Eric Paul Conrad, age 47 of Tallahassee, Florida passed away on March 4, 2018. Paul was born in Quincy, Florida on May 30, 1970.   He was a graduate of Sneads High School and long-time resident of the area.  He loved hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time visiting historical sites.  Paul loved people and never met a stranger.  He loved his family and his friends dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Jack (papa) and Bertha Mae Conrad as well as two first cousins, Paul Edward McDaniel and Ken Bailes.

Paul is survived by his precious wife the love of his life, Tammy Lee Conrad; one daughter, Adrianna Chanell Conrad of Sneads, FL; two sons, Jonathan Paul Conrad and family of Bonifay, FL and Cole Conrad of Crestview, FL; two step-sons, Dustin and Kyle Holmes; his parents, Jerry Paul and Debra G. Conrad of Sneads, FL; one brother, Travis Jackson Conrad and family of Sneads, FL; one sister, Amy Conrad and family of Sneads, FL, as well as, two grandchildren, Willow White and Damian Conrad.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 6:00 PM CST with Rev. Jimmy Wright officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to services beginning at 4:00 PM CST at McAlpin Funeral Home.  Interment Services will be held privately on a later date.

Mr. James E. Peacock, 83, of Chattahoochee, Florida and lifelong resident of the area passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 8, 2018.  James was a veteran of the US Army.  He worked as manager of the Quincy and Chattahoochee Auto Parts Stores and retired after twenty-five years of service in the auto parts industry.   He loved his community and faithfully served it as a County Commissioner in Gadsden County from 1988 to 1996.  James enjoyed fishing and golfing as much as possible.  He treasured all children and his family dearly.  James had a great sense of humor, a love for people and never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends he made throughout the years.

James is preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Susie B. Peacock; a brother, Waymon Peacock and one daughter, Pamela Kay Peacock.

James is survived by his precious wife of 65 years, Estelle O. Peacock; one brother, Hurley G. Peacock of Marianna, FL; one brother in law, Charles H. Oliver and his wife Polly of Springhill, TN as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with friends will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM EST at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, FL.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 12, 2018 at McAlpin Funeral Home beginning at 2:00 PM EST with Rev. Darell Roberts and Rev. Mark Moore officiating.  Interment will follow at Dykes Cemetery in Sneads, FL with American Legion Post 241 presenting military honors.

Diana (Fee) Miller of Panama City Beach, FL, formerly of Harlan County, KY, peacefully passed from this life on March 8, 2018 being loved and cared for at home by family and nurse friends.

Diana was born on December 13, 1950, in Harlan County, KY, to James O. and Alma Fee. She was married to the late James A. Miller in 1980 until his death in 2013.

She was preceded in death by her father, by her grandparents, Hobert Johnson, Sr. and Faye Collins, Ballard and Elizabeth Fee, and by a sister Teresa Biondo of Minnesota. She is survived by her mother, her sisters Belinda Gail (Ben) Williams of Arkansas, Kay (Tim) Howard of Georgia, Donna Fee of Loyall and Cheryl Fee of London, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and a niece.

Diana graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1968. She worked as a devoted Registered Nurse with 45 years of service in pediatrics, hospice, and mother/baby care. She was known for her timely humor and sharp wit which endeared her to her friends and co-workers. 

A memorial service will be held in Panama City Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Pregnancy Resource Center, 745 Grace Avenue, Panama City, FL, 32402

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at. www.williamsfhs.com

Mary Bess Jenkins, age 50 of Slocomb passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at her home. She was born on May 10, 1967 to the late Jack Ray Bess and Elizabeth Kirkland Bess. Mary was a native of Slocomb and of the Baptist Faith.

She was preceded in death by her father. Mary is survived by her mother Elizabeth Bess of Bonifay, FL, her husband Mickey Jenkins of Slocomb, AL, her son Travis Jenkins of Slocomb, AL, her daughter Amanda Baker of Hartford, AL, three brothers Willie Joe Bess, Tony Bess, and Curtis Bess all of Bonifay, four sisters; Jeanette Martin of Slocomb, AL, Linda Bess of Slocomb, AL, Janice Perkins of Bonifay, FL, and JoAnn Register of Tallahassee, FL. She is also survived by four grandchildren. 

Services for Mary will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. Lowell Hudson officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Slocomb, AL. The family will receive friends, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Williams Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at. www.williamsfhs.com

Mrs. Melinda Ann Brown Welch, age 40, of Chipley, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Sunday March 11, 2018 at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Minnie Curry.

She is survived by her father and stepmother, Roger and  Cora Brown of Chipley, Florida; children: Shontrey B. Brown and Danielle Brown; siblings: Lillian and husband Dewayne Dixon, Sylvia Brown, Crosby Carswell, Phillip Brown, William Brown, Derrick Brown and Jamie Brown; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 3-7 PM, Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Christian Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, Florida.

A celebration of life will commence at 2 PM, Sunday, March 18, 2018 in the M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel (located at the funeral home), Graceville, Florida with Elder Michael Killings officiating, under the directions Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

Katie Esther Padgett, 93, passed away March 11, 2018, in Jackson Hospital surrounded by her family.

Katie was born January 10, 1925, in Marianna, to Elijah and Rhea Padgett.  She was a gentle, Christian lady who lived a simple, modest life.  She was a hard-worker and enjoyed serving others.  Katie graduated from Marianna High School in 1942.  She was a long-time member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Kynesville, where she served as a church officer and taught Primary Sunday School for many, many years.  Most recently, she was a member of First Baptist Church in Marianna.

Katie retired in 1986, as a bookkeeper, from Florida Public Utilities where she worked for over 40 years.  She volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and she loved gardening and yard-work, fishing, and was an exceptional seamstress.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah Augustus and Rhea Martin Padgett; brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Myrtle Padgett; brother-in-laws, Arnold Lambe and George D. “Pete” Hilton, and sister-in-law, Betty Padgett.

Katie is survived by her brother, John Padgett; sisters, Lola Lambe and Eddie Hilton, all of Marianna, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Pastor Jeff Powell officiating.  Private family interment will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until service time.

Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home at 8415 Buck Lake Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32317.

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

Debra LaRhea York, 62, of Marianna, died Friday, March 9, 2018 at her residence.

Debra was born May 21, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. Her hobbies include fishing, camping, and spending time with family.

Debra is survived by her daughters, April Reynolds and Michael Broome, and Amanda Speedling and husband, Larry; son, Joey Baxley; sister, Derel Webb and husband, Frankie; grandchildren, Kyle and Dylan Clark, C.J. and Jasmine Caulk, Charlotte Reynolds.

Memorialization will be by cremation with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in charge of arrangements.

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

Mr. Henry Jones, Sr., age 90, of Tampa, Florida and formerly of Stoneville, Mississippi went home to be with the Lord On Monday, March 12, 2018 at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida.  He lived in Cottonwood, Alabama for the past ten years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Williams Chapel Community Church in Gordon, Alabama with Rev. Terrence Shaw officiating.

Interment will be held on Tuesday, March 20th at 12:30 P.M. EST at the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Alabama under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

He survived by his wife Marilyn Pittman Jones; three children, Debra Alexander of Dayton, Ohio, Phyllis Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio and Henry (Cassandra) Jones, Jr., of Savannah, Georgia; step-children: Rachel Pittman and Douglas Pittman both of Tampa Florida; six grandchildren, Iven Alexander, Jon (Crystal) Alexander, Michelle Jones, Kirrah Jones, Shane Jones and Austin Jones; five great grandchildren, Donovhan Jones,  Kellen Alexander,  Brody Alexander, Quinn Alexander and Enrique Quintero; sisters and brothers-in-law: Emma (Henry Sr.) Clark and Ora Smith of Cottonwood, AL.

Mr. Jessie George Williams transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on March 9, 2018 in Jackson Hospital. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Bethel Star Missionary Baptist Church 4134 Lincoln Ave Marianna, FL 32448 with Rev. George Williams, Pastor Officiating.

Interment will be in the Orange Hill Cemetery, Marianna, FL.

Vann Funeral Home will be in charge of the service.

The viewing will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Vann Funeral Home.

Mr. Williams will lie in repose at the church from 1:00 P.M. until time for the service.

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

Mother: Elsie W. Baker of Ellaville, Georgia

Wife: Meta Walker of Marianna, Florida

Son: Leonard Thornton of Ellaville, Georgia

Four Daughters: Sharneisa Speights of Marianna, Florida; Sharneatra Speights of Panama City, Florida; Sharmeka Speights of Marianna, Florida; and Jessica Williams

Grandchildren: JaQuaviles Smith and JaShon Heatrice both of Marianna, Florida

Step Son: Jerald Mason of Columbia, Georgia

Brothers: Ralph Williams (Charlene) Terrill Baker (April) and James Cauley, all of Ellaville, GA

Sisters: Annette Brown (David) and Besty Williams (Arthur), both of Ellaville, GA and Jeanette Golphin, NC

Eight Brothers and Sisters-in-Law

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

Ms. Lurie Jean Bellamy of Cottondale, FL transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was a member of the Henshaw Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Henshaw Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church 2370 Glastel St Cottondale, FL with Rev. Lawrence E. Gantt, Pastor, Minister Barbara White, Rev. Irene Henderson, Pastor Marvin Henderson and Rev. David Greene Officiating.

Interment will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery, Cottondale, FL.

Vann Funeral Home will be in charge of the service.

The viewing will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Vann Funeral Home.

Ms. Bellamy will lie in repose at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time for the service.

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

Daughters: Pamela Lee of Marianna, FL; Greta Bellamy of Cottondale, FL; Cathy Bellamy of Tallahassee, FL and Eulinda Russ of Starke, FL

Sons: Randy Bellamy of Cottondale, FL and Marcus Bellamy of Marianna, FL

Eleven Grandchildren and Seven Great Grandchildren whom she loved dearly

Three Sisters: Eula Dell Speights, Oretha White, both of Cottondale, FL and Gloria Henderson (Carl) of Jacob City, FL

Five Brothers: Walter Bellamy Sr. (Pensula) Marshall White, William Bellamy (Blondie) Roshell Bellamy, all of Cottondale, FL; Lemuel Bellamy of Hartford, CT

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

Jared Zachariah Kent of Chipley, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.  He was 65 years old. 

Jared was born on March 19, 1952 to the late Freddie and Florida Everett Kent in Chipley, Florida.  Being of the Christian Faith, he grew up in the Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Chipley, Florida.  

He leaves to cherish his memories two sisters: Lola Woodson of Chipley, Florida and Edna McFadden of St. Roberts, Missouri; one brother: Wilford Coleman (Alfredia) of Chipley, Florida; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends 

A Graveside Service will be held 11 AM CST, Saturday, March 13, 2018 in the Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery of Chipley, Florida with Rev. Earl Cooke, officiating and Cooper Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida, directing. 

Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.cooperfhchipley.com.

Velma Rhea (Shackelford) Williams, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 5, 2018 in the Orlando Health and Rehab. Center of Orlando, FL.  She was 61 years old. 

Velma was born on May 26, 1956 to the late Isaac Shackelford, Sr. and Mary D. (Moore) Shackelford in Chipley, FL.  Being of the Christian Faith she was a faithful member of Balls Temple First Born Church in Orlando, FL.  

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters: Adonica Williams and Michelle Billings, both of Orlando, FL; seven grandchildren: Mechella Billings, Nyasha Powell, Ashlee Powell, Ariel Powell, Jarius Williams, Jamari Williams, and Ja’Dehn Williams; nine great-grandchildren; seven sisters: Rosemary Jones, Edith Shackelford, Cathy Davis, Eunice Cohen, Jacqueline Moore, Carla Morgan and Mary Tomengo, all of Orlando, FL; four brothers: Isaac Shackelford, Jr. of Arcadia, FL, Carl Tomengo of Orlando, FL, Trent Tomengo of Sanford, FL, and Travis Tomengo of Medford, NY; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM EST, Friday, March 16, 2018 from the sanctuary of the Balls Temple First Born Church of Orlando, FL with Cooper Funeral Home of Chipley, FL directing.  Committal Services will take place 1 PM CST, Saturday, March 17, 2018 from the grounds of the St. Joseph Cemetery in Chipley, FL.  

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM EST, Thursday, March 15, 2018 from the sanctuary of the Balls Temple First Born Church in Orlando, FL.  The remains will lie in repose 1hr. prior to services at the church on Friday.  Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.cooperfhchipley.com. 

Mr. Joseph Jackson, Sr., 68 of Graceville, Florida departed this life on Wednesday, March 07,2018 in Graceville.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served proudly for his country.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie Moore Jackson; children: Tiffany Jackson of West Haven, CT and Joseph Jackson, Jr., of Philadelphia, PA;two grandchildren: Tiffany Jackson and Mercedes Jackson; siblings: Jake Gainer and Lillie Bell Campbell both of Philadelphia, PA; numerous other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

 Christian Memorial Chapel M. Sue Pittman & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel 5441 Cooper Street P.O. Box 504 Graceville, Florida 32440 (850) 263-6834 (Office) (850) 263-1985 (Fax) “A Pittman Service Makes the Difference”

Debra LaRhea York, 62, of Marianna, died Friday, March 9, 2018 at her residence.

Debra was born May 21, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. Her hobbies include fishing, camping, and spending time with family. 

Debra is survived by her daughters, April Reynolds and friend, Michael Broome, Amanda Speedling and husband, Larry; son, Joey Baxley; sister, Derel Webb and husband, Frankie; grandchildren, Kari, Kyle and Dylan Clark, C.J. and Jasemine Caulk, Charlette Speedling; great grandchildren, Cayden, Jodi, and Alex Clark, Liam Santos; step grandchildren, Matthew Warren Speedling and Bailey Jean Elizabeth Tidd; step great grandchildren, Bella and Braden Tidd, and Matthew Warren Speedling, Jr.

Memorialization will be by cremation with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at James & Sikes Funeral Homes • Maddox Chapel

Hilda Geraldine Pittman, 97, left this earthly home on March 13th, 2018 to live in her Heavenly Home prepared for her, by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to live eternally with him and the Father.

The oldest of four children born to C.C. and Gertrude McNeal on April 20th, 1920 in Gordon, AL. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. A member of First Baptist Church of Marianna, where she particularly enjoyed her Sunday School Class. She began her working career at Hightower Pharmacy in Marianna. She worked off and on while raising a family. After moving to Marianna, she served as a Pink Lady at Jackson Hospital and spent many years in charge of the Gift Shop.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings including her brothers, Robert McNeal and Curtis McNeal and sister, Marjorie Rowley. Also, her husband of almost 63 years, E.K. Pittman (Kent).

She is survived by her two children, Patricia Gay and husband, Ed (Pete) Gay of Bellville, Texas; son, Edward Kent Pittman, Jr. and wife,  Linda of Crawfordville, Florida, two nephews, three nieces, six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Revs. Jonathan Gay and Mike Evans officiating, James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.  She will be laid to rest at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Marianna, FL.

The family will receive and greet guest one hour prior to funeral services.

The family ask in lieu of flowers, you make a contribution to the American Cancer Society or your local Hospice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at James & Sikes Funeral Homes • Maddox Chapel

Mrs. Gladys Wiggette, age 73, of Covington, Georgia and formerly of Jacob City, Florida passed recently.

She is survived by Four Brothers:  Maxie Walker of Jacob City, Florida; Jimmy Walker of Dacoma, Washington; J.C. Russ of Chipley, Florida; J.B. Russ of Dothan, Alabama and a Brother-in-law:  Arthur Lee Rhynes of Jacob City, Florida.

Memorialization was by cremation.

Local information provided by Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.

Bobbie J. Harris age 78 of Marianna passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at her home. Bobbie was a native of Jackson County born on September 23, 1939 to the late Lonnie McCoy and Bonnie Hicks Peacock. She attended Cypress Baptist Church & Welcome Assembly of God Church. Bobbie was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her family and her dog.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edwin Peacock, her step-father Jakie Peacock, and her first husband, Gene Morris, the father of her children.

Bobbie is survived by three daughters Lynn Hobbs and husband Glenn of Marianna, Marla O’Pry and husband Bill of Clermont, Fl, and Lisa Tinoco and husband Christopher of Marianna, three sisters; Sadie P. Dixon of Tallahassee, Shirley Barwick and husband Jack of Marianna, and Kathy Roberts and husband Lou of Marianna, three grandchildren; Ryan Hobbs, Jessica Howard, and Joseph Howard, 6 great grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren Lori Hoyt, and Jason O’Pry. Bobbie is also survived by two special friends Mary Love, and Donna O’Bryan

Services for Bobbie will be held at 3:00 P.M., on Monday, March 19, 2018 in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Jack Barwick and Janice Oliver officiating. Interment will follow in the Cottondale Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until time of service.

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

Mrs. Willie Mae Pittman Donaldson of Tampa, FL, formerly of Campbellton, FL, transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on March 9, 2018.  

Graveside service will be held Monday, March 19, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery 1935 Jacob Rd. Jacob City, FL. Rev. Obadiah White, Pastor.

Vann Funeral Home will be in charge of the service.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, a loving family:

Children: Hiwatha Donaldson, Leo Donaldson Jr., Kenneth Donaldson (Gail), Lesila Bennett (Milton)

And a host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, In-Laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends

Cynthia Ann Ellis, 71, of Malone, died Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Marianna Pavilion.

Cynthia was born October 12, 1946 in New Orleans, LA to the late Galitan and Dorothy Canman.  She loved to ride her bicycle, listen to 60’s and 70’s music, visit everyone around town, and spend time with her family. 

Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, Galitan and Dorothy Canman; her loving husband of 38 years, Larry H. Ellis; one brother, Joey Canman; one sister, Arlene Eagen and one son in law, Dennis Peters.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Peters; her son, Michael Ellis and wife, Nicole; one sister, Lynn Chacon; three grand children, Sierra Roscoe and husband, Fred, Samuel Ellis, and Kiley Ellis and one great grandchild, Abbi Roscoe; caregiver, Denise Fears, and a very special friend, Flora Beard. 

A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Rev. Ken Beard officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

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

Neta Bell Pledger, 96, of the Hasty Pond Community died Friday, March 16, 2018 at her residence. 

Neta was born  February 28, 1922, in Altha. She was native and life long resident of Jackson county. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She was of the baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Josie Shelton of Altha; her husband, E.T. Pledger; daughter,Nancy Jo Vickery (Wilburn) of Cantonment, Fl.

She is survived by her Children, Marjorie Lipford and husband, Millard of Marianna, Fl, Charles Pledger and wife, Barbara, of Marianna, Fl, Carolyn Vickery and husband, James Earl of Cantonment, Fl, Tommy Pledger and Ann Kirkland of Marianna, Fl; 16 grand children; 31 great grandchildren; 40 great-great grandchildren; three great-great-great grandchildren. 

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2018 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in Marianna with Rev. John Hagan officiating. Interment will follow in Hasty Pond Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

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

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at James & Sikes Funeral Homes • Maddox Chapel