Franklin Birt
Franklin George Birt, 76, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville.
Survivors are his cousins, Oscar Estes, Pat Crawford, Man Estes, and Christy Curtis.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Hampton Cemetery with Pastor John Hodges officiating.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Joseph Kelley Jr.
Joseph Wesley Kelley Jr., of Brooker, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at North Florida Regional Medical Center, at the age of 80. Born on Aug. 14, 1944, in Gainesville, he lived a life marked by dedication, both in his professional career and in his personal relationships. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. For over 30 years, he made Georgia his home and worked for Lockheed Martin, where he made significant contributions to aerospace industry. Following a distinguished career, he retired approximately 10 years ago and chose to return to Brooker to be closer to family, underscoring the value he placed on relationships and roots. An individual of many interests, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. These activities were not just hobbies for him; they were integral to his character and a means through which he connected with friends and family alike. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Wesley Sr. and Muriel Lee Sapp Kelley; and a sister, Judy Roberts.
Wesley is survived by his brothers, Willard Kelley and Randel “Randy” Kelley; and his cherished nephews and nieces, David Kelley, Stephanie Kelley, Joseph Kelley, Elizabeth Kelley, Debra Kelley, Laura Williams, and Eric Williams.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate his life was held on Friday, Nov. 8, at Dedan Cemetery in Brooker. Family, friends, and all whose lives he touched were invited to come together to pay their final respects.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Wesley Kelley. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Celeste Melton
Celeste Diana Melton, born Feb. 1, 1966, in Ft. McPherson, Georgia, has gone to be with Jesus on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in DeLand. She was preceded in death by her loving daddy, Chaplain (Maj.) Leonard Thomas Melton, U.S. Army-Retired; sister, Robin Melton Hickey; niece, Sabrina Williams; maternal grandparents, Jesse and Louise Messer; paternal grandparents, Lonnie and Norma Melton; and her granddaughter, June Mattox. She was a loving and proud mother to her son and his family, Kyle and Kendra Mattox and their four children. She was a devoted and loving daughter to her mother, Katherine Melton; a loving sister to her brothers and sister, Jonathan (Jonboy), Robert, and Robin; a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews; and a caring niece to many aunts and uncles. Celeste was a great friend to anyone who knew her; she truly never met a stranger. She had a love of life and a heart for animals. She loved her little chihuahua, Abby, as well as her dog, “Doobie,” who preceded her in death. She devoted her career, just like her life, to the service of others with years of experience in doctor’s offices, restaurants, and veterinary clinics.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 17, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 13797 SW CR 227, Starke 32091. The viewing will be at 2:30 p.m., with the service following at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Starke, where Celeste’s daddy served faithfully as pastor for many years.
Arrangements are made by Archer-Milton Funeral Home of Lake Butler.
PAID OBITUARY
Linda Tierney
Linda S. Pardee Thrasher Tierney, 75, of Keystone Heights, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at her residence of 38 years. A native of Jacksonville for 35 years before moving to Keystone Heights, she was a member of Fresh Start Fellowship Church of Keystone Heights.
Surviving her is her husband of 45 years, Philip E. Tierney Jr.; three children, Tommy Thrasher, Tony Thrasher, and Jennnifer Tierney; her mother, Ruth A. Pardee, who died in 1997, has four sisters, Alice Herdon, Penny Lakosky, Nancy Hinton, and Betty Mckinley; three granddaughters, Kasie Trahan, Korey Mears, and Katelyn Sepulveda; two great-grandchildren, Aubry MckKray and Dylan Mears; and her best friends, Donna Ard, Joy Fanelli, Sue Wiggens, and Teri Battan.
PAID OBITUARY
