Earlene Spikes Nolan, 89, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016. Earlene was born on June 23, 1926 in Newton, MS. One of the "Greatest Generation", Earlene invested tirelessly in family, work, church, education as well as her twin passions - sewing and traveling. She loved couture and could replicate whatever she saw in fashion publications. An enthusiastic, curious, seasoned traveler, she visited several states, Canada, & many European countries. Earlene had a great heart. She sacrificed for those she loved. She helped anyone who needed it. Family members, friends, & strangers felt she was an angel in their lives.

The daughter of a Baptist minister, Earlene's first job in Pensacola was as secretary at East Hill Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school and served several terms as Women's Missionary Union president. Her devotion to her church extended to her enthusiasm for Christian education. Her son and her grandchildren were students at East Hill Christian School where she donated hundreds of volunteer hours for nearly 40 years, also serving as a board member.

Earlene attended college and earned her degree while working at Gulf Power Company. For over half her 35 years of service, she was executive secretary to the company's environmental lobbyist. She served as an officer of the Professional Secretary's Association and once received the coveted honor of Secretary of the Year.

After retiring from Gulf Power, she volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital. An exemplary volunteer, she received a special award for her twenty years of service.

Earlene is predeceased by her husband, Thomas E. Nolan; her parents, James M. and Della B. Spikes; a brother, James B. Spikes (wife, Helen); her sisters, Jean Blount (husband, Russell) and Mildred Spikes; her sisters & brothers-in-law, Ace and Eula Ward, Arthur and Catharine Pockrus and Bookie and Merle Nolan.

She is survived by her son, Thomas E. Nolan, Jr.; her daughter, Cynthia N. Stephens (son-in-law, E.N. "Bo" Stephens, Jr.); her brother, Paul Spikes (wife, Jean); her grandchildren, Greg and Meredith Nolan and Barry "Bo" B. Dickson, Jr. (wife, Ann E. Meador), Sloane S. Cox (husband, Christopher); her great grandchildren, Abigail Meador, Shelby and Carson Cox and many nieces & nephews.

Funeral Service will be held 2:30pm Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Jim Murphy officiating. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to East Hill Christian School (http://www.ehcs.org) or to a charity of choice.