JOSEPHINE PEAKE MOSDELL

Josephine Peake Mosdell, 77, died Wed., Nov. 9, 2011, in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital.

A memorial service is scheduled for Mon., Nov. 21, at 4 p.m., at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The Rev. Dr. Cindy Howard will officiate.

Survivors include her sisters, Bridget (Alby) Hole, Anne Boddy; six nephews/nieces, and five great-nephews/nieces, all of England, United Kingdom.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Mosdell; her parents, Stanley and Muriel Humpries Peake; a sister, Elizabeth; and a brother, John.

She was involved in many activities in the community. She was an organizer of ACORN dinners, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners served or delivered to anyone who needed a holiday meal. She was instrumental in founding Second Blessings, a thrift shop that was an outreach of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She was active in the St. Mary’s choir until her breathing made it too difficult for her to participate.

She was a long-standing member of St. Mary’s Altar Guild, and her main responsibility was to launder and press the linens in which she took special pride because she did them “the right way.”

She penned a book about her childhood memories of World War II with child-like sketches depicting the story. She gave free copies to all veterans. Her latest gift was a booklet with color pictures of flowers and foliage around Andalusia. She wrote a caption for each picture. At that point, she considered herself “almost famous.”

She was a vibrant, capable, generous, humorous Christian lady. Some things that have been said about her during her memorable time with us: “We need more people like Jo;” “What a gift she was to all of us;” and “She took me under her wing and helped me.”

She leaves behind to cherish her memory many friends who loved her and will really miss her.

 

EARNESTINE ELIZABETH SPOONER NEWTON

Earnestine Elizabeth Spooner Newton, 94, died Oct. 31, 2011, at 4426 West Main St., Dothan.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Wed., Nov. 2, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery on Highway 431 with Dr. Paul C. Roten officiating, and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Church, 4426 West Main St., Dothan, AL 36305.

She was born Jan. 8, 1917, in Houston County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff S. and Lessie Richards Spooner; husband, Charles H. Newton; brother, Louie W. Spooner; nephew, Jerry Spooner; niece, Linda Spooner; and niece, Rebecca McInnish Pigg.

She is survived by Agnes McInnish Fowler, sister; Zeta Spooner Hazeltine, sister-in-law; and John David Spooner, nephew.

She is also survived by the following great nieces: Sallie Sharitt Gaines, Jennifer Sharitt Velo, Lee Bailey, Kelli Sharitt, Lora Pigg Gibson, Carrie Kaoui, Jahaza Duncan, and Jarah Spooner, and great nephews: Stephen Sharitt, Jeremiah Spooner, and Daniel Pigg. She is also survived by several great, great nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Ashford High School in 1935 and attended Riley Business College secretarial and accounting classes in 1938.

She and her husband spent two years in Spokane, Wash. After his discharge from service in World War II, they returned to Alabama and settled in Mobile. For 40 years, she worked with general contractors, heavy equipment dealers, oilfield production, pipeline and terminal operations.

After retirement in 1978, she volunteered with SARCOA for 13 years as vice chairperson, Advisory Council, Area Agency on Aging. She also worked with the Midland City Senior Citizen Center. While at Midland City, the senior program procured a 21-passenger bus and built a new building designated to the seniors’ needs.

In 1992, Gov. Guy Hunt issued the Medal of Honor for her contributions, and she was inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. In 1996, she was elected to the Alabama Silver Haired Legislature.

Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory was in charge of arrangements. To sign the guest book, visit dothaneagle.com.

 

CHAN HO TURMAN WHITEHURST

Chan Ho Turman Whitehurst, 82, passed away Thurs., Nov. 10, 2011, at her daughter’s residence in Montgomery.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sun., Nov 20, at Good News Baptist Chapel with the Rev. Jay Driver officiating.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Marcus Hyles; grandsons, Joshua and Caleb Hyles; and numerous extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good News Baptist Chapel, 29812 Good News Chapel Rd, Dozier, AL 36028.