Cheryl Brown Stanton, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018 at her home.

Born in Haile, Fla., she was a daughter of the late Harry L. and Lillian Virginia Scarbrough Brown. Cheryl spent much of her youth in Jacksonville and graduated from Paxon High School in 1963.

Through the years, she was involved in banking and real estate. Since moving to Fernandina Beach 17 years ago, she enjoyed working in retail. She has worked at both Sydneys and the Pineapple Patch in historic downtown Fernandina Beach and also at Stein Mart. She made many friends through her business contacts over the years.

She married her husband, John Stanton, 30 years ago on Valentine’s Day in Lilburn, Ga.

In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her three daughters, Edie Rae Pearson of Beaufort, S.C., Erin Renee Kratky of Fernandina Beach, and Catherine Stanton Reid of Fort Mill, S.C.; a son, Will Stanton of Kissimmee, Fla.; a sister, Judy Baxter of Orange City, Fla.; and two granddaughters, Kendall and Brooke Kratky, both of Fernandina Beach.

Cheryl’s family will receive friends at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018.

Her family asks that contributions be made in her memory to the Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL  32034 or the American Lung Association, 6852 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL  32216.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marlon D. Edmondson, 60, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kenneth L. Drury Sr., 80, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday April 3, 2018 at Heartland Hospice in Jacksonville.

Kenny was born February 14, 1938. He was a lifelong resident of Fernandina. As a truck driver for Super Dollar, he met his wife Claudette Stephens in Vidalia, Ga. in 1968. They were married six months later on January 3, 1969. They made their home in Fernandina Beach. Kenneth was a hard-working man and had several jobs over his career. He was a semi-truck driver, a security guard, and tow truck driver and began his own courier service in January 1993. That was a successful business in which he made many friends until his retirement in 2014.

Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, James Wesley and Ollie Fullard Drury; his brother, David Drury; a cousin, Cecil Drury; and his beloved mother-in-law, Mary Lou Stephens.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Claudette Drury; his brother, James Donald Drury and wife Carol; two sons, James Kevin Drury and wife Karen of East Dublin, Ga., and Ken Drury Jr. of Fernandina Beach; four daughters, Dora Williams and husband Jerry of Adrian, Ga., Donna Wall and husband David of Dexter, Ga., Erin Drury of Fernandina Beach, and Christy Youngblood and husband Tom of Fernandina Beach.

Kenny had 12 grandchildren, Courtney Rogers (Scott), Alicia Seeker (Joseph), William Woods (Hannah), Douglas Williams, Lindsey Fagins (Jerome), Sierra Albrecht (Jeremy), James Drury, Sarah Woods-Williams (Trevor), Cora Williams, Austin Conner, Drew Mahoney, and Tanner Youngblood; two great-grandchildren, Lylian Woods and Hunter Williams, and two more on the way. He also had three nephews, two nieces, several cousins and many friends.

Kenneth will be remembered as a hard-working, loving family man. He dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grands. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Yulee Baptist Church at 3 p.m. April 15, 2018 with Pastor Doug Sides officiating. The family will receive guests from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marlon D. Edmondson, 60, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

He was born on January 13, 1958 in Brawley, Calif. to the late Raymond Edmondson and Velma A. (Stidham) Edmondson.

Born and raised in Brawley, Calif., he relocated from Pines Bluff, Wyo. to Fernandina Beach in 2012. He was employed by WestRock.

Marlon was preceded in death by his wife, Joanie Edmondson, in 2009.

He leaves behind his children, Sherry McElroy of Lemon Grove, Calif., and Michael Edmondson of Chesapeake, Va.; his mother, Velma Edmondson of Brawley; his brother, Tony Edmondson of Brawley; his sisters, Karen Granish and Kay Tuck, both of Brawley; his grandchildren, Becca and Brandon McElroy of Lemon Grove and Taylor Edmondson of Chesapeake.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jesse E. Holloway, 77, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday morning, April 7, 2018.

Mr. Holloway was born March 11, 1941 in Delco, N.C. and moved to Yulee in 1972 from Jacksonville, Fla. He was an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Faith. He retired from ITT Rayonier. Mr. Holloway was an expert carpenter and enjoyed playing the guitar. He was a Gators and Jaguars fan.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Estell Holloway, as well as Lorena Holloway and a brother, Charlie Holloway Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ann Peffly Holloway of Yulee; a son and daughter-in-law, Vernon D. and Melody Holloway of Baltimore, Md.; four sisters, Bobbi Jean Conner, Esther Holloway, Irene Knight and Evelyn Hartsell; three grandchildren, Jason, Ally and Fred; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Green Pine Cemetery.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Oliver Conway Rowe, 78, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

He was born on July 10, 1939 in Callahan, Fla. to the late Marcus and Maude (Cowart) Rowe.

Mr. Rowe joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and served honorably until 1958. He then worked as a shrimper on the east and west coasts of Florida and off the Texas coast. He was also employed by Terminal Bag in Yulee, Fla. and Container Corporation in Fernandina Beach. Oliver retired from Flagship Property Management.

He loved fishing, the Florida State Seminoles and the Tampa Bay Rays.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Jean McCarthy Rowe; sons, Brian (Dawn) Rowe and Michael (Christy) Gordon; grandchildren, Hannah Patrick, Blake Rowe, Jon-Michael Gordon, Crystal Gordon, Lindsay Albritton, and Logan Stevenson; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Terry (Jill) McCarthy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the home of his son.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donni Thompson passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the age of 49.

Born in Germany, Donni grew up in a few different places before settling with her family in Lee County, Georgia. In 1986, she graduated from Lee County High School and later attended Florida State College at Jacksonville, where she attained an Associate Degree in Nursing.

Donni is survived by her husband of 25 years, Donnie Thompson, and children, Bryant and Jenna. She also leaves behind two brothers, Dwight (Karen) Booker and Duane Booker as well as six nieces and nephews, Tyler (Erin), Josh, Alex, Taylor, Tricia, and Abby. She is also survived by three great-nieces.

A memorial service in honor of her memory will be held at Celebration Assembly of God at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 with Pastor Rick Lowary officiating. 

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

A Christian is characterized by a strong belief and by living a rich and fulfilling life. Bettie Gilbert Williams’ life exemplified all of these characteristics and more. With her passing on April 4, 2018 after a lengthy illness, she turned her face toward the sunrise and quietly sank into rest that knows no waking, except in the presence of God where she will receive her eternal reward.

Bettie Gilbert Williams, known by many as “Bettie Ann,” was born in Fernandina Beach, Fla. to the late Warren Gilbert Sr. and Willie Hemmans Gilbert. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Peck High School, graduated from Florida Memorial College and earned a master’s degree from the University of North Florida. 

She taught for several years in Callahan, Fla. and Fernandina Beach. She was very instrumental in molding the lives of young people. Her slogan throughout life was “get an education which will benefit you and the community and most of all prepare yourself for eternal life – know God for yourself.”

On December 20, 1964, Mrs. Williams was united in holy wedlock to John Henry Williams Sr. and from this union was blessed with two children.

In the community she served as a music educator and participated in Epsilon Mu Lambda Lambda, Eastern Star Lodge No. 195, The Red Hat Society and several other organization and clubs. 

She is preceded in death by her mother, Willie H. Gilbert; father, Warren Gilbert Sr.; brothers, Warren Gilbert Jr., William Gilbert and Charles Gilbert.

Left to cherish her memory are a devoted husband of 53 years, John Henry Williams Sr.; children, John Henry Williams Jr. and Valerie Faithe Williams; brother, Wesley John Gilbert; sisters-in-law, Annie Evans (Joe) and Cynthia Gilbert; two dedicated nieces, Emma Brizele and Patricia Russell; and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

The viewing of Mrs. Bettie Williams will be held at the First Missionary Baptist Church, 22 S. Ninth St., Fernandina Beach, on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 5to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service. Her service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at First Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be held in the Bosque Bello Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 10:15 a.m. at 712 S. 10th St.

Huff & Battise Funeral Home

Susan Dickson Getman, born July 14, 1968 in Columbus, Ohio, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 7, 2018. She and her husband, David Getman, had just moved into their new home in Bryceville, Fla.

Susan lived in Chicago, Ill., Milwaukee, Wisc., Atlanta, Ga. and Bettendorf, Iowa. After college, she moved in 1998 to Jacksonville, where she met her future husband, David, and from there they moved to Tampa, Fla., Cary, N.C., Vero Beach, Fla. and then back to Jacksonville.

Susan graduated from Dunwoody High in Dunwoody, Ga. in 1986 and then went on to the University of South Dakota for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. After spending some time in the banking business, she became a scorer of written achievement tests for the two leading high school and college testing companies in the country. Susan was an accomplished writer of prose and poetry.

She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Episcopal church.

Susan had a passion for ice-skating and was a member of The Wauwatosa Skating Club near Milwaukee and the Atlanta Skating Club during her time in those communities.

Susan was a life-long cat and dog lover and requested that anyone wishing to make a donation in her name should do so by donating to their local no-kill animal shelter.

She leaves behind her loving husband, David Getman of Bryceville; parents, Betty and Bill Dickson of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; brother, Scott Dickson of Los Angeles, Calif.; aunt and uncle, Anne and Fred Grossenbach of Middleton, Wisc.; aunt, Lois Wagner of Greenville, Ohio; mother-in-law and husband, Lynn and Bob Duff of Brunswick, Ga.; father-in-law and wife, Mike and Sarah Getman of Kelso, Wa.; and a host of loving cousins, their spouses and school friends living in and out of the country.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo, rector, officiating.

Please share your memories and condolences ay www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Eleanor Morrison Simmons, 89, of O'Neil, Fla., passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018, in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born on July 2, 1928, to the late Rev. Lenworth S. Morrison and Elizabeth Jenkins Morrison, she was the sixth of their nine children. Mrs. Simmons was baptized in New Zion Baptist Church and, after relocating outside the city with her family, became a member of O'Neal Memorial Baptist Church, founded and built by her father in 1947. She rendered lifelong service at O'Neal Memorial as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, missionary, and mother of the church and remained active as the church clerk until her death. She was also a full-time caregiver for her youngest sister.

Mrs. Simmons graduated as valedictorian of the Peck High School Class of 1946. She attended Florida Normal (now Florida Memorial University) in St. Augustine and received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a minor in science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Fla. She began her 32-year teaching career in 1950 at Jerkins High School in Taylor County, Fla. In 1953, she married Johnnie Simmons of Perry, Fla. She began teaching at Pine Forest Community School on the west side of her native Nassau County in 1959. Following desegregation, she served on the first integrated faculty of Hilliard High School (now Hilliard Middle-Senior High). She joined the Yulee Junior High School faculty in 1975 and, later, joined the faculty at Fernandina Beach High School as a home economics teacher. In that position, Mrs. Simmons created a childcare development class in which her students received hands-on training in the fundamentals of early childhood education through an on-site preschool program. She named it Sunshine City Play School. She retired in 1986, qualified for her Child Development Associate (CDA) degree and co-founded and opened with her sisters, also retired teachers, the Rose-Lennie Developmental Learning Center as a nonprofit outreach of her church.

Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by her husband.

She is survived by her three daughters, Nanette S. Autry (Gary Sr.), Denise S. Jefferson (Edward) and Glenda S. Jenkins (Sean); four grandchildren, Gary C. Autry Jr., Jaron Jefferson, Maya Jefferson and Zavia Jenkins; two sisters, Juliette M. Knox and Mattie M. Johnson; and an extended family of adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves to cherish her memory a large, multi-generational community of students whom she loved like her own children.

Mrs. Simmons' family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, at O'Neal Memorial, 474257 State Route 200 East, Fernandina Beach. Her homegoing celebration will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 S. 10th St., the Rev. Jeremiah Robinson Jr., pastor, in Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Stantley Palmer, pastor of O'Neal Memorial, as eulogist. Rose-Lennie and I Can Academy students may pay tribute to Mrs. Simmons by wearing pink or rose. Mrs. Simmons will lie in state at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the service. Interment will follow at a time to be decided on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville.

Huff and Battise Funeral Home

Wallace Stine Sterling Jr. of Tampa, Fla. passed away on April 9, 2018 after a brief period of declining health. He was 82.

Wallace was born on December 14, 1935 in Fernandina Beach, Fla., and was the oldest son of the late Wallace and Maggie Sterling. He attended Fernandina Beach High School and graduated as class valedictorian in 1953. He was active in the local Boy Scouts troop and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned his bachelorʼs degree in English and theater from the University of Florida, where he was also a proud member of the marching band. He earned his Ph.D. in theater from the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale and went on to serve for many years as a professor at the University of Akron in Ohio, retiring as professor emeritus. Upon retirement, he lived for several years in Chapel Hill, N.C., where he was an adjunct professor at NCCU and worked as a director with the local theater. He eventually retired to Tampa, where he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa for several years.

Wallace loved teaching and directing and he enjoyed mentoring his students and helping them succeed. He is held in high regard by his former students. In earlier years he enjoyed traveling and visiting family members. Never having children of his own, he took great pride in the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews. Wallace will be remembered by one and all as a truly good person who loved life and his Florida Gators.

Wallace is survived by his long-time companion, James McCray of Tampa; aunt, Rosemary Miller of Fernandina Beach; brothers, Bunny (wife Marilyn) of Fernandina Beach, George (wife Sheri) of Statesboro, Ga., and Andy of Fernandina Beach; sisters, Katie Davenport (husband Bill) of Raleigh, N.C., Helen Green (husband Ed) of Yulee, Fla., and Mary Jubito (husband Tommy) of Yulee; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Fernandina Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.brewerfuneral.com.

Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes

Raymond Wayne Cook, 73, of Hawthorne, Fla. and formerly of Yulee, Fla., passed away April 4, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Harford Peeples officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Betty Trower Pitcher went to heaven on Saturday, March 24, 2018. A Celebration of Life will be held at Peters Point at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Patrick Ian Preliou, 41, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away April 9, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

William R. Brock, 83, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Roger Godwin, 58, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away at his home on Monday December 25, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Carolyn R. Hall, 76, of Callahan, Fla., passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Eugene Randall Michaels, 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Ralph James Natrillo Jr., 80, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 24, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jeanne Smith Robbins, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 23, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Sidney Albert Freeman Jr., 93, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 16, 2018. He was born in Chester, Fla.

“Pop,” as he was so lovingly known, loved to play his guitar and sing for the Lord with his wife, Elizabeth.  His children have always said that, when their dad prayed, the Angels stopped and listened because the Lord always answered his prayers.

He was a dad and granddad that they could count on no matter what. He loved them unconditionally and without judgment. They knew without a doubt that their dad loved them. He was a member of Community Baptist Church.

Sidney served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946, fighting in WWII. He was part of the Liberation of the Philippines and was a Bronze Star recipient. After serving in the Navy, Sidney came home and went to work for Houdail Duval Wright Towing Company as a tugboat captain for 40 years and then with Cross State Towing for 17 years.

Sidney was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth; son, Albert; daughter, Elaine; grandson, Calvin; his parents, Geneva (Bennett) and Sidney Albert Freeman Sr.; four sisters, Florence, Geneva, Helen, and Ruth; and one brother, William.

He leaves behind his daughters, Elizabeth (Danny) Monroe, Debbie Rowe, Barbara  (Jimmy) Doyle, Jeanette (Steve) Hoffman, and Janet Herzog; daughter-in-law, Carol Freeman; sister, Roma Norris; 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Chester Cemetery. Sidney’s grandson, Reverend Donald Keith Shearin Jr., will be officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Keith Messer, Alex Powell, Ray Howard, Jody Rowe, Jeremy Allers, and Michael McInarnay. Honorary pallbearer will be Justin Rowe.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Memeoria Quarterman, 62, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Harts Harbor Healthcare in Jacksonville after an extended illness.

A lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, Ms. Quarterman was a daughter of the late George and Annie Williams Quarterman. She was a 1973 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, where she played basketball. She would later attend Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Most of her working life was spent in the hospitality industry. She will always be remembered for her love of sports, especially basketball and football.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family. Her love for them was shown not just by her emotions but by the caring guidance and hard work she exhibited throughout the years.

She leaves behind to mourn her passing three children, Lionel (Gwendelyn) Quarterman and Andrina Quarterman, both of Fernandina Beach, and Monica Quarterman of Jacksonville; her siblings, Carolyn (Lee) Kellom of Miami, Fla., Gloria (Edgar) Arline of Jacksonville, Margaret Quarterman of Atlanta, Ga., Linda Quarterman of Jacksonville, Audrey (John) Jones of Fernandina Beach, Louis Quarterman of  Miami, and Lois Dickerson of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; and her five grandchildren, Demetrius Roberts, Denim Quarterman, Lionel Quarterman Jr., Desmond Quarterman and Bryden Quarterman; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p .m. Friday, April 20, 2018 at Oxley-Heard. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2108 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home with Pastor Patricia Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Bosque Bello Cemetery. 

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ruth Louise Sluder, 81, of St. Marys, Ga., went home to be with the Lord on April 13th, 2018 at Quality Health in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born January 3, 1937 in Tampa, Fla., she spent most of her life in Nassau County before retiring with her great love, Ralph, in St. Marys.

She loved spending time with her family and hosting large family gatherings. She also enjoyed traveling out west with her husband to Las Vegas and California and visiting their hunting cabin in Tidioute, Pa. She retired after 35 years from Terminal Bag Paper Co. in Yulee.

Mrs. Sluder was preceded in death by her mother and father, three brothers, two sisters, her husband of 42 years, Ralph L. Sluder, and her daughter, Teresa Taylor.

She leaves behind her children, O’Vida Bray (Larry) of Patterson, Ga., Becky Dunman of Fernandina Beach, Oscar Vince Taylor III (Robin) of St. Marys, and Susan Davis (Grady) of Fernandina Beach; her three stepchildren, Karen Abbott (Ralph) of Jacksonville, Fla., Brenda Lang of Jacksonville, and Ralph Sluder Jr. (Lisa) of St. George, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home. Interment was in the family burial estate in Green Pine Cemetery.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Brenda J. Vurnakes, 69, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Lakes Crossing in Kingsland, Ga.

Born August 27, 1948 in Jacksonville, Fla., she was a daughter of the late John E. and Helen (Kolasa) Holmes.

Brenda married her husband, Robert “Terry” Vurnakes, in March of 1968. They made their home in Jacksonville until moving to Fernandina Beach in 1982. It was in Fernandina Beach where both their sons, Alex and Jeff, would grow up and graduate from high school. Alex and Jeff fondly remember their mother as being “always happy.”

Brenda spent her working career as a teacher. She taught for a few years in Jacksonville but spent most of her career in Fernandina Beach, where she taught for 28 years at Southside Elementary School before retiring in 2010. She was beloved by both co-workers and friends.

Brenda was active in the American Business Women’s Association for many years. She was a charter member of the local Eight Flags Chapter.

She and her husband enjoyed spending time with friends and family and travelling in their motor home and were avid Gator fans.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, “Terry” Vurnakes, in 2017.

She leaves behind her sons, Alex (Joni) Vurnakes of Fernandina Beach and Jeff (Darlene) Vurnakes of Woodbine, Ga.; brother, Mark (Pam) Holmes of Jesup, Ga.; sister, Annette (Jake) Hewett of Jacksonville; and grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Dalton, Colby, Adriane and Brodie.

Services will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make contributions in her memory to Georgia Hospice Care, 777 Glouchester St., Suite 303, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Richard D. Foster Jr., 58, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Katharine Tsambassis, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, April 13, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ronald Reagan Johnson Sr.

Ronald Reagan Johnson Sr. passed away Wednesday April 18, 2018.

He was born in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Charles and Ethel Mae Shewsbury Johnson. He was a lifetime resident of Jacksonville and graduated from Englewood High School, Class of 1969.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ethel Mae Bryant.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Lou Johnson; son, Ronald “Pete” Johnson Jr. (Carmen); daughter, Rhonda Jeffers (Chris); brothers, Eugene Johnson, Paul Johnson (Carol) and Thomas Johnson; grandchildren, Brianna Johnson and Reagan Jeffers; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2018 in the chapel of Cedar Bay Funeral Home, located at 405 New Berlin Road in Jacksonville, with Rev. Ken Barney officiating. The family will received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Cedar Bay Funeral Home

James Michael Adams

Born 5 February 1953.

Jim Adams (or depending on how and when you knew him – James, Jimmy or Dad) died April 21, 2018 after an extended illness.

Jim led a life of service to those in need. Born February 5, 1953, he was raised in the Riverside area of Jacksonville and was a proud fifth generation Floridian. He attended Fishweir Elementary and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1972. Jim later earned degrees in criminal justice from Florida State University and nonprofit management from the University of North Florida.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Slappey and Conway Adams, as well as his brother, Stephen, and son, Timothy. Jim was twice widowed: His first wife Susan Nelson Adams passed away in 1982 and his second wife, Donna Ann Harris, in 2008.

He is survived by his children, Joel, Ashley and Aaron; his grandchildren, Tegan and Piper; his sister, Joan; and his brother, John, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and even more friends. Equally important to his family are those whose lives were touched and changed by Jim’s lifelong career helping others through his work in social services and public policy. He is survived by this extended network of reunited, protected and new families. Beginning in the 1970s, Jim’s profession was ensuring better and safer lives for runaways, abused children, veterans and those in need.

As the former CEO of Family Support Services of North Florida, Jim was instrumental, with others like Justice David Gooding, in the creation of hundreds of “forever families” through such initiatives as the Heart Gallery.

Jim served the citizens of Northeast Florida through his work in the political process and public policy, spending his time focused on his motto “help just one person each day.” Throughout his career, Jim served in the following posts:

• Legislative aide to state Representative Janet Adkins from 2013 to 2016;

• Congressional aide to Congressman Ander Crenshaw in 2016;

• Congressional aide to Congressman Ted Yoho from 2017 to 2018;

• Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party from 2002 to 2003;

• Republican State Committeeman for Nassau County from 2016 to 2018; and

• Member of the Nassau County School Board for 16 years.

Jim was an avid adventurer who deeply enjoyed a life of travel. These adventures shaped him and took him to every corner of the world. They were often the topic of many conversations with his friends and family. He is now on one last adventure that will reunite him with those loved ones who have preceded him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday April 26, 2018 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, located at 1100 Stockton St. in Jacksonville, Fla. with a reception following in the church hall.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

Hardage-Giddens, The Oaklawn Chapel