Gloria Cullen, 94, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday, September 10, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in 1924 in Phoenix, Ariz. Throughout her life, she expressed love for her family and friends; gratitude for the “great,” adventurous life she lived; hope and faith in the promise of her family’s future; and satisfaction in all things done “for all the right reasons.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Cullen.

Mrs. Cullen leaves behind four daughters, Carol Cullen, Kathleen Findley, Cynthia Hatton, and Sandra Eldridge; two grandchildren, Joseph Tedder Findley and Crystal Eldridge Gregory; and two great-grandchildren.

Gloria supported, and encouraged others to support, charitable causes dedicated to the protection and care of animals such as the Nassau Humane Society in Fernandina Beach.

A private celebration will be held at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dustin Austin Demers, 27, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, September 8, 2018.

Born in Biddeford, Maine, Dustin was the son of Ben and Diane Morissette Demers. He spent the first years of his life at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba while his father worked there. Dustin moved to Yulee with his family in 1994.

He graduated from Yulee High School and was a shipfitter at Submarine Base Kings Bay. 

Dustin loved “hanging out” with his friends. In addition to spending time with his friends, he loved time in his boat, fishing, hunting and his Florida Gators. Additionally, he will be remembered as a hard worker. Whether it was at Kings Bay with the job he loved or working on his motorcycle and boat, his talents and knowledge served him well. He was able to do nearly anything he set his mind to. From yard work to taking care of chores around his home, he was always busy.

He always had a smile on his face. He loved people and people loved him. Dustin was known for his kindheartedness. He would literally and figuratively give somebody the shoes off his feet or the shirt off his back if they had a need.

He leaves behind his parents, Ben and Diane Demers of Yulee; his sister, Justine Demers of Yulee; his paternal grandmother, Blanche Demers of Saco, Maine; his maternal grandmother, Estelle Morissette of Biddeford, Maine; his maternal grandfather, Laurent Morissette of Saco; his uncles and aunts, Donald and Diane Demers, who are also his godparents, of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Mark and Brenda Demers of Waterboro, Maine, John and Sandi Demers of Biddeford, David Demers of Hollis, Maine, and Caryn and Richard Lambert of Biddeford; his cousins, Sherri, Donna, Danie, Jenn, Jon, Joe and Dan; as well as his many friends.

Funeral services for Dustin will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Green Pine Cemetery at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to our beloved Justin James Graham. On Friday, September 7, 2018, he departed his earthly life for the gracious gift of eternal life. Justin is now free from the pain and suffering that his earthly body held. Amen. His life is something to remember and celebrate. It was 33 years ago, on March 14, 1985, that Justin was born to Sonja Graham in Jacksonville, Fla. and raised between Duval and Nassau counties.

Justin was a Florida man at heart. He was an avid fisherman who found beauty, peace and solidarity on the river, ocean and swamps; the ebb and flow of water spoke to him. He was an amazing friend and an inspiration to all who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and food on the grill; family and friends alike had a spot at his table and a place in his heart.

Justin dedicated his adult life to becoming the boss. He started his career as an electrician with Horton Electric, which provided him with the foundation that he needed to grow. After several years with Horton Electric, he spent some time with Kennedy Electric and then found his way out on the road where he found his passion for power lines. Justin devoted his time to being a skilled journeyman lineman all while building a different love with LineLife. After five years, he was ready to return home to the Westside Electric family.

Justin is now reunited with his loving grandparents, Ellis Graham Sr. and Marjorie Williams.

He was so much more than a loving husband and partner to Tabitha Graham for 15 beautiful years. His love and devotion carried over to their two amazing children, Tyson James Graham and Autumn Elizabeth Graham. Their children will always be his pride and joy, and the loves of his life. They are his everlasting legacy.

Justin departed this world leaving behind his younger brother, Jeremy Colson. Throughout all of Jeremy's life, Justin provided him with wisdom, guidance, and opportunities to grow into a better man than Justin saw in himself.

Justin would not have made such an impact on so many if it weren’t for the love and support of his mother, Sonja Graham. She gave her all to be the best mother she knew how to be and he loved and respected her deeply. Their bond was unbreakable.

Justin had a life full of family that he loved, and though he may have departed too soon, his memories will be forever cherished by all.

Family services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 4040 Dunn Ave. in Jacksonville. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery in Yulee, Fla.

The family will receive friends between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Ollie Ruth Jones, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday evening, September 7, 2018.

Mrs. Jones was born September 2, 1931 in Towns, Ga. She moved to Nassau County in her teen years  from McRea, Ga. and graduated from Yulee High School.

She was a member of Springhill Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a youth group leader. She loved to spend time with her family and enjoyed cooking. She had a beautiful smile and a great personality.

Mrs. Jones was predeceased by her parents and brother and sisters.

Survivors include her daughter, Jackie Jones of Fernandina Beach; her son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Patty Jones of Yulee, Fla.; sister, Ann Taylor of Fernandina Beach; six grandchildren, Michelle Meeks, Charles Jones, Heather Gossage, Danny Jones, Joey Gossage and Angelina McFall; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Springhill Baptist Church with Rev. Jackie Hayes officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church.

To sign Mrs. Jones' online register book and leave condolences, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stephen Michael LaTorre, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel LaTorre and Linda Ferretti of West Pittson, Pa.; his lifelong friend and cousin, Steven Robert LaTorre; and his beloved canine companion, Luke, the ambassador of Amelia Island.

He will be sorely missed by his son, Samuel LaTorre and his wife, Kim, of El Dorado, Calif.; daughter, Lori Miller and her husband, William, of Lake Winola, Pa.; brother, James LaTorre and his wife, Maxina, of Bayonne, N.J.; sister, Linda LaTorre Benson of Exeter, Pa.; grandchildren, Stephano and Sam LaTorre and William and Cassandra Miller; niece, Kalindi LaTorre; nephews, Dhruva and Raman LaTorre and Lance and Brett Benson; and the third musketeer and cousin, Daniel Lipperini of Pittson, Pa.

A lover of the ocean, Steve lived and operated businesses in various seaside towns: Hilton Head, S.C., Long Beach Island, N.J., and for the past 23 years Fernandina Beach, Fla., where he owned and operated a lovely art and gift shop.

Those who knew him saw a man who had the physical strength of someone three times his size, the courage of a fierce warrior, the spirit of a true Crocodile Dundee and the heart of a giant.

His passion for adventure led him to build and fly ultralight planes, drop from the skies as a paratrooper for the U.S. Army and dive into deep river waters of Peru and New Zealand to dredge for gold. But at the end of the day, he taught those he knew and loved that the greatest journey of all is the one within, where the heart is. He loved us well!

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gary L. Richey, 73, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday afternoon, September 8, 2018, as a result of the lethal lingering effects of Agent Orange, to which he was exposed during his military service in Vietnam.

Mr. Richey was born July 16, 1945 in Indianapolis, Ind. and moved to Yulee in 1996 from Jacksonville, Fla.

He was a graduate of IUPUI University. He was a Vietnam veteran who served from 1964 to 1969 in the United States Marine Corps and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Richey enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, restoring old cars, golf, camping, horseback riding and boating. He and his wife, Sandra, were also professional county and western dance instructors.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tabitha Lanette Richey Hurley, and a grandson, Nicholas Alexander Hurley, both of whom passed away in 1992.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sandra K. Richey; his son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Rebecca Richey; a sister, Darla Duhamell (Steve); grandchildren, Angelleeya, Sabrina, Skylar and Blake; mother-in-law, Dorothy Hancock; brother-in-law, James F. Hancock; sisters-in-law, Barbara Yount, Deborah Dulworth (Steve), and Cynthia Covert. Also surviving Mr. Richey are nieces, Kimberly Clayton, Jennifer Seigel Leiza Scholl, Tami Covert, and Faith Hancock; nephews, Timothy Covert II and James Anthony Hancock; four great-nieces and three great-nephews.

The family will receive friend from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018 in the chapel of Green Pine Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation at parkinson.org/ways-to-give.

To sign Mr. Richey's online register book and leave condolences, please visit the obituary section of the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mrs. Dorothy Gerbing Thigpen, 89, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla.

A native of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Mrs. Thigpen was a daughter of the late Gustav and Azilda Fyfe Gerbing and the last of her four siblings.

The widow of the late James M. Thigpen, Mrs. Thigpen was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She was a homemaker and devoted to her family.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Mrs. Thigpen was also predeceased by her sisters and brothers, Lucille (Gerbing) Fawcett, Elaine (Gerbing) Flanders, George Gerbing and David Gerbing.

She is survived by her son, Daniel Thigpen of Jacksonville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Thigpen are to be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2018 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Ida Iverson officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 p.m. Mrs. Thigpen will be laid to rest beside her husband at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Winifred J. “Winnie” Wylie, 80, passed away at St. Vincent's Riverside on Friday, September 7, 2018.

She was born December 28, 1937 in Savannah, Ga. Her childhood was filled with joy as she roamed the streets of Savannah and Tybee Beach, independent from the start. After losing her parents at an early age, she took on the role of mothering her little brother, Joe. It was a role she was born to play, loving mother of two daughters and later grandmother to her precious granddaughter, Alyssa. Anyone who knew her knew that was what mattered to her above all things. She was a friend to everyone, and her caring knew no bounds. She brightened up everyone's day and lit up the room wherever she went.

Winnie retired to Amelia Island. She found her home near the ocean, where she always wanted to be, and a loving companion in Joseph Cardinale, who truly blessed her life along with his daughter, Claudia Watts (her personal angel), and Claudia's husband, George Watts.

With Joseph and Claudia lovingly at her side, she peacefully transitioned Heavenward.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Wylie and Fred Arellin; Ginger Moore and husband Mike Moore; granddaughter Alyssa Moore and Chris Parrado; brother Joseph Tyler and wife, Wendy; nieces Lori Smith, husband Jonathon and sons Kyle, Dylan and Tyler; Kim Tyler and wife Christy, daughters Aubrey and Harper; Joseph Cardinale, Christopher, Kimberly and Claudia and George Watts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Smith and Tera Sills-Smith; her adoptive parents, Don and Winnie Tyler; and her infant daughter, Christine.

Our endless gratitude for the years we were blessed to have her with us. Go in peace, Mom, Grandma, Sis.  We love you.

There will be no local services.

She will be laid to rest in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Ga. in the near future.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Greenbriar Children’s Services, 3709 Hopkins St., Savannah, GA 31405.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gloria Cullin, 94, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, September 10, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Josef I. Reece, 98, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, September, 9, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Alice E. Rich, 68, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday evening, September 8, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Nancy W. Berry, 88, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born in Sanford, Fla. to the late Robert Austin Williams and Thelma Edith Dobbins.

She was raised in Sanford and lived there most of her young adult life until she married Kenneth Leon Berry Sr. in 1952. They relocated to Orlando, Fla., where she taught music at Jefferies Elementary School in St. Cloud, Fla. for many years.

Mrs. Berry received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Stetson University in Deland, Fla. and continued her education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., where she obtained her master’s degree in education.

After retiring from teaching in the early 1990s, she moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla., where she pursued her love for genealogy, history and sports. She could always be found watching tennis, Atlanta Braves baseball games and, above all, Gators football.

Mrs. Berry was very active at Amelia Baptist Church and up until her early 80s she went on missionary trips all over the world, taking in the sights and enjoying the new people she met.

Mrs. Berry loved her family and relished every minute spent with her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Berry Sr., and her grandson, Jason Flood.

She leaves behind her son, Ken (Cindy) Berry of Jupiter, Fla.; daughter, Angela (Dave) Flood of Yulee, Fla.; son, Dana (Karen) Berry of Hoover, Ala.; grandchildren, Jeremy (Suzanne) Flood of Huntington, Texas, Ashley (Jeff) Spencer of Yulee, Rob Berry of Inverness, Fla., Christine (Drew) Blasband of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Joshua (Shaina) Berry of Birmingham, Ala., and Jordan (Jourdan) Berry of Hoover; 11 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Dena Flood of Jacksonville.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Amelia Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at the church. She will be laid to rest in Green Pine Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, but if so desired, donations may be made in Mrs. Berry’s name to Amelia Baptist Church Missions Fund, 961167 Buccaneer Trail, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Sean Michael Humberson, 31, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018, in Middleburg, Fla.

Sean was born November 30, 1986, in Norfolk, Va. He had resided in Camden and Nassau counties for 27 years and was of the Baptist faith. Sean was loving and kind, had an amazing sense of humor and enjoyed sharing family stories. He dearly loved his girls, enjoyed paintball and the Oakland Raiders, supported his mom's Jaguars, and especially treasured beach and pool time with his girls.

A Celebration of Sean's Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys, Ga.

Survivors include his two children, Kayden Marlee Humberson and Kealli Michelle Humberson; his girl's mother, Caitlin Humberson of St. Marys; his mother, Donna Humberson of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; brother, William "Billy" Humberson (Alysia); niece, Izabel Humberson; paternal grandmother, Rosemary Humberson; maternal grandfather, George "Nick" Smichnick; maternal grandmother, Carol Smichnick; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William R. Humberson, and paternal grandfather, William Humberson.

The family requests memorials in memory of Sean be made to the Sulzbacher Center, 611 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Allison Memorial Chapel

Anna M. Gerrity, 89, of Clark Summit, Pa., passed away September 5, 2018.

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

A cherry blossom petal blows in the wind; a light grows dim.

Jacqueline Francine Colson passed away in her sleep September 13, 2018 after a long struggle with Parkinsonism. She always asked, “Why does it have to take everything?”

But we will see you in the blooming flowers. We will feel you in the breeze. We will hear you when a clever raven caws. We will feel your hugs when we lay in the cool grass. We will see the twinkle in your eyes in the starry night sky. We will feel your kisses as the warm Georgia sun hits our rosy cheeks. We will hear your laughter in a horse’s whinny and neigh. We will see you waving at us when the wind dances between the leaves in our trees. We know you will be here with us always.

Jacqueline was born October 13, 1951 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. She always retained a warm place in her heart for her southern family, friends, and places. She had fond memories of childhood summers with her grandparents on Harriet’s Bluff that have stayed with her forever.

Jacqueline always had a brilliant intellect and graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in biology and law. After graduating from law school, she pursued a career in environmental law with the EPA, city of Atlanta, and the state of Alaska Department of Law in Fairbanks, Alaska. She received a presidential citation for her legal work while at the EPA.

Early in her professional career she was exposed to a range of chemicals in the workplace and developed multiple chemical sensitivity, a chronic illness that affected her to the end of her life and prematurely ended her professional career. However, Jacqueline continued to write, research, work pro bono, and advocate for environmental issues and causes for the poor, sick, and disadvantaged.

Jacqueline had a noble heart and was kind, thoughtful, honest, compassionate, and generous. She had class, a keen intellect, and a warm sense of humor. She loved her time on the ranch in Arizona with her horses, Mink and Amira, dogs, and a few chickens. Jacqueline will be dearly missed and forever cherished. 

Jacqueline is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Gary Walklin; her cherished son, Alex Hadjidakis, and his wife, Erin; grandson, Apollo; father, Jack Colson; brother, Blair Colson; and brother Scott Colson, and his wife, Rebecca, and their children Olivia and Emily.

Gary’s children include Meadow Bailey and her husband, Bill, and their daughters, Ella and Symone; Ian Pennell-Walklin, and his wife, Christen, and their children, Eli and Sophia; and Sean Walklin and his wife, Brittany, and their children, Armani and Eleanor.

Jacqueline was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Colson.

She always regretted that she would not survive to be a greater part of the grandchildren’s lives.

William Pierce Coulter, 87, died Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Golden Isles Hospice in Brunswick, Ga. A native Georgian, William (Bill) also lived and worked in Tallahassee, Fla. for more than 50 years.

Bill grew up in Pine Mountain, Ga., where he was a lifelong Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His family moved to Columbus his senior year in high school, where he became student body president at Baker High. At the University of Georgia, he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, graduating in 1952. He served as sports writer for the Atlanta Constitution, and sports editor for the Athens Banner-Herald. He then served in Army intelligence during the Korean War before moving to Augusta, Ga., where he was a sports reporter for the Augusta Chronicle. He spent many years in newspapers and radio in Georgia before moving to Florida. He transitioned into public relations and association management where he would spend the great majority of his career, including serving as executive director of the Florida Wholesalers, Distilled Spirits Wholesalers, and, for more than 25 years, as executive director of the Florida Airport Managers Association, now Florida Airports Council. He served Florida’s aviation industry with great pride and made lifelong friends in the industry. 

After retirement, he spent time in Athens, and then moved to Magnolia Manor on St. Simons Island for the last years of his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynne; his brother, Larry; and, his parents, Wiley and Rubye (Jones) Coulter. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh (David) Beal of Fernandina Beach; his grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth (John) Pole of Atlanta, David Lee Beal of Auburn, Ala., and, Ryan Coulter of Tallahassee; his sisters, Evelyn Bennett and Martha Coulter of Washington, Ga.; and his nieces, nephews, and cousins in Georgia and Alabama.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach with the Rev. Stephen Mazingo officiating. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Historic Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Foundation/Cemetery Fund.

Sammons Funeral Home

Funeral services for Helen Minnie Lee Davis, 77, who passed away September 13, 2018, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2018, in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Fla. with Pastor Perry Fruscella officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4747 Main St., Jacksonville. Mrs. Davis was born in Jacksonville and was a resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla. She is the daughter of John Burley Carter Sr. and Frances Emmie Bunkley Carter. She was preceded in death by her son, Carlton “Eddie” Nazworth. Survivors include her loving husband of 50 years, James Alex Davis; son, Eric Davis; daughter, Julie Ann Davis; a sister, Vickie Robertson; a brother, Johnny Carter (Paula); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home

Robert Edward Williams passed from this earth Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He was born August 1, 1943 in Boston, Mass., and moved to Jacksonville, Fla., at the age of 12. He attended Duval County schools and graduated from Terry Parker High School. He received his undergraduate degree in political science from Emory University and his law degree from the University of Florida. Judge Williams moved to Nassau County in 1968 and taught algebra, French, civics and reading at Hilliard Middle-High School for four years while also managing a private law practice. He was Hilliard Teacher of the Year in 1971 and 1972, Nassau County Teacher of the Year in 1971 and First Runner-Up Florida Teacher of the Year in 1971. In 1972 he became the first prosecutor based in Nassau County, and served until 1984. He was elected county judge of Nassau County, and served as county and juvenile judge for 22 years until his retirement in 2007. Over the years he presided at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Fernandina Beach, a temporary courthouse in Yulee, and the Robert M. Foster Justice Center. Upon his retirement, a courtroom in the Justice Center was named in his honor.

Judge Williams became a pillar of the community and served in a wide variety of community activities. In 1998 he founded Nassau County’s Teen Court, a diversionary program to help troubled teenagers, and continued to preside over that court until his passing. He served as president of the Nassau County Bar Association, the Nassau County Teachers Association, the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, Nassau County United Way, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nassau County. Judge Williams was chairman of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council and served on the boards of the Nassau County Association for Retarded Citizens, Micah’s Place, Florida Community College, the Florida Conference of County Judges and Governor’s HRS Advisory Committee. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Hilliard, the Nassau County Domestic Violence Task Force, the Neighborhood Youth Crime Prevention Program, the Northeast Florida Fair Association, and the Amelia Musical Playhouse, the Amelia Community Theatre and was a charter member of the Optimist Club of Fernandina Beach. In addition to his Teacher of the Year awards, he received community service awards from the Guardian ad Litem, Rotary Club Citizenship, Department of Juvenile Justice, 4-H Club of Nassau County and the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. In 2007 he was awarded the Nassau County “Volunteer of the Year” award for his then 38 years of service to the community by the Nassau County Volunteer Center. His retirement years have been filled with the love of family and good friends, travel and literature.

Judge Williams is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Speece Williams, who served as director of the Nassau County Cooperative Extension Service for 22 years; loving sons, Zachary and Casey; sister, Mary LeVasseur of Oakville, Conn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel with a reception to follow at the chapel.

Flowers will be provided by the family. Those desiring may make contributions in his memory to the Robert E. Williams Nassau County Teen Court Scholarship Fund, 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Bertha M. Barrett, 88, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James Daniel Beverley Jr., 45, of Yulee, Fla., passed away September 7, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Shirley Elaine Churchville, 56, of Macclenny, Fla., passed away September 13, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Bobby Lee Harris Jr., 46 of Yulee, Fla., passed away September 7, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Virginia Miller, 92, of Yulee, Fla., passed away September 13, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

John Muggleston, 89, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 30, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mr. Ethan G. Weiss, 83, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Edith Nelson Moree Farmer, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and formerly of Moultrie, Ga., died Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Born June 6, 1927 in Worth County, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Nelson David Moree and Newla Claude Beasley Moree. Mrs. Farmer was a bookkeeper and a member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, First Baptist Moultrie and First Baptist Brunswick.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Clarks Ray Moree, Dorothy David Moore, June Beasley Moree, Melba Sharon Moree, Ramon Janice Moree, Mary John Moree, and Mack Hardin Moree.

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Walter Franklin Farmer Sr. of Fernandina Beach; children, Sharon F. Quarterman and Jimmy, Walter Franklin Farmer Jr. and Brenda, Frances Lee Farmer Hieden, and Thomas Mathews Farmer and Melissa; grandchildren, Brian Quarterman and Christina, Brent Quarterman and Tina, Tammy Murphy, and Mathew Farmer; great-grandchildren, Braydon Quarterman, Ty Quarterman, Carsen Quarterman, Cohen Farmer, and Emerson Farmer; sisters and brother, June Beasley, Melba Sharon and Mack Harden Moree.

The family received friends 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Cobb Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Woods officiating. Interment was in Sumner Cemetery in Worth County. Casketbearers were Brian Quarterman, Brent Quarterman, Mathew Farmer, John Thompson, Jeff Thompson and Sammy Williamson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Edith Farmer’s memory to First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, 416 Alachua St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.cobbfuneralchapel.com.

Cobb Funeral Chapel