Mr. Thomas B. “Tom” Tillis Jr., 92, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a son of the late Thomas B. and Blanche Chittendon Tillis. In Jacksonville, he attended Andrew Jackson High School, and as many of America’s Greatest Generation did, he left high school early and joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the remainder of World War II in the Pacific theater.

After the war, Tom returned to Jacksonville and married Ann Simmons. Their marriage would cover the next 69 years. Mr. Tillis retired from the city of Jacksonville, where he served in a number of capacities. He was a firefighter for many years. He continued with the city as a Fire Department dispatcher, he maintained the emergency pumping station downtown on the river, and he finished his 33 years of service as Mayor Hans Tanzler’s aide and official photographer.

Since 1988, Tom and Ann made their home on Amelia Island. They enjoyed their lives on the island and made many special friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his two brothers, Curtis and Emory Tillis, and a beloved daughter, Susan.

He leaves behind his wife, Ann Simmons Tillis; his son, Steve Tillis and his wife, Julie, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; his daughter, Nancy Fridell and her husband, Ron, of Ocala, Fla.; and a granddaughter, Hailey Ann Tillis of Fleming Island, Fla., as well as several extended family members.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be private family service at a later time.

The family asks Tom be remembered with donations to Southeast Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joel P. Arnet, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away December 5, 2018. Services with be held at a later date.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Mr. Harold J. Berentsen, 77, of Fernandina Beach Fla., passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Rosemarie T. Cantrell, 55, of Hilliard, Fla., passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Patricia Ann Foster, 86, of Yulee, Fla., passed away November 27, 2018. No local services are planned.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Richard LaMarche, 50, passed away December 3, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Theodore Lindauer, 83, of Nassau County, Fla., passed away peacefully December 5, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Robert J. Lytle, 64, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 9, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Terry Prescott, 70, of Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully December 9, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Charlie Renteria, 77, of Nassau County, Fla., passed away peacefully November 29, 2018.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Queen Washington, 76, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully November 26, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Ashley Woolley, 51, of Nassau County, Fla., passed away peacefully December 10, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Robert Jordan Lytle died unexpectedly Sunday, December 9, 2018 in his adopted city of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born December 12, 1953 in Uvalde, Texas to the late William Edward Lytle and Dottie Jean Jordan.

Rob attended Spring Branch High School in Houston, Texas, and after high school, Rob served four years in the Navy, using skills gained there in aerial survey with Western Geophysical of Houston.

He later moved to Florida to realize his childhood dream of becoming a professional pilot. At the end of his flying career, he formed Lytle Floorworks, Inc., a construction firm that came to be recognized for beautiful craftsmanship and quality. At the time of his death, Rob was involved in the restoration of a 19th-century schoolhouse, a project he loved. Rob loved the conservation and restoration of old buildings. His projects showed an uncommon artistic sensibility and sensitivity to history.

Rob was passionate about his family, his profession, music, good books, airplanes and animals. He was a joyful extrovert who enjoyed good company and telling good jokes. He loved passionately and lived large, fully enjoying all life had to offer. He will be missed.

He leaves behind his sister and only surviving relative, Karen Melody Lytle of West Lake Hills, Texas, and the love of his life, Susan Brown.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Nassau Humane Society or an animal charity of your choice.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Tyler Charles Hargrove, 34, passed away suddenly December 2, 2018.

He was born July 17, 1984 in Wichita, Kan. To Gary and Sandy Hargrove. Tyler was a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School in North Florida. He was a commercial driver in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Austin, Texas.

Tyler is survived by his mother, Sandy Hargrove (Hildebrant); father, Gary Hargrove; brother, Travis Hargrove; and beloved son, Cooper Hargrove (Thornhill). He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Joy Crosby (Hildebrant) of Wichita, Kan., and his paternal grandparents, Sandy Kay Hargrove and Gary and Karen Hargrove. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Channing, close friends and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Your smile, sense of humor and quick wit will truly be missed. We love you forever.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Journey Church, located at 95707 Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach. Friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating his life after the service in the lobby of the church.

Mr. Phillip Edwin Fulford Sr., 75, died Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at his residence in Fernandina Beach, Fla. following an extended illness.

He was born in Waycross, Ga. but resided in Fernandina Beach for the last 25 years. He held many occupations including electrician and former maintenance supervisor at Amelia Plantation.

Mr. Fulford was a son of the late Joseph Daniel Fulford and Era Lorraine Herndon Fulford.

He is survived by two sons, Phillip E. Fulford Jr. (Sherry) of Hahira, Ga. and David Scott Fulford Sr. (Susan) of Valdosta, Ga.; three grandchildren, Darian Samantha Fulford, David Scott “Scotty” Fulford, and Phillip E. “Trey” Fulford III; a sister, Patricia Albritton (Billy) of Waycross; a brother, Michael Jeffrey Fulford of St. Marys, Ga.; longtime girlfriend, Sharon Crawford of Waycross; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Saturday morning at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.

Music Funeral Home & Satilla Crematory

Harold Johan Berentsen, 77, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

He was born June 10, 1941 in Geneva, Ill. to the late Harold and Alice Margaret Berentsen.

Mr. Berensten graduated from St. Charles High School in Illinois and then attended Southern Illinois University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a navigator during the Vietnam War. He received many awards, some of which include Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

He retired as a captain from the Air Force after serving honorably for 15 years. After returning to civilian life, he was employed by Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Georgia as the director of Disaster Preparedness.

Mr. Berentsen and his wife, Mary Beth, moved to Fernandina Beach in 1988.

He loved his wife, his family, his dog children and animals of all sorts.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Beth Berentsen of Fernandina Beach; his sons, Andy Berentsen of Tallahassee, Fla. and Rick Rains of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Joan Crudington of Newport Beach, Calif.; granddaughter, Anika of Tallahassee; niece, Kimmy; and nephew, Russell.

Donations may be made in his name to Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Susie Jane Byrd, 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Columbus, Ga. to the late Ernest and Dorothy Stewart Schuenemann, Susie lived in Phenix City, Ala. before her family moved to Jacksonville, Fla. in the early 1950s. She spent most of her young life in Jacksonville, where she graduated from Englewood High School. In October of 1970, Susie married Michael Joe Byrd before he returned to Vietnam with the U.S. Navy.

Moving to Nassau County in 1980, she, along with her husband, enjoyed go-kart racing with their children and hobby class stock car racing at the Pecan Park Raceway. She always looked forward to trips to North Georgia, where she would pan for gold near the site of America’s first gold rush. Susie currently worked for Nemours in Jacksonville. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband in 2016.

She leaves behind her two sons, Richard Byrd and his wife, Leslie, and Steven Byrd, all of Yulee; a brother, Ernest Schuenemann and his wife, Maureen, of Green Cove Springs, Fla.; three grandchildren, Nicholas Byrd, Alexis Morris and Emily Byrd, also of Yulee; and a niece, Kimberly.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Jacksonville National Cemetery after a graveside funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2018.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Tyler Charles Hargrove, 34, passed away suddenly December 2, 2018.

He was born June 17, 1984 in Wichita, Kan. To Gary and Sandy Hargrove. Tyler was a graduate of Fernandina 

Beach High School in North Florida. He was a commercial driver in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Austin, Texas.

Tyler is survived by his mother, Sandy Hargrove (Hildebrant); father, Gary Hargrove; brother, Travis Hargrove; and beloved son, Cooper Hargrove (Thornhill). He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Joy Crosby (Hildebrant) of Wichita, Kan., and his paternal grandparents, Sandy Kay Hargrove and Gary and Karen Hargrove. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Channing, close friends and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Your smile, sense of humor and quick wit will truly be missed. We love you forever.

Services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Journey Church, located at 95707 Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach. Friends and family were welcome to join in celebrating his life after the service in the lobby of the church.

Joseph Arnold Merritt, 81, of Mt. Olive, Ala. and formerly of Yulee, Fla., passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018.

Mr. Merritt proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959. He retired from Anheuser-Busch after 23 years of dedicated service. Some of his hobbies included fishing and rooting on the Georgia Bulldogs in a Florida Gators family!

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Warren Merritt and Anna Lucille Merritt; brothers, Warren Levi Merritt and William Frederick Merritt; and grandsons, Joshua David Merritt and Benjamin Matthew Merritt.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Bonnie L. Merritt; sons, Michael Joseph Merritt and wife Betty and Gregory Warren Merritt and wife Terri; daughter, Michelle Merritt Shelton and husband Wayne; grandchildren, Kristen Fielder, Kelly Trawick, Jimmy Baldwin, Tayler Woodruff, Michael Merritt Jr., Keri Trousdale, Sarah Merritt, and Teria Mosley; and several great–grandchildren.

A Memorial Service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel. Son-in-law Rev. Wayne Shelton officiated.

Mr. Jospeh L. “Joe” Raineri, 95, of Julington Creek, Fla., passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center South.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Raineri was a son of the late Peter and Giacoma Messina Raineri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 as part of America’s Greatest Generation. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps the Pacific Theater. After the war, Mr. Raineri began a 27-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Beginning as a letter carrier, he retired as a safety inspector. While living on Long Island, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

After retirement from the Postal Service, he began a second career as a postal clerk with Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. He continued there until he retired again in 1992. On June 15, 1986, he married Joan Carol Jeffrey. While living in Leisure Village in Ridge, N.Y., he and Joan began coming to Amelia Island. For some four years they considered themselves “snowbirds” but moved to Amelia Island full-time in 2001.

Living on Amelia Island, he and Joan were active members of St. Michael Parrish. Along with Joan, he was always available to help in any capacity he could. Two years ago, they moved to Julington Creek to be nearer their daughter, Hallie, and her family.

Mr. Raineri leaves behind his wife, Joan J. Raineri of Julington Creek; his children, Peter Raineri and his wife, JoAnne, of Delray Beach, Fla., Jacqueline Boege and her husband, Dennis, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Stephanie Greiner and her husband, Jeffrey, of East Northport, N.Y., Kayne Darrell and her husband, Doug, of Castle Hayne, N.C., Jeffrey Oppert and his wife, Lisa, of Leland, N.C., and Hallie Pratt and her husband, David, of Julington Creek, Fla.; and two sisters, Mary O’Marra of Little Rock, Ark. and Gloria of Lindenhurst of New York, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Kallukalam officiating.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Susie Jane Byrd, 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Charles Edwin Shelton, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, December 14, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Alvan Medas Foster, 91, passed away December 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla. after a short illness.

Mr. Foster served in the Navy at the end of World War II, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern, after attending both UCLA and Dartmouth. He spent almost his entire professional career with ExxonMobil and was instrumental in the computer control of start-up refineries throughout the world. Passionate about sports, ballroom dancing, music, and piano playing, he was also an amateur composer. Although an avid golfer, the game consistently perplexed and befuddled him.

Mr. Foster is survived by his loving and adoring wife of 68 years, Mary Louise Foster of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; his daughter, Karen F. Ross of Jacksonville; his son, Steven V. Foster of Irving, Texas; his brothers, Richard and Edward Foster, both of Englewood, Fla.; his three grandchildren, CJ and Robert Foster and Laura Hooks; and his four great-grandchildren, Cole, Austin, Juliana, and Allison Hooks.

The family wishes to recognize the outstanding and compassionate care provided by all the medical professionals at both Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Baptist Medical Center Downtown.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2018 in St. Michael Catholic Church, located at 505 Broome St. in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Hardage-Giddens

“We Love You”

Gary Len Keene, 60, of Holly Hill, Fla., went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2018. He will be greatly missed.

Gary was born January 17, 1958 in Folkston, Ga.

He is survived by his loving family, mother Doris Juanita Herrin Polk and stepfather William Hilliard Polk, sisters Judith Keene Sanders, Teresa Keene Crosby, and Sandra Keene Vearil, brother Stanley David Keene Jr., son Chad Allen David Keene, ex-wife Polly Keene, grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, aunts and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. January 20, 2019 at Pineview Cemetery in Folkston, Ga. Family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite children’s charity. Gary had a special place in his heart for children.

The family of Ashley Woolley is saddened by her death last week. She lost a long and difficult battle with her illness and died peacefully December 10, 2018. 

She was born in 1967 in Gainesville, Fla. to the late Dr. Thomas Stephen Quarles and Jeannette Downs Hendon.

The things she loved most were living near the beach, LSU football, her pets, her job at WestRock, and naps.

She is survived by her beloved twin daughters, Jordan and Taylor Woolley; her sister, Stephenie Quarles Eldridge; and her mother, Jaye Hendon.

Friends are welcome to a celebration of Ashley’s life from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at the family home in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, Ashley would prefer memorial donations be made to the Humane Society or other charities protecting animals.

Marilyn Cullen, 66, from Nassau County, Fla., passed away peacefully December 19, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Frances Fitzgerald, 69, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Pope, 59, from Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully on December 10, 2018.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mr. Joseph Stephen Stubits, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

DEATH NOTICES 

Michael Barry, 61, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Brinda B. Freeman, 65, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Irma Lehmann, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

John E. Shinn, 86, passed away December 22, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2018 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joseph Stephen Stubits, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Joe was born December 11, 1926 in Coplay, Pa. and grew up in Allentown, Pa., graduating high school there in 1944. Because he was only 17 when he graduated, he couldn’t join the service yet, so he went to the Virginia Military Institute for six months. After turning 18, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was on his way to Guam, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, when World War II ended. He spent the next two years in Guam. While there, he experienced one the worst typhoons of that time. After his service in the Army, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he attended Muhlenberg College, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

After graduation and having enjoyed the warm weather while in Guam, Joe turned his attention south to interview for a couple of jobs. His first stop in Florida was Fernandina Beach, and once he drove over the drawbridge back then, he knew he had found his new home for the next 67 years. He cancelled his other interviews. In 1951, he began work at Container Corporation of America, as WestRock was known then, working as a lab technician. Over the next 37 years through hard work and dedication, he retired in 1984 as plant manager. 

Joe was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for more than 60 years, serving in many capacities, including senior warden. He loved dancing with his wife, Jackie, at the Terpsichorean Club; playing golf, especially with the Lemonade Boys; surf fishing and working in his yard.

Joe was predeceased by his father, John Stubits; mother, Johanna Stubits; three brothers during childbirth; and five sisters, Johanna, Mary, Fran, Rose and Tessie.

Joe leaves behind by his loving wife, Jackie; sons, Dr. Stephen Stubits and Dr. Tony (Donna) Stubits; four grandchildren, Jessica Stubits (Marty) Durkin, Tracey Stubits (Kyle)Masters, Joseph (Danielle) Stubits and Troy Stubits; and four great-grandchildren, Kaden Masters, Conor Durkin, Cooper Stubits and Emelia Lynn Stubits. Joe is also survived by five nephews in Pennsylvania, Tommy (Connie) Polaha, Joseph (Fran) Polaha, Mike (Doreen) Polaha, Paul (Lisa) Polaha, and Billy (Linda) Kelly; two nephews from California, Paul (Mel) Ahlborn and Charles Ahlborn; his niece, Janice Polaha (Andy) Myers; and countless friends.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Judith Sheffield Strickland, 73, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Community Hospice St. Vincent's Southside Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was born March 29, 1945 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. to the late Clifford Hale Sheffield Sr. and Lois Louise Lowe.

As a young person, she, along with her family, was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church. Her family has a long history with Memorial Methodist as well as the Fernandina Beach community.

A member of the Fernandina Beach High School graduating class of 1963, Judith continued her education at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga. and then received her nursing degree from Armstrong College in Savannah, Ga.

In Savannah, she worked at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital. For most of her career, she worked on the obstetrics floor where she loved taking care of the “New Mothers.”

While in Savannah, she met and married Edward Strickland. Their marriage would last until his passing in 1995. In 1997, she retired and returned home to live in Fernandina Beach. She was active at Memorial United Methodist Church as long as her health would allow.

Judith was truly a person who never met a stranger. She always loved meeting new people and making new friends. She loved watching television, especially Jeopardy and the Hallmark Channel.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Clifford “Skippy” Sheffield.

She leaves behind her daughter, Lola Strickland and her longtime companion, Clinton Lowery; her brother, George Sheffield and his longtime companion, Robin Foster; and a nephew and his family, Wes and Blair Sheffield and their children, Rachel and Ridge, as well as several extended family members in the Strickland family. 

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. the next day, Friday, December 28, 2018 at Memorial United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest beside her parents at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

A reception will follow at the residence of her daughter, Lola, in Jacksonville.

Flowers are welcome, but if so desired, donations may be made in her name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Charlie Shelton, 85, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born in 1933 in Roanoke, Va., he was a child of the Great Depression. His parents, Haymond and Maude Shelton, raised him and his siblings in Roanoke. After high school, he joined the U.S Army and served as a paratrooper. Finishing his military service, Charlie graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

Thereafter, Charlie went to work with Dominion Energy. He would spend the next 38 years with them. He worked in Richmond, Va. for many years. Later he would move to Argentina, where he was general manager of Dominion’s operations there. He always felt his time there was particularly successful due, in part, to the rapport with his Argentine co-workers. After several years in Argentina, Charlie returned to the states and finished his career with Dominion in Springfield, Ill.

Over the years, Charlie always stayed busy with various projects and activities. His qualities as a smart and analytical hard worker served him well. Whether it was restoring old homes, hand carving ducks, preparing fabulous meals or sailing, he was always “all in” with everything. On Amelia Island, he served as president of the Carlton Dunes Owners’ Association and volunteered at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

He adored his family. Whether with his wife, Evelyn, or his children or grandchildren, his happy and content nature shown through to them. They will always remember his advice when pondering certain situations: “It is what it is.” Through the years, Charlie was always supportive and generous to his family in so many ways.

Charlie leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Evelyn Romero Shelton of Amelia Island; his children, Linda Shelton Collier and her husband, Richard, of Atlanta, Ga., and Charles E Shelton Jr. of Chatsworth, Calif.; his siblings, Nancy Atkinson of Roanoke and George Shelton and his wife, Sharon, of Tuscaloosa, Alas.; his grandchildren, Win Collier of Atlanta, Ga., Shelton Collier of Hurlburt Field, Fla. and Ella Collier of Los Angeles, Calif.

Charlie will be remembered in a service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Amelia Baptist Church.  He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles Shelton’s name for melanoma research at the Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Winona Elizabeth Robinson Crews, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Jesup, Ga., known by her family and friends as “Winnie,” passed away peacefully December 19, 2018 with family present at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Winnie was born July 8, 1929 in Jacksonville, Fla. and was the eldest daughter of the late Bertha and Layton Robinson of Fernandina Beach.

Winnie was one of the first female lifeguards in Fernandina. Her lifeguard chair post was No. 4 at Main Beach. She loved the ocean! She often swam from home to work. Winnie enjoyed playing basketball in her youth, and she was an All Conference Basketball player at Fernandina Beach High School.

As an adult, she enjoyed fishing at Lake George and crabbing at the jetties in Fernandina Beach. Winnie taught many people to jitterbug and adored dancing! She moved to Jesup in 1958 with her husband and two sons. Winnie taught children and adults to swim and helped with many age group swimming events. She was an avid golfer, and for many years excelled in duplicate bridge tournaments. Winnie never tired of teaching someone to play bridge! Other favorite pastimes were gardening and flower arranging. Many friends would call on her to do a special event, wedding, or funeral arrangements. Winnie was a member of First Baptist Church in Jesup.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Merle Crews, and her son, Roger Layton Crews.

Survivors include her son, Ron Crews and wife Rebecca of Fernandina Beach; two sisters, LeJene Allan of Yulee, Fla. and Jerrie Moore and husband Jimmy of Fernandina Beach; two granddaughters, Julie Crews Barone and husband Pete of Hamburg, N.Y. and Melissa Crews Alward and husband Josh of Concord, N.C.; two grandsons, Roger Crews and wife Bryan of Winter Garden, Fla. and Jason Crews of Jesup, GA. Winnie was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Austin, Kaeli, Jake, Emma, Davis, Lauren and Sarah.

Her family thanks Dr. Henry Rodeffer and Christine Turner, ARNP, and the staff of The Jane Adams House for Winnie’s wonderful care the past several years. Winnie loved life and her family!

A private family service was held at Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach on December 21, 2018.

Memorials may be sent to Stuttering Foundation of America, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111-0749, or your local Relay For Life, sponsored by The American Cancer Society.