Nell Wester, 80, of Grandridge died Friday, January 13, 2017 at her residence.

Arrangements by James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.

Arthur Lee Williams, Jr., 97, of Graceville, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Campbellton-Graceville Hospital.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. (CST), Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Graceville with Rev. Sean Rezek, Rev. Chester Padgett and Mr. Allen O’Shields officiating. Burial will follow in Marvin Chapel Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.

Family will receive friends at the church Wednesday, 1 p.m. until time of service.

 Mr. Arthur was born in Americus, Georgia on February 26, 1919, to the late Arthur Lee Williams, Sr. and Irma Belyeu Williams.  The family later moved to Graceville and Arthur was always proud to be a resident of this community. He was a veteran of World War II, serving honorably in the United States Navy, and became a lifetime member of the American Legion.

 Arthur and Tootsie owned Williams IGA in Graceville and, in 1962, opened the Piggly Wiggly, at its present location. After leaving the grocery business, he was employed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, retiring in 1993.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Tootsie Williams, brother Gerald Williams and son-in-law Larry Ross.

 Survived by his devoted children: Arthur Lee “Art” Williams, III and wife B.T., Monticello, FL; daughter Louise Ross, Lake Panasoffkee, FL; sisters-in-law: Nick Williams, Graceville, FL; Betsy Williams, Norfolk, VA; three grandchildren: Tim (Nicky) McGinnis, Jason (Alisha) Williams, Alicia (Wil) Brininger; eight great grandchildren: Brian, Ashlyn, Hudson, Makenzie, Blaine, Skylar, Autumn and Amber. 

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

Mrs. Maudie Miles, 93 of Cottondale, FL passed away, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at her residence.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home with Revs. Leroy Lewis and Gary Crawford officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 p.m. until time of service.

Mrs. Maudie was born in Esto, FL on November 21, 1923 to the late Henry Warren Thweatt and Katie Daniel Thweatt. A beloved mother and grandmother, Mrs. Maudie retired in 1990 from Graceville High School cafeteria. She loved spending time with family, fishing and cooking. She was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. 

Predeceased by the love of her life R.C. Miles, parents, granddaughter Tracy Keel and great granddaughter Emily Keel.

Survived by her devoted children Lamar Miles, Cottondale, Jennifer Alday (Buddy) Altha, FL; three sisters Merle Hart, Marianna, Barbara Hawthorne, Newton, AL, Juanita Thweatt, Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren Chris Miles, Lori Mapel, Stacey Alday(Julie), Jamie Alday; eight great grandchildren Bo Miles, Rett Miles, Jolene Alday, Jamison Alday, Josh Alday, Skylar Keel, Haley Mapel, Luke Mapel.

A special “thank-you” to Dr. Steve Davis and Covenant Hospice for all the kindness and care you have given to our mother and grandmother.

The family of Valeria Ava “Nell” Rees are bittersweet to announce that on January 6, 2017 at the age of 90, her work here is completed. Mrs. Nell received the call that she was being. promoted from a homemaker, to the most prestigious position one can hope to obtain. Her new mission takes her to a magnificent place where she will be watching FSU football games, eating chocolate, reading, gardening and laughing with her beloved husband, Jack W. Rees and granddaughter, Jennifer Rees.

Mrs. Rees was hesitant about leaving her church family of over 40 years at Grand Ridge Baptist Church, but overjoyed with the opportunity to brag about her grandchildren, the lights of her life, to a new audience. Grandchildren Elana (Michael) Williet, Alisha Rees, Angela Rees, Alex Ward, Jay Landon(Hannah)Rees, great grandchildren Alysa Shaw, Rees Willett, Baylor Willett, Traver Ward, Anthony Rees.

Mrs. Nell left detailed instructions of her sons, Lamar (Dyan) Rees and Jay(Lisa) Rees, and nephews Bob (Tina) Earnest and Dale (Rachel)  to celebrate her earthy mission, which is now completed. Mrs. Rees did not want an elaborate affair to celebrate her new position, she simply wanted all to know the love of Jesus.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Grand Ridge Baptist Church or the Florida Children’s Home. All arrangements are under Dorothy Padgett at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

Charles Wayne Stephens, age 65 of Alford, Florida passed from this life on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Chipola Nursing Home, Marianna, Florida.  Charlie was one of twelve children born on December 13th, 1951 in Round Lake, Florida to the late J.W. (Bill) and Jacqueline (Jack) Stephens.  He was a life-long resident of Jackson and Bay Counties in Florida and a U.S Army Veteran.  His life’s work was centered on carpentry and commercial fishing.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jack; Brothers Bill and Robert; sisters Virginia Brown and Patricia Harris.

Survivors include his daughters Stephanie Bates and Sharlee Stephens; grandchildren Jacqueline Bates and Jamie Bates; great-grandson Alexander Bates; brothers James, Houston, Jimmy and Johnny; sisters Shirley Crater, Carol Brown, and Glenda Kent; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Brown Funeral Home in Chipley, Florida is assisting the family with Charlie’s funeral arrangements.  Family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Brown Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.  Funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 12:00 P.M. with Reverend Ellis Vickery officiating.  Interment will follow at New Salem Cemetery in Steel City with Brown Funeral Home directing.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net 

Maria C. Taylor age 54, formerly of Key West, FL passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 in Graceville, FL.

 Memorialization will be by cremation.

Williams Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.williamsfhs.com

Nell Tatum Wester, 79, of Grand Ridge, Florida died Friday, January 13, 2017, at her residence.

Nell Patricia Tatum was born to Annie Lee and Curtis Tatum, Sr. on September 17, 1937.

She joined an older sister, Annie Ruth and, much later, two little brothers, Mike and Bubba, came along to complete the Curtis Tatum family.

Nell’s father owned and operated the community store in Peterman, Alabama. They were very “close-knit” family known by everyone in the community.

Nell graduated, valedictorian, from High School in Beatrice, Alabama, and from Troy State University, in Troy, Alabama.

It was after graduation from TSU with honors that she came to Sneads, Florida to begin her teaching career at Sneads Elementary, which was then yet a part of Sneads High School.

How ironical it was that “Miss Pencie” Wester was also a teacher there. The teachers had a beginning-of-school picnic to which Ms. Pencie invited her son to be her guest. There, Jackie and Nell met for the first time and a true love relationship began. They were married on June 6, 1959, and enjoyed 53 years of life together. To that union came two children who were always their pride and joy: Jacquelyn Annell and William Curtis Wester.

Nell continued to teach at Sneads Elementary until her retirement in 2003.  She earned the reputation of being the teacher who had skills for motivating all students to perform at their best—especially the more reluctant learners.  She loved her students and they knew that she did! So many have visited during her illness and shared experiences that have brought joy to both Nell’s and her family’s hearts. 

Since the death of her beloved Jackie in 2012, Nell’s health had declined rapidly. She loved life, loved people, and loved being with people. Her caregivers from Emerald Coast and Covenant Hospice loved her deeply.  Her most constant care giver, however, had been her loving daughter, Jacquelyn, who had been with her 24/7 after moving her into her home about a year and one-half ago.

Nell loved the Lord and longed to be with Him, with Jackie, and with her Mother and Daddy. God granted that desire when He called her from peaceful sleep on Friday morning, January 13, 2017. Nell was preceded in death by her parents: Annie and Curtis Tatum and by her loving husband, Jackie.

She is survived by her daughter, Jacquelyn McArthur and husband, David of Inwood, Will Wester and wife, Patty, of Grand Ridge, her sister, Ann Stokes of Hampton, Virginia, brothers “Bubba” Tatum of Peterman, Alabama, and Mike Tatum of West Palm Beach, Florida, Grandchildren:  Noah Tatum McArthur, Madison Wester Smith(Griffin), Amelia Anne Wester, Grace Wester, Olivia Wester, and Willa Wester. Two great grandsons also survive: Wes and Deacon Smith. Nell is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Billie Dickson, and many nieces, nephews, special friends.

Services for “Ms. Nell” will be at First Baptist Church, Sneads, Florida, at  two o’clock in the afternoon,  Monday, January 16, 2017, with Revs. Robert Johns, Caron Harn and Charles Kleiser officiating. Interment will follow in Carpenter Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Homes Maddox Chapel directing.  The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, January 15, 2017 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.  Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Covenant Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice, or The Baptist College of Florida, Penice W. Wester Family Scholarship Fund in her memory. Condolences may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com.

Edward Earl “Jaybird” Hunt, 83, known to everyone as Jaybird, passed from this life on Sunday, January 15th at his home in Marianna with his loving daughter, family, and friends by his side.

Born October 3, 1933 to Edward Ferguson Hunt and Lillian Lucille Bennett Hunt, Jaybird spent his childhood in Greenwood where he attended school and graduated from Greenwood High School.  It was while he was still in school that he met a pretty girl from Marianna, JoAnne Jenings, who became the love of his life.  Jaybird and JoAnne married on June 25, 1953 and settled in Marianna.  Their family became complete several years later when their daughter Jennie Ann was born.  Jaybird and JoAnne doted on their only daughter and in later years Jennie Ann returned the devotion by caring for them both until their assent to heaven.

Jaybird was a hard worker dedicated to service.  He retired from the Department of Management Services, Federal Surplus Property after 35 years on the job.  He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, long-time board member of J-Tran, and a 50 year member of the Marianna Elk’s Club.   Being outdoors, especially with farm animals such as cows, guineas, and fainting goats, was Jaybird’s favorite pastime.  When his battle with Parkinson’s disease hindered his mobility he looked forward to his daily phone calls and visits with his closest family and friends.

Jaybird was proceeded to heaven by his loving wife of 49 years, JoAnne Jenings Hunt, his parents and siblings Polly Ann Richards and Larry Ferguson Hunt. 

Surviving Jaybird with precious memories is his only child, Jennie Ann Dean and husband Gary, grandchildren Josh Dean and wife Jenipher and Jennifer Garza, husband Edgar and children Karmen and Alex.  Also surviving are nieces Debra Barnes Matthews and family, Nell Barnes McElhaney and family, nephew Mark Richards and family, brother-in-law Junior Richards and his special sweeties Faith Porter, Becky Partin, and Amber Baggett.

In Jaybird’s passing there are so many to remember for the love and care provided to him, but a very special thanks is extended to  personal trainer Kelly Swearingen for all her work to keep Jaybird moving and battling against Parkinson’s disease, the nurses and staff at Covenant Care who provided such tender care to him in his final days, and especially to Faith Porter and her little dog Henry Earl who came and spent many nights with Jaybird taking care of him, keeping him company and allowing Jennie Ann a few hours of rest. 

Jaybird will be laid to rest next to JoAnne in a private graveside service Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Yoder officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.  He fought a long hard battle against Parkinson’s disease and now he has received his heavenly reward.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in Marianna

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jaybird’s memory to Partner’s for Pets, 4011 Maintenance Drive, Marianna, FL 32448.

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

Katherine Boutwell, 64, of Grand Ridge died Thursday, January 12, 2017, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center.

She was born on December 5, 1952 to the late Henry and Jeanie Benefield. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age. She worked at Walmart in Marianna for 15 years where she loved to be when she wasn’t with her family. She was a people person, had a heart of gold and touched a lot of lives. She loved her grandchildren with all her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Jeanie Benefield of Alford; sisters, Edna Crooms, Betsy Kornegay, Joann Vickery, Voncile Barnes and Mable Sims; one brother, George Benefield.

She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Norman Boutwell; one daughter, Amanda Payne (Justin); a very special niece-daughter, Karen Sims (Fredrick); three grandsons, Ja’Kerion Williams, Ja’Kuein Williams, Ja’Karin Williams; two very special great niece and nephew, Kailey Sims and Kadin Jones all of Marianna, FL; two sisters, Juanita Benefield of Marianna, FL and Rosie Benefield of Chipley, FL; two brothers, Eddie Benefield (Lilliemae) of Cottondale, FL and Daryl Benefield (Tomila) of Marianna; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.  

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at Jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Hilda A. Brawley, 86, of Marianna, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017, at Jackson Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on September 2, 1930, in Kingston, England, to Charles and Audrey Gifford.  In 1952, she left England by ship and then traveled by train to North Alabama to marry Robert Lee (Bob) Brawley, Jr. after meeting him when he was stationed by the U. S. Air Force in London after WWII. 

She worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s television sales and service business, and volunteered for over 35 years as a pink lady at Jackson Hospital.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she enjoyed spending time with her friends.  She was the life of the party wherever she was; and people will always remember her British accent and her great love for her queen and country (England).  Hilda loved to sing, dance and have fun.  She will be greatly missed by all, including her special supper club group, her Elks Club and Red Hat friends, and her bounty of friends made during her last year’s residence at Signature Healthcare at the Courtyard in Marianna.  Her family expresses deep gratitude to the Courtyard staff and Jackson Hospital staff who cared for her so well.

She is predeceased by her husband, Bob, and is survived by her children, Gail Ann Brawley of Marianna, and Glen Larry Brawley (Genia) of Birmingham, Alabama; three granddaughters, Caroline Brawley Johnson (Franklin) of Montgomery, Alabama, Audra Brawley Wallace (Taylor) of Boston, Massachusetts, and Madeline Charles Brawley of Walterboro, South Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Franklin (Bo) Johnson and Ann Caroline Johnson of Montgomery, Alabama;  many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2017 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. Private Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Homes Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral services at Maddox Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Activities Department at Signature Healthcare at the Courtyard or to Jackson Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be made online at http://www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com/

Ruby M. Peacock age 100 formerly of Marianna passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

The Reverend Reba Diane Sorey was born in Noma, Florida, on Wednesday, August 11, 1954.

Reverend Sorey was an active member of Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Noma, Florida until the Lord called her into Ministry in the 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reba pastored the following churches: Grace Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Circuit which includes Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Greenwood Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenwood Florida; Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church, Marianna, Florida; Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, Malone, Florida; Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Midway, Florida and lastly Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church and Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Vernon, Florida.

Reverend Sorey retired from ministry due to health issues, August 2016. In October 2016, Reba joined New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bonifay, Florida under watch care.

Over her lifetime, Reverend Sorey held many positions in the community to include everything from assisting Poplar Springs High School in various activities and Holmes County Council on Aging, to serving as a Councilwoman in the Town of Noma, Florida. As one dear friend would say, “Reba loved and lived fearlessly, carrying the strength of her convictions as her testimony. Holmes County owes Reba Sorey a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”

Reverend Sorey was preceded in death by a son, Tony Jackson; her mother, Flora Katreen “Kate” Woods Dixon and grandmother: Evelyn Woods.

On Saturday, January 14, 2017, while surrounded by family, the Lord called His servant home.

Reverend Sorey leaves to celebrate her life a loving husband of forty-four years, Johnny Sorey of Noma, Florida; two sons: Darrell (Precious) Jackson of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Ashley Sorey of Lynn Haven, Florida; one precious daughter: Niki (Bobby) Long of Two Egg, Florida.

Reverend Sorey also leaves to cherish her memoires four sisters: Deborah Woods and Sherry Lloyd both of Dothan, Alabama, Donna Dixon, Noma, Florida and Danette Dixon of Daleville, Alabama; a brother: Wayne (Tina) Dixon, Noma, Florida; one very special aunt: Kathleen Coleman of Dothan, Alabama; her mother-in-law: Eula Sorey of Campbellton, Florida; ten grandchildren: Richmond (Amber) Ford, Fort Hood, Texas, Darrell (Jaliha) Jackson II of Hartford, Alabama; Giovanni Clay, Caitland Clay-Jackson, Jayni Jackson, Precious “Lil’ Bit” Jackson, “Big” Jalen, “Little” Jaylin and Josiah all of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Kaitlyn Sorey of Lynn Haven, Florida; two great grandchildren: Aliyah Jackson and Roderick Ford; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Friday, January 20, 2017 in the M. Sue and Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, FL.

Celebration of life for Reverend Sorey will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Mark Street, Noma, Florida with Reverend Richard Davis, pastor/presiding and Elder Phillip Russ IV, delivering the eulogist.

Reverend Sorey will be laid to rest in the Graceville Community Cemetery in Graceville, FL under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

Mrs. Carolyn Davis of Malone, FL transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Southeast Alabama Medical Center.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at New Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church 5239 Liberty Hill Road Bascom, FL with Rev. Joseph Curry, Rev. Abraham Johnson and Dr. Elder Nelson Wilson, Pastor officiating. 

Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Vann Funeral Home will be in charge of the service.

Mrs. Davis will lie in repose at the church from 12 Noon until time for the service.

The viewing will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Vann Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories a loving and devoted family:

Husband: Clyde Davis of Malone, FL

Mother: Lee Bertha Brown of Largo, FL

Three Daughters: LaShon Anderson (James) of St. Petersburg, FL; Toya Daniels (Elijah) of Alford, FL; and Ashley, Davis of Malone, FL

Four Sons: J.T. Sorrells of St. Petersburg, FL; Marcus Rhodes of Greenwood, FL; Chris Davis and Clyde Tyrone Davis, both of Malone, FL

Four Sisters: Barbara Washington (Henry) of Leesville, LA; Jerrun Sorrells of Douglasville, GA; LaKeshia Stith (Brian) of Kennesaw, GA and Arbedella Kimbrough of Joiner, AK 

Two Brothers: Elder Steve Sorrells (Telitha) of Seminole, FL and Anthony Sorrells of Clermont, FL

Father and Mother-in-law: Jimmie and Annie Ruth Davis of Bascom, FL

Sisters-in-Law: Linda Sorrells of Stockbridge, GA, Clara Hunter (Ray) of Donaldsonville, GA and Joyce Smith of Malone, FL

Brother-in-Law: Jimmie Davis, Jr. (Lillie) of Tacoma, WA

Three Godchildren and Twenty Grandchildren

And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends

Howard D. Smith, 93, of Marianna died Thursday, January 19, 2017 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his wife and son. Survived by his two daughters, Linda Price and Pam Goodwin; one sister, Rita Wheelus; and very close friend, Jeanette Newman.    He was a native of Washington County, was raised in Jackson County. Howard was a retired electrician, faithful member of First Baptist Church where he was a ordained deacon, serving faithfully for many years.

Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2017 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. A private committal service with interment at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. James & Sikes Funeral Homes Maddox Chapel of Marianna directing. The family request that flowers be ommitted, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Care Hospice, Gideons International or Chipola Family Ministries.

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

Mr. David Keith Christen, 77, a native of Tampa, Florida moving here from Mexico Beach, Florida and residing here in Jackson County, Florida since 2003, was self employed as an Indian Goods Trader in New Mexico.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed the work and art of trading in merchandise.

David is survived by his daughter, D. Jo Christen and his son, Sean J. Christen, both of Santa Fe, New Mexico;  a brother, Craig M. Christen of Monett, MO;  three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date and will be announced.  Call Lanier-Andler Funeral Home at 850-593-9900 for details.

Priscilla Gibbs Walker age 85 of Dothan, AL passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Signature Healthcare of North Florida in Graceville, FL.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Willacoochee City Cemetery in Willacoochee, Georgia at 10:00 a.m. central standard time.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online www.williamsfhs.com.

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Allen Standland was born February 12, 1950 in Marianna, FL to John Ed and Doris Standland. He dies on Thursday, January 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Douglas and his infant sister, who died shortly after birth. 

John has two other brothers; Tommy and Doyle Standland and one sister; Marilyn Pascarella. 

After he graduated from Cottondale High School in 1968, John enlisted in the Army. He served bravely in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in combat. 

After his service in the Army, he married Terry Lynn Lay if Chipley and they were married for 42 years. 

John and Terry have two children, John and amber. John and his wife Kim have two children, Fallon and Gracie. Amber and her husband Miguel have one son Tanner. John was lovingly called “PA” by his three grandchildren. 

John accomplished many things in his life but his family was his greatest source of pride. 

John was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Mr. Clarence Lee Johnson, age 96, of Quincy, Florida, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Clarence was born on November 19, 1920 Jackson County to James and Trudy Johnson. He was an orderly for the Florida State Hospital. He is preceded in death by his wife, Clyde Johnson.

He is survived by: 5 children: Sylvia Mayfield and husband Roger, of Myakka City, Florida, Christine Alford and husband Tommy, of Quincy, Florida, Betty Elliott, of Quincy, Florida, Thomas Beauchamp, of Snellville, Georgia, Roy E. Beauchamp and his wife Olivia, of Tampa, Florida. 

9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Several brothers, sisters, and a host of nieces and nephews.  

 Funeral services will be held Graveside Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 2:00 PM (CST) at Waldorf Cemetery in Grand Ridge, Florida, with Pastor Matt Basford officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 11:00 AM (CST) until 12:00 PM (CST) at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida. All arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.

Elvia Pittman, 79 of Marianna, Fl passed away peacefully the morning of January 22, 2017. Born in Altha, on April 7, 1937, she spent her life along a 20 mile stretch of the Florida panhandle. She was the fifth of six children. 

Elvia attended Altha Public School until she met and married the love of her life, Otis Pittman, in 1952. The two of them moved to Marianna where they would raise their two daughters, Rachel and Judy. In 1963, Elvia and her (now late) husband became members of Eastside Baptist Church in Marianna where she continued to attend throughout her life. In 1970, she began working at Chipola Abstract and Land Title, where she retired as the Chief Operating Manager after 30 years of service. In her final years, Elvia, found love and companionship again in a high-school classmate, Mr. Clyde Segers of Blountstown, FL. Elvia’s life revolved around family, church, and work. She was a charter member of the Jackson County Optimist Club and served as the coordinator of the Joy Club at Eastside for years. She enjoyed gardening, playing dominos with her family and friends, and took great care in decorating her annual table at the Table of Love Celebration. But without a doubt her greatest joy was her family.  She particularly enjoyed feeding everyone and no meal was complete without her sour cream pound cake. Family meals always started the same way. First, she would call for prayer.  It was there that she shared her heart with her loved ones.  Her greatest desire, as she often expressed, was that those standing in her presence would know the Lord as their personal savior, so that they may all know the blessing of eternal life through salvation in Jesus Christ.  As she left this life for another, there is a blessed assurance that there is a future with her in heaven.

Elvia was preceded in death by her loving husband Otis, her father Luther and mother Flossie Pumphrey, brother Lenwood Pumphrey, sisters, Edra Peacock and Cecilia Moat, and a great-grandson Owen Ward. She leaves behind her husband, Clyde Segers; daughters and their spouses; Rachel and David Smith and Judy and Durwin Wester, grandchildren; Jamie (and wife Melody) Smith, Michael Smith, and Jerica (and husband Ed) Ward, all of Marianna, and Jason (and wife Kelton) of Tallahassee; great-grandchildren Zackery, Jordan, Laynie, Kashton, Gracyn, Elizabella, and Matilyn; a brother, Alfred Pumphrey of Marianna, and sister Eunice Fallin of Albany, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and nurses of MHRC and Covenant Hospice for the care they have shown her and her family.

The family will receive visitors at Eastside Baptist Church, on Tuesday at 1:00 pm. Services for Mrs. Pittman will begin at 2 with Pastor John Rollyson and Pastor Luther Pumphrey officiating. Graveside will follow at Pinecrest Memorial. Services are being handled by Marianna Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Covenant Hospice. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.

Margaret Mary Dowswell, loving mother, wife, sister, and grandmother, age 84, passed away January 22, 2017.

Born in Akron, Ohio in 1932, she grew up on Kellogg Avenue in a big, boisterous family, maneuvering cold winters, Catholic school, and overcoming health challenges that gave her an enormous strength of spirit and feisty sense of humor that was all — “Margie.”  After an early and successful career in healthcare administration in Hartford, Connecticut, she moved to sunny southern Florida where she met and fell in love with John Dowswell. They married, and had two daughters in Merritt Island, and then moved up to the panhandle to Cottondale before the girls started school. It was in Cottondale where she spent many years as a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother —winning numerous bowling trophies, reading historical romance novels, maintaining a beautiful home, playing Euchre card games with family, enjoying music, travel, and trips to Biloxi, MS where she always won more than anybody else.

Some of Margie’s favorites were the color blue, attending Camp Christopher with her sister Casey and first cousins, traveling and creating special memories with her  sisters Lolly and Casey, White Diamonds perfume,  her kitty Mary Christmas, wildflowers, dancing, and  Luciano Pavarotti —especially when he sang Ave Maria. 

Margie is survived by her daughters, Ruthanne Wilkes of Dothan, Alabama and Laurel Dowswell, of Villa Rica, Georgia; her sisters Mary Kathleen Lee and Laurel Murray; son-in-law, Wendell Wilkes;  four grandchildren: Jason Wilkes, Jory Wilkes, Savannah Wilkes, and Hayden Dowswell Arnold; one great grandchild – Kabe Wilkes; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her dear husband John, her sister Marion and her brother Dick.  Margie will be remembered as a woman of loyalty, loving her husband and family dearly. She was feisty. She was fun. She had beautiful blue eyes that were kind, and saw the good in people. She was a loving, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, neighbor and friend. She is unforgettable.

The family will receive visitors at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home on Thursday, January 26, from 5 – 7 pm. The funeral will be on Friday, January 27, at First Methodist Church Cemetery in Cottondale, Florida, at 2:00 pm.  

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.