Ernest Beverly Jr
Ernest M. Beverly Jr., 86, of Florahome died Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Palatka. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his sister, Ernestine Beverly; and his brother, Barney Beverly.
Survivors are his wife, Abbie Sue Beverly; daughter, Pamala Sue Clifton; son, Ernest Steven Beverly; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation and funeral services were held at Keystone Heights Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 16. Interment followed at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones Gallagher Funeral Home, Keystone Heights, Florida 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Jeffrey Gowens
Jeffrey “Jeff” Wayne Gowens of Starke passed away surrounded by family at Medical University of South Carolina Hospital on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. He was born March 18, 1963, in Sanford to the late Elbert and Gwendolyn Gowens. Jeff grew up in Lawtey with siblings playing baseball, participating in the Bradford High School band, and graduating in 1981. He went on to marry Claire Johnson Gowens in January of 1988, later having one daughter, Erica Stalnaker. He was a beloved member of many churches, serving the youth at Pine Level Baptist in Starke and Grace Vidalia in Vidalia, Georgia, among others. He impacted numerous kids’ lives coaching little league teams from 2012-2020 and became known and loved as “Coach Jeff.” He married Deborah Johns Gowens in November 2014, and they enjoyed traveling together with their two mini dachshunds, Roxi and Darci, and lived life to the fullest. He was known for being a kid at heart, a listening ear, a godly man, and the best “Papa” to his grandsons, Bradley Ray and Tucker Wayne. He will always be remembered for all the good he brought to everyone’s life. He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Gowens; mother, Gwendolyn Gowens; and his first wife, Claire Gowens.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Johns Gowens; daughter, Erica (Matthew) Stalnaker; grandsons, Bradley and Tucker Stalnaker; stepchildren, Chase and Joelene Moody; stepmother, Linda Gowens; siblings, Gene (Lori) Gowens, Keith (Anne) Gowens, Mike (Sheri) Gowens, Kim (Chuck) Hollis, Tim (Monica) Gowens, Chris (Natasha) Gowens, and Jennifer (Matt) Williams.
A memorial service to honor his life will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. at Bayless Highway Baptist Church.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Debra Griffis
Mrs. Debra Ann Cromer Griffis, 71, of Starke died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville.
Survivors are her husband of 53 years, David “D.Z.” Griffis; children, Michael (Kathryn) Griffis and Dena (Kyle) Boyette, sister, Pam Cromer; and extended family members.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Hope Baptist Church. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Marilyn Hall
Marilyn Sue Hall of Brighton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the age of 74, surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. On March 7, 1970, she married the love of her life, Wayne Hall, and went on to have three children, Steve, Kenny, and Robin. She was a veteran of the United States Navy, and upon her honorable discharge in 1970, she devoted her time to her family. She had a great love for cooking, gardening, crafting, sewing, and spending time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vanar and Mary Vance.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Wayne; her children, Steve (Jennifer) Hall, Kenny (Katie) Hall, and Robin (Ricky) Russell; 11 grandchildren, Trey, Tyler, Tristan, Raven, Beau, Reece, Merick (Lauren), Ayden, Charlie, Forest, and Bethamy; and five great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Adalyn, Raelah, Sadie and Arthur.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke, with interment to follow at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Marcel Henderson
Marcel VaShawn Henderson, 51, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Lawtey. Born on Aug. 31, 1973, Marcel graduated from Bradford High School and was known throughout his life for his kind and compassionate nature. Marcel cherished his hobbies, which included reading, traveling, and spending quality time with close family and friends. These activities reflected his warm, engaging personality and his ability to connect with others deeply. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Flag Lee; grandmother, Arie Lee; and father, William Henderson.
Marcel is survived by a loving family including his mother, Clara Evon Lee; his father who raised him, Willie Smith; brothers, Manzy Smith and nieces, Kaiden and Manzariyah Love and Maurice (Erica) Smith and nieces, Reign and Rhea; daughters, Bridget Radford, La’Kia Radford, and Marnaysia Henderson; son, Marcel Henderson Jr.; grandchildren, Kaison Pierce and Nyla Joiner; special cousins, Carmen Barber-Jamison and O’Keima Lee-Terrell; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Peetsville Cemetery in Lawtey on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m. A repast will follow at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, Lawtey.
PAID OBITUARY
Roy Morgan
Roy Daniel Morgan, 70, of Hampton, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Survivors are his children, Roy David Morgan, James Michael (Hannah) Morgan, Desiree Welsh, Caitlain Rory Morgan, and Charles Daniel Morgan; brother, John (Tina) Morgan; sister, Peggy (Steve) Griffis; and extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, Nov. 18, at Northside Baptist Church. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke, 904-964-5757.
Nancy Suddeath
Nancy Carter Suddeath, 67, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 12, 1957, the eighth of nine children, to the late John R. Carter and Julia Virginia Revels. She worked as a custodian in the Clay County School System until her retirement, at which time she and Billy moved to Lake Lochloosa. She loved fishing, having fish fries, and spending time with her family and friends, and those she loved. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Joan, Jean, Elizabeth, and Julia; brother, John Jr.; as well as three nephews.
She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Billy Suddeath; daughter, Angela (Rob) Murray; stepdaughter, Trish (Cruz) Bartolon; three granddaughters; five step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her brother, Rudy Carter of Sparta, Georgia; two sisters, Lorraine Messer of Middleburg and Glenda (Ray) Terrell of Glen St. Mary; her two beloved dogs, Daisygirl and Charlie; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
A service to honor her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek Cemetery. Pastor Randall A. Griffis Sr. to officiate. Pallbearers will be Ray Terrell, Roger Carter, Jimmy Hance, Rob Murray, Travis Justice, James Hance, Sr., Mike Huber, and Cruz Bartolon.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Nancy’s family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Bart Tanner
Bart Oliver Tanner, 87, was born on Jan. 17, 1937, in Maxville. He departed this life on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion. With an illustrious career spanning 35 years, he served as a correctional officer with the Department of Corrections. His commitment to justice and his role in maintaining safety within the community earned him the admiration of many. Additionally, he devoted almost 40 years of service to the United States Army, where he exemplified dedication and loyalty, characteristics that resonated deeply throughout his life. He was known as a “people person,” always taking the time to connect with those around him. His warm spirit and engaging personality left an indelible mark not only on his family but also on friends and colleagues throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Constance “Connie” Tanner. He cherished his sons, Christopher (Donna) Tanner and Randy Tanner, and delighted in the presence of his grandchildren, Christopher Jr., Lesley, Seth, Austin, and Ashley. Bart’s legacy continues to thrive through the love and memories shared with his sisters, Nancy (Bobby) Stalnaker, Marie Shaw, and Sara Pearl Edwards; as well as his sister-in-law, Beverly (Tommy) Greenwood.
A visitation was held in his honor on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. Following the visitation, a graveside service took place at Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery in Lake City attended by family and friends who wished to pay their respects.
He will be remembered not only for his impressive career and military service, but also for the love and warmth he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His spirit will continue to inspire, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
PAID OBITUARY
