Edwin Phillip Coltrane, 70, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018.

​Juanita “Nita” Posey Jones died November 30 at age 92. An accomplished artist and ballroom dancer, she spent the last decade of her life in Pensacola. 
 
She was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on January 19, 1926, to parents Dodds Ray Posey and Martha Cain Posey, both from southwest Mississippi.  Growing up in Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, she finished high school in Shreveport, Louisiana, before her family settled in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
 
She met her future husband, Harold Jones of Kreole, Mississippi, during her freshman year at University of Mississippi.  They settled in Pascagoula where their only child, daughter Diane, was born. Following her employment with the U.S. Postal Service, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi Employment Commission, and Gulf Coast Marine Supply, she and husband Harold formed Southern Guard Services, Inc., the first security firm in Southeast Mississippi.
 
Though she worked in the business, her passion for art thrived as she returned to college to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of South Alabama. She also studied at Penland School of Crafts, in North Carolina and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and Southwest Craft Center, both in Tennessee.   Her body of work includes ceramics, watercolors, lithographs, silk screens and sculpture. Her most accomplished work is that as a handmade papermaker.   She had juried exhibitions in New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Missouri, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi. A former member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, she served as a touring artist for the Mississippi Arts Commission and as an instructor at Allison Wells School of Art. After moving to Pensacola, she won an Award of Honor at Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts, juried a show at Artel Gallery, and taught workshops for local art groups.  At age 87, her handmade paper sculptures won Best of Show, the grand prize, in the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival in 2013.
 
The last fifteen years of her life she pursued her second passion: ballroom dancing.  She studied under Sergio of Dance Design in Fort Worth, Texas, and Victor Luna at Fred Astaire Studies in Pensacola. With Fred Astaire studios, she participated in several Life’s A Dance benefits for Covenant Care, and with her dancing partners she competed on the national level in Las Vegas as well as in several competitions in Florida, never once losing. 
 
Nita’s other interests included designing and sewing art quilts, genealogical research, British mysteries, crossword puzzles, good movies and musical theatre.  She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, the Eastern Star, the West Florida Genealogical Society, and  a lifetime member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 160.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold and her sister, Marcheta “Keet” Peetz.  Nita is survived by her daughter, Diane Skelton (Danny) of Gulf Breeze; grandsons, Shannon Skelton, Manhattan, Kansas, Colin Skelton (Rona), Gulf Breeze, Nicholas Skelton, Gulf Breeze and great-grandchildren, Kieran Skelton and Keaton Skelton, Manhattan, Kansas and Max and Mia Skelton, Gulf Breeze.  Of her 18 surviving nieces and nephews, she remained closest to her sister’s children, Becky Peetz Hart (Bob) of Pascagoula and Doug Peetz (Denise) of Panama City and to Becky Manning Dobbs, daughter of surviving sister-in-law, Frances Jones Manning, along with cousins, Susan Tatum Pierce (Joe) of Shreveport and George (Trish) Seymour of Houston.  She is also survived by her “family” of Fred Astaire dancing partners and friends.
 
Her ashes will be interred next to those of her husband at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Barbara A. Tilson, 64, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018.

Alison Ruth Bellamy, 61, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018.

Melvin Lewis Straughn, 72, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018.  

Simone Edrey Sakey, 93, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.  

​Irene Dewise Benbow, 92, of Pensacola passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018.  Irene was born October 25, 1926 to the late Thomas and Rosie Dewise in Comer, Alabama.
 
She attended schools in Alabama and accepted Christ at an early age.  She moved to Pensacola and on May 17, 1947 she married Curtis William Benbow.  Six children were born to this union.  Irene Benbow joined St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church and was a member for over 50 years and served faithfully in many areas. Also, she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Hanniton Watts Post 193.
 
She worked as a cafeteria worker at Pensacola High School in the 1960s.  Other employment included her sewing at Dixie cleaners and she owned her own sewing shop for many years until her retirement.
 
She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Dewise; mother, Rosie Dewise; husband, Curtis William Benbow and son, Curtis William Benbow, Jr.
 
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Irenita Assensoh of New Orleans, LA, Debra Morgan, Michael Benbow, Valerie Cope of Pensacola, FL and Marie Modeste of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.
 
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Glory To God Ministry Pavilion Church located at 4000 W. Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL with Apostle Richard G. Curl, pastor officiating.  Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. Family-Funeral & Cremation Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Iris Moreland Barnett, 92, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

​Cynthia L. Green, 67, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. 
 
Cynthia was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida as well as attended and graduated from Pensacola High School.  She went on to obtain two years of college.  She attended both Westwood and First Christian Churches. 
 
Cynthia held a couple of careers until being blessed with her son, Tim.  She was a dedicated and loving mom and wife.  She enjoyed passing time with her family and friends and will be dearly missed by those who knew her. 
 
Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Willie Eva Lestelle. 
 
She is survived by her husband, Tony Green; son, Tim (Kristen) Green; sister, Mary (Jeff) Giles; nieces, Cathy (Mark) Gasper and Amanda (Steve) Hackbarth and nephew, Greg (Anna) Giles.
 
A memorial service will be held for Cynthia Green from 1:30-3:00 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Family-Funeral & Cremation, 7253 Plantation Road, Pensacola, Florida.  

​Jimmy Dale Taylor, 73, died unexpectedly November 25, 2018 at his home.  He was born January 11, 1945 in Amory, MS, the son of G.W. (Dick) and Mildred (Lyle) Taylor.

Jimmy graduated from Amory High School, Class of 1963.  After graduation he enlisted in the MS Army National Guard and retired from the Guard in 1995 as a MS Brigadier General with 33 years of service.  He was married to Beth (Boyd) Taylor and they celebrated 27 years of marriage on October 5, 2018.

Jimmy‘s last assignment in the National Guard was as Brigade Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade located in Tupelo, MS.  He began his work career at Walker Manufacturing in Aberdeen, MS.  He held several positions during his 25 years there, including a period of time as personnel manager. After retiring from Walker he became a partner in Tupelo Tool & Die in Tupelo, MS. After retiring from there, he served as Mayor in his adopted home town of Nettleton, MS. from 2013 to 2015, finally retiring with his wife to Pensacola, FL.

Jimmy was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting with his son and friends.  He was also an animal lover, along with his wife, raised horses for 15 years on their farm in Nettleton.  He loved classic cars and enjoyed participating in the local club, No. MS. Cruisers. After moving to Pensacola, he joined the Grand Lagoon Yacht club where he served as Commodore in 2018.

 He was a devout Christian and was active in his church, Cross Pointe Fellowship where he served faithfully.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bobby; a sister, Wanda; a brother, Johnny.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Beth (Boyd) Taylor are his son, Jimmy Dale Taylor, II (Renee’) ,Corvallis, OR; daughters, Melissa Griffith (Mark) , Pontotoc, MS; Emmie Lou McDaniel , Amory, MS; stepdaughter, Jennifer Benz , Tampa, FL; stepson, Scott Traynom, Pensacola, FL.; nine grandchildren, Jackson Benz, Grayson Griffith, Jade Taylor, Molly Benz, Jordon Taylor, Maclaine Griffith, William Benz, Camryn Traynom, and Jac McDaniel; one brother, Billy Wayne Taylor (Rose) and many nieces and  nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, 10653 Gulf Beach Hwy. Pensacola.  Another Celebration with Military Honors will be held at CrossPointe Fellowship Church in Nettleton, MS on Sunday December 16, 2018.
​
Those who wish to remember Jimmy in a special way may make gifts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. or to Escambia Co. Animal Shelter.

James William Edwards, 79, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

John C. Pettigrew, 79, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

Roberto Ramirez, 82, of Mary Esther, Florida passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018.  

Mark LaShawn Norris, 58, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018.  
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at New Faith Missionary Church, 223 Massachusetts Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32505.

Michael Medeiros, 58, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

Richard D. Holton, 70, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018.

​Michael Dennis Bennett, 72, of Pensacola, Florida departed his earthly life on Thursday, November 22, 2018. 
 
Mike was born in Portsmith, New Hampshire on December 4, 1945.  Mike moved to Pensacola in 1957 when his father, who was in the United States Navy, was stationed at NAS Pensacola. From Mike’s northern accent he gained the nickname “Yankee”.  Mike graduated from high school in 1964.  While in the 10th grade at Escambia High School, he met and started dating Emy.  The two became inseparable until his death.  They were married in 1964 and shared 54 years of married love.  They were best friends and soul mates.  To this loving union were born three wonderful children, Robin, Mickey and Chris.  They were known as “The Original Five”. 
 
Mike worked for Smiths’ Sunbeam Bakery for 26 years until it closed and then worked at Wayne Dalton Garage Doors until his retirement.  Mike coached sports at the Myrtle Grove YMCA and Bellview Community Park.  During retirement, Mike and Emy enjoyed attending all of the grandchildren’s many activities.  He also enjoyed watching his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  Mike was a member of the Silver Sneakers class through Pensacola Athletic Club.  Mike will be deeply missed by his family and friends. 
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Jean Bennett; mother-in-law, Louise Hirsch; daughter-in-law, Kim Bennett and his grandson, John Thomas “JT” Morgan. 
 
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Emy Bennett; children, Robin (Buddy) NeSmith, Mickey Bennett, Chris (Walker) Morgan; grandchildren, Bo (Jordan), Bradley, Brent NeSmith, Brooke Bennett, Brinlee Bennett, Emma Morgan and great-grandson, Carter Cole NeSmith. 
 
The family wants to thank special cousin, Ann Suarez, for all of her love and support. 
 
Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church, 1030 North 57th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, followed by his celebration of life at 11:00 am.  The family invites all to a reception immediately following the service in the church’s fellowship hall. 
 
In lieu of flowers, please, donate to a charity of your choice.    

"Joshua" Louis Young-Chapman, 25, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018.  

Robert L. Hillard, 84, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018.  A Committal Service will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Barrancas National Cemetery.  The procession will meet at 1:15 pm at Olive Baptist Church-Warrington Campus, 103 W. Winthrop Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32507.

Allen Gene Hart, 64, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018.  

Betty B. Hutchison, 96, of Pace, Florida passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018.

John Allen McKenzie III, 54, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Wednesday November 21,2018.

June Venus Joseph, 52, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

Herbert Crowley Childs, 88, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

Herbert Childs was  born to  Minnie  Lizzie  May Childs  and  Festus  Robert Childs  in  Branford,  Florida  on September 3,  1930.    Herbert  served  in  the  U.S.  Army and  was  a  Korean  War veteran.    He  moved  to Pensacola, Florida after the Army where he worked as a Professional Cabinet Maker and whatever work it took to  provide for his family.   

​He  had a tender heart and soul and was a very special father to his children.   He will be missed very much by his family and friends.

He  is survived  by  his two  children,  Michael  Childs  and  Linda  Childs;  one  grandson,  Matthew  Griswold and two great-grandchildren, Patrick Griswold and Bailey Griswold.

Love you DAD  !!

John Terry "J.T." Morris, 75, of Pensacola, Florida passed away Monday, November 19, 2018.