Obituaries — Oct. 8, 2024

Nancy Jo Clyatt

Nancy Jo Clyatt

Mrs. Nancy Jo Clyatt, 84, of Providence, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Ronald and Joanna Boyles on April 4, 1940, in Monticello. She grew up in Gainesville and Ocala, where she met the love of her life, Charles Lawton Clyatt (C.L.), graduating in 1958. A devoted wife and mother, she operated a sandwich-making and delivery business for many years before transitioning to a role as a home healthcare aide. She had a passion for life that was evident by her love for going to town, traveling, gardening, birdwatching, and enjoying a Coca-Cola (never Pepsi). She took pleasure in keeping up with the news, doing crossword puzzles, and cherishing moments with her “intelligent” dog, Milo. However, her greatest love was always her family. She was an active member of Old Providence Baptist Church, where she found community and fellowship. She exemplified Proverbs 31 in all she did; “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, C.L.; her parents, Ronald and Joanna; and her beloved granddaughter, Carolina Clyatt Shuler.

She leaves behind her children, Chuck Clyatt of Providence and Deneen (Delmar) Sweat of Lake Butler; eight grandchildren, Patrick, Chris, and Kyle Tyre; Candace Clyatt Brannen; Matt King; and Brantley, Zachary, and Delaney Sweat; as well as seven great-grandchildren; and her devoted sisters, Linda Boyles and Sandy Stokes.

A funeral to honor her life will be held Monday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. at Old Providence Baptist Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Her interment will follow at Old Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, is honored to once again serve the Clyatt family. 386-496-2008  www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Winnie Crews

Winnie Crews

Mrs. Winnie Welch (Warren) Crews, 99, of Old Town passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at HCA Florida Hospital in Gainesville. She was born on March 6, 1925, in Wauchula to the late W.L. and Alice “Ruth” (Fisher) Warren. She graduated from Hardee County High School and attended Florida State University when it was an all-girls college. Prior to retirement, she worked as an administrative assistant for the Pinellas County School Board. She was a member of Old Town United Methodist Church and attended First Baptist Church in Chiefland and Foundation Church in Starke. She loved spending time with her family, growing house plants, doing word puzzles, and shopping in thrift stores. In her younger years, she enjoyed home canning and freezing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Frank Crews; daughter, Susan Crews Kirkhart; son, James “Ricochet” Crews; and brother, George Warren.

Survivors are children, JoAnne Crews (Charles) Howard of Old Town and Andrew (Donna) Crews of Old Town; son-in-law, Tim Kirkhart of Lakeland; daughter-in-law, Laura Crews of Starke; and sister, Emily Bartels of Chiefland. Also left are her grandchildren, Timmy Anderson of Lakeland, Kerry (Mark) Shapiro of Lakeland, Christopher (Angela) Kirkhart of Lakeland, Michael Kirkhart of Lakeland, Jennifer (Tom) Adkins of Old Town, Chuck (Melissa) Howard of Largo, Mike (Rachel) Howard of Ivor, Virginia, Jeff (Megan) Howard of Pinellas Park, Melissa (Jon) Horan of Brooksville, Sarah (Joe) Hufstetler of Riverview, Matthew (Jaime) Crews of Keystone Heights, Crystal (Matt) Slimer of Midland, North Carolina, Mark (Samantha) Crews  of Safety Harbor, and Joseph (Taylor) Crews of Trinity; along with 34 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Monday, Oct 7. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Foundation Church with Pastor Josh Reinken officiating. Interment followed at Long Branch Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Roger Kelly

Roger Kelly

Roger Allen Kelly, born on Aug. 1, 1951, in Jacksonville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his side on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice in Orlando. A respected attorney for 45 years and proud member of the Florida Bar Association, Roger’s career was marked by his commitment to justice and the law. His dedication to his profession was mirrored by his impressive academic achievements, having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Samford University Cumberland School of Law. He was a man of many interests and passions. He enjoyed hiking in the mountains, a pastime that connected him with nature and provided him with a sense of peace and adventure. His love for classic cars and Jeep Cherokees was not just a hobby; it was a deep-seated enjoyment that he shared with close friends and family. As a gun enthusiast and member of the Orlando Gun Club, he embraced the community and camaraderie that came with his interest in firearms. In addition to these pursuits, he was an avid reader who found joy in the pages of many books. He had a particular fondness for chicken wings, often gathering with family and friends to enjoy his favorite dish while cheering on his beloved sports teams: the Florida Gators, Jacksonville Jaguars, Orlando Magic, and the Orlando Solar Bears. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, something he passed on to both of his children, and his loyal support brought joy to those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert “JR” and Alice Driggers Kelly; as well as his sister, Peggy Ann Kelly of Starke.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Fran Kelly of Orlando; his daughter, Kacie Kelly Hutchinson and her husband Jason of St. Augustine; his son, Jonathan Kelly and his wife Valerie of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelly of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Hayes Allen Hutchinson of St. Augustine; his brothers, Robert and Ronald Kelly both of Gainesville; and his sister, Kathryn Raulerson.

A funeral service was held Friday, Oct. 4, at Bayless Highway Baptist Church in Starke, Florida. He was laid to rest immediately after the service at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Mr. Roger Kelly. 386-496-2008  www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Holly McClellan

Holly McClellan

Holly Stills McClellan, 58, of Starke passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Gainesville on July 26, 1966, to the late Dillard Stills and Loma Weeks Stills. Holly spent the majority of her life in Bradford County and considered it her home. She was very proud of her accomplishments and career at the Bradford County Courthouse, where she worked as a custodian for the past four years. She loved to read her Bible and her daily prayers. She was a devoted Christian, and her faith brought her peace throughout her life. She cherished moments spent with her family, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. She valued the importance of family and enjoyed every opportunity to be with her loved ones. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching her crime shows and documentaries. She had a heart of gold and was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was very social and never met a stranger, making everyone she encountered feel like a friend. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by parents; sisters, Belinda Des and Sandra Rain; and brothers, Mike Rain, Lee Stills and Mark Stills.

Holly is survived by her loving daughter, Jessica Lynn (Christina) Rosario; brothers, Vince (Carlene) Stills and James “Buddy” Stills; sister, April Stills; great-niece, Jaeliana Donley; and many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. at the Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center with Mr. Dale Hayes and Pastor John Hodges officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the Center.  Interment to follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. 

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

to sign the family’s guest book.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Vernon Todd

Vernon Todd

Vernon Todd, 76, passed away on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born on July 28, 1948, in Lake Butler, where he spent much of his life, to the late Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd. Throughout his years, he dedicated himself as a hard worker, engaging in various odd jobs and fulfilling the role of a handyman. His relentless work ethic and ability to tackle any task with diligence made him a valued member of his community. Known for his jovial nature, Vernon was a jokester with a big heart, earning the admiration and respect of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was truly described as an all-around good person, spreading joy wherever he went. His enjoyment came from simple pleasures, particularly relishing moments spent drinking coffee with friends at local spots like Jackson’s and the Circle K. These moments highlighted his love for companionship and community, leaving a lasting impression on all who shared in these gatherings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaiah and Nita Raulerson Todd; his siblings, Sidney, Mallie, Bennett, Frank, Kenneth, Ray, Dave, and Theodore Todd; as well as sisters, Carolyn Greek and Sadie Davis.

He leaves behind his beloved sons, Vernon Wayne (Stacy) Todd, John David Todd, Samuel Isaiah Todd, and Jesse Michael Todd. His family also includes his cherished grandchildren, Kelsie Todd, Cameron Todd, Dylan Todd, Kaylee Todd, Crystal Watmough, Jacob Todd, and Samantha Todd; as well as his great-grandchildren, Madalyn Brewer, Hayden Thornton, Kyleigh Tyler, Samantha Sheffield, Oakley Smith, and two on the way.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Oct. 11, at Elzey Chapel Cemetery in Lake Butler, starting at 4 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate his life and share in remembrance of the joy he brought into their lives.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Todd family once again. 386-496-2008  www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY