Denise Arnold
MELROSE Denise V. Arnold, 62, of Melrose, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. She was born in Rockville Centre, New York on May 4, 1959.
There are no services being held at this time.
Bonnie Benckowsky
STARKE Bonnie Wilson Benckowsky, 66, a lifelong resident of Starke, passed away at her home Thursday, March 10, 2022, following a five-year battle with cancer. She was born in Lake Butler on April 3, 1955, to Carl and Catherine (Silcox) Wilson. Prior to retirement, she was employed with the Bradford County School system as a bus driver for over 20 years. She also had her C.N.A., C.D.L., and cosmetologist license. She enjoyed driving the school bus, cooking, traveling to the mountains, and lighthouses, but, most of all, she loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Marvin Wilson.
Survivors include her devoted and loving husband of 38 years, Stanley Benckowsky of Starke; daughter, Lesley (Kenneth) Norman of Ft. Pierce; siblings, Linda (Robert) Bowen of Riverview, Joe Wilson of Lake Butler, and Chuck (Julie) Wilson of Raiford. She was lovingly called “Memaw” by grandchildren, Garrett Norman of Starke, and Chelsey Rae Norman of Ft. Pierce; and “BonBon” by great-grandchildren, Blake and Addyson, along with nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Monday, March 14 in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with her son in-law, Pastor Kenneth Norman, and nephew, Pastor Stacey Bowen, officiating. Interment followed at Dyal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 2750 McNeil Road, Ft. Pierce, FL 34981.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Mildred Corley
LAWTEY Mildred “Lou” Corley, 78, of Lawtey passed away at her home, Friday, March 11, 2022. She was born Oct. 26, 1943, in Taylor, Alabama to Alford and Rachel (Brookins) Corley. She was a homemaker, waitress, and avid gardener; she loved her plants and playing word games. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, Mike Osborne; her son’s father, Howard David Osborne; and eight siblings.
She is survived by her son, Howard Osborne, and his wife, Kristina of Lawtey; and was lovingly called “Grandma” by Jimmy, Frank, Jesse, Keith, and Erin.
She requested no services but would like for memorial donations to be made to your local humane society.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Cheryl Crews
STARKE Cheryl “Darlene” Crews, 72, of Starke, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at E.T. York Care Center with her loving family by her side. She was born in Mayo on May 8, 1949, to the late Leon Brock and Zelma Ruth Hunt Brock. She was raised in Mayo and Lake Wales. After high school, she married the love of her life, Pete Crews, in 1966. Together they lovingly raised their two sons, Skipper and Richard, in Lake Wales, Middleburg, Lake Butler, and Lawtey until settling in Starke. She was a devoted wife and loving mother who enjoyed tending to her family as a homemaker. In 1990, her sweet love, Pete, passed away. Two years later, she found her loving companion, Ray Crews; they were married and enjoyed over 20 years of marriage. She enjoyed working as a seamstress at the sewing factory in Lake Butler; as well as working on chicken farms for Robert Whitehead and the Saunders family. She loved crafts such as watercolor painting, painting by numbers, cross stitch, and collecting porcelain dolls. She enjoyed bass fishing and loved being outdoors; but her main passion in life was her family, and spending time with them. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husbands, Pete Crews and Ray Crews; brother, Huey Leon Brock; sister, Sharon Green; brother-in-law, John Harris; and sister-in-law, Pam Brock.
She is survived by her loving children, Skipper (Theresa) Crews of Keystone Heights, and Richard (Kelley) Crews of Gainesville; sisters, Regina Ilene (David) Stephens and Isla Jean Harris both of Douglas, Georgia; grandchildren, Richard, Bailee, Kolten, Kodi, Jacob, Joseph (Jessica), Joshua (Katie), Darrell, and Ashlie; eight great- grandchildren; and one great grandson on the way; along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.
A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, March 16, with Pastor Matthew Carlton officiating. Internment followed at Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery in Starke.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Lake Butler Chapel, 435 Main St., Lake Butler. 386-496-1400.
PAID OBITUARY
Raymond Daily
LAWTEY Raymond Ellis Daily, 69, of Lawtey, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2022 at UF Shands Health in Gainesville.
He is survived by his father Dean Daily of Butler, Indiana; wife, Lisa Daily of Lawtey; sister, Barbara (Brian) Eager of Harland, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Billie Gassett
LAKE BUTLER Billie Jean Gassett, 91, of Lake Butler, died Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Starke.
She is survived by her children, John L. (Nancy) Bradley of Jasper, Georgia, Melanie (Mike) Waters of Middleburg, Walter Pate (Carol Kline) Gassett of Keystone Heights, Fawn (Wilford) Allen of Lake Butler, and Camille (Greg) Whitaker of Starke.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757.
John Howard Jr.
John Marcus Howard Jr., 86, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022. He was born Jan. 18, 1936 in Dukes to John Marcus and Blanche Roberts Howard, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Union County High School, then went on to Clemson University, where he graduated in 1959. He retired from the Department of Corrections as the farm manager in Chattahoochee and later the Florida State Prison in Raiford. After retiring from the Department of Corrections, he continued his love of farming on the family farm. He was a faithful member of Harmony Freewill Baptist Church since birth. Besides his parents; he was also preceded in death by his sister, Gere Howard Johns.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Shealy Howard; children, Elizabeth H. (Ray) Howard, J. Paige (Bruce) Nicely, John Marcus Howard III; special great- niece, Michelli B. Mattox; grandchildren, Faron Dukes, Marcus Howard, Jessica Howard, Mario Norris, and Derek Norris; and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church on Saturday, March 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harmony Freewill Baptist Church, 6129 SW County Road 239, Lake Butler, 32054.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Martin
GRAHAM William “Bill” R. Martin, 81, of Graham, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 6, 2022. He proudly served in the United States Air Force after high school. When he completed his time in the military, he began a successful career in sales, which he continued until retirement. He was an active member of Madison Street Baptist church in Starke for many years. He was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Pawlicki; brother, Paul Martin; sons, Christopher Martin, and Paul R Martin; and granddaughter, Hannah Martin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ethlyn Martin; brothers, Phillip (Daryl) Martin, and Alan Martin; granddaughters, Farah (Greg) Swan, and Erica Martin; and four great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Minnie Parrish
LAKE BUTLER Minnie Alice Parrish, 85, of Lake Butler, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. She was born Feb. 23, 1937 to the late Heywood and Loca Waters McLeod and was a lifelong resident of Lake Butler. She was a Pre-K teacher for Lake Butler Elementary until her retirement. She enjoyed trips; especially cruises. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and loving on her grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Daniel Parrish; and son, Robbie Parrish.
She is survived by her children, Gary (Kathy) Parrish of Leesburg, Elaine (Edward) Redding of Lake Butler; Kathy (Walt) Hughs of Texas, Chuck Parrish of Lake Butler, Keith (Wendy) Parrish of Lake Butler, and Kevin (Erica) Parrish of Lake Butler; 17 grandchildren, Misty, Jody, Brady, Jeremy, Brandi, Megan, Owen, Dana, Jackie, J.R., Robbie, Cameron, Clay, Breanna, Stan, Mandi, and Greg; 23 great-grandchildren, Casey, Xander, Sara, Alexis, Erica, Devin, Dylan, Destiny, Jeremy, Nathan, Davis, Haisley, Harper, Jacob, Emily, Kaylie, Jessica, Ryan, Christopherd, Joshua, Taylor, Austin, and Kayden; and two great-great-grandchildren, Eastyn and Maverick; and sister, Melba Nettles.
A graveside service was held at Elzey Chapel Cemetery on Monday, March 14. The service was officiated by Terry Elixson.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Clifton Regar
Clifton Thomas Regar, 68, died Friday, March 11, 2022 after a long bout with cancer. Born April 22, 1953, in Dade City; he was the son of the late James E. Regar and Elouise Allen Regar. He lived with Sidney Keen, widower of his late sister, Verdia Mae Keen. He never met a stranger in his entire life; and he will be missed by many treasured friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James Edward Regar, Robert (Wayne) Regar, Clayton Thomas Regar; half-brother, Billy T. Regar; and half-sister, Charlotte Guyton.
His is survived by a sister, Jimmie Sue (Kay) Smith, of Hueytown, Alabama. There are numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews whom he loved and treasured. Special thanks to his niece, Wendy Keen; and great-niece, Krissy Keen; and others who took loving care of him through his long illness.
Funeral services were held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler on Wednesday, March 16. Internment followed at Douglass Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Tana Sellers
KINGSLEY LAKE Tana Lee Sellers, 78, of Kingsley Lake passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022 at her home. she was born on June 6, 1943 in Morenci, Arizona to the late Clifford W. and Mary L (Shipley) Hord, and moved to Kingsley Lake in 1988. She was a homemaker, and longtime member of the First Christian Church of Starke. She enjoyed music, was an excellent cook and seamstress, but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for the comfort she gave everyone she met.
Survivors are her husband of 48 years, Herbert S. Sellers III, “Herb” of Kingsley Lake; children, Todd A. (Kendall) Sellers of Kingsley Lake, Hope (Mark) Smith of Kingsley Lake, and Therese (Jim) Schurevich of Ocala. Also left are grandchildren, Amanda, Travis, Dustin, Lauren, Katie, Emily, Samuel and Annabelle; along with five great-grandchildren.
Services were held at the First Christian Church of Starke on Wednesday, March 16. Interment followed at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Tom Moore officiating all services.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jones-gallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Julia Stewart
RAIFORD Julia Chambers Stewart, 60, of Raiford passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 10, 2022. She was born Sept. 15, 1961, in Jacksonville to Joyce and Bill Chambers. She graduated from Bradford County High School in 1979 and received receive an AA degree from Santa Fe Community College before transferring to the University of Florida to pursue her law degree when she met the love of her life. They were married on July 26, 1982 in Folkston, Georgia. After staring a family, she began what turned into a 21-year career at Union Correctional Institution, retiring in 2007. She enjoyed her retirement by spending as much time as possible with her husband, children, and, the lights of her life, her grandbabies. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Chambers.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Mitchell Stewart of Raiford; mother, Joyce Chambers of Lake Butler; two brothers, Wayne (Suzanne) Chambers of Cross City and Greg (Marilyn) Chambers of Lake Butler; a sister, Lori Johns of Lake Butler; two daughters, Michelle (Malcom) Lopez of Taft, Texas and Jessy (Jimmy) Crowe of Raiford; nine grandchildren, Jordan, Hayleigh, Xander, Connor, and Ashton Williams, Hayden Rollins, Shyla, Layla, and Leigha Crowe; a bonus grandson Tyrus Cook; dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved fur baby, Alexis.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 18, at the Raiford Community Center. The family will begin receiving friends and loved ones at 5:30 p.m. with the service beginning at 6 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Linda Thompson
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Linda S. Thompson, 65, of Keystone Heights, passed away in Palatka on Saturday, March 12, 2022 following a short illness. She was born Jan. 22, 1957, in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Luciene Smith and Betty (Card) Bethune. She retired as a drug and alcohol counselor before making Keystone Heights her home many years ago. She had been a longtime and very active member of the AmVets Post 86, American Legion Post 202, and V.F.W. in Keystone Heights. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, and being with her family and friends. She had earned her cosmetologist license, and loved hummingbirds. She was known for embracing life and living it to the fullest. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her daughter, Reonna Thompson; brother, Wilburn Smith; and sister, Peggy Lara.
She leaves behind her son, James William Young; daughter, Keisha Michelle Young; siblings, Brenda Rabbitt, Birttie Carter, and Charles Bruce Smith. She was lovingly called “Grandma Linda” by Jewleonna Thompson, Arthur Young, John Holt, Emily Jones, Noah Barnett, Nicholas Suggs, and Kassidy Suggs. Also left behind are numerous nieces; nephews; extended family members; and a marvelous group of close friends that she loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 19, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, Keystone Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to your local AmVets post in her memory.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Heather Withrow
Heather Elizabeth Withrow (Whitlock), 39, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away March 8, 2022, at UF Health in Jacksonville. She was born June 11, 1982, in Jacksonville to William Whitlock and Elizabeth Whitlock. Some of her hobbies included: shopping, being pampered, scrapping (if you know you know), and, as we all know, eating. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She had the biggest heart; she was truly one of a kind. She had a fun-loving spirit; and she was always quick to help others. She had a laugh like no other and was quick to make others laugh at her own clumsiness. Preceding her in death were her sister, Jennifer Whitlock; maternal grandfather, Sherrill Duckworth; maternal grandmother, Evelena Goestenkors; maternal aunt, Brenda; paternal grandfather, William Whitlock Sr; paternal grandmother, Carol Hansell; uncles, Michael Whitlock and Stephen Whitlock; and cousin, Craig Stroble.
She is survived by her parents, William Whitlock Jr. and Elizabeth Whitlock; stepfather, JC Young; grandfather, John Goestenkors; son, Jamie Leonard Jr; daughter, Alayna Leonard; husband, Donald Withrow; maternal aunts, Patricia (Geff) Mathis, Cherrill (Bruce) Hartsfield; maternal uncles, David (Pam) Rogers, John (Christy) Goestenkors Jr.; paternal aunts Karen Stroble, Amy (Dave) Allacy; cousins, Bo, Jessica, Ashley, Amber, Katie, Cody, Michael, Jonathan, Kayla, Ryan, Hope, Jay, Christopher, William, Victoria, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Brandon.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, officiated by Pastor Tim Rose. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Arrangments are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
