Thomas David Kearley
September 14, 2023
Mr. Thomas David Kearley, age 55, passed away at on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at his Flomaton residence.
Mr. Kearley was born in Pensacola, FL and grew up in in Walnut Hill, FL. He was a Captain on a supply boat for the oil industry. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Kearley of Flomaton; daughter, Taylor Danyelle Kearley; stepsons, Jay Young of Mobile, Khrystopherr (Erica Adams) Wood of Wing, AL, and Dustyn Wood of Flomaton, AL; two brothers, James Stepp of Campobello, SC and Steve (Lisa) Kearley of San Diego, CA; one sister, Marie (George) Paulsen of Pensacola, FL; three grandchildren, Tiffany Flowers, Kinsley Wood, and Audrey Wood.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Pastor Joey Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Poston Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Craver’s Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Donny Riddlehoover, Allen Kelly, Khrystopherr Wood, Dustyn Wood, George Paulsen, and Jim Howell.
Raymond McDaniel
September 14, 2023
Raymond McDaniel, 68, of Jay, FL, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Flomaton, AL. He was born on April 5, 1955 in Niceville, Fl and was a resident of Jay. Raymond was a retired oil field worker and retired from the City of Jay as the Director of Public Works. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Inverness, FL and attended the First Baptist Church of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School in 1974 and attended Jefferson Davis Jr. College in Brewton, AL.
He is survived by his parents, James David McDaniel SR. and Georgia Lee McDaniel; a daughter, Jennifer Marie McDaniel; Brother, James David McDaniel JR. ( Doc ) and his wife Brennis and daughter, Audrey Bodiford; his sister, Amanda McDaniel Whiting ( Delbert ); three grandchildren, Kaitlyn ( Ricky ) Cofield, Evan McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel; four great grandchildren, Georgia, Madilyn, Ezra, and Emery.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Jay with Dr. George Fredericks officiating assisted by Dr. Eugene Bengston. A private Graveside service will be held at the Magnolia Cemetery in Defuniak Springs, FL
Timothy John ‘T.J.’ Gardner
September 13, 2023
Timothy John “T.J.” Gardner, 34, husband of Krystal Hawkins Gardner, died Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Born June 19, 1989, in Knoxville, TN, he was a son of the late Alton Wade Broxson, and was reared by his grandparents, Carolyn and Mike Cook. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Afghanistan. He was employed by Black River Electric Cooperative. He was a proud supporter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Survivors include his wife; two children, Wyatt Gardner and Hollie Gardner; mother-in-law, Lynn Hawkins; stepmother-in-law, Glenda Hawkins; and special friends, Brian Beaty, Taylor Martin, Jake McCall, and Dakota Curtis.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 P.M. Saturday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel.
Memorials may be made to the NWTF, 770 Augusta Rd., Edgefield, SC 29824-0530.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
Mark Clyde Higdon
September 13, 2023
Mark Higdon went to be with Jesus on September 11, 2023. After several abdominal surgeries with complications, he went septic and his body was unable to fight any more. Mark was born on January 6, 1968. He was so loved and an answer to many prayers. He was a sweet, kind, little boy and he loved big. He was always kind and helpful to others. He enjoyed going to church and playing baseball and basketball. He loved animals and would bring kittens home to his sister. He had a Shiba Inu dog named Geisha that he loved for 17 years. He often stopped his truck to save a turtle crossing the road. His grandaddy was a very special person in his life. They would ride the tractor and garden together. They also loved fishing together. He was looking forward to getting out of the hospital so he could go fishing with his longtime buddy, Joey in Louisiana.
Mark struggled with addictions for much of his life, which caused him untold grief and heartache. He longed for freedom from this and asked Jesus to forgive him and save him this past Saturday, an answer to many prayers.
Mark was a hard and very skilled worker and took great pride in his work. He was talented and did all kinds of construction and remodeling. He enjoyed his life and loved to have fun in God’s creation, especially the beach and the rivers. He enjoyed cars.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Clyde Higdon; his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Delores Higdon; and his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Grace Lora.
Mark is survived by his children, Samantha (Robert) Howard and Joshua Higdon; his grandsons, Nicholas Mark and Matthew Elliott; his mother, Lena Higdon; sister, Alisa (Doug) Dillard; and their children, Stephen (Ali), their son Charlie, Jason, and Kara; brother, Paul Alvin Higdon.
He enjoyed his grandsons and was proud of them. They brought him great joy. His passing has left a great void in our family. He will be loved and missed forever.
Visitation services will begin at 12 noon until 1 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida 32533). Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Hicks officiating. Mark will be laid to rest at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Donald Howard Weaver
September 13, 2023
Donald Howard Weaver, age 69, of McCullough, AL passed away on September 9, 2023. He was born on November 21, 1953 in Atmore, AL to Claude Weaver and Mary Frances Goodson Weaver. He was a 1971 graduate of Escambia County High School. Howard was a member and deacon with Crosspoint Church. He was the service manager with Thompson Caterpillar until his retirement. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Kenny Mack Weaver.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanette Tyree Weaver; his son, Brian (Jane) Weaver of Minneapolis, MN; his daughter, Chandra (Chad) McMurphy of Robinsonville, AL; his brothers, Ricky (Cathy) Weaver of Atmore, AL, Rodney (Anna) Weaver of Milton, FL and Cindy (Al) Cobb of Atmore, AL; his grandchildren, Loryn, Abbey, Tangie, Trent and Tess, and his great grandchild, Shay.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, AL. Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted but donations can be made to the Lynn Ballenger Ministry.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Cliffie Mae Hanks
September 11, 2023
Cliffie Mae Hanks, 94, of Pensacola, Florida went to be with her Lord on September 8, 2023. She was born on October 6, 1928 in Atmore, Alabama, but resided in the Pensacola area for most of her life. Her life was filled with faith, family, and love. She leaves behind cherished memories of her devotion to her family and friends. She was a proud member of Pine Forest Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Thomas Franklin Hanks; and her daughters, Linda Diane and Patricia Ann Reese.
She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ann (Raymond) Stokes; son, Tommy Wayne (Aizhen) Hanks; daughter, Camey Hanks (Richard) Greene; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 14 great-great grandchildren.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to her beloved church, Pine Forest Assembly of God Church mission program.
The family invites all who knew and loved Cliffie to join us in celebration of her remarkable life and legacy at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment 32533.
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating.
A reception will follow in the dining room for all who would like to attend. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, Florida.
Special thanks to her hospice nurse, her family support, and all the many friends who brought food and comfort. It gave her much encouragement during her most difficult time.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Charles ‘Tommy’ Edward Ward
September 7, 2023
Charles “Tommy” Edward Ward passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at the age of 85. Tommy was born October 20, 1937 to the late Claude J. Ward and Lena I. Ward.
Tommy retired from the Escambia County Florida Jail Maintenance Department. He was mechanically inclined from an early age and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed watching western movies with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He attended services at Bush Street Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Geraldine Carlisle; and brother, Wayne Ward.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Dorothy Elaine Graves Ward; son, Kenneth Jonathan (Nicci) Ward; three daughters, Tammy Ward, Rebecca Jeannette (Ed) Cooke, and Kathleen Ward; step-daughter, Cassie (Mike) McCaffrey; step-son, Alan (Carrie) Powell; grandchildren, Kristina Harris, Stephen Cooke, Abby Ward, Tommy Ward, Lexi Ward, Summer McCaffrey, Will McCaffrey, Lilly Powell, Hunter Powell, Brianna Bhramayana; and great-grandson, River McCaffery; and sister, Wilma Enfinger.
Frank Louis Zisa, Sr.
September 7, 2023
In Loving Memory of Frank Louis Zisa, Sr. .
It is with a mixture of sadness and fondness that we announce the passing of Frank Louis Zisa Sr. on August 4, 2023. Frank’s life was marked by his deep love for his family and his passion for fishing.
Frank was a devoted husband to Susan and a caring father to his 10 children: Carrie, John, Frank, Tony, Michael, Matthew, Mark, Kayla, Chris, and Katelyn. His commitment to his family was unwavering, leaving an indelible impact on each of their lives.
One of Frank’s greatest joys was his love for fishing. The quiet moments spent by the water, surrounded by nature, brought him a sense of peace and fulfillment. His enthusiasm for fishing was infectious, often turning simple outings into cherished family memories.
While Frank may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. His legacy of love, dedication, and a shared passion for life will continue to shape their lives.
Frank Louis Zisa Sr. will forever be missed, but his memory will live on through the stories, the laughter, and the love he shared with all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sara Blackburn (‘Nana’)
September 6, 2023
It is with the deepest sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Sara Aileen Jennings Blackburn, affectionately known to everyone as “Nana.” A pillar of love, kindness, and unfaltering support, Sara left this earthly realm to join her mother and father, Sara and Fred, her Aunt Nannie, and her brothers, Fred and Wayne, in Heaven.
Born to a loving family on May 22nd, 1956, Sara grew up in a household that emphasized the values of compassion and community-qualities she carried with her throughout her life. As a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Sara’s selfless love touched everyone who knew her. Her warm embrace was a refuge, her laughter was infectious, and her sweet gentle spirit was a joy to all she met.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and enduring relationships, particularly with her devoted husband of forty-two years, Rex. Together, they built a life filled with joy and purpose, and instilled these same values in their children: Jonathon and his husband Chris, Matthew and his wife Candice, Marc and his wife Kaitlin, and Hunter and his wife Laura.
A proud and loving grandmother, Sara cherished every moment with her grandchildren: Addison, Alexis, Raeleigh, Deacon, Brooks, and Bryce. Her beautiful, kind spirit will continue to live on in them and the future generations of the Blackburn family.
Sara is also survived by her sisters, Susan Hagan and Kathy Jernigan (Cecil), sister-in-law Marilyn, brother Lee (Susan), mother-in-law Myrtle (“Granny”), sister-in-law Linda, sister-in-law Kathy Blackburn, cousin Kim Carlson, and her nieces MaryAnn Jennings, Laura Jennings, Caitlin Jennings, Kaye Jernigan, Sydney Jernigan, Meghan Stackhouse, Natalie Stroman, and many great nieces and nephews.
In life, Sara was an active and beloved member of her community, particularly her congregation at Gonzalez Baptist Church, where her devout faith and warm spirit lifted up all those around her. Her absence will be felt deeply within this community and many others.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the pallbearers, nephews Scott Jernigan, Robert Jernigan, Philip Jernigan, Steven Jennings, Sawyer Jernigan, Fred Jennings, Chris Jennings, Mike Jennings, and Andy Blackburn, along with Chad Hetherington and David Gaines, for their love and support. Special thanks to honorary pallbearers Joe Murphy, KC Fehl, Packy Mitchell, Terry Smith, Gary Peters, and Jeff Hoffman for their enduring friendship and care for Sara.
As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, we also celebrate her beautiful life, knowing she is at peace, embraced by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Sara will be remembered with immense love and affection by her family, friends, and community. We are all better for having known her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us all. Sara loved her weekly bowling league family, her Ransom Middle School family and special friends Richard, Mary, Joe, Nubia, and Terrie, and her choir family at Gonzalez Baptist.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Sara’s name to her beloved Gonzalez Baptist Church Choir, Covenant Care, or UAB Gift Records (specify Alzheimer’s Research).
We invite all who knew and loved Sara to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and legacy. There will be a visitation for family at Gonzalez Baptist Church on Saturday, September 9th from 11:00-12:00, and a general visitation from 12:00-2:00. A funeral service to honor Sara’s life will be held at 2PM, followed by a committal service at Gonzalez Methodist Church. Following the service, a reception will be held at Gonzalez Baptist Church for all who would like to attend.
Sara may have left this world, but she will forever remain in our hearts. Hers was the very definition of a life well-lived.
Rest in Peace, Nana. We love you always and forever.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Helen Boone Ward
September 5, 2023
Helen Boone Ward was born to William and Leah Boone in Dyas, Alabama on May 2, 1923. She went to be with her Lord on September 2, 2023. Her 100 years were filled with faith, family and love.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Marshall Ward; her son, James “Jim” Ward; her parents, William and Leah Boone; her brothers, Daniel and Rhondal Boone; her nephew, William “Billy” Boone and her son-in-law, Richard O’Quin. She was a lifetime member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church. She was a retired library clerk with Ernest Ward High School.
She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Ward Bridges (Ted) and Mary Helen Ward O’Quin; her daughter-in-law, Martha Ward and also by her eight grandchildren, Reverend Ted Bridges (Somer), Jason Ward, Marshall Ward Bridges, Leah Bridges Taylor (Seth), Shane Bartczah (Adam), Kelly Wicker (Jim), Grant Williams, Wayne Williams (Sherri) and nine great grandchildren.
Special thanks to her caregivers Rebecca Denair, Sandra Iutzi, and Barbara Loewen. Also, Jerry Poulson who lovingly cared for her lawn.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Walnut Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Ted Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Bret Ward, Horace Ward, Scott Ward, Heath Ward, Russ Ward and Roy Glenn Ward.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Poulson, Tim Gibbs, Wesley Foster, Harry Ward and Lloyd Driver.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. at Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.