Obituaries

Obituaries, week of January 31, 2021

William “Sarge” Wilson, Sr.

Wilson

Mr. William “Sarge” Wilson, Sr., age 66, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla. He was a native of Atmore, Ala. and had resided in Century, Fla. most of his life. He loved his wife, children, especially his grandchildren and hunting. He was a 1973 graduate of Century High School. He retired from the Alabama National Guard with twenty-seven years of service; was a veteran of Iraqi Freedom and was retired from Georgia Pacific Papermill with twenty-eight years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Levonia Hammond Wilson; brothers, Alton Wilson, Jr., Nollon Wilson and Comer Wilson, and sisters, Juanita Driskell and Nadine McCaw.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Rose Odom Wilson of Century; two sons, William Willie Wilson, Jr. of Flomaton, Ala. and Jeremiah Jack (Lindsey) Wilson of Century; one brother, Charles (Cathy) Wilson of Century; six sisters, Sylvia (Carl) Godwin and Shirley (Lavon “Whitty”) White, all of Century, Faye (Bobby) McGill of Pensacola, Fla., Willine (Preston) Bryan of Byrneville, Fla., Lois Aboud of Plano, Texas, and JoAnn Driskell of Ala.; two grandchildren, Natalee Mae Wilson and Jaxon Nolon Wilson and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Bro. Tim Floyd officiating. Burial followed at Beulah Chapel Cemetery.
The family received friends Friday, January 29, 2021 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.

Donald “Duck” Phillips

Philips

Mr. Donald “Duck” Phillips, age 76, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his home in Uriah, Ala. He was a native of Little River, Ala., former resident of Baldwin County, Ala. and had resided in Uriah for the past fifty-five years. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, fishing, hunting and telling duck tales. He was a retired Forester with Swift Lumber Company with twenty years of service and worked with Charles Gantt Gravel Company. He was a handyman, a “Mr. Fixit.”  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Drew and Maggie Phillips; twin brother, Ronald Phillips, and brothers, Charles Phillips, Murray Phillips and Bill Phillips.
Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Doris Phillips of Uriah; two sons, Chris Phillips and Shannon (Katrina) Gregson, all of Uriah; one daughter, Tammy Gunn of Uriah; three brothers, Jerry (Faye) Phillips of Cullman, Ala., Jimmy (Carolyn) Phillips of Uriah and Frank Phillips of Biloxi, Miss.; three sisters, Judy (Jamie) Peak of Pine Grove, Ala., Myrtle Daszczuk of Foley, Ala. and Earnestine Owens of Uriah; nine grandchildren, Amanda (James) Akins, Corey Phillips, Catelyn Phillips, Taylor Gunn, Shanna Gregson, Stormy Gregson, Nicole Phillips, Caleb Gregson and Tylan Gregson; five great-grandchildren, Easton, Gracelyn, Zoey, Jaelyn and Ariella and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Cornelius Philllips officiating. Burial followed at Poplar Springs Cemetery.
The family received friends Friday, January 29, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were James Akins, Tyler Williams, Ryan Albritton, Kyle Albritton, Caleb Gregson, Austin Johnson and Tony Sells.
Honorary pallbearers were Bert Gantt and Trey Gantt.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.

Patricia Ann Weekley

Weekley

Mrs. Patricia Ann Weekley, age 58, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla.
She was a native and life-long resident of Atmore, Ala. She was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, where she served on the Tribal Council for one term and was the HR Director. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dog, Cuddle Bears. She enjoyed swimming and going to the beach and creek, and Alabama Football.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Voncille Rolin, and brother, Randy Rolin.
Mrs. Weekley is survived by her husband of eleven years, William Weekley of Atmore; one son, Lance Hodges of Atmore; one daughter, Mandy Hodges of Atmore; one sister, JoAnn Heibert of Atmore; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Ronald Taylor

Taylor

Mr. Ronald Taylor, age 68, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at his home in Saraland, Ala. He was a native of Mobile, Ala. and had resided in Saraland for most of his life. He was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and was the Son of a Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Vivian Taylor; his twin brother, Donald Taylor, and three sisters, Patsy Presley, Connie Wilmore and Shelia Whitley.
Mr. Taylor is survived by the mother of his children, Jeneta Porter of Eight Mile, Ala.; two sons, Patrick Taylor of Mobile, Ala. and David Taylor of Saraland; two daughters, Tina (Allen) Jenkins of Silas, Ala. and Cristal Taylor of Mobile; fifteen grandchildren, Kristen Jenkins, Garrett Jenkins, Mason Jenkins, Aalyah Misora, Izak Taylor, Marrissa Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Braxton Ross, Kortni Hill, Chase Jordan, Leslie Carlisle, Kolya Carlisle, Ariona Carlisle and Devon Stevens; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Gospel Light Church.
The family received friends Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Gospel Light Church.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.

Deborah Paulette Graham

Graham

HHMs. Deborah Paulette Graham, age 58, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Atmore Community Hospital. She was born in Atmore to Thelma Ruth Graham and the late James Otis Fantroy. She graduated from Escambia County High School and attended Alabama State University and graduated as a CNA from Faulkner State Community College. She was a member of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Adell and William Cheeseborrough and James Franklin Fantroy; one sister, Latrena Graham.

Ms. Graham is survived by two children, Christopher Cole and Amber Graham; three brothers, Dwight Fantroy, Michael Graham and James (Mary) Graham; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 29, 2021, 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Atmore.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Jerry Mack Stuckey

Stuckey

Mr. Jerry Mack Stuckey, age 73, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021.  He was born in Atmore, Ala. to the late Matthew and Callie Louise Baker Stuckey. He was a member of Dry Springs Community Church. He was a pipefitter most of his life and retired from Swift Supply where he was employed as a security guard. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois Yvonne Stuckey; his brother, Matthew “Chic” Stuckey, and his sister, Farristean Adams. 

Mr. Stuckey is survived by his daughter, Pamela “Renee” Boyington of Atmore; his sons, Jerrywayne (Tracy) Stuckey of Walnut Hill, Fla. and Clifford (Katrina) Stuckey of McDavid, Fla.; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services were held Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Gipson and Bro. John Spence officiating. Interment followed at Pineville Cemetery in Pineville, Fla. 

Active pallbearers were Clifford Stuckey, Troy Stuckey, Dustin Boyington, Dakota Stuckey, Jerrywayne Stuckey and Tony Hadley.

The family received friends Monday, February 1, 2021 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. 

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Shelia Jeanette Pickens-Walker

Walker

Mrs. Shelia Jeanette Pickens-Walker, age 62, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 at Atmore Community Hospital. She was born in Atmore to the late Nathaniel and Charlotte Pickens. She loved to worship, sing and minister God’s word at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was a 1976 graduate of Escambia County Training School She proudly served on the ministerial staff as an Evangelist, Youth Coordinator and clerk at First Pentecostal.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Wanda Gulley; brother, Jimmy Jones; and father-in-law, Ishmael Walker. Sr.

Mrs. Pickens-Walker is survived by her husband, Isaac Walker, Sr.; children, LaBarryon (Felicia) Walker of Bay Minette, Ala., Isaac (Megan) Walker, Jr., Artremas (Kendra) Walker, both of Atmore, Julia (Terrell) Reese of Baltimore, Md.; grandchildren, TyTill Woods, Maliyah Smith, Jada Gulley, Destiny Rollin, Cierra Banks, Shameshia America, Isaiah America, Jamison Rogers, Major Walker, Ian Walker, Makayla Sells, Jaylen Walker, Angelina Walker, Kobe Walker, Shanyla Walker, Joseph Chisolm, Rachel Harrison, Nigel Harrison, Tyler Reese, Terrell Reese, Jr.; brothers and sisters, Pastor Lillie Patterson, Apostle Charlie (Jacqueline) Etheridge, Annie Williams, Pearl (Willie) Brown, Shirley Boggan, Theron (Shannon) Stallworth, George Adams, Warb Morris, Essie Mae Walker; Godchildren, Katrice Tucker, Mia Gaines, Tadadrain Crook, Desmond Grubbs, Janice McMillan, Maurice Etheridge, Jr.; special daughter, Trixie.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 30, 2021, 2 p.m., First Pentecostal Church with Apostle Charlie Etheridge, Pastor; Pastor Michael Arnold, officiating; Bishop Maurice Etheridge, eulogist.

Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery, Atmore.

Pallbearers were her sons and nephews.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Carol Yvette Wenger            

Mrs. Carol Yvette Wenger, age 60, of Lobelville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021. She was born in Atmore, Ala. to the late Boyd Sigafoose and Judith (Eck) Sigafoose. She grew up in Bratt, Fla., on the Sigafoose Dairy Farm. She attended Bratt Elementary and Escambia Academy. She was baptized into The Church of God in Christ Mennonite. She married Dale Wenger, on December 31, 1978 and started their wonderful adventure with three girls, Beth (Chuck Chick), Laura (Darryl Ensz), and Annie (Kevin Klassen). Carol was also, in part, a mother to Kevin Tucker, Marnin Gehman, Ray Flowers, and Trevor Jantz. After many years farming in the Walnut Hill area, they relocated to Lobelville, Tenn. Carol told of her love for their “shouse” on a small piece of property in the hills of Tennessee they had carved out. They shared stories of the love they had for their Church in Lobelville, and the wonderful folks who made up their local Church Family. Her wishes were to be laid to rest in Lobelville, as this was their home. 

She was preceded death by her father, Boyd Sigafoose, and her brother, Joe Sigafoose.  

Mrs. Wenger is survived by her husband, Dale Wenger; her mother, Judith Sigafoose; four sisters, Emily, Miranda, Alana, and Haven; three brothers, Boyd Jr., James, and Carter; three daughters, Beth, Laura, and Annie; seven grandchildren, Tiana Chick, Evan Chick, Ike Ensz, Paxton Ensz, Madison Klassen, Chloe Klassen, and Gabriella Klassen; many extended family and friends. 

The family received friends Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 5 until 6 p.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church in Walnut Hill, Fla.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Lobelville, Tenn. Interment followed in Pleasant View Mennonite Church Cemetery.

The family received friends Monday, February 1, 2021 from 7 until 9 p.m. at Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Lobelville.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, Ala. and Young Funeral Home in Linden, Tenn. entrusted with arrangements.

Leigh Ann Macks

Macks

Mrs. Leigh Ann Macks, age 42, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla.  She was born in Pensacola, former resident of Century, Fla. and had resided in Jay, Fla. for the past twenty years. Her favorite activity was being with her family and friends on a river bank or the beach, and spoiling her babies. She was involved with the children ministries, loved singing in church with her sons and praising the Lord. She enjoyed woodwork and crafts, fishing and hunting. She was a rural mail carrier with over twelve years of service.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Orria and Betty Stuckey and Lester and Virginia Pierce, and aunt, Sandra Stuckey.
Mrs. Macks is survived by her father and step-mother, Paul and Karen Pierce of Ramsey, Ill.; mother and step-father, Judy and Donnie Waters of Canoe, Ala.; husband of twenty-one years, Don Wesley Macks of Jay; two sons, Tanner Lee Macks and Todd Wesley Macks, both of Jay; two brothers, Sam (Ashleigh) Pierce of Jay and Brian (Tracy) Pierce of Frisco City, Ala.; two sisters, Christina (Randy) Hoover of Mulberry, Ill. and Robin (Rico) Padilla of McDavid, Fla. and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Eric Bryan officiating.
The family will receive friends Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers family requests memorials are made to the PNH Research and Support Foundation at 4330 East West Highway, Suite 230, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.


Margaret Lanora Bennett

Mrs. Margaret Lanora Bennett, age 87, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021 in Atmore, Ala.
She was a native of Mobile, Ala., former resident of Magnolia Springs, Ala. and had resided in Bay Minette, Ala. for the past year. She was a retired Administrator. She loved puzzles, fishing and her family.
Mrs. Bennett was survived by one son, Mark (Linda) Lee of Gulf Shores, Ala.; one daughter, Sharon Wilson of Mobile; one sister, Harriet (Fond) Sibley of Mobile; six grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Ala.

Overseer Shawon Salter

Overseer Shawon Salter, age 48, Pastor of Harris Street AOH Church of God of Atmore, Ala., passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Springhill Memorial Hospital in Mobile, Ala.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Turner Funeral Chapel.

Claude L. Riley

Mr. Claude L. Riley, age 57, of Atmore (Freemanville Community), Ala. passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 at Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, Ala. He was born in Atmore to the late Clausell and Helen Riley. He was a 1981 graduate of Escambia County High School and an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan who also enjoyed fishing, attending church, basketball and sharing special moments with his grandchildren. He worked as a Lead man at Standard Furniture for over twenty years and was a member of Destiny Worship Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sylvia Riley, a sister, Linda Riley, and other family members. 

Mr. Riley is survived by his wife, Teresa Riley of Atmore; two daughters, Mia Riley of Atmore and LaShae Styron of New Orleans, La.; four sons, Claudero (Anjancice) Riley, Jonathan (Stefanie) Chong, all of Atmore, Manuel (Jennifer) Cintron of Los Angeles, Calif., and Michael Guzman of New York City, N.Y.; four sisters, Deloris Haskins-Barron (Freddie), Katrice Riley, and Veronica Riley, all of Los Angeles, Ca., and Cassondra Riley of Atmore; three brothers, Bryan (Katherine) Tunstall of Fairhope, Ala., Thomas (Mable) Riley of Flomaton, Ala. and Kendrick (Gina) Williams of Atmore; fifteen grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Celebration service of his life will be held Sunday, February, 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Bishop Bernard Bishop officiating.

Facial mask are mandatory for the viewing on Saturday and the funeral service on Sunday. Covid-19 guidelines will be followed.

Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.

Michael Dewayne Crook

Mr. Michael Dewayne Crook, age 45, of Brewton, Ala., passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021. He was a graduate of T.R. Miller High School and played on the Tigers basketball team for several years.

Mr. Crook is survived by his parents, Linda and David Crook, Sr.; son, Daniel Samuel; brother, David (Carolyn “Lisa” Williams) Crook, Jr., Brewton, Ala.; three nieces, Jasmine Crook, Khadijah Barton, Alexis McCreary, numerous aunts and uncles, special friends, Lakeka Brazile, Marquis Boston and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Annalese Crook Hodges, Officiating.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Rufus Sharpe, Jr.

Mr. Rufus Sharpe, Jr., of Atmore, Ala., passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Atmore Community Hospital.

The family will receive friends February 4, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services will be held Friday. February  5, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with burial at V.A. Cemetery at Spanish Fort, Ala.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Bessie Mahone

Bessie Mahone, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 at her home.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 5, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Wade Johnson, Sr.

Johnson

Mr. Wade Johnson, Sr., age 88, of McCullough, Ala., passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his home. He was a member of First Baptist Church of McCullough. He was employed as farmer, truck driver, construction worker. He founded and led a gospel group, The Johnson Singers, singing God’s praises.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three children, Lula, Barbara (child) and George (toddler); five brothers, Scott, Richard, Leroy, Charles and George (infant); four sisters, Mattrie, Mary, Dorothy and Alice (infant).

Mr. Johnson is survived by his children, Dorothy (Leon) Polk of Compton, Calif., Evelyn (d. John) Shurn of Albany, Calif.., Lucendia Johnson of Long Beach, Calif., Florastene ( Johnny) Grant of Compton, Calif., Wade (d. Alberta) Johnson of McCullough, Octavia (Michael) Lee of Richmand, Calif., Jerry (Rise) Johnson of Atmore, Vanessa (Larry) Johnson-Bridges of McCullough, Johnny Green and Kenny Ray Staples of Atmore, Anthony (Nicole) Green of Panama, Fla., Sherretta Lee of Pensacola, Fla., Debbie Sigler of Mobile, Ala; special Lady, Janie Staples.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of McCullough with Rev. Charles Jones, Pastor, officiating. Interment followed at First Baptist Church of McCullough Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Timothy English, Derrick Lawson, Phillip Smith, Rashard Pittman, Larry Bridges, Jr., and Wade Johnson III.

Honorary pallbearers were Deacons Clifford Thomas, James McNeil, Will Lawson, Willie Harris, Robert Nichold and Otis English.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Johnny Rushing Sr.

Rev. Johnny Rushing, Sr., of Pensacola, Fla. passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Rev. Rushing will be held Friday, February 5, 11 a.m., at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home with Brother Thurl Pearson officiating. Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery with full Military and Masonic Honors.

Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.