Norma Sikes Harper passed away June 17, 2017 in Macclenny, Fla. 

She was born Sept. 19, 1936 in St. George, Ga., the oldest of three girls to Woodrow and Elvie Sikes. Mrs. Harper lived in Jacksonville, Fla. for several years before moving to Bryceville, Fla. in 1978. She was a member of Bryceville First Baptist Church. Norma was the owner of Harper's Pugs for many years, where she bred, raised and showed award-winning Chinese Pugs and French Bulldogs. Mrs. Harper was a lifetime member of the Jacksonville Dog Fanciers Association.

Mrs. Harper is survived by her husband of 64 years, Winston Harper; daughter Claire S. Harper; granddaughter Alison Harper; great-granddaughter Callie Harper; daughter-in-law Patty Harper and numerous extended family members and friends. Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow W. and Elvie R. Sikes; sons Gary W. Harper and Alan L. Harper and sisters Judy Fouraker and Arlene Purvis.

A celebration of Mrs. Harper’s life will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Giddens-Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Yerby officiating. Arrangements by Giddens-Reed Funeral Home, 270 U.S. 301 North, Baldwin, FL 32234, 904-266-2337, giddensreedfh.com.

George Thomas Bishop, or “Tom” as his family liked to call him, went home to Heaven on June 26, 2017. He is whole once again.

He was born Aug. 15, 1942 in Jacksonville to George Green and Katie Gladys Bishop, to whom he is with once again.

George loved NASCAR racing and fishing. He was retired from the railroad after 37 years and also worked for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, of 12 years; his sister, Kate Smith of Fleming Island; a brother, Dan; a son, Thomas Jr.; a daughter, Wendy and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He will be missed by all who knew him. Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements will be handled by Callahan Funeral Home, www.callahanfh.com, 879-2336.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them,” (Psalm 139:13-16).

On Thursday, June 29, 2017 Lucas Lee Henning was born to parents Chloe Martin and James Henning at UF Health Jacksonville. Lucas spent his time on this Earth cherished by his big brother, his grandparents, his great-grandparents, his aunts and uncles, his cousins and many others. Lucas will remain his parents’ precious baby, loved always and forever.

David Daniel Foreman, Sr., 82, of Hilliard passed away July 12, 2017. 

Mr. Foreman was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on Nov. 13, 1934 to James Donald and Mary Elizabeth Foreman. Danny Sr. retired after 40-plus years at Telco/Peoples Gas Company. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Foreman was preceded in death by eight siblings. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Bessie; four daughters, Phyllis Deaver, Joann (Joel) Kirkland, Sherrie (Danny) Tapia and Robin (Jean Paul) Babin and a son, Danny (Lisa) Foreman, Jr. Mr. Foreman also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two living siblings, Marie (Wayne) Thornton and Clifford (Judy) Foreman; his beloved hunting dog, Rocky, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Friday, July 14, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Callahan Funeral Home with funeral services also held in the funeral home chapel Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Interment was in Jones Cemetery, Callahan. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home.

Mitchell Monroe Sheffield, 81, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away July 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

He was born Oct. 14, 1935 to the late William Sheffield and Pearlie Johns Sheffield. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hilliard. He retired from St. Regis Paper Company. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Frances Smith Sheffield; two brothers, Lester and George and three sisters, Jessie, Lois and Maggie.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Skelton-Sheffield; five sons, Michael Sheffield, Rick (Jana) Sheffield, Wayne (Debbie) Sheffield, Lee (Carol) Sheffield and Randy Sheffield; two stepchildren,  Marcus (Katie) Skelton and Amy Skelton; 13 grandchildren, Stephanie (Bobby) Oakie, Jillian (Rob) Palmatier, Meagan Sheffield, Alyssa (Macon) Jones, Ashlynn Nunn, Caitlin (Josh) Sheffield, Devin (Jamie) Sheffield, Dillon Sheffield, Marc Skelton, Kenzie Skelton, Hunter Sheffield, Sarah (Jason) Fowler and Coy (Danielle) Ryan; eight great-grandchildren and two sisters, Inez (Allen) Bryant and Jeannette Kirkland.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Hilliard with the Rev. Sonny Foraker officiating. The family received friends an hour prior to the service at the church. 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.

Bennett Daniel “B.D.” Lewis, 81, passed away Wednesday night, July 26, 2017 at his home in Waycross after a lengthy illness. He was born on Dec. 19, 1935 in Barwick, Ga., to the late Irvin Lee Lewis and Oris Aileen Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Carolyn Huber, Virginia Hilliard and Catherine Jean Hurst.

He was a resident of Waycross, Ga. and Copperhill, Tenn. He loved his mountain home in Tennessee and enjoyed staying there with his family as often as possible, saying that he was most happy when on “the hill.” He was a member of Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hilliard. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful servant of his Lord. He was a living example of sharing the light of Christ’s love in his life.

He retired from Southern Bell after 35 years of loyal service, then owned and operated Lewis Starter and Alternator in Jacksonville, Fla. and Lewis General Store and Lewis Trailer Sales in Hoboken, Ga.

He is survived by his loving wife, Faye Rodgers Lewis of Waycross; one brother, Thomas Leighton Lewis of Palm Harbor; his children, Benny (Stacy) Lewis of Jacksonville, Cathy (Hank) Martinez of Callahan, Cindy (Matthew) Rodgers of Callahan, Benjamin Lewis and Angel (Allen) Tanner of Waycross; six grandchildren, Taylor Williams, Alison Martinez, Virginia Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Alex Rodgers and Bryce Mixon; three great-grandchildren, Emily Williams, Austyn Williams and Brylinn Mixon; his brother-in-law, Charlie Rodgers (Sharyll) of Tampa; sisters-in-law Nancy Rodgers Porter (Mike) of Waycross and Van Carter (Donnie) of Waycross; special nephew Ryan Mock of Waycross and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral was held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was held in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family received friends July 28 at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com. Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Donna Lynette Hodges Crews Manning, 67, passed away Aug. 14, 2017 at her residence in Jesup, Ga. 

She was born Jan. 3, 1950 in Jacksonville, Fla. to the late Jessie J. Hodges and Gwendolyn Gladys Hinson Hodges. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Boulougne. She enjoyed her time working as a housekeeper on Amelia Island.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Aubrey Crews; three brothers, Richard Hodges, Randy Hodges and Mickey Hodges. 

She is survived by her husband, Donald W. Manning; three children, Wayne (Terri) Crews of Hilliard, Dale Crews of Hilliard and Dennis (Teresa) Crews of Silver Lake, Ind.; two stepsons, Donald H. Manning and John Manning, both of Jesup; two brothers, Norman (Lisa) Hodges and Russell (Tracy) Hodges, both of Hilliard; a sister-in-law, Karen Hodges of Hilliard; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family received friends Wednesday, Aug. 16 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Boulougne with the Rev. Donald H. Manning officiating. Burial will follow in Buford Grove Cemetery.

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 St., Folkston, GA 31537.

Mr. George E. Stalvey passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 at his residence in Callahan, Fla.

Mr. Stalvey was born July 18, 1929 in Clinch County, Ga. to the late James and Minnie Stalvey. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He later retired from Consolidated Distributors.

Mr. Stalvey was preceded in death by his wife, best friend and soulmate, Evelyn, and their treasured son, Neal. He was the last surviving and longest-living sibling, predeceased by his nine brothers and five sisters to reach the rich age of 88 just last month. 

“Uncle George” leaves behind numerous loving and caring nieces and nephews as well as his beloved neighbors and longtime friends, Hal and Kate Lane and their family, who were like family to him for over 40 years. Mr. Stalvey was well cared for to the very end by Kimberly Lewis and Elvira Williams, his devoted caregivers. 

Mr. Stalvey requested there not be a viewing and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Nassau County Council on Aging at 1367 S. 18th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Attn: Janice Ancrum.

A special service celebrating his life was held at Roundtree Funeral Home in Homerville, Ga. at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 with his niece, Jess Harris, presiding. Interment followed in Pine Forest Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net. Roundtree Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Uwe A. Kadlecik, 62, of Callahan, Fla. passed away peacefully Aug. 16, 2017 in Jacksonville, Fla. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 18, 1955. He is survived by his best friend, Virginia (Ginny) Earick of 29 years in Callahan; daughter, Paula Earick Stuart of Callahan; grandchildren, Dustin Neely, Madison Stuart and Bella Stuart; mother, Ingeborg Bosch of Jacksonville; sisters, Ursula Miller of Jacksonville and Lisa (Natalie) Bosch of Nocatee; niece, Jessica (James) Miller of Jacksonville and great-niece, Cheyenne Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kadlecik, Jr and his best friend, Michael Gilhousen (Gilly).

He spent all of his time with his family and mostly his grandchildren. He loved saltwater fishing (reds, flounder and black drum). He retired from the City of Jacksonville Engineering Department, where he began working while attending his senior year at Ed White High School in 1973. This was also the year he moved to Florida from the Manassas, Va. He loved reminiscing about his hometown’s history. He was born in Bonn, West Germany and received his U.S. citizenship in 1965. He moved to the United States at age 4.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date and will be announced on Facebook. 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, FL 32011, 879-1770.

Sherron Allen Smith, 58, of Hilliard, Fla. passed away Aug. 20, 2017 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

She was born July 18, 1959 to the late Foster Allen, Jr. and Geraldine Nelson Allen. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith.

She is survived by her two sisters, Delorice (Roger) Reddington and Melinda (R.C.) Lloyd and two brothers, William (Monica) Allen and Dale Allen; her special companion, Johnny Rawls and a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.  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.

Beatrice Crawley Ricks 

Beatrice Crawley Ricks, 99, passed away Sept. 2, 2017 at home. 

She is survived by her husband, Horace Allen Ricks, 100. They began their life together more than 81 years ago on Christmas Day. 

Though life was certainly a struggle as they went through the Great Depression and World War II, she always chose to count her blessings. As a grandmother, she made sure that her family knew how much they were loved. More important was her faith in Christ, which she passed down through several generations.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Callahan, where she was a member of the “Glory” Sunday School class. She loved her church and especially her Sunday School class but was unable to attend the last few years.

Family gatherings brought her great joy, along with her love of flowers. In her younger days, she always had a beautiful yard and was glad to share her flowers (or cuttings) with friends and family. 

She is survived by two children, Boyd Allen (Sandra) Ricks and Bobbie Gail (Jim) Milton; nine grandchildren, Anna (Rick) McDonald, Karen Johnson, Lynda (John) Basgall, Brad (Karin) Milton, Stacey (Doug) Mayer, Michael (Angie) Ricks, Leah (Eric) Newsome Conner, Jennie Newsome Ponder and Steven Newsome; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Thomas “Tommy” Crawley and Edna Mae Leathers Crawley; and her siblings, Buster Crawley, Billy Crawley, C.D. Crawley, Polly Downs, Lamoise Foxx, Lila Williams, Anne Thomas, Mayna Senter and Mildred Henson.

Pallbearers are Brad Milton, Michael Ricks, Doug Mayer, Eric Conner, Steven Newsome, Rick MacDonald and John Basgall. Caregivers are Sheila Smith, Tina Smith, Doris Crosby and Judy Hart. The family thanks you for your presence today and the displays of kindness.

A viewing will be held today, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Callahan. Services will begin at 11 with Dr. Lynn Hyatt and Pastor Michael Ricks officiating. Interment will follow in Jones Cemetery. 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, FL 32011, 879-1770.

The Lord called Ronald Dean Braddock, Sr. home Oct. 2, 2017 in Callahan, Fla. at the age of 69, following a lengthy battle with his health. 

Our “Miracle Man” defied the odds countless times after suffering a cardiac arrest in July 2014 while out on a boat. For the past three years, our beloved family man has fought to regain his strength and continued to stay Braddock Strong. Early Monday morning Ronnie succumbed to his illness and went home to be with the Lord and all those who preceded him in death. 

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Lissa, of 45 years; twin brother Donnie and brother Dale (Carol); children Ronnie Jr. (Kadie), Erin (Chris), Lauren (Shea) and Natalie (Bryan); nine grandchildren and a large extended family, including a very special nephew, Alex Croft, who helped care for Ronnie since his illness. 

Ronnie was born in Callahan to Donald and Claudine Braddock. He graduated from Callahan High School in 1966 and Henderson State University in 1971 where he joined ROTC. Ronnie served in the U.S. Army until 1974 as a first lieutenant, then in the Army Reserves.

In 1972, he married his college sweetheart, Lissa, while they were both teaching at Hilliard Middle School. He went on educate and coach hundreds of Nassau County students for the next 11 years before turning his attention to his businesses. He owned and operated Super Test Food Store and Braddock Transport Trucking in Callahan. 

Anyone who knew Ronnie Braddock knew of his love for football. After high school, he played linebacker for the Henderson State Reddies, then went on to play in the American Football Association for the Chicago Fire, Texarkana Titans and the 1979 AFA champions, the Jacksonville Firebirds. After his years of playing football, Ronnie coached hundreds of players in Nassau County and helped many of them to the collegiate level, often sending them to his alma mater. He was inducted into the Henderson State Reddies Hall of Honor in 2006. 

Most currently, Ronnie was an elected official for the Nassau County Port Authority. He held his position for the last 16 years. 

Ronnie had a reverent love for his Lord, his family and his friends. He never met a stranger and waved at everyone he passed on the road. He could always be counted on to share a story or help a friend in need. Ronnie will forever be remembered as the most loving, kind, generous and special husband, Daddy and friend. 

Please keep the Braddock family in your prayers.

Bobby “Bob” Gene Hatcher, 75, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. 

Bob was born on Jan. 10, 1942, in Laurinburg, N.C., to the late David and Annie Hatcher. Bob attended Wagram High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Bob retired as supervisor after 22 years of service with Dean Foods. He then raised ducks for local hunting clubs until his death. Bob lived in Jacksonville, Fla. for the past 38 years after coming from North Carolina. He served as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, was a member of Northeast Florida Hunting Club and a devout member of Thomas Creek Baptist Church. 

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone he knew. He was predeceased by his son Bobby Hatcher; brothers Lester, Raymond and David Hatcher and sister Geraldine Donovan. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Betty; sons Jason (Jennifer) Hatcher and Michael (Kala) Hatcher; daughters Yolanda (Pat) Rafferty, Mary (Donnie) Turner and adopted daughter Tammy Ferdinand; brothers Tommy (Annette) Hatcher, Wayne (Lisa) Hatcher and Jackie (Mona) Hatcher; sisters Virginia Phillips and JoAnne (Mitchell) Cribb; sisters-in-law Edith Hatcher and Virginia Hatcher; grandchildren Hannah, Hunter, Owen, Kailee, Kendellyn, Journey and Avery, as well as several other family and friends. 

Bob’s family was his pride and joy; they meant everything to him and brought him true happiness. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bobby Hatcher was laid to rest on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 in the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Cedar Bay Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral services.

Roland DeWitt Smith, born Aug. 15, 1951,  went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Oct. 7, 2017.

Roland married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Smith, on July 24, 1970, and they spent 47 years together. His children are Kara Smith-Crews (Steve Buckland) and Dana R. Cline. Grandchildren are A.J. Crosby, Tison Crews (Chelsey), Peyton Bandy, Pierce Cribb and Preston Cline. Sisters include Brenda Faye Smith, Gwen Hurst and Joanie Dickerson Roberts and brothers are Bob Smith (Diane) and Skeeter Smith.

Roland also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Wonell Hicks Smith, sister Cenia and brother Lamar.

Roland’s first passion was studying the word of God. He is remembered as a successful business owner, including owning a hair salon, tanning salon and gym. He was a self-taught musician and enjoyed belonging to several bands throughout the years of his life. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Callahan with visitation held one hour prior to service in the church sanctuary. Interment followed in Jones Cemetery in Callahan. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home, Inc.

Dorothy Rogers Wollitz Beard, age 103, of Hilliard, Fla. went to her Heavenly Home on Oct. 16, 2017. 

She was born Jan. 26, 1914 in Marion County, S.C., but lived most of her adult life in Jacksonville, Fla. 

She worked at various jobs in her life, but her primary focus was on being a homemaker, loving and caring for her family and friends, and enjoying time spent with them. She was a longtime member of Arlington Baptist Church in Jacksonville, where she was actively involved teaching Sunday School classes and other areas of service, and more recently, a member of Rivers Edge Church in Callahan, Fla. More than anything, she loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and looked for opportunities to share her faith with everyone with whom she came in contact.

Dorothy (Dot) was predeceased by her parents; her first husband of 49 years, Erwin Wollitz, and her second husband of 12 years, Jacob B. Beard; two brothers and four sisters. She leaves behind her three children, Lonnie Wollitz (Peggy) of Largo, Fla., Everett Wollitz (Betty) of Jacksonville, Jerry Wollitz (Carol) of Hilliard, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Scott Wollitz (Connie), Amy Comeens (Ron), Derek Wollitz (Katrina), Gerald Wollitz (Lee Anne), Jason Wollitz (Melissa), Chris Wollitz (Nyrla), Justin Wollitz (Andrea) and Jared Wollitz (Lori Beth); 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ettre Vee Moskow of Denmark, S.C., four sisters-in-law, Wilma Allen, Norma Wollitz, Elizabeth Varner and Nancy Wollitz, all of Jacksonville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., assisted the family with arrangements. A visitation was held Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at the funeral Home. The funeral service followed at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with interment in Arlington Park Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their care and support and a special thank you to Jerry and Carol for their unselfish daily care in her final two and a half years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rivers Edge Church, P.O. Box 897, Hilliard, FL 32046.

Lelia Jeanette Tracy Pickren Gibson of Folkston, Ga., age 96, left this earthly life on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. 

She was born Oct. 8, 1921 to Minnie Haddock and Porte Crayon Tracy in Boulogne, Fla. in the Tracy ancestral home called “Brooklyn.” The home was built by her great-grandfather, Erasmus D. Tracy, and located on the banks of the St. Marys River across from Traders Hill, Ga. Her childhood was spent playing along the river bank with her three sisters, doing chores at home such as soap making and learning the art of cooking and sewing. Her father taught the girls a new word every day at the dinner table.

Lelia came of age in the 1930s during the Great Depression, learning well the lessons of frugality and conservation. During a recent conversation, she reminisced about the old days and longingly remarked that “Life was so simple back then. We always had something coming up. It didn’t take much to make people happy.”

Lelia married Verne Johnson Pickren in 1941, and by 1952 completed her family of four children and designed a new home, which was built on Kingsland Drive. A longtime member of Folkston United Methodist Church, Lelia was accomplished in many areas and she was known in the Folkston community for her delicious cakes, her hand-tailored clothing and her paintings. Her one regret in life was that she wasn’t able to go to art school, but she wouldn’t have traded her marriage and family for anything. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. 

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents, Porte and Minnie Tracy; her husbands, Verne Johnson Pickren, Sr. and Benjamin Simon Gibson; her sisters, Agnes Tracy Davis and Ada Tracy Norris and stepchildren Marian Pickren Bell and S. L. Pickren. 

She is survived by her sister, Meta Tracy Cushing, age 100, of Jacksonville, Fla.; sons, Verne J. Pickren, Jr. and wife Cathy of Folkston and Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Porter Tracy Pickren and wife Pamela of Lee, Fla.; daughters, Marcia Pickren Fraser and husband John of Franklin, Tenn. and Lisa Pickren Larson and husband David Larson of Atlanta, Ga.; stepdaughters, Jean Pickren Harrison of St. Marys, Ga., Cathy Gibson McKenzie of Swainsboro, Ga. and Sue Gibson Moncrief of Auburn, Ala.; grandchildren, Verne J. Pickren III (Tracy) of Sylvania, Ga., Mark D. Pickren and wife Audrey of Folkston, Susannah D. Fraser and husband Scott Stecklein of Denver, Colo., John Rory Fraser and wife Carolyn of Ithaca, N.Y., Ross Lovat Fraser of Franklin, Tenn., Katherine Tracy (Kate) Larson of Austin, Texas and James David (Jim) Larson of Denver, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Gage Pickren, Jamie Pickren, Colton Pickren, Jolie Kate Pickren, Ben Pickren, Oscar Stecklein and Leo Stecklein and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Special gratitude to her wonderful team of caregivers, Sharon Mitchell, Tosha Carter, Eleanor Jones, Linda Johns, Penny Sikes and Kara Prescott, who cared for, blessed and loved Lelia. Grateful thanks to Glenda Gowen for her weekly visits and personal hair care. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Mark Pickren for his selfless, devoted and loving care to his grandmother during these past years. 

Memorial donations may be made to Folkston UMC Kitchen Ministry, P.O. Box 396, Folkston, GA 31537. The family received friends Thursday, Oct. 19 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. in Pineview 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. 

Mr. Kelly Cardell Scipio, 50, entered into rest Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. 

Homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 49167 Mt. Olive Rd., Kings Ferry, FL 32046, the Rev. Lorenzo Watson, pastor. Mr. Scipio will rest for visitation of family and friends Friday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Interment will be in the Mt. Olive Church Cemetery. 

Professional services from the heart in care of Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home Northside, 765-4150.

Sarah Louise Burch Vining, 79, of Folkston, Ga. passed away Oct. 17, 2017 at Life Care Center in Hilliard. 

She was born in Axson, Ga. to the late Dennis Lee Burch and Sarah Jane Harrell Burch. She was a homemaker and a former member of Callahan Church of God.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Randy Vining; a brother, Robert Burch and two grandchildren, Melissa R. Lee and Dennis L. Vining. 

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, J.L. Vining, Sr.; four children, J.L. Vining, Jr., Brenda Hosick, Johnny Vining and Marty Vining; a sister, Marie Molinaro; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Friday, Oct. 20 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Jones Cemetery in Callahan, Fla.

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 St., Folkston, GA 31537, 912-496-7388.

Cheryl Sirmans Holton, 70, of Hilliard, Fla. entered into rest on Oct. 22, 2017. 

She was born Nov. 27, 1946 in Lake City, Fla. to the late George Sirmans from Rae City, Ga. and Lorraine Green Sirmans from Lake City. 

She is survived by her husband, Jackie Holton, and former husband Herbert Potter; three children, Jeri Potter VanZant (Mike), Donna Millner Kirkus (Mike) and Dawn Millner Williams; two stepchildren, Lisa Kilgore and Sherri Hall; six grandchildren, Erica and Jessica VanZant, Cheyenne Mencner (Robert), Ciara Chapman and Wyatt and Harlee Williams; two stepgrandchildren, Brook Kilgore and Kenley Hall; and one great-grandchild, Nolan Mencner. She is preceded by her second husband, Jerry Millner; brother, Mike Sirmans; sister, Toni Sue Sirmans; her stepson, Jackie Holton, Jr.; and her stepgrandson, John Kilgore, Jr.

Cheryl was a bookkeeper for the Duval County School Board for over 30 years, working at John Love, John Gorrie, John E. Ford and Stillwell schools. She made many lasting friendships with coworkers during this time. She enjoyed camping, gardening, sewing, baking, hunting and had two trips to Africa.

Memorial services will be held at the Nassau Funeral Home in Callahan, Fla. on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.