Joseph Gregory Brown Sr., affectionately known as “Joe,” “Greg” and “Little Daddy,” 63, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Fernandina on Aug. 1, 1953, he was one of four children and the only son born in his family. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School and later attended auto body repair and welding schools.

Mr. Brown worked at Container Corporation of America for more than 40 years before retiring as a foreman in the shipping department in 2015.

He enjoyed surf fishing on our local beaches, watching both college and NFL football, and bowling in Yulee.

He had attended New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by a sister, Rosalee Hayes.

He leaves behind his wife, Sheila A. Brown of Fernandina Beach; children, Joseph Brown Jr. of Jacksonville, Timothy Brown and his wife, Carol, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Keith Brown and his wife, Marcia, of El Paso, Texas, Brian Foote of Jacksonville, Eric Foote and his wife, Monette, of Fernandina Beach, and Courtney Foote of Yulee; sisters, Angel Butler of Bradenton and Vanessa Dawson of Fernandina Beach; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandson; a special mom, Rosalee Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at First Assembly of God of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Bernard Thompson officiating.

Mr. Brown will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Our mother, Barbara Lee Ditzel, 89, of Ponte Vedra Beach, was welcomed gently into eternity by our Lord and by her loving husband, our Dad, John Edward (Jack) Ditzel, on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.

Barbara was born in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 10, 1927. She lived on Rosemary Street in Chevy Chase, Md., during her early years. Later, her family moved to Miami Beach, where she graduated from high school. 

Dad was on leave from the Marines after World War II when they had a chance meeting on Miami Beach. They married six months later, on June 5, 1948. They had three children,  Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Tyson (Ned, deceased), John Edward Jr. (Rita) and Alan Edward (Carol); five grandchildren, Brian, John, Ryan, Allison and Matt; and six great-grandchildren, Emily, Lauren, Grayson, Nathan, Ella and Joshua. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, of 64 years.

Mom was a wife and mother first. She traveled many parts of the world with our Dad. She and Dad retired to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1983 from Dayton, Ohio. They were very active with friends, sports, bridge and their family.

Mom went out of this world knowing she was loved and that she made a difference in this world. She appreciated her life and the blessings that were bestowed upon her. Words cannot express the impact she had on our lives. We will miss her forever. Rest in peace, sweet Mom.

The family of Barbara Lee Ditzel would like to thank the kind doctors and the loving care provided by the nurses and technicians at Mayo Hospital, Community Hospice and the staff of Vicars Health Center.

Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the chapel of Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third St. S., Jacksonville Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Services by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach.

Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach

Mrs. Kelly Dixon Forehand, 82, of Yulee, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center.

Born in Hazlehurst, Ga., she was the youngest and last living of two children born to the late Tom and Irma Gillis Dixon. She grew up in Hazlehurst and as a teenager came to Jacksonville, where she attended and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, Class of 1952. In 1955 she married Ray Forehand, and they settled in Nassau County. She worked for L.L. Bohannon for many years before purchasing the Wooten Insurance Agency, which she ran until selling in the mid-1970s. Mrs. Forehand then worked for the Amelia Island Water Works until the mid-1980s before running the Quik Market on Blackrock Road until finally retiring in the late 1980s.

Mrs. Forehand had attended Blackrock Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her brother, William P. Dixon.

She leaves behind her children, Lynn Forehand West and her husband, Chuck, of Yulee, and Ben Forehand and his wife, Mary Lee, of Fernandina Beach; two grandchildren, Dr. Raymond Lee Forehand (Carina) of Greenville, S.C., and Christopher Ryan Forehand of Clearwater.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with the Rev. John Kasper officiating.

Mrs. Forehand will be laid to rest in the Forehand family section of Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Richard John “Dicky” LaPlante passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach. He was born Sept. 28, 1945, in Dighton, Mass.

Richard was a 1963 graduate of Coyle High School in Taunton, Mass., and attended evening classes at Stonehill College in Stoughton, Mass. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1966 as an aviation electrician with the Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadrons.

He married his high school sweetheart in 1966 upon his discharge from active service.

He was employed by Raytheon prior to becoming a union carpenter. He had his own contracting business until 1980, when he became a firefighter with the Taunton Fire Department, where he served his city with pride and dedication until his retirement in 2004.

Richard enjoyed carpentry, puttering in his yard and just watching the grass grow. He enjoyed being “Mr. Fix-it.” He enjoyed being a dad and loved his sons unconditionally, adored his grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with them.

He was a member of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach. He also was involved with Cub Scout Pack 6 in Taunton and Boy Scout Troop 45 in Dighton when his sons were growing up.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra J. (daCosta) LaPlante; his two sons, Jayson LaPlante and his wife, Sondra (Clemmey) LaPlante, and their children, Shawna, Jake and Ryan LaPlante of Taunton, and his son Michael LaPlante of Newton, Mass.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Armand and Lillian (Bilodeau) LaPlante.

He is also survived by a sister, Constance Jenney and her husband, Robert, of Lancaster, Mass.; and a brother, George LaPlante and his wife, Abby, of Ocala; two nieces, Donna (LaPlante) Burch and Cheryl (Jenney) McCarthy; and three nephews, Brian Jenney, Stephen LaPlante and David LaPlante. Richard also leaves behind six godchildren, who were all very special to him. He was predeceased by his lifelong friend, Edward Riendeau, and leaves behind his best friend, Ted Hamlin.

He also leaves behind many who considered him a good friend and a real gentleman.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission Church, 86000 St. Francis Way, Yulee, (off A1A) at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church on Spring Street in North Dighton, Mass., with interment at Cedar Knoll Cemetery in East Taunton, Mass., at a later date in January.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the First Coast Cancer Foundation, 10881 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Neptune Society is in charge of his arrangements.

Neptune Society, Jacksonville

Nicole Lorraine Logue, 35, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at her home.

Born in Jacksonville, she was the daughter of Deborah Lynn Leidy Logue and the late James Patrick Logue. She grew up in Fernandina Beach and St. Marys with her father’s work at Kings Bay Naval Base. She attended Fernandina Beach High School and earned her associate degree from Jacksonville University. Nicole had worked as a manager over safety and training with Express Scripts in St. Marys; COACH apparel in Kingsland, St. Marys and Jacksonville; and most recently at TOTE Inc. in Jacksonville.

Nicole enjoyed time on the beach, reading and spending time with family.

She leaves behind her mother, Deborah L. Logue of Kingsland; her son, Corbin Wood Parker of Charleston, W.Va.; her brother, James Logue and his wife, Allison, of Hilliard; and her fiancé, Johnny Bass of Fernandina Beach.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

Her family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Dora Ruth Patterson Nabors, 80, formerly of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Clearwater.

Born in North Wilkesboro, N.C., she was the only daughter and one of three children born to the late Alva Patterson and Erie Brewer. She and her brothers grew up in Greensboro, N.C., where she stayed until marrying another Greensboro native, Ralph Hobart Nabors, in 1955. In 1959, the Nabors family left Greensboro and moved to Fernandina Beach, where they made their home. While Mrs. Nabors stayed at home and raised the children, her husband worked as a supervisor with the city of Fernandina Beach.

Her family recalls her sweet Christian spirit and love for her family.

Her husband passed away in 1994.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Patterson, and a son, Dennis Nabors.

Mrs. Nabors leaves behind two sons, Donald “Donnie” H. Nabors and his wife, Jan, of Fernandina Beach and Marty R. Nabors and his wife, Taina, of Yulee; a brother, Troy Patterson of Greensboro; and three grandchildren, Drew, Kyle and Lindsey Nabors; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at noon Friday, Jan. 6, from the graveside in Bosque Bello Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Beman officiating.

Please view her Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Anne Elizabeth Sutton, 94, of Yulee, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at her home.

Born in Jacksonville, she was the last living of 10 children born to the late Jessie William and Manie Matilda Colson Jones. Her family remained in Jacksonville until moving to Nassau County when she was 2 years old. She was a graduate of Fernandina High School and later earned an associate degree from Florida State Community College. The lifelong homemaker is remembered for her love of gardening and selling the bounty of her harvest at her roadside vegetable stand. Her vegetable stand was located in front of her home and was operated on the “honor system,” where the buyer picked out what they wanted and left the money to be collected by Mrs. Sutton later. In addition to her family’s recollection of her life in a simpler time, they also recall the years of her love for them and the ritual of Sunday dinners at her house.

Mrs. Sutton was a member of Springhill Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Sutton; two brothers, Ed and Bill Jones; and sisters, Marilyn, Vivian, Evelyn, Martha, Mary, Judy and Dorothy.

Mrs. Sutton leaves behind two daughters, Sheila Booth of Yulee and Barbara Jean Schell of Yulee; a son, George R. “Bobby” Dutton Jr. and his wife, Marian, of Callahan; 11 grandchildren; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at a later date at Springhill Baptist Church.

Please share her Life Story 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.

Susan Byrd, 85, of Amelia Island, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Christopher Eric Kuches, 38, of Yulee, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Barbara Claire Holt Fagan, 72, passed from this life Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville.

Barbara was born June 27, 1944, to A.H. “Slim” and Hazel Lewis Holt in Jacksonville. She graduated from Landon High School, after which she married Joseph “Rolly” Fagan and began a family.

She is survived by three loving children, Darby Fagan Beard of Yulee, Joseph “Jeb” Fagan (Cheryl) of Fruitvale, Texas, and Nikole “Niki” Fagan Maloy (Foy) of Yulee; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat Holt Williams of St. Augustine; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

After traveling most of the world and all of the United States, Barbara retired to Fernandina Beach, where she was an active member of Amelia Island Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Amelia Island Church of Christ, 95762 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

All family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Barbara’s life from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Brett’s Waterway Café in Fernandina Beach. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Jack E. Galliher, 81, of Fernandina Beach, entered heaven on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach. Visitation will be held following the service.

Jack was born in Statesville, N.C., on March 19, 1935. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he was a sergeant, and retired from NASA in Cape Canaveral after 30 years. He had a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Florida Technological University (now known as University of Central Florida).

Jack was married to Willis Timmons of Salters, S.C., on Dec. 25, 1958, enjoying 58 years of marriage.

Jack worked as a computer programmer and systems analyst with NASA for 30 years. He enjoyed basketball, puzzles, traveling and family time.

He was also actively involved in the United Methodist Church his entire life.

Jack is survived by his wife, Willis T. Galliher; his son, Jeffrey Jack Galliher and his wife, LeAnne Banker Galliher, of DeLand; his grandson, Jack Robert Galliher; granddaughter, Emily Laine Galliher; nephew, Harry “Chuck” Osborne Jr. of Orange Park; nephew, Christopher Osborne and his wife, Rosie, of Salters; niece, Judy Collins; and niece, Debbie Collins Haneline.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach.

The family of Jack E. Galliher respectfully wishes to thank all who have been of comfort to the Galliher family in the past several years.

Lankford Funeral Home of DeLand is in charge of arrangements.

Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand

Frank Heatwole Sr., 60, beloved husband, dad, papa, brother and friend, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, after a courageous five-year battle with ALS.

He was born in Jacksonville to Harry and Doris Heatwole. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed cooking and watching Gator football. He loved spending time with family and friends, and never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Teri; his sons, Lee (Bethany) and Tyler; grandsons, Grayson and Trevor; brothers, Ricky (Ann) and Charles (Carolyn); sisters, Shirley (Dave) and Linda (Jerry); mother-in-law, Joyce; sister-in-law, Cindy (Timmy); brother-in-law, John (Jenny); nieces and nephews; and friends he considered family.

At Frank’s request, a memorial celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, from 1-5 p.m. at his home. For additional information, contact Lee at 328-4286.

Elta "Elaine" O'Quinn, 91, of Yulee, was quietly called home to be with her Lord on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.

She was born May 19, 1925, on a farm in rural Toronto, Kan., the youngest of eight, and lived there until she was 18. She attended local schools and graduated from Neal High School, Class of 1943. After graduating, she moved to Wichita, Kan., to live with her sister Dorine to seek employment with Boeing Aircraft. She was declined because they felt she was too small, but she still came back every day until they said they would hire her. Her job was to rivet the floor of the pilot's seat on the B29. Women worked so the men could go fight the war. When the war ended in 1945, the women were terminated so that men could get their jobs back. Working women who held men's jobs during the war are recognized as Rosie the Riveters. Elaine was not just a Rosie but she was an actual riveter, a fact that she was very proud of. She would not consider getting married until the war ended for fear of becoming a widow. As soon as the war ended, the love of her life, Navyman James O'Quinn, went to her and said, "Elaine, the war is over, so we can get married." They were married on Sept. 30, 1945, and were married 47 years before his passing.

Christmas was her favorite time of year. She took weeks to decorate and cook to entertain family and friends with numerous parties. Her whole house had many decorations, including up to 23 themed Christmas trees.

Elaine is survived by her two daughters, Sandra O'Quinn and Sue Kittrell; four grandchildren, Linn Owen, James Owen (wife, Bobbi), Jeffrey Owen and Kimberly Carter McNeely (husband, Johnnie); 10 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Cortlinn and Jordan Pay, Jeffrey, Taylar and Halie Owen, Nicholas and Tyler McNeely, and Cassadie Owen; great-great-grandchild, Isabella Pay, and one in the oven; godchild, Kelley Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlyle and Elta Mae (Linn) Smith; husband, James; four sisters, Pauline Hanson, Vera Smith, Meryl Sanders (twin) and Dorine Hamilton; three brothers, Donald Smith, Beryl Smith (twin) and Gerald Eugene "Gene" Smith; niece, LaDena Sanders; nephew, Joe Sanders; and son-in-law, William "Billy" Kittrell.

Mother left this world knowing she was loved, and words cannot express the impact she made on our lives, niece, Mila George (husband, Tom) and others. We will always remember her sweet Christian spirit and love for her family. She appreciated her life and the many blessings from God.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Celebration Baptist Church, 85520 Miner Road, Yulee. Interment will follow in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund of her church, Celebration Baptist Church.

To sign Mrs. O'Quinn's online register book, please visit the Green Pine Funeral Home website.

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Mrs. Loretta May Wells, 81, of Woodbine, Ga., passed away on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Born in Flint, Mich., she was one of six children born to the late Alfred Linley and Mildred Louise Day Adams. In 1951 she married Willard Samuel Wells in Chicago, where they made their first home and began their family. In April 1982, they left the cold and moved to Florida. After moving to Nassau County, Mrs. Wells worked for a short time at Smile Gas on Sadler Road.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.

She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Willard Wells of Woodbine; their children, Gene Wells (Faye) of Woodbine, Sharon Wagner of Fernandina Beach, Gary Wells (Tammy) of Kankakee, Ill., Carol Stacy of Glens Falls, N.Y., Julie Gettins (Craig) of Yulee, Judy Lovequist of Woodbine, Alan Wells of Fernandina Beach, Denise King of Jacksonville, Debra Williams of Fernandina Beach, Ronald Wells (Robin) of Roseville, Mich., and Richard Wells of Yulee; a brother, Donald Adams of New Jersey; 28 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Donald “Don” A. Winslow, 88, of Amelia Island, passed away on Tuesday morning, Jan. 10, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach.

Born Aug. 12, 1928, in Los Angeles, he was the only child born to the late Harold McLeland and Opal Christine Bumm Winslow. After completing high school he attended Loyola University in Los Angeles, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu fraternity. While completing his degree at Loyola he served as a reservist in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he was activated and served during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged as a sergeant first class he continued working with the American Can Co., a career that had begun in 1950. On Oct. 15, 1955, he married Jeanne Eileen George at St. Michael Catholic Church in Los Angeles. During his career with American Can, he served in various positions, in various cities and plants until retiring as plant manager in 1980. Upon retiring, he worked for a short time with Crown Cork and Seal in Atlanta before joining Brockway Standard Management in Homerville, Ga. While in the south Georgia area working for Brockway Standard he attended Valdosta State University, where he completed his Master of Business Administration and was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma fraternity. In 1991 he retired and in 1992, he and his wife moved to Amelia Island.

After coming to Amelia Island he and his wife became active at St. Michael Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic minister and altar server. Mr. Winslow also became involved with St. Michael Men’s Club, where he served as financial director and treasurer. He was also a member and trustee of the Knights of Columbus at St. Michael.

Affectionately referred to as “Commander,” Mr. Winslow leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanne Eileen Winslow of Amelia Island; their two children, Donald “Don” J. Winslow and his wife, Liza, of San Ramon, Calif., and Nancy Ann Winslow Carroll and her husband, Dr. William Carroll, of Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren, Timothy “Tim” and Amanda Winslow, William Winslow “Winn” and Christina “Christa” Carroll.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

A reception and time of visitation with his family will follow in the St. Michael Parish Hall.

Mr. Winslow will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church Building Fund, 505 Broome St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Ann Carter Daniel, 90, of Amelia Island, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Benny A. Gravitt, 69, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Luis Reyes, 87, of Yulee, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joshua N. Yarbrough, 20, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Troy Zuber, 52, of Fernandina Beach, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at Community Hospice’s Warner Center for Caring. A celebration of life will be held in Orlando at a future date.

Mrs. Susan Lindberg Byrd, 85, of 76 Osprey Village Road, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her residence at The Retreat on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.

Susan was born Dec. 24, 1931, in Winnetka, Ill., to the late Leroy and Sally Lindberg. Her maternal grandfather, Edward Clarence Kohler, was the village president of Winnetka in 1906.

For 45 years, she was married to Ronald Edward Byrd, who passed away Jan. 20, 2002. Susan grew up in Winnetka and attended New Trier High School. Later she attended Pine Manor College in Boston and Northwestern University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

She is survived by her devoted, loving older sister, Nancy Bodeen; and her four loving children, sons Jonathan and his fiancée, Alyson Kennedy, Stephen, Stewart “Chip” and his wife, Patricia, and daughter Jennifer.

After marrying in 1957, Sue and Ron moved to Nebraska for a few years and then to Boxborough, Mass. They lived there for more than 25 years, raising their family on a small farm with cows, chickens, horses, goats, dogs, cats and ducks. In 1988, she and Ron moved to the Amelia Island Plantation, building their new home on Marsh Point Road.

Susan loved many things, but especially the outdoors and nature. She was as comfortable in the woods as she was in the city enjoying a night out. She instilled the love of nature in her children. She and her family enjoyed many Augusts at the Ausable Club in Keene Valley, N.Y., where she spent time hiking, mountain climbing, playing plenty of golf with her favorite pink ball and sleeping out under the stars on occasion. For a few years, she and her daughter, Jennifer, even brought their horses to Keene Valley. Susan, along with friends and family, often would visit the local dump at night to watch the black bears, as was the local custom. One night, as the story goes, Susan and a close friend, Virginia Freccia, were chased from the dump by one of those bears. Perhaps the bears were grumpy about their meal being disturbed. Knowing Susan, there must have been truth to the story.

Susan and Ron’s love of nature prompted them to help launch The Wild Center, a natural history museum based in Tupper Lake, N.Y., dedicated to understanding the natural landscape and wildlife of the Adirondacks. After Ron’s death, Susan also donated a room in the Byrd family name to Baptist Medical Center Nassau, supported Micah’s Place Domestic Violence Center, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County.

While on Amelia Island, Susan enjoyed golf, being with her good friends and being outdoors. She relished her time with friends playing bridge and mah-jonng. She traveled extensively with them and made many summer jaunts to North Carolina with her “ladies posse.” Never one to sit still, she swam with dolphins, skydived with Steve and Chip at the age of 68 and enjoyed skinny-dipping on many occasions! But indeed, in later years, her favorite things to do were to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, the Jacksonville Zoo, the Nassau Humane Society Dog Park and to enjoy the rich culture and Native American jewelry in Santa Fe, N.M., while visiting Chip and Trish.

Susan was an adventurer, a free spirit, a loving and gentle soul, a mother, wife, sister, friend, mother-in-law and aunt. She always was ready with a laugh, a smile and a “thank you” – along with a fresh coat of Revlon “Persian melon” lipstick and hot pink fingernails. She will be missed.

The family expresses its deep gratitude to Susan’s devoted, loving and loved caregivers, Alice Durbano and Lynne Murray. For nearly 10 years, they were by her side, caring for her and loving her as they would their own mothers. Our heartfelt thanks to Alice and Lynne.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Amelia Plantation Chapel with the Rev. Ted Schroder officiating.

A reception and time to visit and reminisce with her family will follow the service, on Saturday at the Ocean Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan Byrd’s name to:

• Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

• Micah's Place Domestic Violence Center, P.O. Box 16287, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035

• Nassau Humane Society and Dog Park, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County, 942259 Old Nassauville Road, Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Barbara Jean Fussell, 64, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Christopher Allen Harris Jr.

She is survived by her fiancé, Roy Finch; her brother, Pat Fedick (Trish Fedick); her three daughters, Lisa Renee Clark (Nick Clark), Angelia Rae Phillips (Gabe Phillips) and Kelly Lynn Brazeale (Denny Brazeale); 12 grandchildren, Christie Newman (Bobby Newman), Jessica Weinberg, Brittany Weinberg, Robert Weinberg, Brian Clark (Ashtyn Clark), Christian Clark, Zachary Conner (Lindsay Conner), Zane Conner, Gabby Phillips, Chelsey Hodges (Johnathan Hodges), Kaitlyn Brazeale and Aaron Brazeale; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The service will be held at noon Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Joy Baptist Church, 550974 U.S. 1, Hilliard, FL 32046, with Brother Mike Norman officiating.

She was a wonderful woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Eternity Funeral Homes and Crematory – Nassau

Sgt. Peter Joshua Jernigan, 32, passed away unexpectedly at his home Friday, Dec. 30, 2016.

Having served honorably, he recently completed his service as a light armored vehicle repairer of eight years with the United States Marine Corps.

“Josh” was incredibly intelligent, strong, brave, loving and generous. He was the definition of a true gentleman and was always willing to help those in need. Josh was always able to fix anything mechanical or computer-related, which carried over into his passion for cars and video games. Most who knew Josh will remember him for his big, warm hugs.

Josh leaves behind his wife, Jessica Beltran; maternal grandmother, Marie Chaffee; father, George Alton Jernigan Jr.; mother, Theresa Ann Walker-Keegan; brother and fellow Marine, George Alton Jernigan III; brother, Terald Leon Jernigan; brother and fellow Marine, Daniel Jay Malcomb Jernigan; and nephew, Terald James Jernigan.

Sgt. Peter Joshua Jernigan served honorably in the Global War on Terrorism via the Iraqi War Campaign in Al Anbar province.

Sgt. Jernigan served as a 2147 with the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Sgt. Jernigan was the recipient of the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (2), Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Badge (Third Award) and Pistol Marksmanship Badge.

Sgt. Jernigan separated from the Corps after having served in his last attachment with I&I, 4th LARBN, aboard U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with Pastor Ben Hall officiating.

Ceremonial attendance and support is requested for the behalf of the family from fellow Marines and other active-duty, veteran and supporting persons.

A reception and time of visitation with his family will follow at American Legion Post, 626 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Please share his Life Story and leave your condolences and memories 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.