Mrs. Fawn Pharris Coleman, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 at her residence.

She was born September 19, 1931 in Pulaski, Tenn. to the late Dr. Crit Pharris, M.D., and Eunice (Grace) Pharris.

While Fawn was a young girl, her father, a medical doctor and one of the nation’s pioneers in industrial hygiene, relocated the family to Connecticut, where both her Father and Mother worked at the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company. Fawn graduated from Glastonbury High School as a member of the National Honor Society and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English in 1954 from the University of Connecticut, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. At UCONN, she met her future husband of 64 years, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Richard D. Coleman Sr. Together, they lived in a dozen locations such as Germany, New Orleans, La., Glastonbury, Conn., Sacramento, Calif., Baltimore, Md., and Jacksonville, Fla. due to his career in the U.S. Army and Aetna Life and Casualty, where he served as an assistant vice president. Together, they successfully raised three very grateful children.

Fawn was a gifted woman of many talents who distinguished herself as an elementary school teacher, librarian, newspaper editor, and realtor. She loved horses and nurtured her two daughters’ passion for riding throughout a decade of competition in Connecticut. Fawn’s greatest passion, however, was genealogy. An avid genealogist for more than 25 years, Fawn traced her family roots in America to the early 1640s and discovered how at least one ancestor served in the American militia in every armed conflict since the Revolutionary War. In her spare time, Fawn thoroughly enjoyed reading books; she particularly enjoyed studying history and politics.

Fawn left an indelible impression upon many lives and will be deeply missed by her husband, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Richard Daly Coleman Sr. of Fernandina Beach; her children, U.S. Marine Corps Col. (ret.) Richard D. Coleman Jr. of Carlsbad, Calif., Christine Coleman Kilgus and her husband, Richard, of Barrington, R.I., and Kathleen Coleman Kriete and her husband, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral David Kriete, of Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska; her beloved grandchildren, Brittani Coleman, Trey Coleman, Kyle Coleman, Coleman Richard Kilgus, David Matthew Kriete Jr., and Michael Kriete; and great-grandchildren, Zachary Coleman-Job and Rueben Coleman Angulo.

Services will be at 11 a.m. February 15, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coalition of the Homeless, P.O. Box 16123, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Earl Blackwelder, 73, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019.

He was born January 1, 1946 in Gainesville, Fla. to James Martin Blackwelder and Helen Irene Willis.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, in which he served as medical support personnel in Okinawa, Japan. Upon completion of his service commitment with the Army, Tom moved to Fernandina Beach, where he worked as a master carpenter.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry Bryan.

He is survived by his children, Traci Blackwelder, Stacy Wright (Damon), Joshua Blackwelder, and Travis Blackwelder. Tom has 14 grandchilden, Ashton, Alexis, Alyssa, Dante, Devin, Jade, Joshua, Sarah, Lydia, Bobby, Avery, Kiersten, Kammeryn, and Kayleigh. He has two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Brayden. Tom is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Blackwelder; his sister, Laura Thompson (Richard); and many other family members and dear friends.

Tom was an original founding member of the Eastern Surfing Association in Fernandina Beach. He also enjoyed fishing and was a diehard Florida Gator fan.

Thomas Earl Blackwelder will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery and services will be announced at a later date.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Barry Dee Farris, 57, of Yulee, Fla., passed away February 6, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla. to Bill Harvey and the late Vivian Irene Farris, he was a 48-year resident of Fernandina Beach and attended Fernandina Beach High School before serving in the U.S. Army (three years active and three years inactive). After the Army, he worked as a painter. He loved sports and fishing as well as the Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jay Kemper Farris.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Kyle) Rehberg, and son, Sean Farris; grandchildren, Xavier Waller and Harrison Rehberg; his father, Bill Harvey Farris, and stepmother, Lucy Farris; brother, Edwin Farris; sister, Donna Farris; nephews, Joshua (Lea Mitchel) Morgan of Middleburg, Fla., and Austin Morgan of Yulee; great-niece, Ava Morgan; great-nephew, Braden Morgan; two of his closest friends, Joe Mayley and Kenny Castle; and very loving friend and caregiver, Sharon Crews Ransom.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon February 23, 2019 at the Amelia Woods Clubhouse, located at 2700 Mizell St. in Fernandina Beach.

Mrs. Jill Marie Smith, 63, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 in her home in Tega Cay, S.C. surrounded by loved ones.

Mrs. Smith was born in 1955 in Detroit, Mich. to Joyce Shipp and the late William Shipp. She married James R. Smith in 1979. Jill and Jim raised their three children in Royal Oak, Mich. In 2006, she moved to Amelia Island, Fla., where she was an avid biker and enjoyed walking and yoga as well as working at Great Harvest Bread Co. She moved to Tega Cay, S.C. in 2016 to enjoy her children and grandchildren.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a kind-hearted person who was there for anyone who needed her and always had an open home to others. She will be remembered for her love of cooking, her listening ear, and her enjoyment of life. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and each person who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, James Smith; three children, Matthew Smith (Erika), Stephen Smith (Katelyn), and Jacqueline Wall (Casey); mother, Joyce Shipp; siblings, Todd Shipp (Trina), Laurie Kanar, Connie Spring (Art), and Mike Shipp (Dawn); and five adoring grandsons, August Smith, Edwin Smith, Caleb Wall, Everett Smith, and Luca Wall.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Carolinas ALS Center in Charlotte, N.C. and the staff of Agape Hospice in Rock Hill, S.C. for their wonderful care and support of Mrs. Smith.

Memorial donations may be made to Agape Hospice in Rock Hill, S.C. and Amelia Island Trail on Amelia Island.

Online condolences may be directed to www.palmettofh.com.

Palmetto Funeral Home

Wendell W. Shorter, 85, passed away February 11, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Michael R. Sullivan, 39, passed away February 9, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at the Church at Argyle. Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

David Chester Turner passed away January 15, 2019.

Neptune Society – Jacksonville

Alvin Theodore Williams Jr., of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away January 30, 2019. Services will be held at 1 p.m. February 16, 2019 at Harvest Outreach Ministries with Gerard Green officiating.

Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home

Ginger Gail Johns Arocho Crespo passed away January 22, 2019 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ginger was born October 26, 1964 in Jacksonville, Fla. She moved as a young child to Fernandina Beach, Fla. and always considered herself a native. Upon completion of her high school degree by home schooling, Ginger moved for a few years to Los Angeles, Calif. There, she met her first husband, Rick Arocho. When she returned to Florida, Ginger began studies at Parisian Spa Institute in the Riverside area of Jacksonville. There, she began to master the skills that would make her one of the most talented stylists and colorists of this area. Upon graduation, Ginger would spend her career mostly in Fernandina Beach, but she also spent significant time in Jacksonville and Las Vegas, Nev. Recently, she had moved to Murphy, N.C.

She is survived by her husband, Eliseo Crespo of Murphy; her mother, Dorothy Jones Johns Harrison; her uncle, R. L. Jones (Eyvonne); her aunts, Kathy Sheldon, Rebecca Mertz (Mark), and Susie Lawhorne (Scott); and numerous cousins, as well as her former husband, Rick Arocho of Las Vegas.

A service of memory will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Living Waters World Outreach Center to celebrate Ginger’s life. For any who wish to participate, friends will gather at Changes Salon At Gateway to Amelia Town Center following the service to share personal memories.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Allen Lyons, 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Born in the Old Town area of Fernandina Beach, Fla., he was a son of the late Daniel R. and Bea Gallagher Lyons. He lived in Fernandina Beach until he joined the U.S. Navy. He served 21 years until his retirement. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat.

After retiring, he came home to Nassau County and settled in Yulee. He worked at Kings Bay Trident Refit Facility as a crane operator until his second retirement.

When not working, he enjoyed fishing and always liked being able to go scalloping whenever he could. He loved his family and always enjoyed spending time with them.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Benjie and Ronnie Gaskill.

He leaves behind his wife, Ruby Gayle Lyons of Yulee; three daughters, Kim (Tim) Willis of Waynesville, Ga., Angie Fisher of Kingsland, Ga., and Teresa Miller of Yulee; three sons, Thomas Allen (Reyna) Lyons Jr., Eugene Davis of Kingsland, Ga., and Norman (Heather) Albertson of Fernandina Beach; and three grandchildren, Charleigh Lyons, Nyla Lyons, and Zak Willis, as well as several step-grandchildren and other extended family members.

Services for Mr. Lyons will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Pastor Frank Camarotti officiating. He will be laid to rest in a private family service at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Douglas Richards, 77, of South Gate, Calif., passed away February 2, 2019.

Born February 2, 1942 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. to the late Thomas William and Josephine Richards, he attended Fernandina High School and was a shrimper and then a box manufacturer, first in Tampa and later in California. He enjoyed reloading ammunition and target shooting. He attended First Baptist Church in South Gate.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe, William, Edward, Robert, Manuel and Frank, and sisters, Esther Ann and Frances.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda, whom he married in Las Vegas, Nev.; daughters, Amanda and Jennifer (Moe); two granddaughters; and a brother, Thomas Albert Richards.

A memorial service was held February 18, 2019 in South Gate.

Emily J. Howard, 91, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Thomas Julius Stewart, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Dennis M. Matheson Sr., 76, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, January 28, 2019 at his home.

Born in Superior, Wisc., he was a son of the late Melford and Virginia Matheson.

He began his electrician career with Boeing in Seattle, Wash. Soon afterwards, he went to work for the U.S. Navy, a career that would last 37 years. He worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. and Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, Wash. He always wanted to come to Florida and was able to transfer to Trident Refit Facility in Kings Bay, Ga. in 1988. He continued there until his retirement.

He took advantage of the many opportunities afforded him with the Navy. He was able to travel extensively, work in many locales and meet many people. While at home, he enjoyed fishing and woodworking which including carving small figurines.

He will always be remembered for his positive outlook on life and the love of his family. His family warmly remembered he recently told them he had a fulfilled life and had no regrets.

He leaves behind his children, Dennis Matheson Jr. of West Reading, Pa. and Kristy Wild of Westport, Wash.; his brother, Kenneth Matheson, and sister, Carol Lemoine, both of Tacoma, Wash.; and his four grandchildren, Willem Matheson, Timothy Dickjose, Donna Dickjose, and Adam Matheson.

There will be no local services but Mr. Matheson will be remembered in a family service later this year.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Debra Marie Smith, 55, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away February 15, 2019 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she resided in Fernandina Beach for the past 11 years, having moved from Louisiana. She graduated from Freedom High School in Easton, Pa. and received her A.A. degree in finance from Lamar Salter Technical College in Louisiana. Debra was a veteran of the U.S. Army. She went to Iraq serving as a contractor from 2004 to 2008, and that is where she met her husband Michael, also a U.S. Army veteran. While in Iraq, she also started her own business, DB Enterprises, which she operated from 2004 to 2012. She was an adventurer who loved to travel anywhere on a whim. She traveled to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Dubai for both business and pleasure. She loved her family, especially her four grandchildren. She also cherished her friendships and had a deep love for her two dogs, Lily and Bentley, which were always by her side. Debra loved sailing, golfing, interior design, and especially loved staying home and being a wife. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 54, the American Legion Post 54 Riders, and a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2019 at Northampton Memorial Shrine at 3051 Green Pond Road in Easton, Pa. with visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ashton Funeral Home, located at 1337 Northampton St. in Easton.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy R. Ackerman.

She is survived by her husband, Michael J. Smith of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; father, Joseph P. Ackerman, and stepmother, Gloria Ackerman, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; stepdaughter, Michelle E. Carmichael of Baker, Fla.; sisters, Teri Whittaker of Marshalls Creek, Pa. and Dawn Corpora of Easton; brothers, Joseph Ackerman of Shelby, Mont. and Russell Ackerman of Easton; grandsons, Jason Smith, Damien “DJ” Carmichael, and James Wyatt Neisler; and granddaughter, Katherine Neisler. 

St. Johns Family Funeral Home

Thomas Julius Stewart, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019 at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born in Brunswick, Ga. to the late Julius Ellis Stewart and Minnie Lee Tanner and moved to Jacksonville as a child, graduating from Ribault High School. After graduation, he served honorably and with distinction in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as an MP and sharp shooter.

After returning home from the military, Mr. Stewart was involved in a motorcycle accident and lost the use of his dominant arm. According to his family, he could do more with one arm than most can accomplish with the use of both. He was a true renaissance man – artist, craftsman, mechanic – and could be found tinkering on his beloved 1977 Camaro “Relic.” He enjoyed fishing and cooking, and, above all, he loved his family.

He met his future wife, Bonnie Faye Mills, in Jacksonville in 1966. They married in 1968. Thomas and Bonnie moved in 1971 to Yulee, where he was employed as a security guard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, J. W. Stewart and John Stewart, and sisters, Susie Miller and Joann Adams.

He leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Bonnie Faye Stewart of Yulee; daughter, “Cissy” Tatum and her husband, “Tate,” of Yulee; son, Lee Stewart and his companion, Rhosalee, of Jacksonville; sister, Wilma (Dave) Watson of Jacksonville; brother, Robert (Iris) Stewart of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Chris (Marissa) Rowell, Christiana (AJ) Brixon, Allyssa Stewart, Audrey Tatum, Allen Tatum, Sand and Sid Mangalindan, and Robert Stewart; great-grandchild, Lexar Brixon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. later that day in Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening, February 26, 2019 at the funeral home.

The family requests that donations be made in Thomas’ memory to the American Cancer Society.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

McArthur G. "Mac" Rosen, 70, passed away February 21, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stephen J. Tinker, 67, passed away February 20, 2019. There will be no local services at this time.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joseph Treubig, 88, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Fran Cline, 70, of Yulee, Fla., passed away February 23, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born May 26, 1948 in Granite City, Ill. and moved 22 years ago to Yulee.

She is survived by her domestic partner of 37 years, Vickie Monroe of Yulee; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Beth Cline of Fernandina Beach; sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Ron Bailey of Yulee; a brother and sister-in-law, Myron and Cheryl Bramley of Albuquerque, N.M.; three grandchildren, Shawn Cline, Nicholas Cline, and Katie Spaulding; three great-grandchildren, Aaron, Henry and Owen; and five nieces and three nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Nassau County Humane Society at 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or nassauhumane.org.

To sign Ms. Cline's online register book, please visit the Green Pine Funeral Home website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Marjorie Raike Cross, 88, passed away suddenly February 24, 2019, in Fernandina Beach Fla.

Marjorie was born August 5, 1930 to Charles Chester Raike and Leonore Burgroff Raike in Shrewsbury, W.Va. She married John Charles Cross on July 23, 1947, and they traveled extensively while John was in the U.S. Navy, settling in Jacksonville, Fla. upon his retirement. As did her husband, Marjorie had a passion for travel and for the mountains, living the last 35 years in Blairsville, Ga.

She was preceded in death by her husband on March 12, 2018; her daughter, Nikki Lynn Crawford (Michael) of Jacksonville, Fla. on April 12, 2016; her sister, Elizabeth Weigel (William) of Erlanger, Ky.; and brother. Morris M. Raike (Ida) of Portsmouth Va.

She is survived by her sister, Sonya Stockman (Donald) of Fargo, N.D.; her daughters, Sharon Leigh Townsend (Thomas) of Fernandina Beach, Deborah Layne Ellison (James) of Jacksonville, and Rebecca Louise Miles of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who all loved her dearly.

Marjorie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services and interment will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, located at 4083 Lannie Road in Jacksonville, with Jim Ellison officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the funeral home.

Prestwood Funeral Home

Mary Mildred Freeman, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Born in Hilliard, Fla., she graduated from Jones College. In 1959, after marrying her husband, James Powell Freeman, she moved to Fernandina Beach, where they raised their sons. She retired from the Nassau County Clerk of Courts in 1991.

Mrs. Freeman had a strong faith and was devoted to serving God. She was a longtime member of Five Points Baptist Church. She loved her family dearly. Family was extremely important to her. She had a strong love and protectiveness for her immediate and extended family. After retiring, she raised her two granddaughters, instilling values and a love for the Lord. Her ability to make anybody smile was one of her many endearing qualities.

Mrs. Freeman treasured nature and animals. In her younger days, she was an avid gardener. You could always find her outside working in her yard. She had quite a collection of beautiful plants. Gardening was therapy for her. It lifted her spirits to plant seeds and watch them bloom and grow.

Not only did she have a big heart when it came to family, that love extended to animals, especially her beloved cats. She took in and cared for many stray dogs and cats over the years.

She enjoyed many trips to the mountains with her family. Mrs. Freeman went on adventures, exploring Franklin, N.C. She even walked the loop trail at the Joyce Kilmer Forest about 20 years ago. Her declining health prevented her from traveling over the years, but she loved sharing the fond memories made with her family while visiting the mountains. Whether at the mountain house or her home in Florida, she really loved sitting on the porch just admiring God’s creation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marquis “Mark” and Mildred “Millie” Tomlinson; her husband, James Powell Freeman; sisters, Nellie Strickland and Eva Vanzant; and brother,Frank Tomlinson.

She leaves behind her sisters, Lilian Freeman, Stella Davis, and Ruby Carter, all of Fernandina Beach, and Delaine Tuggle of Hilliard; brother, Robert Tomlinson of Hilliard; sons, Shane Freeman and Scott Freeman, both of Fernandina Beach; granddaughters, Chelsy Freeman (Kyle) Day of Yulee, Fla., Marcie Freeman and Amanda “Mandy” (Adam) Salzburg, both of Fernandina Beach, and Christina Foster of Kingsland, Ga.; great-granddaughter, Alaina Garcia, and great-grandson, Maddox Freeman; and multiple nieces, nephews, and step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Five Points Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. at the church.

If you desire, in lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mrs. Freeman can 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

Paul Alva Gosnell, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., gently passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Valerie, on February 21, 2019. His son, Timothy, and daughter, Kelly, were by his side during his last weeks and shared their special thoughts and memories with him. He was also surrounded by the many friends whose lives he had touched and who meant so much to him.

Paul was born in Baltimore, Md., a son of Charles Lemuel and Helen Elizabeth Gosnell, and was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan his entire life. In high school (Baltimore City College), he was an outstanding baseball player and was recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the same time, he was awarded an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. With many mixed feelings, Paul chose to enter the Academy in 1964, graduating in 1968.

While at the Air Force Academy, he met his future wife, Valerie Ann Phillips, the eldest of the eight children of Colonel Frank V. (Val) and Margaret (Peg) Phillips. Valerie’s “Air Force brat” experience growing up made her a natural to join with Paul in his Air Force career. Paul and Valerie were married at the Air Force Academy Chapel on December 28, 1968, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at St. Michael Catholic Church.

During his Air Force career, Paul and Valerie were stationed in Colorado, Texas, England, Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, and California and traveled to the Caribbean, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Holland. Paul earned a master’s degree in systems management and a master’s degree in human development counseling. His career included a few years in the intelligence service, including a year in Vietnam. Afterward, he entered pilot training and became an F-4, O-2, and finally an F-15 pilot. His service awards include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After leaving the Air Force in 1991, Paul worked in management services with ServiceMaster for 10 years. Despite his many health issues, they never kept him from travel, golf, church commitments, Master Gardening, or living his life to the fullest. Paul was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 14295 at St. Michael Catholic Church. He was an altar server, parish money counter, Eucharistic minister, and countless other ministries which were quietly and humbly rendered. Truly, he was a man of God. We will never know the scope of lives he touched.

He leaves behind his most precious wife, Valerie; their son, Colonel Timothy (Mairead) Gosnell of San Antonio, Texas; their daughter, Kelly (Colonel Mike) Shea of Burke, Va.; grandchildren, Katelynn and Connor Shea and Keira and Kylie Gosnell; mother-in-law, Peg Phillips of Parker, Colo.; brother, Charles (Barbara) Gosnell of Glen Burnie, Md.; sister, Nancy (Harvey) Brock of Dayton, Ohio; pre-deceased brother-in-law, Richard (Meg) Phillips; brother-in-law, Bruce (Monica) Phillips; brother-in law, Brian Phillips; brother-in-law, Chris (Cathy) Phillips; sister-in-law, Les Phillips; sister-in-law, Denise (Chet) Elder; sister-in-law, Jenni (Scott) Peavy; and 19 nieces and nephews.

A vigil and visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society or to your favorite charity in his name.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Emily Jones Howard, 91, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, February 18, 2019 at Quality Health.

Born in Callahan, Fla. and raised on a large farm, she was the daughter of the late Pasco and Wilma Braddock Jones. Her family roots can be traced back to the Spanish colonial rule in Florida’s history. Her father was a longtime county commissioner in the days of Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency. She grew up with several sisters and one brother. Her brother, John P. Jones, was killed in action in France during World War II and is buried there.

During World War II, she met and married her husband, Charles W. “Chuck” Howard. After the war, they moved to his native Texas. It was there they began their family and had their sons, Chuck Jr. and David.

In 1960, they relocated to Fernandina Beach. They immediately joined the local congregation of the Church of Christ and would remain members for the rest of their lives. Emily and her husband were wonderful Christian servants.

Emily was a self-educated lady who was known for her intelligence, quick wit, sense of humor, imagination, and love of natural beauty. She was a fine local artist, published poet, and founding member of the Island Art Association. She was devoted to her family, a great cook, homemaker, and a gracious hostess to anyone who visited her home. Of a kind and friendly nature, she was also a “Steel Magnolia.” She loved her southern family and its culture and was proud of her heritage. She hated all types of injustice and insisted on telling the truth.

In 2014, she lost her beloved Chuck but had the strong will to continue on for five more years loving and blessing others in whatever environment she lived in.

She leaves behind her sons, Charles W. Howard Jr. and David Howard, both of Jacksonville, as well as several nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Her life will be remembered and celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Church of Christ in Fernandina Beach with Pastor John Wright officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date.

Those desiring may make donations in her name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jennifer "Denise" Lovell passed away February 22, 2019 at Northeast Florida Community Hospice surrounded by those who love her.

Denise was born June 25, 1956 in Jacksonville, Fla. to Margaret Ann Lovell and the late George Lawrence Lovell. She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, where she participated in the Special Olympics and made many lifelong friends.

Denise enjoyed listening to music, dancing, looking at books and magazines, traveling in an RV and seeing the country, and visiting with family and friends. Everyone that met Denise was touched by her sweet disposition, kindness, and infectious laugh. She was always quick to show her love and everyone loved to have her pray for them.

She is survived by her mother, Margaret Ann Lovell Portier; stepfather, Windle Portier; sisters, Jeanne Turner, Laurie Kurlin, Carol Rugenstein, and Carrie Selton; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Five Points Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Northeast Florida Community Hospice and Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or communityhospice.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Stanley Mankovich Sr., 90, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., crossed over to the hereafter February 21, 2019.

He was the son of the late Stanley Edward Mankovich and Anna Mankovich.

A man of many talents, Stan led an adventurous existence involved in general aviation as a pilot and aircraft restorer and builder, hydroplane builder, and boat racer. He was gifted as a woodworker and metal fabricator, and he also had a lifelong passion for fishing. Never was a challenge left unmet. A devoted friend to all those he knew, he always found time to lend a hand whenever needed. A gentle person of old school values, he will be sorely missed by all those whose lives have been enriched by our association with him.

He is survived by the love of his life these past 25 years, Lanita (Gail) Cope; and his children, Stanley and Janice Mankovich.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Chaplain Jim Tippins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors