Johnny Ray Spivey, a retired power plant operator and lifelong resident of Callahan, Fla., died unexpectedly July 25, 2019 at the age of 60.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 37 years, Denise Spivey; his children, Matthew Spivey, Steven Spivey, Nathan Spivey, Gage Spivey, Daniel Spivey and Triana Spivey; and one grandson, Connor Spivey. He was predeceased by his parents, Earnest and Lorena Spivey, and his brother, Michael Spivey.

Johnny was born in Jacksonville, Fla. June 23, 1959 to Earnest and Lorena Spivey. He graduated from West Nassau High School in 1977 and started a career as a power plant operator with JEA. He and his family moved to Callahan in 1976, where he met “the girl next door” and formed a strong friendship. Then on June 26, 1982, he married his first love. After devoting 30 years of working for JEA, he retired. He then enjoyed life as a stay-at-home Dad following the adoption of four of his children.

Johnny was a devoted father and husband. He was a simple man who enjoyed the small things in life like fishing, reading, spending time with family and cheering on his favorite college football team, the Oklahoma Sooners. He was known by many as a prankster and joker and loved to make people laugh. He loved meeting and talking to new people as he ventured out in the world of cruising. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 at Callahan First Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc.

Barbara Ann Cowart Chesser, 78, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla.  

She was born Dec. 22, 1940 to the late Claude Mack Cowart and Beulah Allen Cowart. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by three sons, Ronnie Chesser, Danny Chesser and Steve Chesser and a brother, Jessie Mack Cowart.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Francis Eugene Chesser; two children, Margaret Varnes and Neil Chesser; a stepdaughter, Peggy Gay; two sisters, Jeannette Hodges and Betty Sue Smith; a brother, Jimmy Cowart; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Saturday, Aug. 3 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Folkston Church of God with the Rev. Rob Gillis officiating. Burial follows in Sardis 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.

James Michael McBride, 52, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He was born in Beckley, W. Va. to James R. McBride and Sharon K. Redden-McBride on Sept. 13, 1966.

Mike served in the Navy, in the wolf pack, on boats in South America as a diesel mechanic. He was a devoted family man and loved watching his sons play high school and college football. He was an avid fan of WVU. He also loved to hunt and was a car enthusiast.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon K. Redden McBride; his sister, Sandra K. McCallister, and grandparents Drewry and Bertha McBride and Edward and Christine Redden.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia S. Ferm-McBride; two sons, Sean M. McBride and Ian R. McBride; father, James R. McBride and stepmother, Donna McBride; sister, Susan (Benny) Hylton; stepsister, Julie Dillinger-Bolen (Arthur Bolen); stepbrothers, Barry Dillinger (Melissa) and Billy (Maria) Dillinger and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A memorial service was held in his honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Hilliard, 15850 County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046 with Senior Pastor Josh Tillman officiating. 

A second memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Weirwood Baptist Church in Beckley, W. Va. with Tom Lilly, senior pastor, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 and/or First Baptist Church of Hilliard’s Building Fund, 15850 C.R. 108, Hilliard, FL 32046. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32211 904-724-6384. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at ArlingtonParkFuneralHome.com.

Marilyn Ida Sophia Harris, our dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. 

She was born in Chaska, Minn. to Melvin and Lucille Quast. She retired from Agricultural Stabilization Conversation Services as a secretary. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Wade Harris, Jr., and two brothers: Roger Quast and Daniel Quast. She is survived by her husband, Carl Eugene Harris, Sr.; her sons, Carl Harris, Jr and Wade (Theresa) Harris, Sr.; daughter, Belinda (Dr. Martin) Swartz; sister, Lynda Hartmann; brother, Eugene Quast; grandchildren, Carrie (Greg) Smith, Caitlin (Reese) Rodenbarger, Colin Harris, Sean (Kaitlyn) Swartz and Lindsey Swartz and great-grandchild, Kanton King.

May Marilyn’s memory always be for blessing. Her life revolved around her family, to whom she gave everything. She was extremely generous, lending a helping hand to all and asking for nothing in return. As the wife of an Air Force serviceman, she maintained the household in his absence. She showed remarkable strength while he was gone, providing love and leadership to her family. Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of kindness and selflessness, and will be remembered with love by all who knew her. She was a Christian woman whose faith was strong. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers, doctors and nurses who cared for her in these last years.

The family received friends Sunday, Aug. 25 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Boulougne with the Rev. Paul Lucas officiating. Burial was in Harris Family 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.

Waverly Brewer Jones, 84, of Mobile, Ala. passed away Aug. 7, 2019.

Waverly was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Brewer of Mobile. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Carl Henry Jones of Mobile.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Jones (Shelley); brother Charles Brewer of Mobile and grandchildren Nicholas and Logon of Vernon, N.J. No service will be held. Her body was donated to science for research.

Mr. Dwight Idus Groves, 60, of Lawtey, Fla. died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019 in the St. Vincent’s Riverside Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla. following a brief illness. 

Mr. Groves was born in Jacksonville and resided in Macclenny, Fla. before moving to Lawtey six years ago. He was a former police officer for the City of Baldwin and Starke in Florida and worked as a firefighter/EMT with Nassau County Fire Rescue until his retirement in 1998. 

He was a member of the Baldwin First United Methodist Church, a graduate of Baldwin High School and Florida Junior College of Jacksonville. He was a deputy sheriff with the Baker County Sheriff’s Axillary for 24 years until his retirement in 2017. 

Mr. Groves loved the Florida Gators, hunting, fishing, golfing and was an avid outdoors person. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Bill Groves, Jr. and Betty Hudson Groves. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joy C. Groves of Lawtey; three sons, Lamar (Kellie) Rosier of Bryceville, Fla., Tyler A. Groves of Lawtey and Hunter (Bree) Groves of Starke; one brother, Duane (Debra) Groves of Baldwin; six grandchildren, Brianna, Brice, Braelyn, Carson, Savannah and Gemma. 

A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Groves was held at noon Saturday, Sept. 14 in the Baldwin First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Fish, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Maxville, Fla. officiating and assisted by the Rev. Ike Mathews, pastor of the Baldwin United Methodist Church. Interment was in Brandy Branch Cemetery in Bryceville. Visitation and gathering with the family was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the church. Guerry Funeral Home, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny, was in charge of arrangements.

Mother Nancy Way Bady was born May 24, 1919 in McIntosh, Ga. She was the first born of five children to the union of the late Henry Way and Susan Singleton Way. She was educated in the public school for “Colored People” in Liberty County, Ga. 

At an early age, Nancy accepted Christ as her personal Savior and continued fellowship and devotion to Him throughout her life. Mother Nancy Way Bady was a faithful member of Hutchinson Station A.M.E. Church as a child. After moving to Callahan, Fla., she continued in the Christian faith by serving at Bethel A.M.E. Church. There she served on the Stewardess Board, Missionary Board and Hospitality Committee. She also sang in the choir under Alvesta Bell and Beaufort Ward.

As a teenager, Nancy followed the love of her life to Callahan. There she and her sweetheart, Clarence Bady, were married in holy matrimony. To this union, no children were born. However, their home was there for all the nieces and   nephews. They raised as their own nephews 1st Lt. Henry Lee Scott and Brother Howard Scott.

Affectionately known as Aunt Bee or Queen Bee, she loved people and especially children. She provided afterschool care too. Aunt Bea enjoyed cooking and gardening, especially flowers, peas, collards, speckled butterbeans, oranges, grapes and pecans.

She was a very well-known cook at the popular Rainbow Restaurant in Callahan. After many years of dedicated service at the Nassau County Board of Education, the State of Florida retired her as a Florida State Merit Employee.

As the Queen was quickly approaching the age of 90, she decided to return to her roots and relocated to Liberty County under the watchful care of her niece, Edna Scott Walthour. There, Mother Bady continued in the Christian fellowship at St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church under the covering of Pastor Debbie Grant Neal.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at the age of 100, Mother Nancy Way Bady peacefully entered into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence Bady; sisters, Ida Mae Way Holmes and Viola Way Henry; and her only brother, James Way.

The Queen leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Helen Way Scott; nephew, Howard J. (Cheryl) Scott; her African son who she sponsored from Tanzania, Francis Xavier Mbenna; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her homegoing celebration was held Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 at noon at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Callahan with Host Pastor Marva T. Mitchell as eulogist and Pastor Debbie Grant Neal of St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church officiating. Interment was in Callahan Community Cemetery.

Final arrangements entrusted to Hall, Jones and Brown Funeral Home in Brunswick, Ga.

Matthew “Matt” G. Meziere, Jr., 77, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away following a brief illness on Nov. 9, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was much loved and admired by his family and friends for living life fully and with integrity.

Matt was born on March 31, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Okla. as one of six children. He was preceded in death by his father, Matthew G. Meziere, Sr. (1981) and mother Mabel Meziere (2004). He was married to his beloved wife, Peggy V. (Hodges) Meziere, for 46 years. Matt devotedly cared for Peggy for several months prior to her passing in 2012.  

Matt’s memory will be cherished by his three sons, Tim (Sue) Howard, Kenneth Howard and Gary (Decie) Meziere; daughter Sherry Meziere (Richie) West; former daughter-in-law Shannon Meziere; grandchildren Tiffany (Dustin) Gardner, Genevieve Howard, Adam Howard, Cody West, Chase West, Trevor Meziere, Jessie Wetherhill and Jack Wetherhill and great-grandchildren Malcom Howard and Georgia Aubrey Gardner; and by his sisters and brothers, Annie, Judy, Mary, Patrick and Steve and their spouses, children and grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Matt developed his values of family first and hard work from an early age. He was mechanically gifted and took up his father’s vocation as a sheet metal tin bender, a career that he pursued for over 30 years, working out of Jacksonville Local No. 435 and then at Saint Regis and Container Corporation paper mills. From his father he also developed a lifelong love of hunting and was a well-known member of the South Hilliard Hunting Club. Though Matt lived in the Jacksonville area for over 50 years, he embraced his Okie roots and frequently travelled to Oklahoma to spend time with his family there, rejoicing in each new addition. 

A true patriot, Matt enlisted in the Navy following a short stint in college and was a decorated two-term veteran who served on the USS Harry E Hubbard (DD 748) and the USS Ault (DD 698) during the 1960s. His life changed forever in 1966 when he met and fell in love with Peggy while stationed at Mayport. He embraced her two sons, Tim and Ken, as his own and rejoiced in the births of Gary and Sherry. Eventually settling in Hilliard, Matt always made sure his family came first, attending school and sporting events and spending many hours coaching Little League games, for which he is still remembered fondly by many in the community. He continued to pass that legacy of caring on to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by arranging numerous fishing trips to his second home in Florahome, excursions to Chuck E. Cheese, attendance at their sporting events and movie outings.  

In his retirement years, he continued to pursue his interests in hunting, fishing and travelling frequently with Peggy to their favorite vacation spots in Daytona Beach and the Keys. He was an amateur historian who was well versed on the Civil War and visited many battlefields on family trips. Outgoing and gregarious, Matt was knowledgeable about many current events and loved to engage in conversation with others. 

Matt was also a longtime born-again Christian and passed with blessed assurance in his faith. His witnessing and personal testimony over several decades helped bring many others into relationships with the Lord. He was a member of Live Oak Baptist Church in Hilliard and Buford Grove Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School classes and helped with Vacation Bible School. 

According to Matt’s wishes, the visitation and viewing for family and friends will be held at Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 U.S. 1, Callahan, FL  on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Live Oak Baptist Church, 36178 Congregation Lane, Callahan, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Steve Wolgamott officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel Primitive Baptist Church cemetery, 36061 Bethel Church Rd., Hilliard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in support of military veterans at www.garysinisefoundation.org. 

Alvah Elworth Milton, 80, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Odie,” passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at his home in Callahan, Fla. surrounded by his family under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Odie was born April 9, 1939 in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Rudolph and Maggie Milton. He served his country in the United States Army before he began working at Florida Steel. After more than 23 years there, Odie took a position with the Jacksonville Port Authority, maintaining runways at the International Airport, from which he retired with almost 25 years of service. Odie was a hard worker who loved his family. When he wasn’t tending to his cows or working on his farm in Screven, Ga., he was helping his children work on their homes using the carpentry skills he had taken years to master. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and was a member of the Screven Masonic Lodge No. 368, the Jesup Shrine Club, the Alee Temple of Savannah and the Scottish Rite of Waycross, Ga. Odie also enjoyed trips to the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tenn., but more than anything, he enjoyed being with the ones he loved the most, his family, and especially his wife.

In addition to his parents, his sister, Barbara Behlmer, his son, Alvah Milton, Jr. and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Murphy Milton, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lerida V. Milton of Screven and Callahan; five children, Kathy Hall and husband Gary of Virginia, Maria Milton of Callahan, Michelle Milton (Keith) of Callahan, Alvah Elworth “Bubba” Milton and wife Sonya of Screven and Marcia Milton (Chuck) of Surrency, Ga.; four brothers, Carl Milton and wife Judy of Callahan, Floyd Milton and wife Patsy and Ronald Milton all of Jacksonville and Joe Callan and wife Janet of Darien, Ga.; grandchildren, Joseph Milton, Jacob Milton and wife Hannah and Joshua Milton of Screven, Marley Zodel and husband Kenny of Callahan, Travis Milton, Christopher Nail, Alexander Nail and wife Brittney and Marissa Nail of Callahan and Cynthia Credle and husband Anthony of Virginia and great-grandchildren, Aubrey Credle, Lilly Nail, Mackenzie Nail, Mia and Karson Zodel, Keegan Palmer and Preston and Emma Hill. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive along with his beloved canine companion, Rudy.

Visitation began at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the family farm in Screven. Graveside funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 at the Milton Cemetery on his farm in Screven with the Rev. George Bennett officiating. Masonic rites were rendered and the U.S. flag was presented. Active pallbearers were Joshua Milton, Bubba Milton II, Jacob Milton, Christopher Nail, Alexander Nail and Travis Milton. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Screven Masonic Lodge, Keith Yake and Chuck Hendrix. Sign the guestbook at www.jesupfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Howard and Jones Funeral Home in Jesup, Ga.

Caleb Matthew Street went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. 

He was born Oct. 10, 1992 in Fernandina Beach to Matthew Street and Kimberly A. Collins. He was an old soul with a heart of gold. Many would say he was too good for this world. 

He is survived by his father, Matthew; mother, Kimberly; stepmother, Sandra; stepfather, Donnie; brothers, Aaron, Kristopher (Allison), Peter, Benjamin, Ethan and Luke; sisters, Sara (James), Anna, Brooke and Crystal; and nieces, Deborah, Amelia and Marlee. 

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Jerry (Junior) and Faye, and maternal grandparents, Ronnie, Joan and Manuelito. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon in the chapel of Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Rd., Jacksonville, FL. The family received friends on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. until noon.

Charlotte A. McAninch, 53, of Callahan passed away Dec. 19 with her family at her side after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. 

Charlotte was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on Jan. 18, 1966 to James J. and Burnadeen Carver Clark. She was a homemaker who loved arts and crafts, gardening and cooking. She also helped her husband Ellis manage Callahan Funeral Home. 

In addition to her parents, Charlotte was predeceased by a brother, James Jack Clark, Jr.; one nephew, Jonathon Clark and one great-nephew, Mason Clark. 

Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Ellis L. McAninch, Jr.; two children, Amanda McAninch and Ellis (Macky) McAninch, III; special nephew/son Mark McAninch, Jr. and five grandchildren, Arielle McAninch, Ellysiah McAninch, Aaliyah McAninch, Isiah McAninch and Brantley Kingston McAninch. 

Survivors also include two sisters, Linda Gail (Howard Pearce) and Donna (Brian) Swilley; three brothers, Darryl Clark, Kevin Clark (Amy Adkins) and Mark (Alicia) Dyal, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Visitation took place in the chapel she cared for at Callahan Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. with services beginning at 7:30.

Betty Susan “Sue” Hutto, 86, was born Nov. 16, 1933 in Zephyrhills, Fla. to the late Elvery and Ruby Lane as the 10th of 13 children. Sue peacefully went to be with the Lord on Dec. 27, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady, after 27 years of marriage.

Sue was widowed at a relatively young age and immediately went to work to support the children still living at home. She opened a daycare in her home called Nanny’s Little People in Callahan, Fla. She provided a loving Christian environment to dozens of children over the 20-plus years she operated the daycare. Those children are all grown now with children of their own, but they still love and appreciate her. Many people still lovingly refer to Sue as “Nanny.”

Sue was a true friend who will always be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was a very thoughtful and generous person who served as a caregiver for many of her siblings who predeceased her. Sue found great joy in her close-knit extended family, church and friends. 

Sue was a member of Springfield Church of God from her childhood until its closing in 2004, at which time she joined Atlantic Beach Assembly of God as a faithful and devoted member. She served as the president of the Ladies’ Willing Worker Band (LWWB) at Springfield for many years and also served with her husband, Grady, leading the Junior High Sunday School Department at Springfield. It was Sue’s deep and abiding faith that supported her throughout her life and gave her peace in her final days. In her last months, she received great comfort listening and singing to gospel music with songs such as “It Is Well With My Soul” and “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” 

She is survived by her brother, Samuel “Sonny” Lane (Marilyn); her children, Christy Amos (Marty), Danny Hutto (Terri), Tammy Schub and Donnie Hutto (Rhonda); her grandchildren, Jamie Johnson, Stacey Pipkin, Marty Amos, Amy Dietzer, Amanda Woodard, Joseph Schub, Gregory Hutto and Garrett Hutto; 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and countless friends and loved ones.

In addition to her grandsons, her pallbearers are her nephew, Wayne Carter, and beloved friend, Randal Rodriguez.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 at Atlantic Beach Assembly of God, 680 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, Fla. and the funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Atlantic Beach Assembly of God. Reverend Donnie Hutto will be officiating. The burial will be in the Jacksonville Memorial Gardens in Orange Park, Fla.

William “Mark” Mallard, age 52, from Callahan, Fla. unexpectedly passed away Dec. 25, 2019. 

Mark was a current resident of Townsend, Ga. and is survived by his spouse, Pam Mallard of Shellman Bluff; parents, Richard and Juanita Mallard of Callahan; children, Mark (Tiffany) Mallard Jr., Kenneth (Wendy) Mallard and Megan Mallard; stepchildren, Margie (Kenny) Warren and Bret (Kelli) Higginbotham. Mark has three siblings, 10 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mark began his occupation as an electrician with the apprenticeship school in the IBEW Local Union 177 and was currently serving as the assistant B.A. in Brunswick, Ga. with IBEW Local Union 508. He enjoyed serving his union family and brotherhood. He has been a part of many charitable acts with his brothers and helped many needy families in the brotherhood. Mark was a member of The Shellman Hunting Club, where he enjoyed many days of outdoor fun with great friends. Mark was a loving husband, beloved father and grandfather, and a fun-loving and caring friend and brother who will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Howard Funeral Home Chapel, Ludowici, Ga., with Greg Stone officiating. Visitation will be in the chapel one hour prior to services.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

Ladonna Faye Barber unexpectedly passed away on Dec. 27, 2019 at her home in Callahan, Fla.

She was born on Nov. 21, 1971 in Jacksonville, Fla. and is survived by her loving parents, James Donald Barber and Ladonna Kaye Barber; her sister, Lisa Michele Dennis; nieces, Kalen Michele Dennis and Kyndle Shae Dennis and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Donna dearly loved her nieces as if they were her own children. She lived her life for her family and loved all of them. She was her “Daddy’s Girl.” 

In 1989, Donna graduated from Sonshine Christian Academy in Callahan. In January 1992, she began her career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a 911 dispatcher. Donna took pride in doing her job, keeping the officers and first responders safe on Jacksonville streets. Her closest friends and co-workers, especially Alicia and Glenn Warkentien, Karen, Lisa and Melissa, share many fond memories of their time spent working with Donna. They described her as a “one of a kind, loving and caring person who was honest, trustworthy and always concerned for others.” She was known for her fashionable taste and her love for shopping, Starbucks and a good laugh. 

Donna loved and cared for her two dogs, Belle and Fletch, for many years. In the end, they were by her side watching over her, as they had always done. Donna loved her family and took many vacations with them to Hawaii and Alaska and frequent trips to Disney World, where Donna never missed a chance to see her niece perform as a singer at Disney. She and her sister Lisa shared a special bond that surrounded them each time they were together. She loved Christmas and all the holidays, which became a memorable occasion for Donna, her family and her dear friends Alicia and Glenn as they celebrated. They shared their last days together all too soon. Loving memories of her will always be with her family, friends and co-workers. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. 

Her life was celebrated in a visitation on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at the Nassau Funeral Home in Callahan from 5 to 8 p.m. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2 at the funeral home with Brother James Conner Officiating. Pallbearers were close friends and family of Donna. Interment was in Bethel Primitive Cemetery, 26277 Dempsey Conner Rd., Hilliard, FL 32046. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nassau Humane Society, 641 Airport Rd., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.nassaufh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 U.S. 1, Callahan.

Sandra “Sandy” June McConnell Burnette, 79, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 at her residence following an extended illness. 

She was born Aug. 22, 1940 in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Ivor and Iris Walker McConnell. She was a homemaker and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Hilliard. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 51 years, Jack Norman Burnette, Sr. and a sister, Lois Lloyd.

She is survived by her children, Jack Burnette, Jr., Kevin (Dawn) Burnette and Suzanne (Roger) Pickett; six grandchildren, Brandon Burnette, Suzannah (Chase) Howell, Peyton (Ryan) Morgan, Elisabeth Burnette, Walker (Calen) Burnette and Aaron Burnette; seven great-grandchildren, Annaleyce Burnette, Isaac Burnette, Natalie Grace Howell, Abigail Faith Howell, Jayce Norman Howell, Adalyn Hope Howell and Bryson Emanuel Morgan; a sister, Iva Jo (Lee) Germany; a brother, Cris “Mackie” (Peggy) McConnell and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church of Hilliard at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Josh Tillman officiating. The family received friends beginning at 9 a.m. at the church on the day of the service. 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, Ga.