell, Ariana and Ashlyn Dionne, Bentley and Braylynn Stanford, and Griffin Lawson. She is also survived by two brothers, Fletcher Kirchharr and Kenneth Earl Kirchharr. Mrs. Overstreet is also survived by her caregivers, Robert and Mary Hall.
Funeral services will be held at Enon Baptist Church in Walnut Hill (Bay Springs), on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in the church cemetery. Eulogy will be given by her grandson Eric Little. Reverend Buddy Boles will conduct the services.
Pallbearers will be Eric Little, Ty Overstreet, Blake Stanford, Ryan Baca, Edward Giddins and Johnny Giddins.
Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Hall and Kenneth Wayne Garrett.
Johnson Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family would like to give special thanks to Mary and Robert Hall, Covenant Hospice and the staff of Century Rehabilitation in Century for providing for our mother’s care.
Malcolm L. ‘Mac’ Montgomery
December 29, 2014
On Christmas Day Malcolm L. ‘Mac’ Montgomery joined the Lord in his Heavenly home.
He served his country as a member of the U. S. Army. He was a hard-working, kind and generous man who never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Christa L. Montgomery.
Mac is survived by his son, Mark Montgomery; daughter, Susie (Kevin) Butler; seven grandchildren, Courtney Montgomery, Tyler Butler, Tristan (Danielle) Butler, Jeff (Jennifer) Bennett, Josh Bennett, Guy Rayner, Sierra Cody; six great-grandchildren, Brayden and Bristol Macks, Bane Butler, Ethan Rayner, Jordyn and Stokley Bennett; and his fur babies that were his world, Dixie and Reese; along with numerous friends.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Lenna Purvis Langford
December 27, 2014
Lenna Purvis Langford, a minister’s wife for 68 years, died Thursday, December 25, 2014, in Atmore. She was 85 years old. Mrs. Langford, an Edna, Texas native, was a resident of Atmore since 1959. She was an original founding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Atmore, which was organized in 1977 by Rev. & Mrs. C. L. Langford. She was a member of Enon Baptist Church in Goodway, Alabama.
Lenna loved meeting new people and made many friends over the years. She was a Christian and a prayer warrior and uplifted many heavy hearts throughout the years with her smile and prayers. Her hobbies included cooking, reading, Scrabble and gardening. She was a devoted, selfless mother and friend who will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Nina Alderson Purvis and her sisters, Marie Maass and Eleanor Sotorske.
Survivors include her husband, Colton L. Langford of Atmore; two sons, Jimmy Langford and David Langford both of Atmore; three daughters, Karen (Mike) Brown of Louisiana, Nina Langford and Lana Langford both of Atmore; one brother, Melvin Purvis of Virginia; one sister, Bonnie Blackmon of Atmore; one stepsister, Carolyn Young of Louisiana; two grandchildren, Christopher (Karen) Brown of Texas and Waylon (Allison) Brown of Louisiana; four great-grandchildren, Chloe Elizabeth Brown, Cooper John Brown, Tyler Rogers and Tallon Abel Brown.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Atmore.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Atmore. Rev. Otis Thames, Rev. C. L. Langford, and Rev. Arnold Hendrix will officiate with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chris Brown, Waylon Brown, Gary Langford, Gary Cooper, Jerry Wayne Brown, and Brian Presley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dewey Fowler, James Bolton, Earl Harrison, Greg Norwood, and Charles Kyser.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions of Bibles in Lenna’s name may be made to The Gideon’s International.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.