Deborah Bainum
Deborah Beal Bainum, 68, of Fernandina Beach passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Fernandina Beach. Born on July 27, 1953 in San Marcos, Texas to the late Eugene Lawson Beal and Florence Smith Beal. Debbie grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Englewood High School in 1971. Debbie worked for and retired as an Eastern Territory Account Manager from Prudential Financial in Jacksonville. During retirement she worked remotely as Chief Administrative Officer for Coredent Advancements. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoyed boat days with her husband and their dog, Rocko.
She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt and Grammy. She loved attending anything her grandchildren were involved in which included band, baseball, football, softball, cheer and dance. As an avid Gator fan, she never missed watching football, baseball, softball or basketball when her Gators were playing. She was the beloved Grammy to many friends and family. Her infectious smile and warm hugs were always there to greet everyone who knew and loved her. The family of ten took many vacations together including her most recent “bucket list” trip to Jamaica for a family wedding.
She was a faithful member of and Treasurer for Legacy Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.
Debbie leaves behind: her spouse of 50 years, Cecil “Skip” Bainum of Fernandina Beach; daughters, MeLissa (John) Pellerito of Keystone Heights, Mandy (Matt) Graves of Fernandina Beach; and her four loves, Brady, Kayli and Brock Graves and Giavanna Pellerito; brother, Donald (Brenda) Beal of Ohio; sisters, Dody Flanders and Denise (Kevin) DeOsca of Jacksonville; and five nieces.
The family requests privacy at this time and no service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nassau County Humane Society.
PAID OBITUARY
Gunner Black
Gunner Paul Black, August 13, 2021 – August 31, 2021. Just 18 days after coming into the world Gunner died while being treated at Wolfson’s Children Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
He is survived by: his parents, Cody Black and Tiffany Hill; his brother, Grayson Gause; his paternal grandparents, David and Pamela Black; and maternal grandparents, Jason and Melissa Hill; great-grandparents, Joyce Vorpe, Diane Center and Halsie Hill.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel.
Arrangements by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, Keystone Heights.
Joshua Branham
GRAHAM Mr. Joshua James Branham of Graham passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021. He was born July 25, 1981 in Gainesville, to Bobby D. and Bridget (Fields) Branham. Joshua was a talented welder and carpenter, he could build just about anything and was also a licensed draftsman. He loved animals, fishing, hitting a golf ball from time to time, and the Florida State Seminoles. He would help anyone that needed it, no matter the time of day. He will forever be loved and will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joe and Martha (Collins) Fields of Spencer, West Virginia; and his paternal grandparents, Dempsey and Lula (Stanley) Branham of Interlachen.
He leaves behind: his loving wife of nine years, Rhonda (Cason) Branham of Graham; step-children, Lindsey Crawford of Starke, Zachary King of Brooker, Shayna King of Keystone Heights;seven grandchildren; his mother, Bridget and step-father, Danny Griffis of Graham; father, Bobby (Marsha) Branham of Silver Springs; aunts and uncles, Martha (Virgil) Castle of Interlachen, Patsy Clifton of Hollister, Ailene Edge of Lake City, Maggie Stouffer of Providence, Linda (Uncle Junior) of Spencer, West Virginia, Uncle Jerry (Aunt Charlotte) of Elyria, Ohio; his sisters, Sarah Bennett of Graham, Kelli Waring of Gainesville, Amanda Griffis of Brooker; his brother, Jared Branham of Jacksonville; his special heart, Aunt Nancy Savage of Graham. Also left behind are numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
A graveside memorial service with Benjy Bass officiating will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Santa Fe Cemetery near Hampton Lake at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Pamela ‘Pam’ Brice
HAMPTON Pamela “Pam” Victoria Brice, age 55, of Hampton passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at UF Shand’s in Gainesville. She was born in Starke on January 3, 1966 to Robert John Brice and Virginia Prevatt Brice. Pam was raised in Lawtey and graduated from Bradford High School. After graduating, Pam enjoyed many years raising her babies before taking some college courses at Santa Fe Community College. She was a hard worker and worked over 25 years in the food industry. Pam was a waitress at Sonny’s in Starke for many years and then transferred to Sonny’s in Gainesville where she has been for the past 13 years. In her spare time Pam loved going to the beach with her best friend, Darlene, and shopping. More than anything, Pam loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially her dog, Taco, and her grand-babies. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Patricia Smith.
Pam is survived by: her parents, Robert and Virginia Brice of Lawtey; children, Kristin Andrews of Starke, Brittany (Carrie) Moore Freeman of Hampton and Cameron (Makayla) Farmer of Waldo; brother, Robbie Brice of Lawtey; grandchildren, Caleb, Nicholas, Ayden, Ashton, Kyliana, Skye, Cole, Evan, and soon-to-be Ezekiel; and great-grandson, Liam.
A Celebration of Pam’s Life was held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Pastor Aaron Morgan officiated.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Janet Carlson
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Janet “Jan” Lynn Carlson, 61, of Keystone Heights peacefully passed away at home in her sleep on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Jan was born October 28, 1959 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. She is preceded in death by her parents, the late Leonard and Edith Carlson. Jan was a CNA and was most recently employed with the Keystone Heights Post Office before transferring to Gainesville. She had a heart of gold. Jan was a Christian and dearly loved spending time with her family, Gator football, fishing, and her pets.
She is survived by: her partner of 10 years, Carlton (Harold) Martin of Keystone Heights; and a son, Cortez Coleman of Gainesville; her sisters, Diane Johnson and Nancy Pearson also of Keystone Heights; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. in the Keystone Heights Woman’s Club, 6747 Woman’s Club Dr.
Arrangements by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Chamberlain
MELROSE Robert Max “Butch” Chamberlain, 70, of Melrose died Thursday, September 2, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville following a brief illness. A native of Tyler, Texas, Robert lived in Melrose for the past 31 years coming from Hialeah, Florida. At the time of his death, he was a general maintenance worker in the healthcare industry, an employee of the Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka. He previously worked at Hunter Marine in Alachua. He especially enjoyed fishing, boating and spending time at the beach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ida Chamberlain; and a brother, Ralph Chamberlain.
Survivors include: his wife of 39 years, Sharon Chamberlain of Melrose; two sons, Charles “Chris” Chamberlain of Keystone Heights and Robert J. “Rob” Chamberlain of Keystone Heights; two daughters, Tammy Chamberlain of Keystone Heights and Robyn Chamberlain Clark of Loxahatchee, FL; a brother, Thomas “Tom” Chamberlain of Miramar, FL; a sister, Penny (Michael) Carnes of Green Cove Springs; seven grandchildren, Coty Kasteel, Max Chamberlain, Ellie Chamberlain, Jason Chamberlain, Eden Clark, Faith Clark, and Preston Smith; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2 at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka with Maurice Sterling officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Messages of encouragement or sympathy may be expressed in his online guestbook at www.themastersfuneralhomes.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY
Jeffery Clark
STARKE Jeffery “Jeff” Scott Clark, 55, passed away peacefully at his residence in Starke on Monday, September 13, 2021. Born on February 2, 1966 in Gainesville. Jeff was a graduate from Santa Fe High School, in Alachua. Jeff worked as a wood carpenter throughout most of his life. Besides spending time with family and many grandchildren, Jeff loved to root for the Florida Gators and loved reading Louis L’Amour books. He is preceded in death by both parents, Warren Jessie and Mary Eloise Clark, and Brenda Mae.
Jeff is survived by: daughter, Brittany (Chance) of Lawtey; stepdaughters, Wendy (JJ) of Starke and Heather (James) of Alachua; and stepson, Jamie (Dana) of Starke; three brothers, Thomas (Vera), Tim (Christy), Leon (Melissa); two sisters, Diana Adams and Angie (Greg) Garretson; and cousin, Billy (Robin); and 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler under the direction of Pastor Jason Johns. The family would like everyone to dress in either orange or blue or Gator attire to honor the love Jeff had for the Florida Gators.
PAID OBITUARY
Anne DeBates
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Anne Marie DeBates, 69, of Keystone Heights died Thursday, September 16, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. She was born March 27, 1952 in Utica, New York to the late Raymond and Vivian (Thompson) Felten. Mrs. DeBates was a retired home health care aide. She was a Christian.
She leaves behind: her two sons, Raymond (Kathy) Merring of San Antonio, Texas and Ryan (Jennifer) Merring of Keystone Heights; and seven grandchildren. Also left behind is her significant other, Jack Pavlik and his mother, Judy Sovona both of Keystone Heights.
A Celebration of life was held Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the Keystone Golf and Country Club.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, Keystone Heights.
Thomas ‘TJ’ Forsyth
RAIFORD Mr. Thomas “TJ” Forsyth of Raiford passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at the age of 91. Mr. Forsyth was born in Hampton on February 15, 1930, to the late Oscar and Vernie Forsyth. In 1951, Mr. Forsyth joined the United States Army and then married the love of his life, Mrs. Virginia Ellen Faulkner. He proudly served this country for four years before returning home. After his service, he became a correctional officer where he retired from Union Correctional Institution as a sergeant after 34 years. He was affectionately known as “Sgt. Lord Have Mercy” to those who he worked with. Mr. Forsyth was a Deacon of First Baptist Church of Raiford and loved being involved in church activities. Mr. Forsyth was a wonderful man and always joy to be around and will be dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Vernie Forsyth; his wife of 63 years, Virginia Ellen Forsyth; and his daughter, Janet Lorane Forsyth.
Mr. Forsyth is survived by: his son, Tommy (Betty Ann) Forsyth; grandson, Zachary Forsyth; and great-grandson, Alex Forsyth all of Raiford; his sister, Jewell (Wendell) Pittman of Willow Springs, Missouri; in-laws, Carrie Clark, Barry and Vera Hendrix, Drexel and Geri Faulkner, and Roy and Barbara Faulkner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Mr. Forysth was held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at his church, First Baptist Church of Raiford. Mr. Forsyth was laid to rest next to his wife at Sapp Cemetery in Raiford. Pastor Tommy Smith officiated the services.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Terri Gibbs
STARKE Terri Lynn Gibbs, age 58, of Starke passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at UF Shand’s in Gainesville. She was born in Bartow, FL on December 12, 1962 to the late Lloyd Gurly and Lacie Paul. She spent her early childhood in Lake City and then relocated to Starke where she has resided for the past 42 years. On April 21, 1978 Terri married the love of her life and childhood best friend, James Clayton Gibbs and together they spent many wonderful years. Terri was a server at Powell’s Dairy Freeze for 15 years and then earned her Massage Therapist Certificate and was self employed for many years. She loved going to the beach, dancing, and riding motorcycles. For the past 3 years she has been the desk clerk at the Best Western here in Starke, until she had to step away from the position due to her health. More than anything, Terri loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson, Christopher James Gibbs, Jr.
Terri is survived by: her loving husband, James Clayton Gibbs of Starke; son, Christopher James Gibbs, Sr. of Hampton; and grandson, Conner James Gibbs.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Florie Jones
Florie “Sister” Jones was called home on Friday, September 17, 2021. Florie was born on August 9, 1937 to the late Daisy Highland and the late John Blair. She accepted Christ at an early age with a devotion of membership in positions as an usher mother board and missionary service. Florie was educated through the Consolidated school system. She was employed with the Union County School Board for 20 plus years. She is preceded in death by her husband; three sons; three brothers; parents; and a very close and special friend, Alberta (Bert) Jackson.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories to her children, Charlene (Alvin) Merriex, Sharon (Lorenza) Griffin, Michael Jones, Jenny Jones, Catherine (Stacey) Plummer, and Jerry Jones; a host of grandchildren and great-grands; her sister, Sally Edmond; sister-in-law, Barbara Highland; nieces, nephews and friends.
A Home-going Celebration of Sister’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at First Christian Church, Lake Butler. A visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 24 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Ella Kemp
LAWTEY Mrs. Ella Louise Prevatt Kemp, 92, a lifelong resident of Lawtey, passed away at her home Wednesday, September 15, 2021. She was born January 3, 1929 to Buddie and Susie (Thornton) Prevatt. She was a homemaker, a member of First Christian Church in Starke and the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #224 Starke. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Perry James Kemp; and two brothers, Raymond Prevatt and Clyde Prevatt.
Mrs. Kemp’s survivors are: three sons, Paul Kemp of Lawtey, Doyle (Celeste) Kemp of Tallahassee and Glenn Kemp of Raiford. She was lovingly called “Granny” by Brenda Pressley, Paul Kemp Jr., Chuck Rowe, Tony Kemp, Terri Gilliam, Eric Kemp, Rebecca Kemp, Elizabeth “Beba” Purcell, and Erika Kemp; along with great-grandchildren, Tim Wilkerson, Cody Rowe, Etosia Milmont, Alyssa Kemp, Harleigh Gilliam, Brylee Gilliam, Nash Kemp, Ella Kemp, Taryn Norman, Nadia Norman, Perry Norman, and Bailey Varnes; and her great great-grandson, Chance.
Viewing for Mrs. Kemp was held Tuesday, Sept. 21 at First Christian Church. Reverend Tim Wilkerson and Pastor Tom Moore officiated. Interment followed at Lawtey Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Randy McCord
STARKE Randy Alva McCord, Sr., 66, of Starke died on Monday, September 20, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was born in DeFuniak Springs on June 16, 1955 to Betty Burns McCord and the late Leon Alva McCord. He graduated from Eastside High School and shortly after started a career at the Department of Transportation where he served for 23 years as a Maintenance Technician. He was also a mechanic and bus driver with Union County Bus Garage for many years until retiring. He was preceded in death by his father; and his brothers, Ronnie McCord and Wayne McCord.
Randy is survived by: his loving wife, Patricia Williamson McCord; mother, Betty McCord of Raiford; children, Randy McCord, Jr. of Starke, Loretta (Mike) Parks of Lake Butler, Jason (Venieca) McCord of Hilliard, Joseph (Becky) McCord of Starke, Casey (Blake) Thomas and Crystal (Esau) Bright both of Keystone Heights; brothers, Timmy (Lourdes) McCord of La Crosse, Tony McCord of Raiford, Kip McCord of Venice, Ingram (Marti) McCord of Burbank, Ohio, and Micky McCord of Hawthorne; and fifteen grandchildren.
A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. Pastor Charles Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.
Dwight Rosier
LAWTEY Mr. Dwight Rosier, age 70, of Lawtey died Sunday, September 19, 2021 in the Ascension St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Middleburg, following an extended illness. Mr. Rosier was born in Lawtey and lived in Macclenny until joining the U.S. Army after graduating from Baker County High School. He then returned to Lawtey to live and then worked for the Ford Motor dealership in Starke. He then worked as an operator stacker for Gilman Paper Company, Maxville for 17 years until his retirement. He then was employed as a site operator for the Bradford County Solid Waste Management until his death. He was of the Baptist faith and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond J. and Minnie Harvey Rosier; and three sisters.
He is survived by: his wife, Debbie Rosier of Lawtey; nine children, Amy (Jim) Alaimo of Citrus Springs, Dana (Braxton) Britt of Starke, Beth Hayes of Yulee, Crissann Mesters of Jacksonville, Christopher (Robin) of Clay Hill, Rebecca (Tony) Lindsey, Jeremiah Rosier, Dylan (Lisa) Rosier all of Lawtey and April (Christopher) Page of Raeford, North Carolina; two brothers, Butchie Rosier of Lulu and James Rosier of Lawtey; two sisters, Ann Bennett of Lawtey and Loraine Rosier of Fort White; 31 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren also survive.
A graveside funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Rosier will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Baker County with Rev. Chris Elkins officiating. Visitation and gathering with the family was held Wednesday, Sept. 22, at Guerry Funeral Home, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny. www.guerryfuneralhome.net
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Ross
RAIFORD Ms. Betty Jean Ross of Raiford passed away peacefully on Friday, September 3, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center at the age of 95. She was born in Starke to the late John and Gertrude Anderson Ross. Betty worked at the post office for 33 years until her retirement. She enjoyed being outdoors, working in her yard and planting. Betty Jean also enjoyed a road trip on her motorcycle. She was a fun-loving woman who loved joking around and will be missed by many. Betty Jean is preceded in death by her parents; her son, William Banks; and her brother, John Ross.
Betty Jean is survived by her son, Joel Alvarez of Raiford; and six grandchildren.
A graveside service to honor her was held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at Conner Cemetery in Raiford.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Judy Thomas
MELROSE Judy Elaine Thomas, 58, of Melrose died on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka. Judy was born in Mandata, Pennsylvania on April 3, 1963 to the late Marvin W. Snyder, Sr. and Ruth Irene Johnson Snyder. She married the love of her life, Jack, on June 21, 2005. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Judy is survived by: her loving husband, Jack Thomas of Melrose; children, Jason Snyder of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Snyder of Starke, Rachael (Walter) Parker of Yulee, and Ruth Yeomans of Starke; brother, Marvin (Marsha) Snyder of Galilee, Pennsylvania; sister, Susan (Rick) Wolgemuth; and 10 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park on Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.
Clarence ‘Bert’ Williams
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Mr. Clarence “Bert” Herbert Williams Jr., 67, of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, September 17, 2021. He was born March 18, 1954, in Jacksonville to the late Clarence and Vera (Dawkins) Williams. From ages one to nine, Bert was raised in the Philippines. He was a corporate airlines pilot and instructor. Bert held a membership at Hope Baptist Church and enjoyed boating, fishing, animals, and flying. Bert, being a jack-of-all-trades, took delight in carpentry and woodworking. He appreciated being outdoors working in his yard. Bert was known for always lending a hand to help others.
Mr. Williams leaves behind: his loving and devoted wife of over 37 years, Deborah (Streeter) Williams. Along with his wife, Bert is survived by nephews, Tristan Jay Galarrita of Chicago and David Asegurado of Keystone Heights.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hope Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 with Dr. Larry Strickland officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hope Baptist Church, 3900 SE State Road 100, Starke.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Dr. Keystone Heights. (352) 473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
