Judy Higdon Fears
March 28, 2023
Judy Higdon Fears, born March 12, 1947, went home to be with Jesus on March 18, 2023, in Pensacola, FL. She was, above all else, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished by many. Her family was everything to her and she was everything to her family. She was happily married for 54 years to the love of her life, Joe. Their love story is one for the books.
She is preceded in death by her father, James Oliver Higdon; and brother, Freddie W. Higdon.
Judy is survived by her loving mother, Virginia Smith Higdon; her husband, Joseph R. Fears, III; siblings, Frankie Higdon (Sherry), Danny Higdon (Karen), Jennifer Bratcher, and Lisa Kyser (Jimbo); children, Jennifer Grace (Frank), Julie Morse, and Joseph Fears, IV; stepdaughter, Lynne Fears (David) and six grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “Nanny”, Julia (Riley), Annie, Jillian, Ryan, Addie, and Cole.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 27, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in the Pigment Room at the Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice in Judy’s name.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, FL, is entrusted with arrangements
Patsy Ann Sasser Miller
March 28, 2023
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Patsy Ann Sasser Miller, age 90, on March 24, 2023. Patsy was born on January 3, 1933 in Atmore, AL., to the late Annie Lenora Luker Sasser and Wilson Leroy Sasser.
Patsy was a charter member of Presley Street Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and served in many other capacities over the years. She was an avid supporter of youth baseball in Atmore, along with her husband, Earl. Patsy was a Cub Scout leader and “neighborhood mom”, who welcomed children who loved to play in her yard. Her love of children carried over to her work at Rachel Patterson Elementary School as a lunchroom worker. She would wear a different pin on her uniform each day, to the delight of the children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, Earl Edgar Miller, Jr; four sisters, Carolyn Sasser Hetzel, Marie Sasser Bryant, Evelyn Sasser Dillree; Eunice Sasser Reynolds; and two brothers, Edward Leroy Sasser, Max Farrell Sasser, and one niece, Janet Sasser Garner.
Patsy was the loving mother of Earl Edgar Miller (Rita), of Ozark, AL. and Kendall Wayne Miller (Teri), of Summerdale, AL; cherished Meemaw, of Andrew Kendall Miller (Brandy), Wade Vickery Miller, Clayton Earl Miller, Justin Tyler Miller, Tucker Jordan Miller (Emma) and Kendall Brooke Miller, proud great-Meemaw, of Libby Kay Miller, Jaxson Wade Miller, Landri Kendall Miller, Leighton Karaline Miller, Miles Easton Miller, and Kai Ripken Miller. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Sasser Brown (Ed), of Atmore, AL, sister-in law, Mary Ann Hines, of Cordell, OK; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life service will be Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Presley Street Baptist Church with her nephew, Rev. Father Mark Brown, officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Presley Street Baptist Church.
Pallbearers who are Patsy’s nephews, Jeffery Reynolds, Gary Hetzel, Matthew Hetzel, Melvin Hetzel, Glenn Bryant, and Randy Bryant.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Clayton, Jr, Eddie Sasser, Michael Sasser, Henry Lowery, Steve Hines, and Scott Hines.
Patsy’s precious nieces, Beverly Clayton Treis, Julie Brown Chandler, Jennifer Brown Brewton, Ann Sasser Perillo, and Vicki Sasser Hardy.
The family encourages donations in Meemaw’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Mary (Sister) Luvene Parker Lewis
March 28, 2023
Mary (Sister) Luvene Parker Lewis, 85 years young, of Century, FL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 17, 2023. Mary was a retired seamstress from Vanity Fair. She was a strong Navy wife, supporting her family while her husband was at war. She was a past member of the Eastern Star of Jay, FL and more recently, a member of Cross Faith Church of Molino, FL. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.
She was greeted at Heaven’s gates by her parents, Willie Mae Smith Parker and Basil Woodrow Parker; a brother, Basil (Pee-Wee) Woodrow Parker II, her baby brother, Johnnie and baby sister, her beloved sister, Myrtle Diane Cumbie; grandson, Jason Paul Moore and devoted husband of 57 years Henry Luvon Lewis.
Her loving survivors include her son, Henry (Butch) Lewis, Jr and wife, Donna Lewis; daughter, Mary Debora Lewis Kinsella and husband, David Kinsella; daughter, Shari Lynn Lewis Bauldree and husband, Rusty Bauldree. Mary had six grandchildren: Jennifer Nicole Lewis McDowell, Jonathan Matthew Lewis, Jessica Daniella Ryea, Kristofer Thomas Kinsella, Jarrod Scot Bauldree and Samantha Paige Hoffman.
Mary was blessed with eight great grandchildren; Jaden Isaiah Lewis, Daylen Jeremiah Lewis, Hartley Faye McDowell, Jax Abraham McDowell, Victoria Nicole Lewis, Scarlett Grace Ryea, Lucas Henry Ryea and Isla Rose Hoffman.
Mary is survived by one brother, Herman Madison Parker and wife, Ann Parker and a very special, longtime friend and neighbor, Edna Earl Barnes.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Lewis, Benjamin Hoffman, Cody McDowell, Jarrod Bauldree, Jaden Lewis, Daylen Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Grice and Jason Potts.
No Injuries On School Bus Rear-Ended By Pickup Truck In Cantonment
March 27, 2023
There were no injuries reported on an Escambia County school bus rear-ended Monday afternoon on Highway 297A in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 1:50 p.m. on Highway 297A at Pemberton Lane. A pickup truck crashed into the rear of bus 31-17, causing significant damage to the front of the truck and damage to the rear bumper of the bus.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further information.
This was the second significant crash in Cantonment during the past week involving an Escambia County school bus. On March 21, a bus driver pulled into the path of a car driven at a high rate of speed on Highway 29 at Archer Road, FHP said. None of the students on the bus was injured, and the driver of the car suffered minor injuries.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Candidate Profile: Alicia Johnson
March 27, 2023
The following is a response to a candidate questionnaire sent to all four candidates for two seats on the Century Town Council. Responses have not been edited.
Century Town Council, Seat 4 Candidate: Alicia Johnson
- Current occupation: Consulting
- Previous occupations:Utility management
- Civic, church and other community involvement? Foster Parent
- Education: AA Liberal Arts PSC/ AA Technical License Water/ Wastewater Treatment FDEP
- Previous offices held, previously sought: Seat 4 (Interim) Century Town Council
- Why are you running for Century Town Council? I am honored to use my knowledge of utility management to serve my fellow citizens. So that we may continue to see growth and prosperity in Century.
- What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council? Town infrastructure, available employment, and Town image
- Should the town repair the ‘Freedom Road Bridge’, and, if so, how can it be funded? Yes, the freedom Road bridge should be repaired as soon as possible.
- How does the town fund any improvements needed to the water & sewer services provided to the Century Correctional Institution? We have received legislative appropriations for repairs and rides for our water and waste water systems.
- Do you support Home Rule? I do, I believe the charter review committee has done an amazing job updating our charter and I am looking forward to seeing these changes enacted
- Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how? I do support Floridas Sunshine Law. I think that all government entities should be completely transparent.
- How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest financial issue facing Century? In my opinion, incorrect billing has been the major financial issue that Century has faced. Recent audits have exposed the issues and staff has made strides to correct them.
- Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? No
- Are there any additional ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see eliminated? No
- How can Century better work with the county and state? The current administration is doing a wonderful job communicating with our elected officials. As a result, Century has received much needed attention.
- Are there services Century should consolidate with the county? No, after a lot of hard work, put in by Century Staff and administration, we are definitely moving in the right direction.
- How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs? First and foremost, we need to prepare our infrastructure to handle incoming businesses that would create new jobs.
- How does Century work to support/grow additional businesses? By patronizing our local businesses, eating in our local restaurants and buying goods from our local stores.
- What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? What form of government should Century have? Council-weak Mayor system which allows for an elected mayor who does not have veto power. This way the council are jointly able to make important decisions.
- How does the town improve utility (water, sewer, gas) billing issues and ensure bills are correct going forward? By regularly auditing customers bills. Also retaining experienced personnel.
- How does the town work to improve education and activities for children and youth? By engaging with our local schools and nonprofits
- Summarize your term of office plan/goals for Century…My main goal is to see the current infrastructure improvement plans come to fruition. Other goals include encouraging new businesses and job creation.
Century Special Election Is Tuesday For Two Council Seats
March 27, 2023
A special election will be held Tuesday in Century to fill two town council seats.
Polls will be open at the Century Town Hall from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. for registered voters that live in the Century limits.
RELATED: Just One Candidate Responds To Our Questions Before Special Election
Shelisa McCall and Evelyn Webber will vie for council Seat 3. McCall was appointed on an interim basis to the seat in January. McCall is president of the chamber of commerce, while Webber just recently moved to town.
Alicia Johnson and Eddie Hammond will face off for council Seat 4. Johnson was appointed on an interim basis to the seat in January. Both candidates are former town employees.
The seats were left vacant in January after no one, including the incumbents, sought election last year.
Tate Softball’s Strike Out Cancer Game Is Friday
March 27, 2023
The Tate Aggies 13th Annual Strike Out For Cancer softball game will be this Friday. Last year, the event raised $31,000 for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
The Aggies will host the West Florida Lady Jags; the junior varsity game will be at 5 p.m. and the varsity game will follow at 7 p.m.
Admission is by donation. Fish dinners will be $15, and egg rolls will be $2 or three for $5. Other concessions will be available.
Pictured: The 2022 Strike Out Cancer event raised $31,000 for the American Cancer Society. NorthEscambia.com file photos by Stephani Pyron and others, click to enlarge.
Chance Of Rain Into Tuesday
March 27, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 72. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Just One Century Candidate Responds To Our Questions Before Tuesday Special Election
March 27, 2023
NorthEscambia.com submitted a questionnaire to each of the four candidates seeking two seats on the Century Town Council.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Century Town Hall.
The questionnaire was created as a secure Google Form. Each candidate received the exact same questions in the same order, and they were warned that responses would not be spell checked or edited. A link to the questionnaire was texted to the cell phone listed by each candidate with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Additionally, a link to the response form, an advance copy of the questions and detailed instructions were emailed to the email address each candidate listed on Supervisor of Elections forms. They were given a deadline of just over seven days to complete and submit their responses. This was a free service offered equally to each candidate.
Only one candidate, Alicia Johnson, submitted a response; three did not submit a response or make any contact with NorthEscambia.com regarding the questionnaire.
Here is the response. Click the linked candidate name to continue:
Century Town Council, Seat 3
- Shelisa McCall (no response received)
- Evelyn Webber (no response received)
Century Town Council, Seat 4
- Alicia Johnson (click for responses)
- Eddie Hammond (no response received)
George Stone Technical College Top 10 In State Industry Certifications
March 27, 2023
George Stone Technical College ninth in Florida for industry certifications earned by students, according to the school district.
GSTC students earned 330 industry-recognized certifications across a multitude of industries and disciplines. The certifications ranked GSTC and the Escambia County Public Schools ninth out of 67 counties for the most certifications earned among technical colleges and centers throughout the state of Florida.
“I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students and the efforts of our teachers. These certifications are a result of their hard work and commitment to their craft,” said GSTC Principal TJ Rollins.