Mr. Billy Joe Stevenson, age 63, of Marianna, FL went home to be with the Lord on December 6, 2018 in Marianna, Florida.

Brother Billy Joe Stevenson, affectionately known as “Joe”, was born on January 6, 1955 to the late Frank Stevenson, Jr., and Dorothy Hayes Stevenson in Panama City, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shante’ Stevenson and sister, Chrisher Stevenson Swinton. Joe attended Jackson County Training School and Marianna High School.

He enlisted in the United States Army where he was a Rifle Sharpshooter. He received an Honorable Discharge. After returning home from the Military, he was employed as a roofer with Collins Roofing and later became self-employed in the roofing and carpentry business. Later in life, Joe suffered several major strokes which left him impaired and disabled.

During his final years, he was admitted to Marianna Health and Rehabilitation Center. His health continued to deteriorate. He was readmitted to Jackson Hospital the last week of August. On the forth Sunday in August, Joe was giving only forty-eight hours to live by medical professionals and the family was called in. However, God had another plan for him. Extending his time, slowing his heart rate down to normal and allowing him to be taken off life support and back to breathing on his own. It was during this recovery, he acknowledged the Lord as his Savior.

On the evening of December 6, 2018, he quietly slipped away to his eternal home.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: daughters, Markeisha Stevenson and Brittany Merritt both of Marianna, FL; granddaughters: Lajuanna Gardner, Dashonna Gardner, Kagan Johnson, Ashanti Barkley and Aaliyah Corbett; his mother: Dorothy Stevenson; brother: Larry Hayes, Sr. (Louise) of Marianna, FL; sisters, Pastor Vickie S. Folks (Deacon Steven Folks) of Anniston, AL and  Dr. Evangelist Roymonia Wilson (Pastor Richard Wilson) of Marianna, FL; brother-in-law, the Reverend E. Maxie Swinton of  Atlanta GA; nephews: Shannon Graham of Memphis, TN, Dana Swinton of Clarksville, TN, Gregory Hayes of Monticello, FL, Larry Hayes, Jr., Orentheal Williams both of Tallahassee, FL; Dejuan Graham, Steven Folks, Jr. of Anniston, AL; Lorinthiel Hayes of Phoenix City, AL, Reginald Robinson of Oklahoma, City, OK, Jeremy Robinson of Orlando, FL, Brett Swinton of Killeen, TX; nieces: Dr. LonTejuana Hunter Cooper (Deacon Quinton Cooper) and Brenda Hayes of Tallahassee, FL, Kamona Hayes of Monticello, FL; special friends: Charlie Curry, Sr., William Smith, Jr., and Carlos Smith; a host of great nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 AM, Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Bethel Star Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, FL.

He was laid to rest in the Orange Hill Cemetery in Marianna with military honors under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville.

Mrs. Fannie Lee Walker Kendrick age 84 of Campbellton, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 10, 2018 in the Jackson Hospital  in Marianna, Florida.

She was a native of Jackson County, later moved to Miami, Florida. She was converted at an early age and joined St. Paul AME Church of Campbellton Florida.

She moved to Miami Florida in 1969. She was a member of Crusaders for Christ, under leadership of Pastor Porter, where she served as a Deaconess, until her health failed and she moved back home to Campbellton Florida.

Fannie Kendrick is predeceased by husband, Eddie Kendrick; her parents, Lessie and Delia Walker; brothers: Willie Bush and Cornelius Walker.

She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Annie Everette of Campbellton, Florida. Her sisters-in-law: Alberta Anderson, Beverly Kendrick and Callie Kendrick all of Union Springs Alabama and Georgia Mae Kendrick of Haines City, Florida; brothers-in-law: Turner Kendrick and Johnnie Kendrick of both Haines City, Florida; godsons: Dontae, Justin and Sheldrick of Miami Gardens, FL; several nieces, nephews and host of relatives and friends; special nieces: Jacqueline, Wanda, Patricia, Tasha and Ariana; special nephews: (Ricky – deceased) Anthony, Kip, Travis and Matthew; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2018 at M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, Florida.

She was laid to rest in the Saint Paul/New Bethel’s Cemetery in Campbellton, FL under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville.

Van Goodsell Roark, 61 of Cottondale, passed from this life on November 17, 2018 at his residence.

Van was born on December 5, 1956 in Lenoir, North Carolina to Emmett and Doris Stephens Roark. He was an Electrician by trade and attained his Bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. His life was spent helping others, taking mission trips to Africa, and working with Samaritan’s Purse after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. He loved spending time outdoors skiing, deep sea fishing, and diving. He was a member of Alford Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father: Emmett Goodsell Roark; sister: Lynda Stephenson.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Roark of Cottondale, Florida; brother: Steve Roark and wife Charlotte of Cottondale, Florida; sister: Jane Gage and husband John of Smithville, Virginia; nephews: Doug Ware of Tallahassee, Florida, Mark Streb and wife Chris of California, David Roark and wife Colleen of Bonifay, Florida, Patrick Roark and wife Elizabeth of Chipley, Florida; nieces: Krista Rankin and husband Brent of Tallahassee, Florida, Amy Herring and husband Matt of Holly Springs, North Carolina. 

A memorial service will be held in his honor 11A.M. Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Alford Baptist Church in Alford, Florida with Rev. Bob Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Obert Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in his honor to Samaritan’s Purse or the Alford Baptist Church Building Fund.

George W. Benefield, Jr. age 48 of Alford passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 in Jackson Hospital. 

Jr. was a native of Alford born on February 2, 1970 to the late George W. Benefield, Sr. and Glenda Odom. He was known to be a  “Jack of all trades”, who enjoyed hunting and fishing in Spring Creek and the Chipola River. 

Jr. had a heart of gold and will be missed by many.

Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, paternal & maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his children Derek Benefield of Marianna, Levi Benefield of Cottondale, Urijah Brannon of Alford and Atreyu Brannon of Alford, brothers Shaun Allen Benefield (Angela) of Georgetown, Ga, and Christopher Lee Benefield of Alford,  and sister Vicki Lynn Benefield Barber(Dewayne) of  Cottondale.

 Jr. is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Donnie Shores, Jr. of Kynesville.

A celebration of life service for Jr. will be held at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, December 20, 2018 in the Marianna Chape Funeral Home with Rev. Rich Ellison officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

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

Lois Bell, 71 of the Poplar Springs Community, Graceville, Florida passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 at Flowers Hospital following a sudden illness.

 Lois was born in Vernon, Florida on Aprill 5, 1947 to the late John D. and Doris Miller Best. Moving to Phenix City, AL for several years, Lois was a 1965 graduate of Central High School and attended Columbus College. Her passion was taking care of her beloved husband, children and grandchildren. Lois was a gifted pianist and was a member of Church of God International Association.

A Celebration of Her Life will be 2 p.m., Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing.

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

Preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Earnest Best and Glenn Best. 

Survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, H. Stafford Bell, son Kristin Bell, two daughters Keresa (Ray) Brock, Alisa Deavours; one brother Gene (Nova) Best, Graceville, FL; six grandchildren Kaleb Brock, Clint (Taylor) Brock, Seth Bell, Shane Deavours, Kindell Bell, Madison Bell; four great grandchildren Kaden Brock,

Abigail Brock, Jocelyn Brock and Lincoln Brock; two aunts Ada (Kent) Ramsey, Jualiska Snellgrove; and a host of other extended family.

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

Norman W. Davis, 88, of Lovedale Community, passed away Saturday December 15, 2018 at his home surrounded by his children. 

He was born June 4, 1930 in Jackson County, Florida to Mellie Ray Davis and Andrew Neal Davis.  Mr. Davis moved to Panama City, Florida in the early 1950’s with the love of his life, Doris Collins Davis.  Norman began his 30 year career in law enforcement at the Panama City Police Department but was later coaxed into joining the Bay County Sheriff’s Department by the late M.J. “Doc” Daffin, who he admired.  

While in Panama City, he was a member and deacon at Highland Park Baptist Church.  Norman retired in the early 90’s and moved back to his family home in Lovedale, where he was a member and deacon at the Lovedale Baptist Church.  He also attended the Saturday morning prayer group. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Neal Davis and Mellie Davis; his wife, Doris Collins Davis; his sister, Imogene Jones, and his brothers, Lamar, Harold, Kenneth, and Jerrell Davis.  

Norman Davis is survived by his children, Andrew Davis (Kathy), Cindi Mashburn, and Dottie Shaughnessy; brothers Max (Doris), and Duane (Helen); seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a brother-in-law O.M. Collins, and sisters-in-law Gale Spirakis and Charlotte Davis.  

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2018 at Lovedale Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Canada officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Lovedale Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, Marianna, Florida.

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

Mr. Brandon Johnson of Marianna, Florida transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Celebration of Life services for Mr. Brandon Johnson will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM EST from sanctuary of the New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 23209 Blue Star Highway in Quincy, Florida with the Reverend Charles A. Morris (pastor) and the Reverend Gerald McSwain, Sr. officiating. 

Interment will be in the Sunnyvale Cemetery in Quincy, Florida. Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Mr. Johnson will lie in repose at the church from 10:00 AM EST until time for the funeral service.

He leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond and loving memories, a loving and devoted family. 

 Gone to soon, Little Master Kylin Syeer Mathis and Little Misses Kaalan Jeanette Mathis entered into this world on December 11th and became angels before days end on December 11th in Gainesville, Florida.

 Surviving family regretting not having the opportunity to create treasured memories, but are rejoicing that they are now angels in heaven is their mother, Adrianna R. Mathis of Greenwood, Florida; grandmother, Edith J. Mathis of Greenwood, Florida; grandfather, Raymond Mathis; and aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

 Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 19th at 12 noon at  Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Waymond Roulhac officiating.  Interment will follow with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home in Marianna.

Mr. Jurden Sims of Augusta, Georgia and formerly of Clearwater, Florida entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 13 at Advanced Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater with his family at his side.   He was 61 years old.

 Precious memories will forever linger with five children, Taaka Bennett and husband Michael of Orlando, Florida, Jurden Sims, Jr. and wife Latavsha of Deltona, Florida, Tamiria Sims of Denver, Colorado, Jonathan Sims and wife Latoya of Augusta, Georgia and Vilanequa Boston and husband Quinton of Marianna, Florida; four sisters, Sarah Holley (Clarence), Curlean Townsend (Rudolph), Ethel Faison (Gus) all of Clearwater, Florida and Angie Sims of Miami, Florida; two step brothers, Clarence Pittman (Julia) and David Pittman (Debbie); step sister, Linda Bullard (Courtland); seven aunts, Gehazel Sims, Edna Golden, Lillian McHellon, Elmira Davis-Acrie, Mittie Johnson, Mattie Johnson and Jessie Golden; six uncles, Ben Sims, Jr., Edward Sims, Lonnie Pollock, T.C. Pollock, Joseph Pollock and James Pollock; 17 grandchildren; longtime companion, Betty Everette of Augusta, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

 A celebration of Jurden’s life will be held Saturday, December 22nd at 12 noon at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Dwight Cockerham Sr. and Min, Elmira Davis-Acrie officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.

 Jurden will lie-in-repose for one hour prior to the 12 noon funeral time on Saturday at Mt. Tabor.

Hugh Don Wilson, 80, of Kinard, Florida passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born in Sneads, Florida on October 6, 1938.   Don was a veteran of the US Navy and was honored to serve his country.  He was a hardworking man, a loving father, proud grandfather and great grandfather.  Don loved fishing and was an avid league bowler.  He was a pilot and was very proud of his private pilot license he had attained.  He loved his family and spending time with them.  Don will be missed by his family and many friends. 

Don is survived by his daughter, Donl Wilson Atkins of Kinard, FL; one son, Billy Wilson of Savannah, GA; two brothers, Tim Wilson of Atlanta, GA and Danny Wilson of Oxford, GA; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Helen Wilson; three daughters, Terrie Wilson Kelley, Wendy Lee Wilson, and Shirley Bolt Estes; and one brother Gene Wilson.

Visitation for family and friends will take place at Mill Springs Baptist Church Friday, December 21, 2018, at 1:00 PM CST.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 PM CST with Reverend Steven Conrad officiating. Interment will be private on a later date.

Clayton “Buddy” Odell Rooks, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2018, at his home in Marianna, FL.  

Buddy was a lifelong resident of Jackson County and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He retired from Marianna Toyota, after spending his life working as a mechanic for several car dealerships and the community at large. He enjoyed working on cars at his mechanic shop next-door while drinking Dr. Pepper and eating Reese’s cups. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could be found playing pranks on his friends and family at all hours. He was blessed with a large, close-knit family and loved them as much as they love him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Odell Rooks, Sr., and Lee Chance Rooks.  

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elynor Jarvis Kindig Rooks; his children, Clayton Odell Rooks III and wife, Amy, Linda Lee Harrell and husband, Rick, Homer Travis Rooks and wife, Wyndee, Elizabeth Anne Pruett and husband, Freddy, and Mary Margaret Farris and husband, Jonathan; his grandchildren, Maggie Rooks, Clayte Rooks, Madison Harrell, Maxwell Harrell, Fredd Pruett, Grady Farris, Maegan Pruett, Mattie Rooks, Emma Farris, Ella Rooks, Riley Farris, Jacob Pruett, and Graycee Rooks; his siblings, Betty Rooks Cass and husband, Ernie, Doyle Rooks and wife, Judy, Jack Rooks and wife, Rhonda, and Carolyn Nobles.  

A graveside Service will be held at Sink Creek Cemetery at 10 am, Saturday, December 22, 2018,  with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Covenant Hospice in honor of Buddy. 

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

Mrs. Catherine Spires better known as “Sugar” of Marianna, Florida transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Sunday, December 23, 2018 in Marianna Health & Rehabilitation Center. 

Mrs. Spires was a member of the Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 12:00 Noon from the sanctuary of the New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church with the Reverend Claude Holden officiating. Interment in the Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in Marianna, Florida. Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Mrs. Spires will lie in repose from 11:00 AM until time for the service. 

The family will receive friends at Vann Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Mrs. Spires leaves to cherish a lifetime of lasting memories, a loving family:

Two Sons: Joseph Killings (Pauline) of Hartford, Alabama; and John Holland (Paulette) of Marianna, Florida

One Daughter: Stephanie Holland of Marianna, Florida

Stepdaughter: Carrie Etheridge of Kileen, Texas

Stepson: Henry Spires, Jr. of Cottondale, Florida

Granddaughters: Saprina Riley of Baltimore, Maryland; Constance Killings of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Kenya Golden of Marianna, Florida; Zoshia Killings of Marianna, Florida; LaToya Antoine (Modler) of Davenport,  Florida; Jan Jackson of Enterprise, Alabama; and Mashea Star of Panama City, Florida

Grandsons: Brandon Killings (Anola) of Tallahassee, Florida; Antrone Groomes (Tiffany) of Williston, North Dakota

Step Granddaughter: Natasha Couch of Marianna, Florida

Step Great Grandson: Ja’Corian Borders of Marianna, Florida 

Two Sisters: Ella Ree Holden of Marianna, Florida; and Leola Johnson of Marianna, Florida

Aunt: Frances Wooden of Tampa, Florida

10 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren

A beloved family close to her heart: the Rowe Family 

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

Mrs. Freida Nell Williams of Blountstown, Florida transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Sunday, December 23, 2018 in Calhoun-Liberty Hospital in Blountstown, Florida. 

Mrs. Williams was a member of the Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and was a manager at Model Dry Cleaners for years where she served the public with distinction. To know her was to love her. 

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM from the sanctuary of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 16076 SE River Street in Blountstown, Florida with the Reverend Angus Jackson (pastor) officiating. Interment in the Magnolia Cemetery. Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Mrs. Williams leaves to cherish a lifetime of precious memories, a loving and devoted family. 

Mr. Bernard “Bernie/Nard” Gaines Herring, Sr. 83, of Dothan Alabama passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018 surrounded by his loving  family.

A Mass of Christian Burial were held at 10a.m. Wednesday, December 26th at St. Columba Catholic Church located 2700 West main Street in Dothan, AL, with Reverend Msgr. Patrick Gallagher officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery located at 1700 Barring Road Dothan, AL with McKinnie Funeral Home of Campbellton directing.

Bernard was born on September 4, 1935 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Wesley Gaines, Sr. and Idell Patricia Smith Herring. 

He retired from the Navy in 1960 and Stone Container after 36 years.

He was an avid Ham Radio Operator, Deep Sea Fisherman, and an Electrical Engineer. 

He leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife of 57 years Geraldine Daniels Herring of Dothan, Alabama; 3 sons: Bernard Gaines Herring, Jr. (Rosie) of Dothan, Alabama, Martin F. Herring (Beverly) and Eric C. Herring (Sherri) both of Jacksonville, Florida; 2 siblings: Nathaniel Herring of Jacksonville, Florida; Floria Herring Dew (Jay) of Houston, Texas and a host of Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Donald W. Johns age 87 of Cottondale passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. He was born in Fort Myers on July 30, 1931 to the late Earnest James  and Viola Byrd Johns. Donald spent most of his life in Cottondale where he worked as a State Inspector for the Department of Agriculture. He was a member and past deacon of the First Baptist Church.  Donald loved his family dearly and cherished every minute spent with them. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and was an avid sports fan. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Clara Johns; siblings, Fred Johns, Cecil Johns, E.J Johns, Lawrence Johns, and Voncile Johns. 

He is survived by his children, Jerry Johns, Jeanie Gorton and husband Douglas, Denise Byrd and husband Tim; grandchildren, Jennifer, Alex, Evan, Jeremy, Luke, and one great grandchild, Bodhi.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 in the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Cottondale First Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Lillie Mae Johnson Baker of Marianna, Florida transitioned from life temporal to life eternal on Monday, December 24, 2018 in Signature Healthcare at the Courtyard.

Mrs. Baker was a member of the Pope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She retired as a cook from the former 76 Truck Stop where she was known for her cinnamon rolls. To know her was to love her. 

 Homegoing Celebration services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM from the sanctuary of Pope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 4898 Pope Chapel Circle in Marianna, Florida 32446 with the Reverend Larry D. Brown (pastor), Reverend Abraham Johnson, Reverend Gloria Wynn, Reverend Carl Hill, and the Reverend William Harvey officiating. Interment in the Pope Chapel Cemetery. Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Mrs. Baker will lie in repose at the church from 10:00 AM until time for the service. 

The family will receive friends at Vann Funeral Home from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 27, 2018. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two sons: Samuel M. Baker (Kathy) of Wichita, Kansas; and Alvin N. Baker (Dora) of Montgomery, Alabama; two daughters: Shirley B. Young of Marianna, Florida; and Tangelyn B. Clemmons (Willie) of Campbellton, Florida; two granddaughters: Tawana T. Young of Panama City, Florida; and Angela N. Baker of Wichita, Kansas: four grandsons: Adrian Baker (Shameka) and Andre Baker of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Stephen A. Young of Davis, California, and Joshua X. Clemmons of Fairfax, Virginia; four great grandchildren: Cycloria C. Young of Panama City, Florida; Amaya, Austin, and Aiden Baker all of Montgomery, Alabama; as a daughter: Estella Johnson; godchildren: Clarence Holden, Lillie Worlds, Melvin and Diane Monroe, and Frieda Mercers; sisters-in-law: Barbara Johnson of Marianna, Florida, and Mary J. Baker and Joanne Hayes both of Greenwood, Florida; and a brother-in-law: Johnnie Baker of Greenwood, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. 

Mr. Henry Adam Hogue of Port St. Joe, Florida entered into eterenal rest on Wednesday, December 19 at his residence.   He was 63 years old.

 A native of Bay County, he resided most of his life in Gulf County.  He was of the Holiness faith and a member of Church of God in Christ.

 He leaves precious memories with his wife, Rosylan Hogue of Port St. Joe, Florida; three children, Michael Byrd of St. Petersburg, Florida, Javarri Beachum of Pensacola, Florida and Kiristen Thomas of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; one granddaughter, Halayah Underwood of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two brothers, Clarence Hogue and wife Virginia of Panama City, Florida and Robert Laird of Germany; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

 A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday, December 29th at 1p.m. est at Church of God in Christ located at 163 Avenue D in Port St. Joe with Pastor David Woods officiating.  Interment will follow in the Forrest Hill Cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.

Karen Elaine Horton Howell was born July 1, 1948 to the late MSgt. Edwin Horton (Ret. USAF) and Monta Horton at Eglin AFB, Florida.  After spending part of her childhood in Tripoli, Libya, she grew up in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School.  She met the man who would become her husband of over 49 years while working as a resort lifeguard.  It was love at first sight for him, but she would need a bit more convincing.

She married Bernard Howell on August 30th, 1969.  The first of two children arrived in 1972.  In 1974, she moved to Bernard’s hometown of Chattahoochee, Florida. A second daughter joined the family in 1977.  Karen operated her own in-home daycare for several years.  When the girls were old enough to be trusted not to burn down the house, Karen went out into the workforce.  Over the next 15 years, only one fire was reported.  Karen worked at Knots N Such Florist and Gifts and after its closing, Magnolia’s of Chattahoochee.  Karen was a magnificent floral designer and decorator. Many in town and surrounding areas attest that no one else’s work could ever hold a candle to the beauty and quality of hers. Her golden heart and loving spirit were the added bonus to her customers.

Karen was a voracious reader and loved all things sci-fi, fantasy and action/adventure.  (It is a little known fact that she was actually the 7th Avenger and the original Mother of Dragons.)  She truly had a zest for life.  She loved going on road trips with her children and the “sister of her heart” Frances Basford (they never got lost, but rather had “adventures”).  She found renewed strength in working in her daughter Susan’s vineyard, and gained newfound youth in activities with Christie, Johnny, and JJ like winning the biggest prizes at Dave and Busters, catching the biggest fish on Lake Seminole, and watching her J-Boy play sports. Karen was the “Grannay” of the ballfields, having adopted dozens of children and their families and loving them like her own.

Karen was a devoted and selfless wife and mother. She is survived by husband Bernard (her silver knight), daughters Susan (her sunshine) and Christie (her laughter) and grandson JJ (he who made her cup runneth over).  She also leaves behind two beloved sons in law she considered sons: Bruce Paul and Johnny Dolan. Additional survivors include special “sisters” Marti Howell Conner and Frances Basford and her wonderful neighbors Betty “Mama Bear” Barfield and Sheila “SheShe” Blount. Karen was a lover of animals great and small.  Besides being the proud grandmother to numerous grand-dogs and grand-cats, she will be missed greatly by her own kitties: Raider, Ghost, and Callie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to either of the following causes that were dear to her heart:  Jackson County Partners for Pets 4011 Maintenance Drive Marianna, FL  32448 and Gadsden County Humane Society PO Box 1268 Havana, FL  32333

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida on Monday, December 31, 2018 at 10:30 AM EST with Reverend Robert Johns and Reverend Mike Hutcherson officiating.  Visitation with family and friends will be Sunday, December 30, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST at McAlpin Funeral Home. 

Interment will be private on a later date.

Mary Catherine (Cathy) Heidler, 97, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 22, 2018.

She was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania on October 11,1921. Mary (Cathy) Heidler was a long time member of Eastside Baptist church in Marianna, Florida. She also enjoyed the ministries of Dahlonega Baptist church in Dahlonega, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell D Heidler, Sr.; son, Howard L Fullwood; daughter, Wendy Fullwood; parents, Robert L. & Nancy Swartzlander.

Survivors include two sons, Greg Fullwood (Julie) and Russell D. Heidler, Jr. (Dee Ann); daughters, Melinda McDuffie (Danny) and Mary Anne Heidler; grandchildren, Kyle Hardin, Jesse Hardin, Barbara Balles, Susan Gomez, Jennifer Fullwood; along with several great grandchildren. 

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Pastor Jim Lyons officiating. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

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

Curtis Arlon Stephens, celebrated his 78th birthday in the presence of the Lord on December 27, 2018.  He died at University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital.  Arlon was born in Donalsonville, Georgia on December 27, 1940  to Curt & Inez Stephens. He served with honor in the U S Air Force. Arlon retired from the Jackson County Board of Commissioners as purchasing agent after serving as Road and Bridge Superintendent many years.  Arlon was a member of Eastside Baptist Church since 1964, where he proudly served as a deacon for almost 50 years. He was also a longtime member of the Marianna Lions Club.

Arlon was preceded in death by his parents; a brother,  Earl Stephens;  sister in law, Geraldine Stephens and a brother in law, Jim Goodson. 

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Kent Stephens; his son, Bill Stephens (Ana); daughter, Amber Stephens Tucker (Paul) ; sister, Jeanette Goodson;  four grandchildren, Curt Stephens, Riby Stephens, Lori Tucker and  Leah Tucker.  He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2018 at Eastside Baptist Church with Dr. Shawn Buice officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Eastside Baptist Church, 4785 Highway 90 East, Marianna. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Eastside Baptist Church Building Fund.

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