Comforter Funeral Home

02/24/2026

Joyce Ann Tapley Poe

Joyce Ann Tapley Poe, born on September 6, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 78 in Panama City, Florida. Her journey through life was marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to her Lord, family and community.

Joyce earned her degree to become a registered nurse, a calling she fulfilled with distinction for over twenty-five years at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she specialized as a Cardiac Nurse. Throughout her career, she had the privilege of meeting many wonderful and influential individuals who touched her life. Joyce's professional expertise and empathetic nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless patients, families, and friends.

In May of 2025, Joyce moved to Port St. Joe, Florida, from Smyrna, Tennessee, embracing a new chapter in her life. There, she was well-known in her neighborhood for her love of walking and visiting with neighbors, a pastime that brought her joy and a sense of connection to her surroundings. Joyce also cherished the memories of traveling with her husband and family exploring the beauty of the country together.

Joyce was a devout Christian, with her faith playing an integral role in her life. As a believer in Jesus Christ, she had the honor of teaching Bible study at New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN, for many years where she fostered both spiritual growth and strong community bonds through her leadership and volunteerism. Her proudest accomplishments are undoubtedly rooted in her steadfast faith and her unwavering support of those around her.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-eight years, Eugene Poe, and their son, Michael Poe and daughter-in-love Karen, who reside in Port St. Joe, Florida. She delighted in her role as Nana to Olivia and Reed Todd and Austin Hillman, and her heart overflowed with joy for her great-grandchildren, Grayson Reed Todd, Ellie Ruth Todd and Collins Monroe Todd, whose lives she cherished deeply.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dean Darvin Tapley and Niecy Brasher Tapley, as well as her sister, Rose Parker. Joyce Poe's legacy of love, compassion, and faith will continue to resonate through the lives she touched and the memories created during her remarkable journey.

Joyce was an animal lover and frequently made donations to the St Joseph Bay Humane Society in Port St Joe, Florida. In lieu of flowers, you can carry on her loving tradition by providing a donation "In Memory of Joyce Poe" to them at the link or mailing them a check at the address below: Donation Link: https://www.sjbhumanesociety.org/donate-now (Address: St Joseph Humane Society, 1007 10th Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456)

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View Joyce Ann Tapley Poe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/24/2026

Rebekah Wise Lucas

Rebekah Wise Lucas, 33, of Wewahitchka, Florida, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born on September 8, 1992, to Gary and Beverly Wise in Lawrenceville, GA. As a child, Rebekah was quiet and sometimes considered to be shy but never hesitated to speak her mind when given the opportunity. Rebekah graduated from Berkmar High School and studied early childhood education at Kennesaw State University. In her early twenties, Rebekah made her home in Wewahitchka, Florida with her husband Jared. Rebekah loved baking, caring for her home, spending time with her friends and family, and supporting her community in Port St. Joe. Her greatest joy in life was being a caring, patient, devoted mother to her three children Daniel, Adriana, and William.

She is survived by her husband, Jared; her children, Daniel, Adriana, and William; her parents, Gary and Beverly Wise; her brother, Garrett Wise; her sister, Rachel Parsons (Chris), and their daughters, Raleigh and Lakeleigh Parsons; her in-laws, Scott and Donna Lucas; her brother-in-law, Chad (Allison), and their daughter, Eleanor; her grandmother, Brenda Wise; and her grandmother-in-law, Ruth Pettis.

Rebekah is reunited in heaven with her grandparents David and Grace Lyle and Robert Wise; her cousins April and William Brand; and her childhood best friend Kimberly Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the benefit account in honor of Rebekah at the Tyndall Federal Credit Union (locally) or https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-rebekah-lucas-children (remotely). All donations will go directly toward meeting the children's needs during this unimaginable time of grief.

Details for Rebekah’s Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View Rebekah Wise Lucas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Keven Douglas Rice

Keven Douglas Rice, age 61, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Panama City, Florida. Born on June 29, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, Keven grew up in the vibrant culture of the city before graduating from high school. In 1998, he made the decision to relocate permanently to Gulf County, where he cherished his life and cultivated lasting relationships.

Professionally, Keven worked as a carpenter, demonstrating not only his skilled craftsmanship but also his dedication to his trade. He was known for his sense of humor and warmth, never meeting a stranger, which earned him friendships across the country. A big family man with a big family, Keven placed immense importance on family bonds, with his grandchildren being the center of his world. He loved spending quality time with them, taking joy in helping to care for their needs and celebrating their milestones.

Keven had a passion for cooking and took pride in being a good cook, often preparing meals for those he loved. Additionally, he was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly devoted to teams from Chicago, culminating in his unwavering support as a die-hard Cubs fan.

He is survived by his two sons, Ian Rice (Nikki) and Sean Rice (Taylor Duncan), both of Wewahitchka, Florida; three brothers, Ron Rice of Georgia, Bruce Rice of Georgia, and Arnold Rice of Illinois; and three grandchildren, Vinny Rice, Liam Rice, and Logan Rice. Keven's best friend, Walter Wright, who was like a brother to him, also resides in Wewahitchka, Florida. He is further survived by numerous friends and family members, including a wealth of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Keven was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Rice and Mary Atkinson Rice, as well as three brothers, David Rice, Fred Rice, and Mark Rice. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and connection, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View Keven Douglas Rice's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

02/20/2026

Grieving the loss of a loved one doesn't just affect you emotionally; it can also affect your physical health. One issue many people face is appetite loss. If you're struggling with appetite loss while grieving your loved one, click here for 8 helpful tips that can help you cope.

Many people lose their appetite while grieving the death of a loved one. Here are a few tips to help you cope with appetite loss.

02/19/2026

James Charles Penrod M.D.

James Charles Penrod, M.D., a dedicated physician and loving family man, passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his residence in Port St. Joe, Florida. Born on June 26, 1941, in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, Dr. Penrod spent his life devoted to the practice of pediatric medicine, serving the children of Tallahassee, Florida, for over 30 years before retiring and relocating to the serene coastal town of Port St. Joe.

Dr. Penrod's commitment to medicine extended beyond his civilian practice; he honorably served in the United States Navy, where he provided medical care on submarines. His military service reflected his dedication to the well-being of others and contributed to the depth of experience he brought to his career in pediatrics.

Throughout his professional life, Dr. Penrod was known not only for his medical expertise but also for his warmth and compassion, qualities that endeared him to both patients and their families. His achievements in medicine were paralleled by his personal pursuits; he was a master fly fisherman, often finding solace and joy in nature. In addition to fishing, he enjoyed running, walking on the beach, and cooking, interests that contributed to the richness of his life and the lives of those around him. He was also a marathon runner and was a founding member of Gulf Winds Track Club in Tallahassee, Florida.

James is survived by his wife of twenty-four years, Carol J. Penrod, of Port St. Joe, Florida. He leaves behind two sons, Jason Penrod (Juan) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Christopher Penrod (Catherine) of Jacksonville, Florida. He also had four stepchildren: Joanne Maltese (Tom) of Tallahassee, Florida; John Lockwood (Kristian) of Madison, Wisconsin; Craig Lockwood (Debbie) of Rochester, New York; and Christopher Lockwood of Port St. Joe, Florida. Additionally, he is mourned by his twin brother, Dr. John Penrod (Libby) of Tallahassee, Florida, as well as numerous grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Penrod and Jean Thornley Penrod, and one brother, George Penrod.

Dr. James Charles Penrod's legacy will forever endure in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and the countless individuals he impacted through his lifelong dedication to pediatric medicine and compassionate care. His memory serves as a testament to a life well-lived, marked by service, love, and fulfillment.

View James Charles Penrod M.D.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/18/2026

Cold weather + grilled cheese = the perfect pairing! If you're looking for a delicious way to change up your grilled cheese sandwich this winter, check out these fun ideas.

There are many tasty grilled cheese ideas. It's easy to upgrade a classic grilled cheese sandwich by changing the bread or the type of cheese. We've got tips for that and suggestions for other ingredients to add to your sandwich to make it next-level delicious.

02/16/2026

Joseph Mastrodomenico Sr.

Joseph Mastrodomenico Sr. of Lake Alfred, Florida, passed away on February 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and lifelong learning. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on October 3, 1937, at Fordham Hospital in the Bronx, New York, Joseph lived a remarkable life defined by dedication: to his country, his work, and especially his family. Joseph served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, fighting in the Korean War and receiving the Purple Heart for his bravery.

A retired manager of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant for Con Edison, Joseph held a PhD in nuclear science and spoke multiple languages, including Italian, French, German, Russian, and Japanese. Joseph also served proudly as a Plain Clothes Officer (PCO) at Walt Disney World and held many other careers as well.

Joseph was known not only for his many accomplishments, but also for his warmth, loyalty, and quick wit. He found great joy in cooking for loved ones, including his famous meatballs, chicken cutlets, and red gravy. He cherished time spent with family and friends, and always made sure they knew how much they meant to him.

One of his signature phrases, often sent in texts to his beloved wife Alvaretta, was “the eagle has landed,” his lighthearted way of announcing that a task was complete or that he had arrived safely. Now, having reached his final resting place, the eagle has truly landed.

Joseph was the son of Dominick Mastrodomenico and Nicolina D’Amato. He is survived by his cherished wife, Alvaretta Vennell Mastrodomenico; his sister, Katherine Bernardo; his sons, Joseph (Geraldine), Dominick (Rebecca), Thomas (Lisa), James (Kasha), Paul, Peter (Katy), and Patrick; as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

An initial funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Cottondale, Florida, at Faith Community South Church. The viewing will be at 11 a.m. Central, followed by a service officiated by Joseph’s brother-in-law, Dr. John Vennell starting at 12:00 P.M Central.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern at Saint James Episcopal Church Cemetery, formerly in Exchange, Pennsylvania (1318 White Hall Rd, Turbotville, PA 17772). Joseph is being buried in the Vennell family plot.

A memorial service in Lakeland, Florida will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern at the Annie Pfeifer Chapel at Florida Southern College. This chapel holds special significance, as Joseph and Alvaretta renewed their vows there, surrounded by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Joseph’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Lighthouse for the Blind.

https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/tampa-lighthouse-for-the-blind/main-donation-form.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View Joseph Mastrodomenico Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

https://www.comforterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/aspascia-duncan

View Aspascia Duncan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

Today, as we honor all of our U.S. presidents, what are some little-known trivia facts you know about different presidents? For instance, did you know James Madison was the shortest president at five foot four and weighed barely over 100 pounds? Your turn to share!

02/14/2026

Valentine's Day is about celebrating those we love, so let's take time to appreciate and celebrate those we love and remember those we've lost. Enjoy chocolate and tell someone you love them!

02/13/2026

For those who have lost a spouse or partner, Valentine's Day can be a painful reminder of what used to be. If you are dreading the holiday, take a look at these 6 ways to combat loneliness on Valentine's Day and see if any will help you get through the day with a positive outlook.

Are you experiencing loneliness on Valentine's Day following the loss of a spouse or partner? Here are six activities that may help you.