Frank Murray, 84, Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Heartland Health and Rehabilitation in Jacksonville.

Born July 25, 1933 in Blackshear, Ga., he was a son of the late Zeb Pendleton and Sarah Dowling Murray. Frank grew up in Waycross, Ga. and graduated from Wacona High School.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and served honorably for four years. From the Air Force, Frank would transition into a career that would carry him into retirement. He spent most of his working career as a field engineer for Lockheed. From to Cape Canaveral, Fla. to Austin, Texas, Frank worked for Lockheed Missile and Space for over 30 years. Frank retired to Fernandina Beach in 1991 from Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands.

He was an avid motorcycle rider and also enjoyed bowling and playing golf. Frank loved the outdoors and especially liked working in his yard. Among his many activities, he enjoyed his memberships in the American Legion Post 54, VFW 4351 and Moose Lodge 2073 in Merritt Island. Frank was the kind of guy who never met a stranger and had many, many friends.

In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Edna; his daughter, Debi King; and two of his siblings, Rudolph Murray and Betty Walker.

His surviving family includes his wife, Gayle Murray of Fernandina Beach; his son, Jim Murray of Rockledge, Fla.; his stepson, Dennis Futch and his wife, Megan, of Chesapeake, Va.; two brothers, Zeb Murray Jr. of Waycross and Tommy Murray of Breman, Ga.; a sister, Vickie Tyre of Waycross; seven grandchildren, Heather Murray and her fiance’, Sean, Gary King Jr. and his wife, Lisa, Tiffany Diccolla and her husband, Steve, and Cameron, Connor, Julia and Ava Futch. He is also survived by his five great-grandchildren, Dylan, Hailey, MacKenzie, Cameron and Nicolas.

A service to remember Frank’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard Funeral Directors with Chaplain Bruce Malcolm officiating.

Following the service, the family will gather at American Legion Post 54 for a time of food and fellowship.

Those desiring may make contributions in Frank’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donald (Don) Edward Noe, 76, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and formerly of Wilkinsburg, Pa., Greensburg, Pa., and St. Marys, Ga., died suddenly on December 25, 2017, while vacationing with family.

Don was born on October 16, 1941 in Wilkinsburg. He learned his strong work ethic from an early age while working in his father’s butcher shop, C.A. Noe Market. Don graduated from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, where he earned awards in physics. He also graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. He married Carole McGoldrick on May 27, 1967, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2017. He served in the National Guard and was active throughout his life in many civic activities, including service on the board of St. Paul’s Church in Greensburg and the Knights of Columbus in Greensburg, St. Marys and Yulee, where he was honored with a 4th degree Knighthood. Don spent his career in nuclear engineering and project management, working for Westinghouse for 32 years while he raised his daughters in Greensburg. He moved to St. Marys in 1997 and worked at GSE Systems Inc., Shaw Corporation, and finally Gilbert Consulting Services before retiring in 2013 to enjoy more time at the beach with Carole. 

Don was as true a Pittsburgh sports fan as they come, rooting loyally for the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates and was fond of telling his story of being present at game seven of the 1960 World Series when Bill Mazeroski hit the greatest home run of all time. Don loved to watch his Pitt Panthers, but also adopted Notre Dame, Penn State, and Kent State, from where his daughters Colleen, Holly and Kellie graduated, respectively. Don loved his family, enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, especially bridge and cribbage, and most enjoyed time with his granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife, Carole McGoldrick Noe formerly of Penn Hills; his children, Colleen (William) Houston, Holly (Sean) Mummert, and Kellie Noe (Dennis Rosatti Jr.); six grandchildren, Lauren and Emily Houston, Madison and Kiley Mummert, and Hailie and Laurel Rosatti; siblings, James Noe, Carol (Jerry) Lee, Mary Ellen (Joel) Bloom and John (Mary Anne) Noe; and many adored nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Eileen Murphy Noe.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2018 at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Glenshaw, Pa. Interment followed at St. Mary Cemetery in Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

Jobe Funeral Home & Crematory

Marolyn Templeton Rogers, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Statesville, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Claude Francis and Sally Schumaker Templeton. She attended schools in Statesville and graduated from Harmony High School in Statesville. She was active in many aspects of school life including playing basketball. Also part of her early years was her family’s participation in church life at Hebron Baptist Church. She continued to love that church for the rest of her life.

She married U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert B. Rogers in 1981. Together, they enjoyed 26 years of marriage. He passed away in 2007. They had made their home in Fernandina Beach since 1989, having moved from Jacksonville.

Among many professional and recreational activities, Mrs. Rogers was most proud of her time as chief registrar for the International Motor Sports Association for 15 years. She also served, for nine years, on the International Motor Racing Research Center’s Governing Council. She worked the first several years for Bill Warner and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and worked with RM Auctions for their Concours at Amelia Island.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Rogers was predeceased by a son, Gary Fierro, in November of 2017.

She leaves behind her daughter, Sandy Fierro of Fernandina Beach; her stepdaughter, Katy Peterson and her husband, Frank, and their children, Ryan and Sam, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; her stepsons, John Rogers and his wife, Tabitha, and their son, Justin, of Ft. Mill, S.C.; and Steven Rogers and his wife, Susan, and their children, Christopher, Megin, Joshua, Jessica and Jennifer, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a dear friend, Cathy Clower of Jacksonville; and her “four-legged grandson,” P’nutbudder.

There will be no local services. Mrs. Rogers will be returned to her native Statesville, where she will be laid to rest with her parents at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Deborah Churchill, 56, of Yulee, Fla., passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James Franklin "Frank" Murray, 84, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Clare L. Cleland, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away January 1, 2018 in Carmel, Ind.

Born May 2, 1926 in Galion, Ohio to Lowell H. Cleland and Estelle Powers Cleland, he earned a bachelor of business administration from Michigan State University and worked as vice president of sales for Perfection Coby Manufacturing in Galion, Ohio before retiring. He married Barbara Eib Cleland on September 23, 1950 in Saginaw, Mich., and was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Fernandina Beach.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 2015 and by his parents.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Cleland of Carmel, Michael Cleland of Bristol, Va., and Sarah Martin of Yulee, Fla.; brothers, James Cleland of Canal Fulton, Ohio, and Edward Cleland of San Francisco, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A family gathering to honor his memory will be held in May 2018 in Saginaw.

Neptune Society

Jasper Claude Murray Jr., 81, went to rest in the arms of his Savior on January 20, 2018 after a brief illness.

Mr. Murray was born to the late Jasper and Estelle Murray in Folkston, Ga. on June 23, 1936. He worked at Container Corporation of America in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for 43 years. He also served in the United States Navy for two years.

He married his best friend, E. Jean Murray, on May 12, 1957 in Folkston. Jasper and Jean raised one child. He dedicated his life to the service of God and his family.

Jasper is predeceased by his parents, Estelle and Jasper; three sisters, Claudette, Lillian, and Theresa; and one brother, Dickie.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; his son, Claude (Sandra); his granddaughter, Kristen; and, his grandson, Timothy. He also leaves behind two brothers, Ronnie (Sue) Murray and Russell (Zada) Murray; one sister, Jimmie Thrift (Chester); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2018 at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Philadelphia Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Parnell Aldridge and Rev. Ray McMillan officiating. Burial will follow in Trader’s Hill Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Jackson officiating.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.

Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home

Ida Eldron Bailey Neeley, 97, of Brookdale Assisted Living in Central, S.C., passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018.

Born December 5, 1920 in Ball, La., she was the daughter of the late Estes Eldron Bailey and Louella LaCroix Bailey. She was the co-owner of Neeley Built Structures, and in her later years, she volunteered at the Helen Lehmann Memorial Library in Montverde, Fla. She was also a member of Montverde United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Owen Brown (Miriam) of Alexandria, La., Norma Louella Simpkins (Reed) of Arcadia, La., Eben Bailey Jr. (Ellen) of Monroe, Ga., LeAnn Wilson (R L) of Anderson, Greg Bailey (Jackie) of Panama City, Fla. and Brian Bailey (April) of Ellerslie, Ga. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Hazel Brown, Jewel Bailey, Anita Bringol and Edith Bailey, and a brother, Eben Bailey Sr.

A graveside service will be held at noon Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville, La. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

Martin Edward Porter, a long-time resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away quietly on Saturday morning, January 20, 2018, at the age of 83.

He was born in Dundee, Fla. to the late John D. and Edna M. (Halstead) Porter.

Martin was an avid Gator’s fan who had enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, and other sports. After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, Martin joined the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant and was crew chief on B-47 bombers. Following honorable discharge, Martin returned to Fernandina Beach and retired after 34 years as a printing press operator for Container Corporation of America.

Martin is survived by his brother, Bruce Porter (Renee); nephews, Jack Wiggins and Martin Wiggins (Julianne); and grand-nephew, Chris Wiggins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Oxley-Heard. Interment will be at Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cats Angels, P.O. Box 16072, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marolyn Templeton Rogers, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Statesville, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Claude Francis and Sally Shoemaker Templeton. A graduate of Stateville’s Harmony High School, Marolyn was active in many aspects of school life including playing basketball. Her family’s active participation in church life at Hebron Baptist Church during her formative years led to a lifelong love and support of the church. 

Marolyn married Rear Admiral Robert B. Rogers in 1981. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1986, they made Fernandina Beach their home. Together, they enjoyed 26 years of marriage. He passed away in 2007.

Among many professional and recreational activities, Mrs. Rogers was most proud of her time as chief registrar for the International Motor Sports Association for 15 years. She also served, for nine years, on the International Motor Racing Research Center’s Governing Council. She worked the first several years for Bill Warner and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and worked with RM Auctions for their Concours at Amelia Island.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Rogers was predeceased by a son, Gary Fierro, in November of 2017. 

She leaves behind her daughter, Sandy Fierro, and grand-kitty, Pnutbudder, of Fernandina Beach; her stepdaughter, Katy Peterson, and her husband, Brad, and their children, Ryan and Sam, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; her stepsons, John Rogers and his wife, Tabitha, and their son, Justin, all of Ft. Mill, S.C., and Steven Rogers and his wife, Susan, along with their children, Christopher, Megan, Joshua, Jessica and Jennifer, all of Port St. Lucie, Fla.

There will be no local services. Mrs. Rogers will be returned to her native Statesville, N.C., where she will be laid to rest with her parents at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kassidy Ashlyn Smith, 23, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on January 21, 2018 in Fernandina Beach.

Kassidy was a beautiful gift to all who knew her. She was kind, caring, and always smiling. Born on January 2, 1995 in Jacksonville, Fla., Kassidy grew up in Fernandina Beach and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School. She loved gymnastics, cheerleading, spending time with her cousins, large groups of friends, and the Georgia Bulldogs. Kassidy was a server at Sliders Seaside Grill.

Kassidy is survived by a large loving family, including her father, Keith Smith; her mother, Kristine Smith; sisters, Kellie Wiker and Megan Spiegel; grandparents, Jerry and Annette Smith and Hugh and Kelly Farnsworth; uncles and aunts, Brian and Stacie Smith, Marc Farnsworth and Bryan Farnsworth; and many other extended family members and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach with visitation starting at 10 a.m. The services will be performed by Pastor Becky DeBerry. Kassidy will be buried at Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Beach Cheer Boosters at 302 S. Seventh St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Please write “Kassidy – FBHS” in the memo line of your check.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. John Maxwell Thompson Sr., 70, of Ellaville, Ga., died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his residence.

Mr. Thompson was born February 8, 1947 in Tifton, Ga. to the late Truman Lynn Thompson Sr. and Lillie Mae Wade Thompson. He grew up in Georgia, Yulee, Fla. and Fernandina Beach, Fla. He joined the U.S. Army in 1965 and was in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was discharged as specialist 5th class. Mr. Thompson retired from C.J. Bridges Railroad Contractors of Mulberry, Fla. in 2010 and retired to Ellaville. He loved hunting, fishing, and being a master of building things. He was a member of the American Legion Post 191 of Ellaville and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife, Donna Allen Thompson of Ellaville; one daughter, Dawn Cunningham of Yulee; one son, John Thompson Jr. (Denise) of Lizella, Ga.; one stepdaughter, Lisa Peterson of Bartow, Fla.; three brothers, Derwood Thompson (Nancy) of Gainesville, Fla., William Thompson of Central America and Truman Thompson (Nancy) of Fernandina Beach; three sisters, Ruth Spinks (Allen) of Lakeland, Fla., Kathy Berry (John) of Homeland, Fla., and Betty Vickers (Jimmy) of Winter Haven, Fla. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Sowell; brothers, Rodney Thompson Sr., Ronnie Thompson, Donnie Thompson; and a stepdaughter, Julie Peterson.

Funeral services will be held on at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Williams, Rev. Ray Allen, Rev. Chris Allen and Rev. Scott Allen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held at Watson-Giddens Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018.

Active pallbearers are Grady Hewitt, Randy Yelverton, Rob Branan, John Thompson Jr., Cory Rosendal, and John Berry. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Harper, Brett Yelverton, Blake Yelverton, Matt Folds, Colby Hewitt and Drew Cook. In honor of their uncle, Master Sergeant Rodney Thompson and Sergeant 1st Class Dominic Thompson will fold the flag. The Patriot Guard Riders will escort the procession for Mr. Thompson from the funeral home to the church.

You may sign the online guestbook and share you own special thoughts and memories with the family of Mr. Thompson by visiting Watson-Giddens Funeral Home’s website at watsongiddensfuneralhome.com.

Watson-Giddens Funeral Home

Holly Wickson Treffinger, of Cumming, Ga., passed away on January 4, 2018 at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Ga.

She was born January 17, 1948 in Westfield, N.Y. and grew up in Buffalo and Hamburg, both in N.Y. She graduated from Hamburg High in 1966. She received a Bachelor in Education from Buffalo State University in 1970 and a Master in Special Education from Purdue University in 1975. She taught in Rush-Henrietta schools near Rochester, N.Y. She then moved to Indianapolis and met Bruce Treffinger in 1972. They married in 1973. Afterward, she worked with severely retarded adults at Wabash Center in Lafayette, Ind. and later in Hall County, Ga. She was also a real estate agent, receiving an award from RE/MAX as one of the top-selling new agents in Gwinnett County, Ga. in 1986.

In 1991, she left real estate to care for her son. She was also a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in 2009. Her parents retired from Hamburg to Fernandina Beach and had many friends in the area. Holly always loved meeting new people and had many friends everywhere she lived.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce; son, Erik; and brother, Ralph Wickson, who now lives in Fernandina Beach.

Donations may be made to the Wabash Center, which provides services for the disabled in the Lafayette area. Please include a note in the comment section stating that the donation is being made in her memory: wabashcenter.com/donations/. You may also mail a check with a note on the memo line to Wabash Center, 2000 Greenbush St., Lafayette, IN 47904.

Lee Henry Varnadore, 77, passed away on January 17, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born June 8, 1940 in West Palm Beach, Fla. to Guy and Dorothy Walker Varnadore, Lee loved the river and enjoyed fishing, shrimping and boating. Gardening was also a favorite pastime. Lee enjoyed traveling from coast to coast with family and friends. Lee loved his big blue tractor "Christian Tractor Work" and was a blessing to many. Lee was a volunteer at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina for many years. Lee was a dedicated, faithful member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Lee was a loving and dedicated husband for 59 years to Gail Shepherd Varnadore.

Lee leaves behind his beloved children, Kemberly Hull (David), Tina Watkins (Marty), Vicky Varnadore and Lee Varnadore Jr.; siblings, Roger Varnadore (Terry), Tish Inman (John) and Martha O'Quinn (Buddy); and many precious grandchildren.

The family received guests for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 at Arlington Park Funeral Home in Jacksonville, where a celebration of Life Service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 with Pastor Richard Simmons and Pastor Jerry Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials and donations be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Arlington Park Funeral Home Chapel

Onalee Cheetwood, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nicholas Damato, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, January, 20, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Shirley Garvin, 77, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

David C. Hereford, 40, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joan C. Kane, 86, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Harry Toland, 80, passed away January 19, 2018. A private funeral will be held in Buffalo, N.Y.

Neptune Society

Daniel J. "Dan" Voll, 60, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Robert M. (Bobby) Baker passed away January 9, 2018 at his home in Alabama.

He was predeceased by his father, Floyd M. Baker Jr., and a granddaughter, Jessica Annette.

He is survived by his wife, Janie Robinson Baker; his sons, Roger Baker and Eric Baker; his daughters, Heather Johnson and Brandy Holloway; his mother, Shirley Baker; his brothers, Keith R. Baker and Eddie Cole; his sisters, Melinda B. Davis and Marceil B. Simmons; and a number of grandchildren.

A graveside service was held January 13, 2018 at Hughes Cemetery in Yulee, Fla. with Pastor Charlie Sward of Yulee United Methodist Church officiating.

Joan McCarthy Kane, 86, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born on January 13, 1932 in New York City (Bronx), N.Y. to the late James J. and Elsie (Kalnin) McCarthy. She was raised in Ossining, N.Y. and graduated from Ossining High School, Class of 1950. She graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History. She was a dedicated member and lifelong supporter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

After marrying, Joan and her husband Edward moved to multiple locations in the Northeast, settling in Waccabuc, N.Y. in 1966. While living in Waccabuc for 32 years, she was an avid gardener and lover of nature and animals. Mrs. Kane was also an active member of Waccabuc Country Club. She served as co-chair of the Ladies Golf and Platform Tennis Committees as well as being a member of the House Committee.

Joan was an artist and designer at heart. She was trained and certified in the art of the painted finish, by Isabel O’Neil personally, in The Isabel O'Neil Studio Workshop in New York City. Later, with her three partners, she found and ran the Painted Finish Studio in Greenwich, Conn. Joan regularly attended the Metropolitan Opera as well as the many museums and art exhibits in New York City.

Beginning in 1998, she and her husband made Amelia Island their permanent home; they loved exploring the beautiful ocean, beaches and marshes of the barrier islands. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. For many years, she was a dedicated docent at the Amelia Island Museum of History. She loved the Cummer Museum and the Jacksonville Symphony.

She was an excellent cook and always enthusiastic about foreign travel where she could immerse herself in the art, history and culinary experiences of various cultures.

She was predeceased by a son, John Kevin Kane, in 1995.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Edward J. Kane of Amelia Island; her children, Darcy (Peter) Ruvolo of Jacksonville, Michael (Jennifer) of Providence, R.I., Maggie of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Timothy (Sheila) of Lake Geneva, Wisc., and Jennifer (Ed) Bennett of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Richard J. (Rita) McCarthy of Bolivia, N.C.; and grandchildren, Caitlin Ruvolo, Lauren Kane, Madeline Kane, Sean Kane, Emily Kane, Matthew Kane, Amanda Bennett, E.J. Bennett and Carter Bennett, as well as her beloved Labrador, Zelda.

For those who knew her well, her strong will and personality were not easily overlooked. We raise a glass to "Joanie, The Queen of Ireland."

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. February 2, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Jose Kallukalam officiating.

Contributions may be made in her name to Catholic Relief Services, Covenant House or the Humane Society of Nassau County.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

William R. Brock, 83, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Roger Godwin, 58, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away at his home on Monday December 25, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Carolyn R. Hall, 76, of Callahan, Fla., passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Eugene Randall Michaels, 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 22, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Ralph James Natrillo Jr., 80, of Yulee, Fla., passed away December 24, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jeanne Smith Robbins, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 23, 2017.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Onalee Joyce Hyder Cheetwood, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died the evening of January 21, 2018, guided by the light of a golden crescent moon.

She was born on August 6, 1930 in Adrian, Mich. to Sinda Byrd Hyder and William Bennie Hyder. As a child, Onalee loved roaming the woods along the Raisin River behind her home and attending the Raisin Center Friends Church. After graduating from Adrian High School in 1949, Onalee attended Cleveland Bible College, where she enjoyed studying literature and singing with the choir for two years. Onalee married Carrol Reed Nichols in 1951 and was a minister’s wife in several churches throughout southwestern Michigan and a substitute teacher in rural one-room schools. Onalee and Carrol were married for 27 years and enjoyed antique hunting, home remodeling and taking their children on camping trips, to the theatre and to music concerts in Detroit.

After attending workshops at the University of Michigan, Onalee moved to Hartford, Conn., where she worked for the Hartford Convention & Tourism Bureau. She married Gene Cheetwood in 1981 and for the next 10 years fulfilled her love of exploring big cities, seeing theater and the fun of train travel to visit family throughout the United States. In 1994, Onalee moved to Wilmington, N.C., where she enjoyed many friendships along with classes at Unity Church and working at Candles Etc.

She is easily remembered for her delicious cooking and her devotion as a grandmother and a woman who read avidly, loved nature, walks along the ocean and entertaining others in her home. As a mother. she expressed her love of literature by reading poetry and stories to her children and grandchildren and later in life enjoyed being read to by her adult children. Throughout her life, she treasured visiting historic sites and museums and collecting antiques and was enthralled by aquatic life in aquariums, especially jellyfish. Always an avid supporter of her children’s education, she continually encouraged them and admired their achievements. She took inspiration from others great and small, being particularly inspired by the wisdom of Emily Dickinson, the elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy and the courage of Hillary Clinton. 

Onalee was preceeded in death by her husband, Eugene Cheetwood; her parents; and her sister, Theresa Coleman.

Onalee is survived by her children, Randal Nichols (partner Deborah) of Seattle, Wash., Samuel Nadon-Nichols (partner Jude) of Ann Arbor, Mich., Sinda Lee Nichols (spouse Will Howery) of Fernandina Beach and Timothy Nichols (spouse Kris) of Augusta, Ga. She is also survived by her grandchildren, for whom she loved caring as children and with whom she loved sharing books, Sinda Brinker Nichols, Corrigan Nadon-Nichols, Ben Nichols, Stephannie Chupp, Rebekah Wright and Steven Nichols. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Shirley Metzger, Steve Hyder (Eva) and  Sonny Hyder; many loved nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren; two special daughters-in-law; and many friends throughout Michigan, North Carolina and Florida.

As per her request, Onalee’s ashes will be scattered along the ocean on or during a full moon. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff at both Quality Health of Fernandina Beach and Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for all their expertise and care.

Memorials may be made to the Fernandina Beach Friends of the Library.

“To thine own self, be true.”

Sandra A. O'Lear, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, January 27, 2018 at UF Health North in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was born on November 13, 1945 in Maysville, Ky. to the late William K. and Pauline (Fannin) Armour.

She is survived by her husband, Pat O’Lear; son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Wendy O’Lear; grandchildren, Ryan O’Lear, Hannah O’Lear, Austin Sheltra, Dalton Sheltra and Mckenzie Williams.

The family will gather to celebrate and remember her life at a later time.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors