PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA. .Jerry Keith Skeen, a resident of Panama City Beach, Florida, formerly of Ozark, passed away Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025, in the Vitas Suites @ Community Health & Rehabilitation in Panama City. He was 85.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 21, 2025, in the Union Free Will Baptist Church, near Abbeville, Alabama, with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 P.M. Friday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Jerry Skeen was born and raised in Henry County, Alabama, near Newville, son of the late Legon Littleton Skeen and Willie Mae Smith Skeen. He was a graduate of Newville High School. Jerry lived in Ozark, Alabama for many years before moving to Panama City Beach in 1985. He was the founder and lead vocalist for Jerry Skeen & the Starlighters. In earlier years, Jerry was employed by Alabama Power Co. He was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Skeen Hamm and a brother, Terry Skeen.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Phyllis Barfield Skeen; two sons, Jerry L. “Jay” Skeen (Donna), Dothan and Keith Skeen (Angela), Gardendale, AL; four sisters, Peggy Herring, Abbeville; Ann Walker, South Carolina; Martha Dunagan, Cullman, AL; and Rosa McCoy (Tommy), Abbeville; a brother, Mickey Skeen, Abbeville and a sister-in-law, Martha Skeen; grandchildren, Anne-Marie Wilson, Julia Skeen and Jordan Deritas; great-grandchildren, Briggs Wilson and Hadley Wilson; several nieces and nephews.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
In loving memory of Mrs. Sarah Lee Braswell Pitts, who gracefully departed from this life at the age of 63 on November 19, 2025. Born on June 17, 1962, in Geneva County, Sarah was the beloved daughter of the late M.L. Braswell and Sarah Catherine Brock.
Sarah’s journey through life was shaped by her deep love for her family and friends. She now joins those who have gone before her, including her devoted husband, Ronald Milton Pitts; her cherished daughter, Jessie Lee Cobb-Pacheco; and her brothers, Alan Brock Braswell and Marvin Lyle Braswell. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and they will be forever missed.
Sarah’s spirit lives on through her beloved children, Amber Skye Anglin, Marcus Lyle Braswell, and Randall Evan Pacheco. The legacy of her nurturing love continues in her grandchildren, Leland Ray Pacheco, Nathaniel Evan Pacheco, Ryleigh Claire Braswell, and Reid Austin Braswell, who brought her immense joy and pride. She is also survived by her dear sister, Sylvia Ann Bucklin (Mike), along with a host of extended family members and friends who will carry her memory forward.
In honoring Sarah’s wishes, she will be cremated, with no formal services, allowing those who loved her to remember her in their own special ways. May her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb
(334) 886-7777, is in charge of arrangements. “Because We Care … Is Making A Difference”
Sam Genovese, a cherished husband, father, and community pillar, passed away November 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on February 20, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Sam’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and his work.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Columba Church on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 12-1 PM at the church.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Bobbie, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion; a son, David Genovese (Rosalyn); grandchildren, Natalie and Eric Lind and Lily Genovese; Sister in laws, Karen Lunardi and Joyce Neher (Greg) He is preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Santa Genovese and a daughter, Cindy Lind.
A proud veteran, Sam served his country in the Army for three years before embarking on a notable career in advertising. His professional journey began at Scott Foresman Publishing, where he met his wife, Bobbie, the duo later went on to own the successful advertising agency Higgins, Hegner, and Genovese in Chicago.
Sam was an avid football fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and in his youth was a football player for the Chicago Bears. His commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth was evident through his studies at Southern Illinois University and his artistic endeavors at the Chicago Art Institute.
Sam’s interests extended well beyond his professional life. In 1968, Sam and Bobbie attended their first Cursillo event, which sparked a lifelong commitment to church and charitable causes. This experience ignited Sam’s deep passion for outreach to the homeless and prisoners, among other charitable endeavors.
A member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Sam promoted their Cursillo group. He loved music and singing and shared his gifts in many church activities and liturgies.
As we say goodbye to Sam, he leaves a resounding echo of a life well-lived, one filled with love, service, and an enduring faith that inspired everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Vonceil Nichols, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at the age of 93 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on October 27, 1932, in Samson, Alabama, to the late F M Speed and Lois Vonceil White Speed, Vonceil’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the deep bonds of family.
Vonceil’s journey through life was one of devotion and partnership, having worked side by side with her beloved husband, the late Thomas Nichols, Jr. in all their endeavors. Together, they built a legacy of love and commitment that was felt by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them. Vonceil was predeceased not only by her husband but also by her brothers, Jack Speed and James Speed, and sister, Genella Scott.
She is survived by her children, Kathryn Walker and Thomas Nichols, III. Vonceil embodied the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her love for her children was only magnified by the joy she found in her role as a grandmother to, Nicholas Walker (Brittney), Jonathan Walker (Mary), and Thomas Nichols IV and as a great-grandmother to, Tiler Walker, Jackson Walker, Isaac Walker, and Cora Walker. Vonceil is also survived by her close friends, Patsy Creel and Jan Arthur and her husband, Richard.
Vonceil’s life was marked by her gracious spirit and her innate ability to organize and nurture not only her family but also her community. She was a woman who loved and served the Lord with all her heart, and her faith was the cornerstone of her existence. Her presence was a comfort to those in need, and her hands were never idle as she sought to make the world a better place through her actions and prayers.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
Cosenda Jewell Pelham, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 54, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 12, 1971, in the gentle climes of Georgia, Cosenda lived a life marked by love, caring, and the joyous laughter of her beloved grandchildren.
Cosenda was a devoted mother, a cherished significant other, and a loving grandmother. Her life’s journey was shared with her children, Ted Taylor (Ashley Givens) and Jonathan Pelham. She was the heart and soul of her family, including her significant other, Ted Taylor, Sr., and the light in the lives of her grandchildren, Madison Pelham and Gabrella Givens Taylor. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy Bridges (Kenneth Ayers), Kevin Bridges (Sue), James Pelham, and Monroe Bridges (Ashley Ward).
A proud graduate of her local high school, Cosenda embraced education with a fervent spirit. Her love for learning was surpassed only by her love for her family. Despite the challenges posed by disability, she faced life with an unwavering spirit and a resilient heart. Cosenda’s determination served as an inspiring example of how to live with grace and courage.
Cosenda’s interests were simple yet deeply rooted in the connections she fostered with those around her. She found joy and comfort in playing on her tablet, a pastime that brought her much happiness in her quieter moments. Her greatest delight, however, was found in the time she spent with her grandchildren. Each giggle and smile they shared with her was treasured as the most precious of gifts.
Those who knew Cosenda will remember her as the embodiment of kindness and love. Her gentle demeanor and caring nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Even in her absence, the memories of her loving ways will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends.
Cosenda’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and an unyielding dedication to those she held dear. As we bid farewell to Cosenda, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a spirit that will forever remain in the sanctuary of our hearts.
Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her family takes solace in knowing that Cosenda’s love will continue to guide them through the tapestry of their lives. In the whisper of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and the laughter of children, we will find Cosenda’s presence, comforting us until the end of time.
Joyce Ann Hughes, age 82, of Dothan, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Born May 13, 1943 in Kentucky to the late James Martin and Dorothy Weeks Martin, Joyce earned her nursing degree and served for over 30 years in the medical field as a registered nurse.
In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her daughter, Marcy McCallister; her sister, Jane Martin Gilley, and her brother, Billy Martin.
Joyce is survived by her children, Wendy Acosta (Edgar) of Huntsville, AL, Tammy Benton of Dothan, AL, Dale Mayberry (Tina) of Orlando, FL, Scott Mayberry of Benton, KY, and Kelly Wright of Wilmington, DE; her 13 grandchildren, Kristen McCallister of Cottonwood, AL, Blake McCallister (Kaylie) of Rehobeth, AL, Julie McCallister of Prattville, AL, Bodie McCallister of Prattville, AL, Chelsea Sims (Brett) of San Antonio, TX, Trevor Mayberry (Lexie) of Orlando, FL, Spencer Mayberry (Jenny) of Greenville, SC, Danyele Wright, Cassie Wright of Wilmington, DE, Melissa Aprin of Dothan, AL, Jessica Hansen (Spencer) of Washington, Adam Tolbert (Holly) of Kilkenny, Ireland, Scott Mayberry, Jr. of Lawton, OK; her 13 great-grandchildren, Addi, Greyson, Wyatt, Beau, Sloan, Walker, Devin, Kyndle, Rowan, Aoibheann (Aveen), Laina, Logan, and Lennon; her brother, Mark Martin (Vickie) of Benton, KY; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Cosenda Jewell Pelham, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 54, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on April 12, 1971, in the gentle climes of Georgia, Cosenda lived a life marked by love, caring, and the joyous laughter of her beloved grandchildren.
