Sondra H. Blake
Mrs. Sondra Howell Blake, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at North Florida Hospital following her courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 12, 1949, in Jeffersonville, Indiana to the late Mason R. Howell, Jr. and Margie (LaFlam) Bisbee. She was a real estate broker for many years, working beside her husband at C.B. Isaac Realty. She was a member of Lake Area Baptist Church and was known for her talent in the arts and crafts she made and especially for her love of decorating and shopping.
Survivors are her husband, Ron Blake of Keystone Heights; and her son, Christopher Hartley of Michigan; along with her sister, Marsha Wingfield of Jacksonville.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Helga Diaz
Mrs. Helga Diaz, 93, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. She was born Feb. 13, 1930, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico to Amoros and Gloria (Arroyo) Mendez. She was a retired factory worker and of the Catholic faith. She loved to sit on the porch and read or watch her favorite television shows, especially the educational channels. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Maximino “Max” Diaz Aponte back in April; and her son- in-law, Mark Metz.
She leaves behind her daughters, Maria Metz of Melrose and Adelaida Diaz of Davenport; along with seven nieces and nephews. She was lovingly called “Grandma” by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also left behind is her stepson, Philip (Melissa) Metz and their four children.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the American Legion Post #202 in Keystone Heights.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Arvonia Glenn
Arvonia Mae Glenn, 76, of Keystone Heights passed away on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in her home as she slept peacefully. She was born on Aug. 1, 1947, at Fort Dix, New Jersey to the late Leonard and Arvonia (Matthews) Ennis. Prior to her retirement, she taught at a local Christian elementary school. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing games online, diamond painting with her niece Veronica, and hosting dinners. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 30 years, William Glenn; son, Edwin Puls; and sister, Maureen Burch.
She is survived by her sons, Bill and Michael; daughters-in-law Patrice, Nicholle, Judy, and Beth; nine grandchildren, Wayne, Zak, Mason, Austin, Hannah, Dakota, Korie, Victor, and Tyler; three great-grandchildren; brother, Billy and his wife Gay; and five nieces and nephews. She welcomingly opened her heart and her home, and she leaves behind a large community that extends well beyond her relatives.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Woman’s Club of Keystone Heights, 6747 Woman’s Club Drive, 32656. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. We ask attendees to wear bright, floral colors in her honor.
PAID OBITUARY
Shirley Groves
Mrs. Shirley J. Groves, 88, of Keystone Heights passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Center in Gainesville following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 1, 1934, in Hampton to Avery and Estelle (Hobby) Dennison and graduated from BHS with the class of 1952. She retired as a radio operator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Game Conservation. She then began her final career, working for Stump’s Clothing in Starke, where she loved socializing and meeting new people. She was a dedicated and longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church where she was active and always willing to lend a hand. Traveling in the motor home and shopping were just a couple of things she enjoyed, but taking care of her grandchildren and Dana Peoples brought great joy in her life. She was known for helping others and always having a smile on her face. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Bill Wise; and brother, Carl Dennison.
Survivors are her husband of 30 years, Wilbur Groves of Keystone Heights; two daughters, Darlene Wise of Keystone Heights and Sherry (Dennis) Stallings of Raleigh, North Carolina. She was lovingly called “Mimi” by Kelsey Gentry, Dilan Wise, Grace Stallings; and great-grandchildren, Addie and Jack Gentry.
The family received friends at Trinity Baptist Church Wednesday, Aug. 16. Funeral services followed with Pastor Brandon Denmark and Pastor James Peoples officiating. Interment will be private at Prevatt Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Rev. David Hodges
Rev. David Lee Hodges, Superintendent of the Florida District of Congregational Holiness Churches, passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at the University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville, surrounded by his family at the age of 74. A class of 1967 graduate of Baker County High School, he was born in Macclenny on Nov. 22, 1948 to the late Clifford and Allie (Hersey) Hodges. Ordained in 1968, he dedicated his entire adult life to the ministry and leading souls to Christ. He was pastor of several churches over the years, but had spent the last 23 years at Manntown Congregational Holiness Church as senior pastor. In 1999, he took the position of superintendent of the Florida District of Congregational Holiness Churches and served proudly. Along with his ministry, he worked in the insurance field for many years, working for Liberty National, and he even owned his own agency, Hodges Insurance Agency in Starke. He also spent time working with the Bradford Telegraph and the Baker County Press as a typesetter. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, gardening, and hunting in his younger years (until it got too hot). He loved to travel, especially to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. After his ministry, his family was most important to him. He was a loving and dedicated family man. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Idus Hodges, Warren Hodges, Linnie Mann, and Louise Griffith.
Left behind to cherish years of precious memories are his wife of 54 years, Retha (Miller) Hodges of Starke; daughters, Michelle (Jason) Silcox of Starke, Karen (R.B.) Lauramore of Raiford, and Dawn (Glenn) Corbett of Franklin, Georgia; grandchildren, Glenn (Arica) Corbett Jr., Tiffani (Kristopher) Howell, Dustin Lauramore, Macy Lauramore, Noah Silcox, Destiny Lauramore, and Bristol Hilliard; great-grandchildren, Avery-Georgia, Grayson, Nolan, Jensyn, Thomas, Harper, Landen Lee, Annesly-Paige, and Benjamin; sister, Janie Wiggins of Sanderson; as well as a host of extended family members and church family.
The family received friends Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Glen Congregational Holiness Campground, 7036 E. Andrews St., Glen St. Mary. A home-going service was held Monday, Aug. 14, at the campground with Rev. Oral Lyons and Rev. Justin Griffis officiating, and Rev. William Crews assisting. He was laid to rest at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home were honored to assist the family with the arrangements. 409 W. Macclenny Ave., Macclenny, 32063 “With Your Family in Mind.” 904-259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.
PAID OBITUARY
Lori Story
Mrs. Lori Casey Story, 56, passed away at her home on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. She was born in Plano, Illinois to Kathleen (Pohl) Casey and the late Paul William Casey. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother (Nana). She enjoyed cooking, baking, and nature. She was there for everyone. She was a member of LOGO church in Lawtey.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Story; her daughters, Monica Casey (John Baxley), Desirae (Chad) Pierce, and Destiny Story; her grandchildren, Jaden, Brylee, John, Jayce, Maykala, Michael and Arieana; and many nieces and nephews.
No funeral services are scheduled at this time.
PAID OBITUARY
Jerry Sturdevant
Jerry Lee Sturdevant, 71, of Keystone Heights passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Middleburg. He was born Nov. 28, 1951, in Miami to the late Bert and Helen (Joiner) Sturdevant. He was a retired computer technician and Volkswagen mechanic. He was raised Baptist and enjoyed working on Corvettes and motorcycles, along with watching western shows on television.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Cheryl (Belt) Sturdevant of Keystone Heights; and their two daughters, Jade (Mervin) Bailey of Keystone Heights and Tiffany (Eric) Sturdevant of St. Augustine. Also left behind are siblings, Darrell “Richie” Sturdevant of Virginia and Judy Andrews of Bryceville; along with his mother-in-law, Sadie Belt of Keystone Heights. He was lovingly called “Poppy” by seven grandchildren.
The family received friends on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Gadara Baptist Church. The memorial followed with Pastor Shawn House officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Gadara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gadara Baptist Church Fellowship Fund, 6779 County Road 315-C, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
