Marian L. Bright
Marian L. Bright, 81 of Lawtey, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Middleburg. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church in Lawtey. She retired from the Bradford County School District and the Gaskin County District. She served as president of the Activity Board at the Middleburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Home Facility.
She leaves cherished memories to her sons, Lyndell Bright, Rudolph Bright, Essau Bright and Don O. Bright; daughters, Janecia Bright Perry and Turosia Evette Bright; sisters, Millie Forehand and Florence Monroe; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Peetsville Cemetery with Pastor James Rackley, eulogist, conducting the services. Interment will be held at Peetsville Cemetery under the direction of Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 Oak St., Starke, 32091 904-964-7905. Viewing for friends will be held on Friday, June 28, at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church, Lawtey, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The cortege will form Saturday, June 29 at Eagle Park, 21300 N.E. 14th Ave., Lawtey 32058 at 9:30 a.m. The repast will be held immediately following the services at Eagle Park.
PAID OBITUARY
Fredrick Graves
Fredrick Hughes Graves, age 82, passed away at his home in Lake City on Sunday, June 23, 2024. He was born on Dec. 18, 1941, in Miami to the late Clinton and Minnie Riner Graves. He grew up in Key West and, after graduation, joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served for four years. During his remarkable career, spanning 38 years in law enforcement, he served as a state investigator with the Department of Agriculture, a Florida Highway Patrol officer, and a Columbia County Ag Enforcement officer. His unwavering commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Beyond his professional endeavors, he had a passion for the rodeo. His weekends were spent showcasing his talent for roping and being a cowboy. However, his greatest source of happiness came from spending quality time with his beloved grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will be cherished forever. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Catherine Carolyn Graves; son, Marc (Lynna) Graves; daughter, Catherine (James) McDaniel; stepson, Mac A. (Cindy) Douglas, Jr.; granddaughters, Tabitha Sutton, Shena Roberts, Chelsey (Lane) Whitehead, Tiffany Lee McDaniel, Jamie Lee McDaniel, and Ashley (Kenneth) Cox; grandsons, Richard (Nicole) Knight Jr., Erick Knight, and Cody (Chelsea) Douglas; as well as many great-grandchildren who were the light of his life.
A visitation will be held at Old Providence Baptist Church on Friday, June 28, beginning at 10 a.m. and followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service with military and law enforcement honors at Dekle Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol. Pastor Tim Stout will officiate the services.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Fred Graves. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Ruth Mae Griffis
Ruth Mae Griffis, 83, of Starke, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Lawtey on Sept. 28, 1940, to the late Harry Wilkerson and Nolia Padgett Wilkerson. She was raised in Lawtey and attended Lawtey Church of God early in life. After completing school, Ruth began working in a garment factory until becoming a mother. Her most cherished role was being a mom and caregiver, dedicating several years to raising her daughters. Once her daughters were grown, she embarked on a new chapter, spending nearly 30 years as a manager at the Handiway, which later became the Kangaroo and then Circle K. In this role, she found joy and fulfillment in leading her team, assisting customers, and connecting with members of her community. Her warm smile and kind heart made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, caring and giving nature are qualities that touched the lives of all who knew her. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Debra (Herman) Schoening of Lawtey and Janet Cunningham (Daniel Sadler) of Starke; sister, Mary (Gene) Taylor of Lawtey; grandchildren, Brittni (Jon) Holcomb, Kasey Sadler, Amanda Box, Thomas Box, Kristy Schoening, and Matt (Toni) Schoening; great-grandchildren, Haden, Violet, J.R., Silas, Chloe, Devyn, Jaryn, Ireland, Londyn, Peyton, Marley, Hugo, Hendrix, Kaliyah, and Kensley; along with many extended family members and friends.
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
Phillip Jones
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the world lost a talented musician as Phillip Jones bid farewell after a sudden illness at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. Born on March 17, 1960, in Piedmont, Alabama he spent the majority of his life in Starke. After graduating from Bradford County High School, he dedicated 30 years of his life to serving honorably at the Department of Corrections until his retirement in 2010 with the rank of sergeant. His commitment to duty and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on all who crossed paths with him during his esteemed career. However, it was music where his true talents shone brightly. An accomplished musician, Phil’s mastery extended to various instruments such as the guitar, banjo, pedal-steel guitar, and piano. He also showcased his lyrical prowess as a songwriter and vocalist, leaving a musical footprint that resonated even in Nashville. Aside from music, he always made time to sit by the lake in the evening to cast out his line hoping for a bite and cheering on Alabama football – Roll Tide! He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Jones; mother and stepfather, Faye and Hubert Cooper; and sister-in-law, Glenda Jones.
He leaves behind a grieving yet grateful family. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Jones of Lake Butler; daughters, Tiffani Jones of Keystone Heights and Danielle Parker of Fayetteville, North Carolina; stepsons, Donny (Barbara) Clyatt and Garrett (Ashley) Williams, both of Lake Butler; cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Lane, Justin, Sophie, Mason, Cade, Holton, Cruz; and soon-to-arrive, Baby Williams; great-granddaughters, Penelope and Eloise; brother, Paul Jones of Starke; sister, Laura (Charles) Kemp of West Virginia; and a host of friends.
A visitation and funeral were held on Sunday, June 23, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, located at 55 N. Lake Ave. in Lake Butler. This was a time of celebration and music. The family requested that everyone dress casual and wear red, his favorite color.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Phillip Jones. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Susan C. Pickren
Susan Campbell Pickren, 60, of Starke, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel after a short illness. She was born on June 27, 1963, in Jacksonville, to the late George and Shirley Abbett Campbell. She was a dedicated homemaker who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for trips to the mountains, where she found peace and serenity. In her kitchen, she created culinary delights that brought her family together. Her greatest happiness came from spending quality time with her loved ones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Pickren; her sister, Deborah Walden; and her grandparents, Carter and Mary Lou Abbett.
She is survived by her daughters, Carrie (Kyle) Robinson of Wesley Chapel and Dana (Alex) Lopez of Jacksonville; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Alexander, Dillon, and Logan Lopez, and Brennan and Colton Robinson. She is also survived by her sister, Sherry Elmer; and nieces and nephews, Kelly (Chance) Johnson, Nicole (Randy) Simmons, Chris (Danielle) Elmer, and Adam (Sandy) Elmer.
A graveside service to celebrate her life was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Crosby Lake Cemetery in Starke.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Susan Pickren. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Donald Thornton Jr.
Donald “Don” Wayne Thornton Jr., 41, of Kingsley Lake passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Dec. 20, 1982, in Jacksonville. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke and, prior to his declining health, worked as a construction manager. He loved his family, Kingsley Lake, the Florida Gators, cooking, and listening to music. He graduated from Bradford High School, Santa Fe College, and Colorado Tech University. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Frow and Beth Strickland; and his paternal grandparents, Ellis and Natalie Thornton.
He is survived by his daughter, Kingsley Marie Thornton; his son, Donald Wayne Thornton III; his parents, Donald Wayne Thornton Sr. and Elaine Thornton; sisters, Donna (Reid) Hix and Janna Thornton. Also left are his nephews, Jordan Hix and Kyle Hix; niece, Lauren Hix; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones Gallagher Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville 32257.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Irving Young
Irving Taylor Young, 88, of Starke died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his residence. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene (Miller) Young; sons, Irving and Randall Young; as well as siblings, Walter Young and George Young.
Survivors are his daughter, Rebecca Barber of Lawtey; six grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren, and two great-great- grandchildren.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
