Rex Morgan Sheldt
February 25, 2025
Mr. Rex Morgan Sheldt, aged 69, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2025. He was originally from Willoughby, Ohio, and had previously lived in Painesville, Ohio, before moving to Davisville, Florida, where he resided for the last nine years. His warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.
He loved spending his free time enjoying the great outdoors, whether it was hunting in the crisp morning air or fishing by the quiet lakes. Gardening was another passion of his, especially when it came to growing juicy tomatoes that he often shared with family and friends. In the evenings, he found joy in watching shows like “Swamp People,” “Pawn Stars,” and “Ax Men,” always fascinated by the stories they told. He also had a soft spot for tales of Big Foot, which added a sense of adventure to his downtime. Traveling to Ohio was a regular part of his life, allowing him to stay connected with family while cheering on his favorite football team, the Cleveland Browns. Being surrounded by loved ones during those visits made every moment special.
Mr. Sheldt is survived with loving wife of nine years Terresa Michelle Sheldt of Davisville, Florida; two step-sons, Joey (Maryanne) Palachek of Painesville, Ohio, and Mike (Amber) Palachek of Painesville, Ohio; step-daughter, Bethany Prado of Atmore, Alabama; his dog Max; brother, Steve (Angela) Sheldt of Sierra Vista, Arizona; four sisters, Janet (Dave) King of Madison, Ohio, Cynthia Hendricks of Pensacola, Florida, Paula Dyson of Key West Florida, and Marla Sheldt of Key West, Florida; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, Atmore, AL. is in charge of all arrangements.
Nellie Ree Burkett
February 24, 2025
Mrs. Nellie Ree Burkett, 79 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on February 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama, Mrs. Burkett was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her warm spirit and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Burkett was a warm-hearted woman who cherished her time with family, especially her grandkids. She loved being at home, where she could cook delicious meals like homemade biscuits, rice and eggs, and spaghetti. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing, but as she got older, her hobbies shifted to crafting and watching QVC. Mrs. Burkett also had a passion for playing cards, especially Rummy, and spent twenty years working as a seamstress at Vanity Fair, where she honed her skills and creativity. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the wonderful taste of her cooking.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James (Iva Estelle Rutherford) Smith; husband, Tommy Burkett; brothers, A.G. Smith, Ed Smith, and Bruce Smith; sisters, Dellie Roberts and Susie Stewart.
Mrs. Burkett is survived by her only son, Danny (Tracey) Burkett of Atmore, Alabama; grandchildren, Victoria Burkett, Nick Mills, Asleigh Norris, Raven Weaver and Colby Burkett; great-grandchildren, Jax Brown, Emily Brown, Lizzie Stewart, Knox Norris, Collins Norris, River Norris, Greyson Maughon, Nova-Lee Maughon, Presley McCardy and Parker Burkett.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Colby Burkett, Nick Mills, Tim Albritton, Olan Albritton, Mike Burkett & Roger Scott
Honorary pallbearer will be William Stewart
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
Helen Elizabeth Armstrong
February 24, 2025
Ms. Helen Elizabeth Armstrong, age 96, passed away peacefully in Century, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Bluff Springs, Florida, she spent most of her life in Byrneville. Helen was a devoted member of Beulah Chapel Assembly of God, where she found community and connection throughout the years. Her warm spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.
She loved spending time with her family, and there were so many activities that brought them together. Cooking was one of her favorite ways to show her love, especially when she made her special cat head biscuits and delicious lemon pie. Every Sunday, she would attend church and join in the joyful gospel singings, filling the air with music and laughter. She enjoyed playing games like dominos with her cousin Hazel and relaxing with word searches and crosswords. Listening to the radio was another cherished pastime, often filling their home with wonderful tunes and stories. All these moments created warm memories that she held dear.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis W. (Bettie Gay) Armstrong, four brothers, John Hugh Armstrong, Winston “Bill” Armstrong, George Armstrong, Clayton Armstrong and one niece Linda Smith.
She is survived by her two brothers, Herman Armstrong, of Byrneville, FL; Virgil E. (Anita) Armstrong, of Flomaton, AL; nieces, Betty Ann Tharp, Debbie Waters, Rita Adams, Joy Jordan, Jan Clark, nephews, Lawrence “Dick” Armstrong, Richard Armstrong, Paul Armstrong, numerous great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Byrneville Community Church with Brother Paul Armstrong and Reverend Fred Stallworth officiating.
Burial will follow at Byrneville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Byrneville Community Church.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence Armstrong, Richard Armstrong, Louis Tharp, and Jerry Bondurant.
Nellie Ree Burkett
February 23, 2025
Mrs. Nellie Ree Burkett, 79 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on February 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama, Mrs. Burkett was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her warm spirit and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Burkett was a warm-hearted woman who cherished her time with family, especially her grandkids. She loved being at home, where she could cook delicious meals like homemade biscuits, rice and eggs, and spaghetti. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing, but as she got older, her hobbies shifted to crafting and watching QVC. Mrs. Burkett also had a passion for playing cards, especially Rummy, and spent twenty years working as a seamstress at Vanity Fair, where she honed her skills and creativity. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the wonderful taste of her cooking.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James (Iva Estelle Rutherford) Smith; husband, Tommy Burkett; brothers, A.G. Smith, Ed Smith, and Bruce Smith; sisters, Dellie Roberts and Susie Stewart.
Mrs. Burkett is survived by her only son, Danny (Tracey) Burkett of Atmore, Alabama; grandchildren, Victoria Burkett, Nick Mills, Asleigh Norris, Raven Weaver and Colby Burkett; great-grandchildren, Jax Brown, Emily Brown, Lizzie Stewart, Knox Norris, Collins Norris, River Norris, Greyson Maughon, Nova-Lee Maughon, Presley McCardy and Parker Burkett.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Colby Burkett, Nick Mills, Tim Albritton, Olan Albritton, Rodney Sanspree & Roger Scott
Honorary pallbearer will be William Stewart
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements
Ronald Bryant Rigby
February 22, 2025
Mr. Ronald Bryant Rigby, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in McDavid, Florida, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Originally from Atmore, Alabama, raised in Oak Grove, Florida, he spent most of his life in Bratt and Byrneville, Florida. Ronald was a dedicated member of the Bratt Assembly of God Church, where he found joy and community.
He enjoyed many activities, including hunting and fishing, and worked for the Escambia County Road Department for 25 years. He also spent 12 years farming, which he cherished deeply. Beyond work and church, Ronald had a passion for hands-on projects in his shop and was often found tinkering with various projects. He loved watching westerns and Grit TV, taking him back to simpler times. He and his wife took a memorable trip across the country, traveling 6,000 miles to explore different places together. Ronald truly enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, and canning vegetables, making wonderful memories that will be cherished for years to come.
He is preceded is death by his parents, Jesse David “JD” (Erma Smith) Rigby.
Mr. Rigby is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mrs. Suzanne M Rigby of Backwoods of Byrneville, Florida; two sons, Stephen Bryant (Sam) Rigby of Backwoods of Byrneville, Florida and Adam (April) Rigby of Keego, Alabama; brother, Jesse Rigby of Pensacola, Florida; sister, Jackie (Billy) Darby of Oak Grove, Florida; four grandchildren, Grady (Talita) Rigby, Cooper Rigby, Layla Kate Rigby, and Clark Rigby; one great-grandchild, Elaina Rigby; and a special cousin Judy.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Mel Coon and Reverend Marcus Wallace officiating.
A private burial will follow at a later date.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Hardy, David Kerns, Joey Killam, Brad Shaw, Reggie Odom, and Danny Webb
Honorary pallbearer will be Leslie Barnes, Jackie Godwin, Lonnie Wilson, Matt Robbins and Jimmie Stanton.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
Helen Marie Davis
February 19, 2025
Helen Marie Davis, age 85, of Davisville, FL passed away on February 19, 2025 in Century, FL. Marie was born on April 25, 1939 in Oak Grove, FL to Walter William and Irvie Mazelle Davis. She was of the Baptist faith and Valedictorian of her graduating class at Ernest Ward High School. After many years of service, she retired from Waller, Crook and Jones, PC. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Willie Davis and Alvin Davis, and her sisters, Arlene Godwin, Elsie Steele and Eleanor Heard.
Helen is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery in Davisville, Florida with Bro. Robert Gandy officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Michael Edgar, Cary Jordan, Chris Edwards, David Lambert and James Edgar.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Patricia Powell Freeman
February 16, 2025
Patricia Powell Freeman, age 77, of Atmore, AL passed away on February 13, 2025. She was born on February 5, 1948, in Bratt, FL to Johnnie and Mary Gay Powell. Patricia was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was an avid Alabama fan and loved fishing. She enjoyed gardening and doing yardwork. She took pride in her yard and flowers and hated potato vines. Patricia was a perfectionist!
During her employment life, Patricia held many titles. She was employed at Elmore’s 5 & Dime, Bonner Printing, Dr. St. Amant’s Office, a Manager of Movie Gallery, a Bookkeeper with Freeman Builders Construction Company, a Lab Tech with Greenlawn Hospital, and a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.
Patricia loved her grands and great-grands with her whole heart. She followed the grandkids to ALL of their sporting events, can’t ever remember her missing an event. Patricia was the “Boss” of the family, the “Backbone” of the family. She was everyone’s “go-to” person, family lawyer, family doctor, and family counselor before her health declined.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie Powell and Mary Gay Powell; her brother, Wayne Powell; her grandson, Stephen Breyden Freeman; great-niece, Anna Grace Stanley; and her brothers-in-law, Shorty Tyree and Damon Bell.
Patricia is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Bobby Freeman; her son, Steve Freeman of Atmore, AL and her daughter, Kathy (Hub) Wilson of Bratt, FL; her grandchildren, Trent (Jessica) Freeman, Alex (Harrison) McDonald, Brannon (Grayson) Freeman, Aaron (Lacey) McDonald, Chasen (Hannah) Freeman, and Tyler (Marissa) Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Leighton Freeman, Parker Freeman, Sawyer Freeman, Knox Freeman, Miles Freeman and one on the way; her sisters and brother, Mary Alice Turner of Saraland, AL, Glenda Bell of Atmore, AL, Linda (Tony) Wooten of Atmore, AL, Billy Powell of Atmore, AL, and Rita Powell of Atmore, AL; special best friends, Dr. Frances D. Salter and Diane Jerkins; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Larry Beauchamp and Bro. Michael Roley officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Trent Freeman, Brannon Freeman, Aaron McDonald, Tyler Wilson, Chasen Freeman, and Harrison Kase.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Joseph (Bill) Brewster
February 16, 2025
William Joseph (Bill) Brewster, a solitary man, died on 13 February 2025, as a result of a fall one year earlier, in which he broke his hip and never recovered.
Bill was born in 1947, the second year of the Baby Boomers, at Pensacola’s Baptist Hospital and grew up “in the country” in and around Cantonment, Florida, long before it became a bedroom community of Pensacola. Bill was the middle son of his late parents, Robbye Lee Estes Brewster, 1916-1999 and Joe McCall Brewster, 1914-1985.
Bill and his brothers learned early in life the lessons of hard labor and striving for perfection from their father, who put them to work on the homestead every Saturday morning. Bill grew up, and was baptized in, Gonzalez United Methodist Church, where his mother taught an adult Sunday School class for many years.
He graduated Tate High, Class of 1965, then graduated as a cadet from Marion Military Institute (est. 1842), Class of 1967, during the height of the Vietnam War. He then attended the University of Florida where he had too much fun and then he transferred to, and graduated from, William Carey University. He remained a true Gator fan until his death.
After working in retail for a number of years, he returned to the University of West Florida, where he earned his third college degree. Thereafter, he ran his own lawn and landscape company, as a one-man operation. Later, he taught as a substitute teacher for a while and then returned to working in retail.
He is survived by his two brothers, Tom E. Brewster (and wife Pam) of Pensacola Beach, James R. Brewster of Tallahassee, three nephews and two nieces, along with numerous Estes cousins. His brothers and sister-in-law, Pam, visited him often while he was in rehab for nearly a year; and Pam cared for, and comforted, him when he was on his death bed. His brothers said their goodbyes to Bill, face to face, on the Saturday preceding his death.
No services are currently planned. The disposition of the body is being handled by Faith Chapel Funeral Home. The family thanks all of the care-givers involved in treating Bill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Nicholas Isiah Walston
February 15, 2025
Mr. Nicholas Isiah Walston, 17-years-old, passed away February 12, 2025, at his home in Byrneville, Florida. Born August 2, 2007, he was a native and lifelong resident of the area, known for his cheerful spirit. Nicholas was a student at Northview High School, where he was a member of ROTC, he also played football, and shared memorable moments. He also attended Holy Ground Church in Flomaton, Alabama, where he was an active member of the community. His kindness and energy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was an amazing person who found joy in many simple things. He loved hunting and fishing, always excited to spend time outdoors. Wrestling was one of his favorite shows to watch, and he never missed a match. His passion for trucks and fast cars made him a proud collector, always eager to share his latest finds. He had a big heart, always ready to help others whenever he could. He enjoyed capturing the beauty of the sky through his camera and cherished fun moments spent with family. Whether it was taking walks outside with his brother or cheering at hockey games, he found happiness in these experiences. Most of all, he adored his nieces and nephews, making every moment spent with them special and filled with laughter.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jacob Walston Jr.; grandparents, Gene Day Boatwright, Pearl Sellers, Diane Boatwright.
Mr. Walston is survived by his mother Christine Jenkins of Byrneville, Florida; Step-dad, Steve Emmons, of Byrneville, Florida; sisters, Emily Walston and Chris Hammond of Byrneville, Florida, Brittany Walston of Byrneville, Florida; brother, Nate Emmons of Byrneville, Florida; grandparents, Joyce Jenkins AKA “Nana” of Franklinton, Louisiana; Steve Emmons Sr, of Flomaton, Alabama, and Billy Boatwright of Flomaton, Alabama; nephews, Jacob Walston and Jaxton Simpson; nieces, Emmy Lou Tamondong and Brooklynn Tamondong; numerous other relatives.
Funeral service will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Wesley Carey and Christopher Chambers officiating
Burial will follow at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Nate Emmons, Rodney Wadkins, Christopher Wadkins, Chris Hammond, Brian Moore, and Preston Jenkins.
Petty Funeral Homes is entrusted with all arrangements.
Patricia Raines
February 14, 2025
Patricia Raines, age 70, longtime resident of Florida and Alabama, passed away on February 4, 2025 while residing in Gladstone, MO. Patricia was born on June18, 1954 in Atmore, AL to Walter Woodrow and Irene Stacey Raines. She was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed collecting recipes and cooking. Patricia is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Martha Salter and Ruth Cameron.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Laura (Robert) Evans and granddaughter, Dominque McGhee of Brewton, AL; her brother, Walter Billy (Shirley) Raines of Kansas City, MO and her sisters, Helen Raines of Oak Grove, MO, Mary Dale (Ray) Hyde of Pelham, AL and Hazel (Buddy) Beasley of Westwego, LA.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson- Quimby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.