Benjamin Franklin Gainer

Mr. Benjamin Franklin Gainer, affectionately known as “Ben” of Cottondale, Fl departed this life on Friday, March 4, 2011 at Jackson Hospital. He was a member of Henshaw Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gainer was born in Cottondale, Florida but spent most of his life in Ypsilantic, Michigan. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Vietnam Conflict; upon completing tour of duty, he received an honorable discharge.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00am at the Henshaw Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Rev. Dovie Lewis, Rev. Lenny Marshall, Rev. David Greene, Evangelist Gladys Inman, Bro. Ron Johnson and Rev. Tony O. Hannah, officiating.

Interment in the Bethlehem Cemetery.

Vann Funeral Home in charge of the service.

Mr. Gainer lied in repose at the church from 10:00am until time of the service.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Daughters: Beneta Leon and husband, Derrick of Houston, TX; Lisa Scott of Daytona Beach, FL; Two Sons he raised as his own: Jeff and Derrick Hall of West Palm Beach, FL; Sister: Ernestine Gainer Scott of Paramount, CA; Two Brothers: John Gainer of Beaverton, OR; Nathaniel Gainer of Bloomfield, NJ; Two Grandchildren: Three Aunts: Curlee Russ, Leola White and Eva Long all of Cottondale, FL

Uncle: Pelvo White and wife, Gail of Marianna, FL

A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many sorrowing friends

Plez Jackson

Mr. Plez Jackson, of Marianna, FL, departed this life on Tuesday, March 08, 2011, at Marianna Health and Rehab. Center. He was a native of Marianna, FL.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:30pm at Williams Temple Holiness Church of 2924 Orange Street, Marianna, FL., with Bishop Richard Potter, Pastor.

Interment at the Riverside Cemetery, Marianna, FL.

Vann Funeral Home in charge of the services.

Mr. Jackson lied in repose from 1:00pm until time of the service.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife: Alma Freeman Jackson of Marianna, FL; Son: Perry Jackson of Atlanta, GA; Two Daughters: Andrea Garrett and husband Wesley of Marianna, FL; Alice Boyd of Chattahoochee, FL; Daughter-in-law: Mozell Jackson of Marianna, FL; Brother: Elijah Jackson and wife, Hettie of Marianna, FL; Sister: Magealene Chisolm of Charleston, SC; Sister-in-law: Thelma Freeman of Marianna, FL; Numerous grand and great grandchildren; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends

Margie Wynn Hayes

Mrs. Margie Wynn Hayes, of Marianna, Florida departed this life on Monday, March 07, 2011 at her residence.

Mrs. Hayes was a native of Jackson County, Florida and a member of Bethel Star Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00am at Bethel Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. George Williams, Pastor, Rev. William Harvey, Rev. Bernard Felton and Minister Maxie Swintons, officiating.

Interment in the Orange Hill Cemetery.

Vann Funeral Home in charge of the service.

Mrs. Hayes lied in repose at the church from 10:00am until time of the service.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories:

Two daughters: Charylene Gatterson of Houston, Texas;

Gloria Hayes of Marianna, Florida One Son: Willie J. Hayes, Jr. of Clearwater, Florida Sister: Martha W. Williams of Marianna, Florida Two Brothers: Julius Wynn of Tallahassee, Florida; Jacob Wynn and wife Whelder of Chiefland, Florida; Five grandchildren; one great grandchild; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.

Annie Pearl Conrad Benton

Annie Pearl Conrad Benton, 89, of Tallahassee, died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Margaret Dozier Hospice House, Big Bend Hospice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert James Benton and by her parents, James Henry Conrad and Martha Clarkie Ferguson. Annie Pearl was also preceded in death by her 2 brothers, James Leslie Conrad, and Henry Willis Conrad and by her sister, Sallie Evelyn Conrad Williams.

Mrs. Benton was a native of Malone, Florida and moved to Tallahassee from Miami 30 years ago. She was a homemaker and an active member of Lake Jackson United Methodist Church.

She is survived by a great-nephew, Mike Williams; and great-nieces, Joy Patrick, Ann Powell, Barbara Taylor, Cassie Rylands and Dawn Williams. She leaves her loving neighbors, Linda and Richard Royster, Michelle and Lance Hart, Elle and Hayley Hart and Rick and Bridget Royster and family friends, Myrtice and Opal Poppell and Louise Coe. Also caring neighbors Nancy and Don Downey and Marecela and Enrique Yanez and family, as well as her loving church family.

A service was held for Annie Pearl on March 1, 2011 at the Lake Jackson United Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Interment followed at Roselawn Cemetery in Tallahassee. The Rev. Teresa McBain and the Rev. Kevin Hall officiated and a reception of family and friends was held just prior to the service time at the church.

Gifts in memory of Mrs. Benton may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Joseph Lee Cross

Joseph Lee Cross, age 76, of Marianna departed this life on March 4, 2011 at his residence. He was born in the state of Illinois in the year of our Lord November 17, 1934. He received his education from Illinois Public School Systems. At an early age he joined the U.S. Armed Forces, first the Navy and then the Air Force. He had an excellent affinity in making friends, of whom he counted dearly and loyally. Mr. Cross was an employee of Caterpillar for over 30 years and had been running his personal business for many years with great satisfaction and success. His companion for 5 years, Kaeretha, had a Christlike influence on him which led to his joining the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Joe, as he was affectionally called, was a man of many talents, with finesse of many types of machinery. He gives the credit to Caterpillar and the U. S. Armed Forces. His quest for gaining the knowhow and interest was due to his inquisitive mind.

He leaves behind his church family (Marianna SDA), Kaeretha his companion and wife, many neighborhood friends and business associates. Many thanks go to those who helped to lighten the burden to his wife.

Funeral services for Mr. Cross were held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Westberg officiating.

Visitation was held on Monday, March 7, 2011 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vonnie Phillips

Vonnie Phillips, 86, of Marianna died Monday, March 7, 2011 in Marianna. Funeral services were Wednesday, March 9, at Maddox Chapel. Burial followed in Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Graceville with James & Sikes Maddox Chapel directing. Family received friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas Hilton Freeman

Thomas Hilton Freeman, 67, of Marianna, died Friday, March 4, 2011 at Jackson Hospital.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, a self-employed business owner with a strong work ethic. Thomas was a devoted Christian and a member of Pilgrims Rest Assembly of God Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Myrtle Woods Freeman; four brothers, Charles, Bobby, Jerry and Earl Freeman

Survivors include his wife, Christine Freeman; two sons, Mark Hilton, Michael Wayne Freeman and wife, Mandy all of Marianna; two daughters, Sherri Lipford and husband, Jamie of Altha, Terri Williams of Marianna; one brother, Gordon Freeman of Marianna; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were Monday, March 7, 2011 at Maddox Chapel with Rev. Ellis Vickery officiating. Burial followed in Vickery Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family received friends, Sunday, March 6, 2011 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Eugene Van Hall

Eugene Van Hall, 70, died Friday, March 4, 2011 in Marianna.

A native of Jacksonville, Mr. Hall had resided in Marianna for many years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran having served with the 1st. Airborne Division and was self employed in the air conditioning industry.

Survivors include his mother and step-father, Grace and Leroy Mears of Cypress; one son, Darren Vanier; two daughters, Melinda Vanier and Melody Mahoney; one step-brother, Alan Mears of Cypress; one step-sister, Glenda Sebastian of Greenwood; two grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services were Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Cypress Cemetery with Mr. Paul Brock officiating with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com.

Leona Olive

Leona was born April 23, 1917, the daughter of Oscar and Ethel Olive, Sr. She finished school at Malone High School and then attended Bob Jones College of Cleveland, Tennessee. She then attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fl where she got her BS Degree and later got her Masters Degree at Florida State.

Every one knew her as a wonderful christian lady that loved her church. She taught school for forty years, mostly at Golson School, Sneads and Bonifay.

She was a lifetime member of the Bascom Methodist Church.

Leona is survived by a brother, Oscar Olive, Jr. and wife Jessie; one sister, Edith Carter and husband, Harold of Ocala and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor Kemp, Dorothy Blackmon and Bernice Bradley.

Services were held at James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2011 with Rev. Bob Calvert (Bascom Methodist pastor) assisted by Rev. Bob Bennett. Burial followed at Bascom Methodist Church Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

A private family viewing was from 1 p.m. until service time.

Expressions of Sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com

Judson Ryals Mitchell

Judson Ryals Mitchell, 84, of Marianna went to be with the Lord, March 2, 2011, at his home.

He was born Aug. 11, 1926, in Dellwood, Fl. to Judson Edward and Myrtice Hart Mitchell. Judson attended Greenwood High School and graduated from Leon High School while enrolled in Electronic School in Tallahassee, Fl. He married Sara Frances Greer on June 30, 1949. He was self employed as the owner and operator of Mitchell’s TV and Radio Shop. Judson, known as “Ju-Ju”, was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Ju-Ju delighted in his two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a “jack-of-all-trades” and could fix anything that was broken. He built from scratch the family beach house and remodeled his other vacation homes. He retired in 2005 because of health reasons. He loved to work in his garden and spend time at his beach, lake, and mountain homes. His favorite hobby was to fish and go to Hardees to see the “Hardee Boys” telling his “fish” stories.

Judson was preceded in death by his wife, Sara, in January of 2011; his son-in-law, Rodney Russ; his parents, Judson and Myrtice Mitchell; both his sister and brother-in-law, Guy and Mary Jo Moody; his sisters and brothers, Arthur Mitchell, Wallace Mitchell, Coy Mitchell, Bonnie Ruth Swanner, Mildred Barfield, and Ellen Hasty.

Ju-Ju is survived by his daughter, Sarieta Russ; granddaughter, Alanna Russ; grandson, Mitchell Russ; great-granddaughter, Maggie Russ-Baxley; a host of nieces and nephews; and special extended family, Kisha Basford, Glenn and Janet Young.

The family received friends at James and Sikes Maddox Chapel on Thursday, March 3, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service was Friday, March 4, at James and Sikes Maddox Chapel, Roland Rabon officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, James & Sikes Funeral Homes Maddox Chapel directing.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Covenant Hospice, 4215 Kelson Ave., Suite E. Marianna, Fl. 32446.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com.

Lucy Gibson Nickles

Lucy Gibson Nickles of Panama City, Florida, formerly of Marianna, Florida departed this life on February 26, 2011 at her residence.

Mrs. Nickles was a member of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church and was employed by the Bay County School Board until her retirement.

Funeral Service were held Saturday March 5, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at McChapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Rev. Mary Myrick, Pastor and Rev. Linda Ellis officiating.

Interment in the church cemetery.

Vann Funeral Home in charge.

Mrs. Nickles lied in repose at the church from 12:00 Noon until time for the service.

The family will receive friends Friday March 4, 2011 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church (1510 Louisiana Street Panama City, FL 32401).

She leaves to cherish her precious memories:

One Sister: Mary L. Gibson of Greenwood, Florida

Three Brothers: Willie Bill Gibson (Annette) of Marianna, Florida; Mervin Gibson and Kenneth Gibson (Sallie Mearl) all of Malone, Florida

Daughter-in-Law: Libby Lee of Lubbock, Texas

Grandchildren: Cheryl Holmes and Fredrick Hall both of Marianna, Florida; Tino Lee and Chesha Robinson both of Lubbock, Texas

Sisters-in-Law: Evelyn Gibson of Jacksonville, FL and Dorothy Gibson of Marianna, FL

And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Phillip “Curly” Edward Howard

Phillip “Curly” Edward Howard, age 66, of Marianna passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. He was a resident of Jackson County since 1965 after coming here from Athens, Tennessee. Mr. Howard was a retired dairy farmer and a used car salesman. He was a wonderful Daddy, Pa Paw and friend. Throughout his life he helped many people.

Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ruby Hill Howard and his Uncle Joe Hill.

Survivors include his loving wife, Launa Howard of Marianna, daughters, Suzette McCoy and husband, Tim and Misty Hanlon and husband, B.J. all of Marianna; sisters, Vickie Townsend of Athens, Tennessee and grandchildren, Harris Hanlon, Layton Hanlon, Tanner McCoy and Hannah Mc Coy all of Marianna.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2 P.M. at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Willis Hagan officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memory Gardens.

A time of visitation was held on Friday, February 25, 2011 from 6 to 8 P.M. at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted on line at mariannachapelfh.com.

RICKY LAMAR KENT

Funeral services for Ricky Lamar Kent, age 56, of Eufaula were held Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2 P.M. from the First Baptist Church in Eufaula. Dr. Ken Bush and Art Kimbrough will officiate and burial followed in the Clayton Cemetery with Rev. Bill Brown officiating and Kent Funeral Home of Eufaula directing. Mr. Kent died suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 23 after an apparent heart attack resulted in an auto accident.

Born September 14, 1954 in Panama City, Fl. Ricky was the son of the late Versie E. and Georgia Blanche Owens Kent. He had lived in Barbour County since 1979 coming from Montgomery, Al. Ricky was a member of First Baptist Church of Eufaula, a licensed Alabama Funeral Director and Embalmer, he was a past president of the Clayton Rotary Club, past president of the Barbour County Heart Association, was a member of the Royal Whiteheart Masonic Lodge in Clayton and a 1972 graduate of Rutherford High School in Panama City, Fl. He was a co-owner of Kent Funeral Home in Clayton and Eufaula, a co-owner of Heritage Funeral Home in Panama City, Fl., and co-owner of Kent Thornton Funeral Home in Dothan. Ricky was a shareholder of Kent Care, which owns funeral homes in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. Ricky was a loving husband, father and friend. He enjoyed music and played for many parties, dances, weddings, receptions and special occasions. He enjoyed writing poetry and cooking.

Survivors include his wife, Hope Kent, Eufaula; a son, Erick (Corrie Dukes) Kent, Auburn; three daughters, Michelle K. (Scott) Porter, Birmingham, Heather K. (Robert) McGowan, Eufaula and Dani Kent, Eufaula; a brother, Charles (Julie) Kent, Marianna, Fl.; three sisters, Jean (Joe) Stone, Millbrook, Ann (Tony) McCartha, Coosada, and Margie (Tommy) Lane, Panama City, Fl.; and 7 grandchildren, Drew McGowan, Anna Kathryn Martin, Samantha Martin, Noah Porter, Jacob Kent, Luke McGowan, and Caleb Kent.

Pallbearers were Freddy Holland, Jimmy Pitts, Charles Kent Jr., Justin Kent, David Lane, Mark Presnell, Clark Presnell and Kenny Stiles.

The family will accept flowers or suggest donation be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Building, 125 S. Randolph Ave. Eufaula, Al. 36027.

Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com

Joey Dean Gilley

Joey Dean Gilley 46, of Grand Ridge died Thursday, February 24, 2011 at his residence.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 1, 2011 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. Burial will followed in Comerford-Coulliette Cemetery near Dellwood with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

He is survived by his wife, Carlene Gilley; five sons, Joseph Wayne Gilley of Orlando, Jamie Lee Gilley of Chicago, Joey Dean Gilley, Jr., of Jacksonville, Elijah Gilley and Joshua Gilley both of Kentucky; two daughters, Tonya Lanise Gilley Tran’ of Jacksonville, Jacquelyn Gilley of Kentucky; his father, Jack Gilley and wife, LaDonna Adams Gilley; his mother, Josie Justice; One brother Jack Glen Gilley of North Lewisburg, Ohio; Two sisters, Karen DeAnne Clausen of Kennesaw, Ga, Jennifer Diane Powell of Sneads; two grandchilden.

John Henry “Hank” Taylor

John Henry “Hank” Taylor, 69, of Seagrove, NC passed away Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 in Sneedville, Tenn.

He was born October 24, 1941 in Chattahoochee, Fl. to Jeff and Evelyn Taylor. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Addison in 1958. After graduating from FSU they moved to Dothan, Al., where he worked with Boy’s Scouts of America and later owned and operated Deep South Auction Co. After moving to Seagrove, NC in 1982 he continued to work in the auction business until his sudden passing. He was a member at Hulda Baptist Church, Asheboro, NC.

Preceding him in death were his loving parents Jeff and Evelyn Taylor and special son, Kent Addison Taylor.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon; his children, John Henry Taylor, Jr. and wife Lisa, Vitano Lynn Willis and husband Billy, Lisa Lea Moon and husband Dale; one sister, Abbie Jo Taylor Olvera and husband Felix; Sister-in-laws, Betty Addison and Nettie Adkinson Addison. 10 Grandchildren and 1 special great-grandchild.

Funeral services were Friday, February 25, 2011 at Grace Community Baptist Church, 2059 Booster Club Road near Chattahoochee, Fl. with Revs. Bill McCammon & Ivan Holbert officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family received friends, Friday, at 1 p.m. EST until funeral time at the church.

Expressions of Sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com