Ann Baltzell
Ann Jordan Baltzell, 92, born on Oct. 28, 1931, went to be home with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. She spent her childhood up until her mid-30s in St Louis, Missouri. She met her beloved husband, Clarence Daniel Baltzell, and wed in 1950. They moved to Jacksonville in 1970 and enjoyed Florida living. They also resided in Ocala and Tampa due to work transfers. She was an avid seamstress, quilter, and gardener. She won many awards for her hand-stitched quilts from 1st place to Best-in-Show. Her garden in Tampa was the envy of the entire neighborhood. She was a loving wife and mother of four children; with seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and, most recently, one great-great grandchild. She adored traveling with her husband, having explored
most of the United States and parts of Europe.
She is survived by her four children, Michael D. Baltzell, Robert E. Baltzell, Betty A. Neal, and Barbara A. Merchant. You can
remember her by sharing stories with family and friends, crafting, planting flowers in your yard, cooking fried chicken on Sunday for your family, and having a nice glass of wine.
The family will scatter her and Clarence’s ashes in the lake they both loved later this year. You may honor her life by donating in her name to Haven Hospice, 5200 NW 90 Blvd., Gainesville 32606.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Lana Ervin
Lana Annette Walker Ervin of Keystone Heights passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in MIddleburg following a brief illness. She was born Dec. 28, 1960, in Sikeston, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lavern “Jim” Morford and Reita Walker. She was a cosmetologist. Her hobbies were sports, spending time with her friends, and listening to music. She played basketball at Keystone Heights High School and received a scholarship to play at Santa Fe Community College. She was on the first Lady Indian softball team. She loved being a mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her son, Justin (Alexis); granddaughter, Jencii; and sister, Yvette (Jim)
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at Mission of the Dirt Road in Keystone Heights with Pastor Carey Morford conducting the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mission of the Dirt Road, 7790 SR 100, Keystone Heights 32656.
PAID OBITUARY
Franklin Hendricks
Franklin David Hendricks, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Born in Lake Butler on Nov. 1, 1933, he was the 10th of 13 children by Butler and Ollie Hendricks. He was president of his 1952 Union County High School graduating class. After high school, he joined the US Army, where he served in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Upon returning from the military, he worked for 20 years at St. Regis Paper Company in Jacksonville as a shift chemist. He returned to Lake Butler and went to work with the DOC as a correctional officer, retiring from RMC in 1989 as a Captain. He was preceded in death by his parents, Butler and Ollie Hendricks; his sisters: Marie (Elijah) Brooks and Evelyn (Edison) Paulk; brothers: John (Eloise & Strick), James (Adolyen), Drew (Josie), Joe (Elaine), Harold (Martha), Herman and Bryan (Jeanette) Hendricks.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann Crews Hendricks; his sons, Larry Hendricks and Wayne (Amy) Hendricks; daughters: Cindy Hendricks (Paul West), Cathy (Roger) Hoover, Lisa (Bill) McKendree, and Christy Hendricks; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Vernon (Janet) Hendricks and Donald (Lois) Hendricks; sister-in-law, Pam Hendricks; and a host of extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, Feb. 26, at the Lake Butler Church of Christ with a visitation prior to the service. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at New Zion Cemetery with military and DOC honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lake Butler Church of Christ Prison Ministry, 475 NW Second St., Lake Butler 32054.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008. www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Iva JoAnne Hicks
Mrs. Iva JoAnne Hicks, 91, formerly of Keystone Heights, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Brooks, Georgia. She was born Feb. 13, 1933, in Gainesville to John and Laura (Cowan) Dykes and had been a longtime resident of the Keystone Heights and Waldo areas. She was a homemaker and loved the Smoky Mountains, where she and her late husband enjoyed camping and visiting waterfalls. They decided to move to Franklin, North Carolina, where they owned and operated a motel-and-restaurant business. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving and much devoted husband of 66 years, Charles Hicks; and her brother, Len Dykes.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her three children, Debra (Michael) Dale of Orange Park, Randy (Tena) Hicks of Waldo, and Laura (Glen) Wilkinson of Brooks, Georgia; along with brother, Stephen Dykes. She was also “Granny,” “Nana,” and “Nana Jo” to eight grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren, and another on the way.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 2, beginning at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Michael Dale officiating. Interment will be private at Santa Fe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Child, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Thomas McCray
Deacon Thomas McCray, 93, of Lawtey, transitioned on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Haven Hospice Center in Orange Park. He was a member of St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church and served on the Deacon Board. He served in the United States Army.
Deacon McCray leaves to cherish his memories, his sons, Thomas McCray Jr., Andre McCray and Isaac A. Williams; daughters, Shenekia Williams Johnson and Sheneaise M. Williams Ratcliff; brothers: Rodney Jefferson and Keith Jefferson; sisters, Delories Taylor and Delary L. Jefferson Patrick; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and grieving friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church in Lawtey. Interment will be held at Quitman Cemetery in Sanderson under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St. Starke, 32091. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, at the St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Gregory Padgett
Gregory Chester “Greg” Padgett, 60, of Starke, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at his residence. He was born Sept. 3. 1963 in Starke and was a lifelong area resident. He attended Smyrna Baptist Church and was a heavy equipment operator for Clay County Public Works. He enjoyed woodworking, was a moonshine collector, and loved his dogs and his ‘63 Chevrolet that he spent countless hours restoring.
Survivors are his wife of 32 years, Marcilla (Carter) Padgett of Starke; brother, Bryan (Connie) Padgett of Starke; niece, Alyssa (Trey) Shannahan and their son, Mason; niece, Ashlyn (Connard) Rodgers and their son, Asher; mother and father-in-law, Charles and Nella Carter of Lawtey; and sister-in-law, Vickie Crews of Starke, and her children, Richard and Bailee. Also left are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
The family received friends at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Funeral services will be at Smyrna Baptist Church on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Josh Green officiating. Interment will follow at Long Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local humane society.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Sharon Snodgrass
Mrs. Sharon Louise Snodgrass of Lawtey passed away on Sunday Feb. 18, 2024, at the age of 75 at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny. She was born Oct. 19, 1948, in Elkhart, Indiana. She married her husband, John, on Aug. 23,1971. She was the wife of a Navy man, and she was honored with the Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Navy. She was a stay-at- home mom who loved her children dearly. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to the senior center in Keystone Heights to be with her friends and have picnics at the park with her husband, John. She was predeceased by both her parents, Joe and Maxine Koeppel; and her brother, Joey.
She leaves behind her husband, John; four children, Kevin, Kari, Tracy and John Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Carter, Carloni and Eli: three brothers, Steve, Barry and Tom: and three sisters, Barb, Chris and Becky.
A funeral service to honor her life was held, Friday, Feb. 23, in the Chapel of Guerry Funeral Home with Wayne Spatland officiating. Visitation and gathering with the family were held one hour prior to the services.
Guerry Funeral Home, U.S. 90 E., Macclenny was entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Please visit www.guerryfuneralhome.net to leave condolences for the family.
PAID OBITUARY
Glen M. Starnes
Glen Milton Starnes, 83, of Melrose, died suddenly at his home on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tom Farmer officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
James Strong
Mr. James Charles Strong, 71, born on Dec. 16, 1952, transitioned on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at his residence in Lawtey. A lifelong resident of Bradford County, he was a graduate of Bradford High School and graduated from college, earning a bachelor’s degree. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Lawtey. He retired from SMI Joist Steel Mill.
He leaves to cherish memories, his wife, Zinner M. Strong; daughter, Yolanda Strong Jackson; sons, James A. Strong, Charles Strong and Andre Hall; brothers, Edward Strong, Billy Demps, Henry Strong and Lugene Strong; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and sorrowing friends,
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the True Vine Outreach Ministries Church with Associate Pastor Edward L. Hamiliton, eulogist. Interment will be held at Peetsville Cemetery, Lawtey, under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, from 4 pm. until 6 p.m. at the Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel/Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke 32091. 904- 964-7905.
PAID OBITUARY
Kristin Sutton
Kristin Margaret Sutton, 64, of Starke died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at her residence.
Survivors are her children, John Sutton, Jennifer (Shayne) Griffis, Lillian (Mark) Kimbrell, Cason (Melissa) Benham and Sebastian (Nicole) Benham; and other family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, March 6, at 3 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. A private interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
David Wainwright
David Norris Wainwright, 74, a lifelong resident of Starke, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at his home following an extended illness. He was born Jan. 15, 1950, to the late Norris C. and Geneva (Lane) Wainwright. While serving in the United States Army, he received his degree in nursing and retired from the Department of Corrections as a registered nurse. He was of the Baptist Faith and very artistic in the way of photography and drawings. Being outdoors fishing on the lake or just taking walks on the beach were also things he enjoyed doing, but spending time with family and friends were the times he cherished most.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 38 years, Jacqueline (Oliver) Wainwright of Starke; children, Kristopher David Wainwright of Ft. White and Stephanie Nicole (John) Brabson of Jacksonville; and a sister, Sharon Wainwright Carter of Starke. He was lovingly called “Granddaddy” by five grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; along with one great-grandson on the way. Also left behind are aunts, uncles, a host of cousins and numerous friends that will miss him dearly.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel beginning at 1:30 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steve Conner officiating. If you would like, you can send flowers or make a memorial donation to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
