Merle Wade Matthews
October 11, 2011
Merle Wade Matthews, age 83, a native of Ochlochnee, Georgia, and resident of Atmore since 1957 passed away peacefully in her sleep at her dearly loved home on Sunday, October 9, 2011.
She was greeted with shouts of joy and loud AMENS throughout all heaven where she joined her parents, John Arthur and Nora Albritton Wade; brother, Wallace Wade; and beloved sisters, Cleo Hagan, Dora Hackney, Sadie Shuman, Dot Carter, Anne Edwards.
Survivors include her devoted children, Dale (Alan) Ash of Atmore, Cindy (Rob) Colville of Spanish Fort, and son, Hooper W. (Diann) Matthews, III of Atmore; daughter in Christ, Lucille Hubert Matthews of Atmore; grandsons, Daniel Matthews Ash; namesakes, Wade Alan Ash and Hooper Wade Matthews, William Robert Colville, Jr., Samuel Clay Colville; and precious granddaughters, Kristen Diann Matthews and Madison Leigh Matthews; loving sisters, Doris Wade Gandy of Atmore and Lysbeth Wade Brown of Jacksonville; with dozens of nieces and nephews and wonderful special care givers Michelle Robbins of Bay Minette and Joyce Portis of Mobile.
Merle was extremely proud of her family, especially her seven grandchildren and was their constant cheerleader – physically and emotionally encouraging them to always give their best and seldom missing any school, church, or scouting activity or sporting event in their lives. Like a clan, Merle and her sisters traveled together all over the country and abroad and the only thing she loved more than her loving family and throngs of friends was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom she accepted on June 8, 1941, at the Church of Christ in Arbor Dale, Georgia.
Smart, witty, and possessing a Lucille Ball like personality, Merle graduated valedictorian of Ochlochnee High School and was the first in her family to graduate college. Leaving the cotton fields back home where she worked alongside her father, brother and sisters, she worked in the men’s dining hall in exchange for her tuition. An honor graduate with multiple accolades, Berry College in Rome, Georgia, was very near and dear to her heart. Earlier this year, she established the Markle Scholarship in honor of another Berry alumnus, her neurologist, Dr. Scott Markle. Ever the educator, the scholarship is awarded to a Berry pre-medical graduating senior who is deemed to emulate Dr. Markle’s proactive, kind and compassionate bed-side manner.
Following graduation, Merle was the youngest hired by the State of Georgia to serve as a home demonstration agent where she traveled throughout the rural countryside for nine years sharing her economics degree with others in her hands-on manner. Her marriage in 1957 to Hooper W. Matthews, Jr. brought her to Atmore where she enthusiastically and with great passion taught fourth, fifth, and sixth graders over a span of three decades and tried to instill upon her students honor, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Matriarch and goodwill ambassador of Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Atmore, Merle supplied the “seed money” in the late 1960s for her family’s purchase of the business. Giving away thousands of Pepsi products over the years, she charmed everyone with her infectious smile and true love of life and people. Over the years, Merle volunteered vast amounts of time helping senior citizens and others in need by computing their income taxes. Active in the Kairos prison ministry since the early 1980’s, Merle continued bringing her love of the Lord to others and continued to house weekend Kairos volunteers even this month. As a member of her beloved Trinity Episcopal Church since 1957, Merle was dubbed “Merley Pearly” by her parishioners befitting her love of the Lord ever-positive and “never meeting a stranger” personality. Overcoming and battling some seemingly insurmountable health issues, Merley Pearly always found a silver lining in every situation and would quickly volunteer that “God is so Good! We can never outgive Him! My Lord and Savior has so richly blessed me!”.
Merle’s zest for life and a Celebration of her Christian witness and testimony will be held on Friday, October 14th at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 310 South Main Street, Atmore, with visitation and a reception luncheon to follow immediately following the service which will be conducted by Reverend John Phillips and Reverend Jim Thorpe. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Dorsey Crapps
October 11, 2011
Mrs. Dorsey Crapps, 55, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011, in Pensacola.
Mrs. Crapps was a native of Flomaton and a lifelong resident of Flomaton and Century. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Mildred Emmons.
Survivors include her Husband of 36 years, Allen Crapps of Century; her daughter, Jessica Kate and Jarvis Slate of Woodstock, GA; a granddaughter, Alexandria Hope Slate; a brother, Kenny Emmons of Jackson, AL; and a sister, Dorothy Bell of Flomaton.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Wilbur Graves officiating.
Burial will follow at McCurdy Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Pallbearers will be Justin Johnson, Thomas Bailey, Billy Joe Knowles, Daniel Lowery, Ervin Carnley, Jr. and Benny VanHoosen, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Emmons and Stevie Emmons.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to funeral services and medical bills.
Joan Charlotte Ray
October 9, 2011
Joan Charlotte Ray went home to be with the Lord on October 5, 2011.
Joan was born on February 24, 1924, in Zion, IL; she moved to Cantonment in 1994. She is survived by her children Frank (Sandy) Ray, Sue (Dennis) Halbmaier, and Cheri (Bill) Welter. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Joan was a member of Gulf Coast Baptist Church.
The viewing will take place at Eastern Gate Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 12, from 5-8 p.m. and the funeral will be on October 13 at 11:30 am.
Joan will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery with her beloved husband Chester Norris Ray who preceded her in death 1999.
Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray
October 8, 2011
Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray, 91, of Jay, passed away, Thursday, October 6th, 2011, at his home after an extended illness.
J.D. was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1919, in Jay, to H.H. “Hub” and Alice Bray. He grew up on the family farm with his brothers, Charlie (Birdie), C.H. “Chab” (Margie), Burley, Raymond; and his sisters, Beatrice (Earlie) Hall, Mattie (Leonard) Mattox, Myrtle Bray and Maudie (Burley) Lashley. J.D. helped on the family farm and attended Jay School where he enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball.
J. D. enlisted in the U.S.Army in 1938 and was sent to the Panama Canal after basic training. At the onset of WWII, J.D., found himself in Europe fighting Hitler’s Army. He was in the infantry and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where many lives were lost. J.D. attained the rank of sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1945.
J.D. returned home and got a job with the EREC as a lineman. In his spare time he played on the town baseball and basketball team. He also acquired some land and farmed a short time.
In 1952 he married Theda Warrick Bray in Pascagoula, MS.
They bought and operated a local service station and later he went to work with the Santa Rosa County Road Department where he retired in 1988. J.D. also developed a taste for politics and served as a Jay City Councilman in 1954-56. He was elected as Mayor and served for 44 years. The “mayor” oversaw the town and watched it thrive. The little town got many paved roads, a city sewer system, a new city hall and a community center. The town acquired two parks one of which is named Bray-Hendricks Park in his honor.
J.D. was a lifetime member of the American Legion and past commander of Edeker-DuBose Post 121 in Jay. J.D. was also a 32nd degree Freemason and a member of Red Rock Masonic Lodge #96 in Munson.
J. D. loved to garden and planted much more than his family needed. He delighted in giving vegetables to his friends and neighbors. J.D. also enjoyed watching Florida State football games and was a true Seminole. Mostly, J.D. enjoyed his daily rides to town and the peanut cooperative where he could visit with friends.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Theda; three children; Debbie (Michael) Gilley of Vienna, Austria, Cheryl Bray of Allentown, FL, Stewart (Maria) Bray of Middleburg, FL; grandson, S.J .Bray; granddaughter, Meghan Gilley; great-granddaughter, Tristan Bray; and his sister, Myrtle Bray of Century.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Pastor Earle Greene officiating. Burial will follow at Jay Cemetery with Masonic and military services. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m.at Jay Funeral Home, 3853 Highway 4.
The family requests donations are made to Covenant Hospice in lieu of flowers.
The family wishes to thank all who supported us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kelley, Dr. David Smith, Jay Hospital, Jay Fire Department, Senior Home Health, Covenant Hospice (Traci, Cathy and Al), and Diane Freeman Support Services (Christie).
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Richard Clint Cofield
October 6, 2011
Mr. Richard Clint Cofield, 66, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at home in McDavid.
Mr. Cofield was a native and lifelong resident of Century. He was retired from the Escambia County Florida School Board after 31 years, an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed sports and attended the Holiness church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mable Cofield; two Brothers, Clarence Cofield and Frankie Bell; and a granddaughter, Kimberly Gooden.
He is survived by his son, Ricky and Tracey Cofield of McDavid; two daughters, Veronica and Dwayne Hacker of Mobile and Marie and Steve Blanton of Pace; five grandchildren, Joshua Blanton, Tanya Blanton and Marissa Blanton, all of Pace, Ricky Cofield and Kaley Jo Cofield, both of McDavid; a great-granddaughter, Sophia Marker of Pace; and three brothers, Harry Cofield of Jay, Bruce Cofield of McDavid, and Billy Cofield of Molino.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 9, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Bobo Bell officiating.
Burial will follow at Happy Valley Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
John “Big John” Williams, Jr.
October 6, 2011
John “Big John” Williams, Jr., 77, of Molino passed away on October 3, 2011.
John was born and lived in Massey Lake, TX, but had lived in the Pensacola area for the past 43 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Samantha Williams, four sisters, and three brothers.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Ernestine Cowen Williams; three sons, John III and Kenneth both of Molino, and Louis (Myrtle) of Charlotte, NC; two daughters, Linda (Rufus) of St. Helena, SC and Tammye (Raymun) of Pensacola; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Frankie Angton of Palestine, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2011, at Mission of True Deliverance, 6094 Cedartown Road, Molino.
Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the funeral home.
Trahan Family Funeral Home, 419 Yoakum Court, is in charge of arrangements.
Anah Tiffany Allen
October 6, 2011
Mrs. Anah Tiffany Allen age 66 of Denard Street Brewton, passed away Monday night October 3, 2011, in a Mobile, Alabama Hospital after a brief illness. She was a native and life long resident of Brewton. Mrs. Allen was a member of Catawba Springs Baptist Church, former employee of Sheltex, and a homemaker.
She is survived by two daughters, Carroll (Lou Cobb) Maness of Brewton and Kelly (Eric) Bryant of Fort Payne; five grandchildren, Carrie Pierce, Crystal Pierce, Haley Bryant, Erica Bryant and Seth Bryant.
Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at Union Cemetery with Bro. Jeff Edwards officiating.
James J. “Skip” McKinney
October 4, 2011
James J. “Skip” McKinney, age 59 of Cantonment, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and friends, losing a courageous battle with cancer. Skip was born November 24, 1951, and was a Vietnam War veteran, a retired lieutenant at the city fire department, and an owner of many businesses in the area. Skip loved coaching his children, and grandchildren. Some of Skip’s most wonderful times were when he was coaching his granddaughter Katelyn in girls softball. Skip was an avid fan of the University of Alabama football.
He was preceded in death by his father, Shelton McKinney, his mother, Dorothy Langley and his stepfather, Carter Langley.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Karen; his two sons, Brad McKinney (Shauna), and Wade McKinney (Michelle); his best friend Thomas Noel; his sisters, Sandra “Fay” Barrett and Sharon Wigg (Tim). His grandchildren, Katelyn McKinney, Cooper McKinney, Tucker McKinney, Paige McKinney and Madden McKinney also survive him.
Memorial service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Ted Traylor officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the caring staff from Emerald Coast Hospice, and two very special ladies, Miss Julie and Miss Evelyn.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 1555 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501.
Evie Elizabeth Rigby Hall
October 4, 2011
Evie Elizabeth Rigby Hall, age 90, went to be with the Lord and loved ones gone before her, on October 01, 2011. She was born in Oak Grove in Escambia County where she went to school and graduated from Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill.
Mrs. Hall attended Oak Grove Baptist Church when she was young. She was a long time member of East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola where she was Sunday School teacher of an adult class she loved dearly – Love Bible Class. She and her class did many “gifts of love” projects for the local nursing homes over the years.
Mrs. Hall and her sister, Gladys, had a special love for the Children’s Home and Mrs. Hall received the Child Advocate of the Year Award in 1997 from the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Western Division. It was presented by Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s.
Mrs. Hall retired from the Naval Air Station after 36 years of Civil Service, where she retired as budget officer for the Naval Supply Center.
She was the youngest and the last of a large family, born to Jesse Lee Rigby and Evie Elizabeth “Babe” Rhoad. She was preceded in death by her husband of 19 years, William F. “Bill” Hall; her parents and 12 siblings; Leslie, Huddie, Olive, infant brother, Leila, Gladys, Herman, J.D., Daniel, Margaret and a set of twins.
She is survived by her two children, John M. Hall (Andrea) of Kingston Springs, TN and Judy J. Hall of Pensacola, FL; two grandsons, Joshua M. Hall (Mandy) of Valencia, CA and Kellen M. Hall of Fort Meyers, FL; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 05, 2011, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with Dr. Dale Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Ron Rigby, Adam Rigby, Chad Rigby, Jesse Rigby, Joey Darby and Warren Post.
The family wishes to thank Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital for the manner in which their mother was treated in her last days, with dignity and compassion.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Children’s Home Society, Western Division, 1300 N. Palafox St., Suite 103, Pensacola, FL 32501.
Carlton Douglas
October 1, 2011
Carlton Douglas “Roho”, 67, of Cantonment passed away on September 28, 2011. Mr. Douglas was born April 15, 1944, to Floyd and Lenny Douglas and has been a life long resident of Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.
Mr. Douglas retired from Armstrong Industries after 38 years of service.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 18 years, Kathy Douglas; and his much loved children Sandy (Tim) Bishop, Ronnie (Alice Fay) Douglas, Angela (Troy) Deluna, Larry (Laura) Simpson and Lori (Terrance) McCants; and 10 grandchildren Christian, Hannah, Timo, Cody, Owen, Vinny, Ashland, Kirya, Sara and Terrianna “TT”.
Memorial services will be held 4:00 pm Saturday October 1, 2011m at Faith Chapel North with minister Chad Kivette officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until time of service at the funeral home.
Faith Chapel North is in charge of arrangements.