Ardella Dailey Packer

Mrs. Ardella Dailey Packer passed away on Nov. 3, 2016.

She was born to Erwin and Callie Dailey on Oct. 7, 1925 in Satsuma.

She was a loving, caring, sweet mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She always had a passion for working with young people. It was her calling. She served as an educator for nearly 50 years in Alabama and New Jersey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Alabama State College for Negroes, now known as Alabama State University. She began her teaching career in Monroe County as a first grade teacher. She had 55 students in her first class at an old church schoolhouse in Franklin. She was committed to providing her students with a first rate education despite segregation or any other obstacles. Ardella particularly had compassion for students with special needs who struggled in school. She never gave up on her students and was known for being as strict as she was fun and caring.

Her interest in wanting to help others, especially students with special needs, led her to continue her studies in counseling. A decade later, she began working on her master’s degree in school guidance counseling each summer at Indiana University. After earning her degree, she became the first African American school guidance counselor in Escambia County, Ala. and worked at the Escambia County Training School in Atmore.

After marrying the love of her life, the late Ellis Packer, she moved to Bayonne, N.J. Together, they had one daughter, Dr. Catherine Lynne Packer-Williams. While in New Jersey, she served as an educator and counselor for the Jersey City Board of Education for 27 years. Her career is a testament to her desire to give young people the tools and inspiration they needed to succeed. As an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and compassionate educator and counselor, she touched hundreds of students’ lives and helped to mold and inspire generations.

She accepted Christ at an early age and served faithfully at Mt. Gillead No. II Missionary Baptist Church in Atmore, and Friendship Baptist Church in Bayonne. Through the years she served in various capacities including as church secretary, superintendent of Sunday school, vacation Bible school and Sunday school teacher, trustee aide and church missionary.

She was an active member of the Community Garden Club in Atmore. She was also a faithful member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Rho Kappa Omega Chapter of Jersey City. She was also a dedicated member of the Bayonne chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Alpha chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. for educators in Jersey City.

On Nov. 3, 2016, a sweet spirit was tenderly removed from our midst to be with the Lord. Her memory will always be cherished by her faithful and devoted daughter, Catherine Packer-Williams (Davis); sweet grandchildren, Jeffrey Thomas Williams and Jeremy Ellis Williams; loving sisters and brothers, Geraldine Lewis of New York, N.Y.;  Reather Quarker, Alma Staples, Jethro Dailey, Ester Dailey (Alice) and McKinley Dailey (Gola Mae), all of Atmore; devoted sister in law, Mary H. Powell (Council) of Mobile; special niece, Wilma Quarker Smith (Van) of Atmore; special friends, Mildred Jackson and Lois Montgomery of Atmore, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 7, 2016, at her home church, Mt. Gillead Baptist Church in Freemanville.
Eliza Louise “Tit Tit” Smith French

Ms. Eliza Louise “Tit Tit” Smith French, 67, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Atmore and Tensaw, accepted the Master’s Call on Tues., Oct. 25, 2016, at Memorial Hospital of Gardena in Gardena, Calif.

A native of Tensaw and born to parentage of the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Annie Smith, Eliza attended school in Baldwin County. She lived many years in Los Angeles, then lived briefly in Atmore, before returning back to California.

Those left to cherish her life, love and legacy, are two daughters, Demetre French of Atmore and Elizabeth Fahara Kalman of California; four sons, Michael French of Atmore, James Smith and Melvin Randall of Las Vegas, N.V. and Fernance Kalman of Texas; six sisters, Lula Evans and Dorothy Smith of Pensacola, Fla., Annie Mae (Jessie) Lawson, Mary Smith and Catherine (Randall) Benjamin, all of Atmore, and Lorraine (Sammie) Walker and Christina (Sekou) Jones of California; three sons, William Smith and Curtis Smith of New Jersey and Alfred Smith of Georgia; three half-sisters, Essie (Willie) Johnson and Linda (Adam) French of Atmore and Joyce Stallworth of Eight Mile; one half-brother, William (Michelle) Smith of Ohio; a host of grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Sat., Nov. 4, 2016, from Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center in Atmore with Overseer Darryl North, pastor, officiating. Inhumation was in Fairview Cemetery. Her body will lied in repose at the church prior to the funeral service with Turner Funeral Chapel LLC directing.
Eric Leon Rolin

Mr. Eric Leon Rolin, 46, passed away on Sat., Nov. 5, 2016, in Booneville.

He was a native of Poarch and a resident of Booneville for most of his life. He loved farming, was a truck driver and a member of the Poarch of Creek Indians.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Lee Rolin; grandparents, Woodrow and Estle Rolin; grandfather, Milton Sells; nephew, Ethan Warden; and two uncles, Melvin Sells and Van Sells.

He is survived by his mother, Hattie Sells Knowles of Poarch; wife, Kimberly Hardy Rolin of Booneville; one son, Coty (Brooke) Rolin of Poarch; one brother, Waylon (Valorie) Rolin of Poarch; one sister, Janet (Mitch Hammack) Welch of Range; and one granddaughter, Zhoie Rolin.

Funeral services will be tomorrow, Thurs., Nov. 10, 2016, at 2 p.m. from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sister Helen Stewart officiating.

Burial will follow at the New Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be today, Wed., Nov. 9, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Andrews, Shawn Rolin, Ron Marshall, Clint Lassiter, Eddie Jackson and Shelton Sells.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dillon Rolin, Brady Rolin and Damon Rolin.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.
Ernest Powell Jr.

Mr. Ernest Powell Jr., 58, of Flomaton, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Thurs., Nov. 3, 2016, at Jay Hospital in Jay, Fla.

A native of Birmingham, he was reared in Pensacola, Fla. and graduated from Pensacola High School. In his leisure time, he enjoyed drawing and listening to music. He was a Miami Dolphin fan also.

He worked in construction.

His parents, Ernest Powell Sr. and Sarann Grandison-Powell, preceded him in death.

Those left to cherish memories of him and his life are, wife, Patricia Dortch- Powell of Flomaton; two daughters, Lakeisha Powell-Smith of Albany, N.Y. and Katrina Powell of Pensacola; two sons, Sanathan Wiggins of Atmore and Ernest Powell III of Pensacola; two sisters, Shelia Powell and Linda Powell-Brown; three brothers, the Rev. John Powell, Zet Powell and Walter Grandison, all of Pensacola; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Nov. 8, 2016, from Longmire-Jones Memorial Chapel of Turner Funeral Chapel with Minister Thomas Phifer officiating. Inhumation was held in Stallworth Cemetery. Public viewing was held Monday at the funeral home with TURNER FUNERAL CHAPEL LLC directing.
Jesse Sewell

Stanton

Jesse Sewell Stanton, 87, of Atmore, passed away on Sun., Nov. 6, 2016, in Atmore.

He was a retired farmer, born on Dec. 16, 1928 in Atmore to the late Jesse and Pauline “Polly” Sewell Stanton. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars.

He is preceded in death by an aunt, Rene Stanton.

Survivors are his wife of 64 years, Gladys Moye Stanton; two sons, Dennis (Lee Ann) Stanton and Charles Stanton, all of Robinsonville; one daughter, Judy (Steve) Lambert of Robertsdale; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services were held Nov.8, 2016 from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Larry W. Renfroe officiating. Interment followed in Canoe United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Wade Kirby, Jason Kirby, Gary Helton, Roger Helton, Butch Black and Chris Black. Honorary will be the VFW.

Family received friends Nov. 7, 2016 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home INC was in charge of all arrangements.
John McCants

John McCants Sr., 89, of Atmore, passed away Nov. 7, 2016 in Atmore.

He was born in Wilcox on May 12, 1927.

He is survived by his daughters, Ruby Ann Tucker, Nellita McCants Moye, Eunice McCants, Verna Malder, Deborah McCants and Betty Jean Young; a son, John McCants Jr.; sisters, Georgia Mae Frye, Lilly Bell Hickenbottom; a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held this Sat., Nov. 12, 2016, at 1 p.m. from Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center with Overseer Daryl North, host pastor. Interment will be held in Fairview Cemetery.

Mayberry Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
John Philmore Chapman

John Philmore Chapman, 81, of Spartanburg, S.C., died Fri., Nov. 4, 2016 at Wren Hospice.

Born Sept. 22, 1935 in Mobile, he was the son of the late Seneca William and Gladys Pruett Chapman.

He was a graduate of Auburn University and a U.S. Army Veteran. He was the owner and operator of Chapman Packaging of Spartanburg. He was of the Methodist faith. He was as a former member of the North Spartanburg Rotary Club and Scout Master. He loved his Lord, family and many friends, especially Harry Shoen and Jim McCullough. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, all nature, and was a Master Woodcrafter.

Survivors include his loving wife, Betty Carolyn Sligh Chapman; son, Steve Chapman (Chris) of Spartanburg, S.C.; daughter, Susan Robinson (David) of Greer, S.C.; step-daughters, Sheryll Williamson of Donalds, S.C., Shawn Pearson (Lee) of Townville, S.C. and Shadana Hembree (Mark) of Roebuck, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one foster granddaughter. He was tragically predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Helen Agee and their 3-year-old son, Michael.

Visitation was held on Nov. 7, 2016 at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, S.C. 29307. Graveside service followed in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 6000 Poplar Springs Road, Ware Shoals, SC 29692, conducted by the Rev. Eddie Willis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oconee County Humane Society, 1925 Sandifer Blvd, Seneca, S.C. 29678.

The family will be at the home.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com.
Dane Clark

Robinson

Pastor Dane Clark Robinson, 67, of Atmore, passed away on Nov. 3, 2016.

He was born in Atmore to the late Mr. Thomas L. Robinson Sr. and Mrs. Emma L. Robinson. He was the presiding pastor of St. Stephens AME Church of Mobile and previous pastor of Rose Bud AME Church in Rose Bud, Tate Chapel AME Church in Coy and Wayman Chapel AME Church in Camden.

Pastor Robinson is survived by his lovely wife, Mrs. Mary Agnes Williams Robinson; three children, Denise (Chris) Brown, Dane (LaQuanda) Robinson Jr. and Damien (Tammy) Robinson, all of Atmore; two brothers, David (Mae) Robinson and Thomas Robinson II, all of Atmore; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. this Sat., Nov. 12, from Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Atmore. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fri., Nov. 11, at Mayberry Funeral Home in Atmore.
Pauline Powers America

Mrs. Pauline Powers America, 83, of Atmore, passed away on Nov. 3, 2016, surrounded by her family and the caring staff Mobile Infirmary Medical Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin Henry and Mary Earnest (Sanford) Powers; six brothers and three sisters, Zachary “Zach” Powers, David Lee “Bo” Powers, John Lewis “Johnny” Powers, Maurice Powers, Eddie Lee “Sonny” Powers, Elvie Lee Powers-Savage, Margueite Powers-Kelly, Mary Lee Powers-Nelson and Elder Minnie L. Powers-Frye; her devoted husband of 59 years, Commissioner William C. America Sr., on April 3, 2010; and her faithful son and former pastor, Elder Tommy America on June 23, 2009.

She worked at American Super Food Store, which she and her husband owned and operated for many years. America’s Super Food Store provided her with an opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to many people.

She repented of her sins and received the gift of the Holy Ghost on Jan. 5, 1964, under the leadership of her sister, Elder Minnie Lou Frye at the Saint Paul Apostolic Faith Mission Church of God. She was later baptized in Jesus’ name. Missionary America served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and the president of the missionary department, and remained faithful until her death.

She leaves to cherish her memories, five children, Shirley Jean Williams, Cynthia Paulette (Alton) Williams, William (Sherryl) America Jr., James (Lesa) America and Ellen (Manuel) Valenzuela; one daughter in law, Elder Audrey America; one living sister, Mother Amelia Brooks; 10 sisters in law, Maggie McMillan, Rutelia America, Francia (Sam) America, Flora Powers, Ada Lee America, Bessie Powers, Delores (Wade) Brown, Alice Sanders, Verna McCants and Fonda L. (Roberts) Poellnitz; her devoted caregivers, Shannon, Diane and Patty; aunts; a host of grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; friends; and her entire Saints With a Vision Apostolic Faith Mission Church of God Family.

Visitation will be held this Fri., Nov. 11, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home, 78 Harris Street, in Atmore. Memorial services will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 11, at Saints with a Vision AFM Church, 233 Carver Ave., Atmore.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. this Sat., Nov. 12, 2016, at Grace Fellowship Church, 1412 E. Nashville Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502.