Martha Carter
Martha Phillips Carroll Riherd Carter, 90, died Thursday, April 6, 2023, after a long illness. She was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. She left Charleston to attend the University of Florida, where she met and married a young man named Paul Riherd. They lived in Lake Butler for 37 years, where, in addition to raising five lovely children, she spent 35 years teaching children at several schools in Lake Butler, Gainesville and Macclenny. She loved teaching her whole life, and even on family trips made sure presidential libraries and places of learning were included in the itinerary. Even in her memory care facility she ventured to teach her friends, regretting there were not enough supplies! After Paul died in 2001, she lived in Gainesville. From there she traveled and cruised to many parts of this country and abroad, always taking friends or family along. She loved her cottage in North Carolina and added basket making to her list of hobbies. She also loved sewing, dogs and bridge throughout her long life. She renewed and kept up with many old friends from her childhood. In 2010, she married one of them, Jerry Carter, from Charleston, surprising all her children. They moved back to her beloved Charleston and happily lived there until he died and she returned to Florida for good. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Paul Markey Riherd and Gerald M. Carter Jr.; and her daughter, Shelley Wilson Riherd Griffis.
She is survived by her children, Martha Riherd (Robert) Weller, Brooke Riherd (William) Douglas, Harriet Riherd Haynes, Thomas Malcolm (Barbara) Riherd; 11 grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren; and her little Westie, Toto Wooster. She was greatly loved and will be missed by them all.
A service to honor her will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 3 p.m. at First Christian Church in Lake Butler. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 2 p.m. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Dekle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Joyce Clemons
Joyce Ann Clemons, 70, passed away at North Florida Medical Center on Thursday, March 30, 2023, after an extended illness. She was born in Orlando on May 17, 1952, to the late Earl and Edgel Griffis. She has been a lifelong resident of Union County. She worked as a receiving clerk for Publix for 25 years until her retirement. She enjoyed taking trips with her family. Her favorite place to visit was the mountains. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Wayne Senters; and her siblings, Byrle Griffis, Jack Griffis, Junior Griffis, Bonnie Woods, and Betty Griffis.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Donnie Clemons of Lake Butler; her children, Curtis (Stephanie) Senters of Scottsville, Kentucky, and Lisa Thornton of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, Spencer, Madison, Zeb, Curtis, Cody, Lauren, and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Jace and Audrey; her sister, Shirley Drawdy and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, April 3, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008, www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Don Fitzgerald
The family of Don Fitzgerald announce his sudden passing. He will be remembered by his wife and children, as well as numerous other family members and friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church, 8025 N.W. C.R. 125, Lawtey, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Linda Fraser
Linda B. Fraser, 76, of Keystone Heights passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. She was born in Lake City on Jan. 8, 1947. Her parents were J. B. and Billie Garner Brack. She graduated from Columbia High in 1965 and from the University of Florida in 1971. She loved being a second-grade teacher for 36 years in the Keystone Heights school system. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jim Brack.
She is survived by her companion, Dave Roof; her twin sister, Glenda (Jimmy) Sanders; and her brother, Bobby (Jeanette) Brack; and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A private family gathering is planned to celebrate her life.
Her arrangements are being handled by Forest Lawn Gateway Funeral Home in Lake City, 386- 752-1954. Please contact me, Glenda Sanders, at 386-247–3448 to discuss. Thank you.
PAID OBITUARY
Lee Frazier
Lee Verne Frazier, known as “D-Duck,” was born on March 21, 1962. He departed this life on Monday, April 3, 2023. His parents were the late Joseph Frazier and Frankie Mae Frazier. He was a manual laborer who worked as a Machinery Operator (CAT Machine) in forestry cutting down trees with Lewis Timber for many years. He loved being around family, fishing, hunting and enjoying great food.
He leaves behind two surviving children, Kimberly Tate of Gainesville and Lee Verne Tate of Starke. Also left behind are his brothers, Steve (Tamika) Frazier of Lawtey, Todd Frazier of Gainesville, Ronnie Frazier of Starke and Everett Frazier of Starke; and his special friend, Rebecca “Jane” Lawson.
The viewing will be from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 14, at Pinkney-Smith Funeral Home, 727 N.W. Second St., Gainesville. There will be a Balloon Release at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 14, at Lincoln City Park in Starke. Graveside services will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Hawthorne Cemetery, 23350 S.E. Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne.
Services are entrusted to the care of Pinkney-Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 727 N.W. Second St., Gainesville. 352-376-8686.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary J. Greene
Mary Janeka Greene, 57, of Starke passed away Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Starke. She was born March 15, 1966, in Jacksonville to Charles and Mary (Aultman) Greene. Prior to retiring, she owned and operated a cleaning business for many years. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Art Elkins.
She is survived by her daughter, Janeka Greene; mother, Mary Aultman Greene; sisters, Nita (Kindal) Mobley and Betty (Tommy) Hardenbrook; two grandsons, Charley and Kendal; and a granddaughter, Neka, all of Starke. Also left behind are several extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
There are currently no scheduled services.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Alvin Griffis
Alvin Alton Griffis, 84, a lifelong resident of Raiford, was born in an old, log farmhouse on Jan. 20, 1939, and he departed this life on Friday, April 7, 2023. He has left a legacy of Christian faith, family life, community service and involvement, mentoring and hard work. He was a committed, dedicated man, giving his all to anything he started. As a Christian, he lived out his faith as a member of New River New Congregational Methodist Church, serving as class leader for over 40 years and as a steward. He sang Southern gospel music for most of his life, founding and managing the “Gospel Sounds” and singing in churches and venues all over North Florida and South Georgia. He was always ready and willing to share his faith with others in the community. As a family man, he was married to the love of his life, Geraldine Griffis, for 62 years. He was a father who taught his sons to love the Lord, their spouses, their children and their community; to be dedicated, and to work hard. He loved being a “Papa” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed “making farmers out of them” by giving tractor rides on the old ’57 put-put John Deere and providing big rolls of hay for them to play on. He loved attending football, volleyball and basketball games, concerts, High-Q matches, recitals, church revivals, graduations and award ceremonies. He and Geraldine would often travel many miles to attend these events. He was always happy to just talk, give wisdom or simply enjoy time together. He loved gardening, raising cattle, developing land and entertaining family and friends on the farm. He truly loved his community of Raiford and all of Union County. He believed his greatest accomplishment was being a Union County School Board member for 20 years. He spent countless hours helping his constituents. He was a major supporter and champion of athletics, academics, and all other extracurricular activities. He was a member of the Quarterback Club and the LBMS advisory council and became well known in Tallahassee as an advocate for Union County. He particularly enjoyed supporting FFA. There were many recipients of his generosity. He was passionate about his hometown of Raiford and was instrumental in the creation of “Raiford Day.” He was a member of the Raiford Masonic Lodge #82 for over 50 years, serving as Master of the Lodge and as a District Deputy. He was a patriotic American and served the USA in the National Guard for four years. He attended school in Raiford, then graduated from Union County High School. After high school he was a hard-working man. He worked in construction, he was a cutting-room supervisor at Lake Butler Apparel Company, at RMC with the Florida Department of Corrections, and retired from Northeast Florida State Hospital as a purchasing agent. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Geraldine Opal Varnes Griffis; his parents, Calvin and Ruby Griffis; three sisters, Vera Alvarez, Eloise Pearce, and Sadie Mae Crawford; and three brothers, Clifford Griffis, Calvin Griffis Jr., and J. D. Griffis.
He is survived by two sons, Pastor Randall A. (Darlene) Griffis, Sr. and Gary Franklin (Sheila) Griffis; grandchildren, Randall (Terissa “Fancy”) Griffis Jr., Joel (Brittany) Combs, Jonathan (Cindy) Griffis, Sarah-Anne (Jonathan) Albritton, Cody Griffis, Gary-Nathan “Nate” (Devin) Griffis, Andrew-Paul “AP” (Abby) Griffis, Addie-Kaye (Lawson) Yarbrough and Tyler-Clayton “TC” Griffis; great-grandchildren: Tyreshia Archer, Tayla Archer, Callie Combs, Aaron Griffis, Kenley Combs, Anderson Griffis, Dylan Griffis, Alton Griffis, and Korie Kaye Griffis; two brothers, Gerald (Joann) Griffis and Ressie (Paulette) Griffis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was born on a cold, winter morning with a “big white frost.” As the frost covered the ground on that day, his life covered and greatly impacted his family and his community in a Godly, productive, positive way.
Visitation was Tuesday, April 11, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler Florida. Funeral Services were held at New River New Congregational Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 12. Interment followed the service at Sapp Cemetery in Raiford. Services were officiated by his sons, Randall and Gary Griffis.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sandra Milikin
Sandra Anita Milikin, 83, of Melrose passed away at her home Thursday, March 23, 2023. She was born Jan. 25, 1940, in Ocala to William and Ethel (Branton) McIntosh. Prior to retirement, she was employed by the Clay County School board, serving meals to children in the school cafeteria off and on for over 40 years. She was also a member of the Keystone United Methodist Church. She and her husband spent many hours volunteering at Lake Area Ministries. Whenever she and her husband had any free time, they were on the road in their motor home with friends and family, going to gospel concerts and seeing the country; and she always had a book in her hands (she loved to read). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Marvin “Bud” Milikin; and her middle son, Scott Milikin.
She is survived by two sons, Randy Milikin and Doug (Tamara) Milikin all of Keystone; three grandchildren, Jody (B.J.) Pfeiffer, Bonny (Jesse) Ivey, and Hunter Milikin; two grandchildren; and many cousins and additional family members.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 16, at the Keystone United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473- 3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Frances Myers
Frances Virginia Myers, 79, died April 7, 2023. She was a member of Madison Street Baptist church. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband; Luther “Calvin” Myers.
Survivors are her children, Dee (Robert) Brummett, Rhonda (Charles) Dalton, Mark Myers, and Robin Myers; three siblings; and numerous extended family members.
Services were held Wednesday, April 12, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Brother Richard Cason officiating. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, 14397 U.S. 301 South, Starke, 32091, 904-964-5757.
Mary Pennington
Mary Janet Pennington, 73, of Interlachen, died Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Starke. She was born March 2, 1950, in Coral Gables to F.W. and Helen (Flanagan) Pennington. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her brother, Harry Pennington; and several extended family members.
There are currently no scheduled services.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
George Roberts Jr.
George W. Roberts Jr., 92, of Starke passed away Friday, April 7, 2023, at his home. He was born in Lawtey on March 21, 1931, to the late George W. Roberts Sr., and Jewel (Tatum) Roberts and was a lifelong area resident. Prior to retirement he was the owner/operator of Roberts Insurance Company and Roberts Realty Company. He served in the Naval Air Reserve and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke. He also served his community as a Bradford County Commissioner for 16 years and was a member of Bradford Lodge #35 of FA Masons. He was a Scottish Rite of 32nd Degree and a University of Florida alumni. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Nancy (Wyllys) Roberts.
Survivors are his children, Richard W. (Janet) Roberts of Palm Coast, Brenda R. (David) Kniseley and Charles “Scott” (Kim) Roberts all of Starke. Also left are his seven grandchildren: Lea, Tyler, JoBeth, Wesley, Priscilla, DarbyAnn, and Meghan; plus 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 13, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Starke with Rev. Mike Moore and Rev. Josh Rankin officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Crosby Lake Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Bradford Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1094, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Jo Ann Tankersley
Jo Ann Tankersley, 69, of Interlachen died Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Survivors are her husband, John Tankersley; children, Jared (Jennifer) Riddell, Reginia Jalbert, Laura (Ben) Street, Angela Baker, Amber Swain, and Jammie Church; along with numerous grandchildren.
Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday, April 15, beginning at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
David Todd
David Todd, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Haven Hospice Lake City. He was born in Lake Butler on May 2, 1932, to the late Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd and has been a lifelong resident. He worked for over 50 years as a local and long-distance truck driver. He also had a produce stand where he would sell fresh- picked vegetables. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaiah and Nita Todd; his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Seay Todd; son, Bobby Todd; siblings, Sidney Todd, Mallie Todd, Frank Todd, Kenneth Todd, Bennett Todd, Ray Todd, Theodore Todd, Sadie Davis, and Carolyn Greek.
He is survived by his children, Ricky (Sherry) Todd of Lake City, Cathy (Randy) Ingram of Live Oak, Toney (Kathy) Todd of Lake City, and Lonnie Todd of Worthington Springs; step-daughter, Diane Blackwelder of LaCrosse; his brother, Vernon Todd of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Amy, Dayton, Malachi, Johnny, Jamie, Christopher, Tonya, Toney Jr., Eric, Jordan and Connie; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of extended family.
A service to honor him will be held Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation the night before on Wednesday, April 12, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service Thursday at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Terry Elixson will officiate the service.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Norma Williams
Norma Josephine Williams, 85, of Waldo, passed away on Monday April 10, 2023, at home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee on Sept. 10, 1937, to the late Raymond Alphonso Williams Sr. and Mildred Flossie Williams. She was raised in Tennessee and, after graduation, started her longtime career as a waitress. She had an amazing personality, a servant’s heart, and loved her Lord and Savior. In the late 1950s, she moved to Miami, where she raised her children, and they made their final move to Starke in 1973. She was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church for years and was currently a member of Madison Street Baptist Church. She absolutely loved church and enjoyed praise and worship and volunteering with the clothing closet. She worked for several years at the Branding Iron and The Garden Restaurant as a waitress and enjoyed her time at the Bradford Telegraph and the Office Shop, where she worked for over 15 years. She enjoyed playing cards, going out to eat, scrapbooking and crafting, but most of all, she loved spending precious time with her family and sweet dogs. She was a devoted wife and amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Rodney Carmichael; brother-in-law, Gene O’Steen; brothers, Tony Williams and Ray Williams Jr.; sisters-in-laws, Sally Williams and Pat Williams; and her chihuahua, Milo.
She is survived by her loving husband, James Williams of Waldo; children, Darlene (Steve) Douglass of Starke, Kenny (Ashley) Carmichael of Interlachen; stepsons, Hank (Rose) Williams of Waldo, and James (Laura) Williams of Daytona Beach; sister, Millie O’Steen Of Hampton; brother, Donnie (Maxine) Williams of Georgia; 11 grandchildren, nine great- grandchildren, and her chihuahua, Bandit.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at Madison Street Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Cason and Pastor Charles Starling officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Interment to follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery, Starke.
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
Zenaida Yates
Zenaida M. Yates, 76, of Melrose passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Starke. She was born March 15, 1947, in the Philippines to Paul and Eleuteria (Narciso) Marchan Sr.
The family will receive friends Saturday, April 15, from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656, 352-473-3176. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your local Church of God.
