BETTY ANN EUBANKS CAYSON
Betty Ann Eubanks Cayson of Blountstown, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 97, just four days shy of her 98th birthday. She was the last surviving sibling of the Eubanks family and the last surviving sister-in-law of the Cayson family. She was born September 10, 1928, in Chattahoochee, Florida, to Bennett Thomas Eubanks and Eloise “Lois” Eubanks. She spent her childhood in Chattahoochee with her siblings until her father’s unexpected passing, after which her mother returned to Blountstown to be near family.
Betty Ann attended Calco High School, graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 1946. That same year, on July 25, she married the love of her life, Albert Gerald “Bug” Cayson. Together, they spent 61 years building a life filled with love, family, hard work, travel, and life-long friendships.
Betty Ann worked for 17 years at Ellis Bank of Blountstown while continuing her education. She graduated from Chipola Junior College and earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Education from Florida State University. She began teaching fourth grade at Blountstown Elementary School and later taught Reading at Blountstown Junior High School. During her 19-year teaching career, she touched the lives of countless students.
Betty Ann was a long-time and faithful member of Blountstown United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Ladies’ Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women. She enjoyed the fellowship of her church family and was always a part of the many church dinners and functions. Her faith, kindness, and service were an important part of her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert Gerald “Bug” Cayson; her precious daughter, Deborah Kay Cayson Hassig; her sisters, Eloise Gholson (Angus) and Norma Yon (Terrell); her brother, Bennett Thomas Eubanks Jr. (Faye); her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Audrey Cayson Berson (Bill), Wayman Cayson (Doris), and Marcia Cayson Waldorff; her grandson, Jeremy Cayson; her nephews, Terry Yon and Kemp Gholson; and her niece, Traycee Eubanks Cherry.
Betty Ann is survived by her daughters, Dianne Cayson Lainhart (Paul) of Lynn Haven, Florida, and Vicki Cayson Bennett of Blountstown, Florida; her son, Gerry Cayson (Janet) of Tallahassee, Florida; and her son-in-law, Danny Hassig of Blountstown, Florida.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris Lainhart (Janel), Ashley Lainhart (Ali), Misty Smith (Richie), Lauren Hollis (Kyle), Andrew Bennett (Madison), Adam Edwards, Ayers Hassig (Logan), Anna Brackett (Josh), and Trey Cayson (Tate); and her great- grandchildren, Ella Suber, Hudson Hollis, Cayson Hollis, Abby Kay Edwards, and Sarah Cayliann Lainhart.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Blountstown United Methodist Church. A funeral service celebrating Betty Ann’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Boggs Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blountstown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 299, Blountstown, FL 32424; Saving Downtown Blountstown, Inc., P.O. Box 467, Blountstown, FL 32424 or Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, P.O. Box 215, Blountstown, FL 32424.
Those who knew Betty Ann will forever treasure the memories they shared and the everyday joys that brought her happiness. Her family is truly grateful for the loving care she received from Nicole Butler and the nurses and staff at Blountstown Rehab, especially Gloria.
She will be deeply missed here on earth, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she has been welcomed into heaven by Bug, Deborah, and the family and special friends she has longed to see again. Her love, faith, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
DOROTHY “DOT” ANNETTE ELDRIDGE
Dorothy “Dot” Annette Eldridge, 97, of Blountstown, FL passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Blountstown, FL.
Dot was born July 24, 1929, and was a lifelong resident of Calhoun County. Dot was a devoted homemaker and loved her family dearly. She was also a phenomenal cook, generous to a fault, and quick to say thank you many times over.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lovie Rabon; stepmother, Clara Rabon; her husband, of 64 years, M.W. Eldridge Jr.; her children, Larry and Tresa Eldridge; her brothers, Frank, Jerome, James Rabon; and her sisters, Maggie Branton, and Ruth Aultman.
She is survived by her son, Michael Eldridge and wife Donna of Blountstown; her daughters, Susan West and husband Wayne of Panama City, Melody Frye and husband Gerald of Blountstown; her daughter- in-law, Harriet Eldridge of Altha; her grandchildren, LaRae Bourgue, Kimberly Waller, Stephanie Bulmer, Melissa Anderson, Kurt Eldridge, Lynette McMullen, Stacy Lowlavar, Ryan Frye, Gina Miller, Amber Leverette, and Casey Verduzco; 14 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family is very grateful for her beloved caretakers, Diane Danford, Thelma Batson, Lucille Culpepper, and Christine Goff.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM CT followed by the service at 11:00 AM CT with Pastors Jerry Chumley and Tim Rhodes officiating. Interment will be at Nettle Ridge Cemetery in Blountstown. Peavy Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements.
LORENE M. LIPFORD
Lorene M. Lipford, of Marianna, passed away on September 11, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 5, 1931, in Chipley, Florida, she lived a long life marked by warmth, devotion, and the simple joys that made a
home and family flourish. Lorene loved the outdoors and spent much of her time sitting on her front porch, taking in the fresh air and the peace of the day. She also loved to cook, and she was very good at it, sharing that gift in ways that brought comfort and happiness to those around her. Above all, she cherished spending time with family and friends, and her presence in their lives was a steady source of love and welcome.
She is survived by her children: her sons, Donnie Lipford and wife Dodie, Ronnie Lipford and wife Barbara, and Roland Lipford and wife Karen; her daughters, Judy Hill and husband Tim and Marilyn Searcy and husband Dwayne as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. In their lives, and in the lives of family and friends who knew her well, Lorene leaves behind the memory of a woman whose love was expressed in togetherness, hospitality, and care. Her family was the center of her heart, and her legacy will continue through them with lasting affection and gratitude.
Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Buford Lipford; her brothers, Alfred Mills, J.T. Mills, and James Mills; and her sisters, Clotel Bratcher, Marie Wiggins, and Elmira Lipford. Their memories remained part of the story of her life, and she now rests in that reunion.
A time of visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Salem Freewill Baptist Church, 2555 Kynesville Road in Cottondale. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend J.W. Watson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at adamsfh.com
GRADY ROBERSON
Grady Roberson, a wonderful man of faith, passed away at his home in Marianna, Florida, on September 7, 2026. Grady fought a long and hard battle with heart disease and made the most of his days during this time. Heaven truly gained a special angel
with the passing of Grady. Grady was born to Lamar and Georgia Mae Roberson on January 11, 1941, in Wheeler County, Georgia. Grady attended school in Wheeler County, Georgia. After school, he served his Country in the Army Reserves for several years and ultimately began his career as a sewing machine mechanic and quickly worked his way to a manufacturing manager. In the early 1970’s Grady relocated with his family from their home in Georgia to Bristol, Florida, and moved “across the bridge” to Blountstown, Florida, in 1979. As the manager of Blountstown Manufacturing Company, Grady was instrumental in bringing employment opportunities for many in Calhoun County at the manufacturing company.
Grady was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of sixty—four years, Carolyn Roberson. Since Carolyn’s passing on March 5, 2026, Grady missed his wife tremendously. The reunification of Grady and Carolyn was most certainly a glorious occasion. Grady loved Carolyn deeply, and together they raised three children, Lynn Wimberly (Rick), Grady Randall Roberson, and Melanie Mager (Chuck). Grady is survived by his children, grandchildren, Brandy Coburn (Shane), Jordan Crain (Brian), Hunter Barnes (Ashley), Jesse Wimberly (Kristie), Jade Ferrante (Anthony), and Colby Silverthorne, and by seven great-grandchildren, Grace Mills, Jayden Bennett, Brodhi Crain, Brayden Crain, Giada Ferrante, Jessa Coburn, and Lina Faye Ferrante. Grady was predeceased by eight siblings, Lamar (Junior), Bobby, Paul, Mary, Marty, Anita, Roy and Gussie. His sisters, Jewel Anderson (Robert) and Ruby Gibbs (Barry), are left to cherish their childhood and adult memories with their brother, Grady. Grady’s sisters-in-law, Anne Thompson (Louie) and Sue Hendrix, will miss him tremendously.
He had many talents and took pride in everything that he did; he often quoted, “If you aren’t going to do it right, don’t do it at all.” That included his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He loved each fiercely and expressed it in words, actions, commitment, and most of all, genuine love. He gave his all to everything, most of all, being a husband, Daddy, and Papa.
Those blessed to know Grady knew his work ethic during his life. Grady was a man of faith, strength, and courage. Even during his years of sickness, he never stopped working. During his time of retirement, Grady especially enjoyed spending time with his family, working in his yard, and gardening. He exceeded every doctor’s expectation with his determination to go non-stop.
The family will receive family and friends at Adams Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida, on September 10th from 10:00 am to 11:00am with graveside services immediately following at Pine Memorial Cemetery. Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at adamsfh.com
MINNIE BODIFORD LEE
Minnie Bodiford Lee, born March 30, 1934, in Altha, Florida, passed away on September 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her long life was marked by devotion to those she loved, simple joys well cherished, and a generous spirit that found expression in home, family, and the everyday kindnesses that leave a lasting imprint.
Minnie was an excellent cook who took great pleasure in preparing food for others, offering comfort and care through meals she prepared while owning and operating Minnie Lee’s Restaurant for many years. She also loved the outdoors. Fishing trips, gardening, and, most of all, sitting on her front porch enjoying God’s nature were among the pleasures that brought her peace and happiness. These quiet, enduring joys reflected a life rooted in gratitude, warmth, and a deep appreciation for the world around her.
She is survived by her children, James Eddie Lee, Deborah Hagerman and husband Ken, Ronnie Lee and wife Jan, Carl Lee, Gerald Lee, Lisa Blocker, Brenda Ellgass and husband Richard, Mary Jane Moore and husband Rocky, Lawanda Ammons and husband Joe, Vaneisa Faircloth and husband Bobby, Keith Lee and wife Michelle, and Sally Lee. Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren as well as many Nieces, Nephews and many other extended family members. In their lives, and in the lives of all who gathered around her through the years, Minnie’s love will continue to be felt. Her family was the heart of her life, and the circle of those who called her mother stands as a lasting testament to the care, strength, and presence she gave so freely.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee; her parents, Luther and Sally Bodiford; her son, Jimmy Lee and her brothers, D. L. Bodiford, Luther Bodiford, Jr., Buddy Bodiford, Bruce Bodiford, Roy Bodiford, and Royce Bodiford. Their memories remained part of the story she carried throughout her life.
A time of visitation will be held on September 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Home Chapel, in Blountstown. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend David Goodman officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Memorial Cemetery near Blountstown.
Be First to Comment