Marycille Bennett
Marycille Darley Bennett, 90, of Lawtey died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Haven Hospice in Palatka.
Survivors are her daughter, Nancy (Billy) Waldrop of Lawtey; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
No services were held. Private burial was at Long Branch Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
James Dowen
James “Jim” R. Dowen, 81, of Starke passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke. He was born on April 15, 1941, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late James H. and Lorraine Nagle Dowen. He started his career in 1962 with General Motors, where he had numerous job titles. He retired in 1992 after serving 30 years with the company. He loved taking things apart and putting them back together to see just how they would work. He and his family later relocated to Michigan, where he met and married the love of his life, Linda Mae Joy Dowen. They moved to Florida in 1999, where they made their forever home and shared 26 beautiful years together. He loved working with his hands and was a jack of all trades. In his early years, he would make furniture, signs, and even custom jewelry-a true “craftsman.” He was known by many as “Sheriff Jim,” and he was loved by all who knew him. He was a very kindhearted and all-around good man. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, listening to music, and spending time with his wife and friends. He was preceeded in death by his parents; and son, Jeff Dowen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Mae Dowen of Starke;
son, Brian Dowen; and brother, Thomas Dowen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements are 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
Derek Penrod Sr.
Derek Duane Penrod Sr., 46, of Keystone Heights, died on Feb. 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father.
He is survived by his children, Isaac Penrod, Claryssa Penrod Desirae Penrod, and Aliah Penrod all of Sacramento, California, Ezekiel Penrod of Vermont, and Derek Penrod Jr. of Keystone Heights; a brother and sister, both of California; his fiancee, Rosie Nerio; and many friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Friday, Feb. 24, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke 904-964-5757.
Dorothy Starling
Dorothy Eloise Starling (Jones), 83, of Starke went to her Heavenly home on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Starke on Aug. 15, 1939, to the late Rev. Alton and Nita K. “Gal” Kelly Dobbs. She was a lifelong resident of Bradford County, where she attended Bradford High School. She met and married the love of her life, James Starling, on July 22, 1955, and together the two shared 29 beautiful year. She was passionate about her career and was a hard-working woman who was a successful owner and operator of Bullington’s Jewelry and Gift Shop. After 12 years, she retired and started her new career as an insurance agent for Liberty National Insurance Company. She was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church of Starke, where she enjoyed worshiping and praising her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was very musically gifted and loved playing piano, organ, and her accordion. She enjoyed crocheting and loved spending time with her sweet family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her loving husband, Reverend James Starling.
She is survived by her loving children, Jimmy (Sandra) Starling, Janna (John) Samons and Julie (Robert) Martin; grandchildren, Jennifer (A.J.) Hart, Cody Samons, Brennan (Morgan) Starling, Dayshawn Samons, Cayden Martin and Kaleb Martin; great-grandchildren, Darby Starling, Lyla Starling, and Easton Hart; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, March 1, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Donnie Lott and Pastor Charles Starling officiating. A private interment will be held at Crosby Lake 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
Robert Swanson Jr.
Robert Michael “Mike” Swanson Jr., 50, of Brooker passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Jan. 22, 1973, in Jacksonville and was a lifelong area resident. He was of the Baptist faith and served in the Florida National Guard for eight years. He has been employed with the Florida Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer and instructor for 30 years, currently working at Columbia Correctional. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He loved to deer hunt and bow fish. He was one of the best blood trailers around and was amazing with a bow. He traveled to several states enjoying what he loved to do. He was a teacher in all things and loved sharing his knowledge with his kids and family. He loved his family more than life itself, with a last wish that they take care of one another. He was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Sue (Wilkes) Swanson.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Thomas) Swanson of Brooker; children, Cody Swanson of Lake City, Ciera (Elijah) Arndt of Live Oak, Cade Swanson of Lake City, Kameron Forsyth of Tallahassee; father, Robert Michael “Bobby” Swanson Sr. of Starke; and sister, Jennifer Davis of Starke. Also left are his grandchildren, Debbie and Evelyn Swanson; nephews, Jacob, Joshua, and Jonathan Boulris.
The family will receive friends at the Dewitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Saturday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a celebration of life service beginning at noon. Mr. Shawn Swain and Mr. Rodney Cayton will officiate.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
