Gentry Cooksey
Gentry O’Neill Cooksey, 18, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was born on June 30, 2004, to Scott and Jaime (Hinman) Cooksey in Gainesville. After he graduated from Liberty Christian Academy last year, he began his study at Liberty University in pursuit of a degree in psychology, with the intent to practice family counseling.
He was a member of the Praise Team and Concert Choir and played several instruments in the jazz, commercial, and marching bands at LCA. He also participated in wrestling and theater while in high school, but was especially proud to be a member of LCA’s Croquet Club during its inaugural year. He enjoyed playing music and working out. He had a huge heart for children and couldn’t wait to be a dad one day.
He is survived by his parents; twin brother, Easton; sister, Alaina; paternal grandparents, Mark and Bonnie Cooksey; maternal grandparents, Michael and Connie Hinman; maternal great-grandmother Beatrice Creamer; four sets of uncles and aunts, Matthew (Heather) Griffith, J.J. (Alicia) Etheridge, Josh (Jessica) Henry, and Quintin (Brittany) Zuber; cousins, Dustin (Brooklyn), Lexie, Aeden, Lochlan, Kylie Rae, and Kamryn; and his girlfriend, Rachel Harvey.
Services will be held at his church, The Hope Company in Lynchburg, Virginia on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2 p.m. Those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider The Hope Company, 742 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 and Liberty Christian Academy Band, 3701 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502. Plants/flowers will be received by Heritage Funeral Services.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434-239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Davis
Betty Jean Davis, 90, a lifelong resident of Graham, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on Sept. 23, 1932, in Graham, to the late Carl and Ida Jones. She was the beloved wife of the late Basil Davis, whom she was married to for 70 years. She retired from the state of Florida as a human-services worker following 30 years of employment. She was a Christian and enjoyed attending her church. She was very involved in her grandchildren’s many activities as well as just spending time with each of them. In addition to her parents and husband, preceding her in death was a brother, Leslie Jones; sisters, Irma Langford and Wilma McKinney; and a son-in-law, Woody Mason.
She will be missed by her children, Jean (Jim) Kendrick and Kay Mason of Graham, and Harold (Ruth) Davis of Brooker; grandsons, Brian and Justin Kendrick, Eric and Ryan Mason, and Wayne and Jason Davis; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, June 27, at Jones Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. Burial followed in Rock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery of Brooker.
PAID OBITUARY
Charles Dobbs
Charles Burton Dobbs, 81, of Lawtey, died Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon C. Dobbs; and son, Charles Daniel Dobbs.
He is survived by his daughter, Melinda (Bill) Gatlin of Lawtey; four sisters; two brothers; and numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091.
Kenneth Garrison
Kenneth Wayne Garrison, 75, of Starke gained his heavenly wings on Monday, June 19, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Starke to parents Loys and Theresa Garrison on March 31, 1948. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville in 1966. He lived most of his life in Jacksonville and Keystone Heights. He was well known in the construction industry as one of the best construction superintendents. Construction ran deep in the Garrison family. He continued following in his daddy’s footsteps, which paved the way to Kenny’s successful career. He worked 28 years at The Haskell Company and was co-owner with his son of G & G Excavation and Construction for 10 years. There was nothing he couldn’t build. He retired from the construction industry in 2010. He loved the water and boats. He was an avid boat racer back in the day and won a slew of races. He had the “ultimate” boat mechanic, his dad, known as “Pop,” and everyone knew when Kenny came to race, he meant business. He loved water skiing, fishing and just being on the water. He had a gentle demeanor and loved his family to his core. He had a love of all animals, but dogs were his heart and soul. His dogs, Maggie and Maddie, were his true comfort and companions to the end. He lived out his retirement years in Starke, his home roots. Family heritage is where Kenny found peace. One June 19h, he saw the waving, checkered flag and won the final, ultimate race of his life into the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loys and Theresa Garrison.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tina Hammer Garrison; brother, Michael (Linda) Garrison; sons, Gregory (Carol) Garrison, Michael (Joanne) Chapman, Jason (Tiffany) Ivan; daughters, Tammy Garrison (Jerry) Smith, Brittney Ivan (Brandon); 12 grandchildren, Erica, Whitney, Brandon, Ciara, Zach, Skyler, Ciley, Cidney, Ethan, Gabriella, Amelia and Bonnie; and seven great- grandchildren, Kynleigh, Kamby, Kaleb, Emilia, David, James and Cooper.
This tribute was prepared by the family of Mr. Kenneth Garrison.
A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, June 23, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice of Gainesville.
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
Luke Lawhorne
Our Angel and Warrior. Luke Franklin Lawhorne, 3, of St. Augustine passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with his loving family surrounding his bedside. He was born on Feb. 6, 2020, in Gainesville to Christopher and Courtney Lawhorne. He loved playing baseball and football around the house with his older brother, William. He also enjoyed dancing and playing hide and seek with his sister, Ellie. He was an inspiration to everyone he encountered. Despite his rough days, he could always brighten your day with a high-five and the love he radiated. He possessed a certain confidence and compassion that you don’t normally see in a 3-year-old. He continuously displayed the character of a warrior as he fought multiple conditions and treatments that ultimately took his life.
He is survived by his parents, Christopher and Courtney Lawhorne; brother, William, sister, Ellie: great-grandparents, Michael and Sherry Ruszkowski; grandparents, David and Mary Anne Lawhorne; grandmother, Lisa Baker; and grandfather, Greg Callaway.
Luke will be remembered by his contagious smile, adorable laugh, huge heart, zealous high-fives, avid dance parties, and courageous attitude.
His memorial was held Thursday, May 25th in St. Augustine.
PAID OBITUARY
Norma Martin
Mrs. Norma Jean Martin, 88, of Starke passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Starke. She was born March 19, 1935, in Florida to the late Henry and Margaret (Pashia) Morrison and graduated from Leesburg High School. After moving to Starke, she began her 44-year career with Community State Bank, starting out as a teller and retiring in the customer- service department. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Starke. She enjoyed collectible angels and making crafts of all types, especially southwest pottery. She also enjoyed making crafts for the media department at Starke Elementary School and loved taking time with her cactus garden.
She leaves behind a son, Doug (Eileen) Martin of Starke; a sister, Shirley (Donnie) Bagwell of Starke; and a brother, George (Cricket) Morrison of Leesburg; along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Also left behind is her favorite four-legged friend, Frazier.
The Martin family would like to acknowledge Joe Gallagher, Kelli Moreland, Laura Crews, Steve Futch and staff at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home; Riverwood Nursing Home employees and staff; along with Shands Hospital and Haven Hospice for the special care and extra help they had given the family during this time.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 30, at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Starke. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona Street, Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Miller
Mary Reagan Miller, 77, of Starke, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Memorial services will take place on Monday, July 3, at 1 p.m., at the Jones Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 Nona St., Starke, 32091.
Lynell Oliver
Mrs. Jeffy Lynell Dodd Oliver, 85, of Starke passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. She was born on March 24, 1938, in Lexington, Mississippi. She was a graduate of Bradford High School and a graduate of Santa Fe College nursing school. She worked for Alachua General Hospital for many years as a charge nurse, patient care coordinator and director of ER and flight services. She later transferred to the Starke hospital, where she served as their director of nursing. She and her late husband, Walter, then attended the Mayflower truck-driving school and traveled the US as they moved their family cross-country. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter B. Oliver III; her father, William J. Dodd Jr.; mother, Beatrice Dodd; and her brother, William O. (Billy) Dodd.
Survivors include daughters, Brenda (Victor) Griffis of Starke, Susan (James) Harris of Old Town, Kimberly (Michael) Jackson of Raiford; sister, Mary Priest of Jacksonville; brother, Robert (Annie) Dodd of Graham; eight grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 27, at Madison Street Baptist Church with Pastor Chase Harris (grandson) officiating. A private burial will take place at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091.
PAID OBITUARY
Hazel Rowe
Hazel Marie Rowe, 94, of Starke, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 7, 1929, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late John Smart and Mattie Hartley Smart. She was raised in Lawtey and Starke and has been a lifelong resident of Bradford County. Early in life, she worked on her family farm. In the late 1940s, she met her best friend, Trubie N. Rowe, and they were happily married on March 1, 1947. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to her four children. She enjoyed being a homemaker, tending to her family, cooking for everyone, and cleaning fish when Trubie brought them home. She was most passionate about her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 44 years, Trubie Rowe; her children, Roger Rowe, Freddie Rowe, and Margie Gunter; four brothers; five sisters; and her son-in-law, Luther L. Cadle.
She is survived by her children Linda Kay Cadle of Starke; grandchildren, Becky (Curtis), Marty (Susan), Marley (Sherry), James, Luther (Brandy), Diane (Steve), Brandon, Roger, Karen, Sharee, Johnny and Jason; great- grandchildren, Lauren, Brandon, Kaylee, Bryce, Krista, Bryson, Payton, Wesley, Justin, Emmett, Christopher, James, Courtney, Joshua and Elijah; great-great- grandchildren, Chase, Emerlyn, McKenzi, and Josiah; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 30, at 3 p.m. pm at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Kris Elkins officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour prior 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
