Adam Hostetter Kelly, 22, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, November 9, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Agustin (Gus) C. Hernandez passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Sherman, Texas.

Agustin was born in Shafter, Texas to Nicolas Hernandez and Eliza Chavarria on March 20, 1940. He married Alicia Ortiz.

Agustin was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas Hernandez and Eliza Chavarria; sister, Juana Hernandez; and brother, Albert Hernandez.

Agustin is survived by his wife, Alicia Ortiz Hernandez; his children, Marie Belinda Perez (Oscar), Ismael O. Hernandez (Belen), Raymundo O. Hernandez, Elisa Lindeman (Eddie), Vaudelia Jimenez (Juan), David Augustine (Kellye), and Corina Castillo (John); grandchildren, Alexander, Virginia, Isabel, Stefani, Jessica, Gabriel, Jennifer, Johnny, Ashley, Thomas Daniel, Justin, Analicia, and Adam, along with 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Nicky Hernandez and David Hernandez; nieces, Maria, Isabel, Delores, and Martina; and nephew, Larry. 

Rosary was at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

The family of Agustin C. Hernandez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center of Sherman, Texas and to those that have contributed floral arrangements and catering services. 

To send family condolences please sign his guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kenneth Russell Stivers, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born August 27, 1943 in Louisville, Ky., he moved in 1965 to Fernandina Beach, where he was employed at Container Corporation until he went to work at the Fernandina Beach Fire Department in June 1969.  He retired from the fire department in June 1997 after 28 years of service.

Kenneth was an avid University of Kentucky sports fan, loved and served his family well, and loved volunteering at the Journey Church food outreach center. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his Sun Wheeler friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, James Russell Stivers; his mother, Helen M. Dunaway; and his brother, Lee William Stivers.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Brenda Graves Stivers; his children, Dawn S. Williams and her husband, Keith Williams, of Marianna, Fla., Van H. Stivers of Fernandina Beach, and Daniel O. Stivers and his wife, Stephanie Tiliakos Stivers, of Yulee, Fla.; his grandchildren, Andrew Williams, Aaron Williams, Adam Williams, Sarah Williams, Justin Stivers, Hunter Stivers and Baylee Stivers; brothers, David Stivers and Larry Stivers; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Journey Church on the Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach. Family will receive friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and the service will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Journey Church Food Ministry, 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, or to Community Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Nancy A. Swaney of Fernandina Beach, Fla. passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born April 12, 1933 in Ford City, Pa. to the late Grace Ross. She was a graduate of Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa. and was a teacher and administrator in southwest Pennsylvania schools and member of Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Swaney, who passed away October 10, 1980, and her brother, Donald Reeb.

She is survived by her children, Wade Swaney of Plant City, Fla., Wesley and Marie Swaney of San Diego, Calif., and Bruce and Pamela Swaney of Yulee, Fla.; sisters Lois Rae Fennessey of North Carolina and Ginny Litzel of Pittsburgh, Pa.; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 30610 Forest Parke Drive, Fernaninda Beach. Interment of her cremated remains will be in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Gerald V. Drumm, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Thomas Derrick Frye, 37, of Yulee, Fla. and formerly of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in the care of his friend's home.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Kimberly Lee Hinson, 52, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Belinda N. Kennedy, 55, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Saturday, October 13, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mr. Alfred Phillips, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marilyn Shottafer, 87, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kenneth Russell Stivers, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Nancy Ann Swaney, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Sandra Vinson, 74, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully October 24, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Pedro "Pete" Ybarra, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Thursday, November 1, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Sheila Diane Yoder, 73, of Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully Saturday, November 3, 2018 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Leonard David Brooks was called home November 12, 2018.

He was born June 6, 1958 to Ruby Lee Brooks and Edwin L. Brooks Sr. in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin L. Brooks Sr.; brother, Edwin L. Brooks Jr.; and sister, Daisy Goodman.

He leaves behind sisters, Judy Williams, Catherine Campell (Everett), Marlene Deleslie (Joseph), and Cheryl Jordan; brother, Ernest Edmond; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held November 23, 2018 at Huff & Battise Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach. Visiting hours will be 3-5 p.m.

Huff & Battisse Funeral Home

Alonza Grant Jr. passed away peacefully November 12, 2018. He was affectionately known to the community as “Lil’Lonza.”

The funeral service for Mr. Alonza Grant Jr. will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Harvest Outreach Ministries, 905 Broome St., Fernandina Beach, Fla., with Pastor Dr. Tina M. Smith and Bishop James D. Smith, overseer. A public viewing will be held at Harvest Outreach Ministries between 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2018 and from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the church. Interment will be held in the Elmer Wildes Cemetery in Sandhill, Fla. The cortege will assemble at 10:45 a.m. at 403 Vernon St. under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home

Huff & Battisse Funeral Home

"All is well." These were the last words from Bishop William McKendree as he passed from this earth. He was the first American-born Methodist and Episcopal Bishop. All was well when a McKendree family descendant, Earlean McDaniel, passed peacefully at home on November 16, 2018.

Earlean Mayes McDaniel was born July 18, 1919 to Mary A. McKendree Mayes and Lawrence D. Mayes in Nashville, Tenn. She would grow to possess a simple grace and striking beauty.

She and her two sisters were children when the family moved to Indianapolis, Ind. As a young woman, she fudged her age to obtain a job at the Indianapolis Glove Factory. Unique at the time, the Glove Factory advertised pleasant working conditions and the employees were mostly women. She and other Hoosiers were part of the great civilian work force that assisted industry as they shifted to war materials production, rationing on the home front, and even growing a Victory garden. She met Leonard Cook McDaniel in Indianapolis and they were married in 1950. They resided in Crawfordsville, headquarters of McDaniel Freight Lines, with terminals in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Lafayette, and Danville, Ill. They maintained farms in Crawfordsville and a home in Hollywood, Fla. After Leonard’s passing in 1978, she lived in Crawfordsville and Dunedin, Fla. Earlean enjoyed the study of antique furnishings and period styles, and owned an antiques business for 10 years. She resided with her daughter and son-in-law on Amelia Island, Fla. the last 12 years of her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Mildred O. McGuire of Indianapolis. Surviving is her daughter, Marla J. McDaniel (Gale W. Jameyson) of Amelia Island; sister, Helen L. Haltmeier of Denver; nieces, nephews, and Fritz the flying Dachshund.

She smiled, and typical of the greatest generation did little to no complaining. One of her favorite poems was Kindness: “I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any Kindness I can show, Or any good thing I can do to any fellow creature, Let me do it now; Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall not pass This way again.” (Stephen Grellet)

She and her family are very grateful for Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, and Fernandina Fire and Rescue. 

A family service will be held at a later date in Boswell, Ind., where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, surrounded by generations of McDaniels. 

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Alfred Henry Philipp, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at his residence.

He was born June 13, 1926 in New Haven, Conn. to the late August Philipp and Maria Frings.

Mr. Philipp started his military service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then was called back into service in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. After his service to our country, he obtained his master’s degree in forestry at the University of Florida. He was employed at Celotex Corporation as executive vice president.

After retiring, Mr. Philipp and his wife, Patricia, relocated from Tampa to Fernandina Beach, where he was an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church. He enjoyed giving historical walking tours for the Amelia Island Museum of History and was also a member of the Landing Craft Infantry National Association.

Mr. Philipp was preceded in death by his daughter, Lea Sorrells Stephens, and his brother, Edward Philipp.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia Ann Guthrie Philipp of Fernandina Beach; children, William A. Philipp and his wife, Karen, of Madison, Miss., Linda Philipp Neyman and her husband, Bill, of Powder Springs, Ga., Robert E. Philipp and his wife, Tina, of Fernandina Beach, and Bernard S. Philipp and his wife, Linda, of Boca Raton, Fla.; sister, Trudy Philipp Schmeisser of Athens, Ga.; grandchildren, William A. Philipp II and his wife, Bethany, Leslie Philipp, Christina Philipp, Colin Philipp, and Holley Sorrells; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Leni Philipp.

A Funeral Mass was held at 1p.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Jose Kallukalam, celebrant. The family received friends beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home before proceeding to the church. He will be laid to rest at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 23, 2018 in Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Michael Catholic Church at 505 Broome St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or https://stmichaelscatholic.com.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Marilyn C. Anstead, 52, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away November 17, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joan Case, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, November 16, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Dorothy E. Johnston, 91, passed away November 19, 2018. All services will be held in Huntersville, N.C.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Juliette Elizabeth Morrison Knox, a Peck High School graduate, died October 26, 2018, in San Diego, Calif., at 97 years old. A memorial service was held November 17, 2018, at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in San Diego.

Alfred C. Reese, 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away November 17, 2018. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Blackrock Baptist Church. Interment was in Mt. Vernon Church Cemetery in Baxley, Ga.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

William Short, 35, of Woodbine, Ga., passed away peacefully Friday, November 16, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Wyman R. Wall, 86, passed away November 18, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

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

Benjie Lyons Gaskill joined her Lord in paradise on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

She was born January 2, 1945 and was a lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, growing up in Old Town.

Benjie enjoyed nature and was an avid gardener. Every day, she would go out in her yard and feed the animals. It was like a Disney movie with the birds, squirrels, and animals suddenly appearing and surrounding her with appreciation.

Benjie was fun to be around. No one could tell a story quite like she did. She loved children, Christmas and the holidays.

She was devoted to her cherished son, Jeff, and her granddog, Kyle, held a special place in her heart.

She was a member of the North 14th Street Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Ralph and Beatrice Lyons; the love of her life and husband of 52 years, Telford Ronnie Gaskill Sr.; their infant son, Telford Ronnie Gaskill Jr.; and her sisters, Jeanie Gaskil Sutton and Mary Helen Lyons.

Benjie leaves behind her beloved son, Jeffrey Ronnie Gaskill; brother, Tommy Lyons Sr. (Gayle); and nephews and nieces, Tommy Lyons Jr. (Reyna), Kim Lyons Willis (Tim), David Sutton (Neelie) and Diane Elizabeth Sutton, as well as many great-nephews and nieces and extended family members on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 in Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Brother Jeff Whitaker officiating. A graveside service will follow in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Harold (Hal or Skip) Henry Gunardson, 74, a resident of Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach, Fla., and an avid sailor, fisherman, artist, author, accomplished traveler, adventurer, and lover of fine food, red wine and homemade chocolate chip cookies, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 17, 2018.

He was born June 19, 1944 in Newark, N.J. to the late Harold W. and Ella Garrabrandt Gunardson. Hal graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering, known today as the New Jersey Institute of Technology, by attending night school while working as a tool and die maker. He was known to many as a process engineer, a chemical engineer whose expertise was in hydrocarbon processing, treating and industrial gases. Hal was the author of the book Industrial Gases in Petrochemical Processing (ISBN-13: 978-0824799083) and the author of many white papers on many other hydrocarbon separations. He continuously consulted in the industry, up until his death, and was relied upon for his unique perspective on the problems others were facing in the space for their projects. He always searched for new information and to educate himself; he was a voracious reader. Hal retained thousands of books of all types – classic novels, engineering textbooks, science theories, survival, guidebooks (Adirondacks, Poconos, Canada and Alaska), dog training and handling, vintage naval and boating/sailboats of ALL kinds – stored at various locations (i.e., friends and family barns, sheds, basements and attics) around the U.S. and Canada. His favorite authors, though, were Mark Twain and Ernest Hemmingway, but by far his favorite was John Steinbeck. He especially enjoyed Steinback’s Travels with Charley: In Search of America, as it reminded him of all of his travels and his beloved canine companion, Annie Girl.

Hal worked and resided in the USA (New Jersey, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida), Canada, The Bahamas, Germany, Brazil, Latin America, Trinidad, the Middle East and Asia. Before he retired in 2007, he had been working in Alberta, Canada with Air Products Canada, Ltd. developing the first multi-customer refinery hydrogen pipeline network in the Edmonton-to-Fort Saskatchewan industrial corridor, similar to other systems on which he consulted, including in Houston, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Rotterdam and Thailand. He worked for more than 20 years in commercial technology, international business development and sales with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. providing insight for long-term strategic corporate project investments. His responsibilities included consulting on industrial gas, hydrocarbon equipment, and chemicals projects for the refining, petrochemical and chemical industries. His previous experience included 10 years as a self-employed chemical process consultant and 10 years as a heavy oil refining, Olefins chemical process manager and engineer with ABB Lummus (Chevron Lummus Global). His technical and commercial expertise was in processing and recovery plants for petroleum refining, hydrogen, synthesis gas, petrochemicals, industrial gas, biofuels, carbon sequestration technology, plant start-up and troubleshooting.

In 2007, he semi-retired onto his beloved Island Packet sailboat, travelling full-time from Annapolis, Md. down to Green Turtle Cay, The Bahamas, spending time in those ports as well as Southport, N.C., Charleston, S.C., Fernandina Beach, Port Canaveral, Fla., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Over the past 11 years, he was a single-handed sailor who was an inspiration for many of the novice sailors he met along the way. Hal lived in many places throughout his life, most of the time because there was something of interest that drew him there. It could have been the landscape, the culture, the food, or the challenge, but most of all he ended up staying there because of the people he met along the way.

Those who knew him admired his adventurous spirit and his courage to live life to the absolute fullest. The world needs more “free radicals” like Hal. He was exceptionally smart, a good friend, an even better mentor, humble, a fabulous storyteller to whomever would listen, and humorous. He loved the open water, his dog, Annie, his wonderful Island Packet sailboat, red wine, cigars and his pipe. Most of all, he loved all the interesting people he met during his journey through this life. His life was not without challenges. He survived polio, a brain aneurysm, a major heart attack, severe Vitamin B deficiency, malaria, a fall from the second floor of a barn, and a major car accident in his beloved ’74 Volvo P1800. These did not slow him down.  Hal always said he was on borrowed time and was amazed he made it to 70. Those who knew him will always carry his spirit wherever they are. He always gave the best advice through all the stories he told – usually more than once – sometimes in short succession and others over many years. His great legacy will always bring a smile to our faces when we think about him traversing the seas and pulling into port. What an amazing man – someone who was admired and loved. Fair winds and following seas, Captain Hal.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Harold W. Gunardson and Ella (Garrabrandt) Gunardson, who resided in Union, N.J. and Toms River, N.J.

Hal is survived by his former first wife, Joann Kluin, and their two children, Jill Johnston (Doug) and Jim Gunardson, and granddaughters, Sydney and Kaylin Johnston. He is also survived by his former second wife, Patricia Kramer, and her children, Tracy Foster Richards and Lisa Foster Watkins, and by his long-time companion, Ellany Maeh (Shu Mai Hsu). Most of all, he is survived by Annie Girl, his beloved  “Carolina Dog” who “rescued” him several years ago, as he used to say (http://bit.ly/2DOdb2s).

A Memorial Service will be held in January 2019 in Fernandina Beach. A date, time and place will be announced and distributed in the middle of December.

The family and many friends of Hal Gunardson wish to extend our sincere thanks to all of the residents of Fernandina Beach, where Hal made his home for the past six years.  He was always searching for interesting places and ever-more interesting people in his journey in life. He certainly found great pleasure in living in this community.

Donations may be made in his name to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.

“Hey man, life ain’t no dress rehearsal, get to work.”

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

James (Jay) Thomas Northey, 46, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Jay was born in 1972 and raised in Fernandina Beach. He was president of Fernandina Beach High School Class of 1990 and went on to receive a 1994 Bachelor of Science in Communications at Florida State University in 1994 and a master’s degree in mass communications at the University of Florida in 1997. He spent most of his career as a live show director at Home Shopping Network in Clearwater, Fla. Jay loved entertaining people and performed stand-up comedy work over the years. He particularly loved scuba diving and vacationing with his family.

Jay had a sweet, gentle heart, showed loved, goodness, and compassion to others and often offered assistance when they were down on their luck.

Jay is survived by his mother, Bobbie G. Northey; father, Thomas J. Northey Jr. (Amey); grandfather, Thomas J. Northey Sr.; two aunts and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Journey Church Food Ministry, 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, or to Community Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Rear Adm. Richard Nibe, U.S. Navy, retired, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

David Jeffrey Wright, 57, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, November 23, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Benjie Lyons Gaskill joined her Lord in paradise on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

She was born January 2, 1945 and was a lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, growing up in Old Town.

Benjie enjoyed nature and was an avid gardener. Every day, she would go out in her yard and feed the animals. It was like a Disney movie with the birds, squirrels, and animals suddenly appearing and surrounding her with appreciation.

Benjie was fun to be around. No one could tell a story quite like she did. She loved children, Christmas and the holidays.

She was devoted to her cherished son, Jeff, and her granddog, Kyle, held a special place in her heart.

She was a member of the North 14th Street Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Ralph and Beatrice Lyons; the love of her life and husband of 52 years, Telford Ronnie Gaskill Sr.; their infant son, Telford Ronnie Gaskill Jr.; and her sisters-in-law, Jeanie Gaskill Sutton and Mary Helen Lyons.

Benjie leaves behind her beloved son, Jeffrey Ronnie Gaskill; brother, Tommy Lyons Sr. (Gayle); and nephews and nieces, Tommy Lyons Jr. (Reyna), Kim Lyons Willis (Tim), David Sutton (Neelie) and Diane Elizabeth Sutton, as well as many great-nephews and nieces and extended family members on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 in Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Brother Jeff Whitaker officiating. A graveside service will follow in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Edna Gates, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed peacefully Monday, November 26, 2018 at her home.

She was a lifelong resident of Nassau County who attended and graduated from Peck High School, Class of 1946. She was an employee with Humphreys Memorial Hospital (Nassau General Hospital) as an operating room technician and retired in 1988 after 30 years of service. She was a faithful member of Elm Street Church of God.

She leaves to mourn her passing three sons, Paul (Margaret) Aaron of Fredericksburg, Va., Lewis (Cassandra) Aaron of Marietta, Ga., and Kelly Gates of Miami, Fla.; one daughter, Shirley (William) Johnson of Fernandina Beach; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation and viewing of Mrs. Gates’ remains will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 at Elm Street Church of God, 502 S. 11th St., Fernandina Beach. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018 at The Journey Church, 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, with Pastor Jimmy Campbell of Elm Street Church of God officiating. Interment will be in O’Neil Community Cemetery.

Q. L. Douglas Funeral Home

Angela Marie Haas, of Yulee, Fla., passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 24, 2018 at UF Health in Jacksonville. 

Born in Ocala, Fla., Angela was a daughter of the late Carlton and Yvonne Jones Fort. She grew up in Jacksonville and came to Yulee with her family in 1976. She attended Fernandina Beach High School and was a homemaker.

While she did not actually serve in the military, she did service as an “Army Wife” while her husband, Charles, was in the service for 13 years. Known as “Lala” to her sisters and “Nana” to her grandchildren, as well as “Mummsi” to her children, Angela loved her family above all else and was well-loved by both her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, Randy Fort.

She leaves behind her husband of 40 years, Charles Haas Jr.; three children, Sarah Garrison of Birmingham, Ala., Charlie Haas III of St. Marys, Ga., and Kristen Roberts of Seattle, Wash.; three sisters, Kay (Mark) Normandin and Faye (Ricky) Lucas of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Deborah (Ronnie) Struble of Yulee; and six grandchildren, Madison, Riley, Haven, Charles, Isabella and Harper, as well as several other extended family members.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.  There will be a service to celebrate her life beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Blackrock Baptist Church with Pastor John Kasper officiating. 

To honor Angela’s memory, her family asks that donations be made to the Nassau Humane Society at 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Hope Denise Harbin, 55, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Centralia, Ill., she was a daughter of Joe and Louisa Marcum. She graduated from the University of Illinois in Springfield, Ill. She and her husband of 27 years, Jay, moved to Fernandina Beach in 1999.

Hope was a long time secretary in the Guidance Office at Fernandina Beach High School, where she touched the lives of many students. In addition to her role in the Guidance Office, she was also the cross country coach.

A parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church, Hope served as a Eucharistic minister there as well as in other roles where she was always helpful. It was her nature to never say no to anybody. She was able to volunteer and assist in several local activities and events. She was a board member for the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and Joy to the Children. She also volunteered for Katies’s Ride.

Hope was a unique and special person who will always be remembered for her positive and selfless giving. She always had a smile and there was never a harsh word from her. She was truly a “One of a Kind” lady who was an inspiration to so many people by her presence in their lives.

She leaves behind her husband, Jay Harbin of Fernandina Beach; her twin sons, Jake Harbin of Jacksonville, Fla., and Seth (Vivian) Harbin of Clarksville, Tenn.; her parents, Joe and Louisa Marcum of Centralia.; her siblings, Annette Holloway of Farmington, Mo., April (Bob) Feig and Jack Marcum, all of Centralia; her father-in-law, John W. Harbin of Fernandina Beach; her brother-in-law, Kenny Harbin of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Judy Lujan of Salem, Ore., as well as many extended family members and close friends.

Hope’s family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. There will be a Vigil Service beginning at 6 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Kallukalam, celebrant. She will be laid to rest at a later date in Bon Aqua, Tenn.

The family asks that donations be made in Hope’s memory to Joy to the Children at P.O. Box 16404, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 or joytothechildren.org.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors