Brenda Gail Deese
September 21, 2025
Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Brenda Gail Deese passed away on September 18, 2025 at the age of 72. Gail was born in Century, Florida on March 23, 1953, to Clifton and Jeanette Lowry. She graduated from Jay High School in 1971 and shortly thereafter married the love of her life, Lee Deese.
Gail was known for her boundless love and generosity. A truly selfless individual, she gave herself freely to family, friends, and even strangers. Gails kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son, David (Amber) Deese; grandchildren: Cooper Deese and Carrington Deese; great grand-daughter, Paisley Harigel; brother, Clifton (Chriss) Lowry; sister, Nancy (Gary) Daugett; brother in law, WJ (Linda) Deese; sister in laws, Theresa (Billy) Rainey and Joann Deese; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Lee Deese; son, Daniel Deese; grandson, Sawyer Deese; parents, Clifton and Jeanette Lowry; In laws, Willard and Juanita Deese; brother in law, Havis Deese.
Services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Cornerstone Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 12pm-2pm, with the service immediately following at 2pm with Bobby Carnley, Zach Carnley and Colby Odom officiating. Burial will follow at Cora Cemetery.
Pallbearers are David Deese, Cooper Deese, Bryce Preston, Josh Daugett, Justin Daugett, Jeremiah Daugett and Randy Lowry
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at UAB Hospital and Emerald Coast Hospice for their care and compassion.
Jay Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Gary Johnson
September 17, 2025
Robert Gary Johnson, 77, passed away on September 12, 2025.
From the streets of South Alabama to climbing Machu Pichu, navigating inside the Pyramids of Egypt, strolling the streets of Ephesus, munching goodies at Christmas Markets all over Europe, Gary was at home when traveling the world with the love of his life, Pat.
Gary was born on October 24, 1947 at the Turberville Memorial Hospital in Century Florida, the third son of Ernest Hiram Johnson and Lola Mae Simmons Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Staton Johnson, his two brothers, Hiram Johnson and Chester Johnson, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews. He was extremely proud of his South Alabama-Northwest Florida upbringing and his Century High School “Blackcats.”
Gary spent his early years working and playing on the farm with his maternal grandparents and uncles who served as stand in fathers after the death of his father. These years established his unusually good work ethic, curiosity about the how to and why of anything, and his logical way of looking at life.
He had a keen interest in engineering and attended the University of Alabama, earning a degree in Mechanical engineering. He was employed by Gulf Power for a short time, until his desire to serve his country and led to his enlistment in the U.S. Army, and served in Vietnam.
He returned to the University of Alabama to earn an MS in Mechanical Engineering. He was hired and worked for Brown Engineering, USBI, in Huntsville and Cape Canaveral. It was necessary in God’s design for him to move to Florida because that is where he met and married his wife, Pat.
Gary cherished his relationships with family and friends from all walks of life. He spent much of life making and cultivating these friendships. He met, believed, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. His relationship with Christ created the direction and actions for the rest of his life. Ministry in missions brought God’s spiritual gift of ‘Joy’ in Gary’s life. This” joy” was encouraged and cultivated by Indian Springs Holiness Camp Meeting, Church of the Highlands, Kairos Prison Ministry and kingdom workers around the world.
For the better part of his adult life, he and Pat worked in and supported ministries across the globe. His impact was seen in establishing an eye glass ministry in Honduras, water filtration devices in Honduras and Kenya, providing and installing radios for the Quechua in Bolivia, providing shoes through Operation Beautiful Feet in several countries and serving in the Kairos Prison Ministry.
He avoided recognition as much as possible, but one document he treasured was a Certificate of Appreciation from NASA for investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger accident and identifying actions to return to flight. In this it meant retrieving parts of the spacecraft from the ocean floor.
A Life Well Traveled, A Life Well Lived because of Jesus Christ
Susan Gay Harmon Meadows
September 16, 2025
Susan Gay Harmon Meadows, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and teacher, passed away peacefully on September 06, 2025. She was 88 years old.
Born on September 22, 1936, Susan lived a life marked by love, faith, and music. A gifted educator, she shared her passion for music with countless children as a kindergarten music teacher at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she taught for more than 30 years. Her gentle spirit, patience, and creativity touched the lives of generations of students and their families.
Susan met the love of her life, Merrill Lamar Meadows, while attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. They were married soon after and shared over 50 years together, raising a family and building a life filled with devotion and joy. The couple first made their home in Atlanta before moving to Tucker, Georgia, where they raised their son and became deeply rooted in their community. Later in life, Susan moved to Cantonment, Florida, where she continued to surround herself with family and faith.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lamar, who passed away on December 25, 2015; her mother, Vivian Callahan; as well as several cherished aunts and an uncle.
Susan is survived by her son, Christopher David Meadows; his wife, her loving daughter-in-law, Marilee Waller Meadows; four grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her late years; sister, Linda Callahan of Oregon, who shared a lifetime of memories and love with her.
Those who knew Susan will remember her as a woman of kindness, grace, and unwavering faith. She found joy in music, teaching, and the simple blessing of time with her family. Her legacy lives on through the many students she inspired, the family she nurtured, and the friends who loved her.
In memory of Susan, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Bobby Lee Grant
September 16, 2025
Bobby Lee Grant, 85, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, after a three-year battle with congestive heart failure and multiple strokes. When a catastrophic stroke on August 10, 2025 left him with no hope of recovery, his family honored his wishes and provided comfort care, allowing him to die as he lived – surrounded by the many family members who loved him, secure in his faith that he was going home to Jesus and a joyful reunion with his loved ones in heaven.
Bobby was born in Florence, South Carolina, to Wade and Bessie Grant on August 30, 1939. He moved to Pensacola with his family in 1955. He worked in commercial construction for more than 50 years, including 40 years as a general superintendent with FE Booker company, where he supervised the construction of schools, businesses, churches, and government facilities. During his last five years in construction, he worked almost exclusively at Baptist Hospital, overseeing renovations across the entire campus before retiring in 2010.
Bobby was involved in automobile racing for more than 40 years. Before computerized scoring systems existed, he scored races for Five Flags Speedway, Mobile International Raceway, and NASCAR. He built his first race car in the late 1970s, and over the next 30 years, seven drivers celebrated many wins and championships in his cars. For Bobby, the greatest thrill in racing was the roar of his engines on the racetrack and during the traditional victory laps.
As the son of a farmer, Bobby loved planting and harvesting vegetable gardens, as well as freshwater fishing. He perfected the art of frying fish and hosted large fish fries for family, friends, and coworkers. He often rode his golf cart through the neighborhood, sharing fresh vegetables from his garden. He even combined his motor building and gardening skills, plowing gardens that ranged from one to three acres with a tractor powered by a race car engine that he built.
Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Wade Grant, his mother, Bessie Grant, three brothers: Charles, Larry, and Harry, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bobby leaves behind a legacy of love and will be greatly missed by his wife of 40 years, ReNae; his daughters, Lisa Lagergren (Gary Yates) and Gina (Eric) Miller; his son, Derek Adams; seven grandchildren: Olivia (Aaron) Schmidt, Alan Lagergren, Eric (Rikki) Miller, Lauren (Todd) Scott, Andrew Miller, Aiden Miller, and Hannah (Kendra) Halcomb; six great-grandchildren; and a circle of nieces and nephews as well as his dog, Buddy, who was his constant and devoted companion.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 S Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL 32533, with the funeral and grave site services to follow. Interment will be at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, Florida 32526.
The family asks those who wish to honor his memory to make a memorial donation instead of flowers. If you wish to honor Bobby’s love of animals, please consider donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you wish to help fight the health problems that led to his death, please donate to the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.
Kathy Lynn (Hadley) Cooper
September 15, 2025
Kathy Lynn (Hadley) Cooper, 69, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home in Cantonment, FL.
Kathy was born on December 16, 1955, in Atmore, AL to the late Marion “Big Boy” Hadley and Gloria Jeanette Morris Glover. She was a devoted employee of Escambia County School District. Her greatest joy was her family especially all who called her “Nana”. She loved them fiercely. She was a pillar of strength and wisdom to all of her loved ones. She was a warrior that bravely battled cancer with unwavering hope, perseverance, courage, and resilience for nearly 9 years.
Kathy is preceded in death by her grandmother, Lois Gohagin, brothers-in-law, Don Schmidt and Scott Stevens.
Survivors include her loving spouse, Rick Cooper of Cantonment, FL; daughter, Jennifer (Russell) Smith of Covington, LA; son, Josh (Holly) Ray of Cantonment, FL; mother, Gloria Jeanette Morris Glover; daughter in love, Diana (Cody) Crooks of Pensacola, FL; sisters, Susan (Mike) Stiles of Opelika, AL and Angela Stevens of Pensacola, FL; stepmother, Jewel Hadley; stepchildren, Kelly Bunch, Ashley Cooper, and Bryant Cooper; sisters-in-law, Linda Jernigan & Gloria Brantley; brothers-in-law, Shannon & Buddy Cooper; numerous nieces, nephews and friends that she loved dearly.
Those that called her “Nana”: Gracie and Eli Smith, Brooklyn “Izzy” Ray, Haleigh Dove, Haley Marie Smeltzer, Hannah and Kennedy Tilley, Eric Crooks, Ella and Liam Lee, Madi Duncan, Sutton Snyder.
A Visitation will be held from 10:00am until a Funeral Service begins at 11:00am Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504, with Pastor Julian Walker officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00pm in Oak Hill Cemetery, Atmore, AL.
Active Pallbearers will be Russell Smith, Eli Smith, Ron Moore, Shannon Cooper, Robbie McLaney, and Jessy Martin.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Stiles and Buddy Cooper.
Emmett Otto Nall Jr.
September 15, 2025
Mr. Emmett Otto Nall Jr., age 82, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025.
Mr. Nall has lived in the McDavid community for more than 30 years coming from Brewton, AL. He loved being outside on his property looking around and enjoying nature. Mr. Nall loved attending his church. He is preceded in death by his parents – Emmett Nall Sr. and Dorothy Russell; one brother – John Nall.
He is survived by his two sons – Wayne (Sandra) Nall of East Brewton and Larry (Rhonda) Nall of Brewton; one daughter – Cynthia Nall of Brewton; one brother – Michael Nall of McDavid, FL., and a sister – June (Glenn) Hughes of Cantonment, FL.; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Graveside funeral service will be Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 11:00AM at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church with Bro. Joey Johnson officiating with Craver’s Funeral Home directing.
Wilburn Cleo Drew
September 14, 2025
Mr. Wilburn Cleo Drew, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. A devoted family man, veteran, and pillar of his community, he leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith.
Born on February 28, 1932, in Lottie, Alabama, Wilburn was the son of James Alex and Ettie Solomon Drew. He grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family that instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and integrity—principles he carried with him throughout his life.
Wilburn proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Army’s 711th AAA Gun Battalion. His commitment to service continued with the Alabama National Guard from 1950 to 1955. These formative years shaped his deep sense of duty and patriotism.
Following his military service, Wilburn embarked on a long and successful career as a chemical operator at Monsanto, where he worked diligently for over 30 years before retiring. His dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family and community.
A man of deep faith, Wilburn was one of the original members of The Point Church. His relationship with God was central to his life; he lived each day guided by Christian principles and shared that light with everyone around him.
Wilburn was also deeply involved in Masonic life. As a dedicated Mason and dual member of Carney Masonic Lodge in Atmore and Ensley Masonic Lodge in Pensacola, he exemplified the values of brotherhood and charity. He was also an active member of the Shriners organization and took great pride in transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Tampa—a mission close to his heart.
An avid gardener with a green thumb and a love for all things outdoors, Wilburn found joy in nurturing plants and spending time under open skies. Green was not only the color that flourished under his care but also his favorite hue—a reflection of his vibrant spirit.
He is lovingly remembered by his son Barry Kirk Drew (Kymberley), daughter Tonia Anderson (Rex), grandson Barry Kirk Drew Jr. (Jessica), Jeremy Sean Drew
great-grandchildren Easton and Havanah Drew, and sister Voncile Branch.
Wilburn now reunites with those who went before him: his beloved wife Mildred Hadley Drew; son Keith Drew; parents James Alex and Ettie Solomon Drew; brother Onas Drew; and sisters Estelle Dean, Jessie Criswell, Essie Josey, and Dorothy Barber.
Those who knew Wilburn will remember him as a loving husband and father—a gentle soul whose positive outlook uplifted everyone around him. He raised his children with strength tempered by compassion and always had words of encouragement ready for anyone facing hardship: “Tomorrow will be a brighter day,” he would say—and it always was.
His wisdom lives on through another cherished saying: “You can’t do wrong and get by.” These simple yet profound words reflect the moral compass by which he lived.
No one can ever fill the void he has left behind. We are immensely grateful for every moment we shared with him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him—and may tomorrow indeed be a brighter day because he walked among us. A Service will be held on September 15, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Lottie New Home Cemetery 22555 Lottie New Home Road. Graveside service
Ellajean K. Bledsoe
September 14, 2025
Ellajean K. Bledsoe, 69, died August 28, 2025, at The Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island NE.
Ellajean was born July 17, 1956 in Pensacola, FL, the daughter of Billie E. Bledsoe and Viva Jean Cunningham.
Ellajean graduated from Escambia High School, Pensacola, FL, in May 1974 and later moved to West Palm Beach FL. She worked in the banking industry for several years, while attending various College courses and seminars to obtain her Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) certification in August 1984. She worked with Emergency Medical Services in Jupiter FL, before moving to Atchison KS to be closer to her beloved grandmother. Ellajean worked as an EMT with the Atchison Kansas Fire Department until she completed her Fire Service Training. Ellajean was the first female fire fighter hired in Atchison, October 1986.
It was there that she discovered her passion for healing as she continued her education and later became a Physician Assistant.
She completed her Bachelor in Health Science at Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, May 1993. Ellajean worked at Riverbend Rural Health and Atchison Hospital, Atchison, KS. And then moved on to Nebraska.
Ellajean went on to complete her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, Emphasis on Emergency Medicine at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE. Dec 2001. She started working at Bryan Heart Institute Lincoln, NE and Crete Area Medical Center Oct 2008. She finally retired in Molino, FL, Dec 2018.
Ellajean was an adventurer. Often leaving for weeks to chase wild mustangs in the Rockies or hike the Grand Canyon on two replaced knees. She seldom spent an entire day relaxing on the beach. She loved traveling the world. I don’t think she missed a continent.
She had a great love for all things Doberman. Gypsy, XON, Finn and Nico. She once told a house sitter, “I don’t care if the house burns down, just get the boys out”.
Ellajean was a past member of the First Christian Church, Martha Washington Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 215.
She is preceded in death by her parents Billie E. Bledsoe and Viva Jean Bledsoe.
Survivors include: her sister, Patricia Storey (Greg) Molino, FL; her brother Billie E. Bledsoe, CA; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and her beloved dobie Nico.
Wilburn Cleo Drew
September 14, 2025
Mr. Wilburn Cleo Drew, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. A devoted family man, veteran, and pillar of his community, he leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith.
Born on February 28, 1932, in Lottie, Alabama, Wilburn was the son of James Alex and Ettie Solomon Drew. He grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family that instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and integrity—principles he carried with him throughout his life.
Wilburn proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Army’s 711th AAA Gun Battalion. His commitment to service continued with the Alabama National Guard from 1950 to 1955. These formative years shaped his deep sense of duty and patriotism.
Following his military service, Wilburn embarked on a long and successful career as a chemical operator at Monsanto, where he worked diligently for over 30 years before retiring. His dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family and community.
A man of deep faith, Wilburn was one of the original members of The Point Church. His relationship with God was central to his life; he lived each day guided by Christian principles and shared that light with everyone around him.
Wilburn was also deeply involved in Masonic life. As a dedicated Mason and dual member of Carney Masonic Lodge in Atmore and Ensley Masonic Lodge in Pensacola, he exemplified the values of brotherhood and charity. He was also an active member of the Shriners organization and took great pride in transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Tampa—a mission close to his heart.
An avid gardener with a green thumb and a love for all things outdoors, Wilburn found joy in nurturing plants and spending time under open skies. Green was not only the color that flourished under his care but also his favorite hue—a reflection of his vibrant spirit.
He is lovingly remembered by his son Barry Kirk Drew (Kymberley), daughter Tonia Anderson (Rex), grandson Barry Kirk Drew Jr. (Jessica), Jeremy Sean Drew
great-grandchildren Easton and Havanah Drew, and sister Voncile Branch.
Wilburn now reunites with those who went before him: his beloved wife Mildred Hadley Drew; son Keith Drew; parents James Alex and Ettie Solomon Drew; brother Onas Drew; and sisters Estelle Dean, Jessie Criswell, Essie Josey, and Dorothy Barber.
Those who knew Wilburn will remember him as a loving husband and father—a gentle soul whose positive outlook uplifted everyone around him. He raised his children with strength tempered by compassion and always had words of encouragement ready for anyone facing hardship: “Tomorrow will be a brighter day,” he would say—and it always was.
His wisdom lives on through another cherished saying: “You can’t do wrong and get by.” These simple yet profound words reflect the moral compass by which he lived.
No one can ever fill the void he has left behind. We are immensely grateful for every moment we shared with him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him—and may tomorrow indeed be a brighter day because he walked among us. A Service will be held on September 15, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Lottie New Home Cemetery 22555 Lottie New Home Road. Graveside service
Matthew Jacob Dockham
September 14, 2025
Matthew Jacob Dockham, known to his family and friends as Jake, passed away on September 8, 2025, in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on November 19, 1993, Jake was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Jake was predeceased by his father, Ronald Dockham; and mother-in-law, Judy Maglione.
Jake leaves behind his wife and partner of nearly ten years, Liz; and their two precious sons, Jalen (2) and baby Jake (7 weeks), who were the light of his life. Although his time with them was far too short, he poured every ounce of his heart into being the best husband and father.
He is also survived by his mother, Stephanie Dockham; brother, Travis Dockham; father-in-law, Phil Maglione; mother-in-law, Lindsey Duval; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law whom he welcomed into his life through marriage and his childhood best friend, Ryan Lackey.
Nine months ago, Jake received a diagnosis of a very aggressive cancer. In the months that followed, he displayed remarkable strength, resilience, and optimism. Even in the hardest moments, his spirit inspired those around him. His love for his family carried him through unimaginable challenges, and his bravery will never be forgotten. Jake’s passing leaves his family’s hearts broken beyond words.
He will be forever missed, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of Liz, Jalen, baby Jake, and all who knew and loved him.
His family asks that those who knew Jake honor his memory by keeping his spirit alive through sharing stories, holding loved ones close, showing kindness every day and living each day with the same strength and love he showed throughout his life. Tell your loved ones how much you love them as often as you can.
In lieu of flowers we are asking for your support to help his wife and their sons during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability and comfort as they navigate the days ahead. Your generosity will honor Jake’s memory and help his family feel the love and support he brought into so many lives.
Donations can be made at TogetherForJake.com
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.