Obituaries

Obituaries, week of July 21, 2021

Franklin Phillips

Mr. Franklin Phillips, age 73, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021 in Biloxi, Miss. He was a resident of Little River, Ala., but traveled around the world with his military career. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict serving two tours as a Sp5 (T) helicopter mechanic.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Charles Andrew “Drew” Phillips and Mrs. Maggie Roberts Phillips; four brothers, Charles Wayne Phillips, Donald “Duck” Ray Phillips, Murray Phillips and William Andrew “Bill” Phillips.
Mr. Phillips is survived by one son, Edward Andrews Phillips of Maryland; two daughters, Lana (Danny) Roach of Arkansas, Brandy Phillips of Dothan, Ala.; three sisters, Earnestine Owens of Uriah, Ala., Judy (Jamie) Peak of Bay Minette, Ala. and Myrtle Daszczuk of Foley, Ala.; two brothers, Jerry (Faye) Phillips of Vinemont, Ala. and Jimmy (Carolyn) Phillips of Uriah; one grandchild, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Graveside services were held Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Phillips Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phillips Cemetery at 1401 South Bay St. Unit 1602 Foley, AL.36535.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Barbara Joyce Harrison Wearren

Mrs. Barbara Joyce Harrison Wearren, age 78, of Davisville, Fla., passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla.  She was born on in Flomaton, Ala. to the late Herman and Ester Mae Bell Findley. She retired from the medical records department at West Florida Hospital. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Carlton Findley and her sister, Elsie Housman. 

Mrs. Wearren is survived by her husband, Rudolph Wearren of Davisville; her brother, Winston Findley of Jacksonville, Fla. and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service were held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brian Richburg officiating. Interment followed at Pleasant Home Holiness Church Cemetery in Flomaton, Ala.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Brenda J. Tomas

Mrs. Brenda J. Tomas, age 71, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla. She was born in Atmore to the late Alton and Gladys Lucas Johnson. She had a Master’s Degree in education and had worked for the Escambia County Alabama School System. She was a talented pianist and an active member of Presley Street Baptist Church where she enjoyed playing piano.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Melvin “Bo” Johnson.

Mrs. Tomas  is survived by her loving husband of fifty years, Kenneth Tomas  of Atmore; her son Marcus and wife Melissa Tomas of Greenwood, S.C. and three grandchildren Blain, Caiden and Braxton all of Greenwood.

A memorial service was held Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Presley Street Baptist Church with Pastor Joseph Simpson and Bro. Doug Frost officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Presley Street Baptist Church or Covenant Hospice at West Florida Hospital.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Steven Arnold Brown

Mr. Steven Arnold Brown, age 53, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021. He was a comedian who never met a stranger. He kept people rolling in laughter because he could find humor in the most mundane circumstances. He was an epic storyteller that would leave you wondering how much of the story was true. He had a passion for football, Century Blackcats, and a heart for all kids. If you saw him in town, you were sure to see him with at least three kids or more. Kids gravitated to him like a magnet because of his love for them and his ability to relate to them. He was a father/grandfather figure for so many kids who did not have that example in their life. His daily presence and bright smile will be missed at the football field where he coached Century little league since 1987.
Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Angie; children, Katie (Roger) Milam and Derek Brown; five grandchildren, Kia, Cloe, Kaylynn, Kilo and Keanu; parents, Harold and Oleta Brown; brother, Gerald Brown; sister, Cynthia (Chris) Smith; numerous nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Elder Michael Johnson officiating. Burial followed at Union Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where he was a dedicated deacon.
The family received friends Monday, July 19, 2021 from 6 until 7 pm at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers were Tab Jernigan, Butch Jernigan, Shawn Emmons, Michael Stump, Chris Smith and Jackson Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were Danny Wilson, Tristan Pace and Aiden Maher. Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Arion (Little Boy) Hadley

Hadley

Mr. Arion (Little Boy) Hadley, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 5:02 a.m.  He was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore.  He attended public school in Atmore, Marion Military Institute and was a graduate of Auburn University. He was one of the Barnes’ Boys. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John William Hadley; his mother, Venie Hadley Brown; his twin brother, Marion (Big Boy) Hadley; his son, John (Johnny) Alan Hadley; his sister, Marie Hadley Byrd and nephew, Bruce Hall. 

Mr. Hadley is survived by his wife, Kathryn Sue; two sons, Jimmy (Cathy) Hadley and Bobby Hadley; his sister, Mildred Hadley Hall; his grandchildren, Shane (Jessica) Hadley, Valisa (Lee) Lambert and Alece Hadley and six great-grandchildren. 

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery with Bro. Ricky Tedder officiating. 

Active pallbearers will be Mark Hall, David Weatherford, Lee Lambert and Tracy Mobley. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Floyd Adams and Carl Madison. 

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Joan Theresa Guerra

Guerra

Ms. Joan Theresa Guerra, age 84, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021 in Pensacola, Fla. She was born to the late William and Elizabeth Butler. She was of the Catholic faith. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Tommy Butler. 

Ms. Guerra is survived by her son, Steven (Martha) Breceda of Robinsonville, Ala.; her daughter, Brenda Singh of Atmore; her sister, Judith Pesquierra of Atmore; three grandchildren, Heather, Haley and Rosie along with five great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Mary Jenkins

Mary Jenkins, of Brewton, Ala., passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021 in Huntsville, Ala.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 5 until 6 p.m. at Christian Memorial Chapel in Brewton, Ala.

Graveside services will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Baptist Hill Cemetery, Brewton.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Clarence (Goodsam) Matthews

Mr. Clarence (Goodsam) Matthews, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 at his home.

The family will receive friends Friday, July 23, 2021 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Johnathan Roberts

Mr.Johnathan Roberts, age 43, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021. He was born to the late John Roberts, Jr. and Laura Payne Roberts in Atmore. He attended Escambia County High School. He was an inquisitive child and shared his father’s love of cars, both building them and racing them. His personality was larger than life. He had an unyielding love for his children, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Sam Payne and grandson, Karter Bayne.

Mr. Roberts is survived by his five children, Delarreon (Rochelle) Bayne, Kadaisjah Roberts, Johnika Roberts, Jakayla Roberts, Janiaya Roberts and one step-son, Javari Lindsey; three grandchildren, Khloe Bayne, Kayla Alexander and Kenneth Davis, Jr.; loving former wife, Jasmine Brown; one sister, Fahamisha (Eric) Robinson; other siblings, Shamika Barnes, Demetrion Barnes, Trenton Barnes, Natashia Poindexter, Velor Kidd and Ychelle Thompson of Atmore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Graveside services were held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Apostle Tony McAroy, officiating Eulogist.

Pallbearers and floral attendants were his family and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Malcolm Charles Willis aka “Mike”

Willis

Mr. Malcolm Charles aka “Mike” Willis, age 58, formerly of Atmore, Ala., passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisc. He succumbed to complications from a spinal injury sustained in August 2020.

Mr. Willis was a spirited individual who enjoyed the outdoors and delighted in entertaining his kids, nieces and nephews. Those who knew and loved him will miss his gruff candor and mischievous bent. He leaves behind a wealth of family, friends and loved ones left to treasure his memory. 

A private memorial will be determined at a later date.