Mirtie Leah Crews Hoover, age 74 of Hilliard, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raiford and Mirtie Crews of Sanderson, Fla.; brother, James Crews and sister, Naomi Roberson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Leo, and daughters Kristi (Carlton) Guthrie of Jacksonville Beach and Pamela (Jay) Coco of Hilliard; sisters Virginia Combs and Norma (Jerry) Milton; two grandsons, Chad and Brandon Guthrie; three granddaughters, Morgan, Macey and Miya Harris; three step-grandsons, Justin Guthrie and Ethan and Jonas Coco; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Mirtie fought a courageous battle with cancer but never allowed it to steal her joy, her smile or the devotion she always showed to friends and family. Leo and Mirtie enjoyed a full and fun life together, golfing almost daily and spending quality time with family and friends whom they greatly valued. She enjoyed playing the piano for church as long as she was able, as well as singing with her sisters for so many celebrations and church and family events. The greatest desire of Mirtie’s heart was to glorify her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of her life was held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Christian Fellowship Temple on Ohio Avenue in Macclenny, Fla., with Pastor David Thomas and the Rev. Ricky Dyal officiating. Burial followed in Taylor Cemetery, Sanderson. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Forbes Funeral Home, 904-259-4600. Please sign the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.

Eddie Lee Jones, Sr., 68, died on Thursday, July 7, 2016 in the comfort of his home. 

He was a resident of Sandhill, Fla. He was a member of the Shining Light Church of God by Faith where he became an ordained deacon under Elder Frederick Henry. 

Survivors included wife of 33 years, Sandra Jones; sons Eddie (Anne) Jones Jr. and Kendall (Delesheia) Jones; daughter Sandrea Jones; brothers Lawrence Albertie and Elvis (Stacey) Albertie; sisters Aleatha Albertie, Ruby Dawson, Darlene Albertie and Judy Albertie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16 at the  True Believers Church of God By Faith, 45083 White Rd., Callahan, Fla., Elder Bryon Ramuser pastor. Eddie went to rest for loved ones and friends at the Shining Light Church of God by Faith, 153091 C.R. 108, Sandhill on Friday, July 15 from 5-7 p.m. Interment was in the Elmore Wiley Cemetery. Professional service from the heart in care of Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, Inc., 2212 Emerson St., Jacksonville, 904-399-4150.

Hilly (Johnny) King, Jr., 79, of Callahan passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016.  

Johnny was born Aug. 27, 1936 in Six Mile, Pickens County, S.C. Johnny was the son of the late Hillie and Eleanor King of Brunswick, Ga. Along with his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy E. King of Jacksonville, Fla.

Johnny served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. He was an A/C EngMech (Jet) and Air Craft Mechanic (air trans). Johnny received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal 1st award.

Over the years, Johnny worked as a warehouse manager and owned several businesses in the Jacksonville area. His last job was as courier for Brown, Terrell and Hogan. 

 Johnny is survived by his brother Kenneth King (Susan) and son Michael; his sister Nancy’s children, Rhonda (Jim) Turner, Lisa Anderson, Dale Hile, Jake Jones and Michael King (Michelle), as well as great nieces and nephews; stepdaughters Dana Puerto and son Arturo, Ginger Hager (Mickey) and children Shawn Clippinger, Thomas Turner, Teresa Jordan and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. You can express your condolences by signing the guest book at ckrowe@corey-kerlin.com.

Jack Lee Howarter, 79, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away July 21, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

He was born Aug. 6, 1936 in Hastings, Neb. to the late Kenneth Henry Howarter and Gwendolyn Genevieve Jones Howarter. He graduated high school in 1954 in Hastings. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was an instructor at the FAA Training School in Oklahoma City and retired from the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller supervisor.  

He served the town of Hilliard as the president of the town council, Volunteer Fire Department, police commissioner and the Hilliard High School Booster Club. He was a member of the Callahan Lions Club, American Legion, VFW, Veterans Council and the AmVets, where he served as president of Northeast Florida. He was the project manager for the Bell Tower at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Billie Joyce Howarter and a grandson, Gregg Howarter.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Howarter; 12 children, Teresa (Randy) Walcker, Cynthia (Richard) Holoka, Gregg (Donna) Howarter, Deborah (Jimmy) Black, David Howarter, Kenneth (Renee)Thompson, Arletta (Bill) Stewart, Tina (Robbie) Kerns, Shari O’Berry (James) Ashmore, Nancy (Mike) Brown, Sissy Henderson and John Bass; a sister, Barbara (Joe) Griffin; 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren

The family received friends Tuesday, July 26 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held July 27 at noon in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Grant Leroy Lester, 80, of Callahan, Fla. passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. 

He was born in Erie, Pa. on June 28, 1936. Grant served in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge. He was married to Virginia “Ginny” on May 25, 2006. Grant worked as a mechanic at Lester’s Bus Service. He was a member of Thomas Creek Baptist Church and had a passion for fishing, bowling, racing, camping and his family.

Grant is survived by his wife, Virginia Lester, and his children, Shelby (Ronald) Wachter, Belinda (Tim) Wright, Richard (Susan) Lester, Ramsey (Karen) Lester, James Lester, Jerry (Jill) Lester, Rex (Angela) Lester, John (Kim) Lester, Debora (Al) Bedell, Michael (Amanda) Lester and Mary Ritchie. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Joan (J.L.) Moore and Lillian Vanderholf, as well as 27 grandchildren.

A visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 at Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Chapel, 729 Edgewood Ave. South, Jacksonville, Fla. The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 at Thomas Creek Baptist Church, 54322 Janice Dr., Callahan, FL 32011, with burial to follow at Dinsmore Community Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Chapel, 904-388-2711.

Ernest Dale Bishop, 79, passed away Aug. 17, 2016. 

He was born July 18, 1937 in Boaz, Ala., to Prudie Wright Bishop and Ernest Lester Bishop. 

Ernest enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 10, 1955 and served as an aircraft instrument repairman until May 1958. In 1959, Ernest moved to Callahan, Fla. and worked for Florida Sun Printing and various propane gas companies until returning to Boaz in 1994.

In 2012, Ernie moved to Tomball, Texas to enjoy time with his daughter, Karen, son-in-law and grandsons. 

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doshie Bishop Propes.

Mr. Bishop is survived by his daughter, Karen (Richard) Wilfong; his brothers Willie (Margaret) Bishop and Marston (Sheena) Bishop of Boaz; and his grandsons Kevin (Cassidy) Wilfong, Eric Wilfong and Adam Wilfong.

Visitation was at noon Aug. 20, 2016 at the Etowah Memorial Chapel, 12600 U.S. 431, Sardis City, AL 35956.

A memorial service followed at 2 p.m., followed by internment at Smith Chapel Cemetery, Smith Chapel Road, Boaz. Pallbearers were Tony Bishop, Tim Bishop, Gordon Hall, Eric Wilfong, Adam Wilfong and Kevin Wilfong.

Jerry “Big Show” Timmons, Jr., a resident of the Lessie Community, passed away peacefully at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla. on Sept. 2, 2016 at the age of 46.  

He was born March 28, 1970 in Folkston, Ga. and received his early education at the local schools of Nassau County, graduating in 1989 from Hilliard Middle-Senior High School in Hilliard, Fla. His last previous employment included Rick Keffer Dodge Chrysler Jeep and the Nassau County School Board.

Jerry Jr.’s hobbies included playing and watching football and basketball, detailing cars, talking and texting on the telephone. He was a lovable son, brother, father, uncle and friend and he will be missed tremendously by many. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lester and Maybell Mason and George Timmons, Sr.; aunt, Elease Small and uncles, Henry Clyde Mason and John Timmons, Sr. 

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted family, including son, Xavier Timmons; daughters, Nia Miah Timmons and Amari Kirtsey; mother, Celestine Mason; father, Jerry (Anita) Timmons, Sr.; brothers, Kavin (Teresa) White, Sr., Breck (Penny) Irving and Dwight (Monique) Wilcox; sisters, Anita Nanette (Avis) Williamson, Angel Timmons and Patrice (Adriane) Stokes; grandmother, Cora Timmons; uncles, Lester (Joyce) Mason, Ricky Mason, George (Mercedes) Timmons, Jr. and Issac Small, Sr.; aunts, Lee Catherine (Walter) Ingram, Ester Tyler and Anna Bell Timmons; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowful friends, including special friends Granzie Whigham, Chad Alderman, Kenneth Tyler and Ryan Cramer. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, 58552 Cooper Neck Rd., Hilliard (Lessie) from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to the hour of service at the church. Interment immediately following service in the Brickyard Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home, 1337 N. Davis St., Jacksonville, FL 32209. Laprinzo M. Banks, LFDIC & Roderick Feacher, LFD.

William “Bill” Lee Dominy, 75, of Jacksonville, Fla. passed away Sept. 7, 2016. 

He was born Aug. 1, 1941 in Jacksonville at St. Luke’s Hospital to Percy Lee and Helen Dominy. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Kenny High School. Bill proudly served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 30 years from HUD in Jacksonville.

He will dearly be missed by his surviving family, including sister Cecilia Dominy Walker of Hilliard, Fla.; nieces, Kelly Lee Walker Overby of Jacksonville, Kimberly Jean Walker of Boca Raton, Fla., Lee Ann Chamberlain Thayer of Starke, Fla. and Laura Jean (Jessie) Chamberlain of Middleburg, Fla.

Memorialization will be by cremation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. 

Eugene Elliot “Uncle Cookie” Hogan, 77, of Folkston, Ga., passed away Sept. 5, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. He was born in Jacksonville June 12, 1939 to the late Eugene Isaac Hogan and Winifred Wallace Hogan. He attended the Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, where he served as a youth leader. Mr. Hogan was very active in the Boy Scouts of America serving as an adult troop leader.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Hogan, and two sisters, Charlotte Ferrell and Shirley Robinson. He is survived by his children, Pam Henck (Steven), Steven Hogan (Linda) and Rodney Hogan; a sister, Evelyn McClemore (Charles); a brother, Robert Hogan (Cindy); seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. in Prospect Cemetery. The family received friends an hour prior to the service.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Robert Carl Knight, 57, passed away on Aug. 16, 2016.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., the family moved to Callahan in 1972. Robert graduated from West Nassau High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, retiring honorably after 20 years of service. He worked with Diebold for many years.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Melton Knight, and sister, Linda Marie Knight. Robert is survived by his wife, Elaine Knight, son Matthew Carl Knight, mother Margie N. Knight, brother Richard “Rick” (Brenda) Knight, grandchildren Brandon and Ryan Knight, nieces, nephews and a great-niece.

He was interned in Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Elaine Watson, 66, of Homeland, Ga. passed away Aug. 31, 2016 in Brunswick, Ga. following a brief illness. 

She was born in Folkston, Ga. Aug. 29, 1950 to the late Rufus L. Spence and Francis Earline Sikes Spence Thomas. 

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna Dinkins and Ruby Santrock.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Lamb and Dustin Brown; three grandchildren, Samantha Higginbotham, Anita Crews and Gabriel Brown; three great-grandchildren, Riley Beecher, Braylee Higginbotham and Kinlynn Higginbotham; four sisters, Joan Dixon, Willene Johnson, Linda Creel and Barbara Meadow and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorialization will be by cremation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Walter A. Hickey, Sr., 92, died Sept. 10, 2016. Funeral service today at 11 a.m. at the Anchor Church of God. Interment follows in Jones Cemetery. Nassau Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Robert Lewis Brown, 73, of Folkston, Ga. passed away Sept. 12, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. following an extended illness.  

He was born April 21 to the late Gordon Lee Brown and Martha Savannah Hamilton Brown. He retired following 25 years of service with the Charlton County Road Department. He was a family man and of the Baptist faith.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Brown and a sister, Cybil Whitley.

He is survived by his children, Denise Brown, Chris Brown and Keith (Carol) Brown; five brothers, Larry Joe (Barbara Sue) Brown, Steve (Rhonda) Brown, Layton (Lee) Player, Tommy (Gerri) Player and Larry (Gloria) Player; sisters, Lois (Larry) Adams, Bertha (Paul) Barker, Jimmie (Rodney) Hollingsworth and Elizabeth Brown; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. The family received friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held today, Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. in Tennessee Georgia Memorial Park in Rossville, Ga.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston and Lane Funeral Home in Rossville.

Joseph Edsel Haddock, 94, of Hilliard passed away Sept. 13, 2016 at his residence. 

He was born March 26, 1922 in Boulogne, Fla. to Joseph Benjamin and Mamie Marianne Haddock. He served his country in the Merchant Marines and was employed with Seaboard Coastline Railroad and Amtrak as an engineer until retirement.       

He is survived by his children, daughter Brenda and Glenn James Carmichael, Jr. of Rockwall, Texas; son Joseph Byron and Lori Haddock of Greensboro, N.C.; stepson Dick and Glenda DuBose of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren Trip, Brandon, Ben (Megan), Kate, Mike, Mark and Kathryn Ann; nieces Pat Braddock and Gloria Petty; nephews Freeman Johnson (Diane) and Ray Johnson (Sandra); additional nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Beem Haddock.

The family received friends Friday, Sept. 16 at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services were held Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at 10 a.m. in Buford Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Chris Woodard officiating.                              

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Roberson Funeral Home, Folkston.

Mother Bernice Jones Alderman, 90, affectionately known to many as Bunchie, was born to the late Ernest “Jim” and Bessie Bethune Jones on Sept. 2, 1926 in Denton, Ga. 

She attended the Callahan Community School. She joined and was baptized at the Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E. V. Singletary. She was a member of the Senior Choir under the late Sis. B.A.W. Carter, a member of Usher Board No. 1 and one of the original Culinary Committee members. She served as Worthy Matron of Pallbearer Lodge No. 218 and Heron of Jericho of the Callahan Lodge. 

She was employed with Judge Lynn Hodges as housekeeper, a cook at the Rainbow Restaurant for many years, a janitor for Nassau County School Board, housekeeper for the late Tony and Sylvia Peterson and retired from the Nassau County Council on Aging as a health aide. She was a faithful member of the Deaconess and Mission Ministries. She was named as one of the Mothers of Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church by former Pastor Charles E. Williams, Jr. 

She earned the name “Extra Mile” from one of the members because she would always bounce back and be willing to go the extra mile. Her favorite seat was on the right side of the church and second row of the Deaconess Ministry. She was an active member of the Westside Senior Center of Hilliard, where her favorite game was Bingo. She was married in Holy Matrimony to Deacon Gus Alderman for 61 years. 

Preceding her in death were her siblings, Hoover Jones, Odella Crummell, Deacon Roy Jones, Rev. Calvin Jones, Maggie (Katie) Grant, Sarah Davis, Emily Sheffield and Rev. William (Willie) Jones. She fought a good fight until early Sunday morning and she answered Her Master call Oct. 16, 2016. 

She leaves to cherish her sweet precious memories husband, Dea. Gus Alderman; children, James Williamson (Alma Bailey), Kenneth Williamson (Wynetta Harris), Larry Alderman, Terry (Carolyn) Williamson, Phyllis Alderman, Avis (Anita) Williamson, Wilbert (Vivian) Mathis, Gloria Johnson, Virginia Alderman, Gus (Diana) Alderman, Jr. and Brenda Alderman; one brother, retired CSM David (Alma) Jones; 30 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Alma Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends. 

Homegoing service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan, FL 32011, the Rev. Reginald Edwards pastor. Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the church and 9 a.m. Saturday until the hour of service at the church. Interment will be in the Callahan Community Cemetery. Services from the heart are in the care of Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home, Inc., 2212 Emerson St., Jacksonville, FL 904-399-4150. 

William Hall “Bill” Johnson, Sr., 86, of Hilliard, Fla. passed way Oct. 13, 2016. 

He was born in Boulougne, Fla. to Calvin P. Johnson, Sr. and Cora Civility Higginbotham Johnson. He graduated from Hilliard High School and received a basketball scholarship to South Georgia College and Jacksonville University. 

He retired as Superintendent of Road Construction with Houdaille-Duval-Wright Engineering. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hilliard.  

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Russell Johnson, Reginald Johnson and Calvin Johnson, Jr. and two sisters, Laura Harper and Lucille Altman.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Catherine Smith Johnson; three children, Cathy Conner (Bill), William Johnson, Jr. (Vicki) and Annette Hodges (Wayne); five grandchildren, Amy Boutwell (Brian), Emily Serrano (Carlos), Cayla Elrod (Bobby), Daniel Hodges (Hannah) and Shali Geiger (Jason) and seven great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Saturday, Oct. 15 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Funeral services were held Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Hilliard with Pastor Josh Tillman and Pastor Bobby Richardson officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

George Wallace Schnorr, Jr., 83, of Inman, S.C. died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Born March 30, 1933, in Jacksonville, Fla., he was the son of the late George Wallace Schnorr Sr. and Marion Elizabeth McDonald Schnorr.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Schnorr was operations manager for Fernandina Lumber Company and a member of First Baptist Church of Callahan.

Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Becky Schnorr; daughters, Suzanne Bennet (Ronnie), Julie Beeson and Lisa Carter, all of Jacksonville, Lori Strickland (Rhett) of Sopchoppy, Fla., Sandra Edwards (Roger) of Boiling Springs, S.C., and Salena Schnorr, Destiny Schnorr and Suzie Schnorr, all of the home; sons, George Schnorr III (Cindy) of Jacksonville, Del Ward (Belinda) of Callahan, Fla., Scott Ward of Jacksonville and Zander Schnorr of the home; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a sister, Shirley Showalter (Dean) of Tallahassee, Fla. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Donald Schnorr.

A memorial service honoring his memory will be conducted at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Callahan, 45090 Green Ave., Callahan, FL 32011. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 260 Fairwinds Dr., Landrum, SC 29356. An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel handled arrangements.

Fred Lester Thrift passed away at his home in Hilliard, Fla. on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at the age of 79.  

Fred was born Oct. 26, 1936 in Waycross, Ga., the son of the late W.H. “Dub” and Marcella Thrift. 

Mr. Thrift was an Air Force veteran and retired air traffic controller, where he was awarded the Performance Award for 25 years of service without a single system error, which is an elite group. He graduated from Jones College in 1976 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management. He was involved over the years in civic activities and coached many youth sports teams.  

He was a very active member of Buford Grove Baptist Church, where he served as activities director. He also kept up with the church website, wrote several plays and wrote the monthly church Herald newsletter. He touched the lives of many and will be truly missed by his loving family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette Myers Thrift; three  children, Hardy (Susan) Thrift, Debbie (Buddy) West and Stewart (Suzanne) Thrift; five grandchildren, Ashley (R.G.) Beasley, Brooke Thrift, Kyle Thrift, Summer Thrift and Luke Thrift and numerous great-grandchildren; and one brother, Glynn (Hilda) Thrift.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 27 at Buford Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at Buford Grove Baptist Church, Pastor Curtis Harrington officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Joe Harlen Sikes, 75, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Nov. 1, 2016 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born Jan. 13, 1941 in Crossville, Ala. to Melrose Thompson and John R. Sikes. Joe was a graduate of Callahan High School, Class of 1959. He retired after 21 years of service with the United States Navy. Joe also retired as a painter and a member of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Local Union No. 88, Tampa, Florida. He was a member of Milligan First Baptist Church in Baker, Fla. and also a charter member of River Road Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, John Colson Sikes (April) and Chip Jones; three daughters, Sherri Harris (Clay); Christina Ball (Jeff) and Sissy Jones-Thames; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one aunt, Clara Kilgore; several cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother George and sister Rosemary.

The family received friends Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at River Road Baptist Church from 1-2 p.m. Funeral services began at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Benjie Loyd and the Rev. Hal McIntosh officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military honors. 

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest register at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.

Kathryn M. Jordan, 66, of Yulee, Fla. peacefully passed away Oct.16, 2016 at Baptist Hospital Downtown in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Ms. Jordan was preceded in death by both her loving mother, Beatrice “Mayo” Johnson from Calhoun County, Fla. and her loving father, Lawrence Procter Johnson from Jacksonville.

Ms. Jordan started her career as the first female officer on the Hilliard Police Department and went on to work for Kings Bay Naval Base in security, then Container “West Rock” in Fernandina Beach and finally ending her career with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office working as a tower guard when the new jail opened. She has always served the interest of this community and had such a caring and giving heart.

Ms. Jordan was survived by her daughter, April Mason of Yulee; her brother, William “Bill” Johnson and sister-in-law Judy Johnson of Callahan, Fla.; her four grandchildren, Crystal Mason, Cody Mason, William “Billy” Johnson, Jr. and Kimberly Brown and was blessed with many great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a small private service. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc. 

Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”