Donnell Brooks

Miss Donnell Brooks, 58, of Atmore, accepted her heavenly reward on Sat., June 25, 2016, at her residence, one month and a day before her 59th birthday.

A native of Atmore, she was the youngest daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. David and Amelia Brooks Sr., Donnell was a graduate of Escambia County High School in 1976 and graduated from Jefferson Davis Community College with a degree in criminal justice. She worked at Vanity Fair for over 20 years and had worked at William F. Green Veteren’s Home in Bay Minette for many years. Her love for family was great and she loved cooking and shopping. Although she never had children of her own she reared her niece, LaKeitsha Brooks of Detroit, Mich.; and nephews, Derrick Brooks and Juderrian Carter, both of Atmore as her own.

She was preceded in death by her father, David Brooks, Sr.; her brothers, Sam Grant, Charles Grant, Jerry Grant, Cliff Brooks and David Brooks Jr.; sisters, Shirley Brooks and Dorothy Brooks; nephew, Charles Grant Jr.; and niece, Shantelle Grant.

Those left to cherish her love and life is her loving mother, Amelia Brooks of Atmore; one sister, Carolyn Brooks of Detroit; three brothers, Jeffrey Brooks and Robert (Ruby Nell) White of Atmore and Williard (Lois) Brooks of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sat., July 2, 2016, at 11 a.m. from Lighthouse Apostolic Church of Atmore with Apostle Floyd Nelson, eulogist, and Bishop Robert Grissett, pastor. Inhumation will be in Fairview Cemetery. Public walk through viewing will be Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Turner Funeral Chapel LLC directing.

Timothy J. Deasy

The Rev. Msgr. Timothy J. Deasy, born in Shinaugh, Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, on June 15, 1933, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, died peacefully on June 24, 2016.

He is predeceased by his parents, Nora Marie (Desmond) and Jeremiah Deasy; and one brother, Pat Deasy. He is survived by his sisters, Sr. Philomena, Sr. Eily and Sr. Teresa; brothers, Denis and Fr. Fachtna (Jeremiah) Deasy; sisters in law, Eileen and Gussie; 10 nieces and nephews; and 22 (soon to be 23) great-nieces and nephews.

Fr. Deasy was ordained a Roman Catholic priest at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, County Carlow, Ireland, on June 7, 1958. He faithfully served the people of God of the Archdiocese of Mobile for over 58 years thereafter. He served many parishes, including St. Jude’s in Montgomery; St. Margaret’s in Bayou La Batre; Little Flower in Mobile; and Christ the King Parish in Daphne, where he fulfilled his ministries and resided from 1995 until his death.

Fr. Deasy was a constant carrier of God’s love to everyone whose lives touched his; and he cherished his innumerable friends to the end. He was treasured as a good and prudent priest, pastor, confessor and a wise counselor. So many fondly remember his hugs and kisses, his Irish charm, his love of Jesus, of life, of his family, his Church, his sisters, his brother priests, and, of course, his abiding love for all his friends.

For many families throughout the Archdiocese of Mobile, Father Deasy was a “family priest,” celebrating baptisms, the Eucharist, marriages, anointings and funerals for successive generations. All who were part of his huge and warm circle of friends mourn his passing.

A funeral mass and celebration of Father Deasy’s life, with Fr. Jeremiah F. Deasy as principal celebrant, will take place at Christ the King on Fri., July 1, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. preceded by visitation at 9:30. Visitation is also scheduled for tomorrow, Thurs., June 30, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.; and Office of the Dead for a deceased priest is offered at 7 p.m.

Burial will be at Belforest Catholic Cemetery.

John Jeffery Jones

Mr. John Jeffery Jones, 54, passed away on Fri., June 17, 2016, in Sulphur, La.

He was a native of Atmore and a resident of Guntersville.

Jeff, known as “Bama” to everyone who worked with him as an adult, learned the value of work early in life. He started in his father’s hardware store at age 8 and continued working there until graduating high school. He worked offshore for a while, then on a tugboat on the Mississippi and on an oil exploration crew before settling into a career as an industrial construction worker. He started out as an ironworker then became a rigger and eventually a crane operator. He lived a nomadic life working on sites from Maine to California and even doing stints in Kosovo, Kuwait and Aruba.

His hobbies included hunting, boating and motorcycling, and he was a die hard Alabama fan.

He is survived by his mother, Huey Jean Jones of Mt. Orab, Ohio; one daughter, Chelsea (Scott) Bodine of Guntersville; one brother, James Joey (Kathy) Jones of Fenton, Mo.; one grandchild, Sadie Grace Bodine; and one nephew, John Jacob Jones II.

Graveside services were held Fri., June 24, 2016, from Oak Hill Cemetery with Bro. James Joey Jones officiating.

Visitation was held June 24, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers were Ralph Beasley, Chris Bodine, Ronald Byrd, Mark McLain, David Morgan and Doug Purvis.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.

Bessie Rolin

Mrs. Bessie Rolin, 91, passed away on Mon., June 20, 2016, in Poarch.

She was a native of McCurtain, Okla., and a resident of Poarch for the past 74 years. She worked at Head Start, Jerrald’s, Escambia County Public Schools and Wind Creek Casino. She is of the Baptist Faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Buster” Rolin; and one grandchild, Bradley Rolin.

She is survived by her 11 sons, Donnie (Dianne) Rolin of Poarch, Ernest (Tina) Rolin of Poarch, Harvey Rolin of Poarch, Roy Rolin of Poarch, Walter (Anita) Rolin of McCullough, Kenneth Wayne “Radio” Rolin of Poarch, Anthony Dale Rolin of Century, Fla., Deno (Necole) Rolin of Poarch, Johnny Mack (Ashley) Rolin of Poarch, Shawn Allen (Stephanie) Rolin of Poarch and Aubrey Eugene “Tinker” (Natasha) Rolin of Poarch; three daughters, Peggy (Harold) Couch of Poarch, Virginia “Bell” (Alton) Godwin of Poarch and Autonya (Wesley) Jordan of Poarch; 37 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thurs., June 23, 2016, from the McCullough Christian Center with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.

Burial followed at the Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.

Visitation was held June 22-23, 2016 at the Poarch Community Church.

Pallbearers were James Kevin Andrews, Douglas “Spat” Daughtry, Phillip Martin, Keith Martin, Arthur Mothershed and Jerry “Buck” Sells.

Honorary pallbearers were Charles Michael Gregson, Gordon “Bubba” McGhee, Daniel “Boone” McGhee and Keith Rolin.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.

J. Winston Stewart

J. Winston Stewart, 79, a native of Nokomis, Fla., and resident of Spanish Fort, passed away on Sun., June 26, 2016, at home after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He retired after 26 years from Miller Transporters Inc., and was a tour bus driver until his failing health.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin E. and A. Lois Stewart; brother, Lawrence M. Stewart; and sister, Naomi Stewart Hall.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Fredna D. Stewart; three sons, Brian W. (Susan) Stewart; Roger Keith (Benita) Stewart and Damon E. (Amanda) Stewart; 10 grandchildren, Chad (Monica) Stewart, Robert B. (Shay) Stewart, Justin S. Stewart, Austin K. (Kayla) Stewart, Jamison T. (Ashley) Stewart, Jordan T. Stewart, Jaclyn T. Stewart, Zachary D. Stewart, Eleanor C. Stewart and Jane W. Stewart; eight great-grandchildren, Ashton B. Stewart, Blaklee A. Stewart, Kylee E. Stewart, Shelby A. Stewart, Bayley A. Stewart, Elizabeth Stewart, Harper Stewart and Bentley Stewart; brother, Dwight (Ann) Stewart; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Thurs., June 30, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Spanish Fort, 8353 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527. The family will receive friends at noon. Interment will be at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Spanish Fort or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to give a special thanks to Comfort Care Hospice for their care and concerns. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL.

Lillian Morrell Phillips Thompson

Mrs. Lillian Morrell Phillips Thompson, 72, passed away on Sat., June 25, 2016, in Fairhope.

She was a native of Stapleton and a resident of Pine Grove since 1976. She loved quilting, was a member of TOPS and the Pine Grove Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mildred Phillips of Stapleton; brother, Billy Phillips; and a sister, Maxine Phillips.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Howard G. Thompson of Pine Grove; three sons, Phillip Howard Thompson of Pine Grove, Vincent M. Thompson of Pine Grove and Robert G. (Polly) Thompson of Pine Grove; three brothers, G.W. Phillips of Stapleton, Curtis Phillips of Stapleton and Wyatt Phillips of Stapleton; five sisters, Elsie May Jones of Stapleton, Myra Stokes of Stapleton, Tempy Phillips of Stapleton, Joyce A. Smith of Stapleton and Cynthia Rider of Bay Minette; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tues., June 28, 2016, at the Pine Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Banning and the Rev. Jerry Hassey officiating.

Burial followed at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Visitation was held June 27, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Zachary Thompson, Nick Thompson, Hoss Fretwell, B.J. Pruitt, Buster Phillips and Jeremy Phillips.

Honorary pallbearers were Jonathan Thompson, Reagan Thompson, Chesin Phillips, Sean Eggert, Barton Phillips and Bud Phillips.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.

Iolar (O’Gal) Tucker

Iolar (O’Gal) Tucker was born to the late Moses and Carrie Rivers on Oct. 21, 1954, in Robinsonville.

She was a devoted mother, sister and friend. She was a hardworking woman, loved her flowers and was a faithful worker. She worked at Flowerwood Nursery in Loxley for 21 years. She was a loving grandmother who loved her grandkids. She found Christ at an early age and was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Moses and Carrie Rivers; sister, Mary Francis Hall; nephews, Anthony Hall, Mark D. Hall, James Blount and Markay Rivers.

She leaves to cherish five children, Sonja (Charlie) Johnson, Tracey (Kenny Ray) Tucker, Timothy Rivers, Albert Jr. (Tongia) Tucker and Betty Tucker, all of Atmore; grandchildren, Shantel, Mekell, Jamell, Kendrell, Tarvus, Jalea, Tianna Marie, William, Jewel, Shemecca, Allyana, Albernya, Alana, Jalicia and Keana; three great-grandchildren, Zameriona, Serinity and Dominique Jr.; five sisters, Lillie Ruth Wiggins, Annie Brown, Racheal Wiggins, Ceola Rivers and Carolyn Rivers, all of Atmore; eight brothers, James (Brenda) Rivers, Milton Rivers, Willie (Pearlie) Brown, Charles Brown, Jerry Thicklen, Terry Riley and Ray Charles Riley, all of Atmore, and Rover Rivers of Fort Dodge, Iowa; special friends at heart, Wynell and Freddale; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sat., July 2, 2016, from the Pleasant Hill Full Gospel Baptist Church with Pastor F. D. Banks officiating. Interment will be held in Fairveiw Cemetery with Mayberry Funeral Home directing.

Ernest William Vickery

Mr. Ernest William Vickery, 63, passed away on Sun., June 19, 2016, in Atmore.

He was a native and life-long resident of Atmore. He was of the Holiness Faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Wilbert and Larncile McGhee Vickery; and two brothers, Dennis Vickery and Arnold Vickery.

He is survived by his wife, Ernesteen Vickery of Atmore; one stepson, Chris (Wendy) Shurden of Louisville, K.Y.; two daughters, Ashley Vickery (Brad) Martin of Wetumpka and Ariel Allgood of Lucedale, Miss.; three brothers, William Lee (Charlene) Vickery, Bruce Vickery and Mike (Angela) Vickery all of Atmore; one sister, Connie Vickery of Atmore; two grandchildren, Swayze Martin and Sawyer Martin; one step grandson, Christopher Shurden of Louisville, K.Y.; nephews, David Vickery and Randal Vickery and nieces, Jennifer Kelly, Dawn Vickery and Victoria Vickery.

Memorial services were held Fri., June 24, 2016, from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Johnson officiating.

Family received friends June 24 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.

Thelma Joan Ward

Mrs. Thelma Joan Ward, 84, of Goodway, died Fri., June 24, 2016.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Goodway. She was a member of the Enon Baptist Church, where she served as music director for over 30 years. She served in the Ladies Auxiliary (Pink Ladies) for 10 years and loved to sew and sing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Lenora Bowman.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Mr Julius Elliott Ward of Goodway; three daughters, Virginia Mitchell of Milton, Fla., Judy (Harry) Akins of Goodway, Alysia (Brian) Presley of Goodway; one sister Elaine Wiggins of Goodway; eight grandchildren, Misty Stabler, James (Amanda) Akins, Stephen (Olivia) Akins, Austin Ward (Morgan) Weaver, Joshua Presley, Preston Presley, Jonathan (Ann) Presley, Stephanie (Tim) Davis; and two great-grandchildren, Connor Elliott Stabler and Olivia Stabler.

Visitation was held June 26, 2016, from Johnson Funeral Home. Funeral services were held June 27, 2016 from the Enon Baptist Church with the Rev. CL Langford officiating. Interment will follow in the Enon Baptist Cemetery with Johnson Funeral Home directing.

James Gregory “Greg” Watts

James Gregory “Greg” Watts, 64, of Huxford, passed into eternity on June 20, 2016, while at his home after a long, valiant batter with cancer.

He was born march 22, 1952 in Tuscaloosa to the late J.D. and Virginia Watts. He was a graduate of Wilcox County High School in Camden, where he lived and worked until 1991. He was self-employed for many years at Greg Watts Trucking and formerly at Macmillan Bloedel in Pine Hill, as well as Buford Equipment Co. in Montgomery. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist church in Eliska, Ala., where he dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized in 2009. He was loved and adored by all who knew him. He was a faithful father and friend and will be remember for all he shared with all he knew. Greg was a simple man that did not live a lavish lifestyle or want attention to be on himself. He loved his family and cherished his many friendships and shared it in many actions as well as words. Greg had a talent and a love for race cars and big trucks and could make an engine do what no one else could. Most of his years were spent with grease on his hands and dirt on his clothes. He enjoyed the outdoors, spent time fishing, hunting and raising hunting dogs and many other adventures.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Martha Watts; one son, Dexter (Patricia) Watts of Pike Road; two stepsons, John Murray (Leigh) Ikner and Britton (Cheyenne) Ikner, both of Huxford; one sister, Brenda Watts “bunny” (Mitch) Byles of Tuscaloosa; 11 grandchildren; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Services were held June 22, 2016, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore with the Rev. Pete Dunn officiating and his Son Dexter Watts speaking. Interment followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were David Womack, Kevin Holland, Mike Chavers, Tim Bailey, Chad Miller and Marty Kent.

Family received friends June 22, 2016, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Inc. was in charge of arrangements.