Melverna Addison
At the tender age of 96, Melverna “Bunny” Thornton Addison passed away at her home on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. She was born March 8, 1926, in Manning, the youngest daughter of David and Mary Etta Thornton. She grew up on the state prison farm in Union County and she had fond memories of her childhood there. She later married Robbie Addison and they moved to South Florida and opened Sunset Feed & Supply. She was a businesswoman who managed the company for her husband. She always found time to travel. She enjoyed trips with her brother and sister-in-law. She was a jovial woman who you could always count on to greet you with a smile. She was also humble, kind, and accepting of everyone. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved entertaining and having family gatherings. She was a precious, sweet woman and will be truly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robbie Addison; sons, Tucker Townsend, Mark Addison, and Robbie Addison; and seven siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Marsha “Sissy” (Robbie) Castellanos of Clewiston, and Donna (Stephen) Chase of Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Nelwyn Townsend of Gainesville; her brother and sister-in-law, Dewey (Norma) Thornton of Lake Butler; her grandchildren, Tara (Maritza Zota-Townsend) Townsend, Heather (Ralph) Riera, David (Keli) Townsend, Jamie (Jackie) Addison, Shawn Huebner, Melinda (Dane) Firth, Kelly (Tom) Addison, Mark Addison, Amanda (Brad) Carter, and Tiffany (Craig) Rathbun; 14 great-grandchildren; her mother-in-law, Ruth Addison of Lake Butler; and a host of extended family.
A visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler. The service will be officiated by Paul Waters.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Kenneth Andrews
Kenneth “Ken” Larry Andrews, 65, of Keystone Heights, died on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at his residence. He was preceded in death by his mother, Delores Andrews Carver; daughter, Suzanne Michelle Andrews; and brother, Ronald Lamar Andrews.
He is survived by his father, Donald (Janie) Andrews of Jacksonville; brother, Joe Andrews of Keystone Heights; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Dorothy Bryant
Dorothy Mae Evans Bryant, 87, of Keystone Heights passed away unexpectedly at her home Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. She was born March 31, 1935, in Miami to the late James Ralph and Virtie Belle (Parks) Evans. Dot, as she was called, grew up on a farm in Fitzgerald, Georgia. She was just a teenager of 14 when her own mother passed away. She and her older sister, Inez, alternated staying home to cook meals for the farm workers. Both she and her husband, Ben, lived and went to different schools in Fitzgerald. While she graduated from Ocilla High School in 1953 and Ben graduated from Fitzgerald High the same year, they never met. After graduation she moved to Miami to live with her aunt. Ben moved to Miami to live with his mother. She and Ben met for the first time when they both attended Pinewood Park Baptist Church. They were married in that same church on July 6, 1956. On that day in 2022, they had been married 66 years. Ben went to the University of Miami and from there went to work with the Seaboard Railroad in Hialeah before being called into the ministry. She and Ben had three children, and one on the way, when Ben resigned from the railroad. At that time, they moved to Graceville where Ben attended the Baptist College of Florida for two years. Their fourth child was born during that time. Ben pastored The Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Marianna. After two years there the family moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi where Ben graduated from the University of William Carey while also pastoring Big Level Baptist Church of Wiggins, Mississippi. While in Wiggins, Ben began to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1968. Ben commuted back and forth to New Orleans while Dot and the children lived in the pastorium at Big Level Baptist Church in Wiggins, Mississippi. She took care of her family while Ben was gone most of the time between New Orleans and his pastoral duties. In 1969, Dot and Ben moved their family to Milton where he would pastor Olivet Baptist Church and where Dot would give birth to her fifth child. In 1973, Dot and Ben moved their family to Starke, where they would serve this area at First Baptist Church for over 30 years. In all the churches that Ben pastored over the years, Dot worked with the children, usually with ages 3-5. She always knew her place was with the children. She loved them and they loved “Mrs. Dot.” As of the present, Dot and Ben have continued doing interim pastoral ministries. both in Bradford and surrounding counties. Dot was always an integral part of the ministry and was the best Pastor’s wife that could be imagined. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 66 wonderful years, Ben Bryant. of Keystone Heights; and their five children, Debi (Tim) Burke and Angie Barber, both of Keystone Heights, Benjamin P. (Kathy) Bryant Jr. of Gainesville, Andrew (Karan) Bryant of Starke, and Matt (Pam) Bryant of Kingsley Lake. She was lovingly called “Mema” by grandchildren, Brad (Brooke) Barber, Brendan (Jen) Nichols, Josh (Lindsey) Nichols, Brooke (Derrick) Thurmond, Brantley (Emma) Barber, Troy (Melody) Bryant, Jake (Lauren) Bryant, Jackie (Peyton) Hale and Caleb Bryant; in addition to 12 great-grandchildren; and two on the way.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 26, with Rev. Ben Bryant and Rev. Terry Blakeslee officiating. Interment followed at New River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the New River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 16703 SW 144th Ave. Brooker, 32622.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Dr. Freda Crews
Dr. Freda V. Crews, 86, of Lake Bowen, South Carolina, departed for her heavenly home and into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. She passed away at home, surrounded by her loved ones, following a lengthy illness. She was born March 17, 1936, in Olustee, to the late William H. and Martha Crawford Green and was the wife of the late Dr. William R. Crews. She was born in Olustee, and grew up in Lawtey. She was a graduate of Bradford High School in Starke. She was employed at the Bradford County Courthouse, where she was assistant to the County Judge, until her marriage to her late husband, Dr. William R. Crews. She soon began to travel with her husband, in pursuit of their educations. She assisted her husband with pastoral duties and devoted her life to ministry while raising a family. She completed her master’s degree at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The first woman to graduate from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago, IIllinois, she earned a Doctorate of Ministry. She also completed a Doctorate of Philosophy at International University for Graduate Studies in St. Kitts, where she later held the position of Director/Dean of the International University for Graduate Studies School of Christian Counseling. Throughout her life, she held many positions in ministry, while also assisting her husband in ministry as together they pastored churches in Florida, Texas, Michigan, Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, South Dakota, and South Carolina. She was ordained at First Baptist Church in West Coral Springs on Feb. 16, 1997. She was a faithful, obedient and dedicated servant to her Lord, and daughter of The King. Throughout all her education and ministerial pursuits, she remained a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Dr. Crews, along with her husband, founded Bible Study Time, a Spartanburg, South Carolina based nonprofit ministry in 1974, where she held the position of CEO until the time of her passing. She was the Pastor of Hope for Living Media Church, and founder and speaker for the Truth for Living radio program until she passed. She was the founder and host of the Time for Hope International Television Ministry, and a member of the National Association of Religious Broadcasters. She was a presidential member of American Association of Christian Counselors, a licensed professional counsellor, a board-certified professional Christian counselor, and founder of the Cherokee County Suicide Prevention Hotline. In 2007, she was Woman of the Year from The American Biographical Institute. She was awarded, in recognition of achievement in the way of outstanding contributions in the fields of business, theology and professional counseling, the 2007 Business Theology and Professional Counseling Award and the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century. She was a Charter member of The American Association of Christan Counselors, Chairman of the Executive Board, and established and directed the Counselor Care Program. She was a contributor for “The Soul Care Bible,” a contributing author and columnist for The Christian Counseling Connection, as well as authoring and published her own book, “Get Off Your Own Back.” She was also a very accomplished private pilot. She earned her multi-engine, instrument and commercial ratings with over 1,000 hours of flight time. Along with her husband, Dr. William R. Crews; and parents; she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, James McCrae.
Survivors include her children, Terrie (Terry) Moyer of Tryon, North Carolina, William (Melody) Crews Jr. of Wellford, South Carolina, and Rachel Crews (Mitch) Corbett of Lake Murray, South Carolina; grandchildren, Jared (Kathy) Wilkins, Jacob (Lauren) Wilkins, Neal (Amanda) Buckley, Jessie Moyer, Michelle Crews, Lawson Buckley, and Megan Crews; great-grandchildren, Noah Wilkins, Chloe Wilkins, Brady Wilkins, Nash Wilkins, Karsen Wilkins, Jasper Wilkins, Peyton LeMaster, Blayne LeMaster, and Trey Buckley; and siblings, Estelle McCrae, Arthur (Prima) Green, and Bonita (Butch) Howard.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Wilkins, Neal Buckley, Lawson Buckley, Kirk Minton, Ron Stikeleather, and Jim Ness. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Floyd’s Boiling Springs Chapel, 4161 Highway 9 North, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, 29316. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the chapel, conducted by Rev. Steve Wise. Entombment will follow in Good Shepherd Memorial Park Mausoleum, 4164 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, 29316. Memorials may be made to Bible Study Time, Inc. P.O. Box 1714, Spartanburg, SC 29304.
An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jane Gay
Jane Gornto Gay “Mama Jane” of Starke passed away at her home on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, surrounded by Harold Gay, her loving husband of 62 years, and her family. She was 88 years old. She was born in Putnam Hall to Ted Gornto and Essie Gornto (Thaggard). She was a great student and graduated two years early as valedictorian of her class at Melrose High School. Her life was full of hard work, perseverance and overcoming obstacles with grace and love. She spent 48 years at DuPont. She started as a secretary in the temporary typing pool. However, due to her intelligence and work ethic, she became an area supervisor. She was so proud of her work and loved it and, all of the people she worked with. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Starke. She served faithfully as an elder, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. Each role gave her joy. Her church family has always been close to her heart. Jane and Harold’s love and devotion to one another created a home and family that included so many people. She endured the loss of her parents; her sister, Leona Saucer; her sons, Stanley Gay and Stephen Gay; her grandson, Daryn Gay, who created the name “Mama Jane,” for which she will be forever known; and her great-granddaughter, Melody Hall. Each loss broke her heart, but instead of shrinking, her capacity to love only multiplied.
She leaves behind two children, Melissa (Loat), and LeVance (Suzanne), eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy of love, strength, and gratitude will live on and continue to inspire her family and all those who knew her.
Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with a family visitation immediately following. Memorial gifts may be sent to: The First Presbyterian Church, 921 E. Call St., Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Carl Hagglund
Carl Hagglund passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at the age of 82 years old. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois and, at the age of 8, he moved to Melrose. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1958 and went on to obtain his associate of arts degree from St Johns Community College. He started at Clay Electric as a lineman and worked his way up to manager of substations. He worked there for 49.5 years. After taking a few years off, he ran for the Board of Directors and was elected. He was a board member for the last nine years. He loved Clay Electric. He met his wife, Patricia, at Melrose High School, where he was captain of the football team and she was captain of the cheer squad. They dated through high school and married upon graduating. They were married for 62 years. They moved to Keystone in 1971, where he helped raise four kids. He loved his kids and did not think they ever did wrong. His kids were his life. He spent his time outside work attending sporting events, graduations, and weddings. He was a Deacon for many years at Eliam Baptist Church in Melrose. He loved all animals, but especially cats. He fed the cats at Harvey’s/Winn Dixie and at home. Any cat that wandered up, he wanted to make sure it never went hungry. He also carried dog food in his car at all times just in case he saw a stray dog.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; and children, Carl (Cindy) Hagglund Jr. of Summerfield, Kathy (Marc) Rothstein of Keystone Heights, Debbie (Tommy) Piper of Clermont, and Cindy (Tim) Loose of Melrose. He loved his grandchildren as much as he loved his kids, Ben Hagglund, Bekke Hagglund, Tommy Piper Jr, Abi Loose, Justin Piper, Emily Loose, Seth Piper and Kailee Rothstein.
A private burial was held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Eliam Baptist Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at Eliam Baptist Church. There was a very short service and dinner following. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Eliam Baptist Church or Twisted Oaks Rescue.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
William Hicks
William Henry (Ned) Hicks, of High Springs, died on his 96th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Madge Hicks; parents, Plinnie and Lottie Hicks; and 11 siblings.
He is survived by his sons, William R. (Mary) Hicks of Brooker, Larry (Cindy) Hicks of High Springs, and Plen Hicks of Kingsbury, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
Harry Hileman
Harry Lee Hileman, 84, of Keystone Heights died in Ocala on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
He leaves behind his wife, Carol (Mattox) Hileman of Keystone Heights; and three children, Gary (Christina) Hileman of Keystone Heights, Carla (Alan) Montane of Melrose, and Karen (Dan) Pike of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11, at the Community Church. A private interment will be at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Roy Hoffler Jr.
Roy “Rocky” N. Hoffler Jr., 70, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, due to a yearlong battle with esophageal cancer. He was born July 7, 1952, in Washington, North Carolina to Roy N. and Hulda Pauline (Smith) Hoffler. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard. He began his career with Clay Electric in 1985 as a mechanic in fleet service and retired after 30 years of employment. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on his tractor, but, most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Paula Waldron and Wanda Thompson.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 42 years, Valerie (Jones) Hoffler of Keystone Heights; and their children, Tyler (Heather) Hoffler of Ocala, and Whitney (Brandon) Drost of Keystone Heights; he was also lovingly called “Papa” by Samuel Hoffler.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Trinity Baptist Church with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Trinity Baptist Church, 3716 SR 21, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
James Pierce Jr.
James Russell Pierce Jr., 62, of Keystone Heights died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, James Russell “Rusty” Pierce III.
Survivors are his wife, Sherri (Ellis) Pierce, and his mother, Marilyn (Green) Pierce, both of Keystone Heights; two daughters, Amy Pierce and Emily (Josh) Hatley, all of Albemarle, North Carolina; three stepchildren, and 11 grandchildren.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Virginia Rogers
Virginia Mae Rogers, 77, of Lake Butler died on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Quincy. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Walter Douglas; and daughter, Fawn Walker.
She is survived by her children, Johnny Lee (Cathy) Rogers of Lake Butler, Mary Ann (Roddy) Mickel of Quincy, and Lisa (Joe) Colomb of Crawfordville; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Doris (Tommy) Anderson of Macclenny.
A service was held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She was laid to rest immediately following the service at Dedan Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
Quinelle Ryan
Quinelle Croft Ryan, 89, died on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband John P. Ryan Sr.
She is survived by her children, John P. Ryan Jr., Sherry (Richard) Shane, Valerie (Michael) Raymond, and Amy (Augustin) Fernandez; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three brothers.
A Celebration of Life was on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Mt. Zion/Swift Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
Margaret Waller
Margaret Stewart Waller, 76, of Raiford died on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. She was born Jan. 13, 1946, in Steubenville, Ohio to the late Willard and Dorothy Crawford Stewart. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; and her husband, Ricky Waller.
She is survived by her son, Brian Jones of Raiford; and her grandchildren, Clae Jones, Jodie Waters, Amber Templeton, Brooke Waters, and Natalie Waters; and three great-grandchildren.
A private service is scheduled for family.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008.
