Obituaries

Obituaries, week of February 7, 2024

Callie Sue Stafford 

Stafford

Mrs. Callie Sue Stafford, age 77, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024.  She was born in Monroe County, Ala. to the late Earl and Callie Dunn Byrd. She was a retired LPN from Atmore Community Hospital and after retirement worked for Dr. Frances D. Salter, MD and attended Cross Point Church in Atmore. The title she was most proud of was being called “Nan-Nan”.  She adored and deeply treasured her grandchildren. They were the light of her life and the joy of her heart. She leaves her family and friends with an enduring legacy of unconditional love, loyalty, and devotion that they will carry with them forever.

She was preceded in death her parents; her husband, Don Stafford; her siblings, Houston Byrd, Tony Byrd, James Byrd, Jimmy Byrd, Donnie Byrd and Shelby Jean Byrd Dunn.

Mrs. Stafford is survived by her daughter, LaDawn (Darryl) Singleton of Beulah, Fla. and her son, LaDon “Scooter” (Wendy) Stafford of Atmore; her grandchildren, Dakota (Jessica) Singleton, Shadow (Katelyn) Singleton, Sydney Singleton, Devin Stafford, Dayne Stafford, Griffin Stafford; her special nephew and great-niece, Byron Dunn and Heather Dunn along with many family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim McCraney officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home. 

Johnson-Quimby in charge of all arrangements.

Allen Jerome “Ace” Holland

Mr. Allen Jerome “Ace” Holland, age 65, of Byrneville, Fla., passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024 in Mobile, Ala. He was a native of Byrneville. He was a mechanic with the County Commissioners Office with many years of service.  He loved fishing on the river. His friends knew him as “Ace” and he got a lot of enjoyment by playing cards. He always helped people out from putting down flooring to fixing a broken-down vehicle. He was the first one to offer help, but the last one to ask for it. He loved gardening and growing fruit trees. He had a very contagious and distinctive laugh to being a very good cook and making the best fudge. He enjoyed dancing and also enjoyed sitting around watching a good western.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Faye Holland Blackman; two brothers, Eric Amerson and Stephen “Bo” McDowell.

Mr. Holland is survived by his loving wife of forty-one years, Shelia Holland of Byrneville; one son, Dustin (Sandee) Holland of Milton, Fla.; one daughter, Aimee (Jeremy) Clements of Deatsville, Ala.; one brother, Mark Holland of Byrneville; one sister, Wendy Wilson of Canoe, Ala.; eleven grandchildren, Logan Clements, Madyson Clements, Anyise Cabral, Emilee Cabral, Ashlynn Cabral, Gracie Clements, Elijah Clements, Kristen Mokher, Eric Cili, Ava Long, D J Long; in-laws, Melba (Buster) Townson; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC. with Rev. Howard Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Home Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Johnson, Stephen Holland, Chase Amerson, Sheldon Robbins, Dan Morris and Pete Amerson.

Honorary pallbearer will be JJ Odom.

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

Urijah Atticus Lambert

Infant Urijah Atticus Lambert, precious baby boy of Brooklyn Lambert and Kendrell Elliott, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born in Brewton, Ala.  

He was survived by his parents; his grandparents, Judy (Donald) Lambert of Flomaton, Ala. along with numerous aunts, uncles, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, Ala. with Pastor Ray Ward and Bro. Cedo Coon officiating.  Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Devon Lambert and Preston Lambert.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 5, 2024 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Lunch will be provided for family and friends immediately following the service at the old Fred L. McGhee Learning Center, 44 Creek Road, Bldg. 1800, on the Pow-Wow grounds.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Larry “Crow” Johnson

Mr. Larry “Crow” Johnson, age 71, of Walnut Hill, Fla., passed away Friday, January 26, 2024. He was a lifelong resident of Walnut Hill. He was an iron worker with Union #798 for many years. His biggest accomplishment was to see his children and grandchildren grown. He loved his chickens and playing dominoes. He enjoyed the outdoors, such as gardening, fishing and dove hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edcar (Marie Lee) Johnson; three brothers, James C. Johnson, Tony R. Johnson, Willie D. Johnson and one sister, Evonne Anderson.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Teresa Johnson of Walnut Hill; one son, Brandon Wayne Johnson of Walnut Hill; one daughter, Angela Nichole (Josh) Baggett of Huxford, Ala.; three brothers, Van (Sandra) Johnson,  Jerry (Shelia) Johnson all Nokomis, Fla. and Wayne Johnson of Summerdale, Ala.; one sister, Irene Harverson of Century, Fla.; four grandchildren, Dylan Baggett, Riley Baggett, Leah Baggett, Haleigh Johnson; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at Sullivan Cemetery with Rev. Steve Breceda officiating. Burial will follow at Sullivan Cemetery.

The family received friends Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until Noon at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.

Pallbearers were Josh Baggett, Dylan Baggett, Riley Baggett, Bubba Johnson, Hunter Johnson and Olan Albritton.

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

Curtis Jonath Kelly

Mr. Curtis Jonath Kelly, age 79, of Atmore, Ala. passed away Monday January 29, 2024 in Atmore. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore and was a faithful member of Bratt Assembly of God. He loved doing tractor work, especially planting gardens. He owned and operated Kelly Hauling for fourteen years. Camping and fishing with his wife Alene was something he greatly enjoyed. Cutting grass, going to the mountains, traveling with his grandchildren was also favorite things to do. He most enjoyed spending time with family, friends and having cookouts. He was a long-time member of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Harrison (Earlene Stewart) Kelly; wife, Alene Kelly; sister, Charolette Coleman; brother, James Matthew “JM” Kelly.
Mr. Kelly is survived by two sons, Alan Kelly of Pensacola, Fla. and Chris Kelly (Victoria) of Canoe, Ala.; daughter, Janet James of Atmore; brother, Hubert Kelly of Columbus, Ga.; two sisters, Glennis (Raymond) Peebles of Christian Home, Fla., Martha Miller of Gastonia, N.C.; six grandchildren, Derrek Gibson, Tori Gibson, Trinity Gibson, Daylin Gibson, Grace Kelly and Gabe Kelly; three great-grandchildren, Charity, Lilly and Maggie
Funeral services were held Monday, February 5, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral homes, LLC. with Rev. Don Davis officiating. Burial followed at Godwin Cemetery.
The family received friends Monday, February 5, 2024, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Gary Travis Grant

Mr. Gary Travis Grant, age 43, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024. He was born in Brewton, Ala. He was a genuine soul, showing love and care to everyone with whom he interacted. He loved Jesus, his family, his friends, and music. Travis worked in the elevator trade for twenty-five years. He was active in the ministry from the time he gave his life to Jesus in 1998. Most recently, he served in the youth and college ministry, as well as the worship ministry at Meeting Place Church in Fairview, Tenn. He also enjoyed writing, recording, and performing music with family and friends throughout the years. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Delano and Martha Milstead; grandfather, Glenn Grant and nephew, Brett Bonds.

Mr. Grant is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Vickie Grant; sons, Gavin, Delan, and Layden Grant; daughter-in-law, Callie Grant, and grandson, Milner Grant; parents Keith Grant and Cathy Milstead Warner and the brother of Stephanie (Adam) DellaCroce and Chase Grant; grandmother Agnes Grant; aunts and uncles, Mickey and Robin Peterson, Dennis and Aniece “Doodle” Jordan and Michael and Tasha Grant; cousins, Michael (Pamela) Peterson, Amanda Jordan, Christy (Brad) Larsen, Deniece (Jason) Denmon, Daniel Jordan, Hank Grant, Tori (Cody) Hett and Alexis Lee.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 5, 2024 from 5 –6 p.m. for family and 6 –8 p.m. for friends at Enon Baptist Church in Walnut Hill, Fla.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Enon Baptist Church. His sons will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Jordan, Brad Larsen, Adam DellaCroce, Jason Denmon, Joseph Bush, Daniel Kelley, Keith Jackson, Eddie Smith, Terry Redmond, Connor Wolfe, and Caden Peterson.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all funeral arrangements. 

Maureen C. Searcy

Mrs. Maureen C. Searcy, age 82, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Pensacola, Fla. She was a native of Atmore and worked at Vanity Fair, with many years of service. She was an amazing, sweet, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, that loved spending time with her children and family. She enjoyed planting flowers and working puzzles. She always enjoyed sitting down doing inspirational reading, watching westerns, and Heartland TV.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold “Jug” Searcy; parents, Sam and Maureen Caraway; two sisters, Rebie Blanton and Dorothy Henderson; three brothers, Dale Caraway, Edward Caraway, Carlton Caraway and one great-granddaughter, Anna-Grace Stanley.
Mrs. Searcy is survived by her five children, Angela Searcy, Peggy Bowman, Jerry (Jean) Searcy, Michael (Tammy) Searcy, all of Atmore, Ala. and Jodi (Michael) Hearst of Canoe, Ala.; two brothers, Bob Caraway and Jimmy (Shona) Caraway, both of Atmore; one sister, Ernestine Brantley of Wedowee, Ala.; six grandchildren, Shane Bowman, Seth Searcy, Holly Searcy, Tori Alabata, Jennifer Stanley, Krystie Jackson; ten great-grandchildren, Blakelynn Bowman, Braxton Bowman, Lexie Grace Bowman, Kam Moye, Robert Stanley, Colton Stanley, Samuel Alabata, Malachi Alabata, Kandence Jackson, Spencer Jackson; two special young ladies in her life, Jamie Johnson and Lisa Case; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Jason D. Handley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Angela Searcy, Shane Bowman, Braxton Bowman, Robert Stanley, Colton Stanley and Robbie Stanley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Caraway, Allen Morris, Chris Emmons and Billy Rolin.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Benjamin Troy “Ben” Garrett

Mr. Benjamin Troy “Ben” Garrett, age 46, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Friday, February 2, 2024 in Brewton, Ala. He was born in Escambia County, Ala. to Wayne Benjamin Garrett and Thelma Marie Mosley. He cherished his family and enjoyed watching football especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Serenity Faith Wiggins and Trinity Hope Wiggins and his step-father, Samuel Capers.

Mr. Garrett is survived by his wife, Melaidy Weaver; his son, Savage Troy Garrett of Jackson, Ga.; his daughter, Salina (Eric) Wiggins of Bay Minette, Ala.; his step-children, Randall Weaver, Kaitlynn Weaver and  Reevise Weaver, all  of Atmore, Ala., Sheena Lewis of Jackson, Ga. and Chloe Weaver of Conway, S.C.; his sister, Lynn Martin of Jackson and eleven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Sister Helen Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in White Cemetery in Perdido, Ala.

Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Lawson, Christopher Gibbs, Harley Mace, Stacy Countryman, Luke Waller and Henry Capers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Salina Wiggins and Chloe Weaver.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Bernice Williams

Ms. Bernice Williams of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Birmingham, Ala.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Christian Memorial Funeral Home.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Roderick Keith Armstrong, Sr.

Mr.Roderick Keith Armstrong, Sr., age 67, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024. He was born in Michigan to the late Helen Marie and Alex Anthony Armstrong. His hobbies included playing the guitar, watching Nascar racing and building stock cars from scratch. He was an incredible graphic artist. His employment including cleaning services, Atmore Community Hospital Dietician Department, Loxley Nursery, construction work on several new business in Atmore and private home construction work.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Armstrong is survived by his son, Roderick Keith Armstrong, II (Raven); his brother,

Danny Anthony Armstrong; nine grandchildren, NaBrayia Armstrong, Ta’liyah Armstrong, Na’Veaha Armstrong, Na’Riaha Armstrong, Roderick Armstrong, Jr., Na’Miaha Armstrong, R’Travean Armstrong,  Anya Smallwood and Alana Smallwood; one niece, Delilah Armstrong; a host of friends including the Watkins, Wise, McPhersons, Prince and Washington families and all families from Detroit, Mich. as well as a host of extended families from Rosenburg, Texas.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Jamel Frye, Mt. Calvary Sabbath Keeping Ministries, officiating.

Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Kermit Raven, Frank E. Carter, Lester T. Holt, Jr., family and friends.

Floral attendants were family and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Gertrude Knight

Mrs. Gertrude Knight, age 88, of Atmore, Ala., passed away January 20, 2024. She was born in Evergreen, Ala. to Willie A. and Lillie B. Carter. She attended Escambia County Training School. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. She enjoyed having Bible Study with her friends in their homes. She worked in retail stores throughout Atmore and First National Bank for ten years. She never met a stranger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome “J.W.” Knight; sisters, Lelia Mae, Zera, Lillie, Williodean; brothers, Willie A. Jr. and Robert; grandson, Steven L. Knight, Sr.

Mrs. Knight is survived by three sons, Carl Knight, Kenneth Knight and Douglas (Teresa) Knight; two daughters, Sherien Carrington and Carolyn (John) Madison; beloved grand-daughter, Loren Knight; two sisters, Agradean Hayes and Zeola Hall; sic step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several step-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and family; loving sisters-in-law, Irma Wilson, Minnie Knight and Ollie Knight.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with “Words of Expression” by her sons, family and friends. Interment followed in Stallworth Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Steven Knight, Jr., Thomas Knight, Willie Knight and Paul Martin.

Flower bearers were family and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.