ROSE HELLEN NELSON
Rose Hellen Nelson, infant daughter of Elisha W. and Patricia K. Nelson, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at All Children's Hospital. Other survivors include two sisters, Taylor Marie Nelson and Julia Ann Nelson, and a brother, Elisha W. Nelson, all of St. Petersburg; her maternal grandparents, Ted and Saranan Lauck, Treasure Island; her paternal grandparents, Elisha W. Nelson, Mobile, Ala., and Hellen Nelson, Panama City; her maternal great-grandmother, Bernice E. McCune, St. Petersburg; and her paternal great-grandmother, Agnes Gray, Leesburg. Brett Funeral Home And Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
ELISHA W. NELSON
Elisha W. Nelson, infant son of Elisha W. and Patricia K. Nelson of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at All Children's Hospital. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Hellen Nelson. Other survivors include two sisters, Taylor Marie Nelson and Julia Ann Nelson of St. Petersburg; her maternal grandparents, Ted and Saranan Lauck, Treasure Island; her paternal grandparents, Elisha W. Nelson, Mobile, Ala., and Hellen Nelson, Panama City; her maternal great-grandmother, Bernice E. McCune, St. Petersburg; and her paternal great-grandmother, Agnes Gray, Leesburg. Brett Funeral Home And Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
CATHERINE NIX
Ms. Catherine Nix went peacefully home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at her home in Lynn Haven. Born Oct. 10, 1920, in the rural settlement, Eldorendo, Ga., she was the youngest daughter of E.R. and Zonie Elkins Nix. One of six children, she was reared on her family's farm. Ms. Nix received her B.S. Degree in Education from Georgia State College for Women in 1942, and her M.S. Degree from Florida State University in 1963. Ms. Nix began her long career in education at West Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge, Ga. The next year she began her 11 years teaching at Port St. Joe High School at Port St. Joe, Fla. Ms. Nix was the recipient of The Ford Foundation Grant, 1954 to 1955, studying the United Nations in action in New York City for three months and the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C. for three months. Upon her return she began the remainder of her career in Bay County at Jinks Jr. High School, 1955 to 1962, as a Teacher and Director of Guidance. In 1962, Ms. Nix was appointed the position of Dean of Women at the Gulf Coast Jr. College. "Dean Nix" continued her career of guiding and counseling until her retirement in 1982 with more than 40 years in education. Among her many accolades are President of Gulf County Education Association; president of Association of Bay County Educators; President Bay County Guidance Clinic Board; President Bay County Guidance Association; member Board of Directors Bay County Teachers Federal Credit Union; Chairman implementing committee American Association of University Women; Florida Personnel and Guidance Association; National Educators and Florida Education Association; Florida Deans of Women and Counselors Education Association; American Association of University Women; National Defense Education Act Guidance; Outstanding Senior Citizen, Panama City Jaycees; President of the Advisory Council of Bay County Retired Senior Volunteer Program; more than 100 hours of volunteer service to the Bay County Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Outstanding Support for the Baptist Campus Ministry at Gulf Coast College; Annual Support of Florida State University through the FSU Foundation Century Club; Board of Directors, Bay County Council on Aging; Outstanding Service to the Elderly; Board of Directors, Area Agency for North Florida Inc., Vice-President and President; served as Secretary of the Bay County Juvenile Court Advisory Board; appointed to the National Selective Service System in the Administration of the military Selective Service Act; Board of Directors, Anchorage Childrens' Home; the Anchorage Childrens' Home honored her by naming a home after her, "CATHERINE'S HOME "; recipient of the Jefferson Award; the Voice of Democracy Award Citation form the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Delegate to the 1981 White House Conference on Aging/Rural Mini-Conference; Outstanding Advisor Award, Gulf Coast Community College; Florida Congress of Parents and Teachers, Certificate of Honorary Life Membership of Outstanding Service to Children and Youth; and honored by Gulf Coast Community College in naming the Catherine Nix Outstanding Club Advisor Annual Award. Ms. Nix along with other family members, dedicated the Zonie E. Nix Memorial Chapel, named after her mother at Gulf Coast College for the college's students and visitors private meditation. Catherine was truly devoted to her Lord first and spent her entire life serving Him and helping people. She stated, "A long time ago I made the decision to let Jesus Christ take over my life. He is my source of love and strength and I thank Him for giving me the ability to reach out and listen to people, especially those that are not as fortunate as many of us." She lived her deep religious faith every day. Ms. Nix is survived by a sister, Reitas Nix Phillips of Panama City; a niece, Myrtle Simpson Aase and her husband George of Lake Talquin, Fla.; and Nancy Simpson, widow of deceased nephew, John T. Simpson Jr. of Tallahassee, Fla.; nephews, Jerry F. Phillips and his wife Pat of Gulf Shores, Ala., James Nix of Jacksonville, Fla., Bob Phillips of Panama City, and Jay R. Nix and his wife Amy of Gainesville, Fla. Survivors also include her devoted pet cat, Tiger; sister-in-law, Pat Slone and her husband Jim Slone; caregivers, Nell Gasaway, Audrey Vincent and Hilda Embrey; as well as numerous great-and great-great-nieces and nephews; and scores of dear and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Russell, Paul and E.R. "Bill" Nix Jr.; and her sister, Myrtle Nix Simpson. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 22, at Hiland Park Baptist Church with the Pastor Don Pickerill officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as active pallbearers are the nephews and great-nephews of "Aunt Nickie," Jay R. Nix, Dan Slone, George Aase II, Paul Aase, Richard Phillips, and Keith Simpson. Honorary pallbearers will include the board and staff at Anchorage Childrens' Home, board and staff at Council on Aging, board and staff at Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union; board and staff at Gulf Coast Community College; and members of her Sunday School Class at Hiland Park Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, today, June 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to and of the following, the Anchorage Children's Home, Council on Aging, Hiland Park Baptist Church Remodeling Fund; Panama City Rescue Mission, or the Hospice of Northwest Florida.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
JAMES ALEXANDER SHIRLEY
James Alexander Shirley, 81, of Panama City, died Tuesday, June 18, 2001, in a local nursing home. He was a retired captain in the United States Navy, having served during World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Wars. During his time in the service, he received the following medals, the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He had been a resident here since December 1970 moving here from Alexandria, Va. He received his Bachelors degree from Clemson University and his Masters degree from George Washington University. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Panama City and the LLL Sunday school class. He was a member of the Panama City Rotary Club, where he was a former president and Paul Harris Fellow recipient. He was also a former member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, the military Affairs Committee, the Panama Country Club, the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club, and the American Fighter Pilots Association. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Bledsoe Shirley of Panama City; daughter, Jan S. Driscoll and husband John of San Diego, Calif.; grandson, Christopher Driscoll; sister, Margaret Halasz of Richmond, Va.; sisters-in-law, Lynn Shirley of Key Biscayne, Fla.; Frances Bledsoe of Manassas, Va., Doris Tyrone, Jessie Bledsoe, both of Pensacola, Fla., Joyce Anderson and her husband, Lance of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Fort Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla., with full military honors conducted at the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. today. Those desiring to may make a contribution to the Alzheimers Treatment & Research Center, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101-9021.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
LAVERNE 'STUMPY' SWEETING
LaVerne "Stumpy" Sweeting, 81, of 329 West 34th Place, Panama City, died June 20, 2001, in his home. He was a loving husband and father. He was yacht captain for Ingram Industries and had also served in the United States Coast Guard. He was a member of the West View Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Janyce Wiggin Sweeting of Panama City; four sons, Robert Sweeting and wife Nancy of Gulfport, Miss., William Sweeting and wife Bonnie of Satellite Beach, Fla., Michael Sweeting and wife Patsy of Long Beach, Miss., Gerald Sweeting and wife Janet of Southaven, Miss.; daughter, Laura Orr and husband Charles of Leander, Texas; three stepdaughters, Gina Whitfield of Tallahassee, Peggy Wiggin of Panama City, Jill Beatty of Largo, Fla.; stepson, Gary Wiggin and wife Sandy of Tallahassee; half-sister, Ruth Brumit of Salisbury, N.C., Etta Sweeting of Islamorada, Fla.; 14 grandchildren and 131/2 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in West View Baptist Church with Alan Good and Ron Wagner officiating. Those desiring to may make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of LaVerne Sweeting.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
LESSIE WINDHAM
Mrs. Lessie Windham, age 79, of Panama City, Fla., passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at St. Andrews Health and Rehab facility. She was a native of Bay County and had lived in Panama City most of her life. Mrs. Windham was a homemaker and had attended First Assembly of God Church. She is survived by her children, Franklin "Butch" Windham of Tallahassee, Kenneth Wayne Windham and his wife Suzanne of Panama City, Robert Lee Windham and his wife Debbie of Ocoee, Fla., and Diane Windham Beggs and her husband Truman of Panama City; five grandchildren, Stephanie Lejean Dorriety and her husband Steve of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Lucinda Rochelle McClendon and her husband Rick of Crawfordville, Fla., Tora Frances Gramlin and her husband Ray of Tallahassee, Kimberly Windham Hey and her husband Brian of Ocoee, Fla., and Geana Cutts of Panama City; seven great-grandchildren, Katlyn Diane Dorriety, Brandon Dorriety, Kelsey Marie Hey, Faith Ann Hey, Rick McClendon, Miranda McClendon, and Christopher Gramlin; two sisters, Evelyn Harcus and her husband Murdic of White City, Fla., and Evie Lee Whittaker and her husband Luther of Grand Ridge, Fla.; a brother, J.W. Peterson of Panama City; four nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Webb and Tora Mae Peterson; her husband, Coy Lee Windham; and a grandson, Todd Windham. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 22, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Phil Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at New Ponce deLeon Cemetery
in Ponce de Leon, Fla. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Thursday, June 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32402
TYLER J. CALDWELL
Tyler J. Caldwell, 28, of St. Joe Beach, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of St. Joe Beach and a member of the Beach Baptist Church. Mr. Caldwell worked for the Department of Correction for eight years. He is survived by his parents, Harry and Clodette Caldwell; two brothers, Harry Lee Caldwell Jr. of Panama City and Kevin Caldwell of San Diego, Calif.; one sister April Massingill of Marianna; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held today, June 22, at 11 a.m. ET at Comforter Funeral Home with the Rev. David Nichols officiating.
Comforter Funeral Home
Port St. Joe, Fla. 32456
DOROTHY JEAN DUNCAN
Mrs. Dorothy J. Duncan, 64, of 820 East 10th Court died Saturday, June 16, in the Bay Medical Center. Ms. Dorothy Jean Mathis) Duncan was born April 11, 1937, in Bay County to the late James and Ruby Mathis. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Neal's Temple First Born Church of the Living God. She served under Pastor Bishop S.J. Williams until her health failed. She was employed for many years as a cook at the Shrimp Boat and Harbor House Restaurant. She also received her education through the Bay County School system. Some of her hobbies included gardening, cooking and cleaning. She was called from labor to reward on June 16, 2001, at 11 p.m. at Bay Medical Center. She leaves to cherish her memory: five daughters, Patricia (James) Ceasar of Atlanta, Ga., Beverly Duncan of Panama City, Fla., Carol (Frank) Sheraman of Fort Walton Beach, Cherine Duncan of Panama City and Mary Bryant of Tampa; two sons, George (Shandrina) Duncan Jr. of Atlanta, and Willie James (Joann) Duncan of Atlanta; eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Mary Evelyn (William) Hawkins of Richmond, Va.; five brothers, Mathis Pine of Hallandale, Florida, Daniel (Juanita) Mathis of Lynn Haven, Florida, Andrew (Lillie) Mathis of Panama City, Florida, Gene Arthur (Irene) Mathis of Jacksonville, Fla., and Charles (Donnie) Mathis of Panama City, Fla.; sister-in-law, Sarah Mathis; one brother preceded her in death, Leo Mathis of Panama City; a devoted cousin Charles and Vivian Mike; two devoted friends, Madie Baker and Corine McKinney; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Duncan will be held Saturday June 23, at 1p.m., in the Neals Temple First Born Church, with Bishop S.J. Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Public visitation will begin at the funeral home from 1 to 8 p.m. today. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church. The family will receive friends at 820 E. 10th Court.
Battle Memorial Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla. 32401
ALICE ANN GOULDAY
Mrs. Alice Ann Goulday 91. of Panama City, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, in a local nursing home. She moved here from Trenton, N.J., where she worked as a seamstress. During World War II she was employed by Switlk Parachute Co. of New Jersey where she sowed parachutes for the military, "Mrs. Alice", as she was known by her friends, later worked for Aberdeen Coats and Sportswear as a seamstress for special display models and samples sent to the various stores by the sales rep. She had been a resident of Bay Convalescent Center since the early 1980's after a hip surgery. "Mrs. Alice" was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was born the daughter on Henry Burrows Livis and Martha Ann Johnson. Her brother, Henry Burrows Jr. and two sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Ackely and Kathryn Martha Cross Grau; her first husband, Joseph Francis Hallinger and her second husband, James "Jim" Goulday precede her in death. "Mrs. Alice" is survived by six daughters, Jacquelin Bastecki and husband Frank of Bayonet Point,Fla., Kathryn O'Hare and husband Robert of Panama City; Lola Dabrowski and husband Luke of Las Vegas, Nev., Sally Trentz and husband Thomas of Waterloo, Iowa, Joan Bingham Swann of Jacksonville, Fla., and Margaret Elizabeth Hallinger of Scranton, Pa. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this evening from 5 to 7 p.m.
Southerland Family Funeral Homes
Panama City, Fla. 32405
THOMAS E. LEE
Thomas E. "Gene" Lee, 56, of St. Joe Beach, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2001, at his home following a brief illness. He was raised in Franklin County and later moved to Gulf County where he had been a resident for the past 33 years. He worked for the St. Joe Paper Company and later Florida Coast Paper as an assistant turbine room operator. Mr. Lee served in the Army during the Vietname War and was a wounded combat veteran with a Purple Heart citation. He was a protestant by faith. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Lee; two sons, Tony Lee and wife Barbara, and Kevin Lee and wife Jessica; two grandchildren, Georgia Lee and Hannah Lee, all of St. Joe Beach; three brothers: O.B. Lee Jr. of Apalachicola, Ed Lee of Mexico Beach, and Oscar Lee of Carrabelle; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 24, at the Senior Citizens Center at 3 p.m. ET, with the Rev. David Fernandez officiating. Those that wish may make a donation to their favorite charity.
Comforter Funeral Home
Port St. Joe, Fla. 32456
J.C. MERCHANT
Mr. J.C. Merchant, 67, of St. Andrews died Tuesday, June 19, 2001. He was born in Panama City and was a lifelong resident. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the house that he grew up in. He was born and raised in Panama City and graduated from Bay High School. He proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict.He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly Jean Merchant, father, Jasper Merchant, sisters, Bernice Rogers and husband Sonny, Eunice Ramsey and husband Win. He is survived by his mother, Cora B. Merchant; brother, Maurice Merchant and wife Clare of Panama City; his children: Lisa Merchant-Darley and husband Robert of Panama City Beach, Jerry and Donna Merchant of Garden Grove, Calif., Mike and Polly Merchant of Anaheim, Calif., Jackie and Cliff Coolbaugh of Anaheim, Calif., Becky Merchant and Tom Wright of Garden Grove, Calif., Sharon Roth of Sun City, Calif., Cindy Merchant of Oregon; many grandchildren: Sandra Mitchel, John Michael Merchant, Chrissi Coolbaugh, Brandi Merchant, Ashley Merchant, Tom Wright, John Roth, Jeff Roth, Matthew Rasmussen, Tashauna Rasmussen, Brad Rasmussen, Justin Rasnussen, Darya Darley, Danika Darley and many great-grandchildren. There will be no services held locally and graveside services will be held in the Westminister Memorial Park, Westminister, Calif., at a later date.
Wilson Funeral Home
Panama City, Fla.
