Barbara Graham Fillmore

Barbara Graham Fillmore, 81, of Atmore, passed away on July 19, 2017, in Atmore.

She was born to the late Liston P. and Etta Davis Graham in Walnut Hill, Fla. on May 1, 1936. She was a member of Presley Street Baptist Church, retired office manager of Atmore Carpets and was retired from the Creek Bingo Palace, both located in Atmore.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Evelyn Malone Atkins; and two brothers, Talton Graham and Verue “Peg” Graham.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Fillmore; sons, Robert Glen Fillmore, Jeff (Julie) Fillmore and Jason T. (Julie) Fillmore; one brother, Ernest (Ruth) Graham of Pensacola, Fla.; sisters, Cheryl (Lamar) Wasdin of Pensacola and Ann (Calvin) McCall of Oak Grove, Fla.; two grandsons, Forrest Fillmore and Justin Fillmore, both of Atmore; a granddaughter, Skylar Fillmore of Pensacola; and her best friend of over 20 years, Olivia Bryan of Atmore.

Funeral services were held July 22, 2017, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. C.L. Langford officiating. Burial followed in Pine Barren Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Presley Street Baptist Church.

Visitation was held July 22 at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Betty Ann Luker Lord

Betty Ann Luker Lord was called home on July 18, 2017, in Atmore.

She was born on July 18, 1947, in Atmore.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Euna Mae Luker; her husband, Thomas E. Lord Sr.; and her brother, Buster Moore.

She is survived by her daughters, Rainie (Darrell) Harrison of Pensacola, Fla., Charlotte (Derrick) Harris of Andalusia, Tammy (Shannon) Wilson of Brewton and Sheree (Patrick) Henry of Atmore; her step-children, Thomas Eugene Lord Jr. (Tscharner) of Summerton, S.C., Janet Lord Lesley (James) of Blenheim, S.C., Debra D. Lord (Cody) of Rolla, Mo., David Allen Lord (Latonna) of Blenheim, S.C., Paul Lesley of Liver River, S.C., Lisa Lord Parker (Ken) of Florence, S.C. and Cindy Lord Dowdey (Mark) of Waterloo; her sisters, Marilynne Luker of Lucedale, Miss. and Sue Luker of Mobile; brothers, John Luker and David Bryant Luker, both of Mobile, David Maurice Luker of Atmore and Robert Luker of Loxley; as well as 31 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.

She lived her life strong and determined with the gentle touch of a regal lady. We will miss her tender laugh and her words of wisdom she provided when we felt lost. We will miss her stories she told while rocking in her Auburn rocking chair on her front porch. She was always filled with love for her family and friends. Her home will forever be where softball games ended when the dinner was ready and you did not leave until you had eaten so much you could hardly walk and the sun had long disappeared.

She lived a life for her children. While she had always dreamed of becoming a writer, she had really become a teacher. She taught us how to sing, dance, and cook along with so much more. She provided valuable life lessons; especially about grace and etiquette. She taught us to let go of what doesn’t matter and to always focus on what was in our hearts.

She loved to sing, she had too many favorite songs to list. She sang until her last day here. She was also everyone’s favorite cook; especially known for her famous chicken and dumplings and red velvet cake. She loved to entertain family and friends and had a smile that could brighten any room. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, wife and friend.

Betty loved Jesus and her faith in God and His promises was strong. We know she has found her mansion over that hilltop and is joyfully singing at the feet of Jesus now.

Funeral Services were held July 22, 2017, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Goggins officiating. Burial followed in Semirah Springs Cemetary.

Active pallbearers were Danny Lord, Matt Luker, Jeff Harris, Paul Black, Doug Black and Allen Black. Alternative pallbearers were John David Mesker, Jaymes Wade Mesker, Stephen Mesker and Hunter Harrison.

Visitation was held July 21 from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Clarence Shoemaker Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. Clarence Shoemaker, Sr., 74, of Atmore, will be announced by Turner Funeral Chapel LLC.

Shoemaker answered the Master’s Call on Sun., July 23, 2017, at Atmore Community Hospital.

 

Dorothy Louise McAroy

“When I can read my titles clear…. To mansions in the skies… I bid farewell to every fear and wipe my weeping eyes.”

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;

But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

She was affectionately known as “Dot” or “Aunt Dot,” but respectfully known as Evangelist Dorothy Louise McAroy.

McAroy heard the voice of Jesus say “come unto me my children and rest.” She found in him a sweet resting place. Long ago, she found that there was nothing so precious as Jesus to her. She knew that if earth and all its treasures were gone she would still be happy with Jesus alone. You see, she knew that this world was not her home and also knew she was just a stranger passing through on her way to the Master’s House.

So, while the dew was still on the roses; with peace like a river, the sands over in Escambia County was turned to a sea of time where the old ship of Zion sailed in like a limousine service of Angelic Angels, to deliver one so precious to her home on high.

McAroy was ready, we can almost see her as she grabbed a hold of that old ship of Zion she stepped on board and headed for the Promise Land. Oh, what a magnificent journey for one who could truly say, “it is well, it is well with my soul.”

McAroy was known for her countenance of joy, sweetness, compassion and humbleness. She exemplified Ecclesiastes 9:10 with fervor. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

She began her work ethics and noble responsibilities at a young age, working as manager of Sonic, later employed with Vanity Fair of Atmore and later found her care needed with the Atmore Nursing Facility, where she remained until her retirement of 34 years. In her early journey of this gospel vineyard, she began this Christian journey at the Mt. Gillead Missionary Baptist Church No. 2 of Freemanville. McAroy graduated from Escambia County High School in 1972. She later became one of the founding pioneers of Full of Life Ministries, where she served as elect lady and evangelist under the leadership of her loving husband, Apostle Tony McAroy, where her glory remained until her transition from this earthly dwelling to receive her heavenly reward.

Heaven sent this angel to Mr. Jessie and Margie Bradley Sr. on Aug. 10, 1954 and became heaven bound on July 21, 2017. Preceded her in death included parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jessie and Margie Bradley Sr.; siblings, William Bradley, Mae Nell Bradley Williams and Lessel Bradley; brothers in law, Bobby Watson and Kenneth Watson; and loving mother in law, Loretta McCants.

Those who will forever remember and cherish her legacy include a loving husband, Bishop Tony Mcaroy; four devoted children, Kissa (John Dirden) Stevenson of Atmore, Neschia Banks of Crestview, Fla., Nikki (Kendrick) Henderson and Tony Mcaroy Jr. and Josh McCants, all of Atmore; seven devoted grandchildren; siblings, Arbro (Mary) Bradley, James Bradley, Gene (Shirley) Bradley and Betty Longmire and Lena Mae Bradley, all of Atmore; sisters in law, Shaavaughn (Ronnie C.) Williams of Atmore and Dana Rivers of Pensacola; brothers in law, Elder Reginald (Kimberly) McCants, Angelo (Tina) Watson, Rufus Watson and William Watson, all of Atmore, Ricky (Bridgett) McAroy and Oscar McAroy Jr.,   both of Pensacola; Full of Life Ministries Church Family; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and special friends.

Public visitation will be held this Fri., July 28, 2017, at the Full of Life Ministry located on 801 East Church Street, Atmore, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Funeral services will be held this Sat., July 29, 2017, at the Deliverance Ministry of Jesus Christ in Atmore with Dr. Kelvin Williams as host pastor and Apostle Louis Banks Sr. as the messenger of strength

Professional services are entrusted to Robinson-Christian Memorial Funeral Home,

78 Harris Street, Atmore, 251-368-2132.

 

Dorothy Smith Davis

Mrs. Dorothy Smith Davis, 82, passed away on Sun., July 23, 2017, in Bay Minette.

She was a native of McKenzie, former resident of Atmore and has resided in Perdido for the past 30 years. She was a member of the Southside Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Franklin and Namoia Marie Smith; and two brothers, Levon Smith and Bobby F. Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Isaac (Dave) Davis of Perdido; one son, Robert (Myra) Dukes of Sand Rock; two daughters, Bonnie Jean (Ernie) Thomas of Dahlonega, Ga. and Dottie Sue (Terry) Townson of Henagar; one sister, Doris (Charles) Bankster of Stapleton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held July 25, 2017, from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Patterson.

Burial followed at the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation was held July 25 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Mike Bankster, Ernie Thomas, Wayne Sprinkle, Jeremy Raines and Erskine Vines.

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

 

Nip Hadley

Nip Hadley, 72, of Perdido, passed away on July 22, 2017, in Fairhope.

He was born to the late, Johnny and Ruby Stewart Hadley in Perdido on Aug. 1, 1944. He served in the Army National Guard, was a retired operator from Scott Paper Co. and a member of Lottie Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Angela Hadley; a brother, John A. Hadley; and a sister, Merle “Sis” Stewart.

He is survived by his children, Johnny L. (Zonia) Hadley of Bay Minette; step-son, John M. (Elsa) McBride of Mobile, Tonya Harville of Bay Minette, Lisa (David) Scott of Montgomery, Dani Hadley of Perdido; and step-daughter, Bobbie (Randy) Jones of Mobile; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

Funeral services were held July 24, 2017 from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Pruitt officiating. Burial followed in Pine Grove Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers were Andrew Harville, Eric Hadley, Bobby Hadley, Shane Hadley, Dennis Ferrell and Travis Pruitt.

Visitation was held July 23 at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lottie Baptist Church, P. O. Box 987, Atmore, Ala. 36504.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Thomas E. Lord Sr.

Thomas E. Lord Sr., 85, of Atmore, passed away at Atmore Nursing Home on July 18, 2017.

Born on Nov. 27, 1931, in Elberta to the Rev. Thomas F. and Hattie Mae Lord, he was known to most as Tommy. He was a retired construction worker, retiring from Apac Construction, where he ran heavy equipment for road repair and construction. He also served with the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, honorably discharging in 1957.

His greatest love was music. He was gifted with playing everything except the horns. Over his lifetime, he formed many bands and wrote several songs that he had copyrighted.

He was survived by his wife of 44 years, Betty Luker Lord, who passed away just hours after his passing; his children, Thomas Eugene Lord Jr. (Tscharner) of Summerton, S.C., Janet Lord Lesley (James) of Blenheim, S.C., Debra D. Lord (Cody) of Rolla, Mo., David Allen Lord (Latonna) of Blenheim, S.C., Paul Lesley of Little River, S.C., Lisa Lord Parker (Ken) of Florence, S.C. and Cindi Lord Dowdy (Mark) of Waterloo; his stepchildren are Rainee Harris (Darrell), Charlotte Batello, Tammy Wilson (Shannon) and Sheree Henry (Pat). There are a total of 31 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister, Irene Lord Godwin; brother, the Rev. Mason Lord; sister, Ella Mae Boyette; sister, Lillie Mae Harris (Clyde); sister, Elizabeth Harris and brother, Johnny Lord (Glenda). He is also survived by special niece, Glenda Lord Arrington and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held July 21, 2017, from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Ward officiating.

Burial followed at the Semirah Springs Cemetery.

Visitation was held July 21, 2017, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Brandon Harris, Russ Harris, Devin Harris, Steven Lord, Adam Hadley and Robert Rigby.

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

 

Tuney Hadley

Mr. Tuney Hadley, 76, passed away on Wed., July 19, 2017, in Perdido.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Perdido. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting and fishing. He was retired from the city of Bay Minette with 28 years of service and he was of the Holiness Faith.

He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Lou Ethel Hadley and second wife, Pauline Hadley; parents, Jake and Susie Hadley; grandson, Randy Allan Stewart; four brothers, Dempsey, Frindley, Tink and Jacob Hadley; and one sister, Audrey Powell.

He is survived by three sons, Tuney Leon (Tammy J.) Hadley of Perdido, Mike (Shelly) Hadley of Harrietta, Mich. and Carl (Denise) Hadley of Brewton; three daughters, Faye (Rick Sheetz) Emmons of Perdido, Tammy (Allen) Quinley of Bay Minette and Dorothy Jean (Chris Stacey) Hadley of Rabun; two sisters, Dorothy Bryars of Perdido and Horothy Buck of White House Fork; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held July 22, 2017, from the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Sister Helen Stewart officiating.

Burial followed at the Bryars-McGill Cemetery.

Visitation was held July 21 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Steven Cody Livings, Patrick Duwayne Hadley, Anthony Carl Hadley, Dempsey Leon Hadley, Brandon Emmons and Lamar Hadley.

Honorary pallbearers were Brandon Lee Burkett and Levi Stacey.

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