All Life Stories

Shirley Divine Davis, 81 of Sanderson passed Monday, June 29, 2020 at home surrounded by her family. Ms. Shirley was born September 22, 1938 in Baxter to the late Mr. Gus H. and Nova (Burnsed) Canaday. She was a lifelong resident of Baker County. She married the love of her life, Mr. Elmus “Bud” Davis Sr. in 1956 and spent fifty-six years together until his passing in 2012. She was a loving wife and mother and treated many like her own. She never met a stranger and her home was...

Troy Jaison Glover, 44 of Waycross passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020 at his residence. Troy was born on January 24, 1976 to the late Ms. Janet (Conner) Dressel and Mr. Steve Dressel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Troy spent the majority of his life in Jacksonville and was a 1995 graduate of First Coast High School. He went on to graduate from Florida Technical College, becoming an electrician. Troy took great pride in his work. In his free time, he was an avid guitar player. He loved listening...

Ms. Bernadine Ward Price, 93 of Taylor passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center. Bernadine was born March 30, 1927 in Apple Farm, West Virginia to the late Mr. A.I. Ward and Ms. Myrtle Vanoy. Ms. Bernadine attended school to become a licensed practical nurse in the Washington, D.C. area, where she met her husband while he was working for the Central Intelligence Agency. She was eventually employed by the CIA as well, working in inventory logistics. Together,...

Norma Maria Bracero, 93 of Taylor passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center. Ms. Bracero was born in Manhattan, New York to the late Mr. Francisco and Amelia (Torres) Bracero on August 30, 1926. Ms. Bracero spent many years in Puerto Rico prior to moving to Baker county to live with her daughter. In her younger years she loved to dance and swim. She is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind to cherish the memories; her daughter Carmen (Richard)...

Willard Padgett, 82 of Maxville passed away Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Life Care Center of Orange Park. Willard was born March 23, 1938 to Mr. Melvin and Ruby Padgett. Mr. Padgett worked for years as a heavy equipment mechanic. Willard was an easy-going man. He loved to ride the back roads in the woods and to sit around and shoot the bull with family and friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: W.J. Padgett; and his beloved wife of 48 years,...

Ms. Katherine Bessie Powell, 91 of Lake City passed away Saturday, May 23 with her family by her side. She was born April 6, 1929 in Eastman, Georgia to the late Mr. George W. and "Mollie" (Nettles) Newman. Ms. Powell had been a resident of Columbia County for the last 10 years after spending nearly 60 in Lake Wales. She spent over 40 years working for Citrus World, best known for their Donald Duck Orange Juice. Ms. Katherine loved her family and her late husband, Mr. Warren,...

Zelma "Eleanor" E. Dearing, 84 of Crawfordville passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at her home with her family by her side. A lifelong resident of Wakulla County, she was born January 26, 1936 to the late Mr. J.T. Watkins and Ms. Edith Taylor. Her father passed away when Eleanor was a young child and she was raised by her mother and her stepfather who treated her as his own, the late Mr. Jack Tucker. She spent many happy years as a hostess at the Oaks Restaurant. In her free...

John Alfred Moore, 73 of Jacksonville passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 at his residence. Mr. John was born to the late Mr. Bennie and Louise (Davis) Moore in Daytona Beach, Florida on July 1, 1946. John spent the majority of his life in Jacksonville and worked as a carpenter for many years. He was very involved in the construction business and took his work very serious. John enjoyed a private life, but when he got out, he loved to fish and he was an avid Florida State Seminole...

Matthew Adrian Hodges, 42 of St. George passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at UF Health Jacksonville. Matthew was born May 25, 1977 in Jacksonville to Mr. Adrian Hodges and the late Mrs. Linda (Hickox) Hodges. He was a lifelong resident of St. George. Mr. Hodges worked for several years with AT&T as a line technician. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors. He loved fishing and farming. Matthew was a Georgia Bulldogs fanatic, having trivial knowledge of his beloved dog's dating...

James "Jim" R. Pepperling Jr., 86 of Jacksonville Beach passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the McCraw Center for Caring of Community Hospice. Jim was born on March 30, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he then grew up. He graduated from King's College with degrees in education and drama. He then moved to New York City and took a job teaching English and directing high school drama students. As side jobs, he waited tables and took up modeling so he could save money to begin realizing his...

Willie Mae Bass, 97 of Macclenny passed away Friday, April 10, 2020 at St. Vincent's Riverside Hospital Community Hospice Center. Ms. Willie Mae was born October 27, 1922 in Macclenny to the late Mr. Archibald and Vessie (Combs) Thrift. She spent her younger years in Baker county before moving to Jacksonville where she lived for nearly 40 years. She dedicated ten years to working at JC Penney's. In her spare time and later in life, Ms. Bass loved to travel and took up gardening. She...

Michael "Mikey" Ray Taylor, 27 of Glen St. Mary passed away Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. Mikey was born on February 12, 1993 in Zanesville, Ohio but lived all his life in Northeast Florida, spending time in Callahan, Jacksonville, and Baker County. He last attended Baker County schools. In his free time, Mikey enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and tinkering on cars. He loved his family, especially his siblings, but most important to him were his...

David Eugene Evans, 79 of Sanderson passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at St. Vincent's Riverside Hospital following a brief illness. He was born December 8, 1940 to the late Edward Evans and Agnes Conklin in Sanford, Florida. David was a United States Army Veteran, worked for many years in construction, and for the Baker County School Board. In his free time, he loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Floyd...

Chloe Brooke Shields, 14 of Crawfordville passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at her home with her family by her side. She was born August 21, 2005 in Tallahassee to her loving parents, Ms. Cyndee Harrell and Mr. Chris Shields. In her short time here on Earth, Chloe touched so many lives. She loved going on car rides, swinging, and of course watching her favorite television show, SpongeBob SquarePants. She liked going to the beach and loved butterflies. Most of all, Chloe enjoyed...

Ms. Minnie Lee Redding, 94 of Lawtey passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Custead Hospice Care Center in Orange Park after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Lawtey, Ms. Minnie was born October 28, 1925 to the late Mr. Chalker and Daisey (Rosier) Pringle. Minnie spent her life being a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an avid quilter and gardener. She was a foster mother for many years, and it was believed that over forty foster children spent time in the Redding...

Ms. Virginia Ann "Aunt Ginger" Kirkpatrick, 84 of St. George passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Macclenny Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born in Bainbridge, New York on May 2, 1935 to the late Mr. Bert and Myrlle Wiswell. She was soon thereafter adopted by Mr. William and Helen Schofield. She spent many years in Columbus, Ohio where she worked in data entry for the United States Trotting Association. Thru the association she found her biological family and was reunited...

Malcom Vincent Stewart, 69 of Taylor passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at his home. Malcom was born February 21, 1950 in Lake City to the late Mr. Hubert and Mary (Mcleod) Stewart, one of 4 children. A graduate of Baker County High School and then Lake City Community College, Mr. Stewart worked in the mental health field and later as a corrections officer at New River Correction Institute, where he eventually retired from. In his free time, Malcom enjoyed interacting with people,...

Johnny Broward Johnson, 70 of Baldwin passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at Community Hospice at St. Vincent's Hospital Riverside with his family by his side. Johnny was born on March 13, 1949 in Jacksonville to the late Mr. William M. and Lois E. (Bradley) Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a lifelong resident of Baldwin and was a 1967 graduate of Baldwin High School. He worked for many years for Crowley Maritime as a mechanic prior to retirement. In his free time, Johnny enjoyed attending...

Julie Marie Rousseau, 49 of Bryceville passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville. Julie was born on August 3, 1970 to the late Mr. Larry and Phyllis (Furman) Scott in Jacksonville. Julie loved life with family and friends. She was a big fan of classic country and rock music. She also loved watching the sunrise on the beach. In her free time, Ms. Rousseau enjoyed playing Super Mario Brothers. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother...

Charles Wendell McGowan, 71 of Crawfordville passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Charles was born to the late Mr. Charley and Irena (Motley) McGowan in Tallahassee on February 7, 1948. Mr. McGowan was proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. He went on to dedicate over 40 years to CenturyLink, working as a telephone installer. In his spare time, he enjoyed visiting friends and riding around Wakulla County, sightseeing. He is preceded in death by...

Patricia "Pat" Ann Rentz, 81 of Crawfordville and formerly of Tallahassee passed away Monday, January 6, 2020 at Eden Springs Nursing and Rehab Center. Ms. Pat was born in Rhode Island on December 9, 1939 to the late Mr. Taylor and Ms. Lillian A. McPherson. Pat moved to Tallahassee in her youth and went on to spend some time proudly serving in the United States Marine Corp. In her free time, Pat enjoyed having and going to garage sales. She was a self proclaimed "junk...

Betty Taylor Erlandson, 73 of Tallahassee and Wakulla County native passed away Friday, January 3, 2020. Ms. Betty was born September 26, 1946 in Wakulla County to the late Mr. Henry and Loni (Cayson) Taylor. She worked for many years for Florida State University in their accounting department. In her free time, Betty loved to travel and enjoyed fishing. Most of all, her family was her life. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Mr. Donald Erlandson. She leaves behind...

Mary "Joy" LaPeer, 70 of Panacea passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020. Ms. LaPeer was born to the late Otto and Lavern (Ragsdale) Erdman in Chicago, Illinois on October 27, 1949. Joy owned an antique shop for many years, something she was very passionate about. She enjoyed spending her free time with her close friend, Ms. Mary Holden. They would go antique shopping and Ms. Joy loved visiting Carrabelle Beach. She is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her dear...

Loretta "Red" Y-Von (Robison) Guess, 61 of Crawfordville passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Loretta was born on November 20, 1958 to the late Herman Winfield and Beatrice Laverne (Vickers) Robison in Spring Creek. A lifelong resident of Wakulla county, Loretta worked for many years as a certified nursing assistant. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with friends, going all over playing bingo. She also enjoyed fishing, something she had grown up doing, like many...

Robert "Bob" Leigh Nason, 85 of Starke passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Orange Park Medical Center with his family by his side. Mr. Bob was born in Corinna, Maine on August 11, 1934 to the late Mr. David and Alta (Adams) Nason. Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Later in life, he loved to paint and even joined a bowling league. He entered several pro-am bowling tournaments, bowling against some of the greats. Mr. Nason was a regular at...

Mark William Scarborough, 70 of Citrus Springs passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his residence with his family by his side after an extended illness. Mark was born on March 31, 1949 to the late Clarence Earl and Annie (Griffin) Scarborough in Williston. He was one of four children. Mark was a 1967 graduate of P.K. Yonge High School in Gainesville and went on to attend the University of Florida for some time. Mr. Mark dedicated 30 years to the City of Gainesville as an electric...

Margie Ellen Daaboul, 70 of Fort Worth, Texas passed away December 17, 2019 in North Richland Hills, Texas. "Ellen" was born to Wattie and Alice McKenzie on August 6, 1949 in Tallahassee. She is preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings. She is survived by her husband, Hassan Daaboul; son: Jason (Clarisa) Daaboul; daughter: Layla (Chris) Daaboul Hopper; grandchildren: Zack, Isabella, Dylan, Lauren, Trinity, Alexas and Lance; great-granddaughter: Delilah Sage; siblings:...

Barbara Gail McCormick, 76 of North Augusta, South Carolina and formerly of Thomasville, Georgia passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Augusta University Medical Center with her family by her side. "Gail" was born November 26, 1943 to the late Gillie and Geneva (Harrell) Barwick in Tallahassee and grew up in Panacea. She graduated from Lively Technical College in Tallahassee and went on to own her own shop, Modern Beauty Shop. Ms. McCormick was a dedicated mother,...

Peter Francis Lombardi, 70 of Cuyler passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at his residence with his family by his side. Mr. Lombardi was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to the late Mr. Joseph and Margarett (Waylon) Lombardi on March 30, 1949. Mr. Lombardi spent time throughout the years in Texas, New Orleans, and Tampa before settling in Baker County in 1992. He worked for many years as a carpenter, remodeling homes in the area. When not working, Mr. Lombardi could often be...

Alan Dale Sponaugle, 61 of Macclenny passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital. He was born on December 19, 1957 to Mr. Roger and Donna (Twigg) Sponaugle in Cumberland, Maryland. Memorialization will be by cremation and private family services will be held at later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.M. "Hank" Forbes Jr. and Hawke M.T. Forbes of Forbes Funeral Home. "With Your Family In Mind". 904-259-4600. Please leave your...

Braxton Lane Godwin, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Born to loving parents, Braxton was too perfect for this world and passed shortly after birth. Braxton is preceded in death by his aunt: Madison Sams. He is survived by his parents: Joshua and Adrianna (Sumpter) Godwin of Starke; brother: Jason Godwin of Starke; sisters: Hailey Godwin and Kinsley Godwin of Starke; paternal grandparents: Robert and Stacy Godwin of Lawtey and Candance Dent...

Donovan James Parker, 18 of Bryceville passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 30, 2019. Donovan was born on October 31, 2001 in Jacksonville to Mr. Donald and Tammy (Walker) Parker Jr. A lifelong resident of Bryceville, Donovan was a junior at West Nassau High School. He was part of JROTC his freshman year and had plans to enter into a trade upon graduation. In his free time, Donovan loved the outdoors. He liked fishing and working on his truck, often losing his dad's...

Owen Milton Knight, 77 of Macclenny passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born December 30, 1941 in Maxville to the late Mr. Millard T. and Pansy May (Godwin) Knight. He was a 1959 graduate of Baldwin Senior High School and lived the majority of his life in Maxville before moving to Glen St. Mary to be closer to his children. He was an extraordinary musician and loved to sing and play music. He had a well-known band for many years, "Bobby...

Irma Jean Anderson, 78 of Blackshear, Georgia passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 6, 1941 to the late Mr. Morris and Mamie (Anderson) Crews in Baxter, Florida. Ms. Anderson was a long time resident of Saluda, North Carolina but had been living with her son in Blackshear for the last 2 years. She also spent some time in Orlando. In Saluda, Ms. Irma Jean was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered for many years with...

Virginia Crews Combs, 89 of Lake City and formerly of Macclenny met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Lake City Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Ms. Virginia was born March 17, 1930 in Taylor to the late Mr. Raiford D. and Mirtie (Rhoden) Crews, one of 5 children. The most loving and caring woman you could know, Ms. Virginia was always ready to hug your neck and give you a kiss. She had a special way of making everyone feel important...

Mildred Ann Washington, 61 of Macclenny passed away Thursday, November 21, 2019 at her residence. Born to the late Mr. James Rexford and Dollie Ann (Chalflinch) Clark on August 17, 1958 in Jacksonville, Mildred was one of ten children. A Baker county native, Ms. Washington lived the majority of her life here, while spending some time in Jacksonville. She was a dedicated mother and wife, making sure everyone was taken care of. She enjoyed gardening in her free time, as well as...

Gregory Curtis Tompkins, 65 of Live Oak passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 at his residence while surrounded by family. Greg was born June 18, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Mr. Clyde S. and Olive (Robertson) Tompkins. Greg was a well educated man and was even described by those best knew him to be a "genius". An inventor and engineer, Greg was the owner of several business through out the year, most notably Porta-Pull, a cable puller used by electricians worldwide....

Thelma Marlynn Crews Harvey, 67 of Baxter passed away unexpectedly November 15, 2019. Mrs. Harvey was born in Lake City on September 9, 1952 to the late Mr. James T. and Almeta (Burnsed) Crews. A lifelong resident of Baxter, Marlynn was a member of Baxter Community Baptist Church. She dedicated 34 years to the Northeast Florida State Hospital as a UTR Specialist. In her free time, she enjoyed being outside in her yard, gardening and tending to her flowers. She loved spending time...

Alice "Betty" Maxine Clark Burnsed, 89 of the Georgia Bend passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Macclenny Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on June 30, 1930 in Woodsville, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Mr. Walter and Anna (Bouchard) Clark. After graduating from the Dover Hospital School of Nursing, Betty worked as a registered nurse for many years, most notably at York Hospital in York, Maine. After moving to her husband's native Georgia Bend in 1978,...

Ronald "Ronnie" David Taylor, 61 of Taylor passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Shands Hospital Gainesville. Mr. Taylor was born in Jacksonville on December 29, 1957 to the late Milton and Lucille (Crews) Taylor. He graduated from Baker County High School in 1975. After high school, he was married to Ms. Velma Bryan. Soon after, he joined the United States Army and served as a vehicle mechanic. Following his stint in the Army, he went into iron working, in which he spent the rest...

Jacklyn Crystal Rewis, 34 of Macclenny passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Orange Park Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Jacklyn was born in Jacksonville on October 4, 1985 to Mr. William Harvey Rewis and Ms. Crystal Griffis Matthews. She has been a resident of Baker County for the majority of her life, while she also spent six years in Colorado. While she was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, and sister, Mother will be what Jacklyn is most remembered as. She was...

Richard Glen Alexander, 72 of Baldwin passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Community Hospice at St. Vincent's Riverside. Mr. Alexander was born in Flint, Michigan to the late Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander on December 5, 1946. Richard was a proud veteran, last stationed at Cecil Field with the United States Navy. He also spent two years with the Army, serving in Vietnam. In between his time in the military, he worked with General Motors in Michigan. In his free time, he...

Melissa Gayle Burnsed, 57 of the Georgia Bend passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at the Custead Care Center in Orange Park. She was a native of Jacksonville, where she attended Lee High School. She was born on December 5, 1961 to the late Fred B. Stivender and Nancy Dubberly Magruder. Melissa was a dedicated wife and mother for many years. She was well known at the Baker County Little League Association while holding several positions over the years. She served for over six years...

Rochelle Cynthia (Taylor) Smith, 83 of Crawfordville passed away Friday, October 11, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Mr. Monroe and Minnie Lue (Porter) Taylor on September 12, 1936 in Panacea, one of 9 children. She worked as a clerk for the Department of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee for 28 years until her retirement in 2003. After her retirement, she enjoyed taking it easy, going for rides and thrift shopping whenever she had the chance....

Marvin D. "Bubba" Barnes II, 60 of Glen St. Mary passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019 at his residence. He was born on April 28, 1959 in Homerville (Clinch County), Georgia to the late Mr. Marvin D. and Marthann (Landrum) Barnes Sr. Mr. Barnes worked over the years in several positions, most notably for Johnny Johnson Trucking Co. and Tim-Prep. He also spent time beekeeping with his father. In his spare time, "Bubba" was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Georgia Bulldogs. He had a vast...

Ms. Diane Saturday Marsh, 73 of Macclenny passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at her home. Diane was born March 18, 1946 in Evans County, Georgia to the late Mr. Levi P. and Bessie (Miles) Parks Jr. She grew up in New Smyrna Beach and spent many years in the Cocoa area before moving to Baker County around thirty years ago. Ms. Marsh worked for several years as a telephone operator at Southern Bell and later as dispatcher for the Baker County Sheriff's Office. In her free time,...

Mrs. Mary Alice (Crowder) Rosier, 79 of Baldwin passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at her home with her family at her side. Mary was born to the late Mr. Arnold Maywood and Hellen (Peters) Crowder on December 13, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia. Ms. Rosier spent many years as a baker and cake decorator for several grocery stores, last working for the IGA Market in Baldwin up until it's closing. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping and loved sewing and crocheting. She...

Mrs. Rosella "Rose" (Hickox) Creekmore, 58 of Glen St. Mary passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at her home with her loving family by her side. Rose was born in Valdosta, Georgia on October 10, 1960 to the late Mr. Hershel and Alma (Crews) Hickox. Mrs. Creekmore had been a near lifelong resident of Baker County. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed cooking for all of them. In her spare time she enjoyed playing card games, and played sports with her kids as they grew up,...

Ms. Anna Louise Betz, 72 of Glen St. Mary passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019. Anna was born in Camden, New Jersey to the late Mr. Andrew and Anna Bonamassa Sr. on November 21, 1946. She moved to Glen St. Mary nearly 20 years ago and also lived in Jacksonville for some time. Ms. Anna worked locally at the Wal-Mart store in Macclenny for many years in customer service, management, and the photo lab. In her free time, Ms. Anna enjoyed crocheting and playing with her puppies. The...

Ella Margaret (Stevens) Forbes, 80 of Jacksonville passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville with her family by her side. Ella was born in Spring Creek, Florida on May 1, 1939, the second of six children of BB and Kalaska "Tug" Stevens. She attended Wakulla County Schools and graduated from Crawfordville High School in 1957. There, she was voted most athletic, as she excelled in softball. She would go on to play for many years, with different travel teams...