Angela Forte
Angela Sweat Forte, 54, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. She was born to Lillian and Wiley Sweat on Oct. 18, 1969. Angela met Bobby Forte in 1989 while visiting friends in Alabama. They married in 1995 and have one son, Dylan Forte. Angela was a homemaker, home-school mom, a two-time breast cancer survivor and was an inspiration to others. She was an avid lover of all wild creatures and rescued and rehabilitated numerous dogs, cats and any animal in need of a loving home. She was predeceased by her father, Wiley Sweat; and infant sister, April Ann Sweat.
Angela is survived by her husband, Bobby Forte; son, Dylan Forte; mother, Lillian Marsette; stepfather, Tim Marsette; sister, Amber Sweat; stepmother, Jeanette Sweat; and many extended family members.
Angela was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a generous and kindhearted soul and made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed.
PAID OBITUARY
Norma Howard
Norma Jean Howard, 66, of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Norma was born in Alachua on July 21, 1958. She was a force of nature, who will be remembered for her unwavering love and fierce honesty, and who taught us the importance of standing tall and speaking our minds. She had a unique ability to lift us up and keep us grounded at the same time. She was a devoted mother, “MeMe” and friend, who would do anything for others and always put their needs before her own. Norma’s independence and strong work ethic were evident in everything she did, inspiring those around her to embrace life with the same determination. A fiercely spirited individual, she embodied kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need; however, her true character was full of honesty and transparency. Her big heart touched countless lives, and her warmth will be profoundly missed. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Raulerson; her father, Noel Avinger; and her brothers, Walter and Raymond Avinger.
She is survived by her children, Bobby (Tina) Lamb, David Pinkston, and Megan Perry of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, Hannah, Noah and Jordan Lamb, Brooke Potter, Morgan Barrett, Hadley and Piper Perry; sister, Violet (Kevin) Sumner; and extended family and friends.
A funeral service was held at Sardis Baptist Church on Tuesday, Oct. 1. In lieu of flowers, Norma Jean’s wishes were for donations to go to a local organization that supported her and will continue to help others battling cancer. United 4 a Cure, Inc., P.O Box 591, Lake Butler 32054.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Norma Jean Howard during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Sally Thomas
Sally Thomas, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Brooker, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on June 5, 1947, in Gainesville, she lived a life marked by kindness, compassion and unwavering support for those around her. She dedicated 34 years of her career to Veterans Affairs as a contract specialist until her well-deserved retirement. Her work ethic and ability to connect with others made her a cherished colleague and a trusted guide for many. Though her professional life was fulfilling, it was the connections she made with family and friends that defined her. She loved to entertain and host family and friends. Everyone was welcome at her kitchen counter, whether she was cooking a meal, baking one of her many favorite desserts, or teaching others how to cook and bake. When it came to lending an ear, there was no one better to listen and provide advice than Sally. She will be remembered for her bigger-than-life smile, her infectious laugh, and her love of adventures – big and small. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, J.V. and Zona Edwards; her in-laws, J.T. and Montine Thomas; as well as her sister-in-law, Bobbie Ellis.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Thomas, with whom she spent 32 years, 28 years happily married; her son, John (Kara) Thomas; and was a wonderful “Nonna” to her grandchildren, Connor and Mackenzie Thomas. She is also survived by her niece, Kerry (Jack) Rawn; along with their children, Grace and J.D. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Peggy MacFarlane, Doretha (Chris) Barry, and Marie Skinner.
A visitation to celebrate her life was held Monday, Sept. 30, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in her memory to GRACE Marketplace (www.gracemarketplace.org) in Gainesville, the non-profit homeless shelter her son works at.
She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the beautiful impact she has left on all of our lives.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Sally Thomas. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
