Lovie L. Williams
Mrs. Lovie L. Williams, 85, of Lake City died Friday, April 13, 2001, in the North Florida Regional Medical Center following an illness.
A native of Arlington, Ga., Mrs. Williams lived in Lake City most of her life. She was a member of the North Lake City Church of God and enjoyed spending time with her church family. For many years, Mrs. Williams enjoyed babysitting for children in Lake City. Other hobbies were crocheting, working in her garden and growing flowers.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death in 1993 by her husband of 58 years, Logan Berry Williams.
She is survived by two sons, Alton Williams (Ruby) and James Williams (Myra); two daughters, Vernice Gaskins (Randall) and Mary Benton (Sidney), all of Lake City; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, in the North Lake City Church of God with Pastor Barney Hurst, the Revs. Sidney Benton and Doyle Williams officiating. Interment
will follow in the Williams Cemetery located on Highway 100A in Lake City. Visitation with the family will be Monday evening at the funeral home between the hours of 6-8 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of BIGGS FUNERAL HOME, 3801 S. First St., Lake City.
Stephen C. O'Connell
Stephen C. O'Connell, 85, of Tallahassee died Friday, April 13, 2001, of cancer in Tallahassee.
A native of West Palm Beach, he lived in Tallahassee since 1973. He was appointed justice of the Florida Supreme Court by Gov. Leroy Collins in October 1955. He was named chief justice of the court and named to the Executive Council of Conference of Chief Justices in October 1967. He became the sixth president of the University of Florida, a position he held until September 1973. He served as chairman of the Judicial Council of Florida, promoting revision of the state's trial court system. He was the first chairman of the Florida Elections Commission and a member of the 1968 Florida Constitution Revision Commission. He was chairman and CEO of Lewis State Bank. He was of counsel to Cason & Henderson, Esq.
He was a member of R.O.T.C. at the University of Florida. He became a cadet lieutenant colonel in the Commanding Infantry Regiment in 1938 and was on active duty from 1942-46. He was 2nd lieutenant to major A.A.F. at 3rd Air Force Headquarters in Tampa and 5th Air Force Headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, as director of physical training and special services officer; and as Executive Officer 312 Bomb Group (medium), in New Guinea, Philippines and Okinawa.
Survivors include his spouse, Cynthia F. Bowling; daughters, Rita Denise Marcum of Marcus, Wash., and Ann Maureen Stewart of Tallahassee; sons, Stephen C. Jr. of Tallahassee and Martin R. (deceased); eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Stephen O'Connell will lie in state in the rotunda of the Florida Supreme Court from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2001. A rosary will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2001. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tallahassee, with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Family will receive friends at their home at 1505 O'Connell Lane in Tallahassee following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Stephen C. O'Connell Leadership Scholarship Fund, c/o Capital Area Gator Club, P.O. Box 758, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
CULLEY'S FUNERAL HOME, Tallahassee, is in charge of all arrangements.
A. Jack Phillips
A. Jack Phillips, 84, of Branford passed away Sunday, April 15, 2001, in his home.
The Branford native was born Oct. 19, 1916, and was the son of the late Fred D. and Ethel Brownlee Phillips. Jack was a World War II veteran, serving in the U. S. Army. He was a retired banker of 57 years and a member of the following organizations: American Legion, Branford Masonic Lodge No. 130 F&AM, honorary member of Branford FFA. Branford Shrine Club, Moroccan Temple, and the Branford Sportsman Club. Jack graduated from Mercer University and was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He was also the longest-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Branford. Jack is survived by his wife, Bobbie Booker Phillips of Branford; one daughter, Carol A. "Sunny" Phillips of Tallahassee.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2001, in the First Baptist Church Christian Life Center with the Rev. Eddie Blalock officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2001, and one hour prior to the service at the First Baptist Church Christian Life Center. Interment
will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to come by the home at 410 White Ave. N.W., Branford. Donations may be made to Hospice of North Central Florida, 1900 Florida Gateway Blvd., Lake City, FL 32024; 752-9191.
DANIELS FUNERAL HOME of Branford is in charge of all arrangements.
Eva Mary E. Keene Pearce
Eva Mary Edenfield Keene Pearce, 95, of Gainesville died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at Hospice of North Central Florida.
Mrs. Pearce was born in Bradford County and moved to Gainesville in 1950. She was a homemaker and member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul V. Keene; a daughter, Mary Lee Johnson; her second husband, A. Lincoln Pearce; and a daughter, Eleanor Zabolinski.
Survivors include three daughters, Dr. Mildred Keene of Atlanta, Evelyn Pearce Strickland of Jacksonville and Bonnie Pearce Parker of Gainesville; two sons, John R. Keene of Alachua and Wayne N. Pearce of Gainesville; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Pearce will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at New Zion Cemetery, Union County, with the Rev. Earle Prevatt officiating, under the direction of ARCHER FUNERAL HOME of Lake Butler. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2001. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hospice of North Central Florida, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.
Yulonda Leguire Revis
Mrs. Yulonda Leguire Revis, 48, of Lake City died early Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at her residence following an extended illness.
A native of Jacksonville, Mrs. Revis lived most of her life in Lake City. She lived in Atlanta for four years while working in the public relations department of the American Broadcasting Co. When she returned to Lake City, she worked as an interior designer. Mrs. Revis designed the new interior of the Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She was a talented musician and songwriter. Mrs. Revis was a member of First Apostolic Church.
Mrs. Revis is survived by her husband, Marty Revis; a daughter, Lindi Johnson (Jessie) of Jacksonville; two stepdaughters, Holly Revis and Katie Revis, both of Brandon; her father, the Rev. L.R. Leguire of Lake City; her mother, Margaret Wuest of Lake City; a brother, Lyndon Leguire (Sharon) of Lake City; a sister, Beverly Reed (Don) of Lake City; a grandson, Kierston Johnson; three nieces, Leslie Reed, Katie Reed and Sheila Leguire; two nephews, Lance Leguire and Brent Leguire; and a large church family.
Memorial services for Mrs. Revis will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in the Biggs Memorial Chapel with the Rev. L.R. Leguire officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Hospice of North Central Florida, 1900 Florida Gateway Center Blvd., Lake City, FL 32024.
Arrangements are under the direction of BIGGS FUNERAL HOME, 3801 S. First St., Lake City.
Helen Hogan
Mrs. Helen Hogan, 68, of Lake City died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in Lake City Medical Center following a long illness.
Mrs. Hogan was a native and lifelong resident of Lake City, daughter of the late Clarence and Grace King Hines. She had been employed for many years as a ward clerk for Suwannee Valley Nursing Home, Jasper. Mrs. Hogan was a member of Westside Baptist Chapel, Lake City, where she had taught Sunday school for many years.
Survivors include her husband, Paul E. Hogan of Lake City; one daughter, Teresa (Larry) Goss of Lake City; one stepson, Don (Sharon) Hogan of Lake City; three stepdaughters, Linda (David) Stamper and Diane White, both of Lake City, and Paula (Steve) Mitchell of Albany, Ind.; six brothers, Frank Hines and Wayne Hines, both of Lake City, Leon Hines of Winter Haven, Carlton Hines of Jacksonville, Ralph Hines of Marietta, Ga., and Joe Hines of Palatka; two sisters, Mary Lane and Lois L. Ciccarello, both of Lake City; two grandchildren, Kristen Goss and Justin Goss, both of Lake City; 11 stepgrandchildren and several stepgreat-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2001, in the chapel of Guerry Funeral Home with the Rev. Elmer Crews, pastor of Westside Baptist Chapel, officiating and Mr. Dwight Law assisting. Interment
will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at the funeral home. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 S. First St., Lake City, is in charge of all arrangements.
Bessie M. LeGree
Bessie M. LeGree, 86, well-known resident of Fort White, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2001, at Shands at Lake Shore, Lake City.
The Fort White native was born April 8, 1915, and was the daughter of the late Jack C. Mosley and the late Annie Frances Williams Mosley. She was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Fort White. She was united in holy matrimony to Garnell LeGree in June 1940 and to this union seven children were born, two of whom preceded her in death.
She is survived by her loving children, daughters, Annie Frances LeGree of Fort White, Dr. JoAnn E. LeGree Shemwell (Wayne) of Louisville, Ky.; stepdaughter, Willie Pearl Conner of Boynton Beach; sons, Jack M. LeGree Sr. (Oria) and John Henry LeGree, both of Fort White, and Glenice A. LeGree of Jasper; two sisters, Essie D. Mosley of Fort White and Thelma C. McKinnon of Detroit; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Homegoing celebration for the late Bessie M. LeGree will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 20, in Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Fort White, the Rev. Williams, pastor.
Arrangements are entrusted to CHARLES T. HALL FUNERAL HOME, Live Oak.
Gladys 'E.G' Bush
Mrs. Gladys 'E.G' Bush, 85, of Lake City passed away Friday, April 20, 2001, after an extended illness in a local health-care facility.
Mrs. Bush is survived by several nieces, nephews and friends.
SHERRILL-GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 616 S. Marion St., Lake City, is in charge of all rrangements.
Elizabeth Gertrude Ellett
Elizabeth Gertrude Ellett, 94, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at Lake City Medical Center.
Born in Indian Head, Md., Mrs. Ellett lived in Lake City since 1996, having moved from Largo, Md. Mrs. Ellett, a Baptist and member of First Baptist Church in Lake City, was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Eastern Star. Mrs. Ellett was kind and loving toward everyone and will long be remembered by all that knew her.
Mrs. Ellett is survived by her son, Edwin ³Bud² Ellett (Jean) of Lake City; six grandchildren, Mark Shea of Salt Lake City, Thomas Foltz of Weston, Mo., Carolyn Kisemore of Everett, Pa., Susan Collier of Chesapeake Beach, Md., Carolyn Dick of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Susan Harris of Fairfax, Va.; and five great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of COSTANZO FUNERAL & CREMATION, Veterans Street, Lake City; 758-0046.
Margaret M. Ingram
Margaret Mariacker Ingram, 75, of Lake City passed away Thursday, April 19, 2001.
The Miami native was a waitress and a Baptist. Mrs. Ingram is survived by her daughter, Mary Miller of Lake City; seven grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren.
DANIELS FUNERAL HOME, Branford, is in charge of arrangements.
Brady Samuel Merritt
Brady Samuel Merritt, 68, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at his residence in Lake City.
Born in Madison, Mr. Merritt lived in Lake City for 47 years, having moved from Madison. Mr. Merritt, a Baptist and member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Madison, owned and operated a courier business and was held in high esteem by his family as a loving and caring father and husband. Mr. Merritt¹s favorite pastime was fishing.
Mr. Merritt is survived by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn; one son, Dale Brady Merritt (Lisa) of Clover, S.C.; one daughter, Debbie Lynn Hall of Lake City; one brother, Raymond Rogers of Mountain Home, Idaho; and three grandchildren, Dillon Hall, Sara and Elizabeth Merritt.
A visitation for Mr. Merritt will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Costanzo Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Lake City, with the Rev. J.B. ³Tank² Ogburn presiding.
Arrangements are under the direction of COSTANZO FUNERAL & CREMATION, Veterans Street, Lake City; 758-0046.
Ruth Pace Sheehan
Mrs. Ruth Pace Sheehan, 85, of Lake City died Thursday, April 19, 2001 in Shands at Lake Shore Hospital, Lake City, following an extended illness.
Mrs. Sheehan was a native of Waukeenah and had resided in Jacksonville for 40 years before moving to Lake City three years ago. She attended Jefferson County schools, and was a homemaker and Methodist.
Survivors include her son, Talmadge (Priscilla) Pace of Lake City; daughter, Shirley (J.M., deceased) Walden of Johnston, S.C.; two stepdaughters, Eileen Richter of Monticello and Joanna (Larry) Long of Miccosuke; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, in Waukeenah Cemetery, Jefferson County, with the Rev. Wilton Dice officiating. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 S. First St., Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
C. David Parker Lovelace
C. David Parker Lovelace, 41, of New Buffalo, Mich., died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers, Michigan City, Ind., following a horse riding accident resulting in massive brain damage.
Mr. Lovelace was born May 24, 1959, in Michigan City to Clair and Marilyn Parker Lovelace, of Lake City. On June 29, 1991, in Jacksonville he married Michelle Rene¹ Bohle, who lives in New Buffalo. Mr. Lovelace retired from the Navy as an aircraft structural mechanic. He played football for Stone Mountain, Ga., and was a former Eagle Scout. He was a fine artist and avid hunter. He worked for Ampcor II Inc., in LaPorte, Ind., and was a total organ donor.
Survivors also include one daughter, Veronica Estelle Lovelace, 9, New Buffalo; one sister, Cynthia Diane Rorie, Atlanta; one brother, Christopher Cassa, Virginia Beach, Va.; and one aunt, Carol Parker Stephens, Lake City.
Lydia Hartley Priest
Lydia Hartley Priest, 88, died Saturday, April 7, 2001, on her birthday in Plant City.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Priest; one sister, Mildred Steveni; three brothers, Hermon Hartley, Jessie Hartley and Pat Hartley.
Survivors include one son, Parky Priest, Plant City; two sisters, Doris Renfro, Lakeland, and Fay Alderman, Fort Lauderdale; three brothers, Wayne Hartley, Charleston, S.C., Kirk Hartley, Williston, and Jack Hartley, Lakeland.
Merle Bailey Hagan
Mrs. Merle Bailey Hagan, 92, of Lake City, died Sunday morning, April 22, 2001, in The Health Center nursing facility in Lake City following an extended illness.
A native of Suwannee County, Mrs. Hagan later moved to Broward County, returning to Suwannee in 1973. She was the daughter of the late James and Addie Skeen Bailey. Mrs. Hagan had been employed as a clerk for the U.S. government prior to retiring. She was a member of Daughters of the Confederacy and Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed her hobbies of walking, reading, gardening and playing bridge. Mrs. Hagan was a Presbyterian.
Mrs. Hagan is survived by a daughter, Mary Anne Pattillo, Lake City; a son, James T. ³Tom² Myers, Port St. Lucie; her grandchildren, James Myers, Baton Rouge, La., Diane Jain, Port St. Lucie, Stephen Pattillo, Midland, Ga., David Pattillo, Fayetteville, N.C., and Tish Pattillo of Lake City; two nieces, Frances Maul and Helen Yawn, both of Live Oak; and seven great-grand- children.
Memorial services for Mrs. Hagan will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2001, in Biggs Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Harrison officiating. Private family interment
services will be held. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the memorial service. A reception will be at the funeral home immediately following the service.
Arrangements are under the direction of BIGGS FUNERAL HOME, 3801 S. First St., Lake City.
C. David Parker Lovelace
C. David Parker Lovelace, 41, of New Buffalo, Mich., died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers, Michigan City, Ind., following a horse-riding accident resulting in massive braindamage.
Mr. Lovelace was born May 24, 1959, in Michigan City to Clair and Marilyn Parker Lovelace, who live in Lake City. On June 29, 1991, in Jacksonville, he married Michelle Rene¹ Bohle, who lives in New Buffalo. Mr. Lovelace retired from the Navy as an aircraft structural mechanic. He played football for Stone Mountain, Ga., and was a former Eagle Scout. He was a fine artist and avid hunter. He worked for Ampcor II Inc., LaPorte, Ind. Mr. Lovelace was a total organ donor.
Survivors also include one daughter, Veronica Estelle Lovelace, 9, and one son Andrew Zebulon Lovelace, 2, of New Buffalo; one sister, Cynthia Diane Rorie, Atlanta; one brother, Christopher Cassa, Virginia Beach, Va.; and one aunt, Carol Parker Stephens, Lake City.
June G. Burgess
June G. Burgess, 64, of Lake City died Thursday, April 25, 2001, at Lake City Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mrs. Burgess was a native of Wimber, Pa., and had been a resident of Florida for the past 17 years. Mrs. Burgess was a very talented painter and pianist. She taught as an artist in college and high school. She was also an accomplished horseback rider and loved to show her horses.
Survivors include one daughter, Erica Heidebrink of Ferndale, Mich.; one brother, Elwood (Janet) Burgess Jr. of Palm Coast; and four grandchildren, Morgan Heidebrink, Marielle Heidebrink, Hannah Heidebrink and Benjamin Heidebrink, all of Ferndale, Mich.
Memorial funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in the Sherrill-Guerry Memorial Chapel with the Rev. J.B. ³Tank² Ogburn officiating. Interment
will be at a later date. SHERRILL-GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 616 S. Marion St., Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
Clyde Carter
Mr. Clyde Carter, 59, of Lake City died Saturday, April 21, 2001, at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville after an extended illness.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Columbia County and was the son of the late Mr. Willie and Mrs. Eartha Carter. He received his education in the public schools of Columbia County and was a member of Union AME Church (Winfield Community). He was employed by the city of Lake City for many years.
Survivors include his children, Brenda Buiey (Simmie) of San Antonio, Texas, Virginia Carter Hughes (Alphonso) of Lake City, Marcus and Karen Carter of White Springs; two brothers, Isaac Carter (Queen) of White Springs and Andrew Carter of Lake City; two sisters, Aletha and Lavern Carter, both of Lake City; acclaimed sister, Voncile Jones of Lake City; a special friend, Rosa Lee Jones of Lake City; four grandchildren and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Four brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Carter will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at Union AME Church with Evangelist Gwendolyn Henry, eulogy, and the Rev. Maureem Williamson, pastor. Interment
will follow in Huntsville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Combs Funeral Home Chapel.
Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St., Lake City.
Leroy Hill
Mr. Leroy Hill, 84, of Lake City died Tuesday, April 24, 2001, at Vencor Hospital in Green Cove Springs after an extended illness.
He was the son of the late Mr. Osmer and Mrs. Estella Hill.
Survivors include two sisters, Louise Brown of Miami and Dolfair Moreland of Lake City; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Hill of Gainesville and Rebecca Hill of Miami; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Hill will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Combs Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Francis officiating. Interment
will follow in the Garden of Rest Cemetery.
Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington Street, Lake City.
Betty Ann Peters
Mrs. Betty Ann Peters, 92, of Manier Health Care, Jacksonville, died Tuesday, April 24, 2001, after an extended illness.
Born in Jasper, she was a former member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Jasper. She was the widow of the late Mr. Henry Peters. She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, the Rev. Alvin Baker, pastor.
Survivors include her daughter, Ann Milton of Newark, N.J.; two sisters, Johnny Mae Milton of Jacksonville and Elouise Brooks of Newark, N.J.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Ann Peters will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Alvin Baker, pastor, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Friendship Cemetery, Jasper.
Vertna Parker Maxwell Willoughby
Mrs. Vertna Parker Maxwell Willoughby, 94, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, N.C.
She was born in Oconee County, Ga., and lived in Lake City before moving to Madison in 1972. She had lived in Highlands, N.C., since 1995. She was a homemaker and had worked for the USDA, FMHA in Lake City, and had sold real estate. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Madison, the Madison Womans Club, the San Pedro Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Quitman Chapter 112, Quitman, Ga. She was an active church and civic leader for many years.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne Maxwell Hodnett and Dr. James Hodnett of Franklin, N.C.; four grandchildren, Claire Hodnett Barsaulou of Atlanta, James M. Hodnett of Atlanta, Margaret Ann Hodnett of Seagrove Beach and John W. Hodnett of Atlanta; one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hodnett-Barsalau of Atlanta; one brother-in-law, David Maxwell of Lake City; and a number of nieces, nephews and stepchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Old Sanctuary First Baptist Church, Madison. Interment
will be at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Cemetery in Lake City. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
George Carl Babich
George Carl Babich, 89, of Lake City died Thursday, April 26, 2001, at Lake City Medical Center following an extended illness.
Mr. Babich was a native of Carnegie, Pa., and had resided in Lake City for the past 15 years. Prior to living in Lake City he had lived in Hendersonville, N.C., where he was in construction.
He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Lake City.
Survivors include his wife, Bealuh Babich of Lake City; six sons, Paul (Nancy) Babich of Hamilton, N.J., Dr. George (Michaele) Babich of Lancaster, Mass., Charles (Wanda) Corn of Fletcher, N.C., Jackie (Kim) Corn of Hendersonville, N.C., Arthur (Sheila) Corn of Tryon, N.C., and Jerry Corn of Columbus, N.C.; two daughters, Kathy Corn and Pat Corn, both of Hendersonville, N.C.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be conducted at a later date.
SHERRILL-GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 616 S. Marion St., Lake City, is in charge of all arrangements.
Gerald Blackwell
Gerald Blackwell, 75, of Lake City died Thursday, April 26, 2001, at Health Center of Lake City.
Mr. Blackwell was born in Lacoochie and moved here from Gainesville. He was a retired sergeant major in the National Guard and a former mayor, council member and town clerk in Bell. He was a member of Trenton Masonic Lodge and Trenton Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Blackwell; son, Gene Blackwell of Lake City; daughters, Patti Barlow of Lake City and Laura Scott Russ of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Blackwell, and grandson, Nick Pettis.
Visitation will at 10 a.m. Monday, April 30. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Yates-Gooding Chapel with the Rev. Michael Benkoczy officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of YATES-GOODING FUNERAL HOME, Trenton.
Jerry Howard Lang, R. Ph.
Mr. Jerry Howard Lang, R. Ph., 57, of Lake City died Sunday, April 29, 2001, at his home following a long illness.
Mr. Lang was a native of Fernandina Beach, son of the late James H. and Fenton Koon Lang, and had resided in Lake City since 1971. Mr. Lang was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and was a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor of science in pharmacy in 1972. Mr. Lang most recently worked for Eckerd Drugs, U.S. 90 West, for the past 14 years. Mr. Lang was a founding board member of CARC ‹ Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities, and was very active in the Columbia Youth Soccer Association. He was also a member of the Suwannee Valley Pharmaceutical Association.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki Lang, Lake City; two sons, Jason Scott Lang, Jacksonville, and Justin Wade Lang, Madison, Wis.; two brothers, Ron A. Lang, Raleigh, N.C., and Steve F. Lang, Alachua; two aunts, Belle Jeffords, Alachua, and Daisy Bendickson, Mosses Lake, Wash.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, in the chapel of Guerry Funeral Home. Interment
will follow in Fort White Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Hospice of North Central Florida, 1900 Florida Gateway Boulevard, Lake City, FL 32055. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 S. First St., Lake City, is in charge of all arrangements.
Robert Franklin Laughter
Mr. Robert Franklin Laughter, 67, of Lake City died Saturday, April 28, 2001, in the Shands at University of Florida hospital, Gainesville, following a long illness.
Mr. Laughter was a native of Babson Park, son of the late James Laughter and had resided in Lake City for the past 11 years. Mr. Laughter was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Korean War. He continued his service in the U.S. Coast Guard as a chief radioman, and after retirement worked for the V.A. Medical Center, Miami, where he resided for many years. Mr. Laughter was a member of the SPEBSQSA, a barbershop quartet organization in Miami, and was a past member of the BPOE No. 893, Lake City.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria L. Laughter, Lake City; one son, Jim Laughter, Moultrie, Ga.; one daughter, Cindy Doss, Marietta, Ga.; his mother, Elva Parker Sheppard, Tampa; one stepson, Jim Lundsten, Beaverton, Ore.; one stepdaughter, Kathleen L. Thornton, Gainesville; one stepsister, Martha Terrell, Tampa; four grandchildren, Robin and Theresa Laughter, Parker Doss, and Melody Thornton.
The family will host a gathering of friends at their home at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3, with the Rev. Charles Bistle, pastor of the O¹Brien Christian Fellowship, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Florida Elks Children Therapy Services, P.O. Box 49, Umatilla, FL 32784. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 S. First St., Lake City, FL 32055, is in charge of all arrangements.
Bettie Lee Rhoden Thomas
Mrs. Bettie Lee Rhoden Thomas, 70, of Macclenny died Sunday, April 29, 2001, in Community Hospice.
Mrs. Thomas is a native of Jacksonville. She moved to Macclenny in 1969. She was treasurer and manager for 32 years with Winn Dixie Credit Union, where she retired. She served three years on the board of the Baker County Federal Credit Union. She received the honor of Who¹s Who Credit Union CEO in 1991. She was a member of Christian Fellowship Temple. She was the daughter of the late Seymour Elzia and Minnie Viola Miller Vann.
Survivors include her husband, Parker Thomas, Macclenny; son, Richard Wayne Parker (Wanda); daughter, Lisa Maria Parker, all of Macclenny; nine stepchildren, Carrie Carver, Margie Lane (Allen), Marilyn Banks (Alan), Mary Thomas, Steve Thomas (Tracy), Connie Shumpert (Barry), Brenda Thomas, Barbara Layton (Steve) and Eloise Reynolds (Jack); brother, S.E. ³Jack² Vann, Orange Park; sisters, Sally Bryan, Jacksonville, and Christine Kimbrough, Orange Park; three grandchildren, Joshua Wayne Parker, Jessica Lee Knabb and Dustin L. Hodges; 19 stepgrandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, in Christina Fellowship Temple with the Revs. David Thomas and Timmy Thomas officiating. Interment
will follow in Taylor Cemetery, Baker County. The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, in GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, U.S. 90 East, Macclenny.
Virginia F. Weant
Mrs. Virginia F. Weant, 80, of Lake City died Sunday, April 29, 2001, in the Country Home ALF following a long illness.
Mrs. Weant was a native of Dunedin, daughter of the late Emmanuel M. and Florence Ferguson Hardin. Mrs. Weant lived in the Lake City area for many years, having worked for the state parks service until moving back to Dunedin in 1971 to work with her family in the mobile home park business. Mrs. Weant returned to Lake City in 1983, where she was a past member of the American Legion Post No. 57 and was a member of Bible Baptist Church. Mrs. Weant enjoyed gardening and traveling.
Survivors include two daughters, Linda Brooks and Patricia Couture, both of Lake City; one son, James Howard Weant, Lake City; three brothers, Henry Lee Hardin, Palm Harbor, and George Hardin and Walter Hardin, both of Dunedin; one sister, Ruth Chapin, St. Petersburg; seven grandchildren, Weston and Wyatt Weant, Mountain Home, Idaho, Terri Fox, Kim Manning and Chris Couture, all of Lake City, Ryan Brooks, Norfolk, Va., and Holly Marsee, Live Oak; one great-granddaughter, Ashtyn Marsee, Live Oak.
Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in the chapel of Guerry Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rick McCall, pastor of Bible Baptist Church, officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Lake City. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the funeral home. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 S. First St., Lake City, is in charge of all arrangements.
Frank Combs
Mr. Frank Combs, better known as Beaver, 69, a well-known resident of 1443 Richardson St., passed away Thursday, April 26, 2001, at the North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville after an extended illness.
He was the son of the late Mr. James T. and Mrs. Nancy Bell Combs and the husband of the late Sister Gurley Mae Brown Combs. He was a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Alvin J. Baker, pastor, where he served as an usher and worked on the Culinary Ministry for years.
He attended the public schools of Columbia County and was a 1950 graduate of Richardson High School. He attended Bethune Cookman College, Daytona Beach. Mr. Combs served in the U.S. Air Force, where he received the National Defense and good conduct medals.
Survivors are two daughters, Uernice Dobson, Lake City, Allison (Bill) Howard, Memphis, Tenn.; two sons, Barry Combs, Tampa, Brian Combs, Lake City; five grandsons, Rionodo (Kandi), Cross City, Ricky (Amy), Lake City, Ryan Dobson, Tallahassee, B.J. Howard, Memphis, and one preceded him in death; one brother, Lavert (Colette) Combs, Miami; four sisters, Minister Gevena Burks, Gwendolyn (Clyde) Tripp, Pensacola, Deloris Fennell and Annie Lucy Plummer, Lake City; in-laws, Francena B. Nelson, Charles (Alfreda), Will J. Brown, Deansye B. Williams, Cleveland (Jonnie) Harrington, Annie Ruth Barrington, Odell (Paul) Anderson, Lake City, James (Mamie) Brown, Queens, N.Y., Helena (Andrew) Wyche, Fort Walton Beach, Ernest (Velma) Brown, Greensboro, N.C., Lee Autry Harrington, Savannah, Ga., Rudolph Prioleau, Detroit; a devoted friend, Patricia A. Davis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, including Alyce J. Caesar, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 924 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Drive with the Rev. Alvin J. Baker, pastor, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Caesar & Chestnut Funeral Home, Mr. Charles S. Chestnut, L.F.D., Mrs. Alyce J. Caesar, owner, 726 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Lake City.
CAESAR & CHESTNUT is in charge of all arrangements.
Deacon Toney Givens
Deacon Toney Givens, 100, of Sanderson died Friday, April 27, 2001, at Frank Wells Nursing Home terminating an extended illness.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Baker County. He was a member of The Church of God by Faith where he served faithfully as Sunday school teacher, treasurer and deacon for many years. He was the widower of the late Janie Bell Givens, who preceded him in death.
Survivors include his daughter, Eloise Ruise, Sanderson; three granddaughters, Patricia, Carolyn and Virginia; two sons-in-law, Deacon Satachel Paige and Elder John Peden; three sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Givens, Sanderson, Alice Hamilton, Jacksonville, and Mamie Davis, Daytona Beach; two brothers-in-law, James Hamilton, Jacksonville, and Ralph Blue, Daytona Beach; eight great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins , other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Deacon Toney Givens will be noon Saturday, May 5 at The Church of God by Faith,
Elder Frank Townsend, pastor, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Quitman Cemetery. The body will lie in state for viewing from 6-8 p.m Friday, May 4 at The Church of God by Faith, Sanderson.
Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St., Lake City.
Deric Deon Newton
Deric Deon Newton slipped away to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.
Deric was born May 22, 1972, in Washington, D.C. to the union of Fredrick and Quincy Ann. A native of Florida, he attended Columbia High School in Lake City and upon graduation enrolled at Florida A&M University.
He later attended Howard University¹s Dental School. He received his bachelor of science from the University of Maryland, College Park, Md. and was enrolled in graduate school pursuing a master of science in human resources management.
Deric¹s faith in God never wavered. His early teachings of God were gained at Bethlehem UMC.
At 13, he received salvation at Anderson Memorial Church of God in Christ. While attending FAMU in Tallahassee, he served as Junior Deacon and a member of the University Church of God in Christ. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., he became a member of the Great Mount Calvary Holy Church. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a member of Toby Palmer and the Chosen Generation Community Choir, Washington, D.C. He was employed with the U.S. Commission for Civil Rights, Washington, D.C.
He is survived by his mother, Quincy A. Durr (Ronald), High Springs; father, Dr. Fredrick Newton (Carolyn), Jacksonville; two sisters, D¹Wanda Maxwell (Louis Sr.), Orlando, and Erin Newton, Jacksonville; three nephews, Louis Jr., Fredrick, D¹Wan Maxwell, Orlando; grandmother, Lila Newton, Lake City; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, fraternal brothers and friends.
Celebration of his life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at the Female Protection Center in Gainesville.
Arrangements by CHESTNUT FUNERAL HOME, Gainesville.
Michael Wayne Schilpp
Mr. Michael Wayne Schilpp, 54, of Lake City died early Tuesday morning, May 1, 2001.
A native and lifelong resident of Lake City, Mr. Schilpp was a graduate of Columbia High School class of 1965.
He also attended Lake City Community College. Mr. Schilpp had been employed with Pete¹s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a family owned and operated business. Mr. Schilpp also served in the Florida National Guard and was a member of the Epiphany Catholic Church.
Mr. Schilpp is survived by his father, Pete Schilpp, Lake City; and his mother, Alice Pauline Schilpp, Jacksonville Beach; a daughter, Lisa Odom (Don), Orlando; and a sister, Penny Schilpp Roy, Las Vegas.
Graveside funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 4 in the Oaklawn Cemetery with the Father George Kuruvilla officiating. Interment
will follow. No visiting hours are scheduled. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Epiphany Catholic Church, Route 10, Box 161B, Lake City, FL 32025. Arrangements are under the direction of BIGGS FUNERAL HOME, 3801 S. First St., Lake City.
