Betty Allen
Betty Jean Lawrence Allen died Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at the Middleburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where she had resided for the last year of her life. She was born in Palatka in 1928 to William Robert Lawrence Sr. and Rosa Pink Lawrence. She graduated from Mellon High School in 1946. Her senior yearbook, the Mellon Patch, described her as “Short and sweet; dainty and neat.” She lived most of her life in Palatka until after her retirement, when she moved to Melrose, where her son lives. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Palatka until she moved to Melrose, when she joined Trinity Baptist Church of Keystone Heights. At First Baptist Palatka, she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and was a leader of GAs (Girls Auxiliary). She was a homemaker and devoted mother, foremost, even after her husband’s death in 1960. After her children were older however, she completed her Associate of Arts degree at St. Johns River Junior College. Following graduation, she was hired by her alma mater as secretary to the dean of academic affairs, where she worked until her retirement. She loved the subjects of English and grammar, and her colleagues at St. Johns regularly brought her documents to proofread. She was close to several of her student assistants, whom she supervised in their work-study assignments. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, collecting antiques and cookbooks, doing crosswords, playing Scrabble, and writing poetry. In her later years, after she stopped cooking, she continued to read recipes in the hundreds of cookbooks she collected. She played Scrabble weekly with other ladies in Melrose and Keystone Heights. She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Rosa Lawrence; her brother, William Robert (Hazel) Lawrence Jr.; and her sister, Willie Rose (Van) Staton.
Surviving are her son Bill (Mary Sue) Allen of Melrose; daughter, Donna (Tim) Giddens of Elk Grove, California; grandchildren, Tiffany (Matt) Belanger, Lauren (Josh) Ray, Micah (Danielle) Giddens; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka with Rev. John H. Hewitt officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the start of the service. Burial will be in Palatka Memorial Gardens where she will be interred beside her late-husband, Donald Benjamin Allen Jr. For those that cannot attend, the service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at www.vimeo.com/mastersfuneralhome. Friends are invited to post condolences on her online tribute page at: themastersfuenralhome.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY
Herbert Bright
Herbert Bright, 64, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Shands UF in Gainesville. He was born June 18, 1959, in Lawtey and attended the schools of Bradford County.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church, 2496 Lake St., Lawtey. The funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Peetsville Cemetery in Lawtey.
Arrangements are by Haile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 Oak St., Starke. 904-964-7905.
PAID OBITUARY
John Cox Jr.
John “Tommy” Cox Jr., 84, of Melrose passed away at his home Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. He was born Oct. 26, 1939, in Jacksonville to John T. and Ruth (Hartley) Cox Sr. Prior to retirement he worked for Midstate Electrical Company as their electrical estimator. He was an active and longtime member of Melrose Church of Christ. He loved to socialize and enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee at the Keystone Inn. He loved his country and being on the lake, as well as watching college football, especially the Florida Gators. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bonnye (Duerr) Cox.
His survivors are his children John T. Cox III of Melrose, and Natalie (Ray) Cox-Andrews of Keystone Heights. Also left behind are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Melrose Church of Christ, 8702 State Road 21, Melrose, 32666.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Branden Dukes
Branden William Dukes, also known to many friends and family as “Duke,” was born on Feb. 19, 1985, in Jacksonville. He lived the entirety of his life in Union County and graduated Union County High School. He became a father to his only son, Brennen William Dukes, on Dec. 3, 2007. He worked for for Tom Cushman. This is when he found his true calling, he loved his job. He loved Tom and loved to help people find their place in the work field. He loved being a father above anything, Brennen was the pride and joy in his life. Branden was a loving son, grandson, brother and uncle. He lived his life for family and friends and dedicated his life to being a hard worker and the best father he could to be to Brennen. He had a heart of gold and was loved by many friends and adored and loved by his family. Branden did everything out of the kindness of his heart and extended his hand to help anyone. He is the father of Brennen Dukes; the son of Monette Hosford and Terry Dukes; the stepson of James “Buddy” Hosford; the grandson of Ramona Dobbs; brother of Nicole Shaw; and the loving uncle to Carmen Dobbs, Jaelen Watkins, Trinity Watkins, Alayna Watkins and Kaylin Taylor. He will be joining his grandfather, Morris Dobbs, grandparents, Gerald and Joyce Dukes, and uncle, Randy Dukes, in heaven. He will forever be remembered as a loving, heartfelt, kind and caring man. He will be missed dearly. His passing was peaceful in his final moments in this life and the love he left behind will stay in the hearts of everyone he has ever encountered.
A funeral service to honor his life was held at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church on Friday, Dec. 8. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Sapp Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Esther Hall
Mrs. Esther Shuford Hall, 91, of Starke passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at her residence. She was born on March 24, 1932, in Lawtey to the late George P. and Eva (Durban) Shuford and was a lifelong area resident. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Starke. She enjoyed shopping and loved jewelry, politics and bingo. Prior to retirement, she worked for 39 years, including being elected as Bradford County tax collector for 12 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John R. “Bobby” Hall.
Survivors are her daughters, Brenda (Shad) Starling and Donna (Joe) Wilson all of Starke; brothers, Glenn P. (Helen) Shuford and James P. (Betty) Shuford all of Lawtey. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad) Whithead, Brian (Stephanie) Starling, Alisha (John) Turknett, Kenya Clemons and Jacob (Kim) Clemons; great- grandchildren, Brileigh Starling, Brian “Bubba” Starling, Carter Whitehead, Eva Whitehead, Bentley Collins, Shyann Clemons, Case Clemons, Jeremiah Turknett and Riley Turknett.
The family will receive friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Private interment will follow, with Brother Daniel Crapse officiating all services.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
James R. Hess
James R. Hess, “Jimmy” to all who knew him well, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, 15 days before his 50th wedding anniversary with Merry. He was born April 2, 1949, in Jacksonville. Jimmy spent four years in the United States Marine Corps in avionics and retired as a computer repair technician from the Alachua County School Board in 2004. In healthier times, he enjoyed bicycle riding, fishing, target practicing at Bradford Sportsman’s Club and spending time with his beloved grandson, Lucas Grider. He was an avid train fan and enjoyed watching train videos and live train cameras. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Carlus Hess.
Jimmy leaves behind his wife, Merry; daughter, Carolyn; son, Christopher; son-in-law, Ernest Grider; grandson, Lucas Grider; his sister, Linda Hess; and many other relatives he adored.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
PAID OBITUARY
Charles Parrish
Charles “Charlie” Edwin Parrish, born on March 28, 1938, in Lake Butler, dedicated his days to farming and embraced the simplicity of life. It is with great sadness that we announce his passing on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at Windsor Health and Rehab. His hard work made farming not just a profession, but a way of life. His warm personality shone brightly wherever he went. An eternal optimist, he always carried a smile on his face and spread joy to everyone who crossed his path. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people effortlessly; he never met a stranger and befriended all he met. His carefree nature was infectious, easing worries and bringing comfort to those around him. Music held a special place in his heart as he possessed a talent for singing and playing both the harmonica and guitar. Western movies captivated him and he never shied away from a friendly competition of horseshoes or checkers. What truly filled his heart with joy was spending time with his loved ones. Family meant everything to him and creating lasting memories with them brought immeasurable happiness into his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius Ervin Parrish and Nancy Frances Waters Parrish; as well as his siblings, Christine Hester, Lowell Parrish, Corrine Stark, Mildred Everett, and J.C. Parrish.
He leaves behind a legacy that will be carried on by his surviving siblings, Armontine Osborn, Samuel Parrish, and Nancy Brickey. Additionally, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members mourn the loss of a dear friend and relative.
To honor his memory, services were held on Monday, Dec. 4, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Randall A. Griffis Sr. officiating.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
James Stowe
James Richard Stowe, 89, of Keystone Heights passed away at his daughter’s home in Brooker on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. He was born May 28, 1934, in Sharon, Pennsylvania to James Alvar and Ann (Meltalsky) Stowe. He served in the United States Air Force and retired from Pittsburg Plate and Glass. He attended Morgan Road Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed hunting, trapping and was a talented taxidermist. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, David Stowe and Phyllis Jean Allison.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Grace; two daughters, Richelle (Ray) Davis of Brooker and Rebecca Gilbert of Ocala; two brothers, Donald Stowe of Harrisville, Pennsylvania, and Gary Stowe of Keystone Heights. He was lovingly called “Grandpa” or “Pops” by his six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Tuesday, Dec. 12 at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 13, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Pastor Rick Norman officiating. Interment followed at Santa Fe Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
