Ivan Todd ‘Gator’ Burkett
April 5, 2023
Ivan Todd “Gator” Burkett passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his home in Century, FL. He was born January 10, 1962, in Century, FL. Todd was a resident of Century, but he traveled most of the country as an I & E Technician. He had a wild, adventurous spirit that we all knew and couldn’t help but respect – he enjoyed the life he lived. His friends called him Gator and his close family called him Pops. Todd enjoyed and loved all outdoor activities such as fishing, riding the river, golfing, and hunting. He was a Florida Gator fan and he loved Nascar racing, especially the Earnhardt family. Todd was a Jack-of-all-Trades. He was a smart man that could do anything he wanted.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carrie B. (Mary Lois Ray) Burkett; one sister, Donna Jo Way and one brother, Regi Burkett.
Ivan is survived by one son, Chad (Jacqueline) Burkett, of Flomaton, AL; two brothers, Roger (Katie) Burkett, of Century, FL, and Trent (Marjorie) Burkett of Troy, AL; two grandchildren, Kinsley Burkett and Jaxton Burkett; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held at Faith Chapel North Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Vermel Perry McDonald
April 3, 2023
Vermel Perry McDonald, 91, of Molino, FL went home to be with Jesus on Friday, March 31, 2023.
She was born on January 30, 1932 in Molino, FL to Ilence and Clora Perry. Our mother was a dedicated homemaker and secretary for McDonald Gas Stations, Farmer’s Supply and Tire Store.
Vermel was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Tommy H. McDonald, infant daughter, Vida Ann and four still born infants, her parents and five siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Gary McDonald, Sr.; daughter, Felicia Shields and husband, Jeremy; daughter, Karen Ward and husband, Steve; five grandchildren, Rhesa Robinson, Gary McDonald, Jr., Hannah Chaddick, Emily Foster, and Tamara Garrett; seven great grandchildren, Haley Robinson, Haden Robinson, Gavin McDonald, Knox Chaddick, Emersyn Foster, Mila Chaddick and Ellison Foster.
Our mother dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She was the epitome of a classy and Godly Christian woman. She was a faithful member of New Hope Apostolic Church. Her greatest joy in life was going to church. She enjoyed reading her Bible, singing and baking. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steve Ward and Pastor Jeremy Shields officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Ben Robinson, Haden Robinson, Morgan Chaddick, Austin Garrett, Harlan Foster, Gary McDonald, Jr. and serving as honorary pallbearers are Wanda Richardson, Sharon Smith, Patricia Wessell, Eldnar McGhee and Gavin McDonald. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service at First Pentecostal Church Cemetery.
Charles Albert (Chuck) Thames
April 3, 2023
Charles Albert (Chuck) Thames, born July 8, 1957 in Natchez, MS died April 2, 2023 at his home in Chumuckla, Florida after an aggressive battle with cancer.
Chuck grew up in the Pine Ridge area of Natchez and graduated from Adams County Christian School.
As a young boy his grandfather, Earl, taught him the early skills of carpentry which Chuck honed into a lifelong career (46 yrs), from renovating furniture to supervising the construction of hotels on Pensacola beach. It was during the early 80’s when he attended Mississippi State that he met his future bride, Ann Keating, during a football game.
After moving to Florida, Chuck worked for Sharpe Inc. in the mid 80s, followed by Terhaar & Cronley General Contractors for 25 years until forming his own construction company (Mullin & Thames) which he co-operated until his death.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Doyle E. Thames and Etta Lyvell Fortenberry (Pat Bradshaw), his step-brother Randall K Bradshaw, Albany, LA, and step-brother-in law Dennis Smith, Meadville, MS.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie Keating Thames, sons: Zachary C. Thames (Patricia), Benjamin L Thames, sisters: Dana Toney, Peggy Tucker (Charles), brother: Rayford Bradshaw (Jeanette) step sister: Bobbie
Bradshaw Smith, step-sister-in law: Alita Bradshaw, grandchildren: Phoebe, James, Nora, Moriah, and Anneliese Thames, 3 nieces and 5 nephews.
A devoted Christian husband, father, and grandfather, Chuck was deeply involved in both his church community and his family. He previously attended Elizabeth Chapel UMC (now Chumuckla Community Church), but more recently was a member of Woodbine Church in Pace. He was also deeply involved with the Blue Lake Emmaus Community, and spent many years mentoring young men as Committee Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 427.
The world will miss this strong, silent man who was ready for a challenge and always willing to work towards a solution and help others. Yet, if something needed to be said, he would speak to shed more light on a subject.
Thank you, Lord, for such a loving Husband, Dad, Brother, Papa and Friend. We will always love him.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Woodbine Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be at Chumuckla Community Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Rhonda A. Reynolds
April 3, 2023
Mrs. Rhonda A. Reynolds, age 74, passed away, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Mobile, AL. She resided most of her life in Booneville, AL; and was a member of Judson Baptist Church. She was a retired highway contract mail courier with many years of service.
Mrs. Reynolds enjoyed spending time with her family, and the “rock” that held it together; and a very devoted wife and mother. She really enjoyed interior decorating, and also enjoyed landscaping her yard. She was always a very good cook, and she really enjoyed going to Chehaw Park. She was a very good mail courier that enjoyed delivering mail to the residence on her route.
Mrs. Reynolds is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Lee (Linda Ellison) Murph, and one brother, Ual Murph.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Lee Reynolds, of Booneville, AL; three sons, Dewayne (Sharon) Wicker, of Bay Minette, AL; Steven (Lisa) Reynolds, of Atmore, AL; Chad (Beth) Reynolds, of Water Town, SD; two daughters, Paige Reynolds, of Atmore, AL; Kim (BJ) Mitchell, of Atmore, AL; two brothers, Gary (Bunkie) Murph, of Flomaton, AL; Gordon Murph, of Booneville, AL; two sisters, Josalyn Barnett, of Atmore, AL; Kay (Pat) Mullen, of Evergreen, AL; seven grandchildren, Heather, Payton, Macy, Parker, Aspen, Cameron, Brooklyn, one great-grandchild, Daegan, one sister-in law, Ann Murph, of McCullough, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Don Parker officiating.
Burial will follow at McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Parker Reynolds, Cameron Reynolds, Daegan Martin, David Murph, Michael Murph, and Jeremy McMath.
Sherry Caraway
April 2, 2023
Sherry Caraway, age 54, of Atmore, AL passed away on April 2, 2023. She was born on April 3, 1968 in Flomaton, AL to Sam and Bonita White. She was employed with Fairfield Inn and Suites. She is preceded in death by her mother, Bonita White; her son, Chris Caraway; her sister, Sharon Freeman and her granddaughter, Jesslyn Caraway.
She is survived by her husband, William Caraway; her son, Jessie (Emily) Caraway; her six grandchildren: Hunter Caraway, Alana Caraway, Marlin Caraway, Kenzly Caraway, Jaxtin Caraway, and Jagger Caraway; her father, Sam (Christine) White; her two brothers, Shannon Dale White and Dewayne (Barbara) White; her mother and father-in- law, Janie and Pete Caraway along with numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Willis Robert ‘Robbie’ Whatley, Jr.
April 2, 2023
Willis Robert “Robbie” Whatley, Jr., age 77, passed away on March 27, 2023 peacefully at his home. He was a longtime resident of Atmore. He was born and raised in McCullough, Alabama until joining the United States Army. He was an avid fisherman and he had a love of history and books.
Robbie was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Robert Sr. and Dora Lucile Johnson Whatley; one son, Michael Whatley; his grandson, Joseph Michael Whatley; his great grandson, Harrison Samuel; two sisters; the mother of his children, Lanita Wells; the mother of his step children, Karen Whatley, and Libby Whatley.
Robbie is survived by his children: Melissa Whatley, Robert (Barbara) Whatley, Walter Whatley, Crystal (Mike) Judd, Tasha (Zane) Gray and Sheree (BJ) Donaldson. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. This list would not be complete without mentioning his best friend and caregiver, Brenda Breceda. The family will be forever grateful for all she did for him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending contributions to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the Atmore Animal Shelter.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on April 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Infant Mason Floyd Lee Rowland
March 31, 2023
Infant Mason Floyd Lee Rowland, precious baby boy of Christopher M. and Eva Currie Rowland passed away on March 25, 2023 in Pensacola, FL surrounded by his loving parents. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents: Floyd and Alice Currie, Carolyn Rowland, and Earl Ray Simmons.
Mason is survived by his parents, Christopher and Eva Rowland; his grandparents, Fritz (Kathy) Currie and Bunkie (Gary) Murph; his great grandparents: Ellis and Billie Mason, Haywood and Shelly Rowland, and Hazel Simmons; his big brother, Jay Braxton Rowland; his uncle and aunt, Ankoo (Deonna) Currie; his cousin, Maggie Currie; his special uncle and aunt, Chris and Tristen Moore and cousin, Gunner Moore.
Private graveside services will be held in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Tad McMullen officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Grove, FL.
Velda Louise ‘Pat’ Jernigan
March 31, 2023
Velda Louise “Pat” Jernigan, a resident of Milton, Florida fell peacefully asleep with family at her bedside on March 28, 2023. She was born in Molino, Florida on October 29, 1933 to Hilbert and Azul Carlson. She was married to Bryan Jernigan for 69 years. They owned 2 Way Communication business for 35 years, where she worked as the secretary. She was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church. She had a passion for family, flowers, bird feeding, shopping, and going to Hawaii.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilbert and Azul Carlson; and sisters, Zuella Larson and Marnie Carlson.
She is survived by her sons, Skip Jernigan, and Mike (Debi) Jernigan; daughters, Sharri (Kenny) Stitcher, and June (Scott) McKenzie; granddaughter, Ashley (Shane) Singleton, grandsons, Chris (Melissa) Jernigan, and Rich (Kristie) Jernigan; and five great grandchildren, Samantha, William, Melanie, Olivia, and Joelle; and brother, Flournoy Carlson.
Graveside service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Hwy #90e, Pensacola, Florida at 2:30 pm.
Charles Kenneth Crawley
March 30, 2023
Charles Kenneth Crawley, age 87, of Molino, FL, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Charles was born in Century, Florida on June 8, 1935, to Joseph Glenn and Ruby Dee Crawley.
Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace Brown Crawley; children, Hope (Hollis aka Randy) Cole and Chris (Angela) Crawley; grandchildren, Curtis Cole, Heath Cole, Ethan Cole, and Kristen Crawley; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred (Vickie) Crawley; a very dedicated niece, Ann Crawley Hendrix; 3 nephews, Randy Crawley, Greg Crawley, and Tommy Crawley.
Funeral Service will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 2:00 PM with visitation an hour prior. Pastor Ed Hicks of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Molino, FL will be officiating. Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Essie Mae Kirkland
March 29, 2023
Essie Mae Kirkland, 92, of Pensacola passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
She was born in Jay, Florida to Ira and Mattie Carnley and was raised on a farm where they grew vegetables and cotton which she mentioned picking cotton and many times getting pricked by the pods that held the cotton fibers. Essie loved running through her neighborhood and visiting friends and neighbors as well as walking to church. She and her younger sister Corine liked to play in and around a nearby pond, climb trees, lay back on the ground and listen to the birds sing. Essie’s father passed when she was 6 years old and her mother followed shortly after. She and her younger sister stayed on the farm and were watched over by an older brother until she left home for Pensacola at the age of 16, in 1947. Essie began working at Dainty Dell’s Restaurant that she truly enjoyed as she loved the comradery with the patrons and the owners. She soon married and started her family in 1948. She began working at *Chemstrand/Monsanto/Solutia (Eastman Chemical) which they often called “The Plant” in 1953 or 1954 as a Drawtwist Operator (twisting the manufactured yarn for Astro turf and Automobile tires) on the D shift and worked rotating shifts that changed every 7 days and raised 6 children during her 31 year tenure in which she retired in 1985 or 1986. After Retiring, she continued to nurture her family and help neighbors and friends while she maintained her home and yard that sits on an acre of land (she tilled, planted and maintained her own big garden). Essie was a member of Cora Baptist Church in Jay, Florida.
Essie is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters as well as her son, Johnny L. Grubbs; grandson, Ray Junior Grubbs II; ex-spouse of 9-10 years, Hubert R. Grubbs and ex-spouse of 21 years, Alfred E. Edgar.
She is survived by her son, Ray Grubbs (Betty); daughters, Rita Hall (Jerry), Mary Sue Watson (Jimmie), JoAnn Hope (Willie), Donna Gist (Jim); 19 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 1pm until the service begins at 2pm led by Pastor Gene Hudson. Pallbearers will be Fred Bergeron, Ray Grubbs, Keith Grubbs, Clayton Grubbs, Logan Vaughn and Willie Mack. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Gist, Jerry Hall and Jimmie Watson.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to Ethan Bergeron Foundation (great-grandson) at Servis First Bank 219 E. Garden St. #100 Pensacola, Fl 32502 (850)-266-9100 or 4980 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, Fl 32504 (850)-266-9160