Mary Marjorie Frazier Ellis
June 19, 2014
Mary Marjorie Frazier Ellis 77, of Fidelis, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at home with her family by her side. She was born on March 26, 1937, in Brewton to Gene and Cora Frazier. She was married to Willie Green Ellis on January 23, 1953, and moved to the Fidelis community where she became a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was an outstanding cook and professional cake decorator. She enjoyed family vacations, spending holidays with family and friends, reading, sewing, and teaching the word of God. She was a member, teacher and the women’s leader at the Community of Christ Church in Berrydale for over 50 years. She always put God and family first, as they were the two most important things in her life. We will all miss her dearly, but her memories will live on forever and ever until we reunite with her in heaven.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Frazier; mother, Cora Frazier; sisters, Lucille Cook, Mildred Sproule, Anne Mae Harden; and brother, Howard Frazier.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Willie Green Ellis of Fidelis; three sons, Ricky (Sherry, also like a daughter) of Fidelis, Randy (Teresa) of Berrydale, Terry (Linda) of Milton; one daughter, Jenny (Rick) Lowery of Jay; one sister, Ann (Elmo) Fillingim of Cantonment; one brother, Gene (Sara) Frazier of Brewton; and 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a special family friend, Jane Berry.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Jay Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. followed by the service.
Burial will be held at the Community of Christ Church Cemetery in Berrydale with Jay Funeral Home directing.
Active pallbearers will be Jeremy Ellis, Jared Ellis, Bryan Ellis, Ryan Ellis, Brandon Ellis and Brad Lowery.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Smith and the entire Covenant Hospice staff for their kind and compassionate care.
Louis Jennings Crabtree, Sr.
June 18, 2014
Mr. Louis Jennings Crabtree Sr., age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Barrineau Park on Friday, June 13, 2014. He was born in Atmore, grew up in Barrineau Park and was one of seven boys. He was drafted and served in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and later began his career in Louisiana working offshore in the oil and gas industry. He moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1978 and later to Evanston, Wyoming. He spent the next 25 years working in the oilfields of Wyoming and the surrounding area. He moved back to his family home in Barrineau Park in 2003 after he and his brothers sold their family business.
Mr. Crabtree is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie Jennings Crabtree and Anna Catherine Dagen Crabtree; and brothers, Ollie Don Crabtree and Thomas Mathew Crabtree.
He is survived by his daughters, Darlene (Andy) Miller of San Antonio, TX, Angie (Doug) Crabtree-Dockstader of San Diego, CA; sons, Louis (Layna) Crabtree Jr. of Barrineau Park, Thomas (Katie) Crabtree of Roswell, GA; six grandchildren, Jerni, Jayda, Louis III, Sophia, Bella and Thomas Jr.; and four brothers, Huey, Clay, Walter, and Monte.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at Little Pine Barren Cemetery.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, June 19, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Crabtree, Ollie Crabtree, Taylor Crabtree, Colton Crabtree, Doug Dockstader, and Andy Miller.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.
Betty Joe Sanspree Donaldson
June 18, 2014
Mrs. Betty Joe Sanspree Donaldson, 74, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2014, in Pensacola.
Mrs. Donaldson was a native of Wawbeek, and a resident of Atmore for most of her life. Mrs. Donaldson attended the Sardis Baptist Church. Her husband, Odell Donaldson; parents, Hosea and Annie Sanspree; four brothers, Billy Sanspree, Alfred Bo Sanspree, Cecil Sanspree and Harrison Sanspree; and one sister, Annie Ruth Ray precede her in death.
She is survived by her daughter, Randi Donaldson of Atmore; brother, George Sanspree of Cantonment; two grandchildren, Stephanie Angel Purvis and Dalton Beeman Purvis both of Mobile; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Earle Greene officiating.
Burial will follow at the Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 9 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Sandy Sanspree, Todd Sanspree, Dale Sanspree, Jeremy Ray, Johnny Ray and Randall Miller.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Dennis Wilson
June 17, 2014
Dennis Wilson was born April 16, 1940, and passed away June 15, 2014.
Dennis was born in Chattanooga, TN, asthe only child of James and Bettye Wilson. He accepted Jesus on Mother’s Day 1954 and entered glory on Father’s Day 2014. He grew up in Rossville, GA, and moved to Pensacola in 1960. He was a tireless and dedicated employee of Monsanto/AES/Solutia for over 45 years. Upon his retirement from the plant, he returned to “work” as a labor of love for his church, Olive Baptist, serving in various capacities including construction supervisor for the remodel of the Charis House and Passmore Hall and concluding as Director of Community Outreach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts Janice Williams and Joyce Watts, uncle Donald Yankey, granny Lula Mae Yankey and grandsons Preston Hunter and Brian Heath Wilson and Asher Graham Currey.
Dennis leaves behind his “tribe”: wife Nancy; children: Brian (Glenda) Wilson, Beth (David) Dunlap, Kevin (Christine) Wilson, Rachael (Steve) Croley, Leah (Dick) Currey, Jill (Justin) Manny, spiritually adopted Sandi (Clinton) Guice, and 17 grandchildren.
Big “D” was a larger than life bondservant of Christ who never failed to provide an encouraging word or hesitate to pray on someone’s behalf. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel from post-communist Romania to the slums of Brazil to the homeless camps of Pensacola. He touched countless souls with his teaching of the Word, seeking questions and unparalleled humor. He was known as an unashamed man of faith, family and friends. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy for generations to come.
Pallbearers will be his sons and sons-in-law. Flowers will be accepted as will donations to Olive Ministry Village and Covenant Hospice, Milton.
Funeral services provided by Faith Chapel, North. Visitation will be Thursday 6-8 p.m. at Olive Baptist, service Friday at 11 a.m. at Olive Baptist and graveside following at Magnolia Cemetery, Evergreen, Al.
Clyde Verneal Huff
June 16, 2014
Clyde Verneal Huff was born January 12, 1922, to Joseph Oswald and Fannie Vera Darr Huff of Millport, Alabama. He died Friday, June 13, 2014.
He was married for over 67 years to Frances Adele Flowers Huff, a wonderful wife and mother of their three children. Preceding him in death are his son, Joseph Hobson Huff (Charlotte), his daughter, Brenda Joyce Huff, and brother, Derral Huff. Mr. Huff is survived by his wife Frances, his son, Larry Waldo Huff (Susan), brother Fred Huff of Thomasville, Alabama, four granddaughters, Tammy Hester, Wendy Huff, Vivian Ruth Huff, and Amanda A. Hindsman (Craig), one grandson, Christopher Lee Huff, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Clyde served in the Army in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Dutch East Indies where he served as a member of a mortar crew. He received the Purple Heart in the Philippines. He mustered out of the service on December 25, 1945, and returned home to Millport where met and married the love of his life, Frances Flowers.
After graduating from Millport High School, Clyde attended Mississippi State College where he played semi-pro baseball. Clyde moved his family to Pensacola in the late forties. He worked at Saint Regis Paper and retired as a head finisher after working there for 28 years.
Clyde loved to hunt and fish with his friends. “Bro. Clyde”, as he was known by most, was a man of his word. If he told you he was going to do something, you could always depend on him doing it one way or another. Clyde also loved coaching softball and flag football. He influenced many young people by his dedication and commitment, not to the game, but to them. When you played for Mr. Clyde you were expected to play your best, act your best and always play fair.
Clyde’s greatest joy, besides being married to the greatest woman he had ever known, was sharing the love of Jesus by what he could do for others around him in need. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior when He was 32 years old, during a revival at Plainview Baptist Church. He was ordained and served as a deacon. He was a wonderful man, fine husband, father, grandfather, brother, and all around friend to everyone who was privileged to have known him. Clyde has come to the end of his journey here on this earth and has now heard the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome to your reward in paradise.” So now his greatest journey has just begun. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral service for Mr. Huff will be Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Susan Bear Leath
June 14, 2014
Susan Bear Leath, 75, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014. Susan was born on December 14, 1938, in Pensacola. She is the daughter of Lewis Bear Sr. and Peggy Loeb Bear Freiberg.
Susan is survived by her husband of 51 years, James William Leath; son, Eric Leath; daughter, Nikki Leath (Roy) Faktor; brothers, Lewis (Belle) Bear Jr., and Donald Bear; sister-in-law, Janis Bear; nephews and nieces, Lewis (Jen) Bear III, Cindi Bear (Chad) Bonner, David (Cindi) Bear, Emily Bear, and Daisy Bear; cousins, Ellen (John) Walsh, Leo (Monica) Loeb, Sally (David) Loeb, Dottie Kahn Boyle (David) Galloway, Elisa Jennings (Mike) Sullivan, and Leslie Jennings (Jeff) Eckhouse.
Always ready to help anyone, Susan was a Brownie troop leader, frequent school volunteer, a lifelong member of the Temple Beth El sisterhood, and member of Impact 100, along with many other charitable organizations. She followed the path of an old saying–”any good that I may do let me do it now for I may not pass this way again”. She always reached out to lend a hand to others, without regard for any recognition. She loved animals, small children and people. She always closed a conversation with “I love you” and meant it.
Rabbi Joel Fleekop will be officiating a memorial service followed by a celebration-of-life at 1 p.m. on Sunday June 22, 2014, at New World Landing. All friends and family are welcome, attire will be casual. We request that contributions to your favorite charity be sent in lieu of flowers.
Helen Rankin Byrd
June 13, 2014
Mrs. Helen Rankin Byrd passed away June 12, 2014. She was a native of Texas County, Missouri, former resident of Pensacola and Walnut Hill. She was currently residing in Marianna, FL. She was a beautician in Pensacola and worked at the Old Navy Point stores. She later was employed by the Jackson County Florida School Board teaching adult arts and craft classes. She was an accomplished artist. She was a member of Woodmen of the World Lodge 65, the Art Guild of Pensacola, and the Artist Guild Of Northwest Florida. She was the oldest living member of First Baptist Church of Marianna. Helen was a member of the Faithful Workers Sunday School class and the Joy Club.
Mrs. Byrd is preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Cora Clark Rankin and her husband Wiley T. Byrd, Sr.
Mrs. Byrd is survived by two sons, Wiley T. (Buddy) Byrd II of Westville, FL and Steven L. (Sue) Byrd of Walnut Hill; three daughters, Wanetta A. (Thomas) McGinty of Walnut Hill, E. La Vonne (Danny) Swindle of Pensacola and Rhonda K. (Bud) Byrd-Lee of Westville, FL; 14 grandchildren, Leslie Garner, Lynn Yelverton, Laine Austin, Wiley T. (Johnny) Byrd III, Deana Coursey, Jennifer Carstens, Anneke Tschirhart, Tanaia Gleason, Teegan McCooey, Shannon Byrd, Shane Byrd, Zack Byrd, Bryan Lee and Barry Lee; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 16, 2014, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Marianna with Rev. Michael Petty and Dr. Mark Long officiating.
Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery at 3 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2014, with Rev. Danny Swindle officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral service at First Baptist Church in Marianna.
Donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Gay and Chipola Medical Staff and Emerald Coast Hospice for the love and care shown to their mother and grandmother.
Irene Brandt
June 13, 2014
Irene Brandt, 91, of Cantonment, went home to be with our Lord Jesus on June 5, 2014. She is now joined with her parents, Eino and Toini Anderson and her beloved husband Gustav Brandt in Heaven.
Irene was born and raised in Ewen, Michigan where she met the love of her life, Fred. After marrying they relocated to Cantonment in 1945. She was an employee of Associates Finance Company for 25 years.
Irene was an active member of the Ensley United Methodist Church where she participated in the women’s “Gleaners” Sunday School Class and Jolly Makers. She also served as an officer in the United Methodist Women’s group and was a member of the church choir where she was a very strong alto. Irene was also a member of the TOPS Chapter FL98.
She loved her family and especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren saying they kept her young. She is survived by her sister, Adeline Robl; daughters, Christine Ellis (Gary) of Houston, Texas and Karen Teets (Dale); grandchildren, Todd Parker (Robin), Jason Parker, Christine Carpenter (Charles), Michael Ellis (Heather) of Houston, Texas, April Johnson, and Kaitlin Frederickson (Anthony); and nine great-grandchildren.
Flowers are optional, but if you would like to send a donation in memorial of Irene, please donate to the Ensley United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
where she was a strong supporter.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Eastern Gate. Services will be co-officiated by Pastor Gina Bryan and Bro. Mark Dees.
Eastern Gate Funeral Home has been entrused with arrangements.
James Kimberly Smith
June 12, 2014
James Kimberly Smith, 60 of McDavid, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Pensacola. He was a dry wall artist born in Dade City, FL on November 21, 1953, to James Buford and Patricia Duey Smith.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Buford Smith and a son, James Colin Smith.
Survivors include his mother, Patricia Smith of Kissimmee; one daughter, Celeste Smith of Jacksonville; one grandson, Jacobi James Smith of Jacksonville; and one brother, Stephen Smith of Kissimmee.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jacobi James Smith College Fund c/o Regions Bank/Celeste Smith.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, is in charge of all arrangements.
Anne Long Davidson
June 12, 2014
Mrs. Anne Long Davidson, 47, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014, in Mobile.
Mrs. Davidson was a native of Decatur, Alabama, former resident of Bay Minette and was a resident of Grand Bay.
Her father, Harold Bracken; daughter, Kristy Windsor and brother, Charles Bracken, precede her in death.
She is survived by her mother, Ann Bracken of Bay Minette; husband of 4 ½ years, Lee Davidson of Grand Bay; two sons, Richard Long, Jr. of Theodore and David (Britney) Long of Theodore; two brothers, Michael (Traci) Bracken of Bay Minette and Timothy (Madeline) Bracken of Columbia, SC; four sisters, Virginia (Bobby) Lee of Bay Minette, Frankie “Nina” (Rodger) McDuffie of Bay Minette, Amy (Clayton) Huggins of Wilcox, and Omaree “Marie” (Jason) Graham of Bay Minette; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Full Power Holiness Church with Rev. Ed McMillan and Rev. Joe Welch officiating.
Burial will follow at the Bay Minette Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 13, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Full Power Holiness Church.
Pallbearers will be Adam James, Joseph Hilburn, Bill Long, Chris Long and Lee Cooley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.