Marietta Evelyn Godwin Downer
October 22, 2024
, age 95, of Bratt, FL passed away on October 17, 2024 in Pensacola, FL. She was born on March 2, 1929 in Bratt, FL to Archie Eugene Godwin and Eunice Iretta Godwin, nee Wiggins. Marietta retired from St. Regis Paper Company after many years of service. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jackson (Jack) Henry Downer and her siblings, Gene Godwin, Flora Vaughn and Georgia Avery.
Marietta is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline (Jackie) Downer Ward and her son-in-law, Roy Glenn Ward of Bratt, FL; her grandchildren, Jordana Ward of Charlotte, NC, Jocelyn (Nicholas) Drew of Walnut Hill, FL and her very precious great granddaughter, Eleanor Drew.
A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Bratt-Godwin Cemetery. Family will receive family and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home of Nicholas and Jocelyn Drew in Walnut Hill. If you need their address, please contact Roy Ward at (850-982-9198).
The family would like to express their immense gratitude to Vitas Hospice Group who assisted the Grandview Retirement Center staff in giving our loved one a better quality of life during her last year with us. We would also like to thank Beacon Medical and Stats Home Health, whose staff provided excellent care.
Last but certainly not least, the Grandview Staff who became, over the past 9 years, Mother’s and our extended family. For the last few weeks, of Mother’s life, you all went above and beyond to meet her needs, and we will be forever grateful to God for each and every one of you.
In lieu of flowers you may donate in Marietta’s name to:
Grandview Retirement Center
1706 East Olive Road
Pensacola, FL 32514
Susan Anne Walker
October 21, 2024
Mrs. Susan Anne Walker, age 65, passed away, Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Walnut Hill, FL, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 18, 1959, in Jay, FL, and has resided most of her life in McDavid, FL. She was a gaming supervisor with Wind Creek with many years of service.
She loved spending her days fishing, often sharing the peaceful experience with her children and grandchildren. Family time was important to her, whether it was cheering on her grandkids at their sports events or enjoying cozy nights together watching Alabama football and shows on Netflix. A talented cook, she delighted in preparing meals for her loved ones and cherished moments spent shopping with them. In her quiet time, she would often pick up her crochet hook or knitting needles, creating beautiful blankets that wrapped her family in warmth and love.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward E. (Lessie Mae Kirkland) Lowery, and one brother, Howard Lowery.
She is survived by her one son, Matthew (Victoria) Walker, of McDavid, FL; one daughter, Crystal (Shane) Seals, of Wetumpka, AL; four brothers, Wyndell Lowery, of McDavid, FL; Joe (Kendra) Lowery, of Century, FL; Hayward (Denise) Lowery, of Greenville, AL; Horace (Belinda) Lowery, of Molino, FL; five sisters, Minny Byrd, of Jay, FL; Hattie (Bobby) Chancery, of McDavid, FL; Hazel (Larry) Comalander, of Century, FL; Sharon (George) Ackerman, of Ruther Glen, VA; Helen Tedder, of Century, FL ;seven grandchildren, Keaton Walker, Emersyn walker, Rhett Walker, RiverLee Walker, Olivia Flurnoy, Haiden Seals, Ryland Seals, two great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Bill Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Byrneville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Trent Freeman, Tim Rigby, Joe Lowery, Wes Chancery, Richard Chancery, and Clifford Comalander.
Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron Sutton, Cody Lowery, Gaines Etheridge, and Hunter Rigby.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Clifton Herman Dunsford
October 18, 2024
Mr. Clifton Herman Dunsford, age 79, passed away, Friday, October 18, 2024 in Century, FL, surrounded by his family. He was born January 14, 1945, in Jay, FL, and has resided most of his life in Century. He was a retired supervisor with Wayne Dalton Doors with many years of service.
Mr. Dunsford was a man of many passions. He loved fishing and hunting, often spending his weekends outdoors, enjoying nature. As a skilled boat mechanic, he spent countless hours tinkering with engines and fixing up boats, which brought him a lot of joy. Gardening was another one of his favorite activities; he found great pleasure in planting and nurturing his plants. Most importantly, Mr. Dunsford cherished the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories together in the great outdoors.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Richard (Euceder Simmons) Dunsford; wife, Barbara Holley Dunsford; son, Christopher Allen Dunsford; three brothers, Wade Dunsford, James Dunsford, and Gene Dunsford; two sisters, Mollie Dunsford and Sadie Burkette; daughter-in-law, Sherry Dunsford.
He is survived by a daughter, Becky (Jamie) Cobb of Century; sister, Josie Driver of McDavid; four grandchildren, Marc Dunsford, Mitch Dunsford, Kolbi Cobb, and Kendal Payne; seven great-grandchildren, Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, Wesley Dunsford, Boe Payne, Jeremiah Dunsford, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Glenn Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. until service time at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Cole Dunsford, Brayden Smith, Joey Gunter, Roger Burkette, Doug Dunsford, and Stephen Flowers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Waylon Dunsford, Gabe Dunsford, and Wesley Dunsford.
James L. Weatherford
October 18, 2024
James L. Weatherford, 74, of Cantonment, passed peacefully on October 16, 2024 after a lengthy medical battle.
Services will be held at Pine Forest Assembly of God Church in Cantonment on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating.
A luncheon will be held afterwards.
Ricky S. Wiggins
October 17, 2024
Ricky S. Wiggins, age 76, passed away October 11, 2024 in Monroeville, Alabama. Ricky was the first born son of Rayford S. and Ellie Wiggins and was blessed with a younger brother, Lamar. He was born into a large extended family who gave love and support his entire life.
Ricky lived a rich and fulfilling life, growing up in Cantonment, Florida. He was a people person as evidenced by his many friends made during his lifetime. People were never strangers, just new friends. Ricky loved hunting, fishing, but most of all, just getting on his tractor or other equipment and working outside plowing or cleaning or whatever the day brought.
In 1970 Ricky married the love of his life, Becky Wiggins with whom he shared 54 years. Believe it or not this was the young lady down the street four houses. Though not blessed with children, they had a wonderful life together, traveling and in later life working together in his construction business. Ricky constructed hundreds of homes in Pensacola and Lillian, AL area.
The most important thing in Rick’s life was his family. He was blessed with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins who were life brothers and sisters. What a wonderful life it was growing up. A special treat for him were his nephews and niece and then later his great nieces and nephews. They were greatly loved and spoiled which was his job as Uncle Ricky.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ellie Wiggins and his brother-in-law Billy Burt. He is survived by his wife Becky, his brother Lamar (Jennifer), his sisters-in-law Cathy (John) and Charlza Burt. His nephews Curtis Wiggins (Abby), Joshua Huelsbeck (Ashley), and two nieces Carla Gilmore (Jacob) and Jenny Leirer (Danny) along with 2 great nephews and 4 great nieces.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Cantonment with visitation from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and a service to immediately follow.
The family request no flowers but instead if so desired a donation to the charity of your choice.
Gloria Jean Sanspree
October 17, 2024
Mrs. Gloria Jean Sanspree, age 76, passed away, Thursday, October 17, 2024 in Canoe, AL; surrounded by her family. She was born May 2, 1948 in Bay Minette, AL; and has resided most of her life in Canoe. She attended Canoe First Baptist Church and retired as a administrative assistant for the Board of Education for many years.
Mrs. Sanspree was a woman of many passions. She loved spending her time in the garden, planting and nurturing beautiful flowers that brightened her home. In the kitchen, she shared her love through cooking, always preparing delightful meals for her family. Known for her professional appearance, she cherished her jewelry, adding a special touch to her outfits. Her heart was filled with love for her husband, and they enjoyed attending church together. Mrs. Sanspree made it a priority to ensure her children and grandchildren could join them, creating a warm family tradition centered around faith and togetherness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Owen (Roberta Florence Lewis) Glass, husband, Hosea Harrison Sanspree, Sr; two sons, Anthony Todd Sanspree, Hosea “Sandy” Sanspree, one brother, Dewayne Glass, one sister, Betty Loop and one niece, Sherry Lucas.
She is survived by her one daughter, Anna Tingle, Perdido, AL; two brothers, Rusty (Janet) Glass, of Castleberry, AL; David (Anita) Glass, of Wawbeek, AL; five sisters, Barbara Ann Dixon, of Flomaton, AL; Brenda (Wayne) Bell, of Brewton, AL; Roberta Strickland, of Walnut Hill, FL; Diane (Ronnie) Byrd, of Semmes, AL; Susanne Glass, of Foley, AL; twelve grandchildren, Brannon Sanspree, Tyler Sanspree, Gloria Santanna Tingle, Jessica Sanspree, Cole Sanspree, Savannah Tingle, Nick Sanspree,Tanner Sanspree, Breanna Sanspree, Anna Claire Sanspree, Ben Tingle, Bryar Tingle, nine great-grandchildren, Isabella Sanspree, Sophia Ikner, Caden Sanspree, Kalli Ikner, Trinnity Sanspree, Baxlee Sanspree, Kaison McCall, Gatlin Rolin, Gavin Rolin, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes with Rev. Waylon Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at Sardis Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Brannon Sanspree, Tyler Sanspree, Tanner Sanspree, Danny Sanspree, Caden Sanspree, and Cole Sanspree.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Tingle, Bryar Tingle, and Nick Sanspree.
Roger Martine Orth
October 16, 2024
Roger Martine Orth, M.D., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and retired physician, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, leaving a legacy of compassion, knowledge, and service. Born and raised in La Grange, IL, Roger was the son of Frederick William Orth and Marguerite Colombe Martine, both of whom he now joins in rest. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Maner; his siblings, Fred (Cheri) and Eileen (Cliff); his children, Roger (Ashley), Robyn (Surya), and Ashton (Brett). To his five cherished grandchildren – Eleanor, Magnolia, Tara, William, and Avi – he was affectionately known as “Roro,” a name that will forever echo in their hearts.
Roger devoted his life to medicine, serving as a dedicated gastroenterologist for many years. His passion for learning and drive to provide innovative care set him apart in his field. More than just a physician, he took time to connect with his patients personally, listening to their stories and following their journeys long after their visits. His career was marked by integrity, curiosity, and deep respect for those he served.
Roger graduated from Tulane University Medical School after pioneering the pre-med program at Illinois Institute of Technology. His thirst for knowledge extended well beyond medicine. A voracious reader, he loved connecting ideas across disciplines, whether discussing his latest lecture reading at the dinner table or sharing insights on “Blab TV.” In one memorable episode, Roger invited his mother to share her “healthy” cookie recipe – an intersection of his love for family, wellness, and a touch of indulgence.
Outside of work, Roger found peace in nature, especially in fishing, and developed a special bond with Harold, a great blue heron he often saw by Bayou Texar. His wisdom, trailblazing contributions to medicine, and the personal touches he brought to every relationship will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and patients.
A visitation will be held 5:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at The Consulate, First United Methodist Church, 2 E. Wright St., Pensacola, FL. Memorial Celebration will be held 10:00am Thursday, October 17, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 6 E Wright St., Pensacola, FL with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the IHMC, honoring Roger’s passion for sharing knowledge. He deeply valued the Pensacola Evening Lecture Series at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Donations can be made online at https://ihmc.us/donate or by mail to IHMC, 40 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola, FL 32502.
Lana ‘Carole’ Magaha Barnes
October 16, 2024
Lana “Carole” Magaha Barnes, born December 6, 1942 to John and Texie Magaha in Jay Florida, went to her eternal rest on Saturday, September 28, 2024. She was surrounded by her family in her home in Tyler, Texas in her final days and is now reunited with her parents and three beloved sisters.
Carole graduated from Jay High School in 1960 and over the years kept in touch with her many friends, family and classmates from her hometown as she returned frequently for class and family reunions. She married a naval aviator in 1962 and moved to Southern California, where she raised three children and was very involved in their school and scouting activities as well as local community groups. She committed much of her time to a local chapter in the POW/MIA movement that sought to bring awareness and support to Vietnam War families and their missing/captured servicemen. She taught her children to care about all people, regardless of race or beliefs, and encouraged them in exploring the arts, music and other activities and interests, ever supporting them in pursuit of their own individual dreams.
The family moved to Tyler, Texas in 1975 and after a divorce in 1977, Carole went to work and back to college while raising three children as a single mom. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UT Tyler in May 1980 and then a Masters degree. She worked for MHMR as a Therapist Tech/Vocational Trainer and then as a counselor for Texas Rehabilitation Commission where she retired in 2002. In 1980, she met her handsome cowboy artist, David Barnes, and they were married in the Tyler Rose Garden on November 9, 1980 in the presence of her three children and his two boys. Together they traveled throughout the U.S. and often returned to her home place in Jay Florida. Carole also had memorable travel adventures in the U.K., Italy and Ireland.
Carole is survived by her husband of 43 years, David, who lovingly cared for her in her final years, and by her children: Marla Lyle (Mike) of Waxahachie, Texas, Mark Masat of Dallas, Texas, Melissa Robertson (Bobby) of Portland, Oregon, Greg Barnes (Michelle) of Tyler, Texas and Danny Barnes (Donna) of Bullard, Texas. She also has 9 grandchildren; Blake Lyle, Lauren Lyle, Charlie Robertson, Lorenzo
Barnes, Haylie Barnes, Damon Barnes, Bella Barnes, Cole Barnes & Brileigh Barnes, as well as 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters in law Jan Richards (Lee) of Lindale, Texas and Sue Stagner (Stu) of Colorado.
She is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Linda Magaha, Glenda Moss and Sharon Kratchmer, her in-laws Burris and Marie Barnes, brother in law Bob Barnes, and beloved pug Brando.
Carole was a lifelong avid reader and poet. She completed two books – “Pearls from My Past – With A Few Grains of Sand,” highlighting her colorful childhood and family memories in vivid detail, and “Life with Covid-19,” a commentary on her experiences and observations during the pandemic. She had a sharp wit and teasing sense of humor, and wrote hundreds of poems for her family and friends – including an annual poem at Christmas which shared her clever updates about her family and observations of world events.
Being around Carole meant feeling warmth and love. She was kind and compassionate which made her a great counselor, caring friend and mother/grandmother. She loved flowers, nature, babies and cats and dogs equally. She had a friendly and cheerful disposition and never met a stranger. She was a lifelong Christian and believer and loved her church family at St. Francis Episcopal Church where she volunteered in the office for a time and was a proud member of Daughters of the King.
Services for Carole will be held on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at St. Francis Episcopal Church located at 3232 Jan Avenue in Tyler, Texas. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in the Parish Hall, followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary starting at 2:00pm. Graveside service will then follow at Tyler Memorial Park at 12053 State Hwy 64 in Tyler, Texas.
The family would like to request that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PATH (People Attempting To Help) at website www.pathhelps.org or Hospice of East Texas at www.hospiceofeasttexas.org in memory of Carole Barnes.
Carolyn Aniece Sutton Settle Thompson
October 15, 2024
Carolyn Aniece Sutton Settle Thompson was born to Adolph Sutton, Sr., and Olbia Ouida Patterson Sutton on November 30, 1939.
Carolyn was born in Albany, NY, but moved with her family back to Atmore, AL, in 1941. She attended school and graduated from Escambia County High School in 1957.
A life well lived came to an end on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Although suffering from Alzheimer’s, heart issues landed Carolyn in the hospital. Her daughters showed up, and loved Carolyn through her illness. On the day she was to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility, she scooted the halls of the hospital, watched movies with the nurses, colored, cut out hearts, corrected a nurse on the difference between a hog and a pig (always the teacher), and went to lie down in her room. There, Carolyn quietly left this earth, leaving her daughters broken hearted. A peaceful exit to a full life.
Left to grieve her are her beloved daughters, Kimberly Anita McDonagh and Elizabeth Ashley Lemieux; grandchildren Jean-Michael Lemieux (Autumn), Philip Kabatt (Jenna), Lauren Lemieux (Wesley), Gideon Kabatt, Jarrett-Robert Lemieux, and Liam McDonagh; great-granddaughters Quinn Lemieux, and Veda and Isla Kabatt.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph “Doc” and Ouida Sutton, Sr., her brother Adolph “Doc” Sutton, Jr., and her son-in-law Edward J. McDonagh.
She will be missed by her brother Robert Sutton (MaryAnn); sister Ouida Tartt, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and valuable friends that were family.
Pallbearers will be Philip Kabatt, Jenna Kabatt, Wesley Moring, Gideon Kabatt, Jarrett Lemieux, and Liam McDonagh.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Bernice Duncan ‘Mee Maw’ Respres
October 14, 2024
Bernice Duncan “Mee Maw” Respress, age 97, of Atmore, AL passed away on October 13, 2024 in Century, FL. She was born on September 8, 1927 in Opp, AL to Robert Levi and Rosa Lee Reeves Duncan. She attended First Baptist Church of Atmore and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Clayton Chapter #306 Huxford, AL since 1959 where she served as secretary from 1959 until 2011. She also was employed with the Escambia County Alabama Tax Collector’s Probate Office. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alvis Respress and her siblings, Tom Duncan, Dow Duncan, Arrona Norris, Rudell Thomas and Brunize Parish.
She is survived by her son, Benny Alvin (Bobbie) Respress of Atmore, AL; her grandchildren, Leslie (Ray) Sellers and Tyler (Ashley) Respress and her great grandchildren, Jackson Sellers, Myles Sellers, Sara Respress and Kara Respress.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kevin Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Ray Sellers, Jackson Sellers, Kenny Duncan, Jerry Parish, Joey Parish and John Hassebrock.
Honorary pallbearers will be Morgan Mason, Matthew Mason, Randall Musgrove and Heath Fillmore.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.