Vernia Diamond (1944 - 2011

Vernia E. Diamond

"Johnnie"

Vernia E. Diamond 67, of Pace, Florida passed away June 12, 2011.

Vernia was a member of Pace Assembly of God. Vernia was a Sergeant of Corrections with the Santa Rosa Sheriff's office from 1977-1996; later became a dispatcher and a bus driver for Santa Rosa County school system.

Vernia was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip Leon "John" and Helen Elouise Perritt Harris, a brother, Leon Harris Jr.

She is survived by her life partner and best friend, Dana Stephens; daughters, Kim Lacona Stinson Watson, Tanya Dean Stinson Saria; sisters, Betty Ruth Harris Davis, Pamela Gail Harris Navarrete, Jacquline Sue Harris Wallace, Lillian Danice Harris Phillips, Phillis Kay Harris Kamm; five grandchildren, Lantz Stinson Crull, Brittnie Watson, Shana Saria, Marisa Saria, and Briana Saria and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel.

 

From PNJ.com - facebook link by Kay Harris Kamm

Dr. Ralph Rush Hendricks 1927-2011

Dr. Ralph Rush Hendricks | Visit Guest Book


Dr. Ralph Rush

Hendricks

1927-2011

Born in Jay, Florida, June 23, 1927, Dr. Hendricks passed away on June 11, 2011 in Dothan, Alabama after an extended illness. Dr. Hendricks graduated from Asbury College and Candler School of Theology, Emory University and awarded the Doctorate of Divinity from Huntingdon College. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Hendricks served pastorates for 40 years throughout the Alabama-West Florida Conference including Crestview, Baker, Pensacola, Elba, Tallassee, Greensboro, Montgomery, Shalimar, Troy, Marion, and Pollard, and 6 years as a District Superintendent of the Andalusia District. His military service of 37 years included service in the United States Navy and as a chaplain the Alabama Army National Guard where he obtained the rank of Colonel and was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal. In his retirement years he served as Hospice chaplain in Escambia County, Florida. Dr. Hendricks was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Mary Hendricks, his brothers John, William, J.D., Luther, and Ray Hendricks, and sister Ruth Gomillion. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Kimbrough Hendricks, sons Randy (Cathie), Steve (Becky) Hendricks, and daughter Mary Kaye (Dan) Bailey, a brother Robert (Barbara) Hendricks and sister Frances (Wendell) Kilpatrick, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Honorary pall bearers are the ministers and spouses of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. The National Cremation and Burial Society, Milton, Florida are in charge of arrangements. The service will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Florida on June14, 2011 at 2:00, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, Chumuckla, Florida following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are requested to be made to First United Methodist Church, 1380 West Main Street Dothan, Alabama 36303, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 5725 N. 9th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, 32504 or Candler School of Theology, 1531 Dickey Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30322.

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James William Presley 1949-2011

James Presley | Visit Guest Book


James William Presley

1949-2011





In loving memory of James W. Presley, born in Atmore, AL on Jan. 27, 1949 who went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2011.

Jim worked and retired from Westinghouse after 30 years of dedicated service and operated and managed an Assisted Living Facility in Pensacola and Milton for several years.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, W.O. "Buddy" Presley and his mother, Catherine Presley.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Tonyia E. Presley; sons: Ronald F. Lombardi, Erik (Terri) D. Leto, and James "Nick" Presley; daughter: Nancy A. (Dave) McDaniels; brother: John A. (Lisa) Presley; sisters: Barbara (Harold) Morris and Josephine (J.B.) Hudson; mother-in-law: Helen L. Thigpen and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel with Bro. Johnnie Williams and Rev. Lavon Caraway officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Pace Chapel.

Pallbearers: David Sigler, Steven Hudson, Johnny Nance, Jimmy Smith, Joshua Cotton, Michael Cotton, Tony Lombardi, John Stanford and Bud Beghtel.

Special thanks to West Florida Hospital 2nd. Floor staff for their heartfelt care.



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Horace Wayne Watson September 22, 1937 -June 05, 2011

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Horace Wayne Watson

September 22, 1937 -

June 05, 2011





Horace Wayne Watson, age 73 of Milton, passed on Sunday, June 05, 2011.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1937 in Chumuckla, Florida to the late Herman and Vida Watson.

Horace was a U.S. Navy Veteran, Gunners Mate 3rd. Class. He will be remembered with a cup of coffee always in his hands.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Gerald Watson and Curtis Watson.

Horace is survived by his sons, Benjamin Wayne (Amy) Watson and Virgil Lynn (Paty) Watson, Sr.; grandchildren, Jacob, Jason, Jared, Alexandra, and Fransis, Virgil, Jr., great grandchildren, Isaac, Kahlynin, and Aaron; sisters, Louise (Camie) Tima-an, Kathy Udell, Jean Williams, Gwen (Richard) Willis, and Jewel (Wayne) Riddlebaugh; brother, Hillary (Norma) Watson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Friday, June 10, 2011 at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel with Rev. Duke Barrow and Rev. Donald Leavins, officiating. Burial will follow in Juniper Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel.

Friends may send condolences and share fond memories with the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net.



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Grandmothers Flower's

Grandmothers Flower's
Rita Castleberry Burkett is a poet and keeps some of them on the web to share.
Many people from Chumuckla School will remember her Uncle - Bertie who was the custodian there for many many years.

Creek Indian Day

Santa Rosa County Creek Indian DayCelebration-11-20-10 - Photo - A Place Called Chumuckla

Be on the lookout for this event in November 2011. Several events are also held at the tribal grounds on Willard Norris Road as well. There are a high percentage of Chumuckla residents who are descended from Creek Indians.

Chumuckla School Reunion 2011

May 28 - 10am - 2pm  pictures HERE
A reunion lunch and school tour was held at Chumuckla School, May 28.  Those attending included past students from as early as 1941. Nearly 200 came to share memories. The then new school was completed by Mr. Phil Harris, the patriarch of a family of builders and brick masons whose legacy continues in the area to this day.  John Barnes (now deceased), who was the respected VA representative for our county was always proud of  being the “very first” to graduate - receiving his diploma first in line since his name was early in the alphabet. John went on to join the Army and was in the first waves on the beaches of Normandy in 1944.  One of his classmates from 1941, Kathleen Renfroe Rush and her sister in law - Mrs. W.R. Renfroe  were present to enjoy the school tour and the pot luck lunch with many friends from the ‘40’s through the ‘70’s.  Some boys who received diplomas in 1943 and 1944 were not present to accept their diplomas. They had already gone into military service.  Alvin Enfinger and John Horton both said they were represented at graduation ceremonies by an empty chair.  A wide range of students from the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70s were  present with memorabilia and stories to share. The MC for the program was Rick Hunsucker (‘67) who has served as principal of the elementary school.  Mrs. Sherry Smith, the current principal, was a gracious host for a reflective tour of the old school and the new facilities.  Several men were heard to point out particular  rooms and to remember ancient teachers where they met the force of discipline.  

After the reunion event, some of the former students took a tour of Coon Hill cemetery and the museum maintained by Lavern Howell.  The great heritage of Chumuckla is faithfully passed along through these treasures.

An informal group of students is developing a plan for future school-wide reunions.  They hope to find a convenient date that will remain the same every year.  Individual classes and smaller groups will continue to hold gatherings throughout the year. Former students, teachers, staff and friends are always welcome.  More pictures HERE

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne (1976 - 2011)

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne

July 29, 1976

April 22, 2011

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey E. Hawthorne, age 34, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away April 22, 2011 from injuries received in an automobile accident.

He was a native of the Chumuckla Community, a 1995 graduate of Central High School in Allentown. He has served 16 years active duty with the U. S. Army as a Military Policeman. His duty stations include: Fort McLellan, Alabama; Fort Benning, Georgia; Grafenott, Germany; Albania; Kosovo; Brussels, Belgium; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Korea; Norfolk, Virginia and Fort Carson, Colorado.

He had a great love and respect for his God, his Country and his Career. Devotion to his career is evidenced by the vast number of Commendations and Medals he earned.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his brother, Chester Hawthorne.

He is survived by: his parents, Joseph Edward and Ruth Barley Hawthorne of Chumuckla; sisters, Cynthia Bloyd of Pensacola, Diane (John) Marceau of Fredrick, MD; nephews, Kevin and Sean Carroll of Fredrick, MD, Joseph Bloyd, Joshua Hawthorne and Tony Pierce all of Pensacola; aunts, Marian Hendrix, Loretta McCrory, Ann Blanton, Cora Abel, and Irene Joyner; uncles, Ralph Barley, Jr. and James Hawthorne; many extended family members as well as his military family.

The Hawthorne family wishes to thank the men and women of Fort Carson military base, the Military Police family, for the support given during Jeffrey's Hospitalization and afterwards, especially Sergeants 1st Class Stafford and Graves and Captain Pique. They would also like to thank Cora Abel and Kathy Faust.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, April 29th at Chumuckla Community Church (formerly, Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist). Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at the church with U.S. Army Chaplain and Pastor Clive Knight officiating. Burial and full military honors will be in Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery.

Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published in Pensacola News Journal from April 28 to April 30, 2011

Lockett and Hawthorne

Gary and Wanda Lockett have lost their son, Scott.He died on Friday, April 22. The ME's office said he died of a gastro-intestional rupture. His funeral will be Friday, April 29, at Wallace Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will be at the church from 1:00-2:00.o sorry. Prayers are with them.

Jeffery Hawethorne's wake will be at Chumuckla Community Church 6-9pm Friday. Prayers are with the family. Jeff died in an automobile accident in Colorado.

Complete Obituaries will follow soon.

DR. OLYN KELLY MATTHEWS, 1921-2011

Dr. Olyn Kelly “Doc” Matthews, 89, of Milton, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

 

Dr. Matthews was born on June 26, 1921, on a 380 acre farm near Ponce de Leon, Florida.  He enjoyed participating in high school sports, especially track.  He graduated from Ponce de Leon High School in 1939.  Doc received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Auburn University in 1943.  Three of his brothers were also veterinarians.  After graduation, he worked for the State of Illinois doing food inspection until July, 1944, when he moved to Milton.  He then received an honorable discharge from the Army Veterinary Corp.  Doc’s first job in Milton was an assistant state veterinarian and practitioner of veterinary medicine in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Escambia counties.  He handled 26 dairies, many farms, the Jay Livestock Market, and vaccinated 30,000 hogs each year for many years.  He married Elizabeth Campbell from Chumuckla in 1947 and they had two children.  Doc and Elizabeth were involved in their children’s activities, church activities, and sports.  He played baseball for the Milton Red Sox for seven years and was on First Baptist Church’s softball team for many years.  He enjoyed playing in tennis tournaments and won many trophies.  Doc was also active in his community.  He was a past president of the Milton Kiwanis Club, Milton Quarterback Club and the Northwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association.  He was elected to the Santa Rosa County School Board (1966-70).

 

Dr. Matthews was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was selected as Man of the Year in 1990.  He was campaign chairman of the United Way of Santa Rosa County for two years.  He was an active member of First Baptist Church since joining in 1945.  Doc retired in 1988 after 45 years in veterinary practice.

 

Dr. Matthews was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Campbell Matthews; parents, Oscar Eugene Matthews and Louise Sutton Matthews; six brothers, Roland, Lavern, Howard, Wilson, E. O., Eglon; and three sisters, Melba Tanton, Maida Parshall, and Olene Matthews.

 

He is survived by his son, Roger (Vicky) Matthews of Milton and daughter, Martha (Robert) Trigg of Navarre; two adored granddaughters, Autumn and Ashley Matthews of Milton; four sisters-in-law, Mattie Matthews of Bonifay, Margaret Matthews of Marianna, Myrtle Campbell of Pensacola, Frances Campbell of Chumuckla; many nieces, nephews; and a special family friend, Rosie.

 

Visitation will be from 9:00 -11:00 am on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Milton.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 am with Dr. David Spencer officiating.  A lunch for family and friends will follow at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.  A private burial will be at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery in Chumuckla, Florida at a later time.  Lewis Funeral Home, Milton is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Active pallbearers are Rick Hunsucker, Claude DeVane, Guy Thompson, Greg Gillis, Dr. Doug Worley, and Lamar Faulkner.  Honorary pallbearers are Mike Long, Drexel Brock, Clayton White, Arlie Hughes, Jim McDaniel, Milton Kiwanis Club members and the Morning Coffee Group.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church (Bamberg Chapel or other First Baptist funds), 6797 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570 or the charity of your choice.

 

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Matthews - Stewart - Death Notices

APRIL 14

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Pearley Louise Barlow Stewart, 82, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Visitation: Noon Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church until services begin at 3 p.m. Trahan Family Funeral Home is directing.

Olyn Kelly "Doc" Matthews, 89, of Milton died Tuesday, April 12, 2011.  Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Milton until services begin at 11 a.m.  Lewis Funeral Home is directing.

Local Korean War Veteran Honored

Local Korean War Veteran Honored