Mr. William “Red Bone” Porter Jr., age 69, of Graceville, Florida and formerly of Campbellton, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at his residence in Graceville.

He is survived by his sons: Travis Porter, William Porter III, and Shawn Porter; his stepmother, Hazel Porter of Dothan, Alabama; sisters: Dorothy Godwin (Willie) of Tampa, FL, Sarah Brown (Jimmy) of Dothan, Alabama and Vanessa Hampton (Robert) of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers: Michael Daniels (Linda), Cleveland Porter (Bridgett) all Dothan, Alabama, Bobby Porter (Lanea) of Conway, South Carolina and Rodrick Porter (Crystal) of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Visitation will be 2-7 PM, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held 11AM, Wednesday, December 21, 2016, True Word of God Ministries, Graceville, FL. He will be laid to rest in the Saint Mary Cemetery in Jacob City, FL under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville.

Mrs. Bonita “Bonnie” Ann Glisson, 70, a native of Concord, Mass., and resident of this area for the past forty years, passed away quietly at her home in Grand Ridge, Florida, Thursday, December 15, 2016, with her family attending.  She was a member of the Salem Weslyan Methodist Church, of Grand Ridge, Florida, enjoyed the Womens Group of the Church and helping with the needful Spanish Groups.  She was also dedicated to Veterans Concerns and helping with the people in need.  She had retired as Warden’s Secretary with River Junction Correctional Institution in Chattahoochee, Florida.

Bonnie is survived by her two sons, Kevin Glisson and Mitchell Glisson, both of Sneads, Florida;   a sister Donna Levesque;   and a brother, Ralph Bobnis of Daytona Beach Area, Florida;  three grand children, Austin Wright, Kearston Glisson and Kade Glisson;  also many friends who will miss her greatly. 

Visitation with the family will take place Monday, December 19, 2016, at Lanier-Andler Funeral Home Chapel, in Sneads, Florida from 1:00 till 2:00 PM CST with Funeral Services starting at 2:00 PM CST at the Chapel with Rev. Bill Mayo officiating.    Committal and Interment Services will follow at Circle Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Lanier-Andler Funeral Home of Sneads, Florida is in charge of arrangements.  PH  850-593-9900

Jack C. Howell, Sr. 81, of Grand Ridge died Saturday, December 17, 2016 at his residence.

He was born November 23, 1935 to the late Edgar and Pearl Peacock Howell. Jack devoted his life to serving God beginning his ministry over 60 years ago as Youth Director at El Bethel Assembly of God, his home church.  He then pastored Page Pond Assembly of God in Altha, Florida, Cypress Grove Assembly of God in Grand Ridge, Florida, New Symrna Assembly of God in Bonifay, Florida, Welcome Assembly of God in Dellwood, Florida, Conway Assembly of God in Orlando, Florida, Calvary Fellowship Assembly of God in Plant City, Florida, Faith Temple Assembly of God in Jacksonville, Florida, Medart Assembly of God in Crawfordville, Florida, Perry First Assembly of God in Perry, Florida, Eastside Assembly of God in Marianna, Florida and remained active until his death at Sneads Assembly of God in Sneads, Florida as Associate Pastor. He also enjoyed 20 years of ministry with Covenant Hospice as well as an associate with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel and Sneads Chapel while Pastoring at Eastside Assembly of God and serving at Sneads Assembly. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Hill Howell;  daughter, Lucy Fontenot (Johnny Ray); sons, Jack Clinton Howell, Jr. (Lorelie),  Timothy Hill Howell (Jana), all of Grand Ridge,  Gary B. Howell (Christy) of Ocoee, Florida; 13 grandchildren, Jack Clinton Howell, lll (Lenise), Derek James Howell (April), Sheresa Nicole Howell, Michael Gene Gossett (Shelli), April Marie Rivera (Gabe), Sara Elizabeth Hall fiance’ (Kyle), Wyatt Seth Howell,  Autumn Joy Howell,  Tyler Howell (McKenzie), Judah Howell, Charis Howell, Mikayla Irene Fontenot, Mitchel Lee Fontenot;  15 great grandchildren; brother, E. L. Howell of Marianna; sisters, Nell Gilley of Sneads,  Carolyn Morgan of Tallahassee, Barbara Matthews (Eugene), of Dellwood.

Family will receive friends Monday, December 19, 2016 at Sneads Assembly of God Church in Sneads, Florida from 6-8 p.m. (CST).

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m., (CST) Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at El Bethel Assembly of God, Grand Ridge with Rev. Juno Douglas, Rev. Clinton Howell Jr. and Rev. Gary Howell officiating. Interment will follow in Dykes Cemetery in Grand Ridge with James & Sikes Funeral Homes Maddox Chapel & Sneads Chapel directing. Condolences may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Darrell M. Williams, 63, of Grand Ridge died Sunday, December 18, 2016, at his home on Williams Farm, where he lived his entire life. He was born December 20, 1952, in Marianna.

Widely recognized as one of the area’s most skilled farmers, he was quick to share the knowledge acquired through decades of practical experience. His work ethic was unmatched.  Witty and entertaining, he had a gift for interacting with people from all walks of life. Basing his life on his early training, he could be counted upon to help others, share generously, and love straight from his heart. Married for 45 years to his high school sweetheart, his love for and devotion to his family was evident to all.

Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Inez (Tyus) Williams, and nephew Michael Burton Williams, M.D., he is survived by the love of his life, Kathy Cook Williams and their children, Daniel Zeke of Grand Ridge and Rhianna Williams Dowling (Don) of Marianna and a trio grandsons who brought total joy to his life: Donald Young and Darrell Tucker Dowling and Daniel Ben Williams. He is also survived by siblings Burton, of Lithia, Florida, and Tony Williams of Grand Ridge, and Gayle Williams Westbrook (Jamey) of Bascom. He is survived by a number of relatives and many who were fortunate to have grown up under his influence.

Family, friends, and neighbors will celebrate his life 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Salem Wesleyan Church in Sneads.  Interment will follow in Cow Pen Pond Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.

Flowers will be accepted or donations made be made to the Salem Wesleyan Church Youth Group. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy T. “Scrap” Stewart, 91, of Marianna died Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Jackson Hospital.

Scrap was born May 20, 1925 in Wicksburg, Alabama to the late William Fletcher and Minnie Lee Thomley. She retired from the Jackson County School Board where she worked for 40 years in food service. She was a member of Marvin Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Marianna.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Miram Stewart; three brothers, Glenn Thomley, Tom Thomley and Cullen Thomley; three sisters, Bonzie Myers, Daisey Douglas and Hazel Ingram. Survivors include one brother Jimmy “Pete” Thomley of Adams, TN; a special niece, Connie Ingram and numerous, nieces,nephews, great nieces and great nephews.   

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Marvin Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Irvin Jennison and Pastor Ed Hutchinson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

The family will receive friends from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Decemeber 20, 2016 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at http://www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Beatrice Bell age 83 of Crestview and formerly of Graceville, FL entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Graveside service was privately held at Springhill Cemetery in Crestview, with the Rev. Dwight Baggett officiating and Mckinnie Funeral Home of Crestview directing.

Mary Bell was born in Samson, AL but spent most of her formative years in Graceville; FL. Mary Bell was born to the late Henry Dickens and Jessie Darby. Mary Bell was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Rev. Austin David Bell, Jr. who went to his eternal rest just six days prior to Mary and after their many years of togetherness a love bond was forged that became so strong it manifested grief within Mary so traumatic that in the end she couldn’t bear going on without her Austin. Even though the passing of their two parents within one week of each other triggered tremendous pain and sorrow for their children, they are now at peace with the knowledge that their parents are now forever together. Mary Bell also was preceded in death by a daughter Patricia A. Bell; two brothers: Auther Dickens and Odell Pollard; and five sisters: Rochell Pollard, Lula Pollard, Lottie Payton, Grace Dixon and Pinkie Andrews. Mary Bell is survived by twelve children: COL(R) Austin David Bell III (Nadene); Rev. Donald Bell (Deborah); Rev. Ronald Bell (Ranine-deceased); Gregory A. Bell; CW3(R) Michael T. Bell; Angelia D. Pulliam (Lawrence); Audrey M. Bell; Andrea D. Key (Rev. Leon); Phillip H. Bell (Jacqulyn); Adrienne McClendon; Aletha M. Bell; and Christopher A. Bell (Kristen); and a brother James D. Andrews. She also is survived by 37 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. 

Mary Bell spent much of her adult life solely focused on rearing her children to whom she imparted strong Christian values, moral and ethical courage, and a strong work ethic. Mary Bell’s enduring mantra was “something worth doing was worth doing right.” Her children quickly learned to realize that if they did not adhere to her high standards, they would be redoing the respective task assigned until the result met her satisfaction. Mary Bell was an expert seamstress and through the years sewed many of the garments her and her daughters wore. In later years, she utilized her seamstress expertise as an employee of the ALATEX Textile Company. Mary Bell’s most prominent character trait was that she was a person who held very strong convictions. In addition, she was a fearless woman who was unafraid to face down any challenge, and who unflinchingly demanded respect be rendered toward her family and herself from all she encountered. 

Cheryl D. Harrison age 59 of Grand Ridge passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016. She was born on October 15, 1957 in Hialeah, FL to the late William and Ruth Doran. Cheryl enjoyed long walks on the beach.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children Keith Harrison and Tanya Harrison; brother Michael Doran (Alvin Perret Jr.), sister Martha Turner Lowery (Gary); grandchildren, Sydney Wright, Cameron Henry, Lydia Henry, Tyler Harrison, Alex Harrison, and Anthony Harrison; nieces and nephews, Wendy Lamb, Kim Cianelli, Randy Turner, Jenifer Turner, Hannah Batista, and Trevor Doran. She is also survived by 11 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Cheryl will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 5:00p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.

Lillie Grace Deese, 88 of Slocomb, AL passed away Monday, December 19, 2016.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home with Rev. Raymond O’Quinn officiating. Burial will follow in Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, 10 a.m. until time of service.

Mrs. Deese was born in Geneva County, AL on June 30, 1928 to the late Wesley Ard and Lessie Trim Ard. A beloved mother and grandmother, Mrs. Deese was a member of Damascus Baptist Church.

Predeceased by her husband Elton Deese, son John Deese, daughter Lisa Deese.

She is survived by three children Sue Collins, Panama City, FL, Joseph Deese(Linda), Graceville, Mary Deese(Johnny Brewer), Slocomb, AL; one sister Becky Maddox, Dothan, AL; fifteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.jamesandlipford.com

Mr. Jesse Merrill Gable, 73, a lifelong resident of this area, passed away in Marianna, Florida, after a lengthy illness.  He was a member of the Sneads Assembly of God Church and had retired as Maintenance Supervisor with the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida. Mr. Gable was also a  U. S. Army Veteran .  Merrill loved working on cars and was a very loving and caring father and grandfather to his family. 

Merrill is survived by his precious wife of 52 years, Erma Gable of Sneads, Florida;  his mother-in-law, Ida M. Hansford of Altha, Florida;  his son, Randall Gable and his wife Lori and two grandchildren, Noah and Codey Gable of Lithia, Florida;  his sister, Vickie Porter and her husband Johnny of Sneads;  his brother, Richard Gable and his wife Sallie of Grand Ridge, Florida;  and numerous nieces and nephews.  Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse F. Gable and Alice E. Gable, a brother, Howard F. Gable and a sister, Margaret E. Aaron.

Visitation with the family will take place Friday, December 23, 2016, 5:00 till 7:00 PM CST, at Sneads Assembly of God Church in Sneads, Florida.  Funeral Services will be Saturday, 10:00 AM CST, December 24, 2016, at Sneads Assembly of God Church in Sneads with Rev. Juno Douglas, Rev. Gary Gable and Johnny Fonteneot  officiating.  Committal and Interment Services will follow at Pope Cemetery in Sneads, Florida.  American Legion Post 241 will be performing Honors for this Veteran.

Lanier-Andler Funeral Home of Sneads, Florida is in charge of arrangements.  For information please call 850-593-9900.

Vernell “Nell” Bruner Holley, 85, of Marianna, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at Jackson Hospital.

Nell was born April 2,1931 in Graceville, FL. She graduated from Cottondale High School, Chipola Jr. College, Florida State University and The University of Southern Mississippi. She retired from teaching after 29 years at Cottondale High School. She was an active member of The First United Methodist Church of Marianna. She was also an active member of the Marianna Garden Club, “Red Hat Society”, and the Marianna Woman’s Club. Nell cherished watching her great-grandchildren in dance and piano recitals, sporting events and many other activities. She loved going to The Senior Citizen Center to play games, cards and socialize with her many friends. 

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Holley Kunde (Van), Son, Randy Holley (Janice). Grandchildren, Richard Kunde (Kelly), Elisabeth Kunde Flowers (Bradley) and Meghan Holley. Great-Grandchildren, Ryleigh Kunde, Reece Kunde, Jaxon Ross Holley, Blake Flowers and Bailey Flowers along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Holley; parents, Doug and Verna Bruner and sister Betty “Jane” Birch. 

Funeral services will be ten o’clock in the morning Friday, December 23, 2016 in the Wesley Center at the First United Methodist Church of Marianna with Dr. Nathan Attwood officiating. Entombment will follow in Chapel of the Pines Mausoleum at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 22, 2016, from five o’clock to six-thirty in the evening in the Wesley Center at The First United Methodist Church of Marianna. 

The family request friends wishing, may make memorial contributions, in Nell’s memory, to The First United Methodist Church Altar Guild, Jackson Hospital Foundation, or the Jackson County Senior Citizen Organization, Inc. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at http://www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com/

Margie Corbitt Butler, 87 of Slocomb, AL passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016.

 Funeral service will be 3 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2016 at New Teamon Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Chorn officiating. Burial will be Friday at Bethel Baptist Church.

Family will receive friends 2 p.m. until time of service.

Ms. Margie was born in Holmes County, FL September 19, 1929 to the late Jasper and Radie Eldridge Skipper. Ms. Margie worked a number of years in retail before her retirement and was a member of New Teamon Baptist Church.

Predeceased by husbands Royce Corbitt, Marion Butler, several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by four children Delwyn Corbitt(Catherine), Murfreesboro, TN, Wayne Corbitt(Gail), Graceville, FL, Paula Rogers(Donald), Teresa Knight(Joe), Slocomb, AL; two step-sons Harold Butler(JoAnn), Kenneth Butler, Slocomb, AL; four sisters-in-law Johnnie Skipper, Malone, FL, Flora Coker, Dothan, AL, Aileen Butler, Slocomb, Jean Mitchell, Columbus, GA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.jamesandlipford.com

Mrs. Sylvia Rhea Brown Hogans, 85 of Vernon, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 22, 2016 in the Bay Medical Center of Panama City, Florida.  

Sylvia was born on May 12,1931 to the late Mary L. Jackson and Loucious Brown in Vernon, Florida.  She was of the Methodist denomination. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Clarence Hogans.   

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her beloved daughter:  Joyce Green and her husband Isaac James of Panama City, Florida; three (3) grandchildren:  J. Dia Green of Panama City, Florida, Justin Green and his wife Jasmin of Miami, Florida, and Jocelyn Green Henderson and her husband Demarcus of Warner Robins, Georgia;  four (4) great-grands:  Joycelyn, Jordan, Jill, and James;  two (2) brothers: Alvin Brown and his wife Annie Mae of Vernon, Florida, and Fred Hogans of Pensacola, Florida;  along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

A Celebration of Sylvia’s Life will be held 11 A.M. CST, Monday, December 26, 2016 from the sanctuary of the McQueen’s Temple First Born Church with Jr. Bishop J.O. Brown (Pastor), Rev. Benjamin Jackson (Eulogist), Jr. Bishop W.A. Potter, Rev. Vivian Green and Bro. Leonard Dean, officiating.  Committal Services will follow in the St. Luke Memorial Gardens of Vernon, Florida with the Cooper Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida, directing.  

Mrs. Hogans will lie in repose at the church on Monday 1 hr. prior to services.  Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.cooperfhchipley.com. 

Jimmie Sue Sims, 85, of Marianna, died Thursday, December 22, 2016, at her residence.  

Jimmie was born August 18, 1931 in Brownfield, TX.  She was a bookkeeper in her family’s businesses for many years. After that she began working at Walmart as a cashier and greeter, she also volunteered for Habitat.  Jimmie Sue was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Marianna, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, June Sims; two sons, Mike Sims and Frank Sims and her parents, Winford James and Grace Marie Williams.  She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Smith and husband, Chuck; one son, Bill Sims and wife, Shirley all of Marianna; one sister, Jackie McMullian; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, December 26, 2016 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Father David Green officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.  The family will receive friends from 8:30a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 26, in The MacKinnon Parish Hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. 

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4362 Lafayette St. Marianna, FL 32446. Expressions of sympathy may be made online at http://www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com/

Jean Ellen Broome Hall, 80, of Malone passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Signature Healthcare at the Courtyard. 

Jean resided in Tennessee for six years and 10 years in Mississippi, prior to moving to Greenwood. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1954 and retired from the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Mrs. Hall enjoyed gardening, shopping, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved crossword puzzles.   

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Sidney P. Hall of Malone; two sons, Andy Hall and wife, Laura of Marianna, John Hall of Malone; two daughters, Angela Jones and husband, Jimmy of Malone, Melanie Ditty and husband, Jacky of Greenwood; one brother, Tom Broome, Jr,; one sister, Barbara Ann Wilson; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Friendship Baptist Church with Dr. James Newell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Friendship Baptist Church building fund.  The family would like to express a very special thank you to the caregivers, Vickie Fowler and Joyce Dickerson and to the staff of Signature Healthcare at the Courtyard.  Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Elton Mills, 78 of Marianna, Florida, formerly of Noma, Florida passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Jackson Hospital. 

Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Noma Cemetery with Rev. Greg Roberts officiating, James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing. 

Elton was born in Holmes County, Florida on October 30, 1938 to the late L.B. Mills and Floy Maybelle Parrish Mills. Elton was a resident at the Sunland Training Center.

Survived by his sisters and brothers, Betty Robinson(Tom), Thomasville, GA,

Kathleen “Kitty” Mills, Noma, Gerald Mills (Inis), Lake Placid, FL, Larry Mills, Slocomb, AL; a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Vann, 81 of Fadette, AL passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016.

Home-going service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Noma Baptist Church with Rev. Eddie Biss officiating. Burial will follow in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Flowers accepted or those wishing can make memorials to Noma Baptist Church P.O. Box 323 Graceville, FL  32440

Ms. Dot was born in Holmes County, Florida on July 30, 1935. A 1953 graduate of Holmes County High School, Ms. Dot worked in retail a number of years and retired from Dillard’s Department Store. She was a member of Noma Baptist Church.

Predeceased by her husband Raymond Vann, parents Floyd Blackburn and Denise Lucas Blackburn, four sisters and four brothers.

Survived by children Jeffrey Roland (Geraldine), Black, AL, Michael Roland, Stacey McGriff (Bobby), Starla Payne, Fadette, FL, Ray Vann (Teresa), Defuniak Springs, FL, Donnie Vann, TX, Alan Vann, Southport, FL, Patricia Hall (John), Columbus, GA; sister Patsy Woodham, Graceville; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren; a special niece Debbie Wilson (Huie), several other nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.jamesandlipford.com

Robert W. Aldridge, Sr., age 88 of Grand Ridge passed away on December 23, 2016 at his home. He was born on March 29, 1928 in East Palestine, Ohio to the late Albert and Ada Jane Aldridge. Robert was a World War II Veteran and served his country in the United States Army.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters.

He is survived by his son Robert W. Aldridge, Jr, daughter Ceceilia Knight, and Mary Ann Beatrice. Robert is also survived by several grandchildren. 

Services for Robert will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service. 

Interment will be at a later date in East Palestine, Ohio. 

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.

Sarah C. Neeley, age 90, passed away peacefully on 12/25/16 after enduring Alzheimer’s disease for over 12 years. Born in Corning, Arkansas she eventually married Melvin C. Neeley and moved to Florida where she began her career as an educator in 1956.  While raising her family and working full time she obtained both her Bachelor and Master degrees. Sarah was a teacher and an administrator for the Leon County School System and developed the first Gifted Program in Leon County. She was the Program Manager and Principal for the Gifted Program for 12 years. Sarah resigned to take care of her husband who developed Alzheimer’s disease. Always the advocate for others, she volunteered and was on the Board of Directors of the Tallahassee Senior Center, Tallahassee Women’s Club, and Elder Care Services. Sarah was the 1987 Woman of the Year. Also, Sarah was past president of American Business Women’s Association, and a Lobbyist for Alzheimer’s Care Program. In 1993, she helped start the first Alzheimer’s unit in north Florida, the Florida State Hospital, Alzheimer’s Special Unit, for which she received the Davis Productivity Award from Florida Tax Watch.  In 2001, Sarah received the “Many Faces of Aging” Silver Star Award from the Tallahassee Senior Center, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, and the Tallahassee Democrat. 

She is predeceased by her husband, Melvin C. Neeley, her son, Alan T. Neeley, and her brother, Harry Collins.

She is survived by her daughter, Vangie Neeley (Philippe Eversdijk, spouse) of Safety Harbor, Florida, grandchildren, Rachel Marshall, Trent Marshall, Jason Neeley (Lisa), Cody Neeley (Haley), Seth Neeley, and great-grandson, Alexander Neeley.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service.  Both will take place at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road in Tallahassee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Project, Tallahassee, Florida.

Reverend Jerome Van Houston, Sr. of Blountstown, Florida transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Sunday, December 18, 2016 in Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

Homegoing Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM CST from the sanctuary of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church located at 16218 Southeast River Street in Blountstown, Florida 32424 with Elder Robert E. Baker (pastor), Superintedent Delano Reed, and Pastor Chris Baker officiating. Interment in the Magnolia Cemetery in Blountstown, Florida. Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Reverend Houston will lie in repose at the church from 10:00 AM CST until time for the service. 

The family will receive friends from the sanctuary of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church located at 16218 Southeast River Street in Blountstown, Florida 32424 on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST. 

Reverend Houston leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond memories, a loving family:

Daughter: Kenisha L. Houston of Orlando, Florida

Son: Jerome V. Houston, Jr. of Blountstown, Florida

Mother: Venus H. Smith of Panama City, Florida

Two Stepchildren: Regina Troupe (Harry) of Bradenton, Florida; and Andre Garrett (Rochelle) of Corpus Christi, Texas

One Honorary Daughter: Katrina May of Blountstown, Florida

One Sister: Sherry Demeritt (James) of Pembroke Pines, Florida

Two Grandchildren: Jerome D. Houston of Sneads, Florida; and James Melik Debose of Orlando, Florida

One Nephew: Marlon James Demeritt of Pembroke Pines, Florida

Special Friends: Ira Yon (Catherine) of Blountstown, Florida; and Ricky Robbins, Sr. of San Antonio, Texas

And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol Anne Mann age 70 of Clarksville passed away at her home on Saturday, December 24, 2016. She was born in Michigan on December 8, 1946 to the late Dewey and Ruth Ball. Carol enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and spending time with her family. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband John Bundrick; sister Linda Abbott, and great-grand daughter Lexi Candelaria. She is survived by her children Lisa A. Vila (Henry) and Jim Bundrick; sister Joanne Abbott; grandchildren Lauren Vila, Cody Varnum, Breanna Varnum, Kaitlyn Vila and great-grand daughter Jasmine Candelaria.

Graveside services for Carol will be held at Hasty Pond Baptist Church Cemetery on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.