Jerry Houston Shelby
May 26, 2023
Jerry Houston Shelby, 79, of Cantonment, FL passed away May 24, 2023. He was born in Molino, FL on January 31, 1944 to Laura Pugh Shelby and Joseph Wheeler Shelby. He was married to Linda Simmons Shelby for 44 years. Jerry worked as an office equipment technician for the Escambia School Board. He was a member of Wilde Lake Church and the American Legion Post 340. He had a passion for missions’ trips, traveling, cooking for the soup kitchen, cooking for family and friends, and watching his grandchildren grow up.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura & Joseph Shelby; his brothers, Joseph Shelby, James-Irvin “Jim” Shelby, Theodore “Dago” Shelby; and his son, Jerry Houston Shelby Jr. (little Jerry).
Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda Simmons Shelby; his two daughters, Mellondy Shelby Schmidt (Kurt) and Emily Shelby Benavides (Chris); grandchildren, Alex, Matthew and Isabella Benavides; four grand-dogs, Sarge, Sascha, Scottie Mae, and Scout; one grand-cat, Oliver; along with many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Andy Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Beulah, FL.
The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. prior to service.
Pallbearers will be Chris Benavides, Alex Benavides, Matthew Benavides, Kurt Schmidt, Bob Baker, Warren Day, Gary Storey and Mike Roberts
Sharon Jeanette Leeds
May 24, 2023
Sharon Jeanette Leeds, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 28, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Born October 3, 1943 in Pensacola, FL, she was the daughter of Roy and Hazel Etheredge. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Leeds, of 23 years; son, Vance Creighton (Fazana); stepdaughters, Stacie Leeds and Stephanie Sutton (Eric); sister, Diane Bradley (Bob); brother, Charlie Etheredge (Terri); grandchildren, Jordyn, Stephen, Lauren, Asher, and Kaden.
Sharon was a second generation graduate of Tate High School and was valedictorian of the Class of 1961. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. After graduation, she began teaching at Tate High School. While teaching, she earned her master’s degree at the University of West Florida. She loved teaching and broadening her students understanding of science. Many of her students went on to become scientists and doctors. Later in her career, she was excited to teach the children of previous students, educating multiple generations. She held great pride in touching so many lives at Tate High School. Sharon retired from teaching in 1999 with well over 30 years in the classroom. She was ready to travel the world with her family and friends.
In addition to traveling, Sharon and Steve became very involved with planning the annual USS Bennington Reunion, a Navy aircraft carrier. Sharon had a huge love for FSU Baseball. They were season ticket holders and went to every home game where she kept her own ledger of statistics. Sharon loved to garden and had a green thumb. She could revive any plant and nurture it until it flourished. She loved to share this knowledge and love of plants with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also dedicated her life to the church and enjoyed singing in the choir at both Saint Luke United Methodist in Pensacola, FL and later at Deer Lake United Methodist in Tallahassee, FL.
A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2023 at Deer Lake United Methodist Church at 1pm. Sharon will be laid to rest at Saint Luke’s Columbarium by the family in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in the name of Sharon Leeds to Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church or Deer Lake United Methodist Church.
Lana Moore Melvin
May 23, 2023
Mrs. Lana Moore Melvin, age 69, passed away, Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Atmore, AL. She was born June 1, 1953, in Pensacola, FL; and has resided most of her life in Atmore, AL. She was a floral designer for many years.
Mrs. Melvin enjoyed going fishing and to the beach. She enjoyed watching Alabama Football, and watching wrestling with her granddaughter Brittany. She enjoyed traveling with her husband while he was in the military.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles (Dorothy Davis) Moore, one daughter, Tonya Vickery Gilbert, and numerous brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Rick Melvin, of Atmore, AL; one granddaughter, Brittany Gilbert, of Atmore, AL; two brothers, Glenn (Diana) Moore, of Alabaster, AL; James (Linda) Moore, of Tampa, FL; and other relatives.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery with Rev. Thurl Pearson officiating.
Lowouida (Lou) Floyd Duff
May 23, 2023
Lowouida (Lou) Floyd Duff, 90, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on 29 April 2023.
She was born to parents Byron Floyd and Annie Marie Floyd, on 21 August 1932 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Lou graduated from Milby High School in Houston, Texas in 1949. Her sister introduced her to a co-worker’s brother-in-law Robert Duff, and they were married in February 1954. Together they raised 3 children: Robert (Bob) Jr, Richard (Rick), and Annette. Lou worked as an accounting clerk at Escambia County School Board Food Services for 17 years until she retired.
She embraced the challenges of being a Navy wife and successfully raised their 3 children. She enjoyed going across the country in the RV with her husband Bob and frequently their grandson Seth. They often would find excuses to spend time with her sisters in Texas whenever possible. Lou was very involved in helping raise her grandson Seth until he later became her driver, medical translator, and gopher.
Lou is survived by children Robert Duff Jr (Lorri), Richard Duff (Margarita), Annette Gray Bartush (Gary); grandchildren Jennifer Washington, Sandy Duff, Ryan Simoneaux, Bryan Duff, Katelyn Duff, Ceri Vest, Seth Gray, Travis Bartush, Taylor Duff and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Bob Duff, her sisters Bettye Hudgens, and Elizabeth (Liz) Gibson and her Parents.
A celebration of Lou’s life will take place at Faith Chapel North on Saturday, May 27. Visitation will be from 10-11 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am. Reverend Andy Blackmon will officiate the ceremony. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS Pensacola will take place on a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/ Breast Cancer Research Foundation https://www.bcrf.org/, or Covenant Hospice https://www.choosecovenant.org/donate/
Samuel Garth Branch
May 23, 2023
Mr. Samuel Garth Branch, age 98, was born November 20, 1924, and passed away, Sunday, May 21, 2023, very peacefully and surrounded by a number of his family with hands on him as he took his last breath. He was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and a devout Christian, and served as a deacon for many years.
Mr. Branch, born in the roaring 20’s dropped out of school in the 7TH grade during the great depression to assist his father in clearing fields with a plow and mule to provide for their family. He was drafted into the Army, serving in the Philippine’s in 1945 as part of a bazooka team, clearing Japanese soldiers resisting in pill boxes, and snipers. He re-enlisted to serve in post WWII occupation of Japan as a Sargent and chief jailer for Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. The most famous person jailed under his section was Tokyo Rose. He met Hideki Tojo (Japan’s Prime Minister of War that was over the order to bomb Pearl Harbor) in his jail cell in a separate section of Sugamo Prison, and got his autograph on the back of a picture of Tojo being led to war crime trials. He held jobs such as parts delivery, auto mechanic, farmer, truck driver, oil rig, and finally settled into a career balancing helicopter rotors at Pensacola Navy Base. He was an avid reader and scholar of the Bible. When retiring in the mid 80’s traveling the continental US with his wife for the next 15 or so years, often convoying with other RV friends, in their Suburban, pulling their Airstream Travel Trailer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel William (Martha) Branch, and one daughter, Deborah Branch Singleton.
He is survived by his loving wife, of 74 years, that he met in 1949, Voncile Drew Branch, of Atmore, AL; one son, Dee (Donna) Branch, of Chireno, TX; four grandsons, Travis Branch, Michael Branch, Kris Singleton, Will Singleton, and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Tim Tew officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Gary Hare, Joe Lane, Wesley Hughes, Rick Warren, John James, and Hugh Long.
James (Pud) Benjamin King, Jr.
May 22, 2023
James (Pud) Benjamin King, Jr., passed away on May 16, 2023, at the age of 65. James was born December 3, 1957, in Atmore, AL, to James King, Sr. and Ruby Scott King of Molino, FL. James graduated from Tate High School in 1975. He was employed at the local paper mill for 38½ years.
His career at the paper mill was his passion, but outside of work, there were three things he always enjoyed doing. Catfishing, dove hunting and watching the weather channel on two different TVs, at the same time. He was always quick to call friends and family to warn them of impending bad weather.
James is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Ruby King.
James leaves behind his daughter, Christa (Will) Wilson; grandchildren, Jordan Jade and Cooper Gage Wilson; three brothers, Larry, Frankie and Guy King; three sisters, Catherine Wilson, Marie (Tootie) Faircloth, and Daisy (Merlene) Bruce; numerous nieces, nephews, countless friends, coworkers and people that were very special to him. Also his beloved companion, his cat, Chevy.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Pastor John Daniels will be officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 until the service. Interment will be in Pine Barren Creek Cemetery.
Pallbearers in attendance will be Will Wilson, Conrad Micari, Stephen Perry, Jasey Gibson, Mark Lewis, Dustin Gibson, Greye Rynders and Michael Faircloth.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home Nort is entrusted with arrangements.
Oliver Howard Lowery, Sr.
May 21, 2023
Oliver Howard Lowery, Sr., 74, of Cantonment, Florida passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. He was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on August 25, 1948 to the late John Lowery and Gladys Paul Lowery.
Mr. Lowery worked as a pipe surveyor for 20+ years. He also worked for Dollar General and Walmart before retiring. He enjoyed playing and winning chess!
He is preceded in death by his sons, Lavelle Lowery and Timmy Lowery.
Mr. Lowery is survived by his wife of 12½ years, Linda Shirley Lowery; son, Oliver H. Lowery, Jr.; daughter, Tracy Lowery; numerous grandkids; step-children, Priscilla Rawls, Mikee Moss, and Jeanette Hodge; and numerous step-grandkids and step-great grandkids.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Alice Pierce
May 21, 2023
Alice Pierce, 88, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on May 11,2023. She was born in Camden, Alabama on May 24, 1934 to the late John Warren and Mary Ella Walker Rayborn.
She was a long-time member of Atmore Church of Christ and Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Alice had a steady hand and was an avid seamstress for Vanity Fair in Atmore, Alabama until retirement. She also enjoyed gardening, playing slot machines and spending time with her loving family.
She is preceded in death by sons, John Daniel Pierce and Dane Lamar Pierce; grandsons, Dane Lamar Pierce Jr. and Douglas Glenn (Bubba) Pierce and former husbands Irby Powell and Rubin Pierce.
Alice is survived by her daughters, Angie (Johnny) Edwards and Allison Mills; sons, Glen Pierce, Tom (Tammy) Pierce and Kenneth “Toby” (LeAnn) Pierce; thirteen grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in Whitmire Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Anthony Pierce, Kris Pierce, Adam Edwards, Tyler Pierce, Torka Mills and Connor Powers.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Laney Eugene Strange
May 18, 2023
Laney Eugene Strange, 94, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on May 14, 2023. He was born in Darnell, Louisiana on September 27, 1928 to the late Josiah and Laura Jane Rawls.
Laney worked for the United States Civil Service at Naval Air Station Pensacola until retirement. He then moved onto his next adventure and opened his own business, Beulah Hardware and Excavating. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He was a member of Calvary Way Full Gospel Church.
Laney is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Lois P. Strange; parents; brother, Ray Strange; sister, Laverne Strange; and son in law, James LaJoie.
He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia LaJoie and Lois Jean (Mike) Barnes; grandchildren, Melissa Dorn, Michael Barnes, Patrick Roush and Matthew Barnes; great grandchildren, Mitchell Barnes, Roxanne Barnes, Jacob Gainey, Abigail Dorn, Makenna Dorn, Isaac Dorn, Kaylee Roush and Emerie Roush.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Interment will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
John Willie White, Jr.
May 15, 2023
Mr. John Willie White, Jr; age 80, passed away, Sunday, May 14, 2023, at his home in Century, FL; surrounded by his family. He was born November 11, 1942, in Wallace, AL; and resided most of his life in Century, FL. He was a member of Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church. He retired from Container Corporation with many years of service, a Tree Surgeon for many years, and drove a log truck for several years.
Mr. White enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He believed in God, family, and hard work. He served as a deacon at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church for over 20 years. He enjoyed taking his wife Mary Ann to the Smoky mountains. He also enjoyed tinkering on small engines. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan. His passion was cleaning and manicuring the cemetery at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Willie (Lillian Scott) White, Sr; wife Mary Ann White, and one sister, Eula B. Sullivan.
He is survived by his one son, John Mathew White (Amanda Gifford) of McDavid, FL; two daughters, Teri Angela White, of Century, FL; Kimberly Ann (Craig) Burkett, of Byrneville, FL; three brothers, Bob (Ronnie) White, of Bay Minette, AL; Whitey (Shirley) White, of Century, FL; Ander (Linda) White, of Century, FL; five grandchildren, Daniel Kelley, Trent White, Jill Steadham, Jonathan Burkett, David Burkett, twelve great-grandchildren and a special friend and caretaker Sheila Lee.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Rev. Tim Floyd and Rev. Eric Bryan officiating.
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Kelley, Trent White, Jonathan Burkett, David Burkett, Jeffery Steadham, and Zach Carter.