Sidney Bass
Sidney “Sid” Bass, 84, of Starke passed away at his home Saturday, March 4, 2023, following an extended illness. He was born June 2, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts to Jacob and Ethyl “Linnick” Bass. He enlisted with the United States Army at the age of 17 and was stationed three years in Hawaii. Prior to retirement. he was a tax advisor for H & R Block. In 2004, he and his wife moved to Starke and began attending the Church of Christ in Melrose, where he became very involved and active. He enjoyed preaching, was an avid Patriots and Florida Gators fan, and he was a member of the American Legion Post #202 in Keystone Heights. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sally.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Jeraldine “Jerry” “O’Leary” Bass of Starke; and their children, Sheriann Purdy, Kathleen (Raymond) Simmons, Cynthia Bass, and David (Tracey) Bass; along with a brother, Lawrence (Lorie) Bass. Also left behind are his grandchildren, P. J., Nick, Erin, Logan, Derick, Britaney, Thomas, Sammy, and David Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Brock, and Kya. Also left behind is his cat, Lucy; and dog, Bubba.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 8, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Gene Morgan officiating. Interment will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Terri Carpenter
Terri Lynne Carpenter, 51, of Starke, left us on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. She was born in Lake Wales on July 16, 1971, to the late William “Bill” Bacon and Sherri Eddings Whitaker. She grew up in Vero Beach and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1989. After brief stays in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina, she moved to Starke in 1998. To many she was known as “Ms. Red” due to her vibrant hair. Others knew her for her love of singing karaoke. Her voice was rich and deep, which was perfect for belting out the country songs she loved. Her laughter, humor and vivaciousness were contagious. She had the ability to crack a joke and set a room at ease. She worked hard and played harder, loved fiercely, and never met a stranger. She was proceeded in death by her stepfather, Jim Rike; and her brother, David Rike.
She is survived by her sons, Samuel “Chase” Baucom of Starke and Timothy “T.J.” Daren Carpenter Jr., of Gainesville; her mother and stepfather, Sherri (Gene) Whitaker of Lawtey; sister and brother-in-law, Marie (Troy) Appling of Starke; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Alicia) Rike of Brooker and Chad (Soledad) Rike of Buford, Georgia. Her delight was taking pictures with her beloved nieces and nephews: Ryan, Ryland, Samantha, Easton, Stella Jo, Davey and Tyler. She will also be missed by dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at Keystone Heights Christian Church, 3528 SE State Road 21, Keystone Heights, 32656, with Pastor Buster Appling officiating. Family and friends will be encouraged to gather after the service to share memories.
PAID OBITUARY
Carolyn Crosby
Carolyn Elixson Crosby, 86, of Worthington Springs, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born Sept. 22, 1936, in Wildwood to Mason and Marie Elixson. She was the only girl among nine brothers. She moved to Worthington Springs as a child and was a lifelong resident of Union County. She was a 1954 graduate of Union County High School and, soon after graduating, married the love of her life, Bobby Crosby. The couple enjoyed 62 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. She worked for the Union County School System for over 30 years in various roles. She was always helping others. It has been said, “If you were sick, had a death, graduated, or had a birthday, you were getting a pie or a homemade apron from Mrs. Carolyn. If you were having a baby, you were getting a baby Bible.” She had a servant’s heart, which was especially true when it came to her family. She was happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Gideons Women’s Auxiliary for over 30 years and a longtime member of Sardis Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Crosby; her parents, and nine brothers.
She is survived by her children, Bobby (Tammy) Crosby of Trenton and Cristi Whitehead of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, John-John (Pam) Whitehead of Lake Butler, Tres (Ashley) Crosby of Branford, Kane (Shelby) Crosby of Trenton, and Lexi Whitehead of Lake Butler; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Kase, John, Jake, Millie Jean, and Briggs; numerous extended family members also survive.
A funeral to honor her life was held on Sunday, March 5, at Sardis Baptist Church. She was laid to rest at Elzy Chapel Cemetery in Worthington Springs.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFueneralHome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Helen Dennis
Helen Harrell Dennis, 99, of Pinson, Alabama, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, in Haven Hospice, Gainesville. She was born Nov. 11, 1923 in Tarrant City, Alabama to the late Floyd Wesley and Bennie Sue Harrell. She grew up in the Birmingham area and had resided for a time in Atlanta, Georgia and Winter Park before settling in Pinson. She was married on Valentine’s Day in 1942 to the late L. C. Dennis, who preceded her in death in 2008 after 66 years of marriage. She was an avid golfer and played her last round of golf at 97! She had been a longtime member of the Center Point United Methodist Church and was currently a member of the Palmerdale United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Bill Brandon, of Keystone Heights; a granddaughter, Sonja Wright of Keystone Heights; a former grandson-in-law Jeff Campbell, of Keystone Heights; a brother-in-law; and five nephews.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, March 4, at the Palmerdale United Methodist Church in Pinson, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial benefiting Haven Hospice in her name at everloved.com/life-of/helen-dennis/. Please visit her memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com. For further inormation, contact Williams-Thomas Downtown, 352-376-7556.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Ellington
Mary Alice Ellington passed away peacefully at her home on March 1, 2023, just one day shy of 92 years of age. She was born in Raiford to the late Mallie and Ona Griffis. She graduated in 1949 at Union County High School. She married the love of her life, Harlis R. Ellington, and became a wife and mother. She drove a bus for Union County Schools, was a seamstress at Lake Butler Apparel, and worked at North Florida Fertilizer throughout her life. She and Harlis later became partners and owners of Ellington Construction. When Harlis passed away in 1990, she became president of the company until her retirement in 2000. She was a member of the Sheriff’s Association, Lake Butler Woman’s Club, ALS Foundation, and a lifetime member of the Union County Riding Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlis R. Ellington; parents, Mallie and Ona Griffis; son, Ricky Ellington; sister, Winnofae Fair; brother, Keith Griffis; her twin brother, Dallas Griffis; son-in-law, Larry Davison and granddaughter-in-law, Shannon Ellington.
She is survived by her daughter, Paulette Davison; daughter-in-law, Melanie Ellington; grandchildren, Jason (Kathryn) Davison, Deidre (Tad) Durrance, Courtnie (Todd) Douglas, Lindsey (Cory) Reddish, Garrett Ellington, and Garth Ellington; granddaughter-in-law, Andrea Davison; great-grandchildren, Kiersten, Colton, Alyssa (AJ), Austin (Sydney), Mackenzie, Savannah, Emily, Keeley, Dylan, Kutter, Cane, Hayden, Tess, Bailee, Maddee, and Cheyenne; great-great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Sawyer, Jack, and Kolter; and a host of extended family and friends.
A service to honor her was held on Monday, March 6, at First Baptist Church Lake Butler. She was laid to rest immediately following the service next to her husband at Dekle Cemetery. Officiants of the services were Brother Mike Norman, Brother Jason Johns, and Brother Franklin Griffis.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Joyce Jones
Joyce Juanita Cothren Jones, 72, of Florahome passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka. She was born in Alma, Georgia on June 14, 1950, to the late Oliver and Juanita Haggard Cothren and relocated to Florahome 40 years ago. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother and, in her spare time, sold Tupperware, and Avon products and had worked for American Greeting Cards. She was most proud of her graduation from Orange Park Beauty Academy. Crafts were a favorite hobby; however, spending time with her loving husband of 53 years, her children and grandchildren were treasured times. She was of the Pentecostal Church of God faith.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Oliver Cothren and Nollie Juanita Haggard Cothren; and one brother, Joseph “J.T.” Tillman Cothren.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Albert Theodore Jones III; children, Keith Lawayne Jones, Kimberly Jones Broward and Albert “Ted” Theodore (Candace) Jones IV; brother, Oliver Denny Qdelis (Denise) Cothren; sister, Jeanette Florence (Glen) Taylor; sister-in-law, Joyce Hagans Cothren; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great- grandchildren.
The family received friends on Friday, March 3, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 4, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka with Reverend Jeff Crawley and Reverend Denny Cothren officiating. Interment followed in Keystone Heights Cemetery. Messages of sympathy may be shared on her online tribute page at www.themastersfuneralhome.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka was in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY
Jacqueline Nicol
Jacqueline M. Nicol (nee Hooks), 84, of Starke, born Sept. 5, 1938, in Collinsville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at St Vincent’s Hospital in Middleburg. She loved to work, whether as a secretary, a school volunteer, in the accounting center at Sears, or serving as a faithful member of First Christian Church in Starke. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved to laugh and make others laugh while making each one feel extra special. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton H. and Mary E. (nee Lea) Hooks; four brothers, Robert H., Dale, Clifton F. and John L. Hooks; and four sisters, Mary Zimmer, Genea Dugger, Betty Dix and Katie Hobbs.
She is survived by her husband, Bill, of 61 years; two sons, Bill (Susan) Nicol Jr., of Richmond, Virginia and Bob (Teresa) Nicol of Starke; one sister, Billie Jean (Tom) Allan of Maryland; six grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and an incredible group of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, 507 W. Call St., Starke, 32091 on Friday, March 24, at 4 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
James Sanders
James Luther Sanders, 39, of Starke, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. He was born in Lake City on Feb. 3, 1984, to William “Bill” E. Sanders Jr. and Sandra Sheppard Sanders.
He is survived by his wife, Brooke Sanders of Starke; daughters, Arianna Sanders and Henslee Sanders of Starke; parents, Bill and Sandra Sanders of Starke; brother, William Sanders III of Starke; sisters, Carol Sanders and Mary Sanders both of Starke; maternal grandparents, Edna and Bill Doolings of Melbourne; and numerous 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.
