Eunice Shay Brock, 50, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away at her home April 7, 2019.  

Shay was born Jan. 23, 1969 in Jacksonville, Fla. and is the daughter of Myra Jane and Sidney Shep Brock of Hilliard. In addition to her parents, Shay also leaves behind her brothers, the Rev. Sidney (Merideth) Brock, Jr. of Fruitland Park, Fla. and Chad W. (Lisa) Brock of Hilliard; nieces, Abigail and Anna Grace of Fruitland Park and nephews, Trenton, Trevor and Evan Brock of Hilliard and Caleb Brock of Fruitland Park. Shay was preceded in death by her grandparents, Irene and Vernon Brock of Folkston, Ga. and Loyce and Gilbert Hinson of Ashburn, Ga. 

The family received friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston. Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, April 10 at First Baptist Church of Boulougne at 2 p.m. Her body will lie in state at the church an hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Trader’s Hill Cemetery in Folkston.

On behalf of the family, please accept our sincere thanks for the outpouring of sympathy and love. We would like to recognize physicians, caregivers and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, who have taken care of Shay during her illness. 

Contributions in honor of Shay can be made to ARC of Nassau, 86051 Hamilton St., Yulee, FL 32097 or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA 31537,  912-496-7388.

John Woodrow “Johnny” Thompson, 72, of Folkston, Ga. passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019) at his home after a brief illness.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., his parents were James Woodrow and Willie Mildred Bland Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Peggie Ashburn Thompson; a granddaughter, Diane Mumford; and four brothers, Harry James Thompson, Derrell Thompson, Noel Thompson and Lorren Thompson.

Johnny was retired from Mumford and Sons Well Drilling and was a member of Nahunta Church of God. He loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting, golfing and gardening. Johnny was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he couldn’t do. He loved being around his family, his many, many friends and loved helping everybody.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Harry James “Jimmy” and Melissa Mumford of Bryceville, Fla.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Greg Jones of Jesup, Ga., Tracy and Charles Carroll of Hilliard, Fla. and Wanda and Sam Merkle of Warner Robins, Ga.; 12 grandchildren and their spouses, Eric and Jessica Nettles of Hoboken, Ga., April and Billy Ray Harris of Nahunta, Ga., Crystal Green of Hilliard, Corey and Cheyenne Carroll of Hilliard, Chuck Carroll of Hilliard, Jessica and Neil Maddox of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Nathan and Kaitlan Mumford of Bryceville, Daphne and Cody Anderson of Callahan, Fla., Levi Mumford of Bryceville, Dallas Mumford of Bryceville, John and Nicole Crawford of Rockford, Ill. and Brandi Sarama of Warner Robins; a brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Janice Cumbus of Athens, Tenn.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillie Mae and Howard Martin of Livingston, Texas and Lu Scott of Jacksonville; and also several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation was held Tuesday, April 16, 2019, from 6-9 p.m. at Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta. A funeral service will be held today, Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Florey officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Danny Ashburn, David Smith, Marty Nelson, Aaron Bell, Doug Lloyd and Carl Davis. 

Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta is handling the arrangements for Johnny’s family. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.

Dorothy Mae Lewis Brannan, 86, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away April 18, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

She was born July 28, 1932 in Doerun, Ga. to the late Claude Lewis and Retha Mae Langley Lewis. Dorothy was a resident for nearly a year at Life Care Center of Hilliard, where she made several dear friends and was nicknamed “The Police” by staff members because she kept everyone around her straight. She was also able to continue her love of playing Bingo while living there. 

Dorothy was a lifelong caretaker for her children and grandchildren, all while helping run the family business for many years. More than a mother, she was the strength of a large family; a true matriarch, friend and confidant. She instilled integrity and ethics of hard work in her children and grandchildren. She required everything to be done right while showing undying love at the same time. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Christopher Brannan and Michael Brannan; a daughter, Cheryl Brannan Mullis, and two sisters, Patricia Ricks and Joy Scott.

She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Brannan and Lisa (Mark Smith) McCook; three sons, Larry (Brenda) Brannan, Kenny (Robin) Brannan and Robert (Jessica) Brannan; 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Ray Harrera.

The family received friends Monday, April 22, 2019 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 23 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. with the Rev. Darrell Vroman officiating. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steven Nelson, T.J. Brannan, Trenton McCook, Timothy McCook, Windell Morgan and Austin Crews. Honorary pallbearers were Jarrod Brannan and Davey Brannan.

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.

Harold Eugene Haynes, 86, of Callahan, Fla. passed away at home following a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in Bassett, Va. to Opal and Frank Haynes. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was retired after working 30 years at Maxwell House.

He enjoyed going to and watching NASCAR races, traveling and spending time with his family.

Mr. Haynes was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Kathi Parrish. Survivors include his wife Marjorie; daughters Terry Wingate of Callahan and Janet (Cleve) Cheshire of Hilliard; son-in-law Tom Parrish of Monticello, Fla., brother, Tommy Haynes of Bassett, Va. and grandchildren Cleve IV of St. Johns, Fla., Dustin (Kristin) of Hilliard, Kelly Parrish of Chandler, Ariz. and Darci Wingate of Callahan; eight great-grandchildren, one nephew, two nieces and several cousins.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. in First Baptist Church Callahan with Dr. D. Lynn Hyatt officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to service in the church. Interment with military honors followed in Jones Cemetery, Callahan.

Special thanks to the doctors of Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville, Community Hospice and Belinda Stocker for her loving care. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc.

Sara Mae Fosbenner Warr, 60, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away April 26, 2019 from complications of her long battle with Crohn’s Disease. 

Born Aug. 14, 1958 in Escondido, Calif. to Betty Fosbenner Carter and the late Reuben Franklin Fosbenner, Sara was raised in Jacksonville, Fla., and in the graduating class of 1976 at Robert E. Lee High School. She is a former member of First Baptist Church of Boulougne, where she assisted her husband in the long-running production of the passion play, “The Lamb.” 

Sara was well-known for the loves in her life: the Lord, her family, her church family and her friends, as well as her hobbies of sewing, cooking and helping others. Her fun spirit was infectious and everyone around her knew the light and strength in her was from the Lord. Her ability to remain positive and full of hope during a lifetime of physical struggle still inspires many.

She was welcomed to her heavenly home by her fathers, Reuben Franklin Fosbenner and Robert Carter; her brothers, Lawrence Carl “Pete” Biggs, William “Bill” Fosbenner and James Patrick “Pat” Fosbenner; her sister, Ruth Elaine Chitty; and her grandson, Joshua Daniel Root. 

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Lee Warr; her mother, Betty Fosbenner Carter; her siblings, Franklin Fosbenner, Janice Fosbenner Fike, Christina Fosbenner Wilson, Clinton (Kristy) Fosbenner, Rovena Fosbenner Monteo and Kevin (Jennifer) Fosbenner; her children, Lisa Root, CJ (Lucia) Allen and Dorothy (Chris) Pavlovsky; a son-in-love, James “Punch” Root; grandchildren, Rachel (Luis) Garcia, Mollie Root, David (Amanda) Root, Leila, Ella and Linley Pavlovsky, Lucas and Lucia Allen; great-grandchildren Joshua and Mateo Garcia; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family will receive friends Friday night, May 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4 at 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with Pastor Gerald Wollitz officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.   

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

Mr. Richard Henry Roberts, Sr., 61, was called home to be with the Lord 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 from 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 heartfelt 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 and the McNeil family. 

Richard’s homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Saint Paul AME Church, 6910 New Kings Rd., Jacksonville, with the Rev. Marvin Zanders, II, pastor. Mr. Roberts will rest for loved ones and friends Friday, May 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Northside Chapel and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Interment will be in the Bosque Bello Cemetery. Professional services from the heart in care of the Northside Chapel of Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home, 6665 New Kings Rd., Jacksonville, 904-765-4150. 

Christopher Troy Adams, 45, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away June 6, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

He was born July 27, 1973 in Norwalk, Conn. and attended Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn. As a young man, Chris attained the rank of Eagle Scout, which began his love for hiking and outdoor activities with his family. Through dedication and commitment, Chris’ passion for the aviation industry was demonstrated by graduating with his A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license from Lively Tech in Tallahassee, Fla., earning his own pilot’s license and actively serving the aviation industry with Piedmont, FlightStar and Stambaugh Aviation for 23 years.  

Chris is survived by his wife, Julie Adams; parents, Herb and Gloria Adams; children, Kasie Lasserre,              Curtiss Lasserre, Troy Adams and Samantha Adams; a sister, Stacy Adams Coburn and a brother, Shawn                Adams. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hilliard First Baptist Church Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Josh Tillman officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Chris’ memory to the First Baptist Church of Hilliard, 15850 C.R. 108, Hilliard, FL 32046. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga

Michael Glenn Bandy, 62, peacefully fell asleep in Christ on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Baptist Hospital in downtown Jacksonville, surrounded by family who were constantly praying and speaking love over him, and who never left his side. 

Mike Bandy was born on Dec. 19, 1956, in Glasgow, Ky. to George Floyd and Ruby Cleo (Moxley) Bandy, who preceded him in death. Affectionately known as “Cadillac Man,” Mike was a proud lifelong resident of Hilliard, Fla., where he spent his career as an auto transport specialist, having followed in the footsteps of his father, Uncle Arville Moxley and older brother Jerry. The majority of his hauling was with the well-known Dixie Transports. 

A professed Christian of Baptist faith, Mike was known for his laid-back charm, his distinctive laugh, his gentle demeanor and his generous heart. He would give the shirt off his back and his last dollar to anyone in need, and he never met a stranger. He was always kind and friendly, the type of man who draws others to him. Both people and animals adored him and were always received with an overabundance of love. He was incapable of judgment and treated everyone with respect. Mike loved to play pool and tennis, he was a Jacksonville Jaguars fan and he was a daily watcher of Channel 4 News and “Gun Smoke” reruns. 

Mike is survived by his aunt, Gladys (Moxley) Bray of Callahan; older brother Gerald “Jerry” (Linda) Bandy of Hilliard; Kathleen (Billy) Harter of Macclenny and his twin, Mitchell Lynn Bandy of Hilliard. He loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own children and is left behind by Bobby Popwell of Hilliard, Susie (Chris) Lloyd of Nahunta, Ga., Connie Sirmons of Jacksonville, his namesake Michael Jay Harter of Macclenny, David Harter of Macclenny, Stacy Bandy (Billy) Rewis of Hilliard, Sheila Bandy (Joey) Cason of St. Simons Island, Ga., Rebecca Bandy of Tallahassee and Mitchell Bandy, II of Hilliard. Countless great-nieces and nephews, Moxley cousins and lifelong friends mourn him, including his former wife, Verjean Shipes of Folkston, Ga.

Visitation took place Monday, May 27, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood St., Folkston. The funeral was held Tuesday, May 28 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Robert Simmons officiating. Pallbearers are Curtis Bray, Buddy Hallman, Bill Buford, Bob Buford, Standley Barber, Mikey Conner, Billy Smith, William Allen and Kenny Isley.

Mike was buried next to his beloved mother, known by all as Bomba, in Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston.

Betty Louise Henderson Dyal, 88, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at Life Care Center of Hilliard.  

She was born Sept. 1, 1930 in Hilliard to the late James “Dink” Henderson and Orilla Knight Henderson. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Hilliard.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Dyal. She is survived by her children, Larry (Ann) Dyal, Sharon (David) Manning, Alexis Herrington and Debbie (James) Hobbs; nine grandchildren, Adam (Stephanie) Dyal, Charles (Missy) Dyal, Amy (Jerimy) Thompson, David (Jessica) Manning, Abbi (Adam) Taylor, Rebecca Herrington, Melissa (Robbie) Thomas, Buddy (Ashley) Hobbs and Cory (Kristin) Hobbs; and 24 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with Pastor David Manning officiating. Burial followed 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.

Netha Dean Smith Grooms, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. passed away peacefully at her home Friday, June 14, 2019. 

She was born Oct. 15, 1928 in Hilliard, Fla. to the late Nicholas Smith and Carrie Oxley Smith. As the proud matriarch of the family, Netha cherished the countless memories made over the years. From the mountains to the oceans, she and Claude loved traveling the country in their many motorhomes. Netha was also quite the athlete and enjoyed numerous sports, including tennis, bowling, softball, basketball and golf. Watching sports, both in person and on TV, was one of her favorite pastimes. Claude and Netha would travel near and far to watch Laurie and all their grandchildren play sports. She was also an active member of the Women’s Golf Association in Orange, Texas. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanette Smith Wade.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Jesse Claude Grooms; one daughter, Laurie Grooms McCollough; two grandchildren, Michelle McCollough Lansford and Marti McCollough; two great-grandchildren, Mandy Lansford and Molly Lansford and one sister, Catherine Smith Johnson.

The family will receive friends and offer visitation at 9 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 19 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held directly following at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard. 

If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, the family also encourages donations to the American Cancer Society in Netha’s memory. 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.

Jerry Henderson Rice, 83, of Callahan, Fla. passed away June 21, 2019 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. following a lengthy illness. 

He was born Oct. 6, 1935 in Manor, Ga. to the late James Curtis Rice, Sr. and Edna Henderson Rice. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Callahan. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lee Miller and her husband, Lovelle, and a brother, Jimmy Rice.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Ellen Smith Rice; two children, Dr. Kenneth Rice and Karen (Don) Brydon; five grandchildren, A.J. Rice, Erin Rice, Megan Johnson, Krystle Brydon and Jonathan (Stephanie) Brydon; two great-grandchildren, Hayes Brydon and Tate Brydon; four sisters, Martha (Jimmy) McLaine, Sue King, Marie (George) Thomas and Margaret (James) Walker; two brothers, Eurith (Lovelle) Rice and Billy (Carolyn) Rice; a sister-in-law, Katie Rice, and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

The family received friends Monday, June 24 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 25 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Callahan with the Rev. Lynn Hyatt officiating. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery in Hilliard, Fla.

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.

Billy Sunday Holland, 87, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. 

He was born Feb. 14, 1932 in Dodge County, Ga. to the late J.E. “Jabbo” Holland and Rosa Mullis Holland. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and was discharged from active duty in 1954 as a SSGT and from the Air Force Reserves in 1966 as a MSGT. He was a member of Buford Grove Baptist Church and retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in Hilliard as a supervisory electronic technician Aug. 2, 1987, after 37 years of service.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Ann Willis Holland; a son, Gary Holland and two sisters, Susie Camp and Ruthie Hamrick.

He is survived by his children, Cindy Harpool (Rick), Robbie Holland (Lorri), Joe Johnson (Laura) and Debbie Pickett (Rick); five grandchildren, Ryan Pickett (Krystle), Brittany Courchene (Josh), Amber Pickett, Tucker Holland and Brittany Smith and great-grandchildren, Selah Pickett, Surie Pickett, Danica Courchene and Dallyn Courchene.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Harrington and the Rev. Steve Wolgamott officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Wreaths Across America or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 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.

Catherine Mary Gregory Jones, 71, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at her residence following a lengthy illness.  

She was born Dec. 14, 1947, in Chicago, Ill. to the late Russell and Catherine Gregory King. She retired as a school bus driver with Nassau County School Board following 37 years of service.  

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Wesley Arp.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Herman “Bones” Jones; a daughter, Cheri Arp; a son, Greg (Janet) Jones; grandchildren, Jacob (Kimberly) Jones, Kirstie (Everett) Boutwell, Kayla Jones, Wyatt Arp and Francis Arp and great-grandchildren, Kian Arp  and Lyllah Jones.

The family received friends Sunday, June 30, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, July 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with the Rev. Paul Lucas and the Rev. Charlie Hahn officiating. Burial was in Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

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.

Etta Faye (Hinton) Burnham of Hilliard passed awaypeacefully in her home July 4, 2019. 

Born in West Palm Beach, Fla. June 2, 1929, she was preceded in death by her son, James Hilton Burnham, and her siblings JW, Athelda, Mary Gladys and Joan. She leaves behind three daughters, Gail Gamble, Lorraine Howell and Carolyn Griffis. She had five grandchildren, Chris (Laura) Beasley, Joyce (John) Womack, Kenneth Geiger, Becky Anglin and David Crews; seven great-grandchildren, Tori, Courtland, Scott, Tyler, Seth Beasley, Michael Geiger and Andy Rosado, along with three great-great-grandchildren, Brynleigh, Bentley and Aurora Beasley. 

Ms. Burnham served the Town of Hilliard faithfully on the zoning board during her many years of residence, also serving as the board’s president. She retired from the State of Florida, serving as a Welcome Center hostess at both the U.S. 1 center until its closing and I-95 until her retirement.

The family received friends Sunday, July 7 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 7 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. Burial services were held Monday, July 8 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. 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.

Alayshia Cartiana Powe, 17, left this earth to soar with the angels in Heaven and rest at the feet of our Lord on Friday July 5, 2019.  

Alayshia was born to Letitia Strickland-Powe and Carlos Powe on Friday, May 10, 2002 in Jacksonville, Fla. She was an upcoming senior at Ed White High School, Class of 2020, in Jacksonville. Alayshia loved so many, and was loved by so many more. “Layshia” had a passion for fashion and enjoyed doing what most 17-year-old girls do: getting her hair, nails and make-up done and buying shoes (Jordan’s to be exact). She had an energy that with even just one encounter with her, you would remember her for life. If you knew her well or barely at all, she always left you thinking. Whether it was about how absolutely beautiful or ridiculously funny, she was, she left her mark. She will continue to stay with us all through memories and the laughs she forced us all to endure whether we were in the mood for it or not.

“Layshia” loved her family deeply and her memories will be cherished by her adoring parents, Letitia Strickland-Powe (Stephen Newsome) and Carlos Powe (Michelle Nettles); siblings, Shacara Powe, Amirah Lamb, Amir Lamb, Jordyn Powe, Harlynn Powe, Periyuan Newsome and Kianna Newsome; grandparents, Oliver and Willeva Strickland, Sr., Eddie and Theresa Walker, Annie Mae Powe and Lynn Caldwell; god-mother, Abbalina Allen; very special cousin, Octavia (Shan) Sansanong; special friend, Elijah Henderson; best friend, Tyana Daniels;  and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home Northside Chapel, 6665 Kings Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32219.  Her celebration of life service will be held at noon Saturday, July 13, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 45090 Green Ave., Callahan, FL. Burial will take place in the Callahan Community Cemetery in Callahan.

William K. Cook, age 89, of Callahan, Fla. passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born in Tallahassee, Fla. Oct. 26, 1929 to loving parents Eva Patterson Cook and Dessie Roland Cook.

He graduated from Leon High in 1946. After graduation, he moved to Callahan to join his uncle’s turpentine and pulp wood business. In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1954, he returned to his career in Callahan, where he began building his forestry legacy. In February 1955, he married Betty Pickett Cook, a nurse and later a philanthropist who not only became the director of nursing for the Nassau County Health Department, but would serve as Nassau County’s first woman county administrator. Together they had two sons, William Kindree Cook, Jr. and Robert Patterson Cook. 

The Cooks loved being parents and grandparents, traveling, playing golf and spending time with family. Betty P. Cook was his lifelong partner and wife until her death in 2013. They were married for 58 years.

During Mr. Cook’s life, he had many accomplishments, including president of the Florida Forestry Association, chairman of the Board Nassau County State Banks, creation of the Florida Forestry Foundation, Florida Forestry Tree PAC, as well as being honored to the prestigious Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017. Mr. Cook was a true leader, entrepreneur and family man.

He is survived by his sons, William Kindree Cook, Jr. and Robert Patterson Cook (Michele); grandchildren, Dr. William Burgess Cook, Robert Patterson Cook, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Caroline Michele Cook; sisters, Kathryn Cook Cox, Betty Cook Miller and Kate Cook Raulerson (Ray) and many loving nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services were at the First Baptist Church of Callahan Monday, July 15, 2019 beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Lynn Hyatt officiating. Mr. Cook was laid to rest with his wife in Live Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Advance Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic Florida and they may be directed to the Mayo Clinic Development Office, 4500 San Pablo Rd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors served the family.

Elizabeth Delaine Manning, 65, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away July 10, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

She was born Aug. 12, 1953 in Folkston, Ga. to the late James Alvin Keene and Doris Nettles Vanacor. Mrs. Manning retired in October 2012 from the Florida Department of Agriculture after 28 years of service. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Maryann Johnson and Rose McInvale and a brother, Andy Vanacor.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard Manning; two children, Richie Manning, II and April (Eugene) Willis; four grandchildren, Tristan Carter, Maddison Manning, Bryce Willis and Kailyn Manning; and a brother, James Robert Keene.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 13 in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home with the Rev. David Manning officiating. Memorialization will be by cremation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the online guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston. 

Juanita “Nita” Hodges Clark Tomlinson of Folkston, Ga., 89, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, July 10, 2019. 

She was born March 31, 1930 in Hilliard, Fla. to the late George Archibald and Eleanor Frances Guinn Hodges. She moved to Folkston at the age of 13, following the death of her parents, and came to live with her brother and his wife, Carl and Jeanette Altman Lane. With the exception of a total of 12 years in Waycross, Ga., she lived the remaining years of her life in Folkston.

“To know her was to love her” describes our Mother perfectly. She, first of all, taught us to love God and then to love others, just as her mother before had taught her. A homemaker in the truest sense of the word, she created an atmosphere in which her children were loved unconditionally and nurtured, and blessed anyone who came through her door in the same way. Mother stood firm in her morals, beliefs and, above all, her trust and faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, exemplifying His life. Love and never-ending prayers is what she was all about.

Mother’s door was always open and she had the ability of making everyone feel right at home. Children who came for a visit often did not want to go home. She greeted all with excitement, most of the time with tears of joy, and always her famous hug, which some called the Aunt Nita or Grandmother squeeze.

A wonderful cook, many remember Mother’s big breakfasts with homemade biscuits, fried chicken, orange cake, ambrosia, fried potato sandwiches, sweet potato and pumpkin pies, hushpuppies, cheese grits, blackberry cobbler, bread pudding and scrumptious Sunday dinners. She never failed to offer food and drink, even hours before she went home to be with the Lord, always making sure everyone was taken care of and everything was just right.

Mother loved babies and children and cared for them in her home from time to time. Later in life, our Mother worked part-time at Myra’s Fashions in Hilliard for Myra Brock and at Heaven to Seven in Folkston for Barbara Stapleton Davis. She loved serving the customers and had many fond memories of the years spent working for Myra and Barbara.

Through the years, Mother did quite a bit of traveling and was blessed to see many wonderful and famous places. Her only overseas trip was to Germany. Other fun trips were with her sister, Caroline, and the Primetimers of Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hilliard.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Noah Lee Clark, Sr. and her husband, Aldine Tomlinson; her former husband, Elbert Clark; her son, Donald Lee Clark, Sr.; her daughter (“step”) Gloria Clark Crawford; her granddaughter, Jennifer Rose Long; her great-granddaughter, Cassidy Long and her siblings, Harry Guinn, Alline Hodges Bird, Carl Lane, Theodore Hodges, George Hodges, Harry Hodges, Jesse Hodges and James Hodges.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Clark of Folkston, Dianne (Jack) Gaenzle of The Villages, Fla., daughter-in-love Cathy Pickren Clark and Vivian (Richard) Wainwright, all of Folkston, Noah (Donna) Clark of Bullhead Bluff, Camden County and her son (“step”) Roger (Jamie) Tomlinson of Chesapeake, Va.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Hank (Abbi) Clark of Roswell, Ga., Amanda (Todd) Lassiter of Beaverdam, Va., Tara (Greg) Foscato of Alexandria, Va., Dana Wade (Chris) Tynan of Washington, D.C., Donald (Jennifer) Clark of Warner Robins, Ga., John (Sarah) Clark of Centerville, Ga., Noah III (Rachael) of San Pedro, Calif., Kerri (Ray) Combs of Dayton, Tenn., Paul (Claudia) Clark of Kingsland, Ga., Katie (Ryan) Bartram of Waycross, Eric Wainwright of Jacksonville, Fla., Heather Vecera of Orlando, Fla., Scott (Courtney) Clark of Kingsland and Lily Tomlinson of Chesapeake, Va.; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Caroline Hinson of Hilliard; sisters-in-love, Dot Hodges of Brewton, Ala., Marlene Tomlinson of Waycross and Christine Clark of Amelia Island, Fla.; former son-in-law, Grady Lee Crawford, Jr. of Millwood, Ga.; and a great number of dearly loved nieces and nephews whom she treated as her own. 

Visitation was held Saturday, July 13 at Grace Chapel Baptist Church in Folkston at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11. Interment was in Pineview Cemetery. Arrangements were directed by Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations given in her name, Juanita Clark Tomlinson, to Hospice Satilla of Waycross.

Craig Cramon Cloud, 55, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away at his home July 26, 2019 following a short illness. He was born Jan. 5, 1964 in Tampa, Fla. He attended the Hilliard Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Cloud. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan Johns Cloud; three children, Tiffany Taylor, Craig Cloud II and Brittany Cloud; grandchildren, Khloe Crews and Ryleigh Crews; parents, Betty and John Ashley; sister, Renee (Tim) Dupree; brothers, Kenneth Cloud and John Thomas Ashley and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 29 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Powell officiating. The family began receiving friends Monday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial followed in Bethlehem 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.

Carl Henry Jones, 85, of Mobile, Ala. passed away June 30, 2019.

Henry was born May 11, 1934 to the late Viola and Wilbert Jones from Callahan, Fla.

He is survived by his wife Wavely; son Kevin Jones (Shelley); grandchildren Nicholas and Logon of Veron, N.J.; two loving sisters, Rena Jones Thorton and Betty Jean Jones-Stevens, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, the late Melvin Jones of Callahan.

No service will be held. His body was donated to science for research.