Emily J. Howard, 91, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Julius Stewart, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dennis M. Matheson Sr., 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, January 28, 2019 at his home.

Born in Superior, Wisc., he was a son of the late Melford and Virginia Matheson.

He began his electrician career with Boeing in Seattle, Wash. Soon afterwards, he went to work for the U.S. Navy, a career that would last 37 years. He worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. and Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, Wash. He always wanted to come to Florida and was able to transfer to Trident Refit Facility in Kings Bay, Ga. in 1988. He continued there until his retirement.

He took advantage of the many opportunities afforded him with the Navy. He was able to travel extensively, work in many locales and meet many people. While at home, he enjoyed fishing and woodworking which including carving small figurines.

He will always be remembered for his positive outlook on life and the love of his family. His family warmly remembered he recently told them he had a fulfilled life and had no regrets.

He leaves behind his children, Dennis Matheson Jr. of West Reading, Pa. and Kristy Wild of Westport, Wash.; his brother, Kenneth Matheson, and sister, Carol Lemoine, both of Tacoma, Wash.; and his four grandchildren, Willem Matheson, Timothy Dickjose, Donna Dickjose, and Adam Matheson.

There will be no local services but Mr. Matheson will be remembered in a family service later this year.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Debra Marie Smith, 55, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away February 15, 2019 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she resided in Fernandina Beach for the past 11 years, having moved from Louisiana. She graduated from Freedom High School in Easton, Pa. and received her A.A. degree in finance from Lamar Salter Technical College in Louisiana. Debra was a veteran of the U.S. Army. She went to Iraq serving as a contractor from 2004 to 2008, and that is where she met her husband Michael, also a U.S. Army veteran. While in Iraq, she also started her own business, DB Enterprises, which she operated from 2004 to 2012. She was an adventurer who loved to travel anywhere on a whim. She traveled to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Dubai for both business and pleasure. She loved her family, especially her four grandchildren. She also cherished her friendships and had a deep love for her two dogs, Lily and Bentley, which were always by her side. Debra loved sailing, golfing, interior design, and especially loved staying home and being a wife. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 54, the American Legion Post 54 Riders, and a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2019 at Northampton Memorial Shrine at 3051 Green Pond Road in Easton, Pa. with visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ashton Funeral Home, located at 1337 Northampton St. in Easton.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy R. Ackerman.

She is survived by her husband, Michael J. Smith of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; father, Joseph P. Ackerman, and stepmother, Gloria Ackerman, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; stepdaughter, Michelle E. Carmichael of Baker, Fla.; sisters, Teri Whittaker of Marshalls Creek, Pa. and Dawn Corpora of Easton; brothers, Joseph Ackerman of Shelby, Mont. and Russell Ackerman of Easton; grandsons, Jason Smith, Damien “DJ” Carmichael, and James Wyatt Neisler; and granddaughter, Katherine Neisler. 

St. Johns Family Funeral Home

Thomas Julius Stewart, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019 at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born in Brunswick, Ga. to the late Julius Ellis Stewart and Minnie Lee Tanner and moved to Jacksonville as a child, graduating from Ribault High School. After graduation, he served honorably and with distinction in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as an MP and sharp shooter.

After returning home from the military, Mr. Stewart was involved in a motorcycle accident and lost the use of his dominant arm. According to his family, he could do more with one arm than most can accomplish with the use of both. He was a true renaissance man – artist, craftsman, mechanic – and could be found tinkering on his beloved 1977 Camaro “Relic.” He enjoyed fishing and cooking, and, above all, he loved his family.

He met his future wife, Bonnie Faye Mills, in Jacksonville in 1966. They married in 1968. Thomas and Bonnie moved in 1971 to Yulee, where he was employed as a security guard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, J. W. Stewart and John Stewart, and sisters, Susie Miller and Joann Adams.

He leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Bonnie Faye Stewart of Yulee; daughter, “Cissy” Tatum and her husband, “Tate,” of Yulee; son, Lee Stewart and his companion, Rhosalee, of Jacksonville; sister, Wilma (Dave) Watson of Jacksonville; brother, Robert (Iris) Stewart of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Chris (Marissa) Rowell, Christiana (AJ) Brixon, Allyssa Stewart, Audrey Tatum, Allen Tatum, Sand and Sid Mangalindan, and Robert Stewart; great-grandchild, Lexar Brixon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. later that day in Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening, February 26, 2019 at the funeral home.

The family requests that donations be made in Thomas’ memory to the American Cancer Society.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

McArthur G. "Mac" Rosen, 70, passed away February 21, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stephen J. Tinker, 67, passed away February 20, 2019. There will be no local services at this time.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joseph Treubig, 88, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Fran Cline, 70, of Yulee, Fla., passed away February 23, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born May 26, 1948 in Granite City, Ill. and moved 22 years ago to Yulee.

She is survived by her domestic partner of 37 years, Vickie Monroe of Yulee; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Beth Cline of Fernandina Beach; sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Ron Bailey of Yulee; a brother and sister-in-law, Myron and Cheryl Bramley of Albuquerque, N.M.; three grandchildren, Shawn Cline, Nicholas Cline, and Katie Spaulding; three great-grandchildren, Aaron, Henry and Owen; and five nieces and three nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Nassau County Humane Society at 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or nassauhumane.org.

To sign Ms. Cline's online register book, please visit the Green Pine Funeral Home website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Marjorie Raike Cross, 88, passed away suddenly February 24, 2019, in Fernandina Beach Fla.

Marjorie was born August 5, 1930 to Charles Chester Raike and Leonore Burgroff Raike in Shrewsbury, W.Va. She married John Charles Cross on July 23, 1947, and they traveled extensively while John was in the U.S. Navy, settling in Jacksonville, Fla. upon his retirement. As did her husband, Marjorie had a passion for travel and for the mountains, living the last 35 years in Blairsville, Ga.

She was preceded in death by her husband on March 12, 2018; her daughter, Nikki Lynn Crawford (Michael) of Jacksonville, Fla. on April 12, 2016; her sister, Elizabeth Weigel (William) of Erlanger, Ky.; and brother. Morris M. Raike (Ida) of Portsmouth Va.

She is survived by her sister, Sonya Stockman (Donald) of Fargo, N.D.; her daughters, Sharon Leigh Townsend (Thomas) of Fernandina Beach, Deborah Layne Ellison (James) of Jacksonville, and Rebecca Louise Miles of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who all loved her dearly.

Marjorie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services and interment will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, located at 4083 Lannie Road in Jacksonville, with Jim Ellison officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the funeral home.

Prestwood Funeral Home

Mary Mildred Freeman, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Born in Hilliard, Fla., she graduated from Jones College. In 1959, after marrying her husband, James Powell Freeman, she moved to Fernandina Beach, where they raised their sons. She retired from the Nassau County Clerk of Courts in 1991.

Mrs. Freeman had a strong faith and was devoted to serving God. She was a longtime member of Five Points Baptist Church. She loved her family dearly. Family was extremely important to her. She had a strong love and protectiveness for her immediate and extended family. After retiring, she raised her two granddaughters, instilling values and a love for the Lord. Her ability to make anybody smile was one of her many endearing qualities.

Mrs. Freeman treasured nature and animals. In her younger days, she was an avid gardener. You could always find her outside working in her yard. She had quite a collection of beautiful plants. Gardening was therapy for her. It lifted her spirits to plant seeds and watch them bloom and grow.

Not only did she have a big heart when it came to family, that love extended to animals, especially her beloved cats. She took in and cared for many stray dogs and cats over the years.

She enjoyed many trips to the mountains with her family. Mrs. Freeman went on adventures, exploring Franklin, N.C. She even walked the loop trail at the Joyce Kilmer Forest about 20 years ago. Her declining health prevented her from traveling over the years, but she loved sharing the fond memories made with her family while visiting the mountains. Whether at the mountain house or her home in Florida, she really loved sitting on the porch just admiring God’s creation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marquis “Mark” and Mildred “Millie” Tomlinson; her husband, James Powell Freeman; sisters, Nellie Strickland and Eva Vanzant; and brother,Frank Tomlinson.

She leaves behind her sisters, Lilian Freeman, Stella Davis, and Ruby Carter, all of Fernandina Beach, and Delaine Tuggle of Hilliard; brother, Robert Tomlinson of Hilliard; sons, Shane Freeman and Scott Freeman, both of Fernandina Beach; granddaughters, Chelsy Freeman (Kyle) Day of Yulee, Fla., Marcie Freeman and Amanda “Mandy” (Adam) Salzburg, both of Fernandina Beach, and Christina Foster of Kingsland, Ga.; great-granddaughter, Alaina Garcia, and great-grandson, Maddox Freeman; and multiple nieces, nephews, and step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Five Points Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. at the church.

If you desire, in lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mrs. Freeman can be made to the Nassau Humane Society at 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Paul Alva Gosnell, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., gently passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Valerie, on February 21, 2019. His son, Timothy, and daughter, Kelly, were by his side during his last weeks and shared their special thoughts and memories with him. He was also surrounded by the many friends whose lives he had touched and who meant so much to him.

Paul was born in Baltimore, Md., a son of Charles Lemuel and Helen Elizabeth Gosnell, and was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan his entire life. In high school (Baltimore City College), he was an outstanding baseball player and was recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the same time, he was awarded an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. With many mixed feelings, Paul chose to enter the Academy in 1964, graduating in 1968.

While at the Air Force Academy, he met his future wife, Valerie Ann Phillips, the eldest of the eight children of Colonel Frank V. (Val) and Margaret (Peg) Phillips. Valerie’s “Air Force brat” experience growing up made her a natural to join with Paul in his Air Force career. Paul and Valerie were married at the Air Force Academy Chapel on December 28, 1968, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at St. Michael Catholic Church.

During his Air Force career, Paul and Valerie were stationed in Colorado, Texas, England, Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, and California and traveled to the Caribbean, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Holland. Paul earned a master’s degree in systems management and a master’s degree in human development counseling. His career included a few years in the intelligence service, including a year in Vietnam. Afterward, he entered pilot training and became an F-4, O-2, and finally an F-15 pilot. His service awards include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After leaving the Air Force in 1991, Paul worked in management services with ServiceMaster for 10 years. Despite his many health issues, they never kept him from travel, golf, church commitments, Master Gardening, or living his life to the fullest. Paul was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 14295 at St. Michael Catholic Church. He was an altar server, parish money counter, Eucharistic minister, and countless other ministries which were quietly and humbly rendered. Truly, he was a man of God. We will never know the scope of lives he touched.

He leaves behind his most precious wife, Valerie; their son, Colonel Timothy (Mairead) Gosnell of San Antonio, Texas; their daughter, Kelly (Colonel Mike) Shea of Burke, Va.; grandchildren, Katelynn and Connor Shea and Keira and Kylie Gosnell; mother-in-law, Peg Phillips of Parker, Colo.; brother, Charles (Barbara) Gosnell of Glen Burnie, Md.; sister, Nancy (Harvey) Brock of Dayton, Ohio; pre-deceased brother-in-law, Richard (Meg) Phillips; brother-in-law, Bruce (Monica) Phillips; brother-in law, Brian Phillips; brother-in-law, Chris (Cathy) Phillips; sister-in-law, Les Phillips; sister-in-law, Denise (Chet) Elder; sister-in-law, Jenni (Scott) Peavy; and 19 nieces and nephews.

A vigil and visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society or to your favorite charity in his name.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Emily Jones Howard, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019 at Quality Health.

Born in Callahan, Fla. and raised on a large farm, she was the daughter of the late Pasco and Wilma Braddock Jones. Her family roots can be traced back to the Spanish colonial rule in Florida’s history. Her father was a longtime county commissioner in the days of Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency. She grew up with several sisters and one brother. Her brother, John P. Jones, was killed in action in France during World War II and is buried there.

During World War II, she met and married her husband, Charles W. “Chuck” Howard. After the war, they moved to his native Texas. It was there they began their family and had their sons, Chuck Jr. and David.

In 1960, they relocated to Fernandina Beach. They immediately joined the local congregation of the Church of Christ and would remain members for the rest of their lives. Emily and her husband were wonderful Christian servants.

Emily was a self-educated lady who was known for her intelligence, quick wit, sense of humor, imagination, and love of natural beauty. She was a fine local artist, published poet, and founding member of the Island Art Association. She was devoted to her family, a great cook, homemaker, and a gracious hostess to anyone who visited her home. Of a kind and friendly nature, she was also a “Steel Magnolia.” She loved her southern family and its culture and was proud of her heritage. She hated all types of injustice and insisted on telling the truth.

In 2014, she lost her beloved Chuck but had the strong will to continue on for five more years loving and blessing others in whatever environment she lived in.

She leaves behind her sons, Charles W. Howard Jr. and David Howard, both of Jacksonville, as well as several nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Her life will be remembered and celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Church of Christ in Fernandina Beach with Pastor John Wright officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date.

Those desiring may make donations in her name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jennifer "Denise" Lovell passed away February 22, 2019 at Northeast Florida Community Hospice surrounded by those who love her.

Denise was born June 25, 1956 in Jacksonville, Fla. to Margaret Ann Lovell and the late George Lawrence Lovell. She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, where she participated in the Special Olympics and made many lifelong friends.

Denise enjoyed listening to music, dancing, looking at books and magazines, traveling in an RV and seeing the country, and visiting with family and friends. Everyone that met Denise was touched by her sweet disposition, kindness, and infectious laugh. She was always quick to show her love and everyone loved to have her pray for them.

She is survived by her mother, Margaret Ann Lovell Portier; stepfather, Windle Portier; sisters, Jeanne Turner, Laurie Kurlin, Carol Rugenstein, and Carrie Selton; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Five Points Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Northeast Florida Community Hospice and Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or communityhospice.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stanley Mankovich Sr., 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., crossed over to the hereafter February 21, 2019.

He was the son of the late Stanley Edward Mankovich and Anna Mankovich.

A man of many talents, Stan led an adventurous existence involved in general aviation as a pilot and aircraft restorer and builder, hydroplane builder, and boat racer. He was gifted as a woodworker and metal fabricator, and he also had a lifelong passion for fishing. Never was a challenge left unmet. A devoted friend to all those he knew, he always found time to lend a hand whenever needed. A gentle person of old school values, he will be sorely missed by all those whose lives have been enriched by our association with him.

He is survived by the love of his life these past 25 years, Lanita (Gail) Cope; and his children, Stanley and Janice Mankovich.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Chaplain Jim Tippins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William F. “Bill” Miller III, 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

He was born May 10, 1948 in Atlanta, Ga. to the late William Flynn Miller Jr. and Carolyn Morrison Miller. His family moved when he was a baby to Fernandina Beach, where he grew up and graduated with the Class of 1966 at Fernandina Beach High School. Bill was always athletic and excelled at baseball starting in high school. After graduation, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and then graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in forestry. While at UGA, he lettered in baseball and was in the Sigma Chi fraternity.

In 1972, Bill met the former Nancy Ritch in Jesup, Ga., and they married in 1973. His employment as a forester had the family residing all over the southeast. For 33 years, Bill worked for Union Camp Corporation and International Paper in various jobs including regional manager in Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. Most recently, he was the vice president of forest operations for F & W Forestry Services. He served as the president of the Georgia Forestry Association and also of the UGA Warnell Alumni Association and Big Jay Hook. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters and was elected SA Fellow in 2012. He was inducted into the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame in 2012. Bill was also an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard.

In 2011, Bill and Nancy returned to Fernandina Beach, where he enjoyed “semi-retirement” playing tennis and watching any and all sports and Georgia Bulldog football. He was a member of the Kraft Tennis Club and the “Council Group” which consisted of gentlemen from “Old” Fernandina who would gather together every morning for coffee at the high school baseball field. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves behind his wife, Nancy R. Miller of Fernandina Beach; children, Carrie Miller Molinari and her husband, Steve, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Katie Miller Bennett of Macon, Ga., and Flynn Miller IV and his wife, Brook, of Athens, Ga.; grandchildren, Drew, Dean and Kate Molinari, Libby and Davey Bennett, and Wills and Doss Miller; sisters, Marilyn Miller of Jacksonville, Fla., Marcia Vincent of McDonough, Ga., Jan (Bill) Henning of Oxford, Miss., and Julia (Mike) Burch of Jesup, Ga.; brother-in-law, Tom and Ashlyn Ritch of Rome, Ga.; and sister-in-law, Anne and Mark Miller of Jesup. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Zach Terry officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church, 1600 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

The graveside service for Mrs. Sylethia I. Shafter will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 in the Bosque Bello Cemetery, located at 1320 N. 14th St. in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A public viewing will be held 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Huff & Battise Funeral Home. The cortege will assemble at 10 a.m. at Huff & Battise Funeral Home.

Huff & Battise Funeral Home

William A. “Wild Bill” Cantwell, 65, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, February 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mary M. Freeman, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Glenda Gaines, 72, of Yulee, Fla., passed away February 25, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Yulee Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service Saturday.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Rosan Habegger, 89, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joseph Alva Pascarella, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Martin A. Rourk, 80, passed away February 22, 2019. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2019 with Rev. Alan White officiating.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Teresa Eleanor Wickham, 66, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. Details of a reception to follow are to be decided.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Betty C. Long, 96, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Quality Health.

Born December 30, 1922 in Atlanta, Ga., she was a daughter of the late H. W. and Rachel Bradford Cheney. Mrs. Long attended school in Fulton County, Ga., and upon graduation, she enrolled at Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and Latin.

After marrying Ashburn, Ga. native James Leonard Long Sr., they moved to Jesup, Ga., where he worked for a local pharmacy. After the birth of their daughter, Beth, they relocated in 1953 to Fernandina, where he was employed at Waas Drug Store for many years. Their son, James, was born in 1955. Mrs. Long taught seventh-grade English at Fernandina Beach Junior High School from 1967 until her retirement in 1980.

Mrs. Long was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Fernandina Beach Woman’s Club. She was an avid golfer and also a member of the Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association. In her spare time, she loved cross stitching and playing Bridge and was involved in women’s activities at First Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Long were active in the Terpsichorean Club in Fernandina Beach.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Long Sr.; two older sisters, Nancy Wynn and Patty Nix; and her beloved dogs, Pumpkin and Honey.

She leaves behind her daughter, Beth (Steve) Rich of Edisto Island, S.C.; her son, James L. Long Jr. of Fernandina Beach; her sister, Barbara Keel of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Tom (Donna) Rich, Courtney Rich Hanson, and Timothy (Joy) Rich. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Wain Wesberry officiating. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday evening at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Robert “Bob” Monson, 98, who spent nearly all of his retired years in Fernandina Beach, passed away early on March 1, 2019 at the home of his daughter, Fredericka Kessler, in Versailles, Ky.

Robert was born February 5, 1921 in Burlington, Iowa. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Iowa. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering along with honorary degrees in chemistry and engineering. During his senior year, Robert took a hiatus to work on the ALCAN highway, built to connect the contiguous United States to Alaska, across Canada. He returned to Iowa to complete his studies and graduated in the summer of 1942. He joined the U.S. Navy and served admirably for three years. Bob shipped out to Annapolis, Md., and under the “90-Day-Wonder” program, as it was known, he received the stepped-up, intensive three-month officers training course. Soon thereafter, he found himself on a destroyer, the Osmand Ingram, “APD-35.” It was aboard this vessel that Officer Monson served in the Mediterranean during the invasion of southern France, performed submarine duty in the Atlantic, then moved on to the Pacific Theater, where his warship was apportioned as an attack transport and convoy escort and was involved in the Battle of Okinawa against the Imperial Japanese forces, the last major battle of World War II and one of the deadliest.

After he was discharged from the military in 1946, Robert accepted a position with DuPont in Buffalo, N.Y. It was there where he took a shine to a co-worker in the department by the name of Sarah. Robert married Sarah Catherine Breslin on February 11, 1950, creating a loving bond that lasted 69 years until his death.

Robert worked as a chemical engineer for Dupont for 37 years. His career enabled the Monson family to enjoy residing in such locales as New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Delaware, and Kentucky, as well as in Europe – specifically the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – before he retired in 1983. He was fortunate to have spent nearly as many years in retirement – 36 total – where he pursued his love of sailing, with Sarah, aboard Sandpiper, a 34-foot Aloha sailboat. Their adventures included sailing from the craft’s point of purchase in Ontario, Canada, and down the Intracoastal Waterway to their future home on Amelia Island. Over the ensuing years, Bob collected nearly a dozen sailing trophies, including one for “Rookie of the Year.” He and Sarah sailed all around the Caribbean, including a couple of memorable jaunts to the Bahamas. Whether by sea, land or air, travel was a pronounced part of Robert’s life as he, Sarah, and the family collectively visited exotic locations in several dozen countries on five different continents around the world. Bob was a lifelong and avid golfer, proud of his membership in the famed “Lemonade Boys” at FBCC. He loved his music, and he liked to dance to swing and Sinatra. He could swing a mean hammer as well. Devoted to family, he especially loved reunions and the many family gatherings at their home at Christmas time – the more the merrier. Along with his wife, Sarah, Bob was active with his church, St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, singing hymns with the church choir.

Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Harold.

Robert is survived by wife, Sarah; sons, Christopher (Ann) of Wilmington, Del., Stephen (Laura) and Joseph (Lisbet) of Minneapolis, Minn., Martin (Stacia) of Seattle, Wash.; daughter, Fredericka (Rick) Kessler of Versailles, Ky.; granddaughter, Shawna Monson; and grandsons, Nickolas and Dylan Monson and Ryan and Andrew Kessler.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Clark Funeral Home with Fr. Miguel Alvizures officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.clarklegacycenter.com.

Clark Funeral Home

Roma F. Norris, 81, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday morning, March 2, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Ms. Norris was born April 14, 1937 in an area of Yulee known as Chester and was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church. She loved to cook and enjoyed gardening and sewing. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.

Ms. Norris was predeceased by her husband, Donald Hamilton; her parents, Sidney A. and Geneva Bennett Freeman; and by her seven brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her son, Winton Brett Norris (Tara) of Yulee; her daughter, Rhonda N. Hutchison (Mike) of Fernandina Beach; grandchildren, William Hutchison, Winton Hutchison, Brittany Turner, Brooke Turner, Justin Norris, Julia Norris, and Jacob Deen; a great grandchild, Eli Hutchison; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Betty Benton.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Chester Cemetery.

To sign Ms. Norris' online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. James “Jim” Joseph Stoffel, 86, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at his home.

Born in Huntington, Ind., he was a son of the late Frank Joseph and Mary Gill Stoffel. He attended the local schools of Huntington, and it was in Huntington, as a youth, that he would find his lifelong passion. He worked for two years as the assistant golf professional at the La Fontaine Golf and Country Club in Huntington.

After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, Jim would continue his lifelong pursuit as a golf professional. Over the years, he served as the head golf professional at the Jacksonville Country Club in Jacksonville, N.C., Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C., and the Surf Golf and Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was also owner of the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club in Calabash, N.C. and was co-owner of the Royal Amelia Golf Links on Amelia Island, Fla.

Jim married Rosemary Maples in 1952, and they were the proud parents of seven children. Rosemary passed away in 1988.

Jim was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus for 68 years. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and was active in the St. Michael Men’s Club. In addition to his church life, he was an ardent hunter and fisherman.

In 1991, he married Renée Edmonson of Lake Norman, N.C., and after residing in North Myrtle Beach for eight years, they moved to Fernandina Beach to retire.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Jim was preceded in death by a four-year-old son, Michael, in 1969.

He leaves behind his wife, Renée; his six children and their spouses, Cary and Susan Stoffel, Karon and Steve Kightlinger, Debbie and Sloan Wright, Mary Ann and Bob Vespa, Ronald and Jamie Stoffel, and Kathleen and Kenneth Siler; and Renée’s son and his wife, Jimmy and Julie Edmonson, and their three sons, as well as his 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach with Fr. Jose Kallukalam, celebrant. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Jim will be laid to rest at a later date in North Myrtle Beach.

In his memory, the family asks that memorials be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxley-heard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Blanca Acosta Tatum, 83, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., passed away February 27, 2019.

Blanca was born in Manhattan, N.Y. to the late Victor Acosta and Estela Acosta (Rabainne). She relocated to Lake Worth, Fla. before residing in California from 1970 to 2000. From 2000 to 2016, Blanca was a resident of Amelia Island, Fla. In 2016, she settled on The Treasure Coast, which she called home until her passing. Blanca was a graduate of Katherine Gibbs College and spent many years working as an executive secretary. She was active as a Jaycee wife, along with her volunteer efforts with El Camino Hospital in California and Tradition Medical Center in Port St. Lucie. In her spare time, Blanca enjoyed playing Bingo and travelling. Blanca and her husband, John, went on 37 cruises. Blanca was a loving mother to her daughter, Karen, and a doting grandmother. Blanca cherished the time she spent with her family and friends and adored her daughter and grandchildren.

Blanca is survived by her husband, John Tatum; daughter, Karen Farrell (Mike); and grandchildren, Ryan Farrell (Melissa), Kelly Balentine (Josh), and Sarah Farrell, along with numerous cousins. 

A Funeral Mass is scheduled in Blanca’s honor at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Inurnment will follow at Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

An online guestbook is available at www.aycocktradition.com.