Carol Wentworth Vosburgh Troxell

Carol Wentworth Vosburgh Troxell passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday April 1, at her home in Redding, CT. Her loyal dog Rufus was at her side.

Carol was born on February 21, 1932 to Marianne Wentworth Neff and Frank Arthur Vosburgh, Jr. of Orange, NJ. She graduated from The Kent Place School, and earned her B.A. Degree in Classical Greek in 1953 from McGill University. She married Dana Chase Troxell of Montclair, NJ in 1956. Together, Carol and Chase raised a family in Darien, CT and Short Hills, NJ before moving to Chatham, Mass. and, later, Amelia Island, Florida. She moved to Meadow Ridge in Redding, CT in 2010.

Carol was predeceased by her husband, who passed away in 2010. She met Chase on a tennis court when she was 14 and later went on a double date with him. Chase was paired with the other girl.  Realizing his error, he amended his ways, and they married in 1956. They remained married for 54 years.

Carol was for many years a teacher, working with autistic and special needs children in the Summit, NJ school system. A lifelong interest in ancient Greek and Egyptian history and art led her to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she studied textile history at the Fashion Institute and became a docent at the Museum. Carol was active in the Junior League of Short Hills, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Carol’s happiest days often found her on or near the sea. She enjoyed boating of all kinds, but especially sailing, and spent many summers on Fire Island, NY and Cape Cod. She was an avid gardener, developing rock gardens and walking gardens wherever she lived.

Carol is survived by daughter Amy Powell of Cape Elizabeth, ME and her husband Greg, daughter Holly Ruhlin of Hilton Head, SC, and her husband Peter, and son Dana of Weston, CT and his wife Anne.  Ten grandchildren called her “Grandy”: Molly and Catherine Powell; Welles, Whitney, Lydia and Charlotte Ruhlin; and Chase, Preston, Gray and Leila Troxell. She is also survived by her brother Peter Vosburgh of Canaan, CT, and her sister, Whitney Selover of Ponte Vedra, FL and her husband Ed.

A celebration of Carol’s life was held at Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, CT on Thursday April 7 at 11am.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bouton Funeral Home, Georgetown CT.

Ms. Mary Ihle Davis, age 63, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Monday afternoon, April 11, 2016 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville. Memorial services will be held and announced at a later date. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. David I. Weiss, age 69, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at UF Health of Jacksonville. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Clarice L. Champion, 83, of Fernandina Beach passed away Friday, April 8, 2016.  

She was born July 6, 1932 in Patterson, GA, the daughter of Alexander and Susie Griner Lee and moved to Fernandina Beach 65 years ago. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church and was well known for her pie baking skills in the community. Her pecan pie is said by many to be the better they ever tasted. She retired from the Nassau County School Board. She worked in school cafeterias for many years.

Mrs. Champion was predeceased by her parents and a daughter, Marie Evans.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Walter L. Champion; sons, Jimmy Hickox and Dennis "Buddy" Champion; daughters, Margie Hatton (Jerry), Melba Hickox and Susan McCarthy (Brian); 13 grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren and her faithful dog, Midnight.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, at Bible Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach with Pastor Mark Stalnaker officiating. Interment followed in Green Pine Cemetery. The family received guests from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at the church.

To sign Mrs. Champion's online register book please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com. Green Pine Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. George Andrew Topper Hermanson, age 73, of Olde Towne, Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at his home in Olde Towne.

Born in Brockton, MA, he was the youngest of three sons born to the late Charles Arnold Hermanson and Katie ONeill Hermanson. Topper grew up in Rockland, MA and was a graduate of Rockland High School, Class of 1960. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for eight years. Upon being honorably discharged he enrolled at Philips Institute in Boston where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. With degree in hand, he joined General Dynamics in Groton, CT where he launched a career in Submarine Design before moving to the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard and on to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. After eight years, he and his family set sail on a 27 sailboat that consisted of two circumnavigations before settling on Amelia Island in Olde Towne in 1982. Topper established himself as a revered and respected Boat Builder in Olde Towne at Hermanson Boat Building; aka Toppers Boat Yard. In 1998, wanderlust set in once again and Topper set out on bicycle adventures that netted him pedaling over 150,000 miles through the United States, South America, Vietnam and portions of the Tour de France.

He had previously attended the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie and David Hermanson.

Topper leaves behind his son, Chance Hermanson, Jacksonville, FL , his companion and friend, Lisa, several nieces and nephews and a host of lifelong friends and acquaintances.

A gathering and time of food and fellowship will be held beginning at 4:30 pm on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the McCarthy boats docking area at the City Marina at the foot of Centre Street. 

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jo Ann Austell Meeks, age 86, of Fernandina Beach, went peacefully home on Thursday morning, April 7, 2016 at the Warner Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center-Nassau.

She was born in Scottsboro, AL on September 19, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Robert Payne Austell and Mary Isabel Womack Austell.

Mrs. Meeks had been a resident of Fernandina Beach since moving here from Jacksonville with her husband and daughter in 1963.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Otis Lanier Meeks, who passed away in 2006.

Jo Ann is survived by her daughter, Mindy Williams and her husband, Larry, Fernandina Beach, FL, a sister, Betty Austell, Elizabethtown, KY, a granddaughter, McKenna Lanier Williams, Tallahassee, FL, and a niece, Ann Carmack and husband Rob, Elizabethtown, KY.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Meeks will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque-Bello Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

A Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Robert Benjamin Morrison, Sr. of Tampa, FL who passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016 was held on Tuesday, April 12th, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of College Hill, 3838 N. 29th Street, Rev. S. Evans Burrows, senior pastor, officiating. The interment followed in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

Robert Benjamin Morrison, Sr. was born on October 26, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Rev. Lenworth S. Morrison, Sr. and Elizabeth J. Morrison, the fifth of eight children. Mr. Morrison was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rev. Lenworth S. Morrison, Jr., sisters Franscena M. Jacobs, Gwendolyn M. Watkins and Judy M. Morgan, and brothers-in-law Tommie Watkins, Samuel Jacobs, Abraham Johnson, Major Morgan, Johnnie Simmons and Stephen A. Martin, Sr.

His father was born in Mandeville, Jamaica and his mother in Daytona Beach, Florida. When Robert was three years old, the family moved to Tampa from Massachusetts and several years later settled in Fernandina Beach, Florida. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Morrison, a Peck High School graduate, was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1944 and served two years in World War II in Europe.  At the end of his service he returned to Florida and eventually enrolled in college under the G.I. Bill.  He attended Florida Memorial College in St. Augustine, Florida then transferred to Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy in 1952. While at Xavier, he met Helen Martin and they became husband and wife on June 27, 1953. Mr. Morrison’s career began as a Staff Pharmacist for the following drug stores: Reyno Pharmacy in Jacksonville, South Parramore Pharmacy in Orlando and Wells Drug Store in Tampa. In 1956, he opened Morrison’s Pharmacy at 34th Street and Buffalo Ave. (now MLK Blvd.). He served the public for a collective forty – two years at multiple locations. Mr. Morrison was a former member of the Hillsborough County Pharmaceutical Association, Florida State Pharmaceutical Association and National Association of Retail Druggists. In honor of his more than 50 years as a licensed Pharmacist, Mr. Morrison was granted emeritus status by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. “Doc” as he was affectionately known, was a long time member of New Bethel Progressive Baptist Church, under deceased Pastor Rev. Leroy Stancil and later established his church home at First Baptist Church of College Hill, Dr. S. Evan Burrows, Pastor (and the late Rev. Abraham Brown).

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 62 years, Helen M. Morrison, four children, Bob Morrison, Jr., Teresa Morrison, Jerome Morrison, Sr. and Gianna Morrison, daughters-in-law Jacentha Buggs, M.D. and Terrell Morrison; eight grandchildren, Weldon George, Stephon Morrison, Jerome Morrison, Jr., Garry Hicks, II, Robert Morrison, III, Edward Morrison, one very special granddaughter, Gabrielle Morrison and Zion Jones and one great - grandchild Zamya Strawder; three sisters, Juliette Knox, Eleanor Simmons and Mattie Johnson, brother-in-law Alvin Martin, Sr. (Ethel), sisters-in-law Carole M. Walker (John), and Brigid Martin and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and associates.

The family requests contributions in memory of Robert B. Morrison Sr. be sent to Xavier University, Department 1378, P.O. Box 56308, New Orleans, LA 70156-9904 or online at www.xula.edu/alumni/giving.html.

Mrs. Fannie Pearl Robinson, age 88, beloved wife of the late Frank Moltimore Robinson, peacefully left this world on Thursday morning, April 7, 2016 at the Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.

Mrs. Robinson was born Fannie Pearl Jackson, on February 24, 1928 in Montgomery, Alabama. She was one of five children born to the late Prince and Fannie Streety Jackson.  She grew up and was educated in Montgomery. After high school she accepted employment at a local hotel where she met and rekindled a relationship with a childhood acquaintance, Frank Moltimore Robinson. This chance encounter resulted in a romance that would unite the two in holy matrimony and as life partners in 1949. As the newlyweds began their life together, Mrs. Robinsons husband served three tours as a Combat Instructor in Vietnam with the U.S. Army; for which he became highly revered for his skills.  Mrs. Robinson remained at the family home in Niagara Falls, NY and raised their children. While juggling the needs of seven children, she found time to enjoy and share her love of cooking, baking, ceramics, bowling and playing card games. Upon the completion of her husbands 30-year military career the Robinsons moved to Niagara Falls where Mr. Robinson assumed a position as an ROTC Instructor at Niagara University. During her lifetime, Mrs. Robinson enjoyed reading and needlework to include crocheting and knitting; which she taught and shared with her children and grandchildren. After reaching retirement, she and her husband enjoyed traveling. She and her husband had attended St. Gerard Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA.

Mrs. Robinsons husband preceded her in death in 2001.

She leaves behind, one sister, Henrietta Gibson, Niagara Falls, NY, her children, Tampe Roy Robinson, Niagara Falls, NY, Georgia A. Robinson-Bradberry, Niagara Falls, NY, Gwendolyn L. Matthews, Romulus, MI, Tanya M. Roberts, Phenix City, AL, Tina Mayo, Fernandina Beach, FL, Raymond A. Robinson, Hampton, GA, Michelle M. McClain, Jacksonville, FL, two nephews, Elbert Bethea and Alvin Cunningham as well as  eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 15, 2016 from the graveside in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, Roanoke, VA as Mrs. Robinson is laid to rest beside her husband.

Floral tributes are appreciated and memorial donations may be made to the Warner Center for Caring, 1348 South 18th Street, Medical Office Bldg B, Fernandina Beach, FL  32034

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors       

Mr. John R. Sharpe, age 83 of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away Thursday morning, April 7, 2016 at Quality Health of Fernandina Beach. Mr. Sharpe was born on July 19, 1932 in Montreal, Canada, the only child born to the late John Walker and Edna Mae Sharpe.

After receiving his high school education, Mr. Sharpe joined the United States Air Force in Richmond, VA in 1952. While stationed overseas in Germany, he met a young lady by the name of Renate Magnus, and in the summer of 1966 they were married. They returned to the United States and settled in Virginia. Mr. Sharpe served his country honorably for 20 years. He went onto a career in management for an additional 20 years. A gregarious man, Mr. Sharpe enjoyed his retirement by driving the tram at Busch Gardens where he loved connecting with people. He enjoyed walking his Bassett Hound Walker in Newport News Park. Mr. Sharpe dearly loved and cared for all animals. He also liked to play handball, drive sports cars that his wife thought were too small for his size, and tell jokes. He was also a self taught harmonica player. Mr. Sharpe and his wife have been residents of Fernandina Beach since 2013. Along with his parents, Mr. Sharpe was preceded by a son, Danny Sharpe.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Renate Magnus-Sharpe of Fernandina Beach, FL, his sons; Jimmy Sharpe and his fianc Mimi of Holyoke, MA, Marc Magnus-Sharpe and his wife Sarah of Ithaca, NY and Patrick Sharpe and his wife Michelle of Fernandina Beach, FL, his grandchildren; John David Magnus-Sharpe, Dylan Sharpe, Connor Sharpe, Bailey Sharpe, Cali Sharpe, and Alyssa Sharpe.

John will always be remembered for his love of family, animals, laughter, and life itself.

Please share his life legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. H.L. Uffelman, 92, also known in his days as Uffy to his peers, passed away, as he wished, with his family right by his side on March 26, 2016.

Mr. Uffelman was born March 8, 1921, in McDonald, Pa. He served in the United States Navy. In 1960, he moved his family from Jacksonville to Fernandina Beach, where he resided on beautiful Lighthouse Circle. Mr. Uffelman retired from the Federal Aviation Administration with 28 years of service.

He now goes home to his beautiful wife, Violet, and son Earl.

He leaves behind children Jeannie, Wayne, Loyd, Mike Uffelman and daughter-in-law Leisha Uffelman, grandchildren Amelia (Drew) Walton, Julie Clarie Uffelman and Joe, Dr. Jabal Uffelman, Ashley Uffelman, Ida Uffelman, Nick (Meghan) Uffelman and great-grandchildren Asher and Lucas Walton, Liam Uffelman and Baby Jacob on the way.

A private service will be held at Our Lady Star of Sea. The family requests donations be made to Community Hospice, Jacksonville.

Bobby Luther Young, age 82, of Yulee, FL passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016. He was born January 29, 1934, the son of a farmer, Elige Thomas Young, and Mary Mae McCranie of Colquitt County, Ga. Upon school, he met his bride-to-be, Doris Yvonne Lightbody of Jacksonville, FL. Bob L, as he was known, served his country in the Army during the Korean War and was awarded with a Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Discharge. After serving his country, Bob L was employed by Terminal Bag Co. of Yulee, FL and retired after 43 years.

He attended Concord Primitive Baptist Church of Adel, Ga., and Community Baptist Church of Yulee, FL. He started a family of his own and was a loving, caring husband and daddy (papa). A Georgia Bulldog amongst Florida Gators, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. Known by his family and friends as generous, kind, loving; and he continued to show his faith with his Lord until he was taken home. He leaves behind his legacy of faith to all he ever met. Our memories of you will last forever. We love you, Daddy (Papa). God blessed us with the very best dad ever.

He leaves behind his bride of 60 years, Doris Yvonne Young (meme), their daughter, Robin Young deBoer (Douwe), their son, Robby Randall Young (Julie), grandchildren, Auriel Weinberg (David), Christopher Young (Natasha), Marcus Young, Savannah Young and Quest Belcher, great-grandchildren Madison, Janna, Jadon, Alisa, Noah, Chloe, Caleb, Jacob and all his extended family, who dad loved as his own.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Concord Primitive Baptist Church in Adel, Ga., in accord with Boone Funeral Home of Adel, Ga. If so desired, memorials may be made in Mr. Young’s name to Concord Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Bobby Hammer, 5701 Georgia Highway 32 East, Sycamore, GA 31790 or Vitas Healthcare Hospice, 7406 Fullerton Street, Suite 105, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Emma Doris Miller was born August 2, 1923, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, to the late John and Hattie Victory Miller.  She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  Ms. Miller maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates after graduating from Peck High School, class of 1941. 

“Ms. Emma” or “Mother” as she was affectionately known was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church until her illness.  She loved to cook and care for her family and helped others to do the same.  Ms. Emma helped to raise and nurture several children, as a child care provider for several years.  Her door was always opened to family and friends.  She was known for her graceful nature and beautiful smile.  

In addition to her parents and nine siblings, Ms. Emma was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mr. James Bernard Miller.  She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter, Corliss (Kevin) Brown, Yulee, Florida; treasured granddaughters, Tonisha S. (Scott) Thomas, Palm Coast, Florida, Nae’tel C. (Aaron) Henderson, San Diego, California; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly; extended family including children she cared for, Elizabeth Green, Thomas Brim, Tiffany Preliou Williams, Patrick Preliou; and a special friend, Luverta Baker.    

Service celebrating her life will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at First Missionary Baptist Church, where she held membership, 22 South 9th Street, Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden, Sr., Pastor.   Visitation with the family will be TUESDAY at the Church from 5 – 7:00 PM.   Interment in Bosque Bello.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400.

Richard Miner, 85 Pop as he was affectionately known by many, passed away quietly at his home on Lofton Creek in Yulee on Thursday April 14 surrounded by his family.  He was preceded in death by his Parents Fred & Iona Miner, Sister Lois Poland, and Brother James Miner, His wife of 52 years, Kathleen and a grandson Ricky Miner Jr.

Mr. Miner grew up in Yulee until his family moved to Fernandina Beach in 1940 to be closer to school. He was a 1949 graduate of FBHS.  He operated a Sunoco gas station on 8th Street prior to starting his career at Container Corporation of America in August 1950.  Shortly after starting at Container, Mr. Miner was drafted in the US Army. His tour of duty took him as an MP to Sendia Japan then on to serve during the Korean War Conflict. Upon returning to the states he resumed his career with Container Corporation of America until retirement in 1986.  Mr. Miner was a charter member of the Nassau County Zoning Board for 37 years.  Prior to his illness he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and growing Bamboo. Pop never met a person he did not like and taught his family never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.

He is survived by his son Richard Miner, daughters Cindy Evans and husband Cliff, Teresa Burch and husband Bubba, Karen Hagins and friend Jasper Cooper all of Yulee and Kathy Buffkin and husband Tim of Jacksonville. Grandchildren, Turk (Tricia), Shawn (Katie) and David Johnson, Steven (Kimberly) John and Bobby Miner, Jennifer & Kyle Pikula, Jaclyn and Jordyn Brown, Ryan and David Hagins, Cole and Conner Buffkin.  Great grandchildren Hailey Miner, Asher Bryant, Colby Pikula, Preston and Felicity Johnson, Leeum and Alaura Miner, Ralph & Kyle Ellison.  Great-great granddaughter Makhaela Ellison. Brothers, Louis, Bill and his wife Elizabeth Miner.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday 11am at Celebration Baptist Church on Miner Road with Pastors Mike Kwiatkowski and John Kasper officiating. Mr. Miner will be laid to rest beside his wife following the service in Hughes Cemetery. The Miner family will be greeting friends between 6 and 8pm on Monday April 18^th at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach Florida.

Mr. Miners grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Please share his life legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS

The funeral service for Mrs. Melvina P. Mitchell will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God (Pastor Edwin Shick), 302 South 14th Street, Fernandina Beach Florida 32034, Pastor Jeanette Richo officiating.   

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her devoted daughter, Karon Mitchell; her sister , Carolyn Cooper; her grandchildren, Tayrell Jenkins, Jessica Jamison, Takeya Roberts, Melvin Mitchell, Jacqueline Quarterman, Zachary Jamison, Latoya Clay, Darius Pollard, Kristopher Perkins;  her great-grandchildren, Taniyah Martin, Santonio Martin,  Jabbarion Mason, Darihonna Pollard, Zachary Jamison Jr., Kelis-Isabella Mason, Skylar Pollard and a number of other loving relatives and friends. 

A public viewing will be held at the Huff & Battise Funeral Home on Friday, April 22, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., and 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 323 North 9th Street  under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home; Roderic D. Feacher, LFDIC; Laprinzo M. Banks, LFD; 410 Beech Street, Fernandina Beach Florida, 32034; (904) 261-4367.  

Mrs. Shirley McKendree Williams, age 70, of Fernandina Beach, joined the Lord on Thursday evening, April 14, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.  

Born in Fernandina Beach on September 16, 1945, she was the oldest of three children born to the late CA "Mac" McKendree and Joyce McKendree Gould.  She graduated from Fernandina High School in 1963, where she was a cheerleader for the Varsity football team and met her high school sweetheart, James "Butch" Williams.

After Butch graduated in 1964, the two married and had 3 sons; James "Jay" Williams, Jr. (Tammy), Eric "Craig" Williams (Andrea), and John "Jody" Williams (Morgan).  Shirley raised her sons and kept a loving home in Fernandina Beach, where she pursued many entrepreneurial interests.  From owning and operating a laundromat, cleaning service, gourmet gift basket delivery service, and wallpaper installation company, Shirley was an intrepid and savvy businesswoman who could always recognize an opportunity.

Shirley and Butch were also devoted to their faith in God, attending church as members at Springhill Baptist Church, Amelia Baptist Church, and later at First Baptist Church.  Shirley was an active member and held leadership positions in Aglow, an evangelical outreach group dedicated to spreading the Gospel and teaching God's word.  She sang alto as a member of the choir at both Springhill Baptist Church and Amelia Baptist Church.

Mrs. Williams leaves behind her loving husband and sons, sister Gail McKendree Yamnitz (John) of St. Augustine, and brother Gary McKendree (Pauline) of Fernandina Beach; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and life long friends.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, with visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to First Baptist Church.

Darrel Dean “Doug” Douglas, 78, of Yulee passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016. Those who know Mr. Douglas’ family may contact them for more information. Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery.

Richard B. Johnston, 78, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach. No local services are planned. Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery.

Laura Wootton, 66, passed away Monday, April 18, 2016. Arrangements are incomplete. Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery.

Mrs. Ginger Rae Wainwright Holton, age 48, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Shands of Jacksonville.

Born in Montgomery, AL, she was the daughter of George Ray Wainwright and Lucie Henrietta Lynch. She grew up in Montgomery until her family moved to Fernandina Beach in 1980. Ginger was a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1986. After high school, she attended Florida Community College of Jacksonville. In 2002 she began working at the Credit Union for CCA before substitute teaching in the primary grades within the Nassau County Public School System. For the past twelve years, Ginger has been a Personal Banker for First Coast Community Bank in Yulee. 

At the age of 16, she met Ted R. Holton, whom she would marry in 1988. During their marriage, Ted worked for FPU, the City of Fernandina Beach and was the Owner of Wet Zone Irrigation.  Ginger was her husband’s strongest supporter throughout his over 20 years of coaching and traveling with Babe Ruth Baseball in Fernandina Beach and Yulee.

She was a Notary and had performed numerous weddings around Nassau County over the years. She and Ted made their home an inviting place for anyone that came by and commonly took in local children needing a safe place to stay for a few days. Her family was her heart. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Blue Wainwright.

Ginger leaves behind, her husband of 28 years, Ted Teddy Holton, Fernandina Beach, FL, their daughter, Ashley Holton Brown (Shawn), Charleston, SC, their son, Ted T.J. Holton, Fernandina Beach FL, her mother, Lucie Moore, Fernandina Beach, FL, her father, Ray Wainwright (Freeda), Moody, AL, a sister, Carole Baker (Kerry), Haughton, LA, four grandchildren, Alyssa, Madelyn, Hunter,  Fischer, a niece, Heather Winslett (David) and many other family members and friends.

Her family will receive friends on Friday, April 22, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard. Her family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Zaid Awad and his staff for the care that they extended to Mrs. Holton.

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

Oxleh-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Ronnie Lee Peterson, age 33, beloved son of Hydie and Rhonda Peterson III passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2016 in Gainesville, FL.

Born in Jacksonville, he had been a lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach before moving to Titusville to complete high school. Ronnie grew up in Fernandina Beach where he attended public school and played  baseball.  Being coached and managed by his father through his Little League years, Ronnie excelled at all levels of the sport; winning local events and contributing to and boosting his teams to local and regional championships. As a southpaw Pitcher and Center Fielder, he lettered through his Junior year at Fernandina Beach High School. For his Senior year, he accepted an invitation to move to Titusville for advanced coaching where he was a member of the graduating Class of 2001 at Titusville High School. After high school, he accepted a full scholarship to attend and play for Brevard Community College in Cape Canaveral. Ronnie later returned home to Fernandina Beach and worked as a Crane Operator with Coast Chips at ITT Rayonier. His career path led him to join United Rigging in Jacksonville as a Warehouse Manager, move to Louisiana to open a new warehouse and most recently begin working as Warehouse Manager for Liberty Marine Supply in Jacksonville.   

Like generations of shrimping Petersons before him, he loved fishing the waters of Northeast Florida and had won several area red fish and trout tournaments. 

Ronnie and his family have been longtime members of St. Michael Catholic Church.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Hydie Roland Peterson Jr., Kenneth Nelsen and an infant brother.

Ronnie leaves behind, his parents, Hydie R. and Rhonda Lynn Nelsen Peterson III, Fernandina Beach, FL, a brother, Hydie R. Nick Peterson IV and his wife, Isabel, Fernandina Beach, FL, a sister, Stacey Nicole Peterson Chaplauske and her husband, Steve, Fernandina Beach, his paternal grandmother, Roberta Peterson, Orlando, FL, his maternal grandmother, Reba Nelsen, Titusville, FL, four nephews, Sloan and Slade Peterson, and Rob Wilson (Amanda) and Christopher Wilson.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 2:00  4:00 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. Ronnie will be laid to rest beside his grandfather in Bosque-Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Edith Holmes, 78, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on April 18, 2016. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors