Charles Willie Jenkins made his entrance into the world March 27, 1949, as the son of Wilbert Jenkins and Carrie Mae Elliot. He was the youngest of his siblings. He was born in Fernandina Beach, where at the young age of 13, he started his first job helping out around the docks downtown, cleaning seafood and other odd jobs until he later became a deckhand. For many years, this was his profession until he completed the General Education Diploma, further attained his commercial driver’s license and his maintenance certification. He was known to many in Fernandina from Benjamin’s Cab, Sam Robbins Charter, and his local sales of fresh seafood to the patrons in the community.

Later in life, he became a father to Natasha Perkins and Tequilla Perkins Anderson, who were his eldest children. He then married Gloria Jenkins, to whom he bore Pennie Jenkins, and was a stepfather to Domonic Johnson. And lastly, his unofficial son, his nephew Tyrone Jenkins. He loved his children, and amongst us all, we have great memories and many different stories to tell. He has instilled strong values and morals in all of us and taught us the importance of hard work and honoring your word. Now let me say, he was never wealthy in regard to finances, yet blessed beyond measures. He was never arrogant, but confident enough to stand firm in his beliefs. God fearing and was blessed with a giving spirit.

As his daughters, we knew we were blessed to have him in our lives. Regardless of childhood labels, adolescent discretions and adult drama, our father was the epitome of what a man or a father should embody! He loved his family, and wanted nothing more than a familial generation that excelled beyond measures and paved a new way of life.

So with that being said, he departed this world Sunday, March 26, 2017, and sailed off into the sunset, where he will watch over his loved ones until we meet again.

A public viewing will be held at Greater Fernandina Beach Church of God, 305 S. Fourth St., from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 31, and from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of the service on Saturday, April 1, at the church.

Interment will be held in the O’Neal Community Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 10:15 a.m. at 436 S. Ninth St. 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

Ms. Vera Dianne Hall Marston, 55, passed away Saturday morning, March 25, 2017.

Born in Fernandina Beach, she was one of five children born to Eare Lois Wright Hall and the late Eugene Franklin Hall. She was a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1980. After high school, she began a long career of working as a caregiver with the handicapped and mentally disabled. Vera worked at the Amelia Island Care Center, Ark of Nassau County and, most recently, as an independent caregiver. In addition to working in social services, she had worked at Flash Foods No. 106, the Raceway and Dollar General in Yulee.

Vera enjoyed crocheting, riding horses, pulling pranks on others, plants and spending time with her grandchildren. Vera possessed an independent spirit that she had adopted from her years of woodworking at her father’s side.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Tucker; a brother, Vilos Eugene Hall; a nephew, Frankie Hall; paternal grandparents, Minor Hall and Lois Hall Watson; and maternal grandparents, Vilos and Vera Wright.

Vera leaves behind her son, Matthew Tucker and his wife, Amanda; her mother, Eare Lois Hall; two sisters, Patti Ryals and her husband, Sonny, and Shirley Warren and her husband, Rick; and a brother, Durand Hall, all of Yulee; daughter-in law, Molly Bramlett Tucker; grandchildren, Robert, Dable, Alexandria (Lexi), Crystal and one on the way; five nephews; and her best friend, Nannette.

Funeral services were Tuesday morning, March 28, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, with Pastor Doug Sides officiating.

Vera was laid to rest beside her son, Michael, in Hughes Cemetery.

Her family received friends Monday evening, March 27, at Oxley-Heard.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Phillip “Phil” Reddish, 59, of Yulee, passed away Wednesday morning, March 22, 2017, at his home in Yulee.

Born in Cedartown, Ga., he was the youngest of six children born to the late Jessie Andrew and Bessie Dean Reddish. He grew up in Williston, Fla., where he graduated from Williston High School. After high school, he worked as a horse trainer, training quarter horses and Derby racehorses. He later worked for Gary Pickle Well Drilling before becoming a truck driver. As a truck driver, he drove for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Southeastern Atlantic Bottling in Gainesville, Fla. He joined Gustafson Dairy Products and worked as route and plant supervisor until 2007, when he moved to Fernandina Beach to be near his daughter and her family. For the past seven years, Reddish had worked at Coastline Plastics in Yulee.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Schultz, Juanita Mary Rizer and a grandson, Dylan Crumpton.

Mr. Reddish leaves behind children, Tifani and Eric White of Cross Junction, Va., Falon Reddish (Steven Kraus) of Fernandina Beach, and Kelly Rose (Gary) of Gainesville, Ga.; stepchildren, Kristie Gagnon of Keystone Heights, Fla., and Kenneth Crumpton of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Thelma Talley of Gainesville, Fla.; twin brothers, Jessie Carl Reddish of Morristown, Fla., and Jerry Lee Reddish of Gainesville, Ga.; 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 16 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, March 25, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

His family received friends Saturday at the funeral home until the hour of service.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Josephine Virginia Rosaschi, 88, of Jacksonville, passed from this life into the Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Her final wishes were fulfilled as she died comfortably in her own home, in the presence of family and surrounded by a circle of praying friends near and far. She held in her hands leaves, seashells and feathers – symbols of the earth, beach and sky that she loved.

Josephine was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 9, 1929, to Catherine Theresa Nobile Rosaschi and Peter Paul Rosaschi. She was a graduate of New York University, where she studied modern dance, later earning a master’s degree in education. Marriage took her to Montauk Point, Long Island, N.Y. Her greatest fulfillment in life came from being mother to her two children, Jayne Catherine Schwarz Nasrallah and James Peter Schwarz. She was a formidable advocate for them, a constant support of their hopes and dreams, and always on the watch for new and exciting experiences for them. Professionally, she worked as a teacher in a variety of settings and grant writer for a Catholic charity in South Florida. The desire to spend time with grandsons was the impetus for a move to Winston-Salem, N.C., in 2000. There, Josephine found purpose and community in a gathering of secular Franciscans. She shared St. Francis’ and his follower St. Clare’s love of the Lord, concern for the poor and passion for animals. When her family moved to Jacksonville in 2013, she accompanied them. Despite diminished strength, she continued to make new friends and shine her special light on those around her.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jayne C. and Victor N. “Pat” Nasrallah; a son and daughter-in-law, James P. Schwarz and Trisha Meili; grandson, Michael P. Nasrallah and his fiancée, Teresa B. Smith; grandson, Daniel J. Nasrallah and his wife, Hayley D. Nasrallah; and beloved brother, Peter P. Rosaschi Jr. and his wife, children, their spouses and grandchildren. She would also count her secular Franciscan brothers and sisters among her family.

A memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons, N.C., with interment to follow in Holy Family’s Columbarium. Friends are invited to lunch following the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Fraternity of St. Clare, c/o Ray Fleming, 3935 Westridge Circle, Clemmons, NC 27012.

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

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home, Yulee, 261-0876.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Greta W. Smeaton, 99, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, at her Amelia Island residence.

She was a native of Quincy, Mass., and moved to Amelia Island 15 years ago from Lakeland.

Mrs. Smeaton loved music, especially jazz, and enjoyed going to functions at the Council on Aging three times a week.

She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Douglas D. Smeaton, who passed away in 2006.

Survivors include sons, Robert W. Smeaton of Amelia Island, and Anurag Shantam of Saco, Maine; a daughter, Linda Smeaton, and her husband, Janat Anwer, of Falmouth, Maine; two grandchildren, Sherry Cruz of Virginia, and Mark Smeaton and his wife, Nancy, of New Hampshire; three great-grandchildren, Jeremy Cruz, Logan Cruz and Nicole Smeaton; and a great-great grandchild, Alastair Cruz.

Services will be private. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in Green Pine Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Mr. Robert “Terry” Vurnakes, son of George and Jeanette Vurnakes, was born Jan. 6, 1947, in Jacksonville. He attended Andrew Jackson High School and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Illinois. At an early age, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was saved at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Some years later, he decided to join the Catholic church, was baptized and raised his family in the Catholic church.

He was united in holy matrimony to Brenda Joyce Holmes in March 1968. This union was blessed with two children, Alex and Jeff Vurnakes.

Terry is survived by Brenda Vurnakes.

Mr. Vurnakes was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Orange Lake Post 10733 and a four-year veteran of the United States Navy. He worked for AT&T as a supervisor and retired after 30 years of service to the phone company. His life was celebrated with his many family and friends as he enjoyed Florida Gators football, grilling out, traveling in his motor home and spending his retirement years with his beloved wife.

He peacefully departed this life Friday evening, March 17, 2017, at University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

He is survived by his mother and father, sister, wife, sons and grandchildren.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, Alex Vurnakes and his wife, Joni Clemens, of Fernandina Beach, and their three children, Colby, Adriane and Brodie, and Jeff Vurnakes and his wife, Darlene Vurnakes of Harrietts Bluff, Ga., and their three children, Matthew, Jacob and Dalton; his parents, George and Jeanette Vurnakes; and his sister, Jan Bender and her husband, Al Bender, along with their children, Christopher and Julie; joined alongside with a host of devoted aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Terry in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m.

Please, in lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to make a donation to the Orange Lake VFW Post 10733 (352-591-4359) or to the Alzheimer's Research Association (act.alz.org – click “Donate.”)

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Lorraine Monahan Chinnery was born June 14, 1933, in Miami, the daughter of Mayme Erlinger Monahan and Raymond Patrick Monahan. A talented singer, dancer and actress from an early age, she also worked in display advertising at the Miami Herald– often serving as a model for ads and feature stories – when the newspaper was run by Jack and Jim Knight.

Her first marriage, to William Lockert Balee, ended in divorce. Her three children, William Balee, Andrew Balee and Susan Balee, survive her and took care of her in her final illness at home. Her second husband, Donald R. Chinnery, also predeceased her. Together, they owned and operated Chinnery Construction Co. in Jacksonville until Don became the county engineer for Flagler County in the early 1980s and Lorraine served on the county zoning board. In 1996, they retired to Fernandina Beach, where Lorraine served as a docent for the Amelia Island Museum of History and starred in plays at the Amelia Community Theatre.

She loved playing cards and Scrabble, completing the New York Times crossword puzzle every morning, and especially adored having her grandchildren visit her for weeks in the summertime.

Her brother and sister predeceased her, as did her daughter-in-law, Maria C. Bezerra Balee, but she is survived by beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Balee Lundy, Mark Balee Lundy, Nicholas Bezerra Balee and Isabel Bezerra Balee. She is also survived by a niece, Patricia Foster of Deland. The family would like to thank Annette Samuels, LPN, for her indispensable help and deep compassion during our mother’s last days.

The funeral will be private, and a memorial is planned for a later date.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ms. Andrea Lynn Heller (Andi), 47, of Yulee, passed away Friday morning, March 17, 2017, in Jacksonville.

Born in Lakehurst, N.J., Andi was the youngest child of Jo and Jim Heller of Fernandina Beach. Her family moved to Jacksonville in 1970, where Andi grew up and graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in psychology. She worked in social services and was  a mental-health advocate for many years. Andi’s compassion extended beyond people to animals as well. She had two rescue dogs, Jack and Gypsy, and helped many other cats and dogs find homes. Andi enjoyed plants, gardening and worked in several plant nurseries throughout the years. She most recently founded a local “Steampunk” group in Nassau County and led a support group in Jacksonville on Monday evenings.

Andi leaves behind her parents, Jo and Jim Heller of Fernandina Beach; her husband, Tim Logue of Yulee; her brother, Michael Heller and his wife, Deretha Heller; her sister, Cindy Pennington; her brother, Dennis Heller; her nephews, Micah Heller and Nate Pennington; her nieces, Megan Langan and Ashley Pennington; and many other relatives and friends.

Please join the family for a celebration of Andi’s life Saturday, April 1, at the Woman’s Club, 201 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Fernandina Beach. Doors open at 11 a.m., with a brief memorial service at 1 p.m. Celebration will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Animals in Nassau.

Stephen Liam Mantell, 39, of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

Born Nov. 11, 1977, in Weymouth, Dorset, England, Stephen was father to Meya and Marlie; brother to Kerry-Anne and Katie; uncle to Natalie, Liam and Ainsley; son of Gary and Claire; and grandson to Syd and Phylliss, and William (deceased) and Claire.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Well Church of Jacksonville, 2001 Ernest St., Jacksonville.

Arrangements entrusted to Funerals by T.S. Warden, 765-1234.

Funerals by T.S. Warden, Jacksonville

Mr. George Carl Norman, 89, formerly of Decatur, Ill., and Maynardville, Tenn., passed away Monday afternoon, March 27, 2017, at Quality Healthcare in Fernandina Beach.

Born in Decatur, he was the son of the late George Carl and Zella Scroggins Norman Sr. He grew up in Decatur, where he attended Decatur High School. After high school, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned home and began a long career working in the telecommunications industry. In 1955, he and his wife founded Norman Tower Antenna Specialists in Decatur. They owned and operated this business until 2006. Mr. Norman was an avid outdoorsman and had made an annual fishing trip to Lake Norris near Knoxville, Tenn., every year for many years, the week following Christmas leading up to New Year’s Day. In 1994, Mr. and Mrs. Norman moved to Maynardville, to his fishing paradise. The Normans lived in Maynardville until moving to Yulee in 2013 to be near their daughter. Since settling in Nassau County, he had been a familiar face at the Nassau County Council on Aging.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Linda King and Tammy Norman.

Mr. Norman leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Patricia “Pat” Lindsey Norman; their children, John Norman (Marsha) of Estero, Fla., Cheryl Tiggelaar (Jacob) of Pequot Lakes, Minn., Tina Kisner (Scott) of Callahan, and Michael Norman (Jody) of Washington, Ill.; a brother, Eugene (Evelyn) Norman of Decatur; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

A.A. "Papa" Dixon, 88, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach.

He was born Dec. 15, 1928, in Callahan, and was a lifelong Nassau County resident.

He was a member of Nassau Baptist Temple, where he served in a variety of functions, including deacon, R.A. counselor, church board member, church bus driver and youth leader. He was also a Nassau County special deputy.

Mr. Dixon loved life and loving helping people. He was the foundation of his family and was a loving devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a collector, collecting guns, coins and other things. He loved his tractors, fruit trees and grapevines.

Mr. Dixon was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn Dixon, who passed away in 1998.

Survivors include a son, Lamarr A. Dixon (Cindy "Sid") of Yulee; five daughters, Darlene Everett of Patterson, Ga., Pam Dixon McLucas (Daniel) of Yulee, Ruby "Boo Boo" Pittman of Fargo, Ga., Georgette Lee of Jacksonville and Jeannie "Best Girl" Dixon of Yulee; 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, April 4, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home, with the Rev. Larry Montgomery officiating. Interment followed in Green Pine Cemetery. The family received friends Monday evening, April 3, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

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

Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home

Ruben James Evans, 40, of Clearfield, Pa., died Monday, March 20, 2017, at his residence in Clearfield.

He was born Feb. 26, 1977, in Kenneth City, Fla., a son of Ruth Ann King Evans Fultz of Bellefonte, Pa., and the late Arthur Whitney Evans.

Early in life, he enjoyed skateboarding, and the creative side of Ruben enjoyed listening to music and writing.

In addition to his mother, Ruben is survived by his stepfather, James L. Fultz of Bellefonte; a sister, Amber DeCosmo (Jimmy) of Bellefonte; a brother, Cyrus Evans of Boalsburg, Pa.; a half sister, Bayde Evans of Fernandina Beach; a half brother, Clinton Evans of Fernandina Beach; his stepmother, Maryanne Speed Evans of Fernandina Beach; his stepgrandmother, Claudie Speed of Fernandina Beach; one stepsister, Nichole Luckovich of Lewistown, Pa.; a stepbrother, Michael Fultz (Amy) of McVeytown, Pa.; one niece; and several nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard St., Bellefonte, Pa., with the Rev. Chris Passante officiating. Friends will be received at the church immediately following the services. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruben’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

An online guestbook can be signed, or condolences may be sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.

Heintzelman Funeral Home, State College, Pa.

Mr. Nolan Archie “Junior” Gill Jr., 70, of Hilliard, passed away Saturday evening, April 1, 2017, at his daughter’s residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Blackshear, Ga., on March 29, 1947, he had lived in Fernandina Beach for many years before moving to Hilliard in 1997. Mr. Gill was a retired millwright for ITT Rayonier in Fernandina. He loved to eat and enjoyed hosting/going to cookouts. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and dearly loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was a son of the late Nolan Archie Gill Sr. and Ruth Bethany Brown Gill. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Gill; and by a brother, Bobby Gill Sr.

Survivors include four daughters, Anna Michelle (Ken) VanDeran of Yulee, Christina Gill (Greg Keener) of Waycross, Ga., Regina (Bobby) Fertgus of Yulee, and Melissa (Jerry) Lee of Waycross; a son, Nolan Joseph “Joey” (Amanda) Gill of Waverly, Ga.; a sister, Brenda Rowe of Yulee; two brothers, Mike (Roseanne) Gill and Cecil Gill, both of Fernandina Beach; 20 grandchildren; one great-grandchild with one more on the way; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Gill will be held Wednesday afternoon, April 5, at 2 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Chapel.

Interment will be in the Enon Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Gill was held Tuesday evening, April 4, at the funeral home.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Inc. of Blackshear is in charge of the arrangements.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Inc., Blackshear, Ga.

Jesse MacDowell Sellers Jr. passed away Sunday morning, April 2, 2017, at age 92. He was born in Chatsworth, Ga., and was the son of the late Jesse MacDowell Sellers and Clara Belle Moore Sellers.

He was a graduate of Murray County High School, Chatsworth, and matriculated to Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, N.C. While at Mars Hill, he interrupted his studies and joined the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in San Diego during World War II. He completed his undergraduate degree and enrolled at Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. During the completion of his education, he also enrolled in the U.S. Army Reserve and continued to serve his country. Upon receipt of his Juris Doctorate from Mercer, Mr. Sellers entered into private practice and was elected as a City Court judge in LaFayette, Ga. While he was in private practice, his reserve unit was activated, and Mr. Sellers served as a JAG officer in Korea and received the Army Commendation of Honor and a Bronze Star. Upon returning home, he met and married Saralyn Long, of Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1955, and shortly thereafter accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice in Miami. His career trajectory took him and his family to Atlanta, San Antonio and Denver, and culminated in his appointment as an immigration judge in 1976. He worked on a number of key issues, including the Iranian crisis and Mariel boatlift, and served on the Board of Immigration Appeals. He remained on the bench until retiring in 1991. He remained an Army reservist throughout his career and retired from the Reserve in 1981.

Judge Sellers and his wife enjoyed many years of extensive travel that took them all over the world and included Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico, South America and Turkey. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, such as gardening, history, fishing, foreign languages, politics, sailing and volunteering. His biggest interest was his family. In 2003, he and his wife relocated to Amelia Island to be near family and were active members of the community. A man of deep and quiet faith, Mac had served as an elder and most recently belonged to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Jones of Gadsden, Ala.

He leaves behind his wife of almost 62 years, Saralyn Sellers of Jacksonville; their children, Charles (Kim) of Littleton, Colo., Kimberly (Harold) of Centreville, Va., and Marc (Tammy) of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Rachel, Naomi, Callie, Jackson and Adelin; a sister, Ruth Connell of Durham, N.C.; nieces and a nephew.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach, with the Rev. Rector Stephen Mazingo officiating. Judge Sellers will be laid to rest with full military honors in St. Peter’s Episcopal Cemetery. His family will receive friends Wednesday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard, and a reception will be held following the services Thursday in Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Church.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Lea M. Stephens, 60, of Yulee, passed away Friday afternoon, March 31, 2017, at University of Florida Health Jacksonville with her husband by her side.

Born in New Orleans, she was one of five children born to Alfred and Patricia Guthrie Philipp. Lea grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she graduated from L’anse High School, Class of 1975. Due to her father’s career, the family returned to New Orleans in 1975. She later attended Fashion Design School in Dallas. In the mid-1990s, she joined her family in Nassau County and worked at the Amelia Plantation Co. In the mid-2000s, Lea obtained her specialty contractor’s license, and she and her late husband, Joey Sorrells, founded Atlantic Custom Exteriors of Northeast Florida. In 2008, Lea was diagnosed with breast cancer, and this began her own journey of self-discovery while providing care to her husband and his battle with lung and brain cancer. Her husband passed away in 2009. In 2011, during the annual Fernandina Shrimp Festival, she met Fernandina Beach native Joey Stephens, and their love story began. In 2012, Lea and Joey were married, and from that day forward, their love for each other grew beyond boundaries. In 2013, while visiting the Saturday morning farmers market, Lea found a mixed terrier that immediately worked his way into her heart and into the heart of Joey upon her bringing him home. From that day forward, Lea, Joey and Champ became inseparable. On any given afternoon, the three of them could be found sitting on their back deck overlooking Lofton Creek, which, in her words, was the most beautiful view that she had ever experienced.

Lea enjoyed the out of doors, whether it be hiking the Appalachian Trail and camping or traveling the world.

She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach.

Lea leaves behind her husband, Joseph “Joey” Stephens of Yulee; their baby, Champ; her parents, Alfred and Patricia Philipp of Fernandina Beach; a stepdaughter, Holley Sorrells of New York City; siblings, Bill and Karen Philipp of Jackson, Miss., Linda and Bill Neyman of Atlanta, Bob and Tina Philipp of Fernandina Beach, and Bern and Linda Philipp of Boca Raton; and many nieces and nephews.

A time of gathering and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2600 Network Blvd., Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Ms. Sheldonia Elizabeth Thomas, 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away at Community Hospice, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, on Sunday morning, April 2, 2017.

Sheldonia was one of six children born to Julius and Annie Bell Gowen Thomas of Nassau County. She attended Peck High School, after which she worked as a domestic worker to provide for her children. Sheldonia was a quiet woman who loved her family, enjoyed cooking, crocheting, watching old Western television shows and spending time with friends. She was a member of New Jerusalem Holiness Church, where the Rev. Ruby Baker is pastor.

Sheldonia was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Annie Bell Thomas; sisters, Bessie and Cecil Marie Thomas; and brother, Rudie Thomas.

Sheldonia will be sadly missed by her children, Robin Thomas (Ezell) and Kenneth Thomas (Amanda); grandchildren, Curtis Sherman (Kelly Ann), Pamelia Williamson, Monique Kirtsey, Joshua Thomas, Rachael Thomas and Keith Thomas; great-grands, Jye Thompson, Landyn Sherman, Tyler Williamson, Jaquence, Jia and Jayla Thomas; one brother, James Thomas (Shirley); close friends, Eva Mae Perkins, Christine Wilson and Katherine Kirtsey; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and many sorrowing friends.

The service will be held at New Jerusalem Holiness Church, 816 S. 10^th St., Fernandina Beach, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8. The viewing will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of service on Saturday at the church. The interment will be held in the Bosque Bello Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 10:45 a.m. at 1655 Lime St., Apt. 4-B, Fernandina Beach, under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home, Roderic D. Feacher, LFDIC; Laprinzo M. Banks, LFD; 410 Beech St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, (904) 261-4367.

Huff & Battise Funeral Home

Mr. Daniel Brian Wilson, LFD, 49, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Monday morning, April 3, 2017, at his home.

Born in Beckley, W.Va., he grew up in Oceana, W.Va., and was a graduate of Oceana High School, where he played football. After high school, Daniel worked as an instrument fitter and technician for Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, Tenn. In the early 2000s, he began a career in funeral service when he joined Chapman Funeral Homes in Brunswick, Ga. In 2006, he joined Oxley-Heard in Fernandina Beach. While working in Fernandina Beach, he attended Florida State College at Jacksonville, from where he graduated in 2011 with his degree in mortuary science. Since graduation, he had worked as a licensed funeral director and embalmer with Oxley-Heard in Fernandina Beach.

Daniel was an avid fan of NASCAR and a lover of his Labrador retrievers, Bounce and Abbey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Manning Altizer.

He leaves behind his stepfather, Ron K. Altizer Jr. of Oceana; his sister, Victoria Wilson Dough and her husband, Ranger, of Virginia Beach, Va.; two brothers, Gregory Allen Wilson of Brunswick, and Ronald K. Altizer III of Oceana; and his beloved Bounce and Abbey.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 7, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, with Chaplains Jackie Hayes and Jim Tippins officiating.

His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Oxley-Heard.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Funeral services for Jack L. Bradley Jr., 53, retired captain, Fernandina Beach Police Department, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at The Journey Church, with Pastor Ed Shick officiating. His family will receive friends on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the hour of service.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Johnnie Belinda Coulter, 57, of Yulee, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in the care of the Warner Center for Caring, Fernandina Beach.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Dr. Isadore Henry Gilyard, of Yulee, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Miami.

Funerals by T.S. Warden, Jacksonville

Funeral services for Daniel B. Wilson, 49, of Fernandina Beach, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 7, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard, with Chaplains Jim Tippins and Jackie Hayes officiating. Daniel will be laid to rest beside his mother in the Cook Family Cemetery, Oceana, W.Va.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Aliff “Ma” Knight, 89, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Warner Center for Caring, Fernandina Beach, with her family by her side.

She was born in Adel, Ga., on April 29, 1927.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer Norman Knight Sr., and two sisters, Mary Alice Jones and Gertrude Hall.

She is survived by her three children, Elmer Norman Knight Jr., Carolyn Knight Wilkes (Charles) and Patsy Knight Manning (Frankie); grandchildren, Paul Wilkes, Angela Brown (Eric), Garrett R. Wilkes, Jeff Knight, Jason Knight and Cole Manning; and numerous nieces, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She dearly loved her family and putting up vegetables out of our Daddy’s garden.

We are sure she will be supervising the harvest of vegetables in heaven as well as taking time out for playing softball, for which she had numerous awards throughout the years.

A celebration of life will be held at the River of Praise Center in Yulee on Wednesday, April 12, with friends and family from 10-11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mrs. Lea M. Stephens, 60, of Yulee, passed away Friday afternoon, March 31, 2017, at University of Florida Health Jacksonville with her husband by her side.

Born in New Orleans, she was one of five children born to Alfred and Patricia Guthrie Philipp. Lea grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she graduated from L’anse High School, Class of 1975. Due to her father’s career, the family returned to New Orleans in 1975. She later attended Fashion Design School in Dallas. In the mid-1990s, she joined her family in Nassau County and worked at the Amelia Plantation Co. In the mid-2000s, Lea obtained her specialty contractor’s license, and she and her late husband, Joey Sorrells, founded Atlantic Custom Exteriors of Northeast Florida. In 2008, Lea was diagnosed with breast cancer, and this began her own journey of self-discovery while providing care to her husband and his battle with lung and brain cancer. Her husband passed away in 2009. In 2011, during the annual Fernandina Shrimp Festival, she met Fernandina Beach native Joey Stephens, and their love story began. In 2012, Lea and Joey were married, and from that day forward, their love for each other grew beyond boundaries. In 2013, while visiting the Saturday morning farmers market, Lea found a mixed terrier that immediately worked his way into her heart and into the heart of Joey upon her bringing him home. From that day forward, Lea, Joey and Champ became inseparable. On any given afternoon, the three of them could be found sitting on their back deck overlooking Lofton Creek, which, in her words, was the most beautiful view that she had ever experienced.

Lea enjoyed the out of doors, whether it be hiking the Appalachian Trail and camping or traveling the world.

She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach.

Lea leaves behind her husband, Joseph “Joey” Stephens of Yulee; their baby, Champ; her parents, Alfred and Patricia Philipp of Fernandina Beach; a stepdaughter, Holley Sorrells of New York City; siblings, Bill and Karen Philipp of Jackson, Miss., Linda and Bill Neyman of Atlanta, Bob and Tina Philipp of Fernandina Beach, and Bern and Linda Philipp of Boca Raton; and many nieces and nephews.

A time of gathering and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2600 Network Blvd., Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors