Bunny Sellers-Bates
LAWTEY Bunny Melissa Sellers-Bates, 43, of Lawtey, was taken by God to rest in Christ Jesus eternally on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Born on May 12, 1978, in Jacksonville. A dedicated wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend. She lived her life selflessly, always serving others in love, and will be remembered for her generous and brave heart. She loved the Lord and trusted His perfect plans. She was a creative poet, skilled dancer, amazing chef, had immaculate organizational skills, and a great sense of humor. Regardless of the numerous physical health challenges she faced, she always lived her life to the fullest.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Bates; parents, Cathy Nisbet, Walter Sellers, and David Nisbet; sister, Nicole Fuentes Sellers; nieces, Layacia “Pookie Bear”, Leskai “Thumper”; and nephew, Myron “Little M Octopus”; along with many other cherished nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws, an abundance of comical cousins she adored, and a few honorable friends. She is now indeed free like the red bird. Her legacy will live on in our hearts and lives as we take comfort in knowing she is in the absolute safest place anyone could be in, in Christ Jesus eternally.
The family will receive friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel on Friday, Dec 3, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., with funeral services beginning at noon. Interment will follow in Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Cathy Brown
Cathy Brown, or Miss Cathy, as she was known by her friends and colleagues, passed away following a short illness on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2021, at the Haven Hospice in Palatka. She was born Mary Cathrine Stephens on Oct. 4, 1954, in Alma, Georgia, to Lollie (Deen) and H. E. Stephens. Upon moving to Florida, she graduated from Clay High in Green Cove Springs. Always a hard worker, she worked the Garden Center in Walmart in Starke from 2005 until she left in 2018. She was an avid Gators fan, she was always cheering for them win or lose. She loved to travel with Bill to Biloxi and Las Vegas where she loved playing her slots.
She leaves behind: her husband, Bill; and step-son, Joseph; her son, William (DeDe) Stephens; and four grandsons, Will, Grant, Asher and Evan; her brother, John, who resides in Florahome; and sister, Nancy of Lawtey; two sisters, Jan (Paul Snyder) and Jean Long in Arizona.
She will be cremated through Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights. A Celebration of Life will be held Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights. In lieu of cards, please make donations in her name to Haven Hospice.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Virginia Browning
STARKE Virginia “Ginny” Meadows Browning, 79, of Starke, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at Orange Park Medical Center Park West Emergency Room. She was born on Nov. 9, 1942, in Hinton, West Virginia, to the late Stewart Seymore Meadows and Lottie (Gill) Meadows Gould. Prior to retirement she worked as an apartment complex manager. She was a Christian. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Fledderjohann and Nadine Meadows.
Survivors are: her son, Charles (Tammy) Browning of Starke; daughter, Malina Gaye Browning of Bradford County; sisters, Loretta (Tom) Lilly of Greenville, North Carolina, and Evelyn Lemon (Bud) of Hinton, West Virginia: three grandchildren and her great-granddaughter.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at Sapp Cemetery in Raiford.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 620 E. Nona St., Starke.
Sadie Davis
LAKE BUTLER Sadie Davis, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, surrounded by her family. Sadie was born and raised in Lake Butler to the late Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd. She was a wonderful homemaker whose main priority was her family. She had a soft spot in her heart for the elderly and children. Sadie was a good wife, mother, and grandmother and will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert “Bobby” Davis; her brothers, Sidney, Miley, Bennett, Frank, Kenneth, Ray, and Theodore Todd; and her only sister, Carolyn Greek, who entered into heaven only 3 minutes prior.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert Davis, Jr.; daughter, Marie (Michael) Jennings; grandchildren, Kristy Hunt, James Hunt, Daniel Hunt, Justin Davis, and Brandon Davis; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Vernon and Dave Todd; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A service to honor her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation, along with her sister Carolyn, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Brother Richard Harrison to officiate.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Debree
HAMPTON– William Earl DeBree, 83, of Hampton died on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke. He was born on July 8, 1938, in Greenville, Michigan to the late Wayne and Lenora DeBree. He attended Greenville High School and then enlisted into the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Janice Sorenson and Dixie Kok.
William is survived by his children, Robin (Bob) Zorn of Duluth, Georgia and Wayne DeBree of Flowery Branch, Georgia; the mother of his children, Mary DeBree of Suwanee, Georgia; and two grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.
Richard Desue
STARKE Richard Lamar DeSue, 65, of Starke, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Mr. DeSue was born on June 5, 1956, in Starke. A lifelong resident of Starke, he was a graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1975, and a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. He retired from DuPont, now Chemours, as head operator. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen DeSue.
He leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife, Aletia Haile DeSue of Starke; his daughter, Cardelia (Earnest) Whitley, and granddaughter, Chyna Edmond, both of St. Johns County; one sister, Mary Cohens of Starke; along with other relatives and caring friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Haile Funeral Home, 802 N. Oak St., Starke. Funeral Services will be Thursday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 163 W. Jefferson St., Starke; Danny Strickland, Pastor, with Rev. Henry Ortiz, Officiating and Rev. Alvin Green, Eulogist. Burial will follow in Bob Love Cemetery. Repast will follow interment at New Bethel Baptist Church, 901 Keller Street, Starke. The Cortege will form at the home of Mrs. Elaine Haile, 823 Pine St., Starke at 10:15 a.m. Due to COVID-19, all in attendance are asked to please wear a facial covering.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Chestnut Funeral Home. Cards may be sent to 18 N.W. Eighth Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601.
To order floral arrangements, please visit www.chestnutfh.com/obituary/richarddesue. Any questions may be directed to 855-5-Chestnut. “A Chestnut service.”
PAID OBITUARY
James Gill
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS James W. (Jim) Gill, Jr. died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, after a long illness. He was born May 16, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Sarah and Jimmie Gill. Jim was raised in Jacksonville; attending Central Riverside, John Gorrie, and Robert E. Lee High School, graduating in 1950. During these years he was a Boy Scout, achieving the Eagle rank. He attended the University of Florida for two years; then completed pilot training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, electing to serve in the Marine Corp. He was stationed at the Opa-locka, Florida, Marine Air Station. His squadron soon left for the Mediterranean aboard the carrier Lake Champlain for a six-month deployment. During training at Norfolk, Virginia, he had met his future wife JoAnne, vacationing from Ohio. They were married May 26, 1956, in Canfield, Ohio, when he returned from deployment. After completing his service, Jim finished his education, graduating from the University of Florida in 1959. His business career was as a financial consultant/stock broker; working for several firms in Jacksonville, retiring from Prudential. In 1979, the family moved from Jacksonville to the Keystone Heights/Melrose area, building a home on Lake Santa Fe. Jim then began his “volunteer years” serving as a deputy with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Department, working mainly in the schools, for over 20 years. He was a long-time member of the Community Church of Keystone Heights, serving on the Executive Board. He was also a member and past president of the Keystone Rotary Club. He was a supporter and Board Member of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and of the Cadet Program at Camp Blanding. He was also a founding member of the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association. He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Sarah Gill Giddings.
Besides his wife of 65 years, he leaves a son and daughter-in-law, Matthew Robert and Leni Seaton Gill of Alpharetta, Georgia; a daughter and son-in-law, DiAnne and Marc Jamerson of Melrose; three grandchildren, Christina Burchfield (Wes) Adkins of Florahome; Derick Matthew (Shannon) Gill of Alpharetta, Georgia, Taylor Gill (Chase) Solomon of Atlanta; three great-grandchildren, Zaiden Adkins of Florahome, Penelope and Daphne Gill of Alpharetta.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 5, at Community Church of Keystone Heights. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center. Please omit flowers and make a memorial donation to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch or the Salvation Army.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Alma Outlaw
STARKE Alma T. Outlaw, 90, of Starke, died Sunday, November 28, 2021, at E.T. York Hospice in Gainesville. She was born Nov. 14, 1931, in Live Oak to B.T. and Susie (Hines) Thomas. She attended Jones College in Georgia and was a bookkeeper for many years before retiring. She went to First Baptist Church in Starke. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lavern H. Outlaw, Sr.; a grandson, a great-grandson; a sister, Eloise Dodd; and a brother, D.L. Thomas.
Her survivors are three sons, Lavern H. Outlaw, Jr. (Sueann McMullin) of Port Charlotte, Tommy (Diann) Outlaw of Starke, Dr. James F. (Sandy) Outlaw of Winter Park; along with a sister, Clara Hazen of Brooker; seven grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Ben Bryant and Pastor Michael Conner officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at Santa Fe Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke.
Fate Seay
TRENTON – Fate Seay, age 81, of Trenton, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2021. Fate was born on Oct. 13, 1940, in Worthington Springs, to the late George and Cora Mae (James) Seay. Fate attended school in Lake Butler and was a graduate of the Union County High School Class of 1960. During high school he met the love of his life, and wife of 61 years, Catherine (Cathy) Ann Fortner. They were married in 1960 and moved to Trenton in 1965. Fate was employed by Southern Bell until retirement in 2000 following 39-1/2 years of service. The most important thing to Fate was his love and devotion to God and his family. He was passionate about his faith and sharing the word of God with others. Throughout his years, Fate was blessed to have served in church as Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always put God and Family first. In high school Fate excelled in sports, especially football. He was a proud member of the Union County Tigers and All State football teams. He was inducted into the Union County Hall of Fame in October 2012. He loved being able to share his knowledge and skills with others and coached track-and-field in Trenton. Fate was also an avid fisherman and hunter. After retirement, he loved to spend time fishing, hunting, and doing taxidermy. Fate was preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Cora Seay; brothers Clyde and Doc Seay; sisters, Ella Mae Gainey, Mary Elixson and Eva Green.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Seay; his children, Suzanne Seay, Deborah Dukes, Troy (Leanne) Seay; grandchildren, Amanda (Micah) Noda, Kaitlyn Myers, Rachel Seay, Paige (John) Stephenson, Trevin and Brayden Dukes, Megan and Madison Seay, and Conner Terry; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Titus and Silas Noda, Trevor and Jace Myers; siblings, Roscoe (Paula) Seay, Nita (Travis) Hemphill, Lila (Ted) Barber, Ovedia (WC) Blue, Donnie (Buddy) Guynn, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral to honor his life will be held on Thursday, Dec 2, at 1 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church, Trenton. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 12 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Elzey Chapel Cemetery (13372 SW 52nd St, Lake Butler, FL 32054). Services will be officiated by Rev. Rick Lawrence. Fate’s pallbearers will include: Robert Deen, Brayden Dukes, Caleb Dukes, Trevin Dukes, Chris Fortner, Micah Noda, Clarence Seay, and John Stephenson, with assistance from the following honorary pallbearers: WC Blue, Wayne Deen, Rick Dewees, Kenny Murphy, Scott Murphy, Charles Pinkerton, Horace Quincy, and William Roberts.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton 352-463-8888. www.WatsonMilton.com
PAID OBITUARY
Darcel Williams-McCastle
LAKE BUTLER/STARKE Darcel Patrice Williams-McCastle, PhD, 59, transitioned to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Shands/UFHealth. She was a graduate of East Orange High School, (East Orange, New Jersey), Essex County College (BA in Accounting, Newark, New Jersey), Saint Leo University (Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree in Psychiatry). Preceding her in death were: a son, Charlil McCastle; and her parents, Carrie Williams and Alphonso Harris.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband Charlie McCastle; daughters, Mahogany Grimsley, Shanina McCastle; sons, Charlie McCastle, Jr., James Peace, Brandin McCastle; eight grandchildren; and sisters, Denise Chavers, Kammy Highland; brothers, Vernold Williams, Sharief Williams.
A life celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec 4, at Sardis Baptist Church, 3915 Main St., Worthington Springs. Dr. McCastle will lie in repose one hour prior to service at Sardis Baptist Church. Due to COVID -19 and other variants, we would like to ask everyone to please follow CDC guidelines.
Professional services are entrusted to J. Hadley Funeral Home, 904-368-0210. Please email Resolutions (only) to: [email protected].
PAID OBITUARY
Earley Young Jr.
STARKE Earley Young Jr., also known as “Dillon”, transitioned from this life on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. He was born March 20, 1944, in Starke to Earley Young, Sr., and Pauline Elizabeth Mack. He graduated from R. J. E. High School with the class of 1967. He played with the Donnie Jackson Traveling Recreational Team. After graduation, he served in the Army National Guard for 12 years. After he completed his stint with the Army National Guard, he began his career with the Department of Corrections. While employed at Florida State Prison he was honored to be the first African American to obtain the rank of Sergeant. A very note-worthy and history-making event. His career in corrections allowed him to advance to the rank of Major at the Reception and Medical Center Main Unit, Lake Butler, where he retired after 28 years of service. During a visit to Miami, he met the love of his life, Zander Young, and was joined in holy matrimony. They were married for 47 years. He was a family man and was loved by many. “Dillon” enjoyed cooking, hunting, fishing, gardening, livestock, and loved traveling; especially to the beach. More importantly, he had the time of his life hosting gatherings for his friends and loved ones, and he was a “die-hard” Gator fan. He was preceded in death by: his father; his step-father, John Grant; and his sister, Mammie Mack.
Cherished memories are left with his devoted wife, Zander Young; mother, Pauline Mack; children, Cheri (Alvin) Jenkins, Terrance Thomas, James Young, Kimberly Young, Earlicia Young, and Stacy (Curtis) Young; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Wade, Lucile Early, Henry Wade, Shirley Brabham, and Alton Moore; three godchildren; hosts of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec 4, at 12 p.m. at Bradford High School Auditorium, 581 N. Temple Ave., Starke.
Arrangements entrusted to Combs Funeral Home, 292 NE Washington St., Lake City, 386-752-4366.
PAID OBITUARY
