Laura Elaine Lucas
May 15, 2020
Laura Elaine Lucas was born on February 25, 1925 on a farm in Bay Springs, Florida, a rural area northeast of Pensacola, Florida. While sleeping, she passed away peacefully on May 8, 2020 at age 95. Elaine was the first female child of Robert Lee Lucas and Laura Etta Barks Lucas. She was the fourth of eight children. In time, she would have four brothers and three sisters, five of whom preceded her in death. Elaine grew up materially poor in Bay Springs during the Great Depression and knew both happiness and want. At an early age, she was sent “down the road” to live with her grandmother (Miss Maggie) where Elaine lived until she met Troy Booker at a church camp meeting, where he fell in love with her the first time he heard her play the piano. They were equally matched in their love of music and their deep faith in God. They were married on December 20, 1942.
Elaine was a very gifted and loving child. She attended school in Walnut Hill, Florida where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She earned many academic awards, was chosen to teach and tutor students in lower grades, and her original essay was featured in the Pensacola News Journal after she won first prize in a statewide contest for young writers. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist, playing and singing for churches and social occasions. After high school, Elaine moved to Pensacola, taking an apartment with several girls. Prior to her marriage, she worked as executive secretary to the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Pensacola. After marriage, she was a devoted wife and a mother to two children, Troy and Emily. Her marriage and her family were her passion and her devotion. In Longview, Texas, while her husband earned his engineering degree, and to help with school costs, Elaine first worked in the LeTourneau College library and then worked as executive secretary to Mr. R.G. LeTourneau, builder of the largest earth-moving equipment in the world.
Elaine had a lifelong love of flowers and the outdoors. She spent many long hours laboring in her yard, lovingly caring for the many flowering plants she gathered around her. As a member of the Pensacola Garden Club, she won many competitive honors in flower arranging. She won the highest award for creative flower arranging, the Tri-Color Award, and was featured in Florida state gardening and flower arranging publications. She went on to open a florist business in Pensacola, “Elaine’s Elegance in Flowers,” specializing in weddings and holiday home decorating. Her specialty was designing grand arrangements suitable for banquets and very large spaces. She decorated many high-visibility homes in Pensacola and donated her musical and decorating talents to her home church, First Baptist, Pensacola, where she was a faithful and active member for 60 years. She was a very successful florist, retiring only due to age and health concerns.
An avid entertainer, Elaine loved to decorate her home, inside and out, for each season and holiday. Her home decorations were spectacular, winning awards from the community and accolades from all who saw them, including a feature article in the holiday decorating section of the local paper. Concurrent with her florist business, Elaine took up ceramic and porcelain painting. She created wonderfully beautiful paintings of scenes from her childhood memories. Fine-detail portraits of incredible beauty and whimsical rural and floral scenes were all fired under-glaze from her own kiln.
She was a kind and loving mother to her two adoring children; a loving, devoted, and supportive wife to an equally-devoted and loving husband. She cherished her role as Grandma to four grandchildren and “GG” to her ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. To them, she was a patient, playful, and wise role model. She was a superb Southern cook, preparing innumerable delicious meals for family and friends. Looking back over her 95-year life, she was a very loving, forthright, and Godly woman who acted upon her many skills, abilities, talents, and interests to better herself, her family, and the world around her. She was an amazing woman, full of energy, enthusiasm, and talent. She is greatly missed. Proverbs 31: 25-28 best summarize her life: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Troy Marion Booker, her second husband of six years, Mr. Paul Levan, five of her eight siblings, and her eldest great-grandson, Troy Michael Booker. She is survived by her son, Troy L. (Donna) Booker, Pensacola, FL; her daughter, Emily (Wes) Painter, Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren: Lane (Candy) Booker, Jacksonville, FL; Laura (Scott) Kirk, Chattanooga, TN; Kara (Roy Mauldin) Greene, Cantonment, FL; Kristin (Douglas) Ross, Chattanooga, TN; nine great-grandchildren: Haley (Ethan) Hardin, Cantonment, FL; Ashley Booker, Jacksonville, FL; Brenna Saxon, Connor Saxon, and Ethan Saxon, Chattanooga, TN; Colin McCracken and John Kirk, Chattanooga, TN; Ryan Greene and Taylor Greene, Cantonment, FL; and great-great-granddaughters Isabelle Elaine Booker and Emma Marie Hardin; two sisters, Yvonne Obren, Pensacola, FL; Ellen Settle, Molino, FL; one brother, Phil Lucas, Bay Springs, FL; and sister-in-law Charlotte Lucas, Cantonment, FL.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 15, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Dr. Ross Lankford and Dr. Dave Snyder officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be her great grandsons. Honorary bearers will be Ronald Greene, Roy Mauldin, JP Minchew, and Gerald Taylor.
Gail J. Simpkins
May 12, 2020
On Friday, May 8, 2020, Gail J. Simpkins, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.
Gail was born on February 11, 1931 in Rose Hill, IA. At the age of 17, Gail married Robert (Bob) Simpkins on November 7, 1948. Together they raised three daughters, in Rockford, IL. Gail worked for the Chrysler plant located in Belvidere, IL for many years and retired in 1981.
Gail had a passion for travel, music, family, and her dogs. After retirement Gail and Bob loved to travel and often brought their family along to enjoy the experience with them. In 2001, Gail and Bob relocated to Pensacola, FL for the beautiful gulf coast. They became proud members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Gail will be remembered for her beautiful smile, the deep love for her husband and family, her strong Christian faith, and her strong spirit.
Gail was preceded in death by her mother Bertha Belzer and stepfather, Max Belzer. She is survived by husband Robert, her three daughters Tenny Simpkins, Kim (Brian) Ekedahl and Heidi (Phil) Gonska, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Private memorial service will be held.
We would like to say a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers who lovingly took care of Gail for the last five years and Emerald Coast Hospice. Your kindness and compassionate care brought much comfort to our family.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring, may make contributes to Emerald Coast Hospice.
Mittie Juanita Etheredge McNair
May 12, 2020
Our Beloved Mother, Mittie Juanita Etheredge McNair
She was born in McCullough, Alabama on September 24, 1925 and was the youngest daughter of Caleb E. and Mamie K. Etheredge. She passed from this life and went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 11, 2O2O while residing at the Arcadia Nursing Home in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 94. She was a lifelong and devoted christian and a member of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her precious sisters, Ellen, Gladys, and Mabel; her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Edward E.McNair, Sr; and her first born son, Edward E. McNair, Jr.
She is survived by her sons, Steve McNair (Finea) and Gary McNair (Cheryl), daughter, Debbie Hamrac (Jimmy); thirteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren, that all loved her so very much.
Mother had the most extraordinary smile and had the unique ability to make everyone around her feel good and loved. She carried this precious gift with her even during the last two difficult years of her life and as her memory began to fade, her loving smile never left her. She touched so many lives and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness and her wonderful christian testimony. God continued to use her and her christian testimony up until the day that He called her home, which was evidenced by the large number of nursing home staff that sought her out and came by to see her and share their stories of her love as they cried with us.
Funeral services will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 10AM on Friday, May 15, 2020 with Reverend Gordon Godfrey, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 5PM to 7PM Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the funeral home. Due to the continued issues of COVID-19, there will be a restriction of 70 people in the funeral chapel at any given time during the visitation, and the funeral will be limited to 70 people.
Sharon Marie Bryant Brown
May 11, 2020
Sharon Marie Bryant Brown, 61 of Atmore, AL. passed away April 29, 2020 in Atmore. She was born to the late Wiley Houston and Mary Marie Hadley Byrd on November 1, 1958. She was the owner of State Line Pawn Shop and was a member of Cross Point Church in Atmore. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; Gary Lynn Bryant; husband; Ronnie Kent Brown and a brother; Steven Houston Byrd.
She is survived by her daughter Marylynn Marie Bryant of Montgomery, AL; Sister; Teresa Byrd (Ben) Martin of Perdido, AL.; aunt; Sue Stafford; special friend; Lucille Edwards and numerous family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Friday, May 8, 2020 at 11 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery with Bro. Guy Heath officiating.
Due to the current health crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
Brenda Cooper
May 11, 2020
Mrs. Brenda Cooper, age 68, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 in Fairhope, Alabama.
Mrs. Cooper was a native of Atmore, AL, former resident of Walnut Hill, FL and had resided in Bay Minette, AL for the past 30 years. She was a retired Junior Food Store Supervisor with 25 years of service and a member of the Fretwell Tabernacle Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Genell Hall; sister, Betty Sue Flowers and brother, Robert Clayton Hall.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Clyde F. “Pete” Cooper of Bay Minette, AL; three sons, Robbie (Rebecca) Hall of Navarre, FL, Chris (Melissa) Cooper of Loxley, AL and Charlie Cooper of Bay Minette, AL; one sister, Sue Cooper of Atmore, AL; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Graveside service will be held Monday, May 11, 2020 at 12:30 PM at the Johnson Cemetery in Whitehouse Fork, AL with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Pallbearers will be Terrance Newsome, Ben Ryals, Hank Paul, Malcolm Harrelson, Pete Weaver and Lee Williams.
Judith Alberta Diehl
May 10, 2020
Judith Alberta Diehl, 83, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. She was a mother of four daughters and attended St. Elizabeth and St. Jude Catholic Church. Judith dedicated her life to helping others as a Parish Nurse and taught LPN students at Reed State College. She was also an accomplished writer for LPNs. If you asked Judith what the most important thing in her life was, she would say, “God and family.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Diehl; father, Albert Ve Depo; mother, Inze Miller Ve Depo; and sister, Janice Kafer.
Judith is survived by daughters, Becky (Clifford) Griffith, Vickie Tanton, Cindy Diehl, and Theresa (John) Kittrell; grandchildren, Wayne Griffith, Kelly Wood, Mandy Hiller, Chad Tanton, Kattie Rule, John Kittrell, and Kimberly Fuqua; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Johnny Ve Depo; sister, Jane Ross; and best friend, Frances Johnson.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 8, 2020, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Father George Thekku officiating.
Burial was in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Molino, FL.
Pallbearers were Wayne Griffith (grandson), Chad Tanton (grandson), John Kittrell, III (grandson), Clayton Kittrell, Jason Wood, and Josh Hiller.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Bennie Lane Fretwell
May 10, 2020
Bennie Lane Fretwell, born March 17, 1940, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Bennie was a simple kind of man. He was always a hard worker and provider for his family. In his younger years, Bennie enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered for his charismatic and witty personality.
Bennie is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nelda Fretwell. He leaves behind his three daughters, Diane (Harvey) Smith, Sissy (Randy) Richardson and Cindy Venable; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 12, 2020, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with funeral services to follow at 1:30 p.m.
Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Harvey Smith, Brandon Smith, Kevin Flynn, Michael Flynn, Michael Flynn, Jr., and Joseph Venable, Jr.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Mose Burkett
May 10, 2020
Mr. Mose “Buddy” Burkett age 86, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in Jay, Florida.
Mr. Burkett was a native of Moyeville, AL, former resident of the Flomaton, Century area and had resided in Jay, FL for the past 44 years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Navy, retired maintenance worker with Monsanto Corp with 36 years of service and a member of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall of Brewton, AL. He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Ruby Jo Burkett; wife and mother of his children, Birdie Ann Burkett and Helen Burkett; three sons, Tommy Adkins, Jerry Adkins and Randy Burkett; two daughters, Victoria Pierre and Joann Ridderbjelke; two sisters, Susie Mae Penton and Rochelle Macks Bankston and four brothers, Shep Burkett, Charles W. Burkett, Joe Burkett and Dempsey Burkett.
He is survived by his son, Rodney (Dana) Burkett of Century, FL; two brothers, Robert Burkett of Flomaton, AL and Arthur Burkett of Panama City, FL; six sisters, Frances (Ed) Hayles of Atmore, AL, Reaatha Emmons of Pineview, AL, Edwina “Red” (Alton) Calloway of Flomaton, AL, Essie Amodeo of Milton, FL, Mary Daniels of Milton, FL and Natasha Burkett; 12 grandchildren, Michele Adkins, Becky Adkins, Jennifer Adkins, Maegan Barras, Shannon Elizabeth Lirette, Lisa Ann Fitzpatrick, Brigitte Marie (Brandon) Ward, Wesley Michael Pierre, Heath Warren Burkett, Marinda Burkett, Mazie Burkett and Jessie Ridderbjelke; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were held Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the Moyeville Cemetery with Bro. Richard Ash officiating.
Pallbearers were Charlie Brown, Luke Brown, Logan Brown, Tom Harrington, Charles Cash and Richard Ash.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Tucson E. Amerson
May 9, 2020
Tucson E. Amerson, 80 of Bratt, FL. passed May 7, 2020 in Bratt, FL. He was born in Bratt, FL. on August 6, 1939 to Floyd Armstrong and Inez Amerson. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in United States Navy for over 13 ½ years. He retired from the Bag Plant at St. Regis, Champion, International Paper Company with over 27 ½ years of service. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Linda Amerson. Tucson enjoyed spending time with his family and going to Lake Talquin. He also enjoyed riding his Harley 77 Low Rider Harley and attending various bike rallies. He was loved by all who met him.
He is survived by his three daughters Adrianna (Barry) Sager of Bratt, FL; Michelle (Allen) Driskell of Byrneville, FL. and Tammy Amerson of Bratt, FL. His fiancée Tonya Lambert; six grandchildren John Maughon (Bonnie), Colton Maughon (Carli), Hannah Ellis, Blaize Parrish, Drake Driskell, and Maddie Driskell; his best friend/brother Fred Strauss; three step- children Dellon Creel, Danielle Creel, Daniel Creel; twelve great grandchildren and many other family and friends; twelve great grandchildren and many and many other family and friends.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11 AM at the Bratt-Godwin Cemetery with Bro. Dillon Parham officiating.
Due to the current health care crisis it is asked of you to please use the social distancing requirements for the safety of the family and others.
Active pallbearers will be Anthony Black, Toby Boutwell, Carl Gandy, Corey Parrish, Bernard Conway and Dillon Sager.
Nicholas Carroll Clark
May 8, 2020
Nicholas Carroll Clark, 29 of Cantonment, Florida passed away on May 1, 2020.
Nicholas was born in Pensacola, Florida on June 15, 1990 to John C. Clark & Cynthia E. Clark. Nick resided in Cantonment, Florida for the remainder of his life.
Nick was employed by Pensacola Bay Center. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, running RC cars with his children, nephews and brothers as well as hanging out with his cousins and the lifelong friends, that he shared so many memories with, many of which have been shared with his family in recent days. Nick is survived by his children, Nicholas Chase (mother Brittany Holland), Emma Rose (mother Carla Burks). His parents John & Cindy Clark. Brothers and sister, Ryan, Zachary (Brooke) and Ashley Clark. Cousins Brooke Whitehurst, Shaine Garrett, Jordan Garrett, Josh Stewart, Brittney Clark, Tea Clark. His loving grandparents, John (Edna) Whitehurst, Mona (Randall) Thomas, Jimmy (Ronnie) Clark. His Aunt Cathy Garrett, Aunt Mary (Brad) Leatherwood, Uncle Jim (Julie) Clark and Uncle Matthew Clark. He is preceded in death by his Uncle, John Whitehurst Jr.
Nick was a loving Uncle to John, Carter, Khloie and Kayde.
As life goes on, and we all know that it does, Nicks family would like to thank each and every person who has stopped by, shared a memory, gave a hug, expressed a condolence, and shed a tear with us. You all have no idea what this has meant to us in our time of need, you all matter to us.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on June 13, 2020. There will be food, fun and more memories in the making in his honor….Details will be announced via Facebook.