Suzanne Austin
Mrs. Suzanne “Susie” Austin, 64, of Melrose passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka. She was born Dec. 16, 1958, on Long Island, New York to Gerard and Terry (Florio) Kissane. She was a homemaker and loved fishing and taking trips to Steinhatchee, but her pride and joy was her family and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry; and sister, Joanne.
She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 45 years, Dale Austin; and their children, Laura Austin Ellis, Jamie Austin, Jennifer Austin, and Stacie Austin; along with siblings, John, Bobby, and Linda. Also left behind are numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
The family received friends at the funeral home Saturday, Nov. 25. A private interment will take place at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Sherry Brosky
Sherry Elizabeth Brosky, 60, of Starke, passed away peacefully at her mother’s home with her loving family by her side on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. She was born in Palatka on April 7, 1963, to the late Tommy G. Trentham and Jewell Elliot Hillard. She attended and graduated from Bradford County High School in 1981. Shortly after high school, she relocated to Tennessee where she married the love of her life, Lawrence Alan Brosky Sr. In 1991, the two moved back to Florida, where they made their forever home in Bradford County. She was full of life, always had a smile on her face, loved people and never met a stranger. In her spare time, she enjoyed being outside and working in her yard. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, “Nana,” sister, and aunt, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was proceeded in death by her father.
She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Lawrence Alan Brosky Sr. of Starke; daughter, Ashley Alvarez of Starke; stepsons, Patrick and Lawrence Alan Brosky Jr., both of Fleming Island; mother, Jewell Elliot Hillard of Starke; brother, Greg (Barbara) Trentham of Starke; granddaughters, Shyann Alvarez and Morgan Massey, both of Starke; nieces, Christi (Rodney) Carmichael, Tiffany Thomas and Destiny (Dustin) Shireman, all of Starke.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com
PAID OBITUARY
Benton Futch
Mr. Benton Futch, 88, of Keystone Heights passed away Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Parkside Assisted Living Facility in Starke following an extended illness. He was born Sept. 17, 1935, in Lawtey to Melvin Brown and Joyce (Terry) Futch. He graduated in 1953 from Bradford High School where he was active playing on the basketball, football, and baseball teams. He had started employment, during the summers, with Jones Funeral Home in Gainesville when he was 15 years old. After marrying Vonciel (1954), he went to work selling insurance. He later returned to Jones Funeral Home (Starke) and then attended John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science in Tennessee, graduating in 1959. This began his lifelong career as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with DeWitt C. Jones Funeral Home for the next 50 years. After 32 years, he and Vonciel moved to Graceville (Baptist Bible Institute) to obtain the proper degrees to prepare them for the mission field, graduating in 1986. He then returned to the Jones Funeral Home in Keystone Heights and spent the next 18-plus years ministering to that community. He was past president of the Starke Chamber of Commerce and a long-time member of Grace (Boatdrain) Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1963. Following Bible College and moving back home, he became an active and long-time member at First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights and taught the Scripture Sunday school class at the funeral home for several years. He was very knowledgeable about the Bible and loved making conversations. In his spare time, he would shell pecans while watching sports or John Wayne movies on television. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years, Vonciel (Kelly) Futch; brothers, Terry and Ralph Futch; and a sister, Mary Fachtmann.
His survivors are his children, Eve (Chuck) Jones of Theressa and Steve (Cindy) Futch of Starke. He was lovingly called “Papa” by his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brandi, Andrew, and Stephanie; along with his great-granddaughter, Sydney. Also left behind are sisters-in-law; several nieces; nephews; and a host of longtime friends.
The family received friends Wednesday, Nov. 22, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel, with funeral services to follow. Interment followed at Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to First Baptist Church, 550 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Betsy Jackson
Mrs. Betsy Jackson, 69, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, in Sunrise.
Survivors are a son, Vinnie Blye Sr.; two sisters; six brothers; and numerous extended family members.
Viewing will be held Friday, Dec. 1, from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Carl and Elaine D. Haile Memorial Chapel. Services will be Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Community Church, Starke, officiated by Rev. Alvin Green. Interment will be at Bob Love Cemetery, Starke.
Arrangements are by Haile Funeral Home Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke. 904-964-7905.
Brenda Poole
Brenda Gail Poole of Lake Butler has passed away at the age of 70. She was born on Oct. 2, 1953, in Lake City to Ervin and Pauline McCullough Taylor. Her vibrant personality was reflected in her fiery red hair and feisty spirit. Her career began as a correctional officer for the Department of Corrections until her retirement. Her commitment to her work was admirable, and she approached every task with unwavering determination. After retirement, she took care of her mother, Pauline, after the death of her father, Ervin, until her passing. She then went back to the Department of Corrections, but this time as a food-service professional. She will be remembered for her culinary skills. Her dishes brought joy and contentment to those fortunate enough to savor them. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she had a deep love for nature. She found solace in the presence of flowers and birds, which brought an undeniable spark of joy to her life. Her fondness for these creatures was evident to all who knew her. She possessed an extraordinary ability to love others unconditionally. Her kindness knew no bounds as she embraced every person she encountered with warmth and empathy. However, you didn’t mistake her kindness for weakness; she knew how to stand her ground. It is impossible to overlook her unique fondness for chicken decor, a testament to her charmingly eccentric character. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Pauline Taylor; her grandchildren, Abby and Colten Davis; and her siblings, Jerry Taylor and Patricia Parrish.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Robert Poole of Lake Butler. Together they built a beautiful life filled with cherished memories and enduring love. She is also survived by her three daughters, Michelle (Bobby) Poole of Worthington Springs, Tonya Thornton of Bell, and Heather Poole of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, Brett Wilson, Robert (Jodi) Wilson, Zachary Wilson, Ciara (Nate) Thornton, Kevin Thornton, Mikayla (T.J.) Speer; and great-grandchildren, Rhett Wilson, Knox Wilson, Raelynn Mitchell, Thomas “Hutch” Hutchinson III, and Warren Hutchinson; siblings, Katie Feagle, Faye (Gary) Luke, Gary (Rosemary) Taylor, Greg (Debbie) Taylor, Yvonne (Keith) Osborn, Ronald (Maryann) Taylor, and Teresa (Charles) Tomlinson; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
The visitation service was Monday, Nov. 27, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. The funeral service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Johnstown Baptist Church in Lake Butler. She was laid to rest immediately following the service at Mt. Zion/Swift Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4
PAID OBITUARY
Betty West
Betty Sue West, 67, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. She was born on Nov. 17, 1956, in her beloved hometown of Lake Butler. Her loving and warm personality endeared her to everyone she met, and she never encountered a stranger throughout her life. She adored fishing and spent countless hours casting her line into serene waters. Gardening was another passion of hers, tending to luscious plants that brought joy to her days. The beach held a special place in her heart; her favorite pastime was watching the sun rise over the tranquil waves. However, nothing could compare to the love she had for her family; they were her whole world. She will be remembered as a vibrant soul who brought light and laughter into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Her engaging personality and strong opinions created lasting memories and meaningful connections with everyone she encountered. She was also a member of Faith Baptist and was dedicated in her love for her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Gladys Trowell; her husband of 22 years, Stanley West; two brothers; and four sisters.
She is survived by her children, Michelle (Rick) McLaughlin of Worthington Springs and Clay (Lindsay) DuBose of Tallahassee; her grandchildren, Heather Clark, Ricky McLaughlin, Kaleb Dubose, and Thomas (Kenya) DuBose; and her great-grandchildren, Conner Clark, Carly Clark, and Koa DuBose. She also leaves behind cherished siblings, James (Joann) Trowell of Lake Butler and Maggie (Kenny) Keen of Wellborn; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
The visitation was held on Monday, Nov. 27, at Faith Baptist Church, Lake Butler. Following the visitation, a funeral service was held in the same location. She was laid to rest immediately following the service beside her husband at Dekle Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
