Christine Brooker
Christine Roberts Brooker passed away peacefully at The Plaza Health and Rehab on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. She was born in Lake Butler to the late Oscar and Myrtle Dukes Roberts on Jan. 8, 1939. She was a God-fearing woman who put her family above all else. In 1958, she married James “Jimmy” Brooker and they spent 63 wonderful years together until his passing in 2021. Having grown up in a house with all brothers and raising four boys of her own, she was a tough woman. However, this did not have any effect on her homemaking skills. She would sew, tend to the house, and cook the best friend chicken and biscuits you’ve ever tasted. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James “Jimmy” Brooker; and brother, Doyle Roberts.
She is survived by her sons, Ricky (Monica) Brooker of Tallapoosa, Georgia, Wayne (Joyce) Brooker of High Springs, Jeff (Josie) Brooker of Gainesville, and Donny (Patsy) Brooker of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Scott, Josh, Kelsey, Brody, D.J., Daniel, and Rachel; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Keegan, and Irelynd; brothers, Charles (Priscilla) Roberts of Brooker, Larry (Linda) Roberts of Brooker, Terry (Jackie) Roberts, and Tim Roberts of Brooker; and a host of extended family also survive.
A graveside service was held on Monday, April 3, at Elzey Chapel Cemetery, officiated by Terry Elixson. The Brooker Family extends many thanks to the staff at the Plaza Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion in caring for our parents these past 2 1/2 years. A special ‘Thank You’ to nurses Poonam and Taiesha for their compassion and care. We extend our gratitude to the staff at Hospice.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Wanda Compton
Wanda June Compton, 79, of Florahome died Sunday, April 2, 2023. She was a member of the American Legion Post 202 and Amvets Post 86 in Keystone Heights. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Richard Compton.
Survivors are her son, Richard Compton of Perry, Iowa; several grandchildren; and many additional family members and friends.
There are currently no scheduled services.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Dr. Harold Green
Dr. Harold Frederic Green went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born July 22, 1932, in Jacksonville to the late Jacob and Jenny Green. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served for four years. He spent the majority of his life on the west coast, only back to Union County about 15 years ago. He had a passion for preaching the Word of God and was a member of First Baptist Church of Starke. He spoke seven languages and had multiple doctorate degrees. In his spare time, he enjoyed wood carving and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, R.A. Green; and niece, Tammy McCollum.
He is survived by his wife, Toni Crawford Green of Lake Butler; his children, Jonathan and Hannah Green, both of Winter Garden; step-children, Jeremy Crawford of Ponte Vedra and Christy (John) Strickland of Raiford; his sister, Margaret Butler; grandchildren, Faith (Jeremy) McDermet, Cade Crawford and Jade Crawford; nephews, Chester A. (Gail) Butler, III and Ronnie (Mary) Green; and nieces, Kelli (Art) Micheel, Leesa (Ron) Gilliard, and Kris (Butch) Wyke.
A service to honor him was held on Wednesday, April 5, at First Baptist Church of Starke. He was laid to rest at New River Baptist Church Cemetery in Brooker with military honors and Masonic Rites. Services were officiated by Pastor Matthew Page and his nephew, Chester Butler.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Doyce Griffis
Doyce Albert Griffis, 81, of Starke passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Gainesville following a brief illness. He was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Bradford County to Albert and Mildred (Morrell) Griffis and graduated from Bradford High School in 1960. He was employed in the survey field right out of high school with Mr. McMillan. He later began his 32-year career at Camp Blanding as a Federal Civil Service worker as a general mechanic and was dual employed with the Florida Army National Guard until his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed spending time on his small farm, tinkering on his many projects, working his land and his cows. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Anita Griffis.
Left behind are his children, Doyce Dean Griffis of Starke, Tyffany Griffis Wishart of Hampton, Polly Griffis (Richie) Smith of Steinhatchee, and Amy Beth Griffis of Starke. Also left behind are five grandchildren, Houston McClain, BriAnn Wishart-Thomas (Brandon), Daniel Wishart, Briar Smith, and Jozee Smith; and five great- grandchildren, Bryson McClain, Braycen Thomas, Cameron McClain, Bayler Thomas, and Banx Thomas.
Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Grace Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Russ Hale officiating. A private interment will be at Kingsley Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Jean Knight
Betty Jean Williams Knight passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 92 on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Lake City Medical Center. She was born Dec. 24, 1930, to Thelma Williams in Chipley. Her childhood was spent in Chipley. However, she called Lake City home until the 1970s, when she married Toby Knight and they moved to Raiford. She was a member of the Raiford City Council for many years as well as on the Board of Directors for the Union County Housing Authority. She enjoyed collecting antiques and cooking meals for her family and friends. She was always ensuring that everyone was well taken care of and she loved her family above all else. She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Williams; her grandparents, Newton and Ester Williams; first husband and father of her children, Tommy L. Phillips Sr.; daughter-in-law, Sandy Phillips; and grandchildren, Cindy Dixon and James Dixon Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Toby L. Knight of Raiford; children, Ronald “Bubba” (Patricia) Phillips of Mayo, Juana Jean (Joe) Gillyard of Lake City, Tommy L. Phillips Jr. of Lake City, and Paula Phillips of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, Chad (Elizabeth) Phillips, Darin Phillips, James Dixon, Mandy (Earl) Phillips, Alisha (Richard) Collins, Jacob McCall (Kyle), Josh McCall, Harli Combee, and Kyle Combee; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; special cousin, Gloria Jean Coleman of Chipley; and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to Haven Hospice of Lake City in memory of Betty Knight.
Arrangements are under the care of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Marjorie Lewis
Marjorie Eva Lewis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the tender age of 96. She was born July 5, 1926, in Lacon, Illinois, to the late Edward Trauband Eva Fuson Crowl. After moving to Florida to work with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, they moved her to Lake Butler. She met her husband, Malcolm Lewis, they married, and established their home in Brooker. She was the dedicated matriarch of her family and generously tended to the needs of her loved ones. She was sassy, funny, and always a joy to be around. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years, Malcolm Lewis; her son, John D. Lewis; brothers, Edward Traub, Vernon Traub, Louis Griffin, George “Jiggs” Griffin; and her twin sister, Mary Traub.
She is survived by her children, Eddie Lewis, Kathy Lewis, and Martha Wallace; her grandchildren, John Lewis, Cecil Stanley, Josh Lewis, Shondee Vanzant, Abi Thompson, Savannah Hunsinger, Mason Jones, and Gionni Holmes; numerous grand and great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, March 30, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. She was laid to rest immediately following the service in Dedan Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Ethlyn Martin
Ethlyn Chapman Martin, 82, of Graham passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at her home. She was born on Aug. 31, 1940, in Hartsfield, South Carolina, to Samuel and Lillie Chapman. She grew up and spent many years in South Carolina before moving to Florida in 1985. She worked as a data entry specialist for many years. Outside is where she enjoyed being the most; push mowing her grass, working in the yard, and taking her beloved dog, Buster, on long walks. She was a longtime member of Madison Street Baptist Church in Starke. She wass preceded in death by both parents; her husband, William Martin; her sons, Paul Richard Martin and Christopher Alan Martin; and a granddaughter, Hannah Noel Martin.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Farah (Greg) Swan of New Port Richey and Erica Martin of Baldwin; great- grandchildren, Alexia (Austin) Cutler, Gavin Swan, Halle Swan, and Corbin Rittinghouse; and sister, Pamela Marshall of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Numerous extended family also survive.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Maria McLain
Maria Teresa Marquez McLain, 75, of Keystone Heights, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Gainesville. She was born June 30, 1947, to Benjamin and Mary (Perea) Marquez, in Farmington, New Mexico. She was a homemaker, a Christian, and enjoyed being around people. She loved her family and friends and had a generous and loving spirit. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brian McLain; daughter, Desert Dawn Kaye; and brothers, Ben, Freddy, Ray, and Geno Marquez.
She is survived by her sons, Gene Kaye (Jennifer Austin), and Allan Kaye; a daughter, Michelle Hodgins; along with a brother, Victor Marquez. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by grandsons, Dylan and Austin Kaye; Victor, Benjamin, and James Hodgins; a granddaughter, Hope Hodgins; along with three great-grandkids. Also left behind are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host friends that will miss her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 15, at 12 p.m. at 310 SR 26 Melrose, 32666, with Dylan Gene Kaye officiating the ceremony. A reception will follow, and the location will be announced at the services.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 340 E. Walker Drive. Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sandra Milikin
Sandra Anita Milikin, 83, of Melrose died at her home Thursday, March 23, 2023. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Marvin “Bud” Milikin.
Survivors are two sons, Randy Milikin and Doug (Tamara) Milikin, all of Melrose; three grandchildren and many cousins and additional family members.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Ernest Peacock
Ernest Robert Peacock was born Oct. 16, 1944, in Lake City, to Edwin and Aurelia Peacock. He passed peacefully Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in Palm Coast, where he lived the past eight years. He spent his early years working in his family’s chicken houses, climbing trees, and getting in trouble with friends. He graduated from Columbia County High School, then briefly attended Lake City Junior College Forest Ranger School. At age 19, he served a two-year church mission to share his testimony of Jesus Christ in the area of Calgary, Alberta Canada. Afterward, he pursued his education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Upon graduation he returned home, where he met the love of his life, Gail Ward of Lake Butler. They were married 51 years and enjoyed a lifetime of family gatherings, church service, fishing, boiled peanuts, and homemade ice cream. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in several church callings; including Bishop and Stake President during the formation of the Lake City Stake. In his later years he served alongside his wife on a church mission in Houston, Texas. He was also an avid sports fan. He coached Pop Warner football and loved attending his children’s sporting events; basketball, baseball, and tennis matches. He rooted for the Florida Gators and in his later years, the Clemson Tigers. He knew stats, recruits, and game times like the back of his hand. If he enjoyed something, he wanted you to enjoy it too, whether that was a food he was eating or a game he was watching. He had a generous heart, almost to a fault. He was always willing to help those in need. He was a joy to be around and a positive influence on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but he has five beautiful children to carry on his legacy of love of family, Christ-like service, and Chinese buffets.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Aurelia Peacock.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Peacock and their five children: Lance, Steve, Clay, Jeff, and Jill, as well as 15 cherished grandchildren.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lake Butler, on Saturday, April 15. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate at your local blood bank. During Ernest’s relatively short illness, he received about 30 pints of blood. (The average body contains about 10 pints.) From our experience we acquired a new awareness for the need of blood donations. We also encourage you to consider sending donations to help fund a center for at risk youth in Union County. This effort is spearheaded by the Victory Christian Center in Lake Butler.
Donations can be sent to:
Impact Center, PO Box 363,
Lake Butler, 32054.
PAID OBITUARY
Lamar Simmons
Lamar Simmons was born at Alachua General Hospital on May 10, 1943, in Gainesville. He grew up in the Alachua County community of Monteocha. He graduated from Gainesville High School, and the University of Florida. He worked in the Alachua County Public School System. He was the fourth generation of his family from Alachua County. He passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Yancey Harris Simmons; along with his father, Jack P. Simmons; and mother, Mary M. Simmons Jones.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sharla S. Simmons of Gainesville, and Allison S (Jon) McKinney of Oviedo; and two grandchildren, Mason C. and Mallory C. McKinney, both of Oviedo.
A visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Milam Downtown Chapel, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, 32601. A private graveside service will follow under the direction of Reverend Robert Carter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Antioch Cemetery Assn. Inc., PO Box 94 Lacrosse, 32658.
PAID OBITUARY
