Up on the Hill: Dear friends graduate from this life

Graduation day in 1945 was filled with excitement when a small group of students in Laurel Hill received their high school diplomas. It was a busy time when we parted that day. The boys fought in WWII and the girls wrote letters to cheer them on. After our 50th class reunion we decided to continue meeting annually.

The years took a toll on our lives until a few years ago the decision was made to end the reunions.

I remember Floyce Steele telling me that J.S. (Joe) shed tears when the letter came ending that era of our lives. Phone calls, visits and chance meetings about town continued to keep us in touch with the few remaining classmates. Many of those are very ill, in nursing homes or homebound.

Our dear friend, J. S. Steele, 82, passed away June 4. Funeral service was June 7, held at his home church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker. The pews were filled with his large family and friends of many years. His beloved wife of 60 years, Floyce Wilkinson Steele of Baker, now walks a lonely road of sorrow, strewn with loving memories, strengthened daily by the God she serves. His sons, Wayne of Salt Lake City and Dale Steele of Prattville, Ala., and daughter, Donna Kennedy of Crestview, are left with a wealth of love and memories.

J. S. will be missed by all who knew him — a treasure of a man, strong in his faith. Graduation from this life has come for him.

• The Red Hat Society, Gallery Gals of Laurel Hill, received the sad news of the passing of one of our charter members, Sueann Weston.

We never saw her without a big smile and words of encouragement to anyone she met regardless of her physical problems. She bravely fought her battle with cancer until the Lord welcomed her home.

On June 11, our ladies donned the colors of red hats and purple dress, with one pink lady in pink hat and lavender dress (under 50) to attend a memorial service at Sueann’s church, Niceville Assembly of God. In her honor we showed our colors that she loved so much.

Her husband Paul stated, “It is a celebration!” Sueann celebrated life on a daily basis because her trust was in her God. We will all miss her, but memories will be retrieved from time to time, especially at our Christmas slumber party, one of her favorite events.

Sincere condolences to the families of J. S. (Joe) Steele of Baker, and Sueann Weston of Laurel Hill, Florida.

• The Alzheimer support group will meet June 18 at the Baptist Church activities building at 2 p.m. Special guest speaker will be Angela Warren, elder law attorney. This will be an informative meeting with question and answer time. We need to show our appreciation by attending and inviting a friend. This is a wonderful service for a city with many elder families. Call support group leader Carolyn Williams at 850-598-1057.

• The Hilltoppers will meet friends at the Laurel Hill Grill on June 16 at 11 a.m. for a time of fellowship. The monthly dues are standard Laurel Hill fashion … bring your best smile! No fees, no requirements. Everyone welcome.

• Go Green Pest Management has a Silver Program for seniors over 65 and limited income of less than $1,500 per month. Pest control service of $20 per month includes indoor service with perimeter spray. All natural solutions for pest problems allows protection for pets and children. Call 850-546-1794 or office 813-699-4182 for more information.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:55-57