Obituaries

Obituaries, week of February 15, 2023

Koby DeWayne Wooten

Mr. Koby DeWayne Wooten, age 19, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023in Atmore, Ala. He resided most of life in Atmore. He was employed with Slaughter Construction for several months. He enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, and listening to music. He was always a very well-mannered and respectful young man who enjoyed making people laugh. He loved God, his children, and taking care of his family.  

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marie Wooten; aunt, Melinda Wall McGhee; uncle, Drew Wooten, and niece Aubrey Marie Wooten.

Mr. Wooten is survived by his father, Ed (Becky) Wooten of Atmore; mother, Melissa (Danny) Dykes, of Perdido, Ala.; one son, Micah Wiggins of Atmore; one daughter, Maia Wooten, of Atmore; grandparents, Raymond (Ouida) Wall of Nokomis, Ala., Billy Wooten of Atmore; girlfriend Lauren Wiggins, of Atmore; three brothers, Devin (Brittany) Wooten and DJ Carter, all of Atmore and  Casyn Bethea of Milton, Fla.; one aunt, Amanda (Andrew) McGhee, of Atmore; two uncles, Brandon (Christi) Wall of Atmore and Robert (Tina) Wooten of Uriah, Ala.; nieces and nephews, Harley Bethea, Walker Wooten, Ty Carter, Bentley Bethea; numerous cousins, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Richie Nobles and Rev. Marshall Wall officiating. Burial will follow at McCullough Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC

Pallbearers will be Brandon Wall, Trenton McGhee, Gage McGhee, Ian McGhee, Robert Wooten and John Wooten.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Cuenca, Cole Jordan, Devin Morris and Tyler Ray.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Ruby Wilson Barker

Mrs. Ruby Wilson Barker, age 95, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023. She was born on in Atmore, Ala. to Benjamin Hub Wilson and Lula Mae Carraway Wilson. She owned and operated “Ruby’s Fish Camp” on Perdido River from 1960-1989. A few years later, she went to work as a Precision Machinist in Robertsdale, Ala, a trade she took great pride in for approximately ten years. She never met a stranger and her love for serving others was evident in many ways. 

At Christmas, she always had a gift for everyone who entered her home. For the sick or those in need, she would prepare and deliver food. She only had two speeds in her life “wide open and stop” and she lived life to the fullest. 

Her family was the joy of her life, especially later in her life. After her retirement, during failing health, she was fortunate to stay with each of her children and two of her grandchildren. She enjoyed her stays tremendously. Whether known by Moma, Granny, Nana, or Granny Ruby she was deeply loved, and her memory will be cherished forever. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings; her daughter, Patricia Ann Thompson and her granddaughter, Tammy Durden Gates. 

Mrs. Barker is survived by two daughters, Joyce Shaw of Pensacola, Fla. and Kay Durden (Ronnie) of Grand Ridge, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Wendy (Fritz), Billy (Andrea), Danny (Lori), Buddy (Sidney), John (Marian) Belinda (Mike), Amy (John), and Phillip (April); eighteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other family members. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore with Rev. Jeb Miller officiating. Interment will follow in McCullough Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Monday, February 13, 2023, at 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home. 

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. 

Pauline Coker Ward

Mrs. Pauline Coker Ward, age 90, of Atmore, Ala. passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Mobile, Ala. She was born in Goodway, Ala. to Paschal and Nettie Ramsey Coker.  She was a member of Enon Baptist Church and a Sunday school teacher for over fifty years. During her career, she was a bookkeeper for Ward Brothers Farm and worked at Vanity Fair.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James Lavaughn Ward. 

Mrs. Ward is survived by her daughter, Sheliah (J.P.) Sawyer of Huxford, Ala.; her brothers, John C. Coker of Opelika, Ala. and Kenneth (Margaret) Coker of Mobile; her sister, Kathryn Letts of Wetumpka, Ala.; three grandchildren, Carlie Crutchfield, John Patrick Sawyer and Victoria Sawyer (Austin) Cain; three great-grandchildren, Aubrianna, Railen and Haegan along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Enon Baptist Church in Goodway, Ala. with Bro. James Henry and Bro. Tom Thurman officiating.  Interment will follow in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Enon Baptist Church. 

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Dave Watson 

Mr. Dave Watson, age, 71, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born in Century, Fla. to Dave and Lillie Grace, Sr. He was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. He was a proud 1970 Graduate of Century High School. In his leisure he enjoyed bowling and fishing. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and remained until his retirement. While serving he was awarded Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air forge Longevity Service Award Ribbon and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Graduate Ribbon. He also earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Industrial Technology earning his Master’s August 30, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Tim Sr., and Louise Jordan Watkins; wife, Twyla Watkins Watson and brother, Marvin Watson.

Mr. Watson is survived by his four children, Terry, Benita and Stephanie Watson of West Richland, Wash. and Pat Watson from Lompoc, Calif.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Century, Fla. with Rev. Nathaniel Allen, Eulogist. Interment followed in Damascus Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Deacon Reginald Robinson, Deacon Deqayne Robinson, Deacon Eddie Davis and family and friends

Floral attendants were his family and friends

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Maxine “Sister” Sanders

Ms. Maxine “Sister” Sanders, age 72, of Castleberry, Ala., passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023. She was a 1970 graduate of Conecuh County High School. She retired from Conecuh County Health Department in 2022. She was a devoted member of Second Marietta Baptist Church where she was over the kitchen until her illness. She was known for always being kind and helping others. She was a great coordinator for church and family events.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn “Lea” Sanders; two nephews, Vernon “Ra” Sanders and Barry “Lipp” Grace.

Ms. Sanders is survived by three loving daughters, Marcy Sanders, Misty Sanders, both of Castleberry and Mandi (Chris) Bush of Millbrook, Ala.; seven grandsons, Amaree Clifton, Raizjon Sanders, KyRan Bush, Khyree Randall, Landon Nichols, Logan Nichols and Kyhson Bush; to bonus grand-daughters, Avah and Adrian Jones; six sisters, Pearlean (Wiley) Grace of Castleberry, Diane (Earnest) Boykin of Evergreen, Ala., Sheila (Ronnie) Travis of Columbia, S.C., Lesa Sanders of Brewton, Ala., Patrice (devoted brother-in-law, Roderic, her favorite) Washington of Brewton, Monica Sanders of Castleberry; four brothers, Willie R. Sanders of Pensacola, Fla., Carl (Verna) Sanders, Ronnie (the late Shon) Sanders and Steven Sanders, all of Castleberry; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives; one special nephew, like a son, “TraDerek “Tray d” Jones; devoted friends, Merita Wiley, Jeanie Salter and JoAnn Woods; devoted cousin, Dorothy Lewis.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Second Marietta Church Cemetery with Rev. Frank Grace officiating.

Pallbearers were her nephews.

Flower Bearers were her nieces.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Evergreen, Ala.

Barbara Fisher Webb

Ms. Barbara Fisher Webb, age 76, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023. She was born to the late Percy J. Fisher and Nellie L. Elmore Fisher. She attended Escambia County Training School and a well-loved member of Zion Star A.M.E. Church. She played the piano for several years until her health failed. She was very active in the church, taking over the Martin Luther King Jr. program after her mother, Nellie. She was a delegate for Zion Star A.M/E. at South Alabama annual conference and was crowned for Ms. Fruit Festival Queen. She was helpful in assisting youth of Atmore with school projects. Her motto was “Can I get you attention” “Can I have your attention please” with no microphone needed.

Ms. Fisher is survived by her son, Antonio Webb (Ashley); two grandchildren, Aminah Webb and Antonio Webb II of McDonough, Ga.; beloved siblings, Billy Elmore (Glenda) of Huntsville, Ala., Percy Fisher (Paula) of Rock Hill, S.C., Arralean Ellis (Twin) and Mildred Young, both of Fairfax, Va., Carolyn West of McDonough and Valerie Joyner of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Zion Star AME Zion Church with Pastor Jean Archie officiating, Rev. Chantaye Knotts, Eulogist. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers and flower bearers were family and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Herman Melton Hartley

Mr. Herman Melton Hartley, age 78, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Fairhope, Ala. He resided most of life in Bay Minette, Ala. He retired from Scott Paper Company with many years of service. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially going fishing. He loved going to church and listening to gospel music. He also loved to cook especially breakfast for his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt (Leila Carpenter) Hartley; wife, Ann Hartley; one daughter, Terry Conway and numerous brothers and sisters.

Mr. Hartley is survived by his wife, Mary Hartley of Bay Minette; three daughters, Tammy (John) Cole of Blountsville, Ala., Kathy (Harold) Wilder of Kimberly, Ala. and Sherry (Jeremy) Bryars of Bay Minette; one sister, Katherine Killcreas of Bay Minette; eight grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor, Ashton, Chandler, Jake, Haley, Brian, Chris, twelve great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Fretwell Tabernacle with Sister: Helen Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Bryars McGill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Fretwell Tabernacle.

Pallbearers will be Brian Conway, Chris Conway, Jake Bryars, John Boyette, Jeremy Bryars and David Conway.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Bernice Tripp McGhee

Mrs. Bernice Tripp McGhee, age 81, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 at her home in the Poarch Community of Atmore, Ala. She was born in Lone Oak, Okla. to William and Pearl Tripp. She and her family moved from Waukegan, Ill. to the Poarch Community in 1976, living there for forty-seven years. Her work career included Abbott’s Pharmaceutical Laboratory and later Vanity Fair. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker for her family. She was even known as the “baby whisper” as she could softly and tenderly calm and sooth any child.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Roady Tripp, Vinice Tripp, William Lee Tripp and Leon Tripp; her husband of fifty-three years, John Arthur McGhee; her daughter, Sheila McGhee Caraway; her beloved granddaughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway; her son-in law, James (Jimmy) Dean; sisters-in law, Marie Martin, Francis Robbins, Julian Stacey, Hattie Mae McGhee and brother-in law, Clifton McGhee.
Mrs. McGhee is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Michael) Johnson of LaGrange, Ga., Sherry (Kenneth) Howell of Helena, Ala. and Kimberly Dean of Atmore, Ala.; her sister-in law, Maxine Johnson of Atmore; her brothers, Bryan (Ellen) Tripp of Zion, Ill; and Vernon Tripp of Holdenville, Okla.; her sisters, Georgie (Ted) Lewis of Bowlegs, Okla., Cleady Johnson of Tampa, Fla. and Betty Coleman of Oklahoma City, Okla.; her grandchildren, Olivia (Thomas) Morgan of Marietta, Ga., Mason (Catie) Dean of Auburn, Ala., Nicholas Howell and Sophia Howell of Helena, James (Emily) Dean of Spanish Fort, Ala., Jon (Malori) Dean and Miranda Hudson, both of Atmore; her great-grandchildren, Porter James Dean, Mallie Claire Dean, Emilia Pearl Hudson and Carson Elizabeth Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Poarch Community Church with Rev. Josh Long officiating. Burial will follow at Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 17, 2023 from 11 a.m. until service time at 12 p.m. at Poarch Community Church.

Pallbearers will be Mason Dean, Jon Dean, James Dean, Nicholas Howell, Kenneth Howell and Thomas Morgan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Johnson, and Nathan Martin.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.