Carol H. Miles, 82 of Graceville, left her earthly home entering into her Heavenly home on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Mrs. Carol was born in Milton, Florida on June 29, 1941, to the late Henry Henderson and Mabel Allen Henderson. She worked as a transcriptionist with Northwest Florida Community Hospital for over 20 years. Mrs. Carol loved the Lord with all her heart, also her grandchildren and great grandchildren and showing kindness and love to all whom she met.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Bro. Harry C. “Mutt” Miles, son Wayne Miles and grandson Brent Miles, brother and sister-in-law Sonny and Marie Henderson.

Survived by son Ronald Miles, Troy, Alabama, daughter-in-law Charlotte Miles, Tallahassee, FL, sister Velma Zeigler (Charles), grandchildren Christina Miles, Duane Miles (Richelle), Brian Elder, great grandchildren Courtney Folsom, Kelsey Smith (Billie Jo), Joshua Smith (Crystal), Cody Goodson, great great granddaughter Zoey Smith.

A Home-going Celebration of her life will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at New Hope Assembly of God Church with Bro. John Hathaway and Bro. Barry George officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.

The time of visitation will be at James & Lipford Funeral Home, Tuesday evening 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Betty Joyce Edwards, an inspiration of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2024, in Sneads, Florida. Born on May 22, 1957, in Donalsonville, Georgia, Betty was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her life was a testament to her courage and the deep bonds she forged with all who were privileged to know her.

Betty’s journey began as the daughter of the late Raymond Earl and Lillie Pearl Cain Dunaway. She grew up in a home filled with warmth and kindness, qualities that she would carry with her throughout her life. Betty was saved and baptized in March of 1967 and continued in her walk with Jesus and lead others to Him throughout her entire life.  In 1974, Betty married the love of her life, Steve Edwards, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey of love and partnership that lasted fifty years. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Amanda “Mandy” Edwards Burns (Lee), Kelly Edwards Price (Dan), and Megan Edwards Combest (Tom).

A graduate of Chattahoochee High School in 1975, Betty’s work ethic and dedication were evident early on. She began her career at a sewing factory in Sneads, Florida, before joining the Florida State Hospital as a timekeeper in food service. Her career there was marked by her meticulous nature and unwavering commitment. After a brief move to Louisiana, Betty and her family returned to Sneads, where she continued her service at the hospital, eventually retiring as a Property Clerk in 2018 after more than three decades of faithful service.

In retirement, Betty found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished every moment spent with her seven grandchildren—Trevor Carpenter, Kayden Silcox, Garrett Burns, Hunter, Jeff and Will Price, LeeElla Combest—and eagerly anticipated the arrival of her eighth. She also adored her five great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness.

Betty’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her sister, Shirley Ann Ranew (Irving), her sister-in-law, Donna Hicks (Wayne), her brother-in-law, Larry Edwards (Nora), her nieces, Wendy Ranew Eubanks and Angelia Edwards Padilla, and her nephews, Ken and Clay Hunter. Each family gathering was brightened by her presence and the love she so freely gave.

An active and devoted member of Sneads First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, Betty’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was instrumental in the church’s activities, including the recent establishment of game nights, which brought joy and fellowship to many. Her involvement with the Eastern Star organization further reflected her commitment to community and service.

Betty’s culinary skills were legendary, especially her chicken and dumplings, which were a highlight at family and church gatherings. Her love for cooking was matched only by her passion for traveling, particularly to the mountains, where she found peace and rejuvenation.

Those who knew Betty will remember her for her loving nature, her selflessness in always putting others first, and her courageous spirit that inspired everyone around her. She was a pillar of her community, a dedicated servant to her faith, and a nurturing presence in the lives of her loved ones.

Betty Joyce Edwards leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were touched by her extraordinary life. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come.

A service celebrating Betty’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Sneads First United Methodist Church with a time of visitation for friends and family starting at 1:00 PM Central Time and the service beginning at 2:00 PM Central Time with Rev. Mike von Keyserling officiating and McAlpin Funeral Home directing.  Interment will follow at Pope Cemetery in Sneads, FL. 

Flowers are appreciated however in lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating in Betty’s memory to Sneads First United Methodist Church.

Charles C. Clark, age 96, of Marianna, Florida passed away April 18, 2024.  

Charles was born March 7, 1928.  He attended school in Marianna and Campbellton.  After school, he joined the Navy.  During that time, he met his future wife, Ann Clark. They were married 71 years. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Clark;  father, Norman C. Clark (Velma); mother,  Bertha (Hart) Pyles;  sisters, Joyce Denton and Juanita Warn.

He is survived by his two daughters Charleen Parker (Curtis) and Betty (BJ) Clark (Ron Holton) one son, David Clark (Lisa); 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Opal Gilbert, Jean Sims (Bobby), and JoAnn Malloy.

Following in his father’s footsteps, his earliest employment was as a painter by day and  a projectionist at night at the local movie theatre.  As a young man, he owned a Massey  Harris tractor dealership, and later worked for various tractor dealerships in the area.  His final employment was with West Florida Equipment Company for 27 years.

Charles’ favorite past time was restoration of outboard  motors.  He had over 130 motors dating back to the early 1900’s.  He was also a history buff and was particularly interested in local as well as Florida history.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2 PM, Monday, April 22, 2024 at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Rev. Clinton Howell officiating. James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

Mr. Alonzo Russ, Sr., of Marianna, Florida transitioned from this life on April 12th at home. He was 84 years old.

A native of Jackson County, he was of the Methodist faith and an active member of Bethlehem  AME Church, where he served as a Steward, Trustee and choir member.  He was a member of the Gospel Jubilees group where he sang for more than 50 years.

He retired from Dozier School for Boys after more than 37 years of working with the State.

Alonzo leaves treasured memories with his wife of 63 years, Ollie Mae Russ of Cottondale, Florida; five children, Effie (Tony) Newbold of Worcester, Massachusetts, Stephanie Russ of Marianna, Florida, Alonza Russ, Jr. of Texas, Steven (Therasa) Russ of Cottondale, Florida and Jeffery (Amy) Russ of Panama City, Florida; three sisters-in-law, Drusie Malone of Hempstead, New York, Beatrice Collier of Panama City, Florida and Lena Malone of Jacob City, Florida; two brothers-in-law, Dewitt Perry of Louisburg, North Carolina and Robert Malone, Jr. of Marianna, Florida; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren’ and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A public viewing will be Monday, April 22nd at Peoples Funeral Home Chapel rom 3-6p.m.

A Going Home Celebration will be held Tuesday, Aprill 23rd at 11:00a.m. at Bethlehem AME Church with Pastor Carl Hill, Reverend Freddie Roulhac, Reverend Joseph Curry and Evangelist Samuel Gray officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.

Barbara Louleen Blankenship, an example of love and generosity,
passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on
October 28, 1934, in Whistler, Alabama, to the late Thomas H. Young
and Ruth Ward Young, Barbara’s life was a testament to the joy and
warmth she brought to everyone around her.
Barbara’s early years were spent in the nurturing environment of her
hometown, where she graduated from C. F. Vigor High School in
Prichard, Alabama. After graduation, she embraced the roles of wife and
mother with a heart full of love. Her laughter was infectious, and her
zest for life was evident in every endeavor she undertook.
For many years, Barbara served her community as a bank teller, a
position that allowed her to touch the lives of countless individuals with
her kindness and compassion. She spent the last thirty-three years of her
life in Jackson County, Florida, where she continued to be an active and
cherished member of the community.
Barbara’s marriage to her beloved husband, Nathan “Bud” Blankenship,
was filled with shared passions, including their love for fishing.
Together, they spent countless hours by the water, creating memories
that would last a lifetime. Barbara’s culinary skills were unparalleled,
particularly her talent for making divinity candy at Christmas, which
became a cherished family tradition. Her love for gardening was not
only a source of joy but also nourished her family and friends with the
bounty she preserved from her garden.
In her younger years, Barbara found solace and creativity in crocheting
and sewing, crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her attention to detail

and care. Above all, her family was the center of her universe. She
poured her love into her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a
legacy of selflessness and devotion.
Barbara is predeceased by her father, Thomas H. Young, her mother,
Ruth A. Dueitt, and her son, Charles Ray Miller, Jr. She is survived by
her husband, Nathan “Bud” Blankenship; her children, Charleen Sikes
(Christopher), Benjamin Thomas Miller (Susan), Anthony Floyd Miller
(Donna), and Ricky Blankenship (Ellen); her brother, William Thomas
Young; her sister, Judy Miller; her best friend, Shirley Hobbs; eleven
grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-
grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family
members who will miss her deeply.
Barbara’s life was a portrait of love, selflessness, and generosity. She
will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, the kindness of her
spirit, and the depth of her love for her family and friends. Her legacy
will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her memory will be
cherished forever. Barbara Blankenship’s story is not one of goodbye,
but one of gratitude for the time shared with an extraordinary woman
whose life was truly a gift to all.
A service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, April 25,
2024, at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida, with a time of
visitation for friends and family starting at 11:00 AM Central Time and
the service beginning at 12:00 PM Central Time with Dr. Juno Douglas
and Rev. Bill Mayo officiating. Interment will follow at Pope Cemetery
in Sneads, FL.

Mr. Byron J. Goldwire affectionately known as “BJ” age 44 of Marianna, FL passed away
Monday April 15, 2024, at Jackson Hospital in Marianna, FL surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral service will be held 11a.m. Saturday April 27 th at Caverns Road Church of Christ located
4448 River Road Marianna, FL with Minister John Poitevint officiating. Memorialization will
be by cremation with Mckinnie Funeral Home of Campbellton, FL directing.
Byron Jeremy Goldwire (known to all as B.J.) was born on April 2, 1980, in Lakeland, Florida to
the late Booker T. Goldwire and Priscilla MyRick Keith. He attended Polk County Florida
schools and graduated from Kathleen Senior High School in 1998.
B.J. was baptized at an early age at the Sixth Street Church of Christ and later moved his
membership to the Lakeland Hills Church of Christ. He was a faithful member until he moved to
Marianna, Florida, in 2013 and placed his membership at the Caverns Road Church of Christ,
where he was a faithful and active member until his death.
He completed barber training and enjoyed cutting hair. He loved playing basketball and was
nicknamed “Baller B.” He also enjoyed playing video games and writing rhymes and music
lyrics.
He was preceded in death by his father, Booker T. Goldwire; step-father, Wilson Keith; his
brother, Tony Goldwire; maternal grandparents, William and Pattie Rene Harvey; and paternal
grandparents, Mose and Gertrude Goldwire.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving mother, Priscilla M. Keith; two brothers,
Kenneth (Cassandra) Goldwire and William (Vanessa) Goldwire; one sister, Andria (Elijah)
Cole; sister-in-law, Evelyn Goldwire; one aunt, Mary (Thomas) Gilliard; one uncle, Horace
Goldwire; three godmothers, Ruby Lewis, Bennie Jones, and Diane Dukes; three god sisters,
Rashell Lewis, India Lewis, and Jennifer Waldon; one god brother, Christopher Lewis; and a
host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.