Johanne Artman
Johanne Irene Sheboy Artman, 81, born Oct. 4, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023 at her home in Starke with Marvin Wayne Artman, her husband of 59 years, by her side. She was a disabled veteran, having served in the US Air Force. She met her husband while serving in the Air Force and they married on June 30, 1964, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. She earned her Ph.D. at BYU and was a professor of chemistry at Del Mar Community College for 16 years. She was a fantastic example of perseverance, kindness, mental strength, and drive. She loved adventure and learning. She loved nature – scuba diving, kayaking, white-water rafting, gardening, and watching the birds. She was a great humanitarian. A strong woman of courage and integrity. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she worked with youth and women, and as a missionary working with Cambodian refugees. She will be remembered as a tough and tireless advocate for the Red Cross, where she volunteered as a disaster damage assessment team member and supervisor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Ferdinand Sheboy and Edith May Jackson; her siblings, Frances Sheboy Jr. and Edith Sheboy Finley; and some nieces and nephews.
Her memorial will be Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Starke. Her internment at Jacksonville National Cemetery will be on her wedding anniversary, June 30, at 10 a.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Robert Blount
Robert Shelley Blount III passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, after a short illness. He was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1946 at the leading edge of the “Baby Boom” to Robert S. Blount Jr. and Margaret Lorraine Blount (nee Miller). The family lived in Jackson, Tennessee, Birmingham and Little Rock before alighting in Clarksdale, Mississippi when he was 10. There he acquired a lifelong affection for cane syrup, barbecue and music. Performing on contrabass clarinet with the high school band gave him a classical foundation, but, living in a house just 7 miles from the Crossroads where Highways 49 and 61 intersect, it was the Delta Blues that became his passion. Cruising the backroads of the Delta on his Cushman Super Eagle motorcycle brought him into close contact with the culture and he marinated happily in the sounds of Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and John Hurt, eventually convincing his mother to trade in a few books of her prized Green Stamps for a Kay six-string guitar. Two years of engineering school at Mississippi State convinced him that he did not want to be an engineer, and the family’s fortuitous move to Florida in 1964 gave him the opening he was looking for. Unbeknownst to his parents, he dropped calculus and chemistry and enrolled in art classes. After spending most of the subsequent summer ‘splaining himself to them, he transferred to the University of Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Design degree, becoming a sought-after printmaker and lithographer. It was at UF that he met Andi and they married in 1968. He formed the Backwater Blues Band with brothers Don and Steve, and they became regulars, performing at university events and venues around Gainesville. Soon after graduation, he embarked on a career in museums, becoming the chief exhibits designer for the Florida State Museum in Gainesville. He pioneered immersive exhibits, building a walk-through replica of a typical Florida solution cave and the interior of a Maya temple. For the latter he brought a team of Mayan artists from Mexico to complete the elaborate interior paintings. He documented one of the museum’s digs in Mexico with photographs that were published in National Geographic. Over the course of a long career, he earned a master’s degree in history from FSU and his book about turpentine production in the south, Spirits of Turpentine, is still the definitive study of naval stores production, once Florida’s largest industry. He was the first director of the Florida Agricultural Museum in Tallahassee. He was later the museum director of The House of Refuge and Elliott Museum in South Florida. His last museum position was as director of Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. At the Mission, he oversaw the expansive living history campus, which tells the story of Spanish settlements in West Florida. He launched and directed The Georgia Music Hall of Fame inception, design and artifact collection through operation. As museum director, he oversaw the completion of the Tampa Bay History Center and Virginia Key Beach ecoseum. He also consulted for the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, the National Music Center of Canada, the Big House Foundation and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The music museums were a particular passion, and they gave him the opportunity to meet and interview many music legends, including Little Richard and Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones). He not only played music and curated music museums, but he also promoted music and musicians. During his long affiliation with Charles Steadham at the Blade Agency, he photographed and designed album covers and promotional material for artists, including Mike Cross, the Peyton Brothers and Gamble Rogers. Retiring to Keystone Heights in 2016, he devoted his time to land conservation and playing music. An accomplished bassist, he performed numerous times at the Florida Folk Festival with the Picolata Strings and, more recently, the Cajun group Gumbo Limbo. He formerly served as the executive director of the Putnam Land Conservancy and was a member of its board of directors at the time of his death. In retirement, he and Andi spent time canoeing and traveled to visit friends, to birdwatch and enjoy nature. He often fished with friends, and he encouraged Andi to continue her careers in journalism and libraries. In 2019, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Yellowstone National Park. While at home in Keystone Heights, they promoted conservation causes, environmental awareness and community activism. He is remembered by friends and family for his generosity and diverse talents, but also for his quick wit and quirky sense of humor. He often closed conversations saying, “We’ll talk soon. Until then, hang by your thumbs and write if you find work.”
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Andi (nee Hardy); his brothers, Don (Vicky) and Steve (Andrea); and two nephews, Austin (Leigha) and Chandler.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Glenn Barrick
Glenn Eugene Barrick, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania. After school he proudly joined the United States Marines. He worked as an airplane mechanic and traveled all over the country pursuing his career. He finally settled in Lake Butler in the 1960s and began his career with Aero Corporation in Lake City until retiring. He then opened his own auto repair shop. He was a hardworking man and, along with tinkering on engines, he also enjoyed woodworking. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years, Ruth Arlene Barrick; and sons, Timothy and Carl Barrick.
He is survived by his wife, Toni Barrick of Lake Butler; his children, Sandra (Matt) Whetstone of Oklahom, Richard (Terry) Barrick of Raiford, Mark (Theresa) Barrick of Arizona, Gwen Dyal of Lake City, Doug Barrick of Lake Butler, and Daniel Barrick of Lake Butler; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A service to honor his life will be held on Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8. Both services will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at Dekle Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Donovan
Mary Christine Donovan of Keystone Heights died Friday, June 2, 2023. She was born in Folkston, Georgia to Ada and Delmar Petty. She was raised in northern Florida by her adoptive parents, Hall and Eleanor Casterline. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Ada (nee Nettles) Petty; parents, Hall and Eleanor Casterline; husband, Joseph Outlaw; and mother and father-in-law, Virginia and Richard Donovan.
A celebration in her honor will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Keystone Heights Chapel of the Jones Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Glennis Jones
Mrs. Glennis Sirmon Jones passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City at the tender age of 93. She was born April 3, 1930, to the late Glenn and Mary Alice Parker Sirmon in McKenzie, Alabama. Her childhood was spent in Bonifay. In 1951, she married William “W.K.” Jones and they spent 52 wonderful years together until his passing. They traveled with the military but settled back in Raiford for the past 20 years. As the greatest example of a grandmother, she never met a child she didn’t love. She was everyone’s “Meemaw.” She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, William “W.K.” Jones.
She is survived by her children, Mary Roche of Chipley, Randy (Judy) Jones of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Steven (Teresa) Jones of Calhoun, Georgia, Mark (Donna) Jones of Freeport, and Donald (Nita) Jones of Raiford; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sisters, Annette Williams of Navarre and Joyce Leavins of Bonifay.
A graveside service was held at Sapp Cemetery, on Saturday, May 6. The service was officiated by Brother Albert Starling. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice Donate Now at beyourhaven.org.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer- Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Clarence King
Mr. Clarence “Gene” King, 77, of Lawtey, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his home in Hendersonville, North Carolina after a brief illness. He was born Feb. 24, 1946, in Lawtey to L.C. and Doris Griffis King of Lawtey. He grew up in Lawtey and graduated from Bradford High School. He was known to many as
“Bozy.” After high school, he joined the US Marine Corps. Later he briefly worked for the Starke Police Department before making long distance truck driving his lifelong career. He loved being outdoors, fishing and riding his Harley. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He rarely met a stranger and was a friend to many. He had a smile that lit up the room and a huge heart. He will be missed dearly. He leaves us with many memories, laughs and stories to tell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd C. King and Doris Griffis King of Lawtey; his brothers, Paul King of Starke, Larry King of Palatka, and Troy King of Palatka; and grandson, Robbie Davis of Keystone Heights.
He is survived by his children; Shana (Bruce) Sapp of Lawtey, Brian Stafford of Starke, and Clint King of Starke; his grandchildren, Christopher (Michaela) Johnson of Starke, Garrett (Alexis) Davis of Starke, Dustin (Samantha) Packhamof of Keystone Heights, Kaycee (Ryan) Crawford of Kingsley Lake, Erika Sapp of Starke, and Nolan Sapp of Starke; great-grandchildren, Ryker, Corben, Rylin, Amelia, and Mckenna; his sister, Sandra King of Starke; along with many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 24, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm, 11394 SW 106th Ave., Graham, 32042.
PAID OBITUARY
Sandra Martinez
Sandra M. Martinez, 63, of Starke, passed on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She was in born in New York, New York, and later moved to Starke. She was of the Catholic faith. She attended the local schools in New York, received an associate’s degree in accounting, and was employed with the Arc of Bradford.
She is survived by her daughter, Jenifer Reyes; three sons, Johnathan Jr., Gil Santiago and Andres Martinez; a brother, Confessor Mejias; three grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephew, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Carl D. Haile Memorial Chapel-Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-7905, under the direction of Haile Funeral Home, Inc. The cortège will form at Haile Funeral Home Inc. at 10:55 a.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Landa Meng
Landa Joyce Meng, 67, of Starke passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at E. T. York Care Center. She was born on Jan. 28, 1956, in Gainesville, to the late Vernie Thornton and Gwendolyn McRae Thornton. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She was a faithful and active member of Pine Level Baptist Church, where she loved playing the organ and piano.
She is survived by her loving husband, Christopher Meng; son, Clayton (Jennifer) Meng; daughter, Emilie (Steven) Yeauger; mother, Gwendolyn Thornton; sisters, Tia (Guy) Colombo and Crystal (Nasser) Kadkhodaie; and stepdaughter, Amanda (Tom) Rewis.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 5, at Pine Level Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Ogle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Pine Level Baptist Church, 7844 SR 100 W, Starke, 32091, or ET York Care Center, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, 32606.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Ira Prevatt
Ira Allen Prevatt, 60, of Starke died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at University of Florida/Shands in Gainesville. He was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lisa Jean Buckles Prevatt; father, Benny Boyd Prevatt; and nephew, Thomas Prevatt.
He is survived by his mother, Judith G. Hardenbrook; brother; Tommy (Betty) Hardenbrook; sister, April Prevatt; two nieces; and one nephew.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, June 7, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Leon Shadd
Leon Shadd, of Lake Butler, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born on Oct. 4, 1932, in Raiford, to his loving parents, David Daniel Shadd and Annie Mae Griffis Shadd. He was a dedicated member of the US Air Force, serving his country for 23 years, and retired as a Master Sergeant.
He joined Gilman Building Products, where he worked for many years until his retirement. He was known as a hardworking and dedicated employee who earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time farming and being with his family and friends. He was an active member of the American Legion and passionately supported their mission to assist veterans and their families. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed raising quail and growing a garden for his family, which he did until a week ago. He held many titles in his lifetime, but his greatest joy was being “Papa.” He loved his family relentlessly and made sure they knew it. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Daniel Shadd and Annie Mae Griffis Shadd; his faithful wives, Patsy Carol Bancroft Shadd and Florene Rosier Shadd; brothers, D.L. Shadd and Leeman Shadd; and sister, Dorothy Shadd.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary Annette Shadd (Clayton) Parrish; stepson, Donald (Linda) Rosier; grandchildren, Clay Clark (BobbieLynn Sears), Ashley Carol Jackson, Linsey (Anthony) Androlevich, Donnie (Brittany) Rosier, Shannon Rosier, and Crystal Rosier; great-grandchildren, Ayden Androlevich, Weston Leon Androlevich, Kate Androlevich, Layla Alexander, Nylah Jackson, Aria Jackson, Stella Jackson, Addisyn Rosier, and Bentley Werkheiser; brothers, John L. Shadd and Leslie Shadd; sister, Wanda Shadd Barber; along with many other loving family members and friends.
A visitation service was held on June 5 at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. His funeral service was held on June 6 at New River New Congregational Methodist Church in Raiford. A burial service followed at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church. Services were officiated by Brother Randall A. Griffis Sr.
His kind heart, dedication to his country and community, and unwavering commitment to his family will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
PAID OBITUARY
