Angelica Marie Suarez-Hunter
Angelica Marie Suarez-Hunter, an infant, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999.
Angelica is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Virginia Suarez.
She is survived by her parents, Danita Suarez and Israel C. Hunter Jr. of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; brothers, Bill Farmin and Robert Farmin, both of Fort Walton Beach; paternal grandparents, Israel Sr. and wife Marie Hunter of Waterbury, Conn.; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services for Angelica will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, graveside in Beal Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Phil Loyd officiating.
On your journey to heaven,
Oh, littlest of angels,
I'll forever give thanks,
You came in my arms,
Where you lay in warm sweetness,
For the briefest of moments,
My name on your bracelet...
Baby girl of my own.
Not even the rosebud,
Nor the first crocus petal,
Could match the soft wonder
Of your small, flowering face...
Though you lingered, oh briefly,
Our torn hearts found comfort,
And your fair, infant presence
Gave our sorrow a grace.
Etched in our memories,
To hold and to treasure,
Are experiences we had not known;
These you gave, in your innocence,
To your mother and father;
And oh, little darling,
We are richer by far,
To have held you a moment,
Then to never to have held you
At all - Unknown
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 is in charge of arrangements.
Willard A. Alford
Willard Alford, 79, of Bruce, Fla., died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 20, 1999, at his home in Freeport, Fla.
He was born April 8, 1921, in Milton, Fla., to parents Auzie and Alice Alford.
Mr. Alford was a WWII veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He retired from civil service in 1985 and from the late 1940s through the early 1950s, he was the town constable of District 3 and police chief of Niceville, Fla. He was also a devoted Mason, belonging to the Niceville Chapter 312.
He was loved by everyone who knew him. Friends and relatives will remember Willard for his unconditional love for family and friends and his caring and giving ways.
Mr. Alford was preceded in death by two brothers, Auzie Alford Jr. and M.B. Alford; and a daughter, Geretha Alford Huddleston.
He is survived by two children, Geraldine Alford and Richard L. Alford, both of Freeport; two brothers, A.Z. Alford and Carlton Alford, both of Seminole, Fla.; five sisters, Ethel Sweeney, wife of life-long best friend Henry Sweeney of Niceville, Marilyn Couch of Niceville, Ola Clyde Weekly of Baker, Fla., Willie Edwards of Choctaw Beach, Fla., and Wilma Lemon of Choctaw Beach. Mr. Alford also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many, many friends who will miss him dearly.
Graveside services for Mr. Alford will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, in the Sunset Cemetery, Valparaiso, Fla., with the Niceville Masonic Lodge officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, in the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Parkway, Niceville.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Joanne H. Rheaume
Joanne H. Rheaume, age 67, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999, at her residence.
Ms. Rheaume was born on July 29, 1932, in Newburyport, Mass., and had resided in Fort Walton Beach for the past 12 years. Ms. Rheaume worked at Morrows Nut House in Santa Rosa Mall for nine years and Godiva Chocolates in Destin for three years.
Ms. Rheaume is survived by a brother, Armand Roger of Marion, N.Y.; and two sisters, Irene Bergeron of Manchester, N.H., and Irma Hritz of Fort Walton Beach.
The family requested memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association in the name of Joanne H. Rheaume. Ms. Rheaume requested that there be no services.
The International Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements.
Gloria H. Brock
Gloria H. "Glo" Brock passed away Nov. 21, 1999, in a local hospital.
She was born in Cairo, Ga., and had been a resident of this area since 1954. She was a Methodist by faith and a charter member of Shalimar Methodist Church.
Gloria's loving husband, L.BN. "BB" Brock of 41 years predeceased her. She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie Vaivada (and husband William) and Janet Dunn; granddaughters, Joan Silvey, Katie Silvey, Christie Dunn and Kellie Dunn.
The family will receive friends at 804 Linda Drive, Mary Esther (Parrish Point), Fla., from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27.
Garnet Juanita Cavender
Garnet Juanita Cavender, age 62, of Freeport, Fla., died Saturday, Nov. 20, 1999, in a Birmingham, Ala., hospital.
She was born in Belle, W.Va.
Survivors include her husband, Teddy Ray Cavender of Freeport; son, Teddy R. Cavender Jr. of Penelope, Texas; daughters, Tammy Rae Boesel of Adamsville, Ala., Terri Rose Cavender of Crestview, Fla., and Christine Elaine Thody of Blanco, Texas; brothers, Roy Allen Siders of Belle, and David Wayne Siders of Belle; sister, Ruth Elaine Brown of Belle; and 14 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at Crestview Church of God at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Kent Rogers officiating.
Burial will follow in Live Oak Memorial Park Cemetery in Crestview, Fla.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Ruby Lee Norton
Funeral services for Ruby Lee Norton, age 81, of Georgetown, Ga., will be held at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999, in Chapman Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula, Ala., with the Rev. Wayne Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Georgetown Cemetery.
Mrs. Norton died at her home in Georgetown on Sunday, Nov. 21.
She was born on April 23, 1918, in Quitman County, Ga., daughter of the late Noble A. and Gussie Whitaker Graddy. She and her late husband, Roy Norton, lived in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for 37 years before retiring and moving back to Georgetown in 1985.
She is survived by two daughters, Betty Long of Chuluota, Fla., and Patsy Ann Stevens of Cocoa, Fla.; son, Lee Norton of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Jennifer Johnston, Gwen Long and Natisha Burkhalter; and sisters, Neville House and Annie Gordon Eppes of Georgetown.
Chapman Funeral Home, Eufaula, is in charge of arrangements.
Harry E. Rawlings
Lt. Col. Harry E. Rawlings, age 70, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, in a local hospital.
Mr. Rawlings was born on May 12, 1929, in South Jacksonville, Ill., to Carl and Alice Fanning Rawlings. He moved to this area in 1971 from Fort Rucker, Ala., and was a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army with 24 years of service. He was an infantry officer in the Korean conflict and later became a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam era.
Mr. Rawlings was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus and was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Kay Rawlings.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joann Rawlings of Fort Walton Beach; sons, Michael Rawlings of Brisbee, Ariz., Thom Rawlings of Savannah, Ga., Rick Rawlings of Tulsa, Okla., Robert Rawlings of Fort Campbell, Ky., and Tim Rawlings of Fort Walton Beach; daughters, Cathy Hogue of Columbia, S.C., Pat Rawlings of Fort Walton Beach, and Vicky Conner of Martinez, Ga.; brother, Dave Rawlings of Franklin, Ill.; sisters, Louise Fuller of Roswell, N.M., Florence Evans of Pekin, Ill., Maryellen Hindahl of Apache Junction, Ariz., Rita Hollingsworth of Kokomo, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McLaughlin Mortuary, with a rosary prayer service to be conducted at 6 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Kevin Johnson as celebrant. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society; or to the American Lung Association.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with arrangements.
Anthony Terrell McDavid
Anthony Terrell McDavid, age 34, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 12, 1999, in Mesa, Ariz.
Born in Tampa, Fla., Tony was a longtime Florida resident.
He is survived by his parents, Rick and Kathy McDavid of Destin, Fla.; brother, Carl McDavid of Destin; son, Dallas McDavid of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughter, Lillian Harper of Chandler, Ariz.; and companion, Rachael Harper of Chandler.
A memorial Mass will be conducted on Friday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. in Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Father Robert Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Marie Brooks Slade
Marie Brooks Slade, age 69, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and formerly of Baker, Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, in Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
A native of Baker, she moved to St. Petersburg in 1996 from Elizabeth City, N.C. She was a waitress for various restaurants.
Mrs. Slade was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Maricevich Jr. Survivors include her sons, James Maricevich of St. Petersburg, and John Maricevich of Baker; stepdaughter, Nancy Sullivan and husband Mike of St. Petersburg; sisters, Eloise Smith and husband Mervin of Mary Esther, Rosia DuBose, Linda Adams and husband Don, and Kathy Cooper and husband Johnny, all of Baker; brothers, Junior Brooks and wife Dorothy of Baker, Cleve Brooks of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Joe Brooks and wife Mary Lou of Pensacola, Fla., and Gerald Brooks of Baker; stepgranddaughters, Sandra Ward of St. Petersburg, and Susan Pederson and husband Terry of Waterville, Iowa; four stepgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation will be held at Whitehurst Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be conducted at Pyron Chapel Church in Baker at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, with the Rev. Ray Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Pyron Chapel Cemetery.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Paul Chalker Womble
Paul Chalker Womble, age 87, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, in a local health care facility.
Mr. Womble was born on Feb. 8, 1912, in Elmore County, Ala., to Jessie and Ophelia Baxley Womble. He moved to this area in 1966 from Mobile, Ala., and was retired from civil service at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with 31 years of service. Mr. Womble was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and tinkering around the house.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Womble; and son, John P. Kelly. Survivors include his sons, Stephen C. Womble of Fort Walton Beach, Michael J. Womble of Virginia Beach, Va., and Frank Womble of Australia; daughters, Linda S. Stahr of Galt, Calif., and Rosanne Scott of California; and 11 grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Little Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at Little Chapel Funeral Home with Stephen Olivier officiating. Interment will be in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Bill Rockett
Bill Rockett, 67, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999, at the V.A. Hospital in Biloxi, Miss.
Mr. Rockett was a member of BPOE Crestview, Fla. Lodge 2624, the Masons and the Shriners. He had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Pamela Williams and Evelyn Rockett; 2 sons, Jim Rockett and Steve Rockett; 2 sisters, Sue Cook and Jody Garner; and 6 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 at 12:15 p.m. in the Faith Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola is in charge of the arrangements.
Rev. James R. Beers Sr.
The Rev. James Robert Beers Sr., age 69, of the Appleton Community in Brewton, Ala., passed away early Thursday morning, Nov. 25, 1999, in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital after an extended illness.
He was a native of South Canaan, Pa., and a resident of Brewton for the past 16 years, coming from Valparaiso, Fla. He was pastor of the Appleton Assembly of God Church and was ordained in the Assembly of God Ministry since July 11, 1972.
He was retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years of service as chief hospital corpsman and served in the Korean conflict and also the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife, Sister Faith Ann Cox Beers of Brewton; son, James R. Beers Jr. and wife Dawn of East Brewton; daughters, Donna Z. Wilde and husband Bill of Smyrna, Tenn., and Margaret J. Wells and husband Lester of Niceville, Fla.; sister, Margaret Neuschwanter of Hamlin, Pa.; grandchildren, Billy Wilde, Scotty Wilde, Brian Wells, Aaron Wells, Caleb Beers and Brittany Beers; great-grandchild, Ashleigh Wilde; nephew, Tom Dukerich; and father-in-law, the Rev. W.J. Cox.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Appleton Assembly of God Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, at Appleton Assembly of God Church with the Revs. Avon Fowler and Larry Hart officiating. Interment will follow in Weaver Cemetery in Brewton.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton is in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Marie Becker
Wanda Marie Becker, 60, of Choctaw Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, Nov. 27, 1999, at her residence.
A local businesswoman, Mrs. Becker was born in San Benito, Texas, and had resided in this area since 1971.
Mrs. Becker was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Kenneth Becker; her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Sharon Becker of Atlanta; her daughter, Barbara Becker of Florala, Ala.; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Roy French of Houston; and 5 grandchildren, Tiffany, Casey, Kaitlin, Andrew and Michael.
The family will receive friends at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville, Fla., on Sunday, Nov. 28, 1999, from 2 until 4 p.m. A prayer service with rosary will be conducted at 2 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Chapel Monday, Nov. 29, 1999, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Craig Williams officiating.
Additional services and interment in the Mont Meta Memorial Park Cemetery of San Benito will take place Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999, with the Mont Meta/Restlawn/Cox Funeral Home, 2906 S. Expressway, Harlingen, TX 78550, directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 4 Jackson Street N.E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, for research and treatment of ovarian cancer.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with the arrangements.
Elaine Urquhart
Elaine Urquhart, 62, passed away at home with her family around her in Mary Esther, Fla., Nov. 22, 1999, after a courageous fight against cancer.
She was born Cynthia Elaine Crabtree on Nov. 3, 1937, in Mobile, Ala., to Marvin F. and Lois Britt Crabtree. She married Henry T. (Ted) Urquhart Jr. of Montgomery, Ala., in Mobile Aug. 27, 1960.
Elaine attended Westminster College in Richmond, Va., received her BS from Huntington College in Montgomery and did her graduate work at Auburn University, where she earned her MRS degree.
Ted and Elaine have lived in the Fort Walton Beach, Fla., area since moving here from Panama more than 16 years ago.
Elaine loved flowers and the natural beauty around her. She was a life member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and a long-time member of the Gulf Area Garden Club and held several offices within that organization and the Brooks-Beal Center over the years.
She loved her home, family and friends with a fierce love. Elaine had a zest for life and worked to make those around her feel loved and appreciated. She touched many lives in her journey through life and made everyone she touched a better person.
She leaves a void in all our lives.
Her loving husband Ted, son Tad, daughter Lynne - now of Lawrenceville, Ga. - son-in-law John Belli and granddaughter Nicole Laine Belli survive her.
Other family includes her brother, Marvin F. Crabtree Jr. of Tampa, Fla., and her aunts, Dorothy Anderson of Saraland, and Margaret Crabtree of Montgomery.
A memorial service will be held Nov. 30, 1999, at 11 a.m. in the McLaughlin Mortuary in Fort Walton Beach. Friends and family may bring an article in celebration of life for display on a Memory Table prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Bay Medical Center Hospice in Destin, Fla.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut, Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with the arrangements.
Georgia Mae Edmondson
Mrs. Georgia Mae Edmondson, 84, died Friday, Nov. 26, 1999. A homemaker, devoted wife, mother and loving friend has gone home to her Father and our lives will never be the same again.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Larkin E. Edmonson.
Mrs. Edmondson is survived by daughters, Sue Edmondson and David Gregory of Montgomery, Ala., Linda (George) Beal of Rainbow City, Ala., and Kathy (Truett) Moseley of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; 3 grandsons, Kenneth Moseley, Robbie Moseley and George Beal Jr.; great-grandchildren, Meghan, Lauren, Lyndsay, Jacob, Sonni, Nikita, Herbie and Christopher; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999, at 10 a.m. in the Leak-Memory Chapel, Montgomery, with the Revs. Greg Belser and Jim McFarland officiating.
Graveside services will take place Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Daphney Baptist Cemetery in Daphney, Ala.
Pallbearers will be Kenneth Moseley, George Beal Jr., Truett Moseley, David Gregory, Johnny Johnson and Thomas Odom.
Rev. Cecil D. Cliburn
The Rev. Cecil D. Cliburn died Thursday, Nov. 24, 1999, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
He was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1968.
The Rev. Cliburn is survived by his wife Dorothy "Polly"; sons, Chuck Cliburn and Bob Cliburn; daughter, Cindy Steiger; eight grandchildren; brother, Charles Cliburn; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Putnam.
The Rev. Cliburn was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and received graduate degrees from Emory University and the University of Mississippi. He was an ordained Methodist minister and served in the Mississippi, North Georgia and North Florida conferences. He worked for 25 years as a mathematician at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or the Honduras Missionary Fund in care of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7.
K4AQO signing off.
Veronica Doremus Seymour
Veronica Doremus Seymour, age 75, of Niceville, Fla., died at her residence on Nov. 27, 1999.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved here in 1993 from Beaufort, S.C. Mrs. Seymour was a homemaker and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was a member of Eastern Star; WELCA; and Twin Cities Seniors, where she worked on arts and crafts for Sharing and Caring.
Mrs. Seymour was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Seymour Sr. Survivors include her sons, George L. Seymour Jr. of Niceville, Wayne M. Seymour and wife Laura of Weedsport, N.Y., and Keith E. Seymour and wife Tricia of Owenings Mills, Md.; daughter, Veronica M. Klosiewski and husband Frank of Niceville; brother, Andrew Doremus; sisters, Kathleen Myers and Marion Doremus, all of Arizona; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Seymour's remains were cremated, as per her request.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
