JEANNE ELIZABETH CHRISTIE
Jeanne Elizabeth Christie, 81, of Pensacola, died Thursday, December 2, 1999 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Mrs. Christie, an art teacher, was born March 6, 1918 in Sacramento, CA and moved to Pensacola 14 years ago after the death of her husband, Gerald Christie, Capt., USN, Retired. Jeanne's love for art inspired her to start an art class six months ago for the senior citizens at Homestead Village where she resided. She recruited several residents for her weekly classes. The enthusiastic seniors created enough paintings to host their own art show at Homestead's annual Octoberfest.
Jeanne is survived by her daughters, Sheila Palmer of Jackson, MS, Donna Christie of New Orleans, LA and Dorothye Hattich of Lafayette, CA; five granddaughters; and four great- grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 5, 1999 in Building F of Homestead Village, 7826 Pine Forest Road.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, 701 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola, FL 32501 or to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 2001 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501-2144.
BRENDA J. GEYER
Brenda J. Geyer, 46, of Cantonment, died Friday, December 3, 1999.
Mrs. Geyer was a native of Nashville, TN and resided in Pensacola for the past 28 years. She attended Gonzalez United Methodist Church and was an employee of Champion International.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Geyer; two sons, Randy Woodside & Mike Woodside (Dixie); two step-daughters, Anna Geyer & Marie Geyer; father, Roy smith; six brothers, David, Bobby, Jimmy (Janie), Ronnie, Ricky & Tony Smith; and three sisters, Frances Young (Bill), Kathy Whisenant & Vicki Graves.
Funeral services will be at 10 am, Tuesday at Eastern Gate Funeral Home with Rev. Marquis M. Wingate officiating.
Burial will be in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
EASTERN GATE FUNERAL HOME, is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be Monday from 5 pm to 7 pm, at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 2001 N. Palafox Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32501.
SMITHY WALL GUNTER
Smithy Wall Gunter, 91, of Milton, died Friday, December 3, 1999 in a local hospital.
Mrs. Gunter was a native and lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County and a member of the Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie E. Gunter and her granddaughter, Susan Gunter Jacobson.
Survivors include three sons, Lee Andrew Gunter of Pensacola, Bob Gunter & Gary Gunter both of Milton; daughter, Wynell Messick of Milton; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mattie Miller of Orlando, FL Mae Pippins & Ruby Shell both of Pensacola; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Bill Stewart, Pastor of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Howard Wall, Ronnie Pittman, Arnold Stowers, Travis Stowers, Gene McLaughlin & Keith Jones.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dorsey Collins, Claud Davis, Rufus Stowers & Newton Manning.
LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, 6405 Hwy 90 W., Milton, FL, is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may call at Lewis Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.
PAULINE LEONA HAIRELSON
Pauline Leona Hairelson, 60, of Pensacola, died Friday, December 3, 1999.
Pauline Hairelson was a member of the Faith Temple Assembly of God Church at 504 Michigan Ave., Pensacola, FL.
Mrs. Hairelson is survived by her husband of 29 years, J.E. Hairelson, Jr.; sister-in-law, Alecia J. Hairelson both of Pensacola; son, Terry Poore of Mississippi; stepsons, Gary Hairelson, Larry Hairelson both of Mobile, AL & Terry Hairelson of New Orleans, LA; sister, Evelyn Elkins; nieces, Tammy Ellis & Barbara all of Zackery, LA; brother, Kenon Merritte of South Carolina; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 6, 1999 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with the Reverend Julian Walker and the Reverend Bill Heiden, officiating.
Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Bill Williams, Randa Wilkins, Bro. Abraham Lee, Charlie Taylor, Randy Wood and Buddy Fisher.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rachel Walker, Sandra Fowler, Cara Taylor, Judy Fisher, Jackie Lee & Pat Jackson.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway, is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday.
RUTHIE D. HICKS
Ruthie D. Hicks, 83, of Brewton, AL, died Friday, December 3, 1999 in a local hospital.
Mrs. Hicks was a native and lifelong resident of Brewton. She retired from West Gate Village Nursing Home, and was a member of the Church of God.
Survivors include four sons, John F. ``Frankie'' (Joyce) Hicks of Pensacola, James (Sheila) Hicks, Jimmy (Jackie) Hicks & Jerry (Joy) Hicks all of Brewton; daughter, DeLane (James) Ross of Magnolia, MS; brother, Arvin Downing of East Brewton; two sisters, Estelle Laymon & Adell Trawick both of East Brewton; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; & 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, December 6, 1999 at Craver's Funeral Home with the Rev. William Joyner, officiating.
Interment
will be in Union Cemetery, Brewton, AL.
CRAVER'S FUNERAL HOME, is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be held at Craver's Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday.
KATIE JANE (``MYRTLE'') KELLER
CENTENARIAN DIES
Katie Jane (``Myrtle'') Keller, 102, passed into eternal life Wednesday, December 1, 1999, at a local nursing home in Pensacola, Florida. Mrs. Keller was born in Luverne, Alabama, on May 16, 1897. She moved to Pensacola at an early age and was a permanent resident until her death.
With fond memories of joy and happiness, we praise the Lord for her long and full life. Katie was preceded in death by her husband, Otto G. Keller, two sons, E. Carroll Bradley and I. Watson Bradley, and one daughter, Doris J. Baldwin.
Survivors include one daughter, Ruby L. Lafferty; five grandchildren, Nancy L. Patterson, Patricia Flanders, Marlene Anderson, Larry Hughes, and Charlene Bradley; and eight great-grandchildren, Kimberly L. Friedman, William S. Grunewald, J. Douglas Patterson, Tiffany Flanders, Bradley and Carlene Anderson, Tammy Damron, and Tracy Walker.
Katie will be affectionally remembered for her passion for cooking and cleaning, and for her fondness for professional wrestling, as well as her candid commentaries of ``life according to Katie.''
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, December 6, 1999 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Michal Hill of Airport Boulevard Baptist Church.
Interment
will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
OAK LAWN FUNERAL HOME, is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank Asbury Place and the Hospice of Northwest Florida for their caring and kindness.
LOLA TROUTMAN MASON
Mrs. Lola Troutman Mason, age 87, of Atmore died Saturday, December 4, 1999 at a local hospital.
Mrs. Mason was a native of Robinsonville, but had been a resident of Atmore for most of her life; and she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Mason.
Mrs. Mason is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Joyce Lanell Mason of McKinnonville, FL; two daughters, Betty Ann Mason and Lanell Mason, both of Atmore, AL; two grandchildren, Shayne Mason Lee and Missy Mason Kpndig; and two great grandchildren, Colby Kyle Kindig and Garrett Mason Lee.
Funeral services will be Sunday, December 5, 1999 at 2 p.m. at Atmore Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kelly Brown officiating.
Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery with Atmore Memorial Chapel directing.
Pallbearers will be Jim Van Pelt, George Van Pelt, Jim Spears, Jimmy Mason, Leon Troutman, and John Garrad.
Honorary pallbearers will be nephews and greatnephews.
ATMORE MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.
DOROTHY COOK MERRITT
Dorothy Cook Merritt, passed peacefully at home in Jacksonville, Florida early in the morning on Friday, December 3, 1999, at the age of 73. A devoted and loving wife and mother, she was born in Memphis, Tennessee and resided in Jacksonville, Florida for the past 41 years. She was a member of the Ortega United Methodist Church and Garden Club of Jacksonville.
Mrs. Merritt is survived by her husband, Lofton Scott Merritt, Jr.; five children, Susan Dianne Merritt Smith (Buz), Leslie Scott Merritt (Kim), Ray Monte Merritt (Tammy), Lofton Craig Merritt (Kenyon), & Lisa Jane Merritt Rangeo (Russell); nine very special grandchildren; and her brother, William L. Cook.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL.
The funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, December 6, 1999 at the Ortega United Methodist Church in Jacksonville with Rev. Jim Marth officiating.
Interment
will follow in Jacksonville Memory Gardens.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or Hospice Methodist Medical Center.
DR. WILLIAM MOORE
Dr. William Moore, 76, of Pensacola, died Thursday, December 2, 1999.
Dr. Moore was a native of Santa Cruz, CA and had resided in Pensacola for the past 42 years. He was an educator who had worked in public schools, colleges, & universities for 48 years. He was retired from the U.S. Navy as Commanding Officer of the USS Tweedy. He had been a member of the Pensacola Exchange Club, USO Board of Directors, United Way Board of Directors, Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board and many others.
Dr. Moore was a Southern Baptist and always taught or worked with young people throughout his entire life.
He is survived by his two best friends, St. Nick and Lady who gave him much unconditional love, his wife, Gloria of 31 years; son, Bill, Jr., wife, Gwen and their three children, William Moore III, Zac & Katie; daughter, Kathy Turtle and her two sons, Casey and Brent.
Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Harper Morris.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, December 6, 1999 at Harper Morris.
Burial will be in Bayview Memorial Park.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL, is in charge of arrangements.
MERLE M. BAKER
Merle M. Baker, 69, of Pensacola, died Saturday, December 4, 1999, in a local hospital.
Mrs. Baker was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Survivors include her husband, Grady Baker; two daughters and a son-in-law, Joanne and Noel Faddis and Susanne Baker; one son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Pam Gowens; five grandchildren, Bill and Scott Harvey, Chad, Matt and Meghan Gowens; and one brother, Larry M. Murray.
Memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Hugh Hamilton and the Rev. Sara Holben officiating.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.
WILLIAM FRANCIS GOULD, JR.
Mr. William Francis Gould, Jr., age 70, of Pensacola, died Saturday, December 4, 1999, in a local hospital.
Mr. Gould is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay Gould; five sons, John J., William F. ``Bill'', Matthew, Mark A. and Patrick D. Gould; 11 grandchildren, Zachery, Brendin, Brian, Kyle, Tiffany, Angela, Jeremy, Eric, Ryan, Anna and Cory; and two sisters.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, December 8, 1999 at 11 a.m. in the Barrancas National Cemetery with a Navy Chaplain officiating.
Burial will follow with full military honors.
Friends may call at the funeral home, Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.
BETTY JEAN HARRIS
Betty Jean Harris, 70, of Pensacola, died Saturday, December 4, 1999, at her home.
Mrs. Harris was a native and life long resident of Pensacola. She was retired from the Escambia County Sheriff Department. She was a member of the Cokesbury United Methodist Church. Her entire life was devoted to her family. She was a member of the Pensacola Chapter of Easter Star 253, Zelica Cauldron, past Mighty Chosen One of Zelica Cauldron, Daughters of the Nile.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gwinn M. Harris; two daughters and son-in- laws, Gwen and Bill Moore, Jr. and Betsy and Chris Hinsch; five grandchildren, William III, James Isaac and Kathleen Moore, James Ray Johnson and Christopher Hinsch; one sister, Ann Laura Nopolis; and one aunt, Jaunita Newberry.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 9, 1999, at the Cokesbury United Methodist Church with the Rev. Neil McDavid and the Rev. Stuart A. Worth officiating.
Burial will be in the Bayview Memorial Park.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 1999.
DEWANA ANN JOHNS HAYES
Dewana Ann Johns Hayes, age 40, of Pensacola, died Friday, December 3, 1999.
Mrs. Hayes was a native of Auton, IL, but has been a resident of Pensacola for the past 30 years.
Survivors include two daughters, Melisa Broomes and Lacey Hayes; her mother, Helen Schiaffino; her father, Willie Johns; three sisters, Tina Watson, Shelley Mathis and Christine Johns; numerous uncles, aunts, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 100 Beverly Pkwy., is in charge of arrangements.
WILLIAM HARRY HAYS
William Harry Hays, 86, a Gainesville resident and Pensacola native, died Saturday, December 4, 1999, at a hospital in Green Cove Springs, Fla.
He was born August 2, 1913 in Bay Point, Fla. and was raised in Pensacola. He was a charter member of Gadsden St. Methodist Church along with the rest of his family.
He served as a Chief with the Navy Seabees in North Africa in WWII.
In 1945 he established W.H. HAYS PLUMBING AND HEATING which he operated until his retirement in 1973.
After retirement he moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., to be near his only daughter, where he lived for a number of years before relocating to Port Richey, Fla. and later to Gainesville, Fla., where he was residing at the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Grace Cook Hays, a daughter, Linda Hays Johnson, a granddaughter, Dana Johnson Leach, and two great-granddaughters, Savannah Nicole and Shelbi Richael Leach, all of Gainesville; and a brother, James B. Hays and sister, Elizabeth Hays Hoefflin, both of Pensacola.
Graveside services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at Milton Cemetery with the Rev. Dan Rhodes, pastor of Gadsden Street United Methodist Church, officiating.
LEWIS FUNERAL HOME OF MILTON is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4303 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504.
GARY A. STEWART
Gary A. Stewart, 48, of Milton, passed away Sunday morning, December 5, 1999.
He had lived in the Milton area for all of his life. Gary worked for Sloan's Ambulance Service for many years, for Rural Metro Ambulance for five years, and Emerald Coast Transport Service. He was presently employed with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's office in the Jay Office as the Public Service Technician. He was of the Baptist Faith.
He was preceded in death by his brother, William E. ``Butch'' Stewart and both sets of his grandparents, Edward M. Broxson, Myrtis and Robert Pooley, and William A. and Gertrude Stewart.
He is survived by his mother and father, Bruce A and Vivian Stewart of Milton; three nephews, Alan, Scott, and Devon Stewart of Tulsa, Okla.; one niece, Christi Stewart of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters-in-law, Jackie C. Stewart and Barbara Stewart of Tulsa, Okla.; his ex-wife, Margie and her three daughters, Christi, Salena, and Bambi; two grandchildren, Brienna and ``Bubba''; many aunts, uncles and cousins; many, many good friends; and very special friends.
Gary never met a stranger. He always had a smile and a hand shake for everyone.
Funeral services for Mr. Stewart will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Joe Bamberg, Dr. David Spencer, and the Rev. Glynn Lowery, Jr., officiating.
Burial will follow in the Milton Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ron Mosely, Dominic Persichini, Steve Barnes, Shellie R. Wingard, Steve Bonner, and Chuck Sloan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joyce Broaddus, Russell Sloan, Greg Shere, Chopper Smith, the E.M.S. Honor Guard and The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard.
LEWIS FUNERAL HOME OF MILTON is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 1999, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Pensacola or Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.
VERNA MAE WHITE
Verna Mae White, 51, of Pensacola, died Thursday, December 2, 1999, at her home following a short illness.
Survivors include her mother, Rosie White Williams; father, Dea. Ishmael (Ruby) White, Sr.; brother, Ishamel (Rose) White, Jr.; two sisters, Mattie White (Larry) Jennings and Adeline Solsberry; step-sister, Christina Braxton; and four step-brothers, David Collins, James Collins, Waymon Collins and Cedric White, all of Pensacola.
Services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at St. John Devine Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry L. Bethea, pastor of Mars Hill Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will be in Resthaven Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ishmale White, Johnny Wilkerson, Carl Williams, Cal Stallworth, Michael Singer, and Gus Nairn.
JOE MORRIS AND SON FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may call at Joe Morris Chapel form 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
MAEBELLE A. WILLIAMS
Maebelle A. Williams, 95, of Elberta, Ala., died Sunday, December 5, 1999.
Mrs. Williams, a native of Red Level, Ala. resided in Pensacola for 46 years prior to moving to Elberta eight years ago. She was retired from NAS Pensacola and was a long time member of First Pentecostal Church.
Mrs. Williams' two daughters, Erma Jensen and Ernestine Shapins, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her two son, James W. Williams (and wife Sandi) and Earl Williams (and wife Marie); six grandchildren, Dorothy Bentley, Frank Shapins, Richard and Van Jensen, Allan and Mike Williams; 16 great- grandchildren; 26 great-great grandchildren; four great-great- great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 8, 1999, in First Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Paul Welch officiating.
Burial will be in Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
EASTERN GATE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services.
