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Archives:   Obituaries

This collection preserves obituary notices and memorial profiles of individuals who contributed to the history, culture, and community life of LGBTQ Northwest Florida. Profiles may include historical context, photographs, and archival references maintained by the Emma Jones Society.

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Roger Pierre LaBerge, Jr. (1957-2026)

Owner, Park Pub • Seville Square • 1991–1996

Roger Pierre LaBerge, Jr. was a member of the Pensacola LGBTQ community and owner of the Park Pub, a local gay bar that operated in the Seville Square area during the 1990s.  During his time in Pensacola, he helped provide a social gathering place for members of the community during a period when LGBTQ spaces were often limited.

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Roger passed away on March 27, 2026. He is remembered by friends, family, and members of the Pensacola community.

Historical Significance

  • Owner of Park Pub

  • Associated with Pensacola LGBTQ nightlife during the 1990s

  • Included in the Emma Jones Society LGBTQ History Project

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Sources

  • Legacy obituary (April 2026)

  • Community recollections

  • Emma Jones Society archives

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Willard David "Bunnie" Hopson (1950–2023)

DJ • Bartender • Founding Member, Order of Zeus

Willard David "Bunnie" Hopson was a longtime fixture of Pensacola's LGBTQ community. Over several decades, he worked as a DJ at numerous local venues, including The Office, Numbers Pub, Red Garter, Riviera, Emerald City, and Round Up. He also worked as a bartender at Bedlam's.

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Bunnie was a founding member of the Order of Zeus and served as President of the organization for many years. During his involvement with Zeus, he held the titles of Zeus, Hera, King, and Queen, reflecting his deep commitment to one of Pensacola's longest-running LGBTQ organizations.

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Outside of his local community involvement, Bunnie was an enthusiastic supporter of Broadway theater. He frequently traveled to New York City to attend the Tony Awards and experience live stage productions. Friends remember him for his love of music, Mardi Gras, drag performance, and theater.

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Bunnie passed away on August 30, 2023.

Historical Significance

  • Founding member of the Order of Zeus

  • Served as President of the Order of Zeus

  • Held the titles of Zeus, Hera, King and Queen

  • DJ at The Office, Numbers Pub, Red Garter, Riviera, Emerald City and The RoundUp

  • Bartender at Bedlam's and Emerald City

  • Important figure in Pensacola LGBTQ nightlife and community history.

  • Included in the Emma Jones Society LGBTQ History Project

Sources

  • Legacy obituary (Septmber 2023

  • Hughes Funeral Home obituary (2023)

  • Memorial booklet created for Willard David "Bunnie" Hopson

  • Order of Zeus records

  • Emma Jones Society archives

  • Community recollections

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Larry Debose "Penny Holliday" (1954–2020)

Drag Performer • Entertainer • Pensacola, Florida

Penny Holliday was a well-known drag performer and entertainer within the Pensacola LGBTQ community. Through performances and community involvement, Penny was part of a generation of local entertainers who helped create spaces of celebration, visibility, and connection for LGBTQ people in Northwest Florida.

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Penny passed away on November 23, 2020. Friends, family, and members of the community remember Penny for their personality, performances, and contributions to local LGBTQ culture.

Historical Significance

  • Local drag performer and entertainer

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    Part of Pensacola's LGBT nightlife and performance community

  • Remembered by friends and community members
  • Included in the Emma Jones Society LGBTQ History Project​

Sources

  • Legacy obituary (April 2020)

  • Community recollections

  • Emma Jones Society archives

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