Connie Sue Harris
September 30, 2024
Connie Sue Harris, age 69, of Century, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on September 22, 2024. Born on November 28, 1954, in Independence, Missouri, she was the cherished daughter of the late Georgia Reba Terry and Anderson Delano Dinwiddie.
Connie was the beloved sister to her six brothers and two sisters: Jim, Jerry, Fred, Mike, Ronnie, Donald Dinwiddie, sisters Donna Spilman and Rebecca Dinwiddie. She shared many precious memories with her siblings that will be cherished forever.
Connie’s greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her two loving sons and their families, Ryan Harris and his son, Jaxton Harris, as well as Chris & Melissa Harris with their son, Russell Harris. Connie’s love for her children and grandchildren was boundless, and her spirit will continue to live on in Ryan, Jaxton, Chris, Melissa, and Russell.
Her kindness, warmth, and infectious laughter along with her amazing cooking will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Connie’s life was a testament to the power of love and family dedication, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.
An inurnment will take place in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local charity of your choice in her honor.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Virginia Weaver Mills Sharpless
September 30, 2024
Mary Virginia Weaver Mills Sharpless, age 88, passed away on September 29, 2024 at her home. She was born on September 27, 1936 to Audrey and Onnie Mae Weaver of Booneville, AL.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband James Harold Mills, her second husband Carlton Prescott Sharpless, her brother Charles O’Neal Weaver and her sisters Martha Sharpless and June Luker.
She is survived by her daughters Jeanie (Bruce) Bryan of Rome, GA and Shellie (Larry) Sharpless of Walnut Hill, FL; her brother Jerry (Jeanette) Weaver of Booneville, AL; her grandchildren Josh (Vanessa) Lyles of Nashville, TN, Eric Lyles of Cumming, GA, Rachel Rogers of Atlanta, GA, Jay (Mahryn) Sharpless of Cantonment, FL, and Samantha (Tony) Corley of Kingsville, TX; great-grandchildren Lexi, Adi, Emma, Kennedy, Easton, Brayden, Cooper, Raegan, Avery, Chloe, & James Jr., and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Tew and Bro. Greg Sellers officiating. Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10:00 am until service time at 11:00 am at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
JoAnn Fern Koehn Nightengale
September 27, 2024
JoAnn Fern Koehn Nightengale was born to Fred P. and Sarah Smith Koehn on June 3, 1931, in Montezuma, Kansas. She passed away on September 12, 2024, at Jay Hospital in Jay, Florida, reaching the age of ninety-three years.
JoAnn spent her early life and school days near Montezuma. Those were the Dust Bowl days, and the challenges of that time taught her the strength and industriousness she carried through life.
At 12 years old, she accepted God’s call to salvation and gave her heart to Him, receiving His abiding peace. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister David J. Koehn. To this commitment, she lived faithfully all her days.
On October 2, 1949, JoAnn was married to Marvin Nightengale in Montezuma, Kansas, with Minister David J. Koehn officiating. They were married for 64 years until his passing in 2014.
For the first 7 years of their married life, they lived in the Montezuma area, taking up farming for their livelihood. In 1956, they moved with their small family to Walnut Hill, Florida, where they continued farming. Except for a brief time of relocating to Ocala, Florida, they lived in the Walnut Hill area. They were blessed with three sons and one daughter. The grandchildren were a special blessing to JoAnn as they went in and out of her home.
JoAnn had a lively personality and was very outgoing. She was attentive to those with difficulties and cared for many, especially those with physical challenges. She willingly shared this gift and was deeply appreciated by those whose lives she touched.
Her love for children manifested in her time as a teacher at Walnut Hill Christian School. The three years she spent teaching was a special time for her, creating a lasting impact and many friendships with the faculty.
Doyle faithfully cared for her until she moved to Century Center for Rehabilitation and Healing. Her friendly, caring disposition was a light to the other residents and caretakers during her time there.
Her passing leaves a wealth of warm memories for her children, Doyle, of Davisville, FL; Randy of Crestview, FL; Scott and Lilian of Walnut Hill, FL; and Charlotte and Brian Decker of Wakarusa, IN; Seven grandchildren and four great-grandchild; two sisters, Helen Unruh of Moundridge, KS; June Schoonover of Colorado Spring, CO; and countless friends and relatives.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Marvin, seven sisters, two brothers; four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Minister Benjamin Koehn, Minister Myron Nightingale, Minister Mike Koehn, and Minister Keith Nightingale officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Dorothy Ann Chavers
September 27, 2024
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved matriarch Dorothy Ann Chavers, affectionately known as Dottie. She peacefully departed this world on September 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and strength.
Born on August 19, 1943, in Uriah, Alabama, to Maybell Hayes and Leo Gordon Melvin, Dottie was the youngest in her family. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Louise Singleton, Mary Lewis, Royce Melvin, Vester Melvin, and Daniel James (DJ) Melvin, whose bonds of love she cherished deeply.
She is also preceded in death by her loving husband, James Preston (JP) Chavers, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage. Their story was a testament to the enduring power of human connection, filled with adventures, including their 30 years in the military and living overseas in Germany. Together, they explored new cultures, and created memories which were passed down in stories to their great-grandchildren.
A mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dottie leaves behind a loving family. Her son, Marty Preston Chavers; daughter-in-law, Mellanie Long Chavers; grandchildren, Becka Chavers Vactor married to Alex Vincent Vactor and Tyler Preston Chavers married to Desiri Dawn Chavers, and Nathaniel Mason Henschel; and great-grandchildren, August James Vactor, Violet Tillie Vactor, Winter Francesca Chavers, and Bowie Preston Chavers, will forever carry on her memory.
Dottie’s vibrant spirit was evident in her many passions. She was one of the best cooks around, a dedicated community member, a renowned cosmetologist, a teacher, a team mom, a mentor, everyone’s best friend, an active member of Pace Assembly, and a child of God. Her infectious enthusiasm and drive touched the lives of countless individuals.
She also cherished a deep friendship with William Lewis, who was a source of joy and companionship for two decades.
If Dottie were here today, she would undoubtedly say this obituary was, “Absolutely gorgeous!” Her words were a testament to her appreciation for God’s beauty, both in the world around her and in the hearts of those she loved.
A viewing will be held at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, Alabama on Friday, September 27, 2024, with a family viewing from 5:30 to 6:00 PM and a public viewing from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Huxford Community of Christ Church from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, in Huxford, Alabama with Pastor Steve Zepp and High Priest Beth Linam officiating which will be live streamed and followed by a late lunch reception.
Interment will follow in Huxford Community of Christ Church Cemetery.
As we bid farewell, let us celebrate her life, her love, and her enduring spirit. Dottie’s memory will be one of strength, conviction, and resilience of the human heart. Flowers are appreciated but as an alternative, feel free to make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinson.org.
Elam Jace Bailey
September 27, 2024
Elam Jace Bailey went home to walk with Jesus on September 11, 2024, at the age of 11. He came into this world on July 15, 2013, weighing almost 12 pounds and left it being too big and wonderful for this world. Elam was in the 6th grade at Beulah Academy of Science. He was loving the start of the school year and was so excited about school. He especially loved his agriculture class where he got to feed the animals. Elam absolutely loved his monkey blanket and everything to do with monkeys. If there was a tree, Elam was going to climb it.
To know Elam was to know a young man full of joy and endless energy. Elam had such a sweet spirit and was such a loving boy. Elam was a non-stop engine full of creativity and excitement, either playing Army, riding his dirt bike, swimming in the pool, looking for bugs and frogs, or building something with his Legos! He was a Master Builder with Legos and building up everyone he met. He was never at a loss to compliment anyone he met. Elam dreamed of being a soldier and spent countless hours pretending to be one. He would always try and speak to any service member or police officer to thank them for their service. His favorite things to eat were crab legs, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, Keto coconut yogurts (his momma had a hard time keeping them stocked), and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. His favorite color was orange, and he loved everything camouflage. His favorite games were Roblox, My Singing Monsters, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing. He enjoyed chatting online with his best friend, Mabrey, being silly and cracking jokes. He loved to sing along to K-Love and was always humming a Mario Brothers theme song. He would watch Home Alone all year long, getting ideas for different types of traps to set in the house. Cardboard boxes were never safe in the house, as he was always turning them into some type of military machinery, outfit, or game.
He will always be remembered by his loving parents, Karen and Dwayne Bailey; brother, Urijah; beloved dog, Pepper; maternal great grandmother, Margie Lee Stokes; maternal grandparents, Mark (Paw Paw) and Juanette (Mamaw) Stokes; his paternal grandfather, Robert Gary Bailey (Papa Bailey). He is survived by the rest of his loving family which includes numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, who loved him so much.
Elam was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Elma Joyce Bailey; and his great aunt, Felicia “BeBee” Donovan.
Our time with Elam was way too short here on this earth, but we know he is watching over us from Heaven alongside the family and friends that have gone before us. Elam will live in our memories forever and will be missed more than words could ever describe.
Funeral services will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 1:30pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533. Visitation will be prior to service from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Burial will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Molino, Florida.
Virginia Estelle Shelby
September 26, 2024
Virginia “Estelle’ Shelby was born on October 27, 1934, in the rural town of Altha, Florida. She passed away on September 24, 2024, just shy of her 90th. birthday. She was a soft-spoken and gentle southern lady. She loved flowers, hummingbirds, and babies! Most of all she loved her family. Estelle was a renowned cook. Her potato salad, cornbread dressing, and giblet gravy are some of her family’s favorites.
Estelle is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Lizzie Sewell Vickery. She is also preceded in death by five siblings: Coy Vickery, Troy Vickery, Wilburn Vickery, Alice Daniels, and Marie “Jo” Simpson.
Estelle is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack Shelby; son, Ricky (Traci) Herndon, daughter, Dianne (Jim) Soderlind, and step-daughter, Sherri Lastra; grandchildren, Timothy Burch, Brigette Soderlind (Nic Brochu), Heath Herndon, and step-granddaughter, Lacey Shelby; great-grandchildren, Casey, Halle, and Houston Burch; and her brother, James Earl (Carolyn) Vickery.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North Chapel with nephew, David Nooe, officiating. Burial will follow in First Baptist Church of Beulah Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at 12:15 p.m. prior to services.
Pallbearers will be Timothy Burch, Jim Soderlind, Heath Herndon, Nic Brochu, Donald Hurst, and Terry Chavers.
Houston Burch will act as an honorary pallbearer.
A special thank you to Vitas Hospice and Mama’s special angels, Lee Anne, Ms. Tee, and Jennifer. These ladies went above and beyond their duties and we are eternally grateful.
Lonnie Patrick “Pat” Reynolds
September 25, 2024
Mr. Lonnie Patrick “Pat” Reynolds passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Pat was born August 19, 1948, in Greenville, Alabama, to the late Lonnie and Katie Rae (Phelps) Reynolds. He was a 1966 graduate of Greenville High School.
He married his beautiful bride Willene on December 14, 1968.
During his career, Pat worked in the retail industry, insurance sales, and in sales and service at Norman-Blackmon Motor Company in Greenville.
After retirement, he enjoyed time with his beautiful wife of 55 years Willene and other family and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Katie Rae Reynolds, his sister Kathy (Reynolds) Starr, brother-in-law Jack Starr, and infant sister Nelda Kate Reynolds.
Pat is survived by his wife Willene; son William (Jane) Reynolds; daughter Christy (Michael) Wilson; grandchildren Ashley Maheu (Zack), Bethany Landis (Darren), Delaney Orem (Hunter), Matthew Shivers, Caleb Wilson (Elizabeth), Joshua Wilson, Matthew Wilson; and great-grandchildren Caden Maheu, Madilyn Maheu, and Emma Landis.
Funeral Services
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Woodfin Funeral Chapel at 200 North Lowry Street in Smyrna, Tennessee. Graveside services followed at Mapleview Cemetery in Smyrna, Tennessee, at noon.
Elaine Tripp Lutheran
September 25, 2024
Elaine Tripp Lutheran passed away on September 17, 2024. She was born June 5, 1955, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry L. Tripp and Doris L. Tripp, son, Danny L. Mauk, a brother Philip T. Tripp, sisters Shirley F. Harrison and Donna J. Powell.
She leaves behind her husband, Ronald D. Lutheran of Milton, Florida, a daughter, Felicia E. Floyd and husband Chris with grandson Breydon of Pensacola, Christopher E. Lutheran of Milton. Additionally, her sisters Patricia Brasch of Pensacola, Carol Cox and husband of Gallatin, Missouri, Harry L. Tripp and wife Charlotte of Cantonment. Janet Holley of Mobile, Alabama, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Her dad was a veteran, and it allowed Elaine to travel throughout the US and Germany. She attended school at Brownville Middle and Escambia High.
She was outgoing and comical even though friends didn’t always get her jokes. Her stories and tales would get friends’ attention, always saying they were “true.” She did not like crossing high bridges and always hid on the floorboard of the car.
She loved yard sales and flea markets. She loved all the things about nature and the heavens, from gardening to flowers. Learning about her genealogy was her passion and dearly loved animals including her dogs, Spartacus and Wagner.
Late in life, she learned about our God, Jehovah, and associated with the Milton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses wanting to be baptized. Now she awaits the hope of the Bible, Paradise, and the Resurrection.
Mary ‘Chris’ Whitworth
September 23, 2024
Mary “Chris” Whitworth, 69, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on January 18, 1955, to Gilbert E. Lloyd and Ray Pennington Lloyd.
Chris has a career in police dispatch working for Monahans, Texas, Milton, Florida, and the University of West Florida Police Departments. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her passion was for Sci-Fi, Celtic Thunder singing group, cruises, traveling, and everything Disney. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.
She is preceded in death by her father, Gilbert E. Lloyd; mother, Ray Pennington Montgomery; and brothers, John Devokatis and Gilbert Lloyd, Jr.
Chris is survived by her husband of 49 years, Steven Whitworth; children, Shannon Whitworth Boatwright, Melissa Whitworth (Zach) Anderson, and William (Kyla) Whitworth; grandchildren, Zackery Whitworth, Beth Boatwright, Joshua Boatwright, Cody Boatwright, Molly Boatwright, Barclay Anderson, Elijah Anderson, Jordan Anderson, Dylan Whitworth, William Ryan (Gillian) Whitworth, Aubrey Whitworth, Adalynn Whitworth, Zane Whitworth, and Zaylee Whitworth.
The family would like to thank Baptist Hospital for their compassionate care.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Carolyn Rose Merrill Attaway
September 23, 2024
Carolyn Rose Merrill Attaway, 78, of Beulah, passed away on September 22, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Beulah, FL.
She was born on May 9, 1946.
She is preceded in death by her father, Robert J. Rose, and mother, Ruth Hurst Rose.
Carolyn is survived by her son, Christopher Merrill, and daughter, Vanessa (Shane) Freeman; grandson, Robert Kersey; granddaughter, Allysen Kersey; husband of 6 years, Bobby Attaway; Bobby’s children, Arnold Attaway, Charlene Attaway, Keri (Mark) Posey, and Jesse (Vicki) Attaway; and a very special cousin, Doris Smith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Beulah.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northwest Florida Council on Aging.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.