Darrell Lee Crane Sr., 52, of Hilliard, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Funeral services will be announced.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Michael Cook, 58, of Jacksonville, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at his home.

Mr. Cook was born Dec. 2, 1957, in Jacksonville to Louis Nolan Cook and Rose Marie Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Mr. Cook is survived by his father, Louis Nolan Cook; stepmother, Janet Bradley Cook; brothers and sisters, Nola Soo Hoo (Thomas) of Clifton Park, N.Y., Daniel Cook (Gloria) of Middleburg, and Peggy Hatch (Gregory) of Pleasanton, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at Nassau Baptist Temple, 101 Blackrock Road, Yulee, with Pastor Al Paulson officiating.

Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home of Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas “Tommy” Clyde Erdmann, affectionately known as “Hot Shot,” 19, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016.

He was born in Fernandina Beach, the son of Thomas J. Erdmann and Christina Rumsey. Throughout middle school, Tommy played baseball and football and developed a love for karate. Upon entering Fernandina High School, he began wrestling, which he continued until graduating from Yulee High School in 2015. After high school, he mentored and assisted younger students pursuing the sport of wrestling. After graduation, Tommy followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and pursued enlistment in the United States military. While awaiting his deployment date to basic training with the United States Marine Corps, he worked with the recruiters in transitioning and motivating prospective recruits. Most recently, Tommy had worked at Jiffy Lube on Eighth Street and had worked as a server at Pablo’s and the Verandah Restaurant. Since childhood, he had traveled throughout the United States and various foreign countries with his grandparents, including Germany, Switzerland and Japan. His world travels and German heritage rendered Tommy bilingual and fluent in German and English.

He enjoyed being the disc jockey at home get-togethers with his friends and time spent at Club 14 Fitness Center.

Tommy had attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Clyde Goodbread, who passed away in 2012.

He leaves behind his father, Thomas Erdmann of Fernandina Beach; his paternal grandmother, Jutta Goodbread of Fernandina Beach; his mother, Christina Rumsey of Quincy, Fla.; siblings, Hannah Erdmann, Dwight Erdmann, Destiny Bramstedt and Robert Little; several aunts and uncles, including an uncle, Stefan Erdmann and his wife, Cheryl; and a large number of cousins and extended family members.

Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with Pastor Ida Iverson officiating.

Tommy will be laid to rest in Hughes Cemetery.

His family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the hour of service.

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

Oxley–Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. James Eugene “Gene” Graham, 89, of Amelia Island, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Lafayette, Ga., he was one of the three children, and the last living child, born to the late Walter and Exie Adams Graham. He grew up in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he attended the Baylor School, was a member of the Apollo Boys Choir and the graduating Class of 1943. After graduating from Baylor he attended the University of Tennessee, where he graduated as a business major. He later attended and earned his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in Boston in 1958.

His professional career began at the early age of 18, when he owned radio stations in Ohio and Georgia. He worked for and served as vice president of the Cavalier Corp. of Chattanooga and served as chairman and CEO of Medical Disposables Corp. of Marietta, Ga., before owning and serving as president of three long-term care facilities in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Bradenton.

Mr. Graham was an avid and accomplished golfer and was a member of the Honors Course in Chattanooga, the Amelia Island Club and the Harvard Club of New York City.

He and his wife have been residents of the Amelia Island Plantation since 1993, where they were members of Amelia Plantation Chapel.

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Graham leaves behind his wife, Barbara Davison Graham of Amelia Island; children, Emily G. Mingledorff and her husband, Chris, of Charleston, S.C., Barbara Lee Black and her husband, Ray White, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and William Brian Black of Atlanta; grandchildren, Madison, Molly and George Mingledorff of Charleston, and Hamilton Black of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

To celebrate the life of Mr. Graham; a luncheon will be held on Monday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ocean Club of the Amelia Island Plantation.

If so desired, memorial gifts may be made in his honor to the Baylor School, 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405; or to the Baptist Health Foundation, 1250 S. 18h St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Robert William “Billy” Griffin, 75, of Fernandina Beach, passed away at his home on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016.

Born in Fernandina, he was the son of the late Daniel Webster and Jane McDonald Griffin. Billy grew up in Fernandina and was a graduate of Fernandina High School, Class of 1960. After graduation, he worked for a short time with ITT Rayonier and Terminal Bag before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served in Germany as a teletype operator with the 4th Armored Division of the 24th Engineering Battalion until being honorably discharged in 1965. Upon returning home, he worked with Rayonier until joining Florida Public Utilities. Billy always was behind the wheel of Truck No. 39 and retired in 2005 after 39 years of service to the residents of Nassau County.

Billy was a great man of faith.

He enjoyed fishing, camping and ministering to the souls of those that were lost.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Tiffany, who passed away on Nov. 18, and two brothers, Danny and Jimmy Griffin.

Billy leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Blanche Barber Griffin; a daughter, Shan Mason and her husband, Duncan, of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Charles Griffin and his wife, Kathy Freeman, of Yulee; a sister, Jane F. Garner and her husband, Harry, of Decatur, Ala.; three grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Williams (David), William Jaden Griffin, Cody Clayton Hufstetler and too many extended family members to list.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at First Assembly of God of Fernandina Beach with Dr. James K. Pringle of Jacksonville officiating.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Tiffany Celeste Griffin passed away on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, following a brief illness. She was born on Aug. 30, 1974, to Robert (Billy) Griffin and Blanche Barber Griffin.

Tiffany graduated from Denise Carol Modeling Agency of Jacksonville at age 16. She worked in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville.

After graduating from high school, she went to Florida State College at Jacksonville and transferred to nursing school in Georgia. She loved to cook and read, listen to music and especially nighttime prayers with her sons.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dan W. and Jane Griffin of Fernandina Beach, and maternal grandparents were Albert and Iona Barber of Fernandina Beach.

As a family, we thank you all for touching her life and for allowing her to touch yours. Helping others who needed her was her greatest joy.

Tiffany temporarily leaves behind two wonderful sons, William Jaden Griffin, 20, and Cody Clayton Hufstetler, 13.  She also leaves behind a sister, Shan (Duncan) Mason of Fernandina Beach, and a loving niece, Lauren (David) Williams of Yulee. There are too many aunts, uncles, cousins and their families to count at this time.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the First Assembly of God of Fernandina Beach with Dr. James K. Pringle Jr. of Jacksonville officiating.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Beverly “Bev” Hegarty, M.D., departed this life on Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 2016.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, John “Jack” Hegarty; her daughter, Suzanne Peregrine (Michael) and their sons, her grandsons, William, Peter and Samuel; and her daughter, Holly Jehle (Michael) and their sons, her grandsons, Christopher, David and John; and her son, John Hegarty III and his daughter, her granddaughter, Kathryn.

Dr. Hegarty lived in Detroit and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Glencoe, Ill., prior to relocating to the Amelia Island Plantation in 2001. She and her husband had spent time each year for more than two decades at the Plantation before making Amelia Island their permanent home.

She graduated from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan Medical School before practicing medicine at Sinai Hospital and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She was president of her medical sorority and a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission in Yulee with the Rev. Father Rafal Mazurowski, celebrant.

Dr. Hegarty will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army – Northeast Florida Nassau County Hope House, 410 S. Ninth St., Fernandina Beach, FL  32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Winona Council Harter Jones, 87, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of Yulee.

She was the daughter of the late James Ivy and Elizabeth Council.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Lee Harter Sr.; and brothers, Jimmy Council and Jerry Council.

She is survived by a daughter, Gloria Harter Jones; son, Robert Lee Harter Jr. (Nancy); daughter, Teresa Buckhalt (Greg); son, Pat Harter (Carol); eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Ms. Jones was a graduate of Yulee High School. She later was employed by the Jacksonville City Zoological Park. She retired after 20-plus years of employment with the Department of Agricultural Inspection. Winona was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police as well as the Police Benevolent Association.

For many years, she was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church in Yulee.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1:30 p.m. at Blackrock Baptist Church, with the family receiving friends at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest following the service in Hughes Cemetery with Nassau County law-enforcement honors.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mr. Walter E. Buser, 90, formerly of Atlantic Beach, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William Joseph Fussell Jr., 65, of Hilliard, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, in Jacksonville.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Jean Ann Hanna, 91, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Christopher Allen Harris Jr., 31, of Hilliard, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Maxie Wayne Hinkle Jr., 44, of Yulee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in the care of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida at St. Vincent’s Hospital –Riverside.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Alan Brian McIntyre Jr., 38, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Del Ray Wood, 31, of Callahan, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Ronald Odell Brizele was born to the late Hiron Floyd and Idlet Williams on Aug. 4, 1954, in Jacksonville. He departed this life Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016.

Ronald was a 1972 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School. Mr. Brizele served in the United States Army from 1973 through 1977. He was hired by the Police Department on March 25, 1985, and retired from full-time employment on July 30, 2010. He then served as a reserve police officer until August 2016.

During his career with the FBPD, he served in patrol operations, investigative services and as a school resource officer. He was a certified hostage negotiator, and was the 1997 Police Officer of the Year.

Ron was characterized by co-workers as “very well-liked and respected throughout the community and dedicated to the youth of our island.” He routinely volunteered hours of time to the Police Athletic League program and was the original PAL program coordinator. He was dedicated to the law enforcement profession and was known to go the extra mile for anyone in need of help.

He leaves to cherish his memory an aunt who raised him, Elizabeth Russell; five children, Cherrie Perkins, Sherrie (Vernice) Albertie, LaToya Brizele, Kason (Andrea) Brizele and Orlando (Trenicee) Brizele; 13 grandchildren, Monisha Perkins, DeAndrea Perkins, James Johnson, Nautica Glanton, Santaurus Brizele, Maurice Fleming, Deontae Albertie, DiJon Savage, Taylor Tripp, Alana Tripp, Jordan Brizele, Quiari Brizele and Zakari Brizele; five great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Veronica Brizele, Charles, Hiron (Bernadette), Constance, Theola (Charles), Idella (Bernard), Judy, Patricia, Reather Gail, Dennis (Alice), Wayne (Gail), Terry (Ernistine), Valerie (Nathan), Rosalyn, Vanessa (Marceus), Onnie Bell (Sean), Hiram, Patricia (Bryan), Ptomely, Michell (John), Annanday (John), Paul, Sharleen, Victor (Lillie) Russell, Efrem (T’Lana) Russell, Michael (Angie) Russell, Melvin (Annette) Russell, Charlie (Charlet) Russell, Anthony Russell Sr., Donzell ( Emmanuel) Perry, Vonzell Parker and Zachery (Gwen) Russell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special niece and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Nakita Raysor; and special friends, Tracey Hamilton, April Brigman, Josh Simmons, Annette Perry, Robert Severance Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith.

A public viewing will be held at the Elm Street Church of God, 502 S. 11^th St., Fernandina Beach, on Friday, Dec. 16, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Assembly of God, 302 S. 14^th St., Fernandina Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. Family and friends may also view from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of the service on Saturday at the church.

Interment will be held in the Bosque Bello Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 12:15 p.m. at 212 N. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home; Roderic D. Feacher, LFDIC; Laprinzo M. Banks, LFD; 410 Beech St., Fernandina Beach; 261-4367.

Huff & Battise Funeral Home

Tammie Sue Frank, 54, of Yulee, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Salem, Ark., she was one of three children born to J.D. and Patsy Jean James Comstock. Tammie had made Nassau County her home since 1991.

She leaves behind, her son, Casey Frank of Yulee; her daughter, Sarah Frank of Fernandina Beach; and a sister, Judy Pilgrim, and brother, Jack Comstock, both of Mountain Home, Ark.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Genearle Christine Hughes, 90, of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Katy, Texas.

Genearle was born to Paul and Melva Casey Lotspeich on Nov. 21, 1926, in Jacksonville. Genearle attended and graduated from Yulee High School in 1944. In the following years, Genearle moved to Fernandina Beach, where she began working at the Rayonier Pulp and Paper Co. There, she met her husband, Thomas Hughes, of North Carolina. Genearle and Tom married on Sept. 20, 1950, and celebrated 63 years of a loving partnership prior to Tom’s death in 2013.

Over the years, Genearle and Tom lived an adventurous life, relocating several times with their two daughters and traveling extensively. Tom and Genearle visited 49 states in their motor home, including 18 trips to Alaska to visit their daughter’s family. In later years, the duo traveled around the world with a Lake Jackson travel group. The Lake Jackson library provided Genearle and Tom with a constant flow of reading material in their home; Genearle preferred nonfiction, especially biographies. Their love of reading and learning was imparted to their children and grandchildren, who they encouraged toward higher education.

Genearle attended First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson and belonged to the Lake Jackson Garden Club. Genearle was an avid tennis player, a music lover, and was appreciated for her gardening and exceptional culinary skills.

Genearle was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mitchell Hughes; her parents, Paul and Melva Lotspeich; and her sister, Mary Julia Stovall.

Genearle is survived by her brothers, William (Sue) Lotspeich of North Augusta, S.C., and Lacewell (Martha) Lotspeich of Dallas; children, Sherida (Mike) Carpenter of Katy and Christine (Marc) Mahaffey of Bastrop, Texas; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony at Restwood Funeral Home. If friends or family are moved to make a charitable contribution to honor her life, the family suggests the Alzheimer’s Association.

Restwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Clute, Texas

From the greatest generation, Charles Theodore Lueckenhoff (Luke), 96, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Amelia Island on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.

Born in Jefferson City, Mo., he was the second youngest and last living of six children born to the late George Joseph and Mathilda R. Schulte Lueckenhoff. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jessie, with whom he enjoyed 52 years of marriage before her death in 1999.

He grew up in Jefferson City, where he graduated from St. Peter’s High School before being drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served on active duty in the European Theater, where he rose to the rank of chief master sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged in the late 1940s, he assumed the civilian position in procurement at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. He rose to be the deputy chief of procurement (GS-16) before he retired in 1987.

Luke was a faithful servant at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins since 1950. He dedicated himself in innumerable ways both large and small, which contributed to the development and loving spirit of the parish. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, where he cherished his dear friendships. 

Affectionately known by his family as “Dida,” he was a gentle man with the spirit of a servant, always being more concerned about the well-being of others before his own. In his retired years, he enjoyed bird-watching, airplanes (he could tell you what each contrail meant), working the crossword puzzles in The New York Times, gardening with his grandchildren and fishing.

During his stay on Amelia Island, he cherished his YMCA friends. He exercised three days a week. They had become his extended family who added great joy to his life and contributed greatly to his well-being.

Luke was the cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather of the family he loved. He leaves behind his twin daughters, Carla R. Hartrich and her husband, John, of Fernandina Beach, Antonia “Toni” Zinn and her husband, David, of Anniston, Ala.; nine adoring grandchildren, David Zinn, Andrew C. Zinn (Beth Hill Zinn), Mora Zinn Carlson (James), John Paul Zinn, Michael Zinn, Dominique Zinn, Jennifer Hartrich Schriver, Christie Hartrich Bronstein (Michael) and Julie Hartrich Herbig (James C. Herbig Jr.); 14 precious great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Nina Kern.

Luke will be remembered as a gentle servant, a quiet presence, who filled the room with wisdom.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Thursday, Dec. 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warner Robins, with the Rev. Father Fred Nijem, celebrant.

His family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Patricia Garner Piper was born May 8, 1931, and died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Donald Hugh Piper.

Pat loved to sew, quilt and garden, and was an awesome cook. Her buttermilk biscuits and pear relish were legend. She loved to square dance and took riding lessons, but because she didn't like riding horses and wanted to keep up with Don, she then learned to drive a buggy instead.  She played the piano and loved to get everyone singing. One of her favorites was to assign a line from “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to everyone who showed up for Christmas dinner to sing their “solo” part! She started work at Blue Cross Blue Shield after graduation from high school, in Jacksonville, married her high school sweetheart, moved to Fernandina, worked at Hardee Bros. hardware store, then raised her family. She was a Girl Scout leader and kept all the kids and their friends and neighborhood kids busy with activities when they showed up. She loved her volunteer work at the local state parks, River Rise, O’Leno and Dudley Farms, and once made the curtains for the director’s office at Fort Clinch.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of High Springs, Fla., and had been a member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach and Yulee Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, predeceasing her were her parents, Charlotte Ward and William “Pete” Jabez Garner; a brother, William (Billy) Jabez Garner Jr., and a sister, Frances Garner Grant.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Piper of Fernandina Beach and Cynthia Piper Evers of Fort White; a son, Lawrence (Carol) Piper of Jacksonville; brothers, Jim Garner and Richard Garner; five grandkids; eight great-grandkids; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Haven Hospice, Chiefland (Fla.) Branch; Ayers Health & Rehabilitation Center of Trenton, Fla.; or First Baptist Church of High Springs.

Services will be held at Evans Carter Funeral Home Chapel in High Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.

A graveside service will be held at Luxomni Baptist Church Cemetery in Lilburn, Ga., on Friday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. Graveside arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home, Lilburn.

Evans Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Judith Ellen Fiege Tinsley, 76, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach after an extended illness.

Born April 3, 1940, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., Judy moved to Fernandina Beach with her family in 1948.

Judy attended Fernandina Beach High School, where she played the clarinet with the award-winning Fernandina High School band under the direction of Jonathan Hill. She graduated with the Class of 1959.

Judy enjoyed being a homemaker and loved surf fishing and days spent visiting and traveling with her many special friends, playing bingo and attending area social events.

In 1983, Judy survived a brain aneurysm that changed the her life forever. After a long recovery, she thrived and still enjoyed getting out and spending time with friends and family.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jacob Fiege and Juanita Lescallette Fiege; a brother, Robert O. Fiege Sr.; special sister-in-law, Betty Beckham Fiege; and a niece, Mandy Stover.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Lynn Tinsley, Sally Ann Taylor and Albert Lee Tinsley Jr. (Bernadette Talmo), all of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Emma Lee (Larrie) Wright, of Fernandina Beach; grandchildren, Stephen Taylor (Mandy) of St. Marys and Ashley “Sissy” Lyle (Brent) of Fernandina Beach; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Nathan Taylor and Kadence; and nephews, Robert, Terry and Phillip Fiege of Fernandina Beach, and Lance Stover (Misty) of North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:15 a.m., at Eternity Funeral Home, 96092 Victoria’s Place, Yulee, with the Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation and love to the many caregivers and the staff and “family” of Quality Health and other local organizations for the years of loving and professional care provided to Judy.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Daryl A. Hersey Sr., 66, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. No local services are planned.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joseph Maurice Sprague, 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. A memorial service was held Monday evening, Dec. 12, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mrs. Jean Gemmill Hanna, 91, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Born on Dec. 29, 1924, in Richmond, Va., Jean was the daughter of the late Arthur Vernon and Fern Choisser Gemmill. After living in many different places, in 1952 she married Winford Howard Hanna and moved to Fernandina Beach, where she lived the rest of her life. In 1996, her husband, Howard, passed away.

Jean was a longtime member of Memorial United Methodist Church, the Magnolia Garden Club, the Pool Dancers and the Gen. Duncan Lamont  Clinch Historical Society. She enjoyed her worldwide travels and playing bridge and mah-jongg.

Jean is survived by her three children, Kay Stephens of Fernandina Beach, husband Calvin and daughters Kayla and Hanna; Virginia Broome of Williamsburg, Va., husband Chris and daughter Abby; and Carol Piper of Jacksonville, husband Lawrence, his daughter Ashley Piper Taylor and her three children Burgandy, Salem and Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, in Maxwell Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Beth Foglemiller officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in Maxwell Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor her life may be made to the Memorial United Methodist Church (MUMC) Building Fund, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of his own mind. - By Kahlil Gibran

Rychard S. Cook II, called home by our Lord on July 19, 2016, was the youngest of three siblings. His life was shared by older sisters who preceded him in death: Dr. Nettie Cook- Dove (Joshua Jr.) and Laura Lee Cook. The three were reared by his mother's oldest sister, the late Ms. Annie M. Cook, an elementary school teacher and strict disciplinarian to whom good manners were imperative.

A native Fernandinian, Rychard grew up in the Sunday School of First Missionary Baptist church and received his early secular education at Peck High School, where as a student he entered and won a song writing contest that gave Peck High its Alma Mater. In 1951, along with his classmate Mrs. Vernita Johnson Holmes, he graduated as Co-Valedictorian. He received a four year scholarship from the state of Florida and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1955, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and in 1963, he earned a Master of Arts degree in School Librarianship at the University of Denver in Colorado.

Mr. Cook’s stellar career in the educational field was inspired by three outstanding individuals, all now deceased: Mrs. Mamie T. Jordan (music), Mrs. Edythe J. Thurston (communication skills), and Mrs. Dorothy Sanford Love (librarian extraordinaire). For his life’s work, Rychard chose librarianship as a profession and music as his avocation.

Mr. Cook began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School as a substitute teacher. After two weeks, he became a full time teacher at Milner-Rosen Wald Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida. As a Miami-Dade County public school employee, Mr. Cook has taught at West Homestead Elementary-Junior High School, Dunbar Elementary, Miami Northwestern Senior High, Coral Park Senior High, Miami Jackson High, Horace Mann Middle, Holmes and Westview elementary schools. Mr. Cook retired from Westview Elementary as a Media Specialist on June 18, 1999, after spending 42 years of dedicated service in Florida's public schools. An avid reader, Mr. Cook spent hours reading mystery novels and researching African-American history and culture. He was a devoted Toni Morrison fan. He encouraged many African Americans to learn more about their roots, during his serious study of Black History. In 1967, he founded the Afro-Americans, a readers’ theatre group that included his childhood friend Dessie Horne Williams, and which promoted the study of Black History and Culture through its prose, poetry, and song.

Mr. Cook was a life member of the Zora Neale Hurston Society, and was affiliated with the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, The Theodore R. Gibson Oratorical and Declamation Contest, The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., William J. Faulkner's Friends of Folklore, The American Library Association, and Dade County Media Specialist Association. Those organizations provided Mr. Cook with many excellent opportunities for the rendering of community service, an activity to which he brought serious and steadfast commitment.

Mr. Cook's extensive travels took him to such places as West Africa, England, Germany, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, The Caribbean, France, and Italy. From his travels, he gained a variety of diverse cultural experiences, which he generously shared with family, friends, students, churches, colleges, and universities.

In addition to being an enthusiastic collector of Black Art, first edition books, and collector plates, Mr. Cook was the recipient of a variety of awards including: 1995 Teacher of the Year Award, from Holmes Elementary School; Eighth Annual Sistrunk Historical Festival Award, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1995; Florida International University Service Awards for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service; and Eighth Annual Theodore R. Gibson Project Award, 1986

Mr. Cook completed 26 years of service as a librarian at Florida National University. His life ambition was to complete his writings on the life and works of Zora Neal Hurston.

Until his demise, Mr. Cook received loving and around- the- clock care in the Orlando home of his son Dave Thompson and wife Elizabeth .Their sons Kristian and David loved their Grandfather dearly and spent many happy hours listening to his wonderful stories and receiving the benefit of his wise counsel.

Mr. Cook leaves to mourn his passing: His Son Dave (Elizabeth) Thompson of Orlando Florida. Grandchildren: Kristian Thompson of Miami Florida and David Thompson of Orlando Florida. Special friend who shared the same passion of wanting to help youth reach their fullest potential: Dessie Horne Williams of Miami Florida. Nephews: Joshua Kenneth Dove III.  & Richard Holland. Nieces: Beverly Dove (Leo) Ross, of Richmond, VA and .Ingrid Bernadette Dove of Atlanta Georgia. Grand Niece: Joy Nicole Ross. Grand Nephew: Raymond Williams and Joshua Kenneth (Angelique) Dove VI. Cousin: Yvonne Fisher. Goddaughters: Rosemarie Crocker, Almeta Birch & L. Ann Cumbie-Patterson (Lester). Godsons: Robert Battle of New York, Evan MacArthur of Japan and Petty officer Aston Cumbie Farquharson of Honolulu, Hawaii. Extended Family members: Joe &Eula Johnson, Earl Robinson, Ron Henry, Roy Moultry, Veronica Wellington, Charles (Bridgette) MacArthur, Bernice Horne Edgecombe-Tel-Saint (Amelius). And many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be sorely missed.  

Memorial services will be held at, The First Missionary Baptist Church on Friday August 5 2016 at 6:00pm.22 South 9th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Nassau County Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the Rychard-Lottie-Annie Cook Scholarship. Address: P.O. Box 16382, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Karen J. Leigh, 69, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Robert D. "Bob" Nutter, 69, passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. Funeral information will soon be announced.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery