The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of his own mind. - By Kahlil Gibran

Rychard S. Cook II, called home by our Lord on July 19, 2016, was the youngest of three siblings. His life was shared by older sisters who preceded him in death: Dr. Nettie Cook- Dove (Joshua Jr.) and Laura Lee Cook. The three were reared by his mother's oldest sister, the late Ms. Annie M. Cook, an elementary school teacher and strict disciplinarian to whom good manners were imperative.

A native Fernandinian, Rychard grew up in the Sunday School of First Missionary Baptist church and received his early secular education at Peck High School, where as a student he entered and won a song writing contest that gave Peck High its Alma Mater. In 1951, along with his classmate Mrs. Vernita Johnson Holmes, he graduated as Co-Valedictorian. He received a four year scholarship from the state of Florida and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1955, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and in 1963, he earned a Master of Arts degree in School Librarianship at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Mr. Cook’s stellar career in the educational field was inspired by three outstanding individuals, all now deceased: Mrs. Mamie T. Jordan (music), Mrs. Edythe J. Thurston (communication skills), and Mrs. Dorothy Sanford Love (librarian extraordinaire). For his life’s work, Rychard chose librarianship as a profession and music as his avocation.

Mr. Cook began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School as a substitute teacher. After two weeks, he became a full time teacher at Milner-Rosen Wald Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida. As a Miami-Dade County public school employee, Mr. Cook has taught at West Homestead Elementary-Junior High School, Dunbar Elementary, Miami Northwestern Senior High, Coral Park Senior High, Miami Jackson High, Horace Mann Middle, Holmes and Westview elementary schools. Mr. Cook retired from Westview Elementary as a Media Specialist on June 18, 1999, after spending 42 years of dedicated service in Florida's public schools. An avid reader, Mr. Cook spent hours reading mystery novels and researching African-American history and culture. He was a devoted Toni Morrison fan. He encouraged many African Americans to learn more about their roots, during his serious study of Black History. In 1967, he founded the Afro-Americans, a readers’ theatre group that included his childhood friend Dessie Horne Williams, and which promoted the study of Black History and Culture through its prose, poetry, and song.

Mr. Cook was a life member of the Zora Neale Hurston Society, and was affiliated with the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, The Theodore R. Gibson Oratorical and Declamation Contest, The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., William J. Faulkner's Friends of Folklore, The American Library Association, and Dade County Media Specialist Association. Those organizations provided Mr. Cook with many excellent opportunities for the rendering of community service, an activity to which he brought serious and steadfast commitment.

Mr. Cook's extensive travels took him to such places as West Africa, England, Germany, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, The Caribbean, France, and Italy. From his travels, he gained a variety of diverse cultural experiences, which he generously shared with family, friends, students, churches, colleges, and universities.

In addition to being an enthusiastic collector of Black Art, first edition books, and collector plates, Mr. Cook was the recipient of a variety of awards including: 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, from Holmes Elementary School; Eighth Annual Sistrunk Historical Festival Award, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1995; Florida International University Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service; and Eighth Annual Theodore R. Gibson Project Award, 1986

Mr. Cook completed 26 years of service as a librarian at Florida National University. His life ambition was to complete his writings on the life and works of Zora Neal Hurston.

Until his demise, Mr. Cook received loving and around- the- clock care in the Orlando home of his son Dave Thompson and wife Elizabeth .Their sons Kristian and David loved their Grandfather dearly and spent many happy hours listening to his wonderful stories and receiving the benefit of his wise counsel.

Mr. Cook leaves to mourn his passing: His Son Dave (Elizabeth) Thompson of Orlando Florida. Grandchildren: Kristian Thompson of Miami Florida and David Thompson of Orlando Florida. Special friend who shared the same passion of wanting to help youth reach their fullest potential: Dessie Horne Williams of Miami Florida. Nephews: Joshua Kenneth Dove III.  & Richard Holland. Nieces: Beverly Dove (Leo) Ross, of Richmond, VA and .Ingrid Bernadette Dove of Atlanta Georgia. Grand Niece: Joy Nicole Ross. Grand Nephew: Raymond Williams and Joshua Kenneth (Angelique) Dove VI. Cousin: Yvonne Fisher. Goddaughters: Rosemarie Crocker, Almeta Birch & L. Ann Cumbie-Patterson (Lester). Godsons: Robert Battle of New York, Evan MacArthur of Japan and Petty officer Aston Cumbie Farquharson of Honolulu, Hawaii. Extended Family members: Joe &Eula Johnson, Earl Robinson, Ron Henry, Roy Moultry, Veronica Wellington, Charles (Bridgette) MacArthur, Bernice Horne Edgecombe-Tel-Saint (Amelius). And many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be sorely missed.  

Memorial services will be held at, The First Missionary Baptist Church on Friday August 5 2016 at 6:00pm.22 South 9th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Nassau County Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the Rychard-Lottie-Annie Cook Scholarship. Address: P.O. Box 16382, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Ralph C. Cross, 85, of Dothan, Ala., formerly of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 in Dothan.

Paul H. McCord, 65, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach. Arrangements are incomplete.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Robert William "Bob" Ulshafer, 72, of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Louise Clark Webb, born March 26, 1920, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017. As requested by the deceased, there will be no services.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

William “Bill” H. Boydstun passed Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Fernandina Beach.

He was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Holdenville, Okla., to Abel and Lillie Boydstun, the oldest of three boys. His family moved to California in 1938, where he attended grade school in Betteravia and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1944, lettering in music. The day after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy. He served most of his six years as a radio man on submarines. He played with Glenn Miller and other big bands when he was in port. After the service, he went to television school and continued his education to culminate his working career within the space programs on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects. He remained committed to the Navy through involvement with several Navy Leagues through the years. He had a love for flying and owned a Cessna 170B, in which he took his parents, in-laws and extended family on many adventures across the United States. He was known for always having a steak ready for the grill.

He is survived by his wife, Rosanne Jameson; his brother, Thomas (Sharon) Boydstun of San Jose, Calif.; his four children; and 10 stepchildren. He was a loving, supporting, compassionate son, brother, husband, father and friend, and is deeply loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nassau County Community Hospice.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Roy B. Parker, 72, of Alma, Ga., died Saturday afternoon, Feb. 11, 2017, at Bacon County Hospital after an extended illness.

He was a native of Bacon County, Ga., son of the late Frank Parker and Rosa Marie Stewart Parker, and was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Frank Parker Sr. and Carroll Parker.

Roy retired from Container Corporation of America in Fernandina Beach after 41 years of employment. In 2002, moved back to his beloved farm in Bacon County, where he worked and enjoyed his many hobbies.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Dorinda Parker of Alma; a daughter, Rhonda Horne (Mark) of Fernandina Beach; a stepson, Chris Moore of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Donald Parker of Quitman, Ga.; a sister, Rosa Nell Moon of Alma; nine grandchildren, Ryan and Matt Braddock, Ashton, Alexis, Ethan, C.J. and Hannah Moore, Jamie Hunter and Jana Bowles. Also, seven great-grandchildren survive.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, at the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Ray and the Rev. Tim Bennett officiating. Interment followed in Stewart Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home Monday evening, Feb. 13.

Active pallbearers were Ryan and Matt Braddock, Ashton Moore, Rhett Dale, Saul Gonzalez and Jonathan Dykes. Honorary pallbearers were the classmates of 1962 and Rick and Bryan Pope, Gary Taylor, Lamar Dale, Roy T. Boatright and Mac Andrews.

Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of all the arrangements.

Crosby Funeral Home, Alma, Ga.

Darlene W. Chastain, 62, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 11, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Columbia, S.C., she was the eldest of three children born to the late Billy Gene and Georgie Viola Melton Abel. As a young child, she and her family moved to Jacksonville, where she grew up and attended Robert E. Lee High School. As a teenager, the family moved to Nassau County, where she graduated from Fernandina Beach High School as class valedictorian. She later attended Florida Junior College, where she earned her associate degree in business management. Beginning in the late 1970s, she was appointed by the Jacksonville mayor’s office as an activist for and investigator of facilities caring for the mentally challenged citizens of Duval County.  In the early 1980s, she was the voice of “Dixie,” a local disc jockey with WHOG radio in Fernandina Beach. In the ensuing years, she worked in the restaurant business – at the Wayfarer, the Thunderbird, Big Daddy’s Bar-b-Que and South End Bar-b-Que – as well as in the retail industry, most recently with Kangaroo Convenience Stores.

Ms. Chastain was an animal lover, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and strategy games, including rummy, dice and spades.

She had attended Five Points Baptist Church.

Mrs. Chastain was preceded in death by her mother, her father and a sister, Debbie Darlington.

She leaves behind two sons, Michael “Myke” Chastain and his wife, Kim, of Fernandina Beach, and Chad Jaynes and his wife, Shelly, of Yulee; a brother, Stevie Darlington of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Chad “CJ” Jaynes II, Chad Christopher Michael Jaynes, David Chastain and Tara “T” Chastain; a niece, Amanda Young; and a nephew, Billy Abel.

Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard .

Her family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until the hour of service.

Please share her Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

John J. Graves, 77, went home to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017.

Mr. Graves served 11 years with the city of Fernandina Beach Public Works Department before working in Florida Public Utilities’ Water Department, where he retired after 28 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Graves; son, Matthew A. Graves (Amanda); grandchildren, Brady, Kayli and Brock; and daughter, Elizabeth Anderson (Jason).

The memorial service for Mr. Graves will be held at noon Friday, Feb. 17, at Walker’s Landing on Amelia Island Plantation.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Graves’ name to VITAS Healthcare at www.vitas.com/community-connection/donation-form.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mary Frances Wall Mattox, 85 of Bradenton, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.

Her loving husband of 68 years, Clifford, was at her side.

Mary was born Nov. 13, 1931, in Wake County, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Henry Wall and Ada Francis Haley.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, Robert, and her sisters, Nancy, Violet and Helen.

Mrs. Mattox is survived by her children, Cliff Mattox and wife Becky, Kathleen Mattox (wife of the late Robert Mattox), Mike Mattox and wife Chris, and Mary Duncum and husband Allen; her sisters, Clara Boscia, Carolyn Eddins, Janice Hines, and Alice Royall and husband J.T.; her brothers, Ralph Eddins and wife Helen, Richard Eddins, Raymond Eddins and wife Judy, and Clark Eddins and wife Linda; grandchildren, Gene, Stacy, Mary and husband Alan, John and wife Emily, Alison and husband Aaron, Paige, Karen and husband Chris, and Alex; and great-grandchildren, Savanah, Brendan, Saria, Robert, Jackson, Mattox and Coraline.

Funeral services will be at Yulee Baptist Church, 85971 N. Harts Road, Yulee, on Saturday, Feb. 18, with viewing at 10 a.m. and celebration at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Green Pine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Yulee Baptist Church, P.O. Box 486, Yulee, FL 32401; or First Baptist Church of Ellenton, 1707 36th Ave. E., Palmetto, FL 34221.

To sign Mrs. Mattox's online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Michael Baldwin, 40, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Stephen Braddock, 69, of Amelia Island, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Patricia Joan Funnell Pfalzer, beloved wife of Dr. Frank A. Pfalzer Jr., died on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at The Retreat on Amelia Island surrounded by her family.

Pat was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 28, 1928.The family moved to Eggertsville, N.Y. in 1929. She graduated from St. Benedict School, The Sacred Heart Academy (1945), D’Youville College (1949) and did postgraduate studies at Buffalo State College.

She married Frank in 1953 and taught kindergarten until March 1955, when she began to raise her family of three girls and three boys. Pat lived in Alabama while Frank was stationed at Fort McCellan Hospital after he returned from Korea. The Pfalzers then lived in the Town of Tonawanda, Williamsville and East Amherst in New York before retiring to Amelia Island in 1989.

Pat loved being a housewife, mother and grandmother. Everyone loved her smile and her kind soul. She enjoyed golf, tennis, cross-country skiing and, above all, painting. Several of her paintings hang in homes in Florida, western New York, Minnesota and Muskoka, Ontario, where they had a cabin for 23 years.

Pat is survived by her husband, Frank; her brother, Robert Funnell; her five children, Nancy J. (Bill) Swartzman, Peter A. (Liz), Dr. David F. (Jill), Mary Jo Malik (Bill Jensen) and Marta E. (Jeff) Jackson; and her nine grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel Malik, Thomas, Cory Nelson, Emily, Spencer Jackson, Danika Jackson, Sydney Malik and Morgan Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her son, William, and brothers, John and Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1700 N. French Road, Getzville, N.Y.

Memorials in Pat’s name can be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Building 100, Jacksonville, FL 32257; Alzheimer’s Society at alz.org; or Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation, 2950 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217.

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, Kenmore, N.Y.

Mr. Michael Wade Baldwin, 40, of Yulee, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Jacksonville, he was the son of Walter Warren Baldwin Sr. and Vickie Dianne Burrell Baldwin. As a young child, he and his family moved to Yulee, where he attended school. Michael had been a lifelong resident of Nassau and Duval counties and was the owner of Yulee Tree Services.

He was a fan of mud trucks and was an avid fisherman.

Michael was preceded in death by a sister, Lourice “Lori” Baldwin, who passed away in 1982, and a daughter, Lourice “Reese” Dianne Baldwin, who passed away in 2005.

He leaves behind his father, Walter Baldwin of Jacksonville; his mother, Dianne B. Baldwin of Yulee; children, Michaela Baldwin of Harrietts Bluff, Ga., Madison Baldwin of Yulee, Michael Baldwin of Yulee, Haylee Pierson of Yulee, and Samantha Pierson of Yulee; a brother, Walter “Bubba” W. Baldwin Jr. of Yulee; a sister, Brandy Edwards of Yulee; his paternal grandfather, Walter J. Baldwin III of Jacksonville; and honorary Nana, Joann Johnson of Jacksonville.

Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 20, at Yulee Baptist Church, with Pastor Doug Sides officiating.

His family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Oxley-Heard.

Please share his Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Stephen Ray Braddock, of Amelia Island, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the age of 69, surrounded by family.

He was the son of William Ray and Helen Good Braddock, who preceded him in death.

Steve was raised in Martinsville, N.J., and served as a medic in the United States Navy before joining his father and brother Bill at Braddock Heat Treating. Steve and Bill grew the business into Braddock Metallurgical, which now has eight locations, in New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Steve and his wife of 46 years, Sue, resided in Flemington, N.J., before relocating to Amelia Island in 2001. After undergoing surgery for Liposarcoma in 2006, Steve and Sue were able to travel the world and enjoy time with family and friends. No matter the circumstances, he always managed to bounce back with a smile to play golf, drink wine and travel. He was a role model to all who knew him, and confronted adversity with humor and grace. His quick wit and generous spirit will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Sue; sons, Clayton (Valerie) and Griffith (Mary Margaret); and grandchildren, Blair Ann, Mary Elyse and Kellis Stephen. Steve is also survived by siblings, William (Sheila), Judi Andrews (George) and Robert (Carolyn); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mayo Clinic, Center for Individualized Medicine Department, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905; Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Road, Amelia Island, FL 32034; or a charity of your choice.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joshua Mark Coggins, 41, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. He was born Sept. 26, 1975, in Jacksonville, the son of Mark Jerome Coggins and Charlene Magie Thurmond. He attended Fernandina Beach High School.

Josh is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Michelle Shepherd Coggins; son, Joshua Riley Coggins; father, Mark Coggins (Carol Lina); mother, Charlene Thurmond (Pete); sisters, Ashley Coggins Dove and Myriah Platt (Sean); brother, Mikivin Shev Ashmore (Wendee); nephews, Cameron and Jayden Dove, and Lockland Ashmore; and niece, Anniston Platt. He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Eula Magie of Jefferson, Ga., along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Floyd and Betty Coggins, and Jack Magie.

Josh worked in the cable and fiber optics business for 23 years. He was a devoted husband, loving father and great son. Josh enjoyed spending time with all his family and was an avid Florida State Seminoles fan. Josh was loved and will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

Josh’s family will receive friends at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach. Following visitation, funeral services will begin at noon, with the Rev. Ken Barney officiating. Following the service, Josh will be laid to rest in Hughes Cemetery.

The family invites all friends to gather and celebrate Josh's life at the home of his father, Mark Coggins, immediately following all services.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kennie McKown Day II, 73, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 19, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring.

Born in Bonne Terre, Mo., he was the son of the late Charles and Suzanne Struss Day, grandson of Marie Bailey Struss of Fernandina and great-grandson of the late Effingham and Katherine Bailey of Fernandina. He grew up in Clarksville, Tenn., and was a 1961 graduate of Clarksville High School. After high school, he attended the University of Tennessee and Austin Peay State University, where he studied engineering. Kennie’s 50-plus-year career in rock, aggregate and sand mining began with his work as a teenager in his family’s business, Clarksville Stone. He went on to design, construct and operate projects throughout the southeastern United States and in the Bahamas and Mexico. At the time of his passing, he was founding partner and chief operating officer of American Silica LLC, a cutting-edge mine operation near Jonesboro, Ark.

Kennie was a man of integrity and honor. He was classic in his way of thinking, traditional in his beliefs and straightforward in the way he treated his fellow man. He enjoyed all things related to the outdoors and extending hospitality to his family and friends.

He leaves behind his wife, Sara Daw Day of Fernandina Beach; his son, Kennie McKown Day III of Philadelphia; Sara’s daughters, Dawn Mays (Stephen) of Satellite Beach, and Stacy Price (Tim) of St. Johns; a sister, Tonia Day Quarterman (John) of Fernandina Beach; seven grandchildren, Logan, Lauren, Reagan, Evelyn, Lillian, Katherine and Theo; nephews, John Quarterman and Charles Quarterman; and a niece, Michele McDougall.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo officiating. Kennie will be laid to rest among his parents, grandmother and great-grandparents in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Oxley-Heard.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to St. Peter’s Cemetery Fund, c/o St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Please share his Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Raymond E. Henslin, 93, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 18, 2017, at Orange Park Medical Center.

Mr. Henslin was born June 26, 1923, in Mantorville, Minn., and moved to Orange Park from Yulee in 2016.

He was a World War II veteran serving with the U.S. Army.

He lived his life for his family and always put others before himself. He spent many years in the construction industry as a carpenter, and he loved farming. Before the death of his beloved wife, they enjoyed traveling and living in the mountains of North Carolina. He remained active in the lives of his grandchildren.

Mr. Henslin was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Helen Henslin, who passed away in 2014.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Faye Henslin of Screven, Ga.; a daughter and son-in-law, Carla and David Lempke of Orange Park; and three grandchildren, Matt Lempke, Aaron Henslin and Cara Henslin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home. Interment  with military honors will follow in Hughes Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Gideons International Bible Society.

To sign Mr. Henslin's online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Mrs. Mildred Edith Mills, 90, beloved wife of the late Richard “Dick” Mills of Macon, Ga., and Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2017, at Savannah Grand of Amelia Island.

Born in Fort McClellan, Ala., she was the last living of five children born to the late Jesse Arthur Vitatoe and Bertie Mae Miller Vitatoe. Her family moved to Gainesville with her father’s U.S. Army career, which enabled her to attended and graduate from Buchholz High School. She later attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. In 1946, she married a chemistry major from the University of Florida, Richard “Dick” H. Mills. In 1960, the Mills family moved to Macon, where Mrs. Mills enjoyed her affiliation with many social clubs, to include the Woman’s Club and the Junior League of Macon. Mrs. Mills was an avid payer of bridge. She and her husband made Macon their home until moving to Amelia Island in 2007. Mr. Mills passed away in July 2008.

While living in Macon, they were members of Vineville and North Macon Presbyterian churches. After settling on Amelia Island, they affiliated with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

She leaves behind a son, James R. Mills and his wife, Terri, of Marietta, Ga.; a daughter, Judy M. Holcomb and her husband, Darrell, of Fernandina Beach; four grandchildren, Laura H. Wilkerson (Wade), Lee H. O’Shields (Tyler), Brian R. Mills and Bradley S. Mills; five great-grandchildren, Hunter Wilkerson, Jackson Wilkerson, Luke Wilkerson, Charles Wilkerson and Hudson O’Shields; a niece, Barbara Shelow; and a nephew, Mark Musleh.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo officiating.

Mrs. Mills will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Macon Presbyterian Church Building Fund, c/o North Macon Presbyterian Church, 5707 Rivoli Drive, Macon, GA 31210

Please share her Life Story and leave your condolences and memories at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Marc Crane, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, 2017, at his home.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Estelle T. Griffin, 101, of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 22, 2017, at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Franklin "Frankie" Eugene Hall, 38, former longtime resident of Yulee, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Jacksonville.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dolvin Foreman Jr., 77, of Signal Mountain, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017.

Dolvin was a member of St. Augustine Chapel, Alexian Village. He was in Knights of Columbus. Dolvin served in the United States Air Force. Dolvin retired as director of environmental health for the state of Florida after 38 years of service.

Dolvin was preceded in death by sister, Marie Colsen.

Dolvin is survived by his wife of 28 years, Blanca Foreman; daughters, Wilda (Craig) Cunninghame, Peachy Lee and Lynn (Jeff) Hays; niece, Trudi (Skip) Harris; nephews, Ken (Linda) Colsen and William Colsen; seven grandchildren; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at St. Augustine Chapel, Alexian Village on Signal Mountain.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tenn., www.lanefh.com.

Lane Funeral Home, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Mrs. Mildred Edith Mills, 90, beloved wife of the late Richard “Dick” Mills of Macon, Ga., and Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2017, at Savannah Grand of Amelia Island.

Born in Fort McClellan, Ala., she was the last living of five children born to the late Jesse Arthur Vitatoe and Bertie Mae Miller Vitatoe. Her family moved to Gainesville with her father’s U.S Army career, which enabled her to attend and graduate from Buchholz High School. She later attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. In 1946, she married a chemistry major from the University of Florida, Richard “Dick” H. Mills. In 1960, the Mills family moved to Macon, where Mrs. Mills enjoyed her affiliation with many social clubs, to include the Woman’s Club and the Junior League of Macon. Mrs. Mills was an avid bridge player. She and her husband made Macon their home until moving to Amelia Island in 2007. Mr. Mills passed away in July 2008.

While living in Macon, they were members of Vineville and North Macon Presbyterian churches. After settling on Amelia Island, they affiliated with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

She leaves behind, a son, James R. Mills and his wife, Terri, of Marietta, Ga.; a daughter, Judy M. Holcomb and her husband, Darrell, of Fernandina Beach; four grandchildren, Laura H. Wilkerson (Wade), Lee H. O’Shields (Tyler), Brian R. Mills and Bradley S. Mills; five-great grandchildren, Hunter Wilkerson, Jackson Wilkerson, Luke Wilkerson, Charles Wilkerson and Hudson O’Shields; a niece, Barbara Shelow; and a nephew, Mark Musleh.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo officiating.

Mrs. Mills will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Macon Presbyterian Church Building Fund, c/o North Macon Presbyterian Church, 5707 Rivoli Drive, Macon, GA 31210.

Please share her Life Story and leave your condolences and memories at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Vickie Renee (Newman) Webb passed peacefully from this world on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City following a valiant battle as an LVAD patient awaiting a heart transplant. She recently celebrated her 56th birthday with her best friend and devoted husband of more than 36 years, John “Harpo” Webb of Wagoner, Okla., by her side, as always.

Vickie was born Feb. 4, 1961, in her father Bill Newman's hometown, Pawhuska, Okla., and raised primarily in her mother Myra (Rawling) Shea's hometown, Colonial Beach, Va. Vickie attended Colonial Beach schools through high school. She was part of the largest class Colonial Beach had seen at just more than 40 students. It is a small town on the Potomac River, and Vickie grew up swimming, hanging out on the boardwalk and performing in parades as a majorette. She developed a love of bingo, The Price is Right and The Lawrence Welk Show from her grandmother Frances (Jenkins) Rawlings. It was a full house with her Grandma; Mom; four younger siblings, Billy, Michael, Debbie and Kenny; and their beloved pets. As a teenager, Vickie moved with her family to the Sunshine State, where she fell even deeper in love with the beach and started a lifelong hobby of watching the Space Shuttles at Kennedy Space Center. She graduated from Titusville High School, Class of 1979.

Vickie was fortunate finding her love early in her life, driving a muscle car outside Sandwich Shack in Wagoner. Eventually she learned his name is not just “Harpo” (nicknamed after the Marx brother). John “Harpo” Webb followed her back to the beach in Florida. Resembling a teenage Sally Field and Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit, they crossed the country once again, returning to Oklahoma. Vickie and John were married Sept. 5, 1980.

They soon had two children, Jennifer and Matthew, raising them along with their home full of pets in Wagoner, and then the Yulee-Fernandina Beach area. Vickie, with her family, moved to Yulee in 1988, when it was a one-traffic-light crossroads that still had many dirt roads, a full-service gas station, a motor court motel and not much else. Vickie loved the natural beauty of the coast. Even as the rest of the area developed, secluded Big Talbot Island State Park was always one of Vickie's unspoiled favorite places. Although most relatives were far away, Vickie was happy to have a full house when her nephew Billy Newman and nieces Crystal (Newman) Pratt and Amanda (Newman) Adams lived nearby. Her children are eternally grateful for instilling a love of animals in them. Her children's friends and significant others remember her fondly for always having an open door for them.

Vickie was a writer and storyteller at heart, particularly enjoying both children's poetry and ghost stories. Pursuing her interests in design and publishing, Vickie earned her certificate in printing and graphic arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville in 1994. Many of her evenings were happily devoted to volunteering with Yulee Little League and YMCA Youth Basketball and, later on, with the Nassau County Community Emergency Response Team.

Vickie was at home by the water wherever she lived, swimming, fishing and beachcombing for hours and hours and days on end. She enjoyed road trips, car shows, stock car racing, gardening and making crafts. She believed in love, peace, second chances, happy accidents and the good in people.

After more than 20 years in Florida, Vickie moved with John to Oklahoma City and then Wagoner, wanting to be close to her late mother-in-law, Coralee (Dumond) Webb; father-in-law, Jim Webb; and brother-in-law, Jimmy. Sequoyah State Park, the Illinois River near Tahlequah, and Route 66 were some of Vickie's favorite places in Oklahoma. Over the past year, Vickie enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making a couple of new ones and road trips to see family in Kansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Florida. Vickie and John were over the moon to celebrate their 36^th wedding anniversary with a long-distance visit from their granddaughter Shyanne Alexzandra “ShyBear” “Webbie” Webb and a day at Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah.

Because of her LVAD heart pump, Vickie was affectionately known as “The Bionic Woman” to her family. Thanks to the LVAD, cardiac care team, Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation team, and the entire support staff and cafeteria at Integris Baptist Medical Center; Dr. Reji Pappy at St. Anthony's Medical Center in Oklahoma City; Justin Kurtz, CRT of Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehabilitation in Wagoner; the Affordable Care Act; and superhero husband Harpo, Vickie lived a fulfilling three years after a diagnosis of chronic heart failure.

Per her and her family's wishes, Vickie's body has been donated to the United Tissue Network (unitedtissue.org). The family requests in lieu of flowers that you give the gift of life by donating blood and consider organ donation. You may learn more at americantransplantfoundation.org and unitedtissue.org.

Vickie leaves behind her husband, John Webb of Wagoner; their two adult children, Jennifer (Webb) Gapetz and her husband, Joshua, of Lawrence, Kan., and New York, and Matthew Webb and daughter-in-law Shannon Solomon of Miami; her young granddaughter, her sunshine, Shyanne Webb, also of Miami; and all of their pet family, dear friends Maggie Tienter of College Station, Texas, Ron Morgan of Oklahoma City, and Terry and Cheryl Newman of Skiatook, Okla.; mother, Myra (Rawlings) Shea of Waldorf, Md.; father-in-law, Jim Webb of Wagoner; her four siblings, Billy Newman of Fernandina Beach, Michael Newman of Waldorf, Debbie (Newman) Hatton of Waldorf, and Kenny Newman of King George, Va., and their families; and many cousins, relatives, steps, in-laws, friends and neighbors.

Vickie was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Coralee Webb of Wagoner; stepfather, John Shea of Waldorf; and father, Bill Newman of Wagoner.

Arrangements by Hersman-Nichols Funeral Home, Wagoner, and Corbett Funeral Services, Norman, Okla.

Vickie, we love you. “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”

Hersman-Nichols Funeral Home, Wagoner, Okla.

The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of his own mind. - By Kahlil Gibran

Rychard S. Cook II, called home by our Lord on July 19, 2016, was the youngest of three siblings. His life was shared by older sisters who preceded him in death: Dr. Nettie Cook- Dove (Joshua Jr.) and Laura Lee Cook. The three were reared by his mother's oldest sister, the late Ms. Annie M. Cook, an elementary school teacher and strict disciplinarian to whom good manners were imperative.

A native Fernandinian, Rychard grew up in the Sunday School of First Missionary Baptist church and received his early secular education at Peck High School, where as a student he entered and won a song writing contest that gave Peck High its Alma Mater. In 1951, along with his classmate Mrs. Vernita Johnson Holmes, he graduated as Co-Valedictorian. He received a four year scholarship from the state of Florida and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1955, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and in 1963, he earned a Master of Arts degree in School Librarianship at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Mr. Cook’s stellar career in the educational field was inspired by three outstanding individuals, all now deceased: Mrs. Mamie T. Jordan (music), Mrs. Edythe J. Thurston (communication skills), and Mrs. Dorothy Sanford Love (librarian extraordinaire). For his life’s work, Rychard chose librarianship as a profession and music as his avocation.

Mr. Cook began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School as a substitute teacher. After two weeks, he became a full time teacher at Milner-Rosen Wald Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida. As a Miami-Dade County public school employee, Mr. Cook has taught at West Homestead Elementary-Junior High School, Dunbar Elementary, Miami Northwestern Senior High, Coral Park Senior High, Miami Jackson High, Horace Mann Middle, Holmes and Westview elementary schools. Mr. Cook retired from Westview Elementary as a Media Specialist on June 18, 1999, after spending 42 years of dedicated service in Florida's public schools. An avid reader, Mr. Cook spent hours reading mystery novels and researching African-American history and culture. He was a devoted Toni Morrison fan. He encouraged many African Americans to learn more about their roots, during his serious study of Black History. In 1967, he founded the Afro-Americans, a readers’ theatre group that included his childhood friend Dessie Horne Williams, and which promoted the study of Black History and Culture through its prose, poetry, and song.

Mr. Cook was a life member of the Zora Neale Hurston Society, and was affiliated with the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, The Theodore R. Gibson Oratorical and Declamation Contest, The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., William J. Faulkner's Friends of Folklore, The American Library Association, and Dade County Media Specialist Association. Those organizations provided Mr. Cook with many excellent opportunities for the rendering of community service, an activity to which he brought serious and steadfast commitment.

Mr. Cook's extensive travels took him to such places as West Africa, England, Germany, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, The Caribbean, France, and Italy. From his travels, he gained a variety of diverse cultural experiences, which he generously shared with family, friends, students, churches, colleges, and universities.

In addition to being an enthusiastic collector of Black Art, first edition books, and collector plates, Mr. Cook was the recipient of a variety of awards including: 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, from Holmes Elementary School; Eighth Annual Sistrunk Historical Festival Award, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1995; Florida International University Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service; and Eighth Annual Theodore R. Gibson Project Award, 1986

Mr. Cook completed 26 years of service as a librarian at Florida National University. His life ambition was to complete his writings on the life and works of Zora Neal Hurston.

Until his demise, Mr. Cook received loving and around- the- clock care in the Orlando home of his son Dave Thompson and wife Elizabeth .Their sons Kristian and David loved their Grandfather dearly and spent many happy hours listening to his wonderful stories and receiving the benefit of his wise counsel.

Mr. Cook leaves to mourn his passing: His Son Dave (Elizabeth) Thompson of Orlando Florida. Grandchildren: Kristian Thompson of Miami Florida and David Thompson of Orlando Florida. Special friend who shared the same passion of wanting to help youth reach their fullest potential: Dessie Horne Williams of Miami Florida. Nephews: Joshua Kenneth Dove III.  & Richard Holland. Nieces: Beverly Dove (Leo) Ross, of Richmond, VA and .Ingrid Bernadette Dove of Atlanta Georgia. Grand Niece: Joy Nicole Ross. Grand Nephew: Raymond Williams and Joshua Kenneth (Angelique) Dove VI. Cousin: Yvonne Fisher. Goddaughters: Rosemarie Crocker, Almeta Birch & L. Ann Cumbie-Patterson (Lester). Godsons: Robert Battle of New York, Evan MacArthur of Japan and Petty officer Aston Cumbie Farquharson of Honolulu, Hawaii. Extended Family members: Joe &Eula Johnson, Earl Robinson, Ron Henry, Roy Moultry, Veronica Wellington, Charles (Bridgette) MacArthur, Bernice Horne Edgecombe-Tel-Saint (Amelius). And many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be sorely missed.  

Memorial services will be held at, The First Missionary Baptist Church on Friday August 5 2016 at 6:00pm.22 South 9th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Nassau County Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the Rychard-Lottie-Annie Cook Scholarship. Address: P.O. Box 16382, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.