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.
Tim Miller
September 23, 2024
Tim Miller, 59, of Molino, FL, passed away on September 21, 2024. Born in Riverside, NJ, he was the beloved husband of the late Patty Miller and the son of the late Walter Duffy Miller and Helen Dorothy McKiernan Miller. Tim had a deep passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and hunting in his spare time.
He is survived by his loving stepson and best friend, Pete Martinez of Molino, FL. Tim also leaves behind two brothers, John M. Miller of Baltimore and Joseph A. Miller of Abingdon, MD, along with five sisters: Mary Ellen Beechener of Severna Park, MD, Patricia A. Warnagiris of Stewartstown, PA, Kathleen A. Brown of Conowingo, MD, Janet M. Goldscher of Owings Mills, MD, and Nancy M. Dysard of Bel Air, MD. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond T. Miller.
A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association or a local charity of your choice.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Clyde ‘Buck’ Kelley
September 17, 2024
Mr. Clyde “Buck” Kelley, known affectionately as “PawPaw,” passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the age of 87, following a brief illness. Buck was born on September 25, 1936, in Jay, Florida, to Perry Lee and Bessie Chavis Kelley. He grew up in a bustling household with eleven siblings and was a standout athlete at Jay High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football.
In 1957, Buck married the love of his life, Glenda Peterson, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years. Together, they built a life in Bogia, Florida, where they raised four children and became the cornerstone of a close-knit family. Buck worked diligently for 36 years at Monsanto as a chemical operator before retiring and discovering a passion for golf. He played regularly, even achieving a remarkable “hole in one.” His competitive spirit extended to games of dominoes, darts, and pool, and he was always eager to join in.
Buck’s enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors was a defining feature of his life. He devoted many years to coaching little league baseball in Century, Florida, where his passion for the game inspired and motivated young athletes. As a devoted fan, he attended numerous games to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.
Buck also had a deep love for fishing, often spending time on the Escambia River and teaching his family the joys of fishing, boating, and enjoying nature. His dedication extended to his yard and garden, where he took pride in his work, where he was frequently seen tending to the grass in the median in front of his home in Bogia. His vibrant spirit and commitment to these activities enriched the lives of his loved ones and left a lasting impact on those around him.
Remarkably resilient, Buck avoided hospitals and surgeries until the age of 80. His vitality and zest for life were evident in his unwavering commitment to his family and hobbies.
Buck is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry Kelley, Wayne Kelley, and Houston Kelley, sisters Mary Bovia, Myrtle Lee Diamond, and Shirley Tidwell, and his son Timothy Lee Kelley Sr.
He is survived by his devoted wife Glenda Kelley, brothers James Kelley and Tink Kelley, sisters Polly Whitfield, Ann West, and Joan Struebing, children Ellen Sims (Darryl), Beverly Digmon (Mike), and Brenton Kelley, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Buck Kelley’s legacy of love, dedication, and joy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, with Rev. Grant Norris and Rev. Nathan Brown officiating
Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 11:30 AM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Colton Sims, Ethan Golson, Josh Harrell, Daniel Kelley, Jeffery Steadham, and Lee Kelley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
Marleen Dagmar Link Rodrigues
September 16, 2024
Marleen Dagmar (Link) Rodrigues, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home in Walnut Hill, Florida, on September 6, 2024.
She was born on July 8, 1940, in Germany to the late Herman and Erika Olga Link. Her early life in Germany instilled in her a love for her heritage and a resilience that carried her through life’s challenges and joys. She met the love of her life Frank Rodrigues in 1961 while he was stationed in Germany and they married the year later. They came to the United States in 1963 and settled in Walnut Hill where they lived for the past 50 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and shared memories.
Her career was in the cardiology field within Sacred Heart and West Florida hospital, where she retired. She leaves behind a passionate legacy to all those that worked with her.
Marleen’s life was a testament to the values of love, family, and perseverance. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm heart, and unwavering strength. After a long battle with cancer, she showed incredible courage and grace, inspiring all who knew her.
Marleen is preceded in death by her sister, Ingrid Prasuhn, whose memory she cherished dearly.
She’s survived by her loving husband, Frank, who was by her side for countless cherished moments over the last 62 years of marriage. Her devoted daughter, Scarlett (Rodrigues) Henderson, who was inspired by her mother’s kindness, love and strength. Scarlett believes God chose the perfect mother to guide her through life. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Serenah Wakeman and Nickolas Rieth, who will always remember her as a source of wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love. Her legacy will live on through their fond memories and the values she instilled in them. They will always remember her as the most kind hearted and loving Omi and will ensure her memories are passed down through future generations. She is also survived by her brother, Tom Link, his wife, Erika Link, and their daughter Kathrin Link, who shared many family celebrations and close bonds over the years.
Marleen’s life was marked by her generosity, compassion, humbleness, unwavering support and her passion for knitting which she shared with all her family and friends. She had a special talent for making everyone feel welcome and loved, and her home was always a gathering place filled with laughter and joy.
Her passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew her. While Marleen’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit and the impact she had on those around her will remain forever in our hearts.
A memorial mass was held Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, Atmore, Alabama to honor Marleen’s life and the wonderful memories she leaves behind with Father Gordon Milsted and Father Joseph Chacko officiating. Inurnment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to either Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church in Atmore, Alabama or a charity of choice.
Rest in peace, Marleen (Link) Rodrigues. You will be dearly missed and forever remembered.