Obituaries — Sept. 3, 2024

Mattie Anderson

 

Mattie Anderson

Mattie Sue Anderson, 68, of Starke passed away Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024, at her residence in Gainesville. She was born in Starke and attended the local schools of Bradford County. She attended Springhill Church of Gainesville and Church of God by Faith in Starke. She retired as a surgical tech from Shands University Hospital.

Survivors are a daughter, Tori Kelly; brother, Alphonso Covington; two sisters, Johnnie Mae Robins and Sandra Covington; two grandsons; and many nieces, nephew, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

The cortege will form Friday, Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m. at Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke. Memorial services will be Saturday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m. at Church of God by Faith, 730 Old Lawtey Road, Starke. Services will be officiated by Rev. Alvin Green.

Arrangements by Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

 

Donald Beeman

Donald Beeman

Donald Wayne Beeman, born on Feb. 21, 1970, in Starke, passed away suddenly on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at his residence.  He leaves behind a legacy marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and his strong character. He retired as a Sergeant for the Florida Department of Corrections, where he showed his commitment to public service and the passion for his community. Those who knew him often spoke of his big heart, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need He was a man whose love for his family was profound; indeed, family was everything to him. If you had the pleasure of being around him, you would know of his detailed and extraordinary way of storytelling, and he was always finding a way to cut up and be a “jokester.” In other words, he put people at ease when they were in his presence. An avid angler, he found joy in the great outdoors, particularly when he could cast a line and fish in the serene waters he cherished. His hobbies reflected his innate appreciation for nature and his desire to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Brenda Beeman; parents, Ernest and Brenda Beeman; son, Russell (Amber) Boulding; daughter, Rebekah (Darren) Elixson; brother, Ricky Beeman; and sister, Missy Ward. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Wayne Elixson, Eli Elixson, Brianna Elixson, Sophia Elixson, Abigail Boulding, and Annalise Boulding, who brought him immeasurable joy.

A viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. This will be followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the same location, with Ralph Durham of Faith Baptist Church officiating.

Donald will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and the love he so freely shared with those around him. His absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home in honored to serve the family of Donald Beeman during this trying time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Rudolph Coleman

Rudolph Valentino “Trigger” Coleman, 88, of Starke passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Windsor Manor. He was born in Starke, attended the local schools of Bradford County and served in the U. S. Army. He was given the nickname “Trigger” while playing basketball at R.J.E. He attended Mt. Moriah Community Church in Starke.

Survivors are two sons, Darren R. Coleman and Michael A. Coleman; five daughters, Katrina Coleman Bythewood, Deborah Coleman, Gayle Coleman, Shandah E. Coleman and Retania Faye Coleman; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The viewing will be Friday, Sept. 6, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Community Church (across from Haile Funeral Home). The cortege will form Saturday, Sept. 7, at 955 E. Brownlee St., Starke. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Mt. Moriah Community Church, with Rev. Alvin Green officiating. Interment will be at Oddfellow Cemetery.

Arrangements by Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Dale Dunn

Dale Dunn

Dale Robert Dunn, 73, of Keystone Heights went to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born in Jacksonville on Feb. 12, 1951, to the late Charles and Anthlean Wray Dunn. As a young man, he was quite the athlete, earning a second-degree black belt in Judo. After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1969, he began employment at JEA, where he worked as a troubleshooter for 30 years. On March 17, 2001, he began an exciting new chapter in his life when he married Christine Ann Wesling.  Together, they formed Ravenwood Farm and turned their love for animals into a lifelong passion. From North Florida Horse Rescue to Habitat for Horses to the Nemours ADAPT Program Team with mini-horse, Buc, and therapy dog, Buddie, to Pet Partners of North Florida, they dedicated themselves to rescuing and saving the countless lives of four-legged friends, as well as providing animal-assisted interventions.  Whether it was rescuing horses after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, saving racehorses from the Virgin Islands in 2007, or hosting Pet Partner’s World’s largest Pet Walk in 2023, their efforts knew no boundaries.  Dale and Chris made a powerful duo and a difference, through their generosity and compassion. He loved life and his greatest loves were for his wife, children and grandchildren. He often expressed the immense pride he felt for his family and took every opportunity to brag about their accomplishments.  His sense of humor and big smile were part of his larger-than-life personality. He was always ready to provide a hug, and to be kidded by him was a sure sign that he was fond of you.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Joseph Cooper Dunn, Courtney Dale (Rose) Dunn, Tiffany Dunn (Phillip) Wickham, and Amy Nicole Gfell; grandchildren, Ella Rose Dunn, Claire Ronnie Dunn, Addison Gfell, Alyssa Wickham; brothers, Rev. Dan (Nancy) Dunn and Don (Gail) Dunn; sister, Pamela Rogers; dear cousins; cherished friends; and the entire rescue community.

His service will be Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights. The family hopes to see all the friends and family who can attend to remember Dale and the phenomenal man that he was. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given in his name to Pet Partners of North Florida, P.O. Box 1485, Ponte Vedra 32004, or any of the following: Haven Hospice, ADAPT at Nemours, Clay County Humane Society or Twisted Oaks Rescue.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

Bobbie Franklin

Mrs. Bobbie Jean Franklin, 84, passed away Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at home. She attended the local schools of Bradford County and was a member of the Church of God by Faith in Starke.

Survivors are sons, Calvin James Whitfield, Chuck Hudson, Simon McCloud and Paul McCloud; daughters, Glorita Martin, Sandra Tyson, Lorrie Cobbert, and Paula McCloud; sister, Doll Martin Burch; aunt, Ceola Hudson; and a host of grands, great-grands, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

The viewing will be Friday, Sept. 6, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. for family, and 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. for friends. The cortege will form Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Mrs. Bobbie Jean Franklin. Memorial services will be Saturday, Sept. 7, at Church of God by Faith. Interment will be at Oddfellow Cemetery, Starke.

Arrangements are by Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke.

PAID OBITUARY

 

Jean Johnson

Jean Johnson

Mrs. Jean Lavern Johnson, 86, of Starke passed away Saturday. Aug. 31, 2024, at her residence. Jean was born on Jan. 30, 1938, in Starke to the late Horace and Ruby Gunter and was a lifelong area resident. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church and loved spending time with family. She was a homemaker and assisted with the day-to-day operations of the family owned business, Johnson Feed Store, located in Starke. Preceding her in death was her husband of 49 years, Anthony Robert “Bobby” Johnson Jr.; and her daughter, Claire Gowans.

The survivors are her daughters, Alma Johnson of Starke, Shirley (John) Dixon of Starke, and April (Eric) Cagle of Starke; siblings, Jack Gunter and Ann Thornton both of Starke. Also left are her grandchildren, Victoria James, Loretta Thornton, Jennifer Snyder, Cheryl Evans, Erica Stalnaker, and Eric Cagle Jr.; great- grandchildren, Kaleigh, Savannah, Kimber, David, Caleb, Chris Leigh, Timothy, Jacob, Samantha, Bradley, and Tucker. The family will receive friends at Bible Baptist Church on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., with the funeral service to begin at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Pastor Roger Worten will officiate.

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

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

 

Serena Kimbrell

Serena Kimbrell

Mrs. Serena “Sue” Redding Kimbrell, 78, of Starke, passed away Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at her home. Sue was born on Oct. 1, 1945 to the late Horace and Ola Mae (Andrews) Redding. She moved to Starke 26 years ago from Hillard. She was a homemaker and a pastor’s wife. She was an active member of Kingsley Lake Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening, painting, and antique restoration. Her greatest joy was her family. She adored them and spent as much time as possible with them.

Survivors are her husband of 59 years, Rev. Ronald “Ron” Kimbrell of Starke; children, Amy Elizabeth (Todd) Bourland of Elizabethton, Tennessee, and April Darlene (Nathan) Pettus of Leander, Texas; and her sister, Vivian Johns of Jacksonville. Also left are her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Timothy) Howald, Emmeline Bourland, EasterAnna Bourland, Kellen Pettus, Gwyneth Pettus, and Darby Pettus; along with her great-grandchild, Miriam Howald.

The family had a reception prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery. Graveside funeral services followed, with Pastor Jonathan Rodriguez officiating.

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

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Everett Pearsall

Everett passed from his worn earthly body to his heavenly home on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024, at home. He was born in 1952 to Ralph Pearsall and Juanita Bush Pearsall. He enjoyed “computering,” cats and helping those he could. He moved to Shiloh Youth Ranch in 1970. After graduating, he stayed on and helped with the ministry to help wayward boys. After his health started failing, he moved back to Bradford County.

He leaves behind his sisters, Arbutus Johnson and Barbara Trentham, both of Starke, Mary Hunter of Melrose, and Helen Winters of Jacksonville; one brother, David Pearsall of Gaffney, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

A time of home-going and celebration of his life will be Friday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. at Bradford Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

PAID OBITUARY

 

Emma Jean Perry

Emma Jean Perry, 89, of Hawthorne died Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles P. Perry Jr.; children, Charles Perry III, and Cathy Jean Whitworth Perry; and four siblings.

Survivors are a son, Joe Perry; seven grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

 A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church of Keystone Heights. 

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.