Lucretia Murray Vizcaino passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at the age of 79 after a long battle with terminal brain cancer.

Lucretia was born and raised in Fernandina Beach. She worked as an assistant manager and vice president of Stock Transfer for Barnett Banks Trust Company for several years and eventually retired in 1999.

Lucretia was preceded in death by her father, Walter Murray, and her mother, Nellie Murray.

Lucretia is survived by her brothers, Lamar Murray (Beth) and Kenneth Murray, and her sister, Maurline Preache. She is also survived by her sons, Chip Vizcaino (Sharon) and Mike Vizcaino (Becky); her five grandsons, Jessie Vizcaino (Danielle), Daniel Vizcaino (Samantha), Alan Vizcaino, Christopher Vizcaino (Katelyn), and Nicholas Vizcaino (Paige); nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lucretia loved being busy. She especially loved being outdoors working in her yard, gardening and planting new flowers. She also loved to buy old furniture and refinish it to its former beauty. Lucretia loved spending time with family and friends, but her greatest passion in life was caring for her sons, grandsons, and great- grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Springhill Baptist Church with Reverend Jackie Hayes officiating her memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Lucretia asked in lieu of flowers to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Stephen Beck, 60, passed away peacefully April 30, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Ruth Chichekian, 92, passed away peacefully May 18, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Mary Fussell, 82, passed away peacefully April 26, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

James Jackson, 87, passed away peacefully May 17, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Eleanor Martin, 96, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Robert Reynolds, 69, passed away peacefully May 17, 2019.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Kenneth Wayne Willis Jr., 49, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2018.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Cassie Haddock, 101, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Raised in Appling County, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Pearlie and Mable Mayers Harper.

She married Raymond W. Haddock on September 30, 1938. Their marriage would continue for 64 years until his passing. They made their home in Fernandina Beach and were active members of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Haddock was also a member of the Bethany Sunday School Class. At the time of her passing, Mrs. Haddock was the oldest member of First Baptist Church.

She will be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Raymond, in 2004, as well as her sister, Carrie Belle Harper, and her brothers, James C. Harper, J. R. Harper, and Virgil M. Harper.

She leaves behind her son, Larry  Haddock and his wife, Frances; her daughter, Suzanne Edwards and her husband, Charles; her grandsons, Keith Edwards and his wife, Julie, Ray Haddock, and James Calhoun; two granddaughters, Cheryl Hopkins and Tina Morris; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Addie, Chase, Kayla, Alysa and her husband, Austin, Gracie, Jessica, and Jestina; and two great-great-grandchildren, Haley and Liam; her sister, Myra Swinson; and her brother, Carroll B. Harper, as well as several extended family members.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Zach Terry officiating. The family will receive friends that same morning beginning at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1600 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Sara Luke Ezzell, 99, passed away February 2, 2019 at Redmond Hospital in Rome, Ga. After living in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for more than 30 years, she moved to Rome in 2018 to be closer to family.

Sara was born October 15, 1919 in Rocky Ford, Ga. to the late Annie Wyatt Luke and Thomas Monroe Luke. Sara's father was a Methodist minister in Georgia so she moved often. She met and married her husband, Hugh Ezzell, in Atlanta, Ga. They resided in Brewton, Ala. before moving to Amelia Island. Sara was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church and was an avid artist.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Christoper (Chris) Alan Ezzell; and five siblings, Thomas J. Luke, Mary Luke Oliver, Virginia Luke Morgan, Frances Luke Brogden, and Ainsworth (Bo) Luke.

She is survived by her daughter, Jannice Ezzell McGinnis of Rome, and son, Michael Medders Sr. (Janie) of Statesboro, Ga. Grandchildren include Michael E.McGinnis (Chris), Michelle Medders Rushing (Mark), and Michael Medders Jr. (Leigh). Sara also had nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive, including Mary Ann Murphy (Paul) and Tommy Oliver (Anita) of Fernandina Beach, Fran Pullis (Tom) of Fisherville, Ky., Steve Morgan (Nancy) of Jekyll Island, Ga., Sally Luke Awe (Milt) of Hampshire, Ill., Tommy J. Luke of Jacksonville, Fla., Nancy Luke Courson of Jacksonville, Marsha Ann Taylor (Al) of Brunswick, Ga., and Marty Luke (Jolene) and Monty Luke (Linda) of Newnan Ga.

A graveside service at Bosque Bello Cemetery will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 with the Reverand Drew Weseman officiating. Contributions can be made to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, Memorial United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Betty Shallberg Quealy died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning, May 22, 2019 at her beloved home in Amelia Island Plantation surrounded by family. Betty called Amelia Island her home for the last 35 years of her life.

Betty was born April 27, 1919 in Moline, Ill., the only daughter of Alice Kennedy Shallberg and Gustavus Aldolphus Shallberg. She spent her adolescent years at her family’s home in Chicago. Looking for challenges even as a young girl, she competed in the prestigious Chicago-Mackinaw Island Sailing Regatta with her brothers in the 1930s. Betty completed her secondary education at the Villa de Chantal in Illinois and attended the Holton Arms Junior College in Washington, D.C. before finishing her studies at the King-Smith Dramatic Studio in Washington, D.C. She remained an avid reader throughout her life.

On June 26, 1940, Betty married William Harrison Quealy, a young Georgetown University Law graduate, and they took up residence in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. When the United States entered World War II, her husband accepted a commission as a captain in the U.S. Army so she followed him to his training base in Texas. Betty returned to her parent’s home in Chicago to wait for his return from action in the Aleutian Islands.

After the war, they moved back to Chicago, where he resumed his legal career. She and Bill took an apartment on Lakeshore Drive and enjoyed the flourishing supper clubs and cabaret in Chicago’s post-war big band era. Betty supported many local charities during that period and her activities were often featured in the Chicago papers.

Among her many lifelong passions, Betty always said that golf was the greatest game in the world. Her love of the game provided her with friendships in all the cities where she lived as she followed her husband in his legal career from Chicago to New York, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, and, finally, Amelia Island. She joined the Golf Club of Amelia, but her association with the Ladies at the Fernandina Golf Club was also dear to her. Over the years, Betty served as the president of many women’s golf associations and was an enthusiastic planner of creative golf events. She once wished that she should live so long as she could shoot her age. Well, she crossed that threshold about 10 years ago. Betty had her second hole-in-one the week before her 90th birthday.

Her fiercest devotion, however, was to her family – her husband, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even before Facebook, she always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and seemed to possess a long-distance radar which prompted her to provide comfort or encouragement as needed.  She was the parent who her children’s schools could always count on to cheerfully volunteer her time and energies toward whatever school bazaar, bake sale, or field trip was planned.

She was active in politics serving as president of her local chapters of the Federation of Republican Women and as president of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the League of Women Voters. Betty loved jazz and was an early supporter and volunteer with the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Betty celebrated her 100th birthday on April 27 by hosting one last party for her many friends and golfing buddies. She rallied for the evening and enjoyed her many friendships to the end.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, her parents, her three brothers, and one grandson.

She is survived by her four children, Kathleen Brady (Thomas) of Jacksonville, Margaret Bork (Ron) of Amelia Island, William Quealy Jr. (Teri) of San Diego, Calif., and Patricia Moore (Walter) of Amelia Island; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in the fall at the Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her husband.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Nassau County Humane Society and the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Joan Marie Sterling passed peacefully from this earth on May 24, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Joan Marie Sterling was a lifelong resident of Nassau County. She was raised in Yulee on the family farm, lived in Baltimore Maryland for a brief period, and later moved to Fernandina Beach. Joan attended Yulee High School, where she formed many lifelong friends including her best friend, Opal Wells.

She met the father of her children, Henry “Bunny” Sterling, at Main Beach in Fernandina. They were married for 32 years. She and Bunny were active participants in the local shrimping community. During the early years of the “Shrimp Boat Races,” Joan was well known for her boat decorating talents often creating elaborate props and themes. Together, she and Bunny won Best Decorated Boat consecutively for several years. 

While living on the farm, Joan developed a love for animals. Throughout her life, she had numerous domestic and wild pets. She had a love for cats but was known to care for raccoons, geese, turtles, squirrels, fish, dogs, and birds. She was a champion for local abused and neglected animals.

Joan loved movies, reading, and music. She owned an extensive movie collection and told many stories of going to the picture show as a child to watch Roy Rogers. “Memaw” often took her grandchildren to the “show” where they shared innumerable good times together. Her favorite movie was Gone with the Wind. She was an avid reader and favored science fiction books. Joan loved music and taught herself how to play guitar and banjo. She once wrote a song and had it published. In the late 1970s, she played guitar for St. Michael Church in Fernandina Beach. Joan loved the music of the early ’60s and Neil Diamond.

While raising her children, Joan completed her high school education. Later, she went on to earn her bachelor degree in psychology from Jacksonville University. She worked in private security for several years and later retired from Kmart in Fernandina Beach, where she worked for 16 years. Joan preferred working in the garden shop as she loved plants and flowers. She shared many wives’ tails regarding gardening, for example, “spitting on a cutting” before you plant it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam Fisher and Anna Cox Fisher, and a brother, John Fisher.

She is survived by a sister, Louise Jones, and a brother, Adam Fisher, both of Yulee; and her children, Henry “Hank” Sterling (Suzanne) of Cocoa, Fla., and Paula Foster (Jerry) of Fernandina Beach, Fla. She had three grandchildren, Desiree “Michelle” Thompson (James “Jamie”) of Yulee, Cheri “LeAnne” Nicholls (Nicholas “Nick”) of Lakeland, Fla., and Michael Foster (Stacee), Yulee; and eight great-grandchildren, Grace, Prestyn, Carter, Claire, Holden, Jaxx, Easton, and Cate. She had several nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved and cherished.

Services were at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home with Chaplain Jackie Hayes officiating. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.

The family requests that donations be made in her memory to Cat’s Angels, 709 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mark James Williams, 58, of Yulee, Fla., passed away April 18, 2019.

Born in Fernandina Beach, Fla., he was a lifelong resident of Yulee. He graduated while in the U.S. Army, where he was airborne. He was known for his engaging smile and his contagious laugh. He was a friend to everyone and loved by many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Williams; sister, Cecilia Williams; and brother, Michael Williams.

He is survived by his father, Jasper William “JW” Williams (Sandy Ryder); brother, John Wayne Williams (Deanna); sisters, Debra Duran and Lorraine Skender. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Services will be held graveside at 2 p.m. June 1, 2019 at Hughes Cemetery.

Donna Brookes Cowan, Ph.D., 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Per Glen Klykken, 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away May 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Cora Lee Morris, 87, of Yulee, Fla. passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2019 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in the chapel at Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau in Yulee with Five Points Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Frank Camarotti officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. in the chapel. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Hughes Cemetery in Yulee following the committal service.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Densie Younger, 68, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Donna Brookes Cowan, 70, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and formerly of Burlington, Vt. and Bowie, Md., died unexpectedly Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

Brookes, a much beloved professor at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington for 32 years, was named Outstanding Professor of the Year and nominated for the award every subsequent year thereafter. Having received her Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Brookes also earned a master’s degree in social work while teaching at UVM and provided grief counseling to the bereaved in the Burlington area. 

She was a passionate advocate for quality end-of-life care and hospice and taught an original course on the “Sociology of Death and Dying” in hopes that graduating students would carry the hospice message back to their families and friends.

She was an avid tennis player with a wicked sliced backhand and played on several intra-island and inter-club leagues in the greater Amelia Island, Fla. area. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Grace Cowan of Bowie, Md.

She leaves behind her spouse, Jaye Roseborough and her two dogs, AnjoBanjo and Buckaroo, all of Fernandina Beach; her daughter-in-law, Lori Haller and granddaughters Olivia and Emma, all of Boston, Mass.; a brother, Edward Eugene Cowan Jr. and nephews Seth and Adam Cowan, all of Frederick, Md.; and several beloved cousins and their spouses and children, and many wonderful friends. 

A celebration of her life will be held sometime next month.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Grace Culleton Harmon, 92, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died peacefully May 29 2019.

Grace was born in New York City to Genevieve O’Dwyer and Charles Culleton and moved to Ellicott City, Md. as a teenager. She graduated from Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, Md. and earned her bachelor’s degree from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

She married John Baltzell Harmon of Catonsville, Md. in 1952. On their first date, they went sledding with John’s best friend, Al Shaughness, and Graces’ sister, Jeanne, who also married, creating a close and lifelong friendship. During their 50-year marriage, Grace and John lived in Wilmington, Del., Huntington Bay, N.Y., Greenville, Del., Landenburg, Pa., and Fernandina Beach.

Grace christened the Liberty Ship SS John Witherspoon in March of 1942 at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore, Md. During 1972, she embarked on a successful real estate career. She worked in Huntington and Greenville. After retirement, Grace and John enjoyed traveling, tennis, and countless cruises on their boat Gracie’s Mansion.

Grace had a lifelong interest in singing. She sang in many church choirs and organizations, including St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine in Greenville and St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach.

Grace is survived by her son, John C. and his wife, Mary, of Southport, N.C; her son, James and his wife, Bev Lawrence, of Fernandina Beach; and Robert and his wife, Marianne, of Severna Park, Md. Grace has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband John; son Paul; and sister, Jeanne.

There will be a service for Grace at 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, and a service and interment in Delaware at Lower Brandywine Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gwendolyn M. Miller, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away at her home Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., she was a daughter of the late Schluy Dewey and Elizabeth Tiner Mathews. She lived all of her life in Fernandina Beach and was a member of the 1950 Fernandina High School graduating class.

In 1952, she met and married a young sailor, William L. “Bill” Miller. Their marriage would last 61 years until his passing in 2014 at the age of 85. 

Mrs. Miller worked for nearly all of her life. Beginning at the age of 15, she worked at the A&P Grocery on Centre St., where her father was the manager. She later worked for Fernandina Fuel and Fertilizer as an accountant and eventually went to work for Ira Hall in the Tax Collectors office. 

In the early 1970s, Mrs. Miller was appointed by the governor as tax collector for Nassau County. She would continue in that position for 33 years until her retirement in 2006.

She was a longtime member of the Association of Tax Collectors and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. 

Even with her busy work life, Mrs. Miller enjoyed tending to her rose garden at home, and every summer she always grew a good crop of tomatoes.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Dewey Mathews, and two sisters, Mary Price and Sandra Ward.

She leaves behind her children, William L. “Bill” Miller Jr. and his wife, Tina, of Apopka, Fla., Sandy Miller Frank of Fernandina Beach, and Jay Miller and his wife, Marie, of Yulee, Fla.; six grandchildren, Karen Helms, Cassandra Miller, Emily Miller, Hayley Bryant, David Miller and Iona Miller; four great-grandchildren, Tristen, Emma, Brady, and David as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Richard Henry Roberts Sr., 61, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 24, 2019.

He was born to Orelia Simmons-Roberts and Romeo Roberts Sr., who preceded him in death. He was a 1976 graduate of Peck High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He furthered his education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He was united in holy matrimony for 23 years to Nadia Adams Roberts. Richard was a dedicated employee at Anheuser Busch for 33 years.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, a dedicated wife, Mrs. Nadia Y. Roberts; son, Richard Roberts Jr.; daughters, Deandra Roberts, Ebony Roberts, and Maisha Roberts; grandchildren, Amaya Thomas, Jalen Brown, De’Ayjia Randall, Hayleah Pierce, Georgia Stokes, Genesis Stokes, Geonna Stokes, Naomi Pierce and Peyton Perkins; siblings, Romeo Roberts (Carol), Waymond Roberts, Michael Thomas, Josette Donaldson, Barbara Way, Mary Ann Zoe, Shenna Hutchinson (Lavonia), Orelia Brevard, and Juanita Sturdivant; loving-in-laws, Furman and Yvonne Adams; a heart-felt brother-in-law, Gary Adams (Jackie); sister-in-law, Karen Adams Boyd (Michael); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, family and friends, among them special friends, Larry McNear and Michael Russell; special thanks to Diana Mingo, the McNeil Family and Shirley Wilson.

Homegoing Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Saint Paul AME Church, 6910 New Kings Road, with Pastor Rev. Marvin Zanders II officiating. Mr. Roberts will rest for loved ones and friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Northside Chapel and Saturday, June 1, 2019 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Interment will be in the Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home

Marie Sandra Straub gently slipped away May 10, 2019. She departed this life just as she preferred to live it – beside her dedicated husband, surrounded by her loving children, amid her dearest lifelong friends.

Though born August 11, 1942, Marie did not start counting the years until her senior year of high school in 1961, when she met the man with whom she was destined to share the rest of her life. She and Joseph B. Straub Sr. were engaged that very summer after graduation, and she married him, the love of her life, the following May. Marie soon became a military wife and mother, making possible Joseph’s successful 24-year career in the Navy. Side-by-side, Marie and Joseph embarked on their journey together. Marie managed a growing family through multiple moves, as she and Joseph wove the tapestry of their family legacy together, adding threads from myriad destinations in which they would reside spanning the globe. Ultimately settling in New York, Virginia, then Florida, they continued their life together in a manner reminiscent of characters only found in old love stories from eras long forgotten. Even after 57 years of marriage, there was no place Marie would rather be than by Joseph’s side.

Secure in her relationship with the man she adored, Marie quietly set about constructing a legacy that will be a remembrance of her presence on this Earth long after her passing. Never having known her own mother, Marie possessed a unique motherly love that existed free from the bonds of shared surnames or similar genetic lineage. Marie mothered any child lucky enough to cross her path who was willing to accept her love. Marie fostered many children and could always be persuaded to add just one more. Her empire consisted of not only the four children she carried herself, but also the many youngsters she and Joe fostered and/or adopted over the years. Marie and Joe were blessed with a house full of children, and in time this would grow to include visiting grandchildren, followed by great-grandchildren. She never turned away a soul and was never happier than when all of the beds in her home were full. A house bursting with life and love is what felt like home to Marie. 

Her beloved children and cherished family, however, were not the only ones that peopled Marie’s empire. Making friends came easily to Marie and this talent could cross the chasm of decades separating her from those much younger than she. New neighbors easily became lasting friends, especially when they had children to be loved and enjoyed. 

The art of friendship was a language that Marie spoke fluently. Especially adept at nurting strong and lasting relationships, Marie had special lifelong friendships forged with a few amazing ladies, friendships of the best and closest kind. These friendships kept these ladies together despite relocations that ended up spanning the entirety of the East Coast. Once one of these lifelong friends moved from New York to Virginia, the others soon followed. The distance from Virginia to Florida could not keep them apart. Marie and her closest friends ended up together again, calling the beautiful town of Fernandina Beach home. She shared her entire life with these women and loved them as the family they became. With more than daily phone calls, frequent dinner parties, and recurrent celebrations, their lives were fundamentally intertwined from her earliest years until she departed this life.

Marie has gone to patiently wait for her loving family and treasured friends in the arms of those who preceded her in death, her eldest son, Joseph B. Straub Jr., and best friend-in-law, Thomas J. Grady. 

She is survived by her immensely loved, devoted, and doting husband, Joesph B. Straub Sr. of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; their children, Mary E. Meyer of Spotsylvania, Va., Terry L. Smith of Bel Air, Md., Diane R. Straub (Joseph B. Straub Jr) of Fredericksburg, Va., Donald R. Straub (Cindy) of Caroline, Va., Stephen M. Straub (Jodi) of Maidens, Va., Christopher A. Straub (Anne Carey) of Bumpass, Va., and John C. Straub of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; their many, many grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. Marie also leaves behind her brothers-in-law, William J. Straub and his wonderful wife, Louise, of Fernandina Beach, and Al E. Straub and his wife, Mary Jane, of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

Additionally, Marie will greatly miss her former neighbors with whom she and Joe became good friends, T. J. and Kelley Rew along with their two children whom Marie greatly adored. For a time, she leaves behind those who comprised her very special group of lifelong friends, Linda Shook and her husband, Bob, of Fernandina Beach, and especially Vicki Grady, also of Fernandina Beach.

Marie made her wishes known for what was to become of her earthly remains. As such, a Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. June 15, 2019 to celebrate her life at the Amelia Island Golf Club in Fernandina Beach. Eventually, Marie’s remains will be entombed with her husband when he is returned home to her once more, leaving both her earthly and heavenly forms exactly where they are supposed to be, right beside her true love, her eternal partner, forever and ever. MTYLTT.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Densie Darcel Younger, 68, unexpectedly passed away after an accidental fall at her home in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Densie was born and raised in Morris, Ill., and excelled in sports, leading to her earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University. Densie was a teacher and coach of high school health education and sports in Illinois for several years. Densie furthered her education to earn a Master of Computer Systems and Information Management, recertified to teach in South Carolina, and later was close to acquiring her Master of Business Administration (MBA).

After moving to South Carolina, Densie became a firefighter in North Charleston, then became the first woman crane operator at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Later, she transferred to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. After several years as a crane operator, Densie took the Administrative Promotional Path and retired as the command evaluator at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. At her retirement ceremony, Densie was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, one of the highest civilian awards earned by civilian employees who have contributed “high value” of service.

Throughout her life, Densie never stopped doing the things she loved, which were coaching, refereeing, volunteering for Special Olympics, and Parks and Recreation, while continuing to teach children about sports wherever she was –Illinois, Charleston, S.C., Kingsland, Ga., and Fernandina Beach. One of her favorite charities for the past few years was volunteering for the Joy to the Children, Inc. during the Christmas holiday in Nassau County, Fla.

Densie loved life! One could often find her cheering on her favorite sports teams, biking, yoga, fitness training, and working in her beautiful yard. She loved her friends, reading, listening to music, and playing online games with friends around the world and was a wonderful cook.

Densie will be forever missed and loved by all who had the opportunity to know such a beautiful soul with her warm and infectious smile.

Densie was preceded in death by her adored mother, Frances Louise Kennedy Younger.

Densie is survived by her spouse of 31 years, Vicky Lynn Olson of Fernandina Beach; her brother, Raymadier Younger (Michele) of Coal City, Ill.; her sister, Cheryl Carter (Randy) of Charlotte, N.C; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and father, Elmo Ray Younger of Morris, Ill.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Densie at a later time.

The family asks memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice in her name.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jean Perry, 82, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Harry G. Braswell Jr., 65, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away May 17, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Roberta A. Fanning, 69, passed away June 3, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Micah L. Kyle Sr., 75, passed away June 3, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Carol Sabatelli, 63, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away May 28, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Ray L. Winstead, 82, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away June 1, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Jody Lee Bushey, 59, passed away May 31, 2019.

He was born May 14, 1960, in Colchester, Vt., the son of Ormond Bushey Sr. and Anita W. Companion Bushey.

He moved to Jacksonville, Fla. 15 years ago from Essex Junction, Vt.  Jody was a construction contractor and worked most of his life within the construction business. He enjoyed the outdoors.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Amber Bushey; son, Chet Bushey; his mother, Anita Companion Bushey; father, Ormond Bushey Sr.; a brother, Eugene Bushey; half-brothers, Leroy Bushey, Francis Maxfield, and Leo Maxfield; and a half-sister, Lois Booska.

Survivors include his son, Kyle Bushey; two brothers, Ormond Bushey Jr. and Richard Bushey; two sisters, Cindy Desso and Amber Bouvier; half-brothers and sisters, Joan Mahoney, Willard Bushey, Rene Maxfield, and Betty Ann Rosenberry; granddaughter, Nevaeh Bushey; his former wife, Barbara Cota; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by one of dearest friends and roommate,  Ebereth Pillaca.

To view Mr. Bushey's online obituary, please visit the Green Pine website at www.greenpinefuneral.com.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Patricia “Pat” Readdick Lyons, 81, a resident of Live Oak and formerly of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Lake City Medical Center in Lake City, Fla.

She was born in Jacksonville, Fla. a daughter of the late Leighton and Etta MacDonald Readdick but had lived all of her life in Fernandina Beach until moving to Live Oak in 2004.

Pat was a member of the 1956 graduating class of Fernandina Beach High School. Shortly thereafter, she married her husband, Leonard Lyons. While living in Fernandina Beach, she worked at Kmart for more than 21 years, retiring in 2004. Never one to stand still, she worked at the Dixie Grill in Live Oak for several years after moving there.

She was a former member of Five Points Baptist Church, Springhill Baptist Church, and Black Rock Baptist Church and was currently a member of First Baptist Church in Live Oak since moving there. Through the years, she and her husband were involved in several church planting missionary trips to the Philippines.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Harry Donald Readdick.

She leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Leonard Lyons of Live Oak; her children, Leonard “Yogi” Lyons and his wife, Debbie, of Yulee, Fla., Debra Ross and her husband, Clay, of Live Oak, and Phillip Lyons and his wife, Teresa of Talbott, Tenn.; a sister, Betty Lenora Readdick of Macclenny, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Martha Readdick of Jacksonville; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and “one on the way.”

A service to remember and celebrate Pat’s life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. 

She will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date. 

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Harry G. Braswell Jr., 65, of Fernandina Beach passed away May 17, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Roberta A. Fanning, 69, passed away June 3, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Micah L. Kyle Sr., 75, passed away June 3, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Carol  Sabatelli, 63, of Fernandina Beach passed away May 28, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Glenn Andrew Starbird, 36, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., peacefully passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission, Yulee.

Ray L. Winstead, 82, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away June 1, 2019.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Christine “Tine” Clark, 66, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, June 7, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Born in Screven, Ga., she and her parents, the late Walter and Evie Jane Hathaway Clark, moved to Yulee when she was young.

For many years, she worked as an office specialist for Dr. Rho at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach. After her time there, she worked with Nassau County in the Engineering Department, where she retired.

She treasured her “Baby Girl” Jessica and her grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Granny. Her oldest grandchild, Caden Freeman, was especially close to her. Tine referred to him as her “little man” and doted on him every chance she got. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She never met a stranger. Her favorite past time was spent with her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

“My mom was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She was my rock and my biggest fan. She put her whole life aside to support me growing up. She sacrificed more than I can ever explain and I am forever grateful. I hope she knows just how proud of her I am. She was my closest friend and now she’s my Angel. I am who I am because of her. She was the best. To the moon and back, Mama – I love you the mostest.”

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, James Clark.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jessica Rainey and her husband, Samuel; her brothers and sisters, Wesley Clark, Hugh Clark, Walter Clark, Josephine Musgrove, Earnestine Stafford, and William Clark; her grandchildren, Caden Freeman, Caden Rainey, Austin Rainey, and Evelyn Rainey, as well as extended family members and friends.

There are plans for a small family gathering to remember and celebrate her life at a later time.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors