Frank Thomas Blair Jr., 54, was called home to rest on May 13, 2019, following a short illness at UF Health hospital.

A native of Greenville, S.C., he was born December 17, 1964, in Easley, S.C. He was a witty and charismatic man with a unique sense of humor and an awesome personality. He drew inspiration from life and lived it to the fullest. He was always there to lend a hand and will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank Blair.

He is survived by his mother, Lois Ledbetter of Yulee, Fla., and three loving sisters, Jamie Blair of Canton, Ga., Molly Main of Yulee, and Marissa Griffith of Greer, S.C. He also leaves behind two nieces and two nephews, Gypsy Antra of Ellettsville, Ind., Timothy McAbee of Yulee, and Joshua Hayes and Victoria Griffith, both of Greer; and his life companion, William Craig Mahon.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the North 14th St. Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in memory of him to K9s for Warriors.

Richard Stanley Brown, 64, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was born November 13, 1954 to the late Bertha Lee Brown and Lovie Folmar and remained a lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Richard developed a love for cooking at an early age and was hired by the Surf Motel and Restaurant, where he mastered the art of cooking. After more than 30 years, he retired from the Surf but not from his love of cooking.

He was well known on the island and rough around the edges, but he was a loving, caring, and wonderful man who would feed the hungry and those that were sick and less fortunate. He would give shelter to those who didn’t have anywhere to go, a true example of a servant’s heart. He was very well loved by his neighbors, previous and current, always willing to help any way he could.

Richard could often be seen walking to town or the beach and waving to people as they drove by. Known as the “party of the island,” he would throw two legendary parties a year – one for Christmas and the other for Shrimp Fest – along with his loving friends. A good time was always had by all who attended.

Afforded the opportunity for eternal life, he accepted Christ as his Lord and personal savior in his last days.

He is survived by his siblings, Sylvia (Brad) Lee of Fernandina Beach, Evelyn (Lawrence) Christopher of Fernandina Beach, Pearl Lewis of Kingsland, Ga., Bertha Brown of Atlanta, Ga., and James (Agnes) Hunter of Brunswick, Ga.; a devoted niece, Regina Moore of Fernandina Beach; his last maternal aunt, Margaret (Gibson) Wright of St. Augustine, Fla.; and his half-siblings, Rudolph Eugene (Poksun) Folmar of Fernandina Beach and Martha Dawson of Fernandina Beach. He was preceded in death by Leroy Folmar. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and loved friends.

Richard will be forever remembered for his big caring heart, unconditional love, his baked spaghetti, broccoli cornbread, and love for Popeye’s chicken. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.

Memorial services to remember and celebrate his life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made in Richard’s name to Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring at 1348 S. 18th St., Suite 101, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Medical Building Office B, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, or communityhospice.com/give (designate Warner Center for Caring).

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Bernard McGrady departed this life May 14, 2019 in Evans, Ga.

He was born November 24,1936 in Troy, Ala. He was the son of the late Gene McGrady and Thelma Durr-McGrady.

McGrady graduated from Peck High School and later went on to serve in the military for more than 29 years. He graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in 1977. He attended Augusta College and Brenau University, where he received his Bachelor of Science. After his many years of service, he went on to work as a civil servant at Fort Gordon, Ga. for more than 20 years. He also earned his real estate license for Georgia and South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jacquelyn Elizabeth Williams; daughters Frederica D., Gwendolyn A., and Sonya M. McGrady. He is also survived by his cousins, Sylvia Horry, Nellie Posley, and Helen McGhee.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, located at 1305 Atlantic Ave. in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at Oxley-Heard. Pastor Holland will officiate the service. The burial will take place at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church of Augusta, Ga.

A Circle of Life prayer will be held at 11 a.m. June 2, 2019 at Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church, located at 2473 Golden Camp Road in Augusta.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Maple Elclaudia Russell Pratt, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Samuel Rufus Russell and Gladys Elclaudia Baxter on February 24, 1922. At age six, her parents brought her and her brother, Samuel, to Fernandina Beach, where she received her early education in the public school system. She graduated from Peck High School in the class of 1940. Soon afterward, her brother enlisted in the military service and she met and married James Pratt. They remained residents of the Fernandina Beach community for 41 years. To that union, one son was born, James “Skipp” Pratt.

For a brief period in the 1950s, she left the community and went to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Fla. to study cosmetology and earn her associate degree. When she returned to Fernandina Beach, she set up her own business, popularly known as Maple’s Beauty Salon, where she served her community for 30 years. When she decided to close the shop, she continued serving the Nassau County community as a home demonstration Extension aide for more than 20 years.

At the same time she was developing her professional life, she maintained a strong religious foundation as a longtime faithful member of the Elm Street Church of God, where she was an active teacher of senior ladies serving on the Senior Ladies Usher Board. She was also renowned for writing and directing creative plays and skits.

Maple was preceded in death by her husband, James Pratt, in 1986; her son, James “Skipp” Pratt, in 2009; and her brother, Samuel Russell, in 2002.

She enjoyed gardening, doing needlework, eating ice cream, and anything that allowed her to spend time with children.

Maple leaves behind her sister-in-law, Careta Rose Russell; a niece, Kathryn Helen Russell; two nephews, Kenneth Stanley Russell and John Samuel Russell; grand-nieces, Raven Russell Warren and Teresita Russell; grand-nephew, Tariq Russell; two god-daughters, Patricia Alberta and Carmen G. Emory; two god-sons, Adolphus White and Charles White; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the Elm Street Church of God. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday evening, May 24, 2019 at the Oxley-Heard. She will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Please share your memories at www.oxleyheard .com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lucretia Murray Vizcaino passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at the age of 79 after a long battle with terminal brain cancer.

Lucretia was born and raised in Fernandina Beach. She worked as an assistant manager and vice president of Stock Transfer for Barnett Banks Trust Company for several years and eventually retired in 1999.

Lucretia was preceded in death by her father, Walter Murray, and her mother, Nellie Murray.

Lucretia is survived by her brothers, Lamar Murray (Beth) and Kenneth Murray, and her sister, Maurline Preache. She is also survived by her sons, Chip Vizcaino (Sharon) and Mike Vizcaino (Becky); her five grandsons, Jessie Vizcaino (Danielle), Daniel Vizcaino (Samantha), Alan Vizcaino, Christopher Vizcaino (Katelyn), and Nicholas Vizcaino (Paige); nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lucretia loved being busy. She especially loved being outdoors working in her yard, gardening and planting new flowers. She also loved to buy old furniture and refinish it to its former beauty. Lucretia loved spending time with family and friends, but her greatest passion in life was caring for her sons, grandsons, and great- grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Springhill Baptist Church with Reverend Jackie Hayes officiating her memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Lucretia asked in lieu of flowers to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dr. William Shadrach Young, 89, who resided in Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away in his home Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Dr. Young was a retired chiropractor who practiced for more than 50 years in Philadelphia, Miss. as well as in Water Valley and Oxford, Miss. He was a member of the American Chiropractic Association, Mississippi Chiropractic Association, and Parker Chiropractic Research Foundation. He attended the Texas Chiropractic College and graduated from San Antonio College and Bebout College of Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served in the Korean Conflict in the early 1950s. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Amelia Frances Dassinger; his parents, Joseph Enoch Young and Rubie Essery Young; his aunt, Ruth Young McKay and her husband, J. Lester McKay, who raised him from an infant.

He is survived by his only child, his daughter, Karen Young and her husband, John Weaver; her child, Lindsey Bostick Butler (Trent); and their children, Canon and Tatum, Chelsey Bostick Sisco (Michael) and their daughter, Campbell, and his grandson, his only namesake, Ryan Shadrach Bostick (Hannah), and their son, Leland.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Mississippi, where his remains will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Amelia Frances Dassinger.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Susan J. Brown, 74, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Friday, May 17, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James Ronald Jackson went peacefully to his heavenly home on May 17, 2019 at the age of 87. He resided in Fernandina Beach, Fla. at the time of his passing. However, he was a lifetime resident of North Carolina and always called it home.

Born May 12, 1932 in Mayodan, N.C., Jim graduated from Madison-Mayodan High School in 1950 and served in the Army in Austria as a radio operator during the Korean War. He worked for Western Electric (AT&T) in Greensboro, N.C. until his retirement in 1988. He and Ruth were members of Community in Christ Presbyterian Church in Greensboro.

Treasured by all who knew him, Jim was an honorable, kind, and generous man who traveled the world and loved his family and friends, watching sports, playing golf, the beach, dancing with Ruth, and spending time with his family. A true gentleman who remained the loving anchor for his family throughout his life. He will be missed.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Luther and Fannie Catherine Jackson; his brother, Bernard Jackson; and sister, Peggy (Jackson) Kiser.

He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Sutherland) Jackson. They were married May 21, 1955 in Madison, N.C. and lived a true love story for 64 years.

Lovingly remembered by his surviving sister, Jane (Jackson) Vernon of Madison; daughters, Jane (Jackson) Hawthorne and spouse Michael Hawthorne (FL), Catherine Louise Jackson (FL), and Julianne (Jackson) Kiser and spouse Gary (AL). He was adored by his six grandchildren and their spouses, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice.

Lucretia Murray Vizcaino passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at the age of 79 after a long battle with terminal brain cancer.

Lucretia was born and raised in Fernandina Beach. She worked as an assistant manager and vice president of Stock Transfer for Barnett Banks Trust Company for several years and eventually retired in 1999.

Lucretia was preceded in death by her father, Walter Murray, and her mother, Nellie Murray.

Lucretia is survived by her brothers, Lamar Murray (Beth) and Kenneth Murray, and her sister, Maurline Preache. She is also survived by her sons, Chip Vizcaino (Sharon) and Mike Vizcaino (Becky); her five grandsons, Jessie Vizcaino (Danielle), Daniel Vizcaino (Samantha), Alan Vizcaino, Christopher Vizcaino (Katelyn), and Nicholas Vizcaino (Paige); nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lucretia loved being busy. She especially loved being outdoors working in her yard, gardening and planting new flowers. She also loved to buy old furniture and refinish it to its former beauty. Lucretia loved spending time with family and friends, but her greatest passion in life was caring for her sons, grandsons, and great- grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Springhill Baptist Church with Reverend Jackie Hayes officiating her memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Lucretia asked in lieu of flowers to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Stephen Beck, 60, passed away peacefully April 30, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Ruth Chichekian, 92, passed away peacefully May 18, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mary Fussell, 82, passed away peacefully April 26, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

James Jackson, 87, passed away peacefully May 17, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Eleanor Martin, 96, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Robert Reynolds, 69, passed away peacefully May 17, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Kenneth Wayne Willis Jr., 49, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Cassie Haddock, 101, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Raised in Appling County, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Pearlie and Mable Mayers Harper.

She married Raymond W. Haddock on September 30, 1938. Their marriage would continue for 64 years until his passing. They made their home in Fernandina Beach and were active members of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Haddock was also a member of the Bethany Sunday School Class. At the time of her passing, Mrs. Haddock was the oldest member of First Baptist Church.

She will be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Raymond, in 2004, as well as her sister, Carrie Belle Harper, and her brothers, James C. Harper, J. R. Harper, and Virgil M. Harper.

She leaves behind her son, Larry  Haddock and his wife, Frances; her daughter, Suzanne Edwards and her husband, Charles; her grandsons, Keith Edwards and his wife, Julie, Ray Haddock, and James Calhoun; two granddaughters, Cheryl Hopkins and Tina Morris; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Addie, Chase, Kayla, Alysa and her husband, Austin, Gracie, Jessica, and Jestina; and two great-great-grandchildren, Haley and Liam; her sister, Myra Swinson; and her brother, Carroll B. Harper, as well as several extended family members.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Zach Terry officiating. The family will receive friends that same morning beginning at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1600 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joan Marie Sterling passed peacefully from this earth on May 24, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Joan Marie Sterling was a lifelong resident of Nassau County. She was raised in Yulee on the family farm, lived in Baltimore Maryland for a brief period, and later moved to Fernandina Beach. Joan attended Yulee High School, where she formed many lifelong friends including her best friend, Opal Wells.

She met the father of her children, Henry “Bunny” Sterling, at Main Beach in Fernandina. They were married for 32 years. She and Bunny were active participants in the local shrimping community. During the early years of the “Shrimp Boat Races,” Joan was well known for her boat decorating talents often creating elaborate props and themes. Together, she and Bunny won Best Decorated Boat consecutively for several years. 

While living on the farm, Joan developed a love for animals. Throughout her life, she had numerous domestic and wild pets. She had a love for cats but was known to care for raccoons, geese, turtles, squirrels, fish, dogs, and birds. She was a champion for local abused and neglected animals.

Joan loved movies, reading, and music. She owned an extensive movie collection and told many stories of going to the picture show as a child to watch Roy Rogers. “Memaw” often took her grandchildren to the “show” where they shared innumerable good times together. Her favorite movie was Gone with the Wind. She was an avid reader and favored science fiction books. Joan loved music and taught herself how to play guitar and banjo. She once wrote a song and had it published. In the late 1970s, she played guitar for St. Michael Church in Fernandina Beach. Joan loved the music of the early ’60s and Neil Diamond.

While raising her children, Joan completed her high school education. Later, she went on to earn her bachelor degree in psychology from Jacksonville University. She worked in private security for several years and later retired from Kmart in Fernandina Beach, where she worked for 16 years. Joan preferred working in the garden shop as she loved plants and flowers. She shared many wives’ tails regarding gardening, for example, “spitting on a cutting” before you plant it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam Fisher and Anna Cox Fisher, and a brother, John Fisher.

She is survived by a sister, Louise Jones, and a brother, Adam Fisher, both of Yulee; and her children, Henry “Hank” Sterling (Suzanne) of Cocoa, Fla., and Paula Foster (Jerry) of Fernandina Beach, Fla. She had three grandchildren, Desiree “Michelle” Thompson (James “Jamie”) of Yulee, Cheri “LeAnne” Nicholls (Nicholas “Nick”) of Lakeland, Fla., and Michael Foster (Stacee), Yulee; and eight great-grandchildren, Grace, Prestyn, Carter, Claire, Holden, Jaxx, Easton, and Cate. She had several nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved and cherished.

Services were at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home with Chaplain Jackie Hayes officiating. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.

The family requests that donations be made in her memory to Cat’s Angels, 709 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mark James Williams, 58, of Yulee, Fla., passed away April 18, 2019.

Born in Fernandina Beach, Fla., he was a lifelong resident of Yulee. He graduated while in the U.S. Army, where he was airborne. He was known for his engaging smile and his contagious laugh. He was a friend to everyone and loved by many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Williams; sister, Cecilia Williams; and brother, Michael Williams.

He is survived by his father, Jasper William “JW” Williams (Sandy Ryder); brother, John Wayne Williams (Deanna); sisters, Debra Duran and Lorraine Skender. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Services will be held graveside at 2 p.m. June 1, 2019 at Hughes Cemetery.

Donna Brookes Cowan, Ph.D., 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Per Glen Klykken, 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away May 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Cora Lee Morris, 87, of Yulee, Fla. passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2019 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in the chapel at Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau in Yulee with Five Points Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Frank Camarotti officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. in the chapel. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Hughes Cemetery in Yulee following the committal service.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Densie Younger, 68, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donna Brookes Cowan, 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and formerly of Burlington, Vt. and Bowie, Md., died unexpectedly Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

Brookes, a much beloved professor at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington for 32 years, was named Outstanding Professor of the Year and nominated for the award every subsequent year thereafter. Having received her Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Brookes also earned a master’s degree in social work while teaching at UVM and provided grief counseling to the bereaved in the Burlington area. 

She was a passionate advocate for quality end-of-life care and hospice and taught an original course on the “Sociology of Death and Dying” in hopes that graduating students would carry the hospice message back to their families and friends.

She was an avid tennis player with a wicked sliced backhand and played on several intra-island and inter-club leagues in the greater Amelia Island, Fla. area. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Grace Cowan of Bowie, Md.

She leaves behind her spouse, Jaye Roseborough and her two dogs, AnjoBanjo and Buckaroo, all of Fernandina Beach; her daughter-in-law, Lori Haller and granddaughters Olivia and Emma, all of Boston, Mass.; a brother, Edward Eugene Cowan Jr. and nephews Seth and Adam Cowan, all of Frederick, Md.; and several beloved cousins and their spouses and children, and many wonderful friends. 

A celebration of her life will be held sometime next month.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Grace Culleton Harmon, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died peacefully May 29 2019.

Grace was born in New York City to Genevieve O’Dwyer and Charles Culleton and moved to Ellicott City, Md. as a teenager. She graduated from Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, Md. and earned her bachelor’s degree from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

She married John Baltzell Harmon of Catonsville, Md. in 1952. On their first date, they went sledding with John’s best friend, Al Shaughness, and Graces’ sister, Jeanne, who also married, creating a close and lifelong friendship. During their 50-year marriage, Grace and John lived in Wilmington, Del., Huntington Bay, N.Y., Greenville, Del., Landenburg, Pa., and Fernandina Beach.

Grace christened the Liberty Ship SS John Witherspoon in March of 1942 at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore, Md. During 1972, she embarked on a successful real estate career. She worked in Huntington and Greenville. After retirement, Grace and John enjoyed traveling, tennis, and countless cruises on their boat Gracie’s Mansion.

Grace had a lifelong interest in singing. She sang in many church choirs and organizations, including St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine in Greenville and St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach.

Grace is survived by her son, John C. and his wife, Mary, of Southport, N.C; her son, James and his wife, Bev Lawrence, of Fernandina Beach; and Robert and his wife, Marianne, of Severna Park, Md. Grace has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband John; son Paul; and sister, Jeanne.

There will be a service for Grace at 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, and a service and interment in Delaware at Lower Brandywine Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gwendolyn M. Miller, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away at her home Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., she was a daughter of the late Schluy Dewey and Elizabeth Tiner Mathews. She lived all of her life in Fernandina Beach and was a member of the 1950 Fernandina High School graduating class.

In 1952, she met and married a young sailor, William L. “Bill” Miller. Their marriage would last 61 years until his passing in 2014 at the age of 85. 

Mrs. Miller worked for nearly all of her life. Beginning at the age of 15, she worked at the A&P Grocery on Centre St., where her father was the manager. She later worked for Fernandina Fuel and Fertilizer as an accountant and eventually went to work for Ira Hall in the Tax Collectors office. 

In the early 1970s, Mrs. Miller was appointed by the governor as tax collector for Nassau County. She would continue in that position for 33 years until her retirement in 2006.

She was a longtime member of the Association of Tax Collectors and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. 

Even with her busy work life, Mrs. Miller enjoyed tending to her rose garden at home, and every summer she always grew a good crop of tomatoes.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Dewey Mathews, and two sisters, Mary Price and Sandra Ward.

She leaves behind her children, William L. “Bill” Miller Jr. and his wife, Tina, of Apopka, Fla., Sandy Miller Frank of Fernandina Beach, and Jay Miller and his wife, Marie, of Yulee, Fla.; six grandchildren, Karen Helms, Cassandra Miller, Emily Miller, Hayley Bryant, David Miller and Iona Miller; four great-grandchildren, Tristen, Emma, Brady, and David as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Richard Henry Roberts Sr., 61, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 24, 2019.

He was born to Orelia Simmons-Roberts and Romeo Roberts Sr., who preceded him in death. He was a 1976 graduate of Peck High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He furthered his education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He was united in holy matrimony for 23 years to Nadia Adams Roberts. Richard was a dedicated employee at Anheuser Busch for 33 years.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, a dedicated wife, Mrs. Nadia Y. Roberts; son, Richard Roberts Jr.; daughters, Deandra Roberts, Ebony Roberts, and Maisha Roberts; grandchildren, Amaya Thomas, Jalen Brown, De’Ayjia Randall, Hayleah Pierce, Georgia Stokes, Genesis Stokes, Geonna Stokes, Naomi Pierce and Peyton Perkins; siblings, Romeo Roberts (Carol), Waymond Roberts, Michael Thomas, Josette Donaldson, Barbara Way, Mary Ann Zoe, Shenna Hutchinson (Lavonia), Orelia Brevard, and Juanita Sturdivant; loving-in-laws, Furman and Yvonne Adams; a heart-felt brother-in-law, Gary Adams (Jackie); sister-in-law, Karen Adams Boyd (Michael); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, family and friends, among them special friends, Larry McNear and Michael Russell; special thanks to Diana Mingo, the McNeil Family and Shirley Wilson.

Homegoing Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Saint Paul AME Church, 6910 New Kings Road, with Pastor Rev. Marvin Zanders II officiating. Mr. Roberts will rest for loved ones and friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Northside Chapel and Saturday, June 1, 2019 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Interment will be in the Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home

Marie Sandra Straub gently slipped away May 10, 2019. She departed this life just as she preferred to live it – beside her dedicated husband, surrounded by her loving children, amid her dearest lifelong friends.

Though born August 11, 1942, Marie did not start counting the years until her senior year of high school in 1961, when she met the man with whom she was destined to share the rest of her life. She and Joseph B. Straub Sr. were engaged that very summer after graduation, and she married him, the love of her life, the following May. Marie soon became a military wife and mother, making possible Joseph’s successful 24-year career in the Navy. Side-by-side, Marie and Joseph embarked on their journey together. Marie managed a growing family through multiple moves, as she and Joseph wove the tapestry of their family legacy together, adding threads from myriad destinations in which they would reside spanning the globe. Ultimately settling in New York, Virginia, then Florida, they continued their life together in a manner reminiscent of characters only found in old love stories from eras long forgotten. Even after 57 years of marriage, there was no place Marie would rather be than by Joseph’s side.

Secure in her relationship with the man she adored, Marie quietly set about constructing a legacy that will be a remembrance of her presence on this Earth long after her passing. Never having known her own mother, Marie possessed a unique motherly love that existed free from the bonds of shared surnames or similar genetic lineage. Marie mothered any child lucky enough to cross her path who was willing to accept her love. Marie fostered many children and could always be persuaded to add just one more. Her empire consisted of not only the four children she carried herself, but also the many youngsters she and Joe fostered and/or adopted over the years. Marie and Joe were blessed with a house full of children, and in time this would grow to include visiting grandchildren, followed by great-grandchildren. She never turned away a soul and was never happier than when all of the beds in her home were full. A house bursting with life and love is what felt like home to Marie. 

Her beloved children and cherished family, however, were not the only ones that peopled Marie’s empire. Making friends came easily to Marie and this talent could cross the chasm of decades separating her from those much younger than she. New neighbors easily became lasting friends, especially when they had children to be loved and enjoyed. 

The art of friendship was a language that Marie spoke fluently. Especially adept at nurting strong and lasting relationships, Marie had special lifelong friendships forged with a few amazing ladies, friendships of the best and closest kind. These friendships kept these ladies together despite relocations that ended up spanning the entirety of the East Coast. Once one of these lifelong friends moved from New York to Virginia, the others soon followed. The distance from Virginia to Florida could not keep them apart. Marie and her closest friends ended up together again, calling the beautiful town of Fernandina Beach home. She shared her entire life with these women and loved them as the family they became. With more than daily phone calls, frequent dinner parties, and recurrent celebrations, their lives were fundamentally intertwined from her earliest years until she departed this life.

Marie has gone to patiently wait for her loving family and treasured friends in the arms of those who preceded her in death, her eldest son, Joseph B. Straub Jr., and best friend-in-law, Thomas J. Grady. 

She is survived by her immensely loved, devoted, and doting husband, Joesph B. Straub Sr. of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; their children, Mary E. Meyer of Spotsylvania, Va., Terry L. Smith of Bel Air, Md., Diane R. Straub (Joseph B. Straub Jr) of Fredericksburg, Va., Donald R. Straub (Cindy) of Caroline, Va., Stephen M. Straub (Jodi) of Maidens, Va., Christopher A. Straub (Anne Carey) of Bumpass, Va., and John C. Straub of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; their many, many grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. Marie also leaves behind her brothers-in-law, William J. Straub and his wonderful wife, Louise, of Fernandina Beach, and Al E. Straub and his wife, Mary Jane, of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

Additionally, Marie will greatly miss her former neighbors with whom she and Joe became good friends, T. J. and Kelley Rew along with their two children whom Marie greatly adored. For a time, she leaves behind those who comprised her very special group of lifelong friends, Linda Shook and her husband, Bob, of Fernandina Beach, and especially Vicki Grady, also of Fernandina Beach.

Marie made her wishes known for what was to become of her earthly remains. As such, a Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. June 15, 2019 to celebrate her life at the Amelia Island Golf Club in Fernandina Beach. Eventually, Marie’s remains will be entombed with her husband when he is returned home to her once more, leaving both her earthly and heavenly forms exactly where they are supposed to be, right beside her true love, her eternal partner, forever and ever. MTYLTT.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Densie Darcel Younger, 68, unexpectedly passed away after an accidental fall at her home in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Densie was born and raised in Morris, Ill., and excelled in sports, leading to her earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University. Densie was a teacher and coach of high school health education and sports in Illinois for several years. Densie furthered her education to earn a Master of Computer Systems and Information Management, recertified to teach in South Carolina, and later was close to acquiring her Master of Business Administration (MBA).

After moving to South Carolina, Densie became a firefighter in North Charleston, then became the first woman crane operator at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Later, she transferred to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. After several years as a crane operator, Densie took the Administrative Promotional Path and retired as the command evaluator at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. At her retirement ceremony, Densie was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, one of the highest civilian awards earned by civilian employees who have contributed “high value” of service.

Throughout her life, Densie never stopped doing the things she loved, which were coaching, refereeing, volunteering for Special Olympics, and Parks and Recreation, while continuing to teach children about sports wherever she was –Illinois, Charleston, S.C., Kingsland, Ga., and Fernandina Beach. One of her favorite charities for the past few years was volunteering for the Joy to the Children, Inc. during the Christmas holiday in Nassau County, Fla.

Densie loved life! One could often find her cheering on her favorite sports teams, biking, yoga, fitness training, and working in her beautiful yard. She loved her friends, reading, listening to music, and playing online games with friends around the world and was a wonderful cook.

Densie will be forever missed and loved by all who had the opportunity to know such a beautiful soul with her warm and infectious smile.

Densie was preceded in death by her adored mother, Frances Louise Kennedy Younger.

Densie is survived by her spouse of 31 years, Vicky Lynn Olson of Fernandina Beach; her brother, Raymadier Younger (Michele) of Coal City, Ill.; her sister, Cheryl Carter (Randy) of Charlotte, N.C; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and father, Elmo Ray Younger of Morris, Ill.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Densie at a later time.

The family asks memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice in her name.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors