Dennis Cleveland Geren
Dennis Cleveland Geren, age 45, of Freeport, Fla., died Thursday, June 17, 1999, during a heroic effort to save his granddaughter's life.
Born in Rockford, Ill., he moved here in 1981 from Rockford and was the owner of Unique Wall Designs and Painting. He was Baptist by faith.
Mr. Geren was preceded in death by his two loving fathers, Joe Geren and Bob Miller. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Miller of Point Washington, Fla.; wife, Karen Geren of Freeport; sons, Joe Geren and fiancee Christina of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Kevin Geren and wife Martie of Niceville, Fla.; brothers, Joe Geren of Panama City, Fla., and Don Geren of Cleveland, Tenn.; sisters, Jean Gregg and husband Mike of Seagrove Beach, Fla., Deanie Mang and husband Doug of Tallahassee, Fla.; and grandchildren, Taylor Geren, Abi Geren, Karen Geren and Keri Dubose.
Funeral services for Mr. Geren will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, at First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa Beach with the Rev. David Key officiating. Interment will follow in Gulf Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral service.
Southerland Funeral Home, Panama City, is in charge of arrangements.
Willie Mae Taylor
Willie Mae Marler Taylor of Destin, Fla., went to be with her Lord on June 17, 1999.
Willie Mae was born to William T. and Camella K. Brooks Marler 85 years ago in Destin. She was a lifelong resident of Destin.
She was the widow of Garfield Taylor and was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth G. Taylor. Mrs. Taylor was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Destin; Order of Eastern Star; American Legion; Old Destin Post Office Museum; Indian Temple Mound Museum; the Heritage Museum; Destin Community Center; Destin Chamber of Commerce; Destin Senior Citizens; and the last surviving member of the original Library Board of Destin. She was also a benefactor to Okaloosa-Walton Community College and many more organizations.
She retired with 29 years in the U.S. Postal Service.
Survivors include her sister, Nell Baker; brother, Thomas E. Marler; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Linda Taylor, Tommy and Jeani Taylor, and Lloyd and Sandy Taylor; grandchildren, Kenny Taylor, Jimmy and Stacy Taylor, Jason and Emily Taylor, Matt Taylor and fiancee Melinda Baugh, and Comella Taylor; stepgrandchildren, Greg Kilker, Rick and Jodie Kilker, J.R. Gausphol; great-granddaughter, Morgan Taylor; stepgreat-grandchildren, Julie Kilker, Stacey Kilker, Bobby Kilker, Cami Kilker and Riley Barber; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church of Destin, 154 Calhoun Ave., Destin, conducted by the Rev. David Daniel. There will be a time of fellowship after the graveside service at First Presbyterian Church.
Memorials may be made to the building fund of First Presbyterian Church of Destin.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., entrusted with arrangements.
Patricia Marie Brenton
Mrs. Patricia Marie Brenton, age 49, of Fort Walton Beach, passed away Saturday morning, June 19, 1999, at her residence.
Mrs. Brenton was born Dec. 3, 1949, in Harrisburg, Pa. She moved to Fort Walton Beach from Gwinn, Mich., and previously resided in Jacksonville.
She was a member of the Shalimar Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She enjoyed collecting arts and crafts as a hobby.
Mrs. Brenton is survived by her husband, David J. Brenton of Fort Walton Beach; daughters Misty Jo Larden of Baltimore, Md., and Jacqueline Thorne of Fort Walton Beach; parents Alwynne and Geraldine Holroyd of Fort Walton Beach; sisters Sharon Bates and husband Gerald of Jacksonville, and Janice and husband Rusty of Jacksonville; brother Bruce Holroyd and wife Donna of Harrisburg, Pa.; aunt Val Bill of Fort Walton Beach; and cousin Don Gatchell of Fort Walton Beach.
Family will greet friends at the funeral home Tuesday afternoon, June 22, 1999, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. A memorial service for Mrs. Brenton will follow at 5 p.m. in the Shalimar Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Brian Runge officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shalimar Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1 Meigs Drive, Shalimar, FL 32579, in memory of Mrs. Patricia Brenton.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
Onzie (Owens) McCarney
Onzie (Owens) McCarney, age 74, of Niceville died June 17, 1999.
Mrs. McCarney was a life-long resident of Niceville. Her zest for life revolved around her 10 children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was born in Geneva, Ala., To R.T. and Anna Williams. She retired as a cook. For nearly 50 years of marriage to Malcolm Owens, she witnessed his death and the death of their three sons; William Owens, Irvin Owens and Bobby Owens - all from Florida.
In 1989 she married Frank McCarney. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1999.
Survivors include sons Mac Owens, Jessie Owens, James Owens and Dennis Owens - all from Florida; daughters Mildred Leslie from California, Linda Barfield and Cecelia Butler from Florida; she is survived by two sisters, Lavita and Junita, and one brother, Herbert.
Visitation was Sunday, June 20, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home. Graveside services and burial will be held at Early Cemetery, Niceville, at 10 a.m. Monday, June 21, with the Rev. Moon officiating.
McLaughlin Twin City Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with the arrangements.
Carole Ann Godwin
Mrs. Carole Ann Godwin, age 58, of Fort Walton Beach, passed away early Friday morning June 18, 1999 at her son's residence in Portland, Fla. Mrs. Godwin was born July 18, 1940, in Louisville, Ky., to Donald Richard and Helen Elsie Shircliff. She has been a long-time resident of the Florida Panhandle moving to the Fort Walton Beach area 14 years ago from Basin Bayou, Fla.
Mrs. Godwin is survived by her husband, Benny Godwin, of Fort Walton Beach; son, John Michael Godwin and wife, Cindy, of Portland, Fla.; daughter, Cathy Saleh and husband, Zuher "Al," of Phoenix, Ariz.; parents, Donald and Helen Shircliff; sister, Susan Lovejoy and husband, Chris, of Basin Bayou, Fla.; sister, Debbie Oday and husband, Tim, of Annadale, Va.; brother, Dick Shircliff and wife, Mary, of Burke, Va.; and five grandchildren, Wayne, Ashley, Chelsey, John and Marley.
Funeral services for Mrs. Godwin will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 22, 1999, in the Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fred Gillis officiating. Interment will follow in Black Oak Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home Monday, June 21, 1999, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 490 N. State Road 85, Suite C, Niceville, Fla., 32578 in memory of Mrs. Carole Ann Godwin.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. 32547, is in charge of the arrangements.
Ronald William Streight
Ronald William Streight, age 57, of Niceville passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 1999.
A native of Decatur, Ill., Ron had been a resident of Niceville for the last 20 years. He was a Navy veteran and retired from civil service with the U.S. Air Force.
Ron was an active member, deacon and leader in the First Baptist Church of Niceville.
A dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ron was also an avid fisherman and golfer. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and golfing buddies.
Survivors include his wife Lou Streight of Niceville; daughter Devvie Duke and her husband Robert of Bath, Maine; grandchildren Heather, Maygen and Travis; father James Streight of Dunedin; sister Peggy Osborn and brother Tim Streight of Decatur, Ill.; Ron was preceded in death by his mother Laverne Streight.
The family will receive friends Monday, June 21, 1999, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Twin City Funeral Home in Niceville.
A funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Niceville on Tuesday, June 22, 1999, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron's name to the First Baptist Church of Niceville Building Fund.
McLaughlin Twin City Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Gladys Delores Milton
Gladys Delores Nichols Milton was born in Caney Creek, Fla., on May 26, 1924. She departed this life on June 17, 1999.
She was a devoted member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Flowersview, Fla., where she was a deaconess and previously served as adult Sunday school teacher.
Mrs. Milton was a devoted citizen of the Flowersview Community, where she served as clerk of Precinct 30 for many years. She was a current member of Walton County Library Board. She was also a licensed practical nurse for many years. However, she will best be remembered for 40 years of service as a midwife in Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama, during which time she delivered approximately 3,000 babies. Her career as a midwife led to her induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 1994.
She also co-authored two books about her life, "Why Not Me?" and "Beyond The Storm." Rich Reams and Noel Black have for many years sought financial backing for a movie about her life's story. Composer/musician Larry Long wrote "Why Not Me?" - the song - in her honor.
Mrs. Milton was preceded in death by her husband, Huey, and two children, Eleanor and Tyler Kent.
She is survived by a son, Tariq H. Abdullah; and four daughters, Mabelois Staples, Elinor Campbell, Deborah Terry and Maria Milton; son-in-law, Horace Terry; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her "dad" cousin, Robert Osby; several "Godchildren," including Stevie Rodgers, Ophelia Williams, Zara Brown and Kenneth Delegol; and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted t 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Mount Pleasant AME Church in Flowersview.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, at St. Mark Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Milton had requested that donations be made to either St. Mark Baptist Church Building Fund or to The Eleanor Milton Memorial Loan Fund at Florida A&M University. Donations may be sent to 952 Flowersview Blvd., Laurel Hill, FL 32567.
Kirk's Funeral Chapel, Andalusia, Ala., is in charge of arrangements.
Harry L. Eppestine
Harry L. Eppestine, age 90, of Destin, Fla., and formerly of Tallahassee, Fla., passed away Sunday afternoon, June 20, 1999, at his home after a short illness.
Mr. Eppestine was born in Fargo, N.D., and was a World War II Army veteran, serving as an attache to Gen. Patton. He moved to Tallahassee in 1950, where he established three shoe stores. While living in Tallahassee he was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church; VFW; and American Legion, where he earned the Grand Sheph D'Gard of the 40/8, the highest level of the American Legion.
After his retirement he moved to the Fort Walton Beach, Fla./Destin area where he was active in the Fort Walton Beach Elks Club 1795.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alverta Eppestine. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Miles L. and Marilyn M. Eppestine of Destin; granddaughter, Felicia Ryne and husband Mark of Maryville, Tenn.; and great-granddaughter, Chasity Ryne.
Funeral services, with an Elks memorial service, will be held at McLaughlin Mortuary at 6 p.m. Tuesday with Chaplain Frank Dole officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be conducted in Tallahassee Memory Gardens at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, with Culley and Sons Funeral Home of Tallahassee directing.
Floral tributes are acceptable.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with local arrangements.
Della Mae Price
Della Mae Price, age 78, of Baker, Fla., died Thursday, June 17, 1999, in a local hospital.
She was born in Baltimore on May 26, 1921, and was a resident of Baker since 1996, coming from Largo, Fla. She was Pentecostal by faith.
Mrs. Price was preceded in death by her husband, William Walker Price in March 1999. Survivors include her sons, Benjamin F. Jackson of Baker, Ronald K. Jackson of Largo, Herbert R. Jackson of Pinella Park, Fla., and William L. Price of Charlotte, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Crestview, Fla., with the Rev. Kevin Krist officiating. Inurnment will follow in Live Oak Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Mark's United Methodist Church; the American Heart Association; or the American Cancer Society, in memory of Della M. Price.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Aubel
Anna Aubel, age 79, of Navarre, Fla., passed away Monday evening, June 14, 1999, at her residence.
Mrs. Aubel was born on April 22, 1920, in Carnegie, Pa., to the late Luke and Josephine Schenkowskey. She moved to Navarre 17 years ago from Moonrun, Pa., and was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mary Esther, Fla., and of the American Legion in Pittsburgh. She enjoyed bingo and bowling as a hobby.
Mrs. Aubel was preceded in death by her son, Frank Aubel III, and by her great-grandson, Joshua Dale Abshire.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Aubel of Navarre; daughter, Barbara Abshire and husband Daniel of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; grandson, Daniel Abshire Jr. and wife Ronda of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; grandson, Eric Abshire and wife Amy of Fort Walton Beach; great-grandson, Eric Abshire Jr. of Fort Walton Beach; godson, Edward Yurkovitch of Pittsburgh; sister, Evelyn Yurkovitch of Pittsburgh; and sister, Sue Soliz of Havasu City, Ariz.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Father Joseph Callipare officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 490 Highway 85 north, Suite C, Niceville, FL 32578, in memory of Mrs. Anna Aubel.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
