Mary Breeden
Mary Inez Breeden, 87, of Melrose died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at North Florida Hospital in Gainesville.
Survivors are her husband, Jim Breeden of Melrose; children, Charles William (Mia) Breeden of Daleville, Alabama, Terry Ruth (DeWayne) Stidham of High Springs, James Michael (Ruth) Breeden of Palm Bay and Theresa Webster (Ron Strzykalski) of Gainesville; brother, Gary (Darlene) Silas of Mico; and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. at North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with interment to follow at the church cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32091. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Norman Burnett
Norman A. Burnett passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia. He was born on Sept. 21, 1922, in the village of Green River in Guilford, Vermont. He was the seventh of 11 children born to Wilbur Lovell Burnett of Savoy, Massachusetts and Lena Dell Kenney of Hawley, Massachusetts. The family later moved to a farm in Charlemont, Massachusetts. Having studied agriculture and paying his own tuition, he graduated from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls in 1941. Soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1942, he volunteered for the Navy and was enlisted for nearly seven years, serving as a flight engineer and worked up the ranks from Apprentice Seaman to Chief Petty Officer. Without mechanical failure or incident, he safely accumulated over 2,000 flight hours, providing convoy escort for submarines and he held stations in locations such as Brazil, China and Japan. He worked on the Martin JRM Mars, one of the largest allied flying ships with a wingspan of 200 feet and a hull approximately 120 feet long. On Aug. 15, 1945, the last day of his training for the Japan invasion, America dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and his tour to Japan was canceled. Earlier that year, while on leave in May, he met Phyllis Jane Unwin through his eldest sister, Dee. He courted her through letters, and while on leave later, they married on Jan. 21, 1947, in Grafton, Vermont. Jane joined him while he finished out his last tour of duty in Alameda, California. By November of 1947, he was honorably discharged, and they began their life together in Grafton, Vermont. They had three children and sadly suffered the loss of their fourth child, who was stillborn. After living with his family for the first few years of marriage, they bought 127 acres in Charlemont, Massachusetts and together renovated their home, originally built in the 1800s. They later lived in Portland, Connecticut and Haddam, Connecticut, and Keystone Heights. He worked his way up the ranks, beginning as a machinist at Kendall Mills Textile Plant and retiring from the Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant as operations supervisor. He enjoyed a steady rotation of new cars, flying a plane he shared with his brother, spending time with his wife and grandchildren camping, holiday gatherings, reading the daily newspaper and National Geographic, and his 5 o’clock scotch on the rocks. He was a man of few words and ever the diplomat. He had a sharp wit, good sense of humor and easygoing spirit. He didn’t sweat the small stuff and as you were leaving, he’d remind you, “Keep the faith.” If he appreciated something you did for him, he’d spritely say, “You’re alright, kid” or “thanks, babe.”
He is survived by his sister, Helen Peterson; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (Mark) Epstein and Mary (John) Burke; his granddaughters and their husbands, Sandra Fazzino (Alessandro Ribola), Sara (Tim) Bereika, Joelle Epstein (Matthew Nobbs), and Rachel Epstein (Jon Kaplan); and great-grandchildren, Alton Joseph (AJ), Alanna, and Sylvie; his son, John Burnett; his first wife, Phyllis Jane Burnett of 52 years; and his second wife of nine years, Helen Jackson; siblings, Lillian, Doris, Arnold, Phillip, William, Elsie, Julia, Arlene and Francis predeceased him.
Local arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Burton
James “Bond” Burton, 52, of Starke died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He and his great-niece, Savannah Padelford, had a special bond.
Survivors are two sons, Dakota Burton of Tallahassee and Alex Burton of Tennessee; sisters, Jeanie Burton and Cathy Burton both of Starke; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at 21467 NE 13th Ave., Lawtey, 32058.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Sylvia Gibbs
Sylvia Amelia Gibbs, 81, of Lake Butler, died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Haven Hospice in Lake City. She was born on Feb. 9, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina to Clyde Dickerson and Gladys Rebecca Kidd O’Berry. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, Terrance Wesley Gibbs.
Survivors are her children, Danita Crews of Lake Butler, Timothy Wayne Gibbs of Lake Butler, and Ted Winston Gibbs of Douglas, Georgia; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is entrusted with her final memorialization by cremation.
Kirk Griffis
Kirk B. Griffis, 64, of Bradford County passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at his residence. He was born March 3, 1959, in Macclenny to his loving parents, John R. Griffis Sr. and Joyce Richardson Griffis. He was raised in Sanderson and graduated from Baker County High School in 1977. Shortly after that, he started his longtime career as a correctional officer at New River Correctional Institution and later served at Lawtey Correctional as a sergeant. After 26 years of dedicated service with the Department of Corrections, he retired and began his employment with Bradford County Waste Management. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, carpentry, home remodeling and traveling, as well as frequent trips to Home Depot and local restaurants. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Ivan Dewayne Griffis.
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Griffis of Sanderson; children, Dustin (Ami) Griffis of Starke and Rachel (William) Smith of Jacksonville; brothers, Gary Griffis of Lake City, Ricky Griffis of Jacksonville, and Monty Griffis of Newberry; and grandchildren, Cheyanne Smith, Peyton Griffis, Rhyan Shuford, Bentley Griffis and Taylor Griffis.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, Aug. 18, at Community Full Gospel Church in Glen St. Mary with Pastor Tommy Richardson officiating. Interment followed at South Prong Cemetery.
Arrangements were 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
Joel Kirby
Joel E. Kirby, 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Gainesville on Oct. 31, 1954, to his father, James Roswell “Buddy” Kirby, and his mother, Dora Earlene Benton Kirby-Rogers. Among many other attributes, he was a strong, determined, hard-working man who loved his family. In his younger adult life, he loved roping and rodeoing with his father. He was an avid hunter who loved to be in the woods, whether it was running dogs, sitting in the stand or coon hunting with his friends at night. He also enjoyed fishing, whether he was able to catch anything or not. And he had a love for music and singing karaoke. He believed in working hard for what you want and taking pride in what you have, and he shared and taught his children to do the same. Joel was a dedicated man who did everything he could to provide everything possible for his family. He worked with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before he moved his career to the Florida Department of Corrections where he retired. Then he became the owner and operator of Custom Cuts Lawn and Landscape. This is when he met and married his wife, Richelle L. Kirby. After he decided to take life a little easier, he decided to move into the trucking industry, where he started with Stephens Transport. He then worked for some time with Pritchett Trucking before he had a health issue that resulted in his complete retirement. He will always be loved and remembered by those he loved and knew closely. He was preceded in death by his father, James Roswell “Buddy” Kirby; and his mother, Dora Earlene Benton Kirby-Rogers.
He is survived by his wife, Richelle Kirby; his sister, Carol Kirby (Rob) Newborn-Reynolds; his son, Chad (Kaycee) Kirby; daughter, Michelle N. (David) Nettles; and stepdaughter, Courtney (Joe) Edwards; his five grandchildren, Dillion, Emily, Levi, Mackenzie, Blayke, and Emmett. He is also survived by one nephew, two nieces, and their children. Joel had the opportunity to adopt another daughter by chance to help care for him in his later years, Candace P. Joseph (Jason Holton). He will be forever loved and greatly missed by all who loved him, along with many he crossed paths with or worked with in his life. He will be missed tremendously, but everyone who knew Joel is looking forward to seeing him again soon.
A service to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest immediately after the funeral service at Antioch Cemetery in La Crosse. Services will be officiated by Pastor Terry Elixson.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler.
PAID OBITUARY
Richard Loveless
Richard A. Loveless, 80, of Starke passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Haven Hospice ET York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Alfred (Clyde) and Helen (McElwain) Loveless. After graduating high school, he served in the Army during Vietnam. He retired as a parts manager from Datsun/Nissan Motor Corp. He was a member of the Elks in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The love of his life, wife Rosetta L. Loveless of 55 years, preceded him in death; along with his brother, Paul Loveless.
Survivors are his loving children, Richard (Dawn) Loveless of Starke, Kevin (Danielle) Loveless of Hackensack, New Jersey, and John (Judy) Loveless of Yulee. Also left are his grandchildren, who called him “Grandpa,” Brittany, Raven, Eric, Madison, and Conner; great-grandchildren, Robert and Nathan; siblings, Ginny Staab of Maywood, New Jersey, and Charlie (Wanda) Loveless of Scottsdale, Arizona. He also leaves behind his two pets, Wolfee and Tank.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Fay Martin
Fay Jeannette Martin, 86, of Kingsland, Georgia, a devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Aug. 18, 2023, with family and friends by her side. She was born on Dec. 29, 1936, in Auburndale to the late Lewis Morgan Gay and Iona Granger Gay. Shortly after, the family moved back to the farm in Providence. Fay, always a leader, was in FHA in ninth and 12th grades, was Class Treasurer in 11th and 12th, Library Club 11th, Junior and Senior Play and was on the Annual Staff. After graduating from Union County High School in 1954, she moved to Jacksonville and began her banking/accounting career, working in many capacities as she moved with her loving husband, John Warden Martin, as he followed his career with Chrysler Corporation. While living in Jacksonville, she worked in banking and mortgages; Washington, DC where she worked in government; and Tallahassee, where she was proud to serve at Gov. Reuben Askew’s inauguration reception at the Governor’s Mansion and attended the Governor’s Ball in 1971. Finally, she returned to Jacksonville and began employment with Stockton, Whatley, Davin and Company (SWD) on April 10, 1972, and attained assistant vice president with them on Jan. 8, 1986. SWD merged with Bank of Boston Jan. 1, 1988, where she retired on July 1, 1992, with over 20 years of service. She faithfully served her church throughout her life, with long periods of service at Arlington Christian Church in Jacksonville, First Christian Church in Ocala, and Kingsland First Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir when she was younger, held various offices and almost continuously served as a Sunday school class leader. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, John Warden Martin; her stepdaughter, Judy Williams; sisters, Velma Lowe, Frances Boyd, Lois Brown, Ethel Ogburn, Offie Lee Gay, and Katherine Gay Patterson; and her brothers, Ray Gay, Drew (Brittain) Gay, and James Coker.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Included are those who have maintained a mother/child relationship with her, Ella and Tom Turner, Sharon and Jonathan Kraus, Rheta and Fred Dubberly; a lifelong friend, Nolan Dobbs; and a large extended family.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Kingsland First Methodist Church. Burial services were held at Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, 32043. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kingsland First Methodist Church, 120 E. William Ave., Kingsland, GA 31548, or at www.kingslandfmc.org/giving “In Memory of Fay Martin.” Donations in her memory will go towards the Sanctuary Project.
Arrangements were under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, 32043.904-284-7720 Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Rev. James McLeod
Rev. James (J.R.) McLeod of Raiford, a devoted servant of God and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, Aug. 15, 2023, at the age of 85 in Gainesville. Born on Feb. 14, 1938, he spent his formative years in Lake Butler. A Baptist minister for 35 years, his life was marked by his unwavering faith and dedication to his calling. He led congregations in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Greenville, as well as in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. In 2004, he retired from his pastoral duties and returned to his roots in Raiford. During his retirement, he found joy in working alongside his brother at the family barber shop in Lake Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Dorrie Crawford McLeod; his brother, Elliot McLeod; and his sister-in-law, Carolyn McLeod.
His memory will forever by cherished by his loving wife, Hilda Conner McLeod; his sons, Jeff of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Randy of Jacksonville. He is also survived by three grandsons, Riley McLeod, Ross (Kristen) McLeod, and Marc (Teagan) McLeod; along with three granddaughters, Zandy (Zach) McLeod Hicks, Nikki McLeod, and Andrea (Eric) McLeod Lester; and his great-granddaughter, Zayla Hicks, completes his family circle.
A service to celebrate the remarkable life of Rev. McLeod took place on Saturday, Aug. 19, at First Baptist Church in Raiford. Family, friends, and all those touched by his life gathered to honor his memory. Burial followed at Elzey Chapel Cemetery, Worthington Springs. Visitation was held Friday, Aug. 18, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Haven Hospice in honor of his lifelong dedication in service to others and spreading God’s love.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Rev. James R. McLeod. Your light will forever guide us through the journey of life.
PAID OBITUARY
Joseph Phillips
Joseph “Jojo” Edward Phillips died at his brother’s home Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. He was born Aug. 7, 1971, in Fernandina Beach to the late Donald and Patsy (Parnell) Phillips.
Survivors are siblings, Donna of Newberry, Wisconsin, Donald (Judy) Phillips, Jessica Phillips, Michael Phillips (Angela Phillips- Cox) all of Keystone Heights, and Laura (Dale) Waxman of Ocala; and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, at 12 p.m. at Gadara Baptist Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
JoAnn Rowe
JoAnn Smith Rowe was born in Jacksonville on Feb. 17, 1937, to William Hogan and Eoline Weaver Smith. She lived in Sampson City as a child and later moved to Starke. She graduated from Bradford High with many cherished friends who remained close through the years. JoAnn put on a spectacular half-time show during Tornado football games as head majorette. The high-stepping beauty was recognized statewide for her twirling talents. She also graduated, with honors, from the University of Florida. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Starke. She was very involved in the community; United Methodist Women’s group, Starke Woman’s Club and Bradford Fair Association. She proudly served as Superintendent of Bradford Schools, to name a few. She always stepped up to help with community needs and those living in it. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, the “love of her life,” Jimmy Rowe; granddaughter, Kayla NaCole; brothers, Dick, Hogan Jr., Austin, Lewis, Harold, sisters Doshia and Mural.
She will be reunited one day with her large, loving family which includes her daughter, Monica Jo Clements; son, Tom (Mischell) Rowe; and brother, Tombo (Linda) Smith, all of Starke, sister-in-law, Marian (Craig) Sellers, of Melrose; grandchildren, Kristin, Lacey (Brian), Lauren, Greg (Brandi), Chase (Carrie), Brandon (Stephanie) and Jordan (Jenna); great-grandchildren, Austin, Logan, Conner, Trevor, Lucas, Colson, Branton, Maicee, Maverick, Jencie, Madisyn, Jordan, Gage, Abigayle; and many beloved nieces and nephews. JoAnn fought a courageous four-year battle with cancer; she never wavered and seldom complained. Her goal in life was to live each day standing in her faith and convictions so that those who knew her could see her strength came from knowing God’s plan was in motion. From grands to great-grands, family, and friends, she always made each one feel they were loved the best and her favorite! Her last days on earth were spent in the arms of her beautiful, loving family. Every day, a steady stream in and out of her room whispering sweet words of love in her ear and lots of kisses.
Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Sampson City Church of God at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gene Bass officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the Bradford County Education Foundation, Haven Hospice, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
John Seibert
John E. Seibert, 72, of Keystone Heights died at his home Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, following an extended illness. He served in the United States Navy and worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years.
Survivors are his wife, Mary Ann (D’Abate) Seibert; two sons, Roger Seibert and Keith Seibert; stepchildren, Alejandro Alvarez and Alessa Alvarez; along with siblings, Bernadette Michaels and Marilyn Eagan; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Percy Sullivan III
Percy E. “Rusty” Sullivan III, 56, of Theressa passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at home with his family praying at his side. He was born July 19, 1967, in Palatka to Percy E. and Lynda (Strickland) Sullivan Jr. and graduated from Bradford High School in 1985. He served eight years in the National Guard and retired from Alachua County School Board as a locksmith. He loved protecting the residents of Bradford and surrounding counties by serving as an emergency medical technician and volunteering countless and sleepless hours as a fireman with Theressa Fire Department, where he also held position as chief for many years. His sense of humor would have you laughing and always putting a smile on your face. He was also known for his passion of being outdoors, working on the farm or deer hunting, and made sure his daughter, Gracie, gained the same passion as he had. There are many words that can describe him, but awesome and dedicated are the two that best describe his role as being a dad, husband, son, and friend. His father, Percy E. Sullivan Jr. preceded him in death.
Survivors are the love of his life, Julie (Geiger) Sullivan; and their daughter, Gracie Sullivan (Austin Sanchez); along with his mother, Lynda (Strickland) Sullivan, all of Theressa; aunt, Ilene Fulgham of Palatka; and cousins, Marshall, Michael, and Denver Fulgham. Also left behind are his father and mother-in-law, Wayne “Coach” and Frankie Geiger of Keystone Heights; brother-in-law, Matt (Carrie) Geiger of Gainesville; and their children, Megan Keith and Conner Geiger; along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him terribly.
The family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Sampson City Church of God. A Celebration of Life followed with Mr. Johnny Frampton officiating. Interment was Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Susan Tetstone
Susan “Sue” Bell Tetstone passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Haven Hospice in Lake City. She was born on Sept. 19, 1953, in Akron, Ohio. She was a kindhearted, easy-going, warm and compassionate soul who drew people to her. She led a fulfilling career, dedicating 10 years of service to General Electric. Later on, she spent many years working at Crawford Meat Market before retiring from the meat department at Walmart. She had a special fondness for children and wholeheartedly enjoyed their company. Her nurturing nature extended beyond people to include all aspects of her life. She found joy in decorating her living space, creating a welcoming environment for herself and others. In her free time, she also reveled in tending to her yard; planting and cultivating her flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Alice Repp; brother, James Repp ; and sister, Margie McGee.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Kenny Tetstone of Lake Butler; her sister, Charlotte Painter of Michigan, and a host of extended family and friends.
On Thursday, Aug. 17, friends and family gathered to honor her memory at Sardis Baptist Church. Visitation preceded the funeral service. The interment followed at Dyal Cemetery. Services were officiated by Pastor Paul O’Steen.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Anthony Tweed Jr.
Anthony Claude Tweed Jr., known to his family and friends as a gentle giant with a heart of gold, has sadly left this world. Born on April 7, 1974, in Manhattan, New York, he unexpectedly passed away at his home in Lake Butler on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Christina Sirmones Tweed; and a proud father to his son, Anthony Claude Tweed III. Through dedication and hard work, he had an illustrious career as a software engineer. His passion for computers and coding was unrivaled. His expertise allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the projects he worked on throughout his career. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and thoroughly enjoyed tutoring and encouraging others to enhance their education. He was a man full of kindness and compassion. He had an inherent ability to make everyone feel valued and important. His warm smile would light up any room he entered, brightening the lives of those around him. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Claude Tweed Sr.
He leaves behind his wife, Christina Tweed; and son, Anthony Claude Tweed III, both of Lake Butler; his mother, Lolo Tweed of Atlanta, Georgia; brother, Daryl Tweed of New York; sister, Annette Powell of Kentucky; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
To honor his memory, a funeral service was held on Aug. 19. The service took place at the Body of Christ Assembly Church of God in Christ, 615 S.W. Third St., Lake Butler.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
