Obituaries - S Surnames

Noma.

We regret very much to note that "Uncle Bill" Sanders died Tuesday, after being sick for the past 70 days.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, September 14, 1912
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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Mr. Sayre Passes Away.

Mr. S. P. Sayre, a resident of Bonifay for the past twelve or fourteen years, passed away at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Miller at Caryville, Tuesday morning at 7:00 o'clock. His death followed a stroke of paralysis which occurred some three weeks ago.

Deceased was about 85 years of age and on account of his feeble condition he was invited to make his home with Mr. and Mrs. Miller at Caryville where he could be given careful nursing and attention. He accepted this kind offer and moved to Caryville about a month ago. Deceased had no relatives in this section, and it is not known that any living relatives survive him. Since the death of his wife, some twenty years ago, he had lived a lonely life and has traveled much, finally settling down her in Bonifay He was a Christian and respected by all who knew him.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Friday, Jan. 15, 1915
Transcribed by Mona Spears, March 1999

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Mrs. B. H. Scott

"No sermon is so eloquent as the silent lesson of a good example."

Surely no truer words were ever penned than those, and such a beautiful lesson of a silent and noble example was lived by Mrs. Scott that certainly never a sermon was more eloquent.

Mrs. Scott departed this life on Tuesday, May 28th, between sunset and dark and after an illness that had lasted since January, gradually growing weaker until the end, which came gently and peacefully. Deceased had resided at New Hope since childhood and was greatly loved by all her friends and neighbors. She was always gentle and kind to everyone, never using harsh works or speaking ill of any one in the slightest respect. Indeed, she came nearer to God's law of loving one's neighbor as one' self than any person the writer has ever know, and, too, her refining influence was felt by all who came in contact with her.

She leaves five children and a husband to mourn her loss, but certainly they should not mourn, for their loss has been her eternal gain, for, like the immortal Jackson, she has 'crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the trees."

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, June 8, 1912
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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Mrs. Doris Bush Scott, age 92, passed away Nov. 10 at Healthmark Regional Medical Center in DeFuniak Springs.

A native of Holmes County, she was born Jan. 21, 1919 to John Allen "T-bone" and Rosalie Windham Bush. Mrs. Scott was a 1942 graduate of the Florida College for Women (now Florida State University). Retirement after teaching school for approximately 40 years was fulfilling for her. She continued to substitute teach, volunteered at West Florida Family and Pregnancy Center, and was a very active member of Bridge Creek Baptist Church in Ponce de Leon. She was a member of the Holmes County Retired Educators Association, the Red Hat Society, Holmes County Historical Society and was active in local politics on her son's behalf.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Scott was preceded in death by her husband, Pitt M. Scott, Jr.; three brothers: Willard "Pat" Bush, Cortez Bush and Ward Bush; one grandson, Perry Scott, Jr.; and two great grandchildren.

She is survived by five sons: Perry Scott and wife Dot of Stone Mountain, GA, Clark Scott and wife Kay of Tallahassee, Bob Scott and wife Jeanette of Lee, Mike Scott and wife Teri of Newborn, GA, and Gary Scott and wife Wilma of Ponce de Leon. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Debbie, Donna, Darla, Tiffany, Chris, Sonya, Debbie, Eli, Sarah, Ben, Kevin, and Kelly; and 20 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. at Bridge Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Gary Scott, Bob Scott and Mike Scott officiating. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in the Brown-Bush-Tindel Cemetery in rural northeastern Holmes County near her birthplace with Peel Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following will be appreciated: Sandy Creek Cemetery Fund, 1554 Government Street, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455; Brown-Bush-Tindel Cemetery Fund, 1088 Hwy. 173, Graceville, FL 32440; West Florida Family and Pregnancy Center, 402 North Avenue, Bonifay, FL 32425.

Source: The Chipley Bugle, 13 Nov 2011
Transcribed and submitted by Patricia Bush

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New Hope: One of the saddest death that has ever occurred in our settlement was that of Mrs H P Scott on last Monday. She was a consecrated Christian, a member of Mt Ida church since her childhood; was loved and respected by all who knew her. To the bereaved husband and children - seven in number - we extend heartfelt sympathy.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Saturday, Sept 5, 1908

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At Rest: Many Bonifay people were made sad by the hews of the death of Judge W Scott, who quietly passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs Farri of near Ponce de Leon, last Sunday afternoon. Judge Scott had been a great sufferer for several months. He had many friends who attended his bedside and attested the confidence and esteem they had for him as an honest and upright citizen. He was a devout Christian, gently and kind and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress. Peace to his ashes.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Saturday, Sept 12, 1908

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William J "Bill" Sellers, age 82, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Holmes County, died Sunday, Feb 28, 1999 at Manatee Memorial Hospital. He was born in Slocomb, Alabama on Oct 10, 1916. He was a World War II U S Army veteran, farmer and a member of the Bethel Baptist Church.

Funeral services were March 4 at the Chapel of James and Lipford Funeral Home with Elder Thomas Bond and the Rev Chester Padgett officiating. Burial followed in Bethel Cemetery with James and Lipford Funeral Home of Graceville directing.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary Best Sellers; sons Royce Sellers of Headland, Alabama, Wayne Sellers of Bradenton, Florida, Aubrey Sellers and Andy Sellers, both of Dade City, Florida; daughter Melba Unsworth of Bradenton, Florida; sister Pearlie Phillips of Graceville; brother Willis Sellers of Slocomb, Alabama; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, 10 March 1999, Page 19

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Shaw Died as Result of Blow

Unfortunate Difficulty at Noma results in One's Death, Another Held for Manslaughter.

Noma, Fla., June 2.

C. J. Shaw, who was struck a severe blow over the head with a shovel by C. Manley on the 26th day of May, died on the morning of the 28th from the effects of the blow, never having regained consciousness.

Both men were in the employ of the Alabama-Florida Lumber Co., and the difficulty that terminated in Shaw's death occurred at the company's blacksmith shop of which Shaw was manager. When Manley, who was mill superintendent, went to the shop to get a shovel a dispute arose over some former minor transaction concerning the shovel. The discussion waxed warm and only terminated when Manley struck Shaw a blow on the head, inflicting a fracture of the skull and from the effects of which the latter died two days later. Mr. Shaw's two daughters, together with Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Sharpless, Miss Virginia Simons and Arthur Campbell, accompanied the remains to Adell, Ga., where they were laid to rest by the side of his wife, who died some years ago. Miss Seville, a trained nurse from Dothan, attended Mr. Shaw during his two days' suffering. Mr. Shaw and his two daughters moved to Noma some three years ago and were highly respected and jade many true friends who greatly regret the sad affair that caused the death of the deceased.

A coroner's jury was impaneled Friday and after hearing the testimony of many witnesses rendered a verdict of manslaughter against Manley. His bond was fixed at $2,000, which he readily made, the preliminary hearing being set for the 4th at this place.

Col. Price, of Marianna, and attorney Mathis, of Bonifay were present at the coroner's inquest as counsel for the defendant.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Friday, June 4, 1915
Transcribed by Mona Spears, March 1999

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Mr Frederick Cameron Shields, age 84 of Westville, died Feb 7, 1999.

Memorialization was by cremation, with Peel Funeral Home of Bonifay directing.

Mr Shields is survived by a sister, Vivian Shields of Pompano Beach.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser/Washington County Post, February 17, 1999, Page 19

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Henry Simmons Killed at Westville:

Tragedy Occurred Early Sunday Morning - Man and Woman Held for Crime
By Westville Correspondent:

A shocking tragedy occurred near town Sunday morning about 5 o'clock (sic), when young Henry Simmons met with instant death at the home of a Mrs Marlow, residing about two miles west of town. Squire Hawkins, aided by sheriff Hickman, went out out (sic) to the Marlow home Sunday morning and held an inquest over the body and the verdict of the jury was that Simmons came to his death from a gun shot wound inflicted by one Johnson, who resides near Geneva, Ala. Monday morning Squire Hawkins held a preliminary examination in reference to the death of young Simmons, Johnson and Mrs Marlow being held for the circuit court under bonds in the sum of five thounsand (sic) dollars each, which they were unable to make and sheriff Hickman carried both prisoners to jail. The remains of young Simmons were interred in the city cemetery Monday afternoon, Rev Ross, Methodist pastor, officiating. A long procession of sympathizing citizens attended the burial ceremonies. The poor heart broken mother was unable to attend the burial of her baby boy. Prostrated with heart-broken (sic) grief, the poor mother is an object of deepest sympathy. Surely the young men of this town will take warning from this terrible tragedy, in which a young life was suddenly snatched from Time to Eternity. Boys, beware in time!

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Saturday, 18 Nov 1911; transcribed by Cathy Strickland Popp

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John Robert Simmons, age 93, of Bonifay, passed away on Friday, Jan 15, 1999 at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama.

Funeral services were Jan 17 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with the Rev Derrall Marshall officiating. Burial followed in the Shady Grove Cemetery with Sims Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include his wife: Allie B Simmons of Bonifay; sons and daughters-in-law: John Junior and Margaret Simmons of Bonifay, Monroe and Jeanette Simmons of Bonifay and Robert Earl and Judy Simmons of Brierfield, Alabama; daughters and sons-in-laws: Mary Nell Etheridge of Bonifay; Martha and W O Gilley of Bonifay and Pearlie and Jerry Cates of Dayton, Tennessee; brother and sister-in-law: Ira Porter and Palma Simmons of Lakeland, Florida; 25 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser/Washington County Post, Wednesday, January 20, 1999; Page 19

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Mr Earnest Eugene Sims, age 72, of Bonifay, passed away Jan 23, 1999 at Doctors Memorial Hospital in Bonifay.

Funeral service was Jan 2 at First Baptist Church in Bonifay with the Rev Jerry Chumley officiating. Burial followed in St John Church Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include his wife: Betty Lou Fulson Sims of Bonifay; sons: Mark Sims of Bonifay and Mike and wife Loura Sims of Bonifay; daughters: Terry and husband Andy Howell of Bonifay and Debby and husband Royce Anderson of Bonifay; brother: Jimmy Sims of Panama City, Florida; sister: Avonelle Hagan of Bonifay and grandchildren: Kaci, Trevin and Augusta.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser/Washington County Post, Wednesday, January 17, 1999; Page 19

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Mrs. W. C. Slater

[poem inserted but such small print impossible to read]

Martha R. Fulford was married to Wm. C. Slater July 13th 1890, by Rev. J. K. Powell and lived at home until death. She was a good wife and faithful mother, but best of all she know her Savior, She was a Christian, She joined the Methodist church (Mt. Zion) at the age of 13 and her membership was not moved until moved by death. She was baptised by immersion. She was the mother of ten children: Hunnice, Thos, Oscar, Joseph, George, Robert, Martha, Jay, Walter, Hermon, Little Sister and John. She was borned May 20, 1871. Died May 22, 1912.

The family has the sympathy of their many friends. --G. C. S.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, June 8, 1912
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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Westville: Mrs M S Slaughter died yesterday at 4:30 pm, after an illness of five days. The internment will take place today at the Camp Ground cemetery, near Cerro Gordo.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Saturday, 25 Feb 1911; transcribed by Cathy Strickland Popp.

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Miss Clara Mae Smith, 85, of Cottonwood, Alabama, died Thursday, Feb 18, 1999 at the Wiregrass Nursing Home following an extended illness. She was born in Geneva County Alabama on Nov 11, 1913. She retired from the Dothan Nursing Home following many years of service and was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held Feb 20 at the Chapel of James and Lipford Funeral Home with the Rev Gary Armstrong officiating. Burial followed in the Millville Methodist Church Cemetery with James and Lipford Funeral Home of Graceville directing.

Survivors include sisters Mamie Outlaw of Black, Alabama and Myrtie Odom of Caryville; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, 24 February 1999, Page 21

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Three of the four daughters of the late John Smith Wells and Malzie Still Wells have tied in the Tampa area in the time period of Feb 10 March 7, 1999. All three of the deceased were reared in the Five Points-Bethel Church community of Washington County. All had made their home in south Florida for many years.

* Renice J Wells-Bush-Coggins, age 76, passed away in Tampa on Feb 10, 1999. Her immediate survivors are her son Neal Bush; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rencie was a member of El Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Tampa.

* Oddys Wells-Ferrell-Hubbard, age 83, died Feb 24, 1999 in the Tampa area. The immediate family survivors include her husband Raymond Hubbard; son Dennis Ferrell; daughters Betty Miller and Faye Webb, all of Tampa. Her husband, Burton Ferrell, preceded her in death. Oddys had seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. One stepdaughter survives, Jene Rogers, of Dover, Florida. The deceased was a member of El Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Tampa.

* Gladys Wells Smith, age 86, died March 7, 1999 in Dunnellon, Florida. She is survived by one son Jimmy Smith of Dunnellon. There are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren surviving Gladys Wells Smith. Her husband, Joshua Smith and two sons, Jackie and Douglas, preceded her in death. Gladys was a member of West Marion Baptist Church.

All the deceased have additional survivors including two sisters Hannah Hinson of Tampa and Lenora Duggen of Michigan. The three surviving brothers are Johnny Wells of Tampa, Walton Wells of Lutz, and Charlie Brown Wells, currently serving as Sheriff of Manatee County in Bradenton, Florida. The stepmother is Will May Bush Wells. She resides in Tampa. A brother of three deceased ladies is the late Ernest Wells who died in his early teens.

Funeral services for all the sisters were conducted at the same funeral home, Blount, Carry and Roel Garden of Memorial Chapel in Tampa. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

The three sisters from the pioneer Wells family of Washington County also have numerous other relatives residing in this area, including Hugh Wells of Bonifay and James and All Boswell, also of Bonifay.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Wednesday, March 17, 1999

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Hazel Pauline Smith, age 89, of Bonifay, passed away on Tuesday, Feb 2, 1999 at Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley.

Funeral services were held on Feb 4 at Sims Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev Donald Holley officiating. Burial was in the Bonifay Cemetery with Sims Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include her daughter: Mary Womble of Panama City; son: Ronnie Gambill of Maylene, Alabama; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser/Washington County Post, February 10, 1999, Page 18

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New Hope.

Funeral services were held Sunday morning at Mt. Ida church over the infant of Charlie Smith.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, September 21, 1912
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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4 December 1925, Headlines:

Five Meet Death in Boiler Explosion

E P Creel and four others of this city meet tragic death.

A terrific boiler explosion at the E P Creel Sawmill located on highway just west of Ponce de Leon yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock took a death toll of five and wounded three others, almost completely wiped out the force of thirteen working men. The dead are:

E P Creel, 55, owner of the mill and a life-long resident of Bonifay.

Walter Redman, 55, of Ponce de Leon, mechanic at the mill, survived by a wife and four children.

William Jenkins, 35, Ponce de Leon, laborer, survived by a wife and four children.

Wesely (DeDe) Smith, 40, fireman, survived by a wife and four children.

Theodore Martin, of Ponce de Leon, 15 years of age, an orphan.

The injured are Elbert Whitehead of Ponce de Leon, Claude Redman of Bonifay, bruised about the head, Edgar McDonald, of Chipley, broken arm and foot.

Arthur Creel, son of E P Creel, was badly shocked but, otherwise unhurt, first reports were he was killed.

The exact cause of the explosion is not known, but it is believed that the boiler was out of water, and when the fireman turned water into the boiler it exploded. Arthur Creel, said the indicator had shown a gage of water just a few minutes before the explosion. But the indicator might have become clogged. None of the men think the boiler was defective.

The explosion was heard for miles around and so terrific was the force of the combustion that hardly a trace of the plant was left. Pieces of the boiler and parts of the machinery were found many feet from the mill. A large piece of the boiler was hurled several yards through the air and cut the top from an oak nearby.

The mill had been in operation about ten days. E P Creel, the owner, has been in the timber and sawmill business in this section practically all his life. He was well known throughout West Fla. He has a large circle of friends and business associates in Bonifay. Left to mourn his loss is a wife and three small sons, as well as a daughter and six sons by a former marriage. He is survived also by his aged mother, Mrs S A Creel and R W Creel, Clerk of Court.

Mr Creel was struck many times as shown by the bruises and contusions on his body. One injury in itself fatal, was a large wound in the side.

Wesely Smith, the fireman, was instantly killed, by a blow which tore off the entire top of his head. Redman was torn literally to pieces. Both Jenkins and the Martin youth were killed instantly.

The remains of both Creel and Smith were brought to their home in Bonifay last yesterday afternoon, while the other victims were taken to their homes in Ponce de Leon.

The funeral of Mr Creel will take place at his home Saturday morning at 10:00 o'clock and the internment will be at the Bonifay Cemetery.

The funeral of Mr Smith will take place this afternoon, at the St John's Church south of Bonifay.

Transcribed by Cathy Strickland Popp
Submitted by JoAnn Beagle

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We learn with profound sorrow of the sad death of Mrs John Spencer at her home in Caryville Thursday evening at six o'clock. Her sadden demise came as a severe shock to her affectionate husband, relatives and many friends, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy, in this their hour of sorrow and grief.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay FL, Saturday, Feb 22, 1908

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Mrs Verine Spencer, age 62 of Chipley, died on Feb 9, 1999 in the NWFC Hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Chipley.

Funeral services were conducted Feb 13 at Jerusalem Baptist Church with the Rev Price Wilson officiating. Burial followed in the Southside Cemetery in Chipley with Cooper Funeral Home directing.

Survivors include daughters Wanda, Jackie, Susie, and Teshia Spencer all of Chipley; sons and daughters-in-law Robert and Pat Spencer of Chipley; Lamar Curtis and Dee Spencer; Adrian Spencer, all of Panama City; Richard and Roberta Spencer of Chipley; brother Walter White of Miami; sisters Oree Hughes and Lottie Thomas, both of Chipley; Earlean Cotton of New Jersey; Maggie Dennis of Panama City; Victoria Wright of Los Angeles, California; Odell Jones of Wewahitchka and Pauline Lucas of Bell Glade, Florida; 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, 24 February 1999, Page 21

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Saturday, March 16, 1912

In Memoriam.

Died, at his home near Ponce de Leon, March 6th at 13 o'clock a.m., Rev. D. C. Stanley, aged 72 years.

Bro. Stanley was a ( ? ) Methodist minister, having been in bad health for several years. He was one the early settlers of this part of Florida, and had been engaged in the ministry since young manhood. In the conflict between the states he bravely shoaldered arms and marched to the front and fought for the best interests of his country. At the close of the war, despite the hardships then confronting him, he again took up the word of God and began telling the sweet story of the cross and pointing sinners to the Lamb of God. Though age and affections and caused him to abandon active work in the ministry, he was seen almost daily on the streets of Ponce de Leon, doing such things as becometh righteousness, spreading comforting words and rendering help to those in distress and being a watch guard for religious principle which he loved so dearly. He was in bed almost three weeks and suffered untold agonies, but despite this he bore his affection patiently and never lost sight of his God in whom he trusted. The remains were laid to rest in the Otter Creek Cemetery, March 7th at 11:30 o'clock, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Whitsett, the present pastor on this circuit. He heaves to mourn his loss a wife, two sisters, one bother and six children. Not for him be our tears! Rather he us crown his grave with garlands; few of us will live as only as well, and fewer yet will the Angel of Death greet with such a loving touch. - One Who Loved Him.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida,
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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Mr. Strickland Passes Away

Mr. A. H. Strickland who received injuries by falling from a water tank near Southport a few months ago, died from the effects of the wounds at his home in this city on Tuesday morning of last week.

Mr. Strickland was injured internally and was never able to walk a step after the accident occurred, the fall producing paralysis in the lower limbs of the body. He was taken to the hospital at Dothan with the hope that a treatment could be given him that would effect a cure, but after remaining there about three weeks he was brought back to his home here , his condition being practically unchanged. Everything was done for him that could be done, both by physicians and his devoted family, but to no avail. Mr. Strickland was a man that made friends wherever he went. His ready wit and sense of humor, together with other virtues, made him companionable and agreeable at all times. In his death his family sustained an irreparable loss, but let us hope that their loss is heaven's gain, and let the bereaved ones be comforted with this hope.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, October 29 1910
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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Jack Suggs End His Life

One day last week Jack Suggs, who resides about 8 miles Northwest of town, committed suicide by shooting himself with a shot gun, the whole load entering his head and almost severing it from the body.

The tragedy occurred near the home of Mr. Hillard Crutchfield, it being reported that Suggs and his wife were enroute to the home of his wife's father and that just before reaching the house Suggs, after a brief consultation with his wife, instructed her to go on the house and he would not go as her people were not friendly to him. As they parted he told his wife it would be a long time before they met again, and it was only a short while afterwards that a gun report was heard. The cause of the rash act is not known.

Source: Holmes County Advertiser, Bonifay, Florida, Saturday, May 7, 1910
Transcribed by Mona Spears

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