Obituaries

Obituaries, week of November 6, 2024

Leon Stewart

Rev. Leon Stewart, age 94, of Atmore, Ala., passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024. He was born to Rev. J.W. and Susie Stewart in Pineville, Fla. In his late teens he began to lose his vision and by age 20 was declared legally blind.

He was saved in 1947; called to the ministry in 1949; entered Holmes Bible College; graduated in 1952; was ordained and married Donna Dooley.

His sixty-six years of ministry included serving as IPHC Pastor and Alabama Conference Superintendent; IPHC Assistant General and General Superintendent;

Southwestern College President; Pineview, Ala., Pastor; Speaker at many community churches, mentor to pastors and an active telephone ministry.

For 94 years, he loved people. And people, all over the world, loved him. He lived a life of service for others because of his love for God and people.

An author, Leon published ”Too Late” in 1958, followed by “The Preacher” in 2001 and “The Betrayal” in 2006.

From the sixties thru the eighties Leon traveled extensively. He and Donna visited over 60 countries around the world.

One of the major blessings in Leon’s life was pastoring Pineview. In his words, it was the “most meaningful and fulfilling ministry” in his career.

Rev. Stewart is survived by two daughters, Dianne and Denise; two granddaughters, Lara and Karen; three great-grandsons, Benjamin, Elijah and Ashton; many nephews/nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Tommy McGhee officiating. A private interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Bethany Children’s Health Center (www.bethanychildrens.org).

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Mrs. Walter M. Paul

Paul

Mrs. Walter M. Paul, age 81, of Bay Minette, Ala. passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at her residence.  She was born in Escambia County, Fla. to Walter and Lillie M. Faircloth West.  After many years of service, she retired from Vanity Fair Corporation.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles K. Paul; one daughter, Darlene Priest and one sister, Mable Eicher.

Mrs. Paul is survived by her children, Shannon (Misty) Priest and Eddie Priest, both of Bay Minette, Bryan (Dara) Priest of Colorado City, Texas, Donna Harper of Americus, Ga. and Kim Kenneth (Steel) Green of Preston, Ga.; her grandchildren, Jason Green, Jared Green, Cody Green, Michelle Harper, Hollie Ellis, Caitlin Rodriguez, Tanner Priest, Nicole Priest, Tyler Priest, Ashley Priest, Dalton Lantz and Devin Lantz; eleven great-grandchildren plus a baby boy due in April along with many family and friends.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, Fla. with Bro. Don Sanks officiating.  Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Veronica Jean Hines  

Ms. Veronica Jean Hines, age 68, of Birmingham, Ala., formerly of Atmore, Ala., passed away Monday, October 28, 2024 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1 p.m. at House of God Pillar Ground & Truth Holiness Church, 40 Truth Circle, Atmore (Freemanville Community) with Pastor Jeanette Lott officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 8, 2024 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Turner Funeral Chapel in charge of all arrangements.

Martin Eby Gehman 

Rev. Martin Eby Gehman, age 88, of Atmore, Ala. passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Unity Baptist Church, Atmore.

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

Marvin Wrecil Shehan

Mr. Marvin Wrecil Shehan, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, November 4, 2024. He was born in Atmore, Ala. where he lived his entire life. He loved spending his days riding horses and driving cow trucks. In the evenings, he’d gather with his family, playing his guitar and singing songs together. These moments brought them closer, filling their home with laughter and music. He cherished every moment spent with the things he loved and the people who mattered most to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.T. Bud and (Fannie Mae Shanks) Shehan; brother, Rusty Shehan.
Mr. Shehan is survived by his son, Marvin Russell Troy Shehan of Atmore; sister. Rebecca Shehan (Doug) Rolin of Atmore; cousins, Robin Palmeri and Darlene DeFee, both of Atmore along with a host of other cousins and family members.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.

Virgil Moody

Mr. Virgil Moody of Brewton, Ala., passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Christian Memorial Funeral Home. Brewton, Ala.

Rodney Owens

Dr. Rodney Owens of Atmore, Ala. passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024 at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Johnson Quimby Funeral Home