Clarence Edwin Crisp, 84, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Nelda Sue Dockery, 71, passed away December 24, 2019.
Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery
Robert Griffin, 60, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 13, 2019.
Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery
Brian Matthew Nelson, 43, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Debbie Marlene Norman, 63, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019 at UF Health North in Jacksonville, Fla.
She was born in Jacksonville to the late Robert Griffin and Pina Patricia Stegall and was a longtime resident of Yulee.
When she was younger, she loved being outside and camping. Debbie loved all things Elvis and had been to Graceland several times. She was a loving mother who always made sure her children had everything they needed.
She leaves behind her son, Bert Norman and his wife, Melissa, of Yulee; daughter, Tammy Murray and her fiancée, Earl Pittman, of Yulee; her sister, Cathy Alligood of Yulee; grandchildren, Ryan Murray, Madison King, Dylan Norman, Chris Miller, and Justin Miller; three great-grandchildren; and her beloved pets.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019 in Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Her family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Green Pine Cemetery.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Paul Wynn Lashbrooke, 77, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
He was an intelligent, handsome, and a true romantic at heart. A worldly man who lived in the U.S., the U.K., Japan, and Malaysia, he spent his working career in the oil industry. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.
His favorite things were good conversations, the opera, good wine, traveling, and good food. He loved spending time with family and friends. He loved cooking. His specialties were cannelloni and, of course, his leg of lamb. His love of travel and cruises took him to many parts of the world. Some of his favorite places were Paris, London, New York, and Rome. He loved to walk those beautiful cities. He also loved visiting California’s wine country. Paul always loved trying the local wines of the places where he visited.
Paul was also a private man who was content to just play a round of golf, read a good book, do a good crossword puzzle, love on the cats, or enjoy the ocean views.
A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at later date.
The family asks donations be made in Paul’s memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Mr. Robert Arthur Jones Jr., 76, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 at Douglas Center for Caring, Baptist Medical Center Downtown in Jacksonville, Fla.
He was born April 28, 1943 in Fernandina Beach to the late Robert Arthur Jones Sr. and Minnie Christine King. He attended Peck High School, worked in the shrimping industry, and ended his career as a laborer with retirement from Terminal Bag Company. Mr. Jones was a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he also sang in the choir.
In addition to both parents, Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Smith Jones; his grandparents, Simon and Sadie King; and a brother, Sampson Edwards.
Mr. Jones leaves behind his children, Robert A. Jones III (Melanie), Robert Martin (Stephanie), Keith Moore, and Latasha Riley; his goddaughter, Aniylah Miller; three sisters, Sadie Brown, Patricia Henderson, and Sandra Thompson; three brothers, Lonnie Jones, Calvin Russell and Leroy Perkins; special friends, Rev. Jimmy Green, Raymond Taylor, Spencer Clayton, Johnnie L. Robinson, Lawrence Holmes, Marvin Register, Sammie Campbell, and James Way; one uncle; two aunts; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 10 S. 10th St. in Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Jeremiah Robinson presiding. The cortege will assemble and depart from Mr. Jones’ North 11th Street residence. Immediately following the service, Mr. Jones will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery. Following the service, his family will retreat to the Council on Aging for the Repast. His family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2019 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Please share his Life Legacy at www.cartersfuneralhome.com.
Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home
Darryl Wilson Crisp, 65, passed away peacefully Monday, December 23, 2019.
He was born October 3, 1954 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. but raised in Jacksonville, Fla. He was a 1972 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and Greenville Tech College.
Darryl was president of Crisp and Harrison Advertising and Island Builders Inc.
Darryl moved back to Fernandina Beach in 1996 with his young family to build a home on the property affectionately known as “The Puddle.” He and his wife, Barbara, of 31 years graciously entertained family and friends at their home, a place filled with good times and special memories. Darryl was creative, artistic, and passionate about everything he did. He was a loving, devoted father, husband, and grandfather.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, president of the Surf Club, and a member of the Golf Club of Amelia Island, where he was an avid golfer. Darryl received a Golfer of the Year award and hole-in-one recognition. He was an avid diver and fisherman with over 40 trips to the Keys for the annual opening of lobster season.
Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel T. Crisp Jr. and Carolyn K. Crisp, and his oldest brother, Daniel T. Crisp III.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara M. Crisp; daughter, Elizabeth C. Hicks (Zach); son, Harrison F. Crisp, USAAF; brothers, David K. Crisp (Mary) and Dale K. Crisp (Leslie); sister-in-law, Allison R. Crisp; grandchildren, Remy K. Hicks and Charles W. Hicks; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Fernandina Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church at 9 N. Sixth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
Gilbert Edward Conn Jr., 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, December 23, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
He was born at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. to the late Gilbert Edward Conn Sr. and Irma Mae Gafford.
Gilbert graduated from Jean Ribault Senior High School in Jacksonville, Class of 1961. While attending Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga., he met his wife, Martha Anne McCutcheon of Winter Haven, Fla. They married May 15, 1965 in Winterhaven. In 1964, he entered the Florida Army National Guard, Co. B 146th Signal Battalion, Jacksonville. He worked at Terminal Paper Bag Co. in Yulee as a supervisor/offset printer for 23 years. He gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1972. The Atlantic Flying Club in Fernandina Beach is where he enjoyed his private pilot flying time. He and his wife owned and operated Conn’s Photography in Yulee for 25 years (now closed). He proudly and joyfully played trumpet in the First Baptist Church Jacksonville Orchestra for 21 years.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Anne of Yulee; son, Gilbert E. "Rusty" Conn III (Janelle) and their sons, Dylan and Dalton, of Green Cove Springs, Fla.; and daughter, Marsha L. Sutton (Stephen) and their children, Lorianne, Luke, and Jon of Jacksonville.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. January 4, 2020 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. George Kratochvil and Rev. Edson Dickinson officiating.
Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau
Dennis Wayne Carter, 69, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday, December 23, 2019 at his home.
Wayne was born in Fernandina Beach, Fla. and was a son of Alberta Carter and the late Joe Carter.
Wayne lived in Fernandina Beach his entire life, graduating from Fernandina Beach High School. Through hard work and dedication, he earned his licenses as a pilot boat operator and journeyman carpenter before he began working for Container Corporation of America.
Wayne drafted and built the family home, becoming a source of pride and joy in his life. He worked for RockTenn for more than 30 years and retired in 2012. Wayne was an extremely hard worker and provider for his family.
He is survived by his mother, Alberta Carter; his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Shawna Carter; his granddaughters, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Megan; and his siblings, Tommy, Gayle, Faye, and Michael.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019 in Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Rudy Capparelli, 84, of Callahan, Fla., passed away peacefully Saturday, December 21, 2019 at his home.
He was born March 5, 1935 in Callahan and was the son of Baldassarre (Benny) and Mary Capparelli. He loved painting, photography, music, playing the guitar, and traveling and was a competitive runner in his younger years. Rudy was a caring brother, loving uncle, and dear friend to many in the area. He retired from the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Fla. as a senior master sergeant, having worked for more than 30 years in support of the mission to provide air defense for the southeastern United States from Charleston, S.C. to the southern tip of Florida and across the Florida panhandle. He was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Callahan. He enjoyed the friendship of many in Callahan and was an exceptional listener.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Mary Capparelli; his sister, Edda Tasso of Callahan; and his brother, Nicholas Linardi of Jacksonville.
Rudy is survived by his brother-in-law, Emanuel Tasso; many nieces and nephews, Lucy Tonette Carroll (Charlie), Bernadette Luce (David), Ben Tasso (Margaret, deceased), Angela Hoff (Joe), and Anthony Tasso (Natalie); and seven great-nieces and nephews, Angela Marie Schaefer Nightengale (Kris), Marissa Carroll, Sophia Hoff, Shafer Tasso, Andrew Tasso, Emily Catherine Tasso, and Mitchell Tasso.
Memorial services will be held Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens, located at 111 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park, Fla. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the chapel. The service to celebrate his life will begin at 11 a.m. and be followed by interment at the cemetery.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his name to the Our Lady of Consolation’s Building Fund at 541668 U.S. 1, Callahan, FL 32011 or the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.jacksonvillememorygardens.com.
Jacksonville Memory Gardens
Gilbert Edward Conn Jr., 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, December 23, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. January 4, 2020 at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 4040 Dunn Ave. in Jacksonville, with Rev. George Kratochvil and Rev. Edson Dickinson officiating.
Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau
Paul Henri Gagnon, 74, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2019.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
James W. Tiffany, 76, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 19, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Jim was born October 26, 1943 in Chicago, Ill. to parents Arthur and Rosemary (O’Shannon) Tiffany. He graduated from McHenry Community High School in 1962. He married his loving wife, Wendy Bruflodt, on March 2, 1968 at St Rita’s Church in Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from National Louis University of Evanston, Ill. in 1994. After working for years as a computer programmer and analyst, he retired in 2004 from Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, Ill. Jim resided in McHenry, Ill. until 2011, when he and Wendy decided to enjoy retirement in Florida.
Jim was an electrician, plumber, woodworker, gardener, fisherman, mechanic, computer guy, chauffeur, human compass, comedian who always loved a good joke, and a man who could fix just about anything. He enjoyed reading, puzzles, fishing, travel, and spending time with his family and friends. He coached Little League and never missed the kids' games or activities. He was a true die-hard Chicago Bears fan. His great joys came from his family – watching his son serve in the Navy and his daughter succeed as a teacher. He loved spending his life with Wendy and they were best friends who, together, could and did overcome anything.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Arthur Tiffany; and his sisters, Sharon Petkus and Eleanor Dragovich.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Wendy Tiffany of Fernandina Beach; daughter, Laura Tiffany (Darryl Johnson) of Yulee, Fla.; son, Chief Petty Officer Shane Tiffany (wife Tauhidah and stepdaughter Audrey Herbert) of Palm Bay, Fla.; and sisters, Christine (Christ) Voutiritsas of Palatine, Ill. and Barbara Tiffany (John Ukkesteadt) of Palmdale, Calif. Jim had many nieces and nephews spread throughout the country.
In honor of Jim's wishes, the family asks that in lieu of a service or flowers a donation be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://bit.ly/35buKDV.
“Love you, be safe, and call me when you get there.” – Jim Tiffany
Memories and condolences can be left at http://bit.ly/2SH4Vca.
Mrs. Wanda Nell Spivey Steedley, 73, of Blackshear, Ga., passed away Saturday evening, December 28, 2019 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, Ga. following a short illness.
Born April 11, 1946 in Jesup, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Harley and Audis Davis Spivey. She had lived in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for many years before moving to Pierce County, Ga. in 1990. She had enjoyed working at Landon Williams at the Market in Fernandina Beach but was a housewife for most of her life. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Blackshear.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Harry Steedley, and three brothers, Alvin Spivey, Harvey Spivey, and Carl “Buddy” Spivey.
Survivors include her three sons, William Harry Steedley Jr. of Blackshear, Earl Maurice Steedley (wife Laura) of Callahan, Fla., and Robert Michael Steedley (wife Janice) of Colony, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Sarah Steedley and Erin Steedley (husband Matt), both of Kansas, Cole Steedley and Claire Steedley, both of Callahan, Billy Steedley (wife Ashley), Destiny Steedley, and Eric Jones, all of Fernandina Beach; three great-grandchildren, Amaya Walker, Lily Walker, and Haven Steedley, all of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Viritha Moore of Willacoochee, Ga.; and two brothers, J. L. Spivey (wife Linda) of Blackshear and Ronnie Spivey (wife Linda) of Nichols, Ga.; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019 in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach. The family will receive friends Tuesday at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, P.O. Box 667, Blackshear, GA 31516.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing a guestbook online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home
Helen Sterling Green, 72, of Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, December 27, 2019 at her home.
Born in Fernandina Beach, Fla., Mrs. Green had lived most of her life in Nassau County, Fla. and was a daughter of the late Wallace S. and Maggie Lucas Sterling of Fernandina Beach’s Old Town.
Mrs. Green was retired from Amelia Island Plantation, where she was the assistant to the executive chef at the Veranda Restaurant.
Mrs. Green was an amateur horticulturist and excelled in many crafts including seamstress sewing, crocheting, quilting and stained glass. She was a woman of character and faith who touched many lives with her acts of kindness and generosity. Service to her family and friends was the focus of her life and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and were helped by her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Wallace and William.
She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Edward “Bub” Green of Yulee; her son, Ed Green and his wife, Dr. Maria Melanson, of Boston, Mass.; and her siblings, “Bunny” Sterling and his wife, Marilyn, of Nassauville, Fla., Katie Davenport and her husband, Bill, of Raleigh, N.C., George Sterling and his wife, Sheri, of Statesboro, Ga., Mary Jubito and her husband, Tommy, of Yulee, and Andy Sterling of Fernandina Beach, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors in Fernandina Beach. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers you make donations in her memory to Community Hospice at communityhospice.com/give.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Clarence Edwin Crisp, 84, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Osprey Village Memory Care Unit due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Edwin was born in Bryson City, N.C. the son of Ollie May Cochran and John Kyle Crisp and was one of seven children. When he was 5 years old, his family moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla., where he stayed until he was 18 years old.
After graduating from Yulee High School in 1953, he joined his brothers at Rayonier, the local paper mill, where he soon discovered this was not the life for him. With a thirst for travel, Edwin joined the Air Force and ended up being stationed in the United Kingdom, where he met his future bride, Angela.
In May of 1960, they returned to Fernandina Beach, where Edwin and Angela married at the First Baptist Church in downtown Fernandina Beach and then settled in Port Saint Joe, Fla. Later, they moved to Pensacola, Fla. and then Almagordo, N.M., where their first daughter, Lisa, was born. They then moved to Melbourne, Fla., where their second daughter, Amanda, was born.
In 1971, Edwin had the great fortune to take his bride and family back to the U.K. as a U.S. government contractor. They enjoyed over 21 years in the British countryside, where they made many fabulous friends and many great memories. Over the course of his career, Ed managed to obtain three college degrees including an MBA from Boston University. In 1993, Edwin and Angela had the good fortune to move to Bavaria, Germany for work, and then returned to the USA and to his roots in Fernandina Beach, where he remained throughout retirement.
Edwin was known for his devotion to his family and charm along with a great community spirit, from ringing the local church bells to mowing the village monument lawn. He loved a good game of darts and golf and even won a trophy or two for both. Whilst in the U.K., Ed became president of the Harrogate Rotary Club, one of the few Americans to do so.
He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Angela (Grace) Crisp; his daughter, Lisa Walker and grandchildren Amber and Jack Walker; his daughter, Amanda Stefano and her husband, Ben Stefano; his sister, Betty Jo Holland; his brother, Ralph Crisp; and many close friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, located at 801 Atlantic Ave. in Fernandina Beach. He will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations toward Alzheimer’s research. We have made a tribute page honoring Ed at http://act.alz.org/goto/Clarence_Crisp.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Gene W. Agan quietly departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the age of 59.
Mae Lizzie Jones, 73, of Kingsland, Ga., passed away Friday, December 27, 2019, at Southeast Georgia Health System, Camden Campus. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at True Believers Church of God by Faith, 45083 White Road, Callahan. A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday at St. James Baptist Church, 153037 C.R. 108, Yulee. Interment will be in Elmore-Wiley Cemetery.
Sunset Funeral Home
Mr. Edward W. Williams, 81, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach.
Born in Nahunta, Ga., he was a son of the late Burney W. and Ruby Knox Williams. He moved to Fernandina Beach in 1957 and served proudly in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Williams retired as a supervisor with Terminal Bag Company and also served as a deputy sheriff in Camden County, Ga.
In 1980, he married the former Donnie Lee Herndon and their marriage would last until her passing in August of this year.
He leaves behind two brothers, Donnie Williams and his wife, Linda, of Henrietta, N.Y. and Ernest Williams and his wife, Shirley, of Pueblo, Colo.; and two sisters, Gail Cleland and her husband, Terry, of Nahunta and Shirley Clark and her husband, Walter, of Yulee, Fla., as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Brantley County, Ga. His nephew, Pastor Ricky Knox, will officiate. He will be laid to rest beside his wife following the service.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Nita Pyfrom Vereen, 87, passed away peacefully at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2019 with her daughter and son by her side at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Her cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease.
Jaunita Aileen Pyfrom was born in Miami, Fla. on January 23, 1932 to Albert Cecil Pyfrom and Roechelle Brooks Pyfrom. She grew up in Coral Gables and Opa-locka, Fla. One of her treasured childhood memories was of playing in her front yard each morning, often waving to “an elderly gentleman” who lived down the road and walked past her home during the winter months. She said he would smile and return her greeting. Asking her mother if she knew the man’s name, her mother replied, “Why, that’s Robert Frost. He’s a famous writer!” Perhaps this sparked her lifelong interest in the arts and literature. She became an avid reader.
A graduate of Miami Jackson High School, Nita attended Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn. and was a member of the Calliopean Society, a literary and debating society. She continued her studies at the University of Miami majoring in English and psychology and worked as part of the school’s administrative staff. She also was a member of the Chi Omega sorority.
Throughout her life, Nita was loving and compassionate – a person of strong and abiding Christian faith. Indeed, she met her future husband, Donald Eugene Davidson, at the Central Baptist Church in Miami. They were married there on April 17, 1954. Living in Jacksonville, Fla., where Don worked as treasurer and general manager of Lynch-Davidson Motors, Nita was involved in charity work, and both were active members of Riverside Baptist Church while raising their three children – Douglas, Leigh Ann, and Steven.
In those early years, Nita and Don enjoyed traveling for business and pleasure, attending many Ford dealership events, and enjoying University of Florida Gator football games. Nita made lifelong friends during her years in Jacksonville and those friendships sustained her after Don’s early death from ALS in 1968.
It was through mutual friends that she met Eugene M. Vereen Jr. They married in 1981 and resided in Gene’s hometown of Moultrie, Ga. for 27 years until his death in 2008. Nita loved her life in Moultrie with Gene, his family, and many dear friends. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie and had a special interest in the Colquitt County Arts Center. Bridge and Book Club were also meaningful and brought her great joy. Beginning in late-2014, Nita lived in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for the remainder of her life with her daughter and son-in-law. The family is grateful for all her gifted caregivers during this time – most notably Kathy Morin.
Nita was preceded in death by the father of her children, Don Davidson; their youngest son, Steven Thomas Davidson; her husband, Eugene M. Vereen Jr.; and his youngest son, John Cary Vereen.
Nita is survived by her children, Douglas Davidson (Lisanne) and Leigh Ann Adler (John), and her two grandchildren, Donald Davidson (Kalianne) and James Davidson. There was also a special part in her life for Gene’s children, E. Michael Vereen III (Jennifer), John Cary Vereen (Azalee), Ellen Vereen Rumble (Theo), and Joan Vereen Wilson (Richard), and their many wonderful children and families whom she adored.
A private burial ceremony, officiated by Reverend Hugh Ward of Moultrie, Ga., will be held at 1 p.m. January 18, 2020 at Oaklawn Cemetery, located at 4801 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or online at CommunityHospice.com/give.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Thomas “Gary” Taylor, 73, of Berlin, Ga., died Thursday, January 2, 2020 in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Born March 30, 1947 in Moultrie, Ga., he was the son of the late William Lee “Billy” Taylor Sr. and Juanita Vinson Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a carpenter and of the Baptist faith. He loved nothing more than to spend the day fishing, especially when it included fishing for redhorse suckers because he enjoyed the fight.
Survivors include his daughters, Lee Anne Stephens and Timmy of Yulee, Fla., Jessica Hardy and Justin of Hartsfield, Ga., and Lisa Young and Eric of Norman Park, Ga.; grandchildren, Gerik, Meagan, Gillianne, Andrew, Victoria, Ronnie Bo, Hannah, Gunner, Pailey, Rylee, Chase, Noah, Shyanna, Kayte, and Blaze; great-grandchild, Briar Warren Stephens; brothers, William L. “Buddy” Taylor Jr., Joseph and Kathy Taylor of Meigs, Ga., Andrew “Andy” Taylor and Linda of Doerun, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Graveside rites with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Cobb-Suncrest Memorial Gardens. Horace May will provide the eulogy. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2020 at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Mr. Taylor’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family would like to thank Mr. Eli and the Berlin community for their friendship.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.cobbfuneralchapel.com.
Cobb Funeral Chapel
Janice S. Hollis, 94, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully December 29, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Janice was born May 12, 1925 as one of six children to parents Joel and Sue (Brown) Saunders. She graduated from Union High School in Leslie, Ga. and continued her education at Auburn University, where she graduated in 1946. While attending Auburn, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi.
She married John J. Hollis of St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1949. They moved to Fernandina Beach from Cordele, Ga. in 1958. She began teaching the Mighty Pirates at Fernandina Beach High School in 1959 and taught there for almost 30 years. Teaching was her love, but her greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed the beach life including fishing. Janice was an avid reader and bridge player.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and all of her siblings.
She leaves behind her daughter, Jan Hollis, her son, John Hollis, and her daughter, Judy Hollis McCarthy (Glenn), all of Fernandina Beach; her son, Joel Hollis (Donna) of St. Augustine, Fla.; and her granddaughter, Jessica Hollis McCarthy (Owen) of Washington, D.C.
A memorial service to honor and remember her will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2020 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. The family will receive friends that day one hour prior to the service.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach or Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Berke passed away January 4, 2020 on Amelia Island, Fla. after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on February 22, 1946 to William and Helen Grace, Betty grew up in Southboro, Mass. In college, she was selected by Look magazine as one of the best-dressed girls in the country. Betty graduated from Fisher College and then served as sales manager for the Sonesta Hotel in Boston. Later, she assumed the title of functions manager at the Chateau de Ville in Framingham, Mass.
On January 31, 1970, Betty married Richard K. Berke. They would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month.
Betty possessed a passion for flowers and devoted many hours to growing all varieties. Her gardens were breathtaking. Betty’s talent shone in her ability to sew and decorate, and her homes bore testament to her amazing creativity. She also loved to host dinner parties and family get-togethers.
Betty is survived by her husband, Dick, and daughter, Jennifer Berke. Her son, Jason, predeceased her in 2010. Betty is also survived by her brother, William Grace; sister, Christine Darby; daughter-in-law, Kelly (Patrick) Hyche; son-in-law, Ari Virtanen; sisters-in-law, Joan (Alan) Rhodes, Nancy Ostrov, and Susan (Joseph) Bierman; brother-in-law, Philip Berke (Debi); and several nieces and nephews. Betty also leaves behind the loves of her life, grandchildren Alana, Tyler, Olivia, Dylan, Ryan and Jaxon.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2020 at Amelia Plantation Chapel, located at 36 Bowman Road on Amelia Island. Burial will occur at Bosque Bello Cemetery immediately after the service, and a reception will follow at The Golf Club of Amelia Island.
Contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
Diana Marie Lacaci, 34, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
