David Morris Capps, 70, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

A native of Kannapolis, N.C., David was born to the late Chandler Hamilton Capps Jr. and the late Lera Helen Crowe Capps. David lived many years in Brunswick, Ga., before moving to Fernandina Beach, where he presently resided. He was a 1965 graduate of Glynn Academy and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving in the Vietnam War as a staff sergeant with the Military Police from 1966-1970. David was owner of Caribbean Breeze, but for most of his working career, he was involved in automotive sales. He was also a member of Glynn Baptist Church. David enjoyed fishing, golfing and having lunch with his buddies.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Stevie Capps; his stepmother, Winifred Capps; and his stepsister, Anita Cotney Jones.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Capps of Fernandina Beach; son, Bryan (B.T.) Thompson of St. Simons Island, Ga.; two sisters, Pam Capps Allred and husband Jim of Interlachen, and Chandra Capps Kendall and husband Steve of St. Simons Island; stepsister, Andrea Kennison and husband David of Naples; five brothers-in-law, Elton Stubbs and wife Peggy, John Stubbs and wife Marie, Bobby Stubbs and wife Merry, Richard Stubbs and wife Debby, and Jimmy Stubbs, all of St. Simons Island; sister-in-law, Cindy Williams and husband Ricky of St. Simons Island; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In order to honor David’s request, the family asked that the attire be casual at the service.

A memorial service was held Monday morning, Oct. 17, in the Chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Darrell Joiner officiating. Inurnment followed at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Ga., with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Coastal Georgia Honor Flight, P.O. Box 20466, St. Simons Island, GA 31522; Golden Isles Walk To Emmaus, 139 Altama Connector, Suite 355, Brunswick, GA 31525; or Glynn Baptist Church, 5017 Douglas Thalmann St., Brunswick GA 31523.

Arrangements are entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium in Brunswick. www.edomillerandsonsfuneralhome.com

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick, Ga.

Duane (Papa) Dukes, 61, of Yulee, passed away Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

He was born July 11, 1955, in Jacksonville, and moved to Yulee as a child. He has since been a lifelong resident of Yulee.

He was a dedicated employee of Coker Industrial. He loved sports, hunting and fishing, and made the best barbecue in Nassau County. Duane always put his family first.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jay and Elma Dukes; his mother-in-law, Adele Fiala; and his brother, Jerry Dukes.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Claire Dukes; a son, Bryce Dukes (Laura) of St. Marys; a daughter, Carrie George (Mel) of Melbourne Beach; one brother, Al Dukes (Becky) of Melbourne; three grandchildren, Wyatt George, Raleigh George and James Dukes; nieces and nephews, Sonia Mason (Timmy), Allen Dukes (Kathy), Amy Freese (Jerry), Jerry Dukes, Angie Newman and Cindy Smith; and numerous other family members.

The family will celebrate Duane’s life from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Duane and Claire’s home. Come as you are and share your best memories of Duane with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Duane at Freedom Hunters (www.freedomhunters.org).

To sign Mr. Dukes' online register book, please go to the Green Pine Funeral Home website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. Robert William “Bobby” Gill, 68, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Blackshear, Ga., he was the second of six children born to the late Nolan Archie and Ruth Brown Gill. As an infant, he and his family moved to Fernandina with his father’s career at Container Corporation of America. Bobby grew up in Fernandina, where he attended school before being drafted into the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a radio operator. At the close of the Vietnam conflict and having received an honorable discharge, he returned to Fernandina Beach, where he later met and married Janet Dale Caulkins of Callahan. Upon returning home after serving in the USMC, he accepted employment with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer and dispatcher. He later joined ITT Rayonier as a welder, where he remained until retiring in the early 2000s. He, his wife and their children made their home in Fernandina Beach until moving off the island in 1994.

Bobby grew up as a Baptist and, upon meeting and marrying Janet, began following the Methodist faith.

He was a member of Brickyard Hunting Club, which was founded by his father. Bobby enjoyed hunting, fishing and any out-of-doors activity. Known as the family handyman, he could fix anything presented to him in nonworking condition.

Mr. Gill leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Janet Gill of Fernandina Beach; children, Alina Gill of Fernandina Beach, Weston Gill and his wife, Emily, of Fernandina Beach, and Robert W. “Robbie” Gill; a sister, Brenda Rowe of Yulee; three brothers, Nolan A. Gill Jr. of Hilliard, Cecil Gill of Fernandina Beach and Michael Gill of Fernandina Beach; two grandchildren, Amanda Smith and William Alvin Rimes IV; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Maxwell Hall of Memorial United Methodist Church of Fernandina Beach with the Rev. Drew Weseman officiating.

Mr. Gill’s family will receive friends Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service in Maxwell Hall.

He will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors.

Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Funeral services for Mr. Tracy L. Locker, 83, of Fernandina Beach will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard. Mr. Locker will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. with military honors.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Rosemary Walraven, 62, formerly of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 in Palm Bay Hospital, Palm Bay.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ronald Bruce Wilder Jr., 39, of Fernandina Beach, owner and operator of Johnny’s Electric, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. Arrangements will be announced later.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Toni Renee Causey, 42, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Wednesday morning, Oct. 18, 2016.

She was born Aug. 31, 1974, in Jacksonville, and was otherwise a lifelong resident of the Fernandina Beach area.

She was a teacher at Yulee Elementary School, where she worked in the Exceptional Student Education department and taught third through fifth grades. She was dedicated to her profession and loved the children.

Toni was talented with crafts and loved decorating for Christmas. She always had a smile on her face and loved making other people happy. She put others before herself. She loved hosting family gatherings and holiday events in her home and was an excellent cook. Toni was a devoted wife and mother.

She was predeceased by her mother, Debbie Cox, who passed away in 2012.

Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Robert Causey; her son, Zachary Causey; daughter, Mackenzie Causey, all of Fernandina Beach; and her father, Ernie Cox and stepmother Debra Cox of Yulee.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the ESE department at Yulee Elementary School.

To sign Mrs. Causey's online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jack W. Kruse, 81, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, in Fernandina Beach. He was formerly of Elida, Ohio.

He was born Jan. 6, 1935, in Lima, Ohio, to Olive Bigelow and D. William Kruse, who preceded him in death.

On Aug. 21, 1955, he married Margie E. James, who preceded him in death on July 6, 1999.

Jack served in the Army in Germany during the Korean War. He owned and operated Kruse Distributors, servicing Lima and the surrounding area. He was active in the oil business, both on-site and consulting, until his late 70s. He was a member of the Lima Beane Barbershop Chorus and sang lead in the Expression Marks Quartet.

Survivors include a son, Koby (Monica) Kruse of California; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Charlotte (Robert) Paullin of Cairo, Ohio, and Cheryl (Larry) Dunlap of Harrod, Ohio.

His sister, Margaret (Dwight) Diller, preceded him in death.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with the Rev. Ida Iverson of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church officiating.

Burial will follow on Tuesday in Greenlawn Cemetery in Elida.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, www.mesorfa.org/support.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Our beloved “Suga,” Virginia C. Landers, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

She was born in Caswell County, N.C., and moved to Richmond, Va., where she spent most of her adult life. Ms. Landers was active for many years in the Red Hat Ladies, Order of the Eastern Star and Friendship Baptist Church of Chester, Va., where she sang in the choir. Upon moving to Fernandina Beach, she joined First Baptist Church.

She enjoyed working as a dental assistant for 20 years in Richmond. Ms. Landers loved cooking, baking and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed crocheting and fruitcake parties with old neighbors and friends.

She was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Susan Hammond; a sister, Dorothy Haufler; and brothers, Earl Crumpton and Wallace Crumpton.

She leaves behind her daughter, Dottie Richards (Charles) of Fernandina Beach; and a son, Neil M. Fisher of Statesville, N.C.; along with brothers, Ronald Crumpton (Joyce) of Danville, Va., and Clarence Crumpton (Cotton) of Winter Haven; and grandchildren, Charles Richards Jr., Natalie Richards, Lauren Chauncey, Keri Stinnett, Benjamin Hammond Jr., Robert Fisher and Ashby Seyler-Schmidt. She was dearly loved by her great-grandchildren, Kassidy Fisher, Matison Smith, Ally Richards, Harper and Ryan Chauncey, and Jacob and Mackenzie Seyler-Schmidt.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Burgess Chapel, with receiving of friends one hour prior to service time.

Interment will be at Bosque Bello Cemetery following the service.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

DEATH NOTICES

Mr. Dwayne Eugene "Douger" Carroll, 57, of Yulee, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Barbara L. Hauber, 78, of Hilliard, passed away on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Carolyn F. Hennemann, 65, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ms. Barbara Miller, 76, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at the Warner Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Patricia Thompson, 77, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Rosemary Walraven, 62, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

The Rev. Rosella Pelham-Gadson, doctor of theology, 81, slept away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016.

She leaves to cherish her memories loving children, Patricia (Leon) Cribb, Jerome (Claudia) Way, Everette (Kendra) Way, Reginald Way and Vivian Way; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grands; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at River of Praise Worship Center, 2188 St. Mark Drive, Yulee. Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Solid Rock Church of God by Faith, 86138 Palm Tree Drive, Yulee, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service at River of Praise. Interment will be in the Elmore-Wiley Cemetery.

Professional services from the heart in care of Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, 2212 Emerson St., 399-4150.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, Jacksonville

The Rev. Rosella Pelham-Gadson, doctor of theology, 81, slept away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016.

She leaves to cherish her memories loving children, Patricia (Leon) Cribb, Jerome (Claudia) Way, Everette (Kendra) Way, Reginald Way and Vivian Way; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grands; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at River of Praise Worship Center, 2188 St. Mark Drive, Yulee. Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Solid Rock Church of God by Faith, 86138 Palm Tree Drive, Yulee, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service at River of Praise. Interment will be in the Elmore-Wiley Cemetery.

Professional services from the heart in care of Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, 2212 Emerson St., 399-4150.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home, Jacksonville

Leslie F. Hecker, 55, of Miami, passed away in Jacksonville on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Born on Oct. 22, 1960, she was the daughter of the late Earl E. and JoAnne K. Hecker. As a young girl she moved to Coral Gables, where she graduated Class of 1978.

Leslie obtained a bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado Boulder and then graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. She practiced law for many years in South Florida. Leslie loved to travel and had a fondness for Paris. She was an avid snow skier and enjoyed skiing around the world. Leslie loved animals, especially her two poodles, Remy and Lucca.

She leaves behind her sisters, Susan R. Hecker of Jacksonville and Mimi D. McKenna of Yulee; as well as her brother, Frederick P. Hecker of Orlando; two nieces, Sarah Samford and Macall Dyer; and a nephew, Adam Dyer.

A celebration of her life will be held in South Florida in early November. Memorials may be made in Leslie’s name to the Coastal Poodle Rescue, P.O. Box 121142, Melbourne, FL 32912; (321) 459-2652.

A gathering will take place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Cafe Max, 2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. Memorial will start at 2:30 p.m. 

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Ronald Bruce Wilder Jr., 39, of Yulee, passed away on Thursday morning, Oct. 20, 2016.

Born in Jacksonville, he was the only son born to Ronald B. Wilder Sr. and Sandra Kay Hyers Wilder. Bruce grew up in Nassauville and was a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1995. Soon after graduating from high school, he joined White Electrical Co. in Jacksonville and entered the apprenticeship program to become a licensed electrician. Upon completing his certification as a master electrician, he and his cousin partnered together and opened Johnny’s Electric in Fernandina Beach.

Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and supporting any out-of-doors activity that could enrich a child’s life. He supported and gave to his community by sponsoring Little League baseball teams, band events, cheerleading and buying anything that a child came selling. He could be found volunteering at various community and school events that his children and other children were involved in. Bruce was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers.

As a child, he and his family attended Springhill Baptist Church. Presently he, Leslie and the kids were attending Journey Church.

Anyone who knew Bruce will remember his smile, his love for his family as a husband, father, brother and son, and his affection for new trucks.

Bruce leaves behind his wife, Leslie Land Wilder; their children, Cali, Cameron and Cole; godchildren, Jemma and Jayda Russell; his parents, Ronnie and Sandra Wilder; his grandfather, Mallory D. Wilder; his sister, Dana Shiver and her husband, Brian, and their children, Hannah and Brenna; his in-laws, Paul and Becky Land; a sister-in-law, Paulette Chan and her husband, Ming, and their children, Emilee, Evan and Ellie; a brother-in-law, Wade Land and his wife, Courtney, and their children, Lilly and Laney; and many extended family members and friends.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Journey Church.

Bruce was laid to rest in the Wilder Family Cemetery.

His employees and co-workers served as honorary pallbearers.

His family received friends Monday, Oct. 24, at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. 

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Cynthia Gill Majczak, 59, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at Memorial Hospital.

Eternity Funeral Homes and Cremations – Nassau

William James "L.A." Lohr, 53, of Yulee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, surrounded by his family in the care of Community Hospice – Warner Center in Fernandina Beach. He will be laid to rest in the Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors at a later date.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Ronald E. Palmquist, 73, of Fernandina Beach, died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016.

David Everette Slemp Jr., 43, of Callahan, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Funeral services for Rosemary Celeste Walraven, 62, formerly of Fernandina Beach, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach. She will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery. The repast will follow in St. Michael's parish hall. Her family will receive friends and family on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5-8 p.m. in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, where the vigil service will be conducted at 6 p.m.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jane W. McGuire, 78, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016.

She was born Sept. 30, 1938, in Yadkin County, N.C., and moved to Fernandina Beach from Titusville in 2008.

She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Charles E. McGuire Sr., in 2010.

Survivors include three sons, Charles E. "Ed" McGuire (Trudy) of Locust Grove, Ga., Richard L. "Ric" McGuire (Laura) of Fernandina Beach, and Kenneth M. "Ken" McGuire of Titusville; one sister, Carol Lewis (Gerald) of Winston-Salem, N.C.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in the chapel of Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors, McDonough, Ga. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Jonesboro, Ga.

To sign Mrs. McGuire's online register book, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Local arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Kathryn M. Jordan, 66, of Yulee, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at Baptist Hospital in downtown Jacksonville.

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

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

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

The family will be holding a small private service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements under the direction and care of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch, Callahan Funeral Home Inc.

For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Callahan Funeral Home Inc.

Mrs. Carolyn Faye Hennemann, 65, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Monday evening, Oct. 24, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Columbia, S.C., she was the eldest of four children born to the late L.G. and Louise Caughman. She was a graduate of Dreher High School in Columbia, Class of 1969. In 1981 she married Harry E. Hennemann, a Marine Corps recruiter whom she had met in Jacksonville. After their marriage, the newlyweds relocated with his reassignments. Mrs. Hennemann had always worked in sales, for many years with Sears Roebuck and Co. in Jacksonville, N.C.; Albany, Ga.; and Orange Park. Most recently she worked with Enterprise Rental Agency at the Jacksonville International Airport and in Fernandina Beach. She and her husband have made their home in Fernandina Beach since 1994.

Mrs. Hennemann enjoyed living near the beach, time shopping with her daughter, Cynthia, and science fiction movies. 

She had been a Southern Baptist since childhood.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Leland Caughman.

She leaves behind her husband, Harry E. Hennemann of Fernandina Beach; two daughters, Lisa McLeod of Middleburg and Cynthia Bingham and her husband, Don, of Yulee; a brother, Lynn Caughman of South Carolina; a sister, Christine Laughead of South Carolina; three grandchildren, Hunter and Travis McLeod, and Brandon Bingham; and her rescue Lhasa Apso, Mayhem.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Please share her Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Elaine M. Dolan, 86, of Amelia Island, passed away on Thursday morning, Oct. 13, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Woburn, Mass., she was the second of three children and last living child born to the late George William and Ellen Connolly Adams. She grew up in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1946. As the head cheerleader in high school, she was acquainted with a classmate and football player, Philip Bernard Dolan. During the summer of 1946, while visiting Foley Beach, she made the first advance toward Mr. Dolan, whom she would marry in 1951. Immediately after their being wed, Mr. Dolan returned to his U.S. Coast Guard assignment, leaving Mrs. Dolan in Woburn, where she raised their first child, Philip, and worked as a telephone operator and supervisor with AT&T. In 1954, her husband was discharged from active duty and returned home to pursue a long and successful career with Sears Roebuck and Co. In 1957, the Dolans welcomed their daughter Kristen. In the late 1960s, her husband’s career moved the family to New Jersey before relocating to Roswell, Ga., in the late 1970s. Since 1992, the Dolans have been residents of the Amelia Island Plantation.

Mrs. Dolan was a competitive bridge player and enjoyed gardening, golf, painting and collecting 1800s period Asian antiques.

She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Philip B. Dolan of Amelia Island; their son, Philip Dolan of Maynard, Mass.; their daughter, Kristen E. Dolan, of Beaufort, N.C.; and two grandsons, Philip Patrick Dolan and Timothy Adams Dolan.

Services will be held at a later date.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Walter Howard Bunch, 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Elsie Eller, 86, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Emmett Horne, 79, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

John Henry Thornhill, 72, of Fernandina Beach, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at his home.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Jeanette C. Beard, native of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at Haven Hospice in Orange Park after a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Jeanette, born in Jacksonville on Oct. 27, 1942, is the daughter of the late James A. and Doris M. Beard.

After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, Jeanette spent a year studying at the St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. She read that the Army needed women to train and work as nurses. It was 1961; she enlisted in the Army. During basic training, a call was issued for anyone who had ever played an instrument to come forward to audition for the Women’s Army Corps Band. With her training in music, playing the flute and piccolo (under the tutorage of Bud Hill, band director, Fernandina Beach Junior and Senior high schools), Jeanette had to show them what she could do. Suddenly, she was no longer a nurse in training, but a member of the (WAC) United States Women’s Army Corps Band.

Jeanette attended and graduated from the Little Creek School of Music located near Norfolk, Va.

The WAC Band marched and played for every graduation and special event taking place at Fort McClellan, Ala. The band had the opportunity to march in JFK’s inaugural parade, the Rose Bowl Parade and traveled extensively throughout the nation.

In 1973, Jeanette was assigned to the United States Armed Forces Ground Command Band, Fort McPherson, Ga., where she remained until her retirement in 1985. She retired with the rank of master sergeant and was only 42.

Jeanette’s love and compassion for abandoned, hurt and neglected dogs sent her to school to train as a pet groomer. She eventually had a wonderful thriving business using that passion and skill in grooming, adopting and fostering hundreds of dogs over the years.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, James and Doris Beard; a brother, Jim Beard; and nephews, David Beard and Jim Brunner.

She is survived by a brother, Jerry Beard (Joyce) of White House, Tenn.; two sisters, Marla Vondane, (James) of Fernandina Beach and Brenda Brunner of Orange Park; nieces, Laura Brunner, Wendy McGaskey (Oscar) and Bethany Tay (Jeff); and nephews, Jason Douglas and Jeffrey Smith.

A memorial service will be held in the Burgess Chapel at the Oxley-Heard Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 1:30 p.m. Family visitation will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 745 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32065; and Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 2067, Orange Park, FL 32067.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nicholai Capallia-Bird, 9, and Nehemiah Capallia-Bird, 8, of Fernandina Beach, joined their Savior Jesus Christ in heaven Oct. 22, 2016. Born in St. Marys, they were both students at Yulee Elementary School.

Nick and Nehemiah thrived in everything they did. Both were honor students performing at the top of their classes. They both loved to make people smile.

Nick was a sports lover who enjoyed wrestling, swimming, snorkeling, football, basketball, hunting, fishing and four-wheeling with his friends and siblings, including Nehemiah, who was his best friend.

Nehemiah was so full of the Holy Spirit. He could make anyone laugh – no one could be upset around him. He loved soccer, baseball, playing catch, swimming, surfing, running and bicycling. He was protective of his sister and best friend, Nina Capallia-Bird.

Both boys faithfully attended school clubs as well as Awana at Springhill Baptist Church.

They are survived by their sisters, Naomie Coral Eason, Nina Capallia-Bird and Marleigh Ferguson; mother, Tonya Capallia-Eason (Matthew Dennis); father, Andrew Lee Bird (Sarah Bird); grandfather, Ralph Capallia; grandmother, Mildred Shelton; grandmother, Angela Dooley; grandfather, Keith Bird; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Nick and Nehemiah will live on forever, as they were full of the Holy Spirit and we know they are walking with the Lord today.

A celebration of their lives will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Springhill Baptist Church, 941017 Old Nassauville Road, Fernandina Beach.