Nancy Coffey
Mrs. Nancy York Coffey, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Gainesville. She was born Oct. 3, 1948, in Hicksville, New York to the late William and Leona (Shore) York. She was employed with Putnam and Clay County school board as an elementary and junior-high school teacher until her retirement in 2010. She was always an outgoing person. She loved to dance, especially the salsa. She became a Zumba instructor, which she thoroughly enjoyed because it brought both health and happiness to many seniors in the Keystone Community. In her younger years, she enjoyed being outside in the sun, sailing, boating, and traveling. She also enjoyed taking walks with her neighbors and friends, but most importantly she loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by her son Christopher (McKenna) Coffey of Keystone Heights; a sister, Norma Holder of Hilton Head, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Kaleigh, Kourtney, and August Coffey; and her former husband and friend, Terry Coffey of Keystone Heights.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel.
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
Debra Duncan
Mrs. Debra Duncan, 67, born June 4, 1956 passed away Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at her residence in Keystone Heights.
No service is scheduled.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-
3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Clifford Jones
Clifford John Jones, 73, of Jacksonville passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. He was born Feb. 10, 1950, in Wildwood to Clifford P. and Jean Francuz Jones. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was very proud to serve his country. Prior to his retirement he was employed with GRU as a lineman. He was raised in the Baptist faith. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His father, Clifford P. Jones; and brother, David Jones, preceded him in death.
His survivors are his sons, Scott F. (Jordanne) Jones of Lake Butler and Mark Edward Jones of Brooker; his mother, Jean Jones of Oxford; siblings, Rosemary Jowers and Steve Jones, both of Oxford, and Paula Redding of Sparta, Tennessee. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Cat, Megan, Gavyn, Cameron, Tristan, Braylon, and Hazen; and also by six great-grandchildren, who all lovingly refer to him as their “PopPop.”
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to a Veteran’s charity of your choice in memory of him.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904- 964-6200. Jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Charles Peeples
Charles Daniel Peeples, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. He was born on Aug. 14, 1934, in Perry to the late Daniel and Lorena Grubbs Peeples. He graduated from Union County High School in 1954 before bravely serving his country with the US Army for two years. He was stationed in Germany during his service. After returning from his military duty, he began a career with the Department of Transportation that spanned an impressive 40 years, until his well-deserved retirement. Starting as a surveyor, he worked diligently and climbed the ranks to become an esteemed engineer. Outside of his professional life, he was known for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He had a natural gift for making others laugh and was renowned as a jokester with a quick wit. He loved dancing and could often be found twirling across the dance floor with grace and enthusiasm. This passion led him to be a founding member of the Community Center Dance Club which gave seniors a place to socialize and brought happiness to many. Traveling was another great passion of his; whether across the country or back to his beloved hometown of Perry, he loved to be on the go. However, when his grandchildren came along, the love he had for them was immeasurable. They truly were the light of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Lorena Peeples; his son, Dean Peeples; siblings, W.C. Peeples, Lattrell Lundy, Ralph Peeples, and Louise Whitfield.
He is survived by his daughter, Sheri Fortune, and her husband Don of Lake Butler; his grandsons, Zane (Marissa) Fortune and Charlie Fortune; great-grandchildren, Zaiden and Ava Jo Fortune; sisters, Carolyn Jarrard and Eldis Bloodsworth, both of Lake Butler; his companion, Shirley Long of Jacksonville; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Sept. 22, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place at Dekle Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Joanne Rhoden
Joanne Chastain Rhoden was born July 12, 1956, in Thomasville, Georgia. She relocated to Starke years later with her family, where she resided for the duration of her life. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, she was called home, to rest in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. She was well known by many in the community, as she was a mother and caregiver, not only to her own children, but to anyone in need, and was called “Mom” by many. Countless times she would open her home to children who were in need of a place to lay their heads, a meal to eat and clothes on their backs. Never once did she ask for anything in return. She was loved by many for her humble heart and loving soul. She was also faithful in service to her church as she provided custodial services to ensure that the house of the Lord was clean and tidy. She was also active in the community and took great pride in offering comfort, care and companionship for senior citizens of Parkside Retirement Home. She had an incredible sense of humor and loved to “cut up” with her family. Her wit was razor sharp and it sharpened as time went on. She enjoyed family gatherings, cooking and all things sweet. She was (and will always be) famous for her amazing Thanksgiving Day stuffing, her homemade gravy, strawberry-banana pudding and her pineapple spring breeze pie, which included a “secret ingredient,” which was an inside family joke, one of which she started – she was a funny lady to be around, and she made us laugh and smile often. She was an avid shopper. She “broke for yard sales,” frequented the consignment shops, and loved to pay visits to her local, family friendly Walmart. She was certainly no stranger to sweat on her brow and made sure to instill the same strong work ethic in her children as well. She was strong indeed, but even stronger in her faith. One thing she talked about most often was her love for her late husband, William “Billy” Rhoden, and son, Kenneth “Bubba” Sellers Jr. We know she missed and longed for them both with all her heart. We have no doubt that both were among the many who met her at the pearly gates to welcome her home. She will forever be missed, until God Our Father reunites us again.
She is survived by her three devoted daughters, Rebecca Sellers, Jennifer Sellers, and Crystal Baker; her “favorite and only son-in-law,” Jason Baker; loving siblings, Diane Garrison, Bobby Chastain and Mary Hewitt; her beautiful grandchildren, Hannah Sellers, Peyton Sellers, Brad Baker, Aiden Baker, Johnethan Sellers, Stephen Sellers, J.J. Kemp, Jenna Pauly; great- grandchildren, Izzy Sellers and Brantley Cole; niece, Barbara Elliott; and nephew, Oscar Davis.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Rhonda Sikes
Rhonda Jean Sikes
was born on Nov. 18, 1959, and passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at the age of 63. She had a profound impact on everyone who was privileged enough to have known her. She was a force of nature with a no-nonsense attitude. She loved her family fiercely. If you crossed her or one of her loved ones, then you might find yourself facing off against Hurricane Rhonda.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Jody Sikes; two daughters, Regina (Byron) Mann and Erika (Nick) Estes; four grandsons; two brothers; two sisters; and numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sikes residence Saturday, Sept 23. We will receive friends, family, and food from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Deborah Skipper
Deborah Kay Skipper, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Orange Park. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Florence Schell.
Survivors are her children, Jennifer (Lee) Johnson, Matthew (Liz) Skipper, and Katherine McSwain; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis Schell; and sister, Susan Schell.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St, Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
John VanKoolbergen Jr.
John VanKoolbergen, 74, of Lakeland, passed away on Sunday Aug. 27, 2023, in a hospice facility in Lakeland after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Kay and John VanKoolbergen. He was born Sept. 26, 1948, in Teaneck, New Jersey, but had lived in Florida for the past 60 years. He graduated from Bradford County High School in Starke and the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Schools at Tampa General Hospital. He was the Chief Nuclear Medicine Technician at Lakeland Regional Health System for over 40 years. He was proud to serve his country as a Corpsman in the U.S Navy.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy Azbell; his sister, Kathie (Danny) Greene of Gray, Georgia; his niece and nephew, Anna Greene (Kevin) Watkins, of Covington, Georgia, and Joe Greene of Duluth, Georgia. He was the proud great-uncle of J.D., Reynolds, and Asher Greene and Wyatt Watkins. John and Judy, through the Big Brothers-Big Sisters Organization, were paired with Jeremy Bailey, who continued to be an important part of John’s life until his passing. He is also survived by Charlotte, the last of a long line of rescue dogs who were given a safe and loving home.
John will be remembered as a generous and faithful friend to many. He was appreciated for his sense of humor and especially his corny jokes.
A memorial service for John will be held later.
PAID OBITUARY
