Vivian Venus Carson Yawn, 87, of Yulee, Fla., passed away July 16, 2019.

She was born November 24, 1931 in Jacksonville, Fla. and moved to Yulee in 1995 from St. Augustine. Fla.

She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed fishing and the rivers. She loved being a mother to her children and taking care of a special needs daughter all her life. Mrs. Yawn was dedicated to her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Mather R. Yawn, and a daughter, Sandra Yawn.

Survivors include her son, Bobby Yawn (Linda) of St. Augustine, Fla.; three daughters, Ellen G. Douglas (Donald) of Jacksonville, Gail Smith (Ronald) of Yulee and Alisa Yawn, also of Yulee. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Edwin “Ed” William Steffen, P.E., 80, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away peacefully Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. surrounded by his loving family. Ed fought a courageous battle against cancer. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center for their loving care Ed received for almost four years.

Ed was born December 31, 1938 to the late Edna Simpkins Steffen and Edgar P. Steffen in Alton, Ill. and a graduate of Alton Hills High School, Class of 1957. His dream was to get a degree in mechanical engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. After being accepted there, his hometown buddies convinced him to attend Missouri School of Mines and Metalurgy in Ralla, Mo. with them.

Ed graduated from Missouri School of Mines in January 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California in 1966.

Immediately after graduating from MSMM, Ed launched his career at McDonnell Douglas missiles and space company in Santa Monica, Calif. This was a period in time when a “space race” was in full flight during the Cold War. Ed became involved in many projects as a team leader in designing, engineering, and innovating state of the art commercial aircraft, lunar landings, space craft, and space vehicles. Ed’s professional contributions to the aircraft missiles, missiles and space industry during this period cannot be understated. Yes, he was a “rocket scientist.”

Ed embraced the Southern California lifestyle. Ed met the love, of his life, Susanne Casillas, whose family was a pioneer family of Santa Monica. They were married Jun 27, 1965.

In 1967, Ed left the aerospace industry and he and Susanne moved to El Dorado Hills, Calif. where he was a chief engineer for PMI – Mechanical. During this time, Ed studied hard and earned his professional engineer license.

In 1972, the family moved to Tualatin, Ore. Ed worked for Hoffman Construction Company in Portland, Ore. Until summer 1984. While working for Hoffman, one of his many engineering projects was the Alaskan Pipeline.

In the summer of 1984, Ed accepted a job with Milton J. Wood Company in Jacksonville, where he would head up their vice president of mechanical engineering. The family has resided on Amelia Island since 1954. Ed loved living on the golf courses playing golf, fishing, boating, and, for the last 15 years, taking cruises to the Europe and the Caribbean, and loved all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. One of his joys was being a caddy for his daughter, Christina, when she played in national golf events. Ed and son Scott loved going on hunting trips in the Pacific Northwest and Georgia. Great joy was watching his grandsons play baseball, football, and basketball.

Ed and Sue Ann celebrated 54 years of marriage in June.

Survivors include his wife, Susanne Casillas Steffen; a son, Scott (Amy); and grandons, Brett and Brady; and daughter, Christina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club, located at 2800 Bill Milton Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s name can be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. at 1348 S. 18th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Regina L. Nostro, 93, passed away peacefully Monday, July 22, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Regina was born February 3, 1926, in the Byram section of Greenwich, Conn., the youngest daughter of Anna Dudas Liptak and Joseph Liptak.

She graduated from Greenwich High School and during her high school years she was president of The Children of Mary and was honored to be chosen to crown the Virgin Mary and also be part of The Living Rosary. After high school, she worked for the Homelite Corporation in the printing department for three years. In 1946, she married Patrick Nostro, a captain in the United States Army. They moved to Detroit, Mich., where they opened the Virginia Dare Coffee Shop on the ground floor of Hudson’s Department Store together and welcomed their son, Wayne, in 1947. After returning to Connecticut, their daughter, Lorraine was born in 1951. Soon thereafter they purchased their home in Byram.

Regina was a homemaker, PTA Room Mother and a Brownie Troop leader.  In later years, she became a Media Services School volunteer for 14 years at New Lebanon School and Hamilton Avenue School. She was also president of the First Catholic Ladies Slovak Society. 

After moving to Amelia Island, she became a Florida resident in 2012 and was very active in the Fernandina Beach Council on Aging “Forever Friends” Group. She spent many happy hours doing jigsaw puzzles. She loved social activities, playing bingo, and especially visits with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick; brothers, Robert Liptak and Joseph Liptak; and one niece and one nephew.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine Gaito (Michael) of Fernandina Beach and Wayne Nostro (Mimi) of Laurel, Md, ; her sister, Ethel Jacobelli of Stuart, Florida; her grandsons, Paul Nostro (Chelsey) of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mark Nostro (Gabriela) of California, amd David Nostro (Emily) of Jacksonville; three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 29, 2019 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Kallukalam as celebrant. 

Mrs. Nostro will be returned to Greenwich, where his wife will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Marys Cemetery at a later date.

Her family requests that donations be made in her name to Fernandina Beach Council on Aging – Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way, Fernandina Beach.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Edward F. Hall, 63, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at Magnolia Hospice in Riverdale, Ga.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, July 27, 2019 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 10 S. 10th St. in Fernandina Beach. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019 at the church. Interment will be in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Sunset Funeral Home

Clifford C. Kell, 88, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. since 1990, passed away July 15, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Walters, Okla., he was adopted from the Catholic orphanage during the Great Depression. He was the son of the late Bethel McDaniel Kell (Clifford) and Pepper (Ralph).

He was also preceded in death by three wives, the last being Bessie K. Kell; his parents, Oscar (Floss) Briscoe; three brothers, Grady Briscoe, Leon Briscoe, and Onie Briscoe; and three sisters, Nigel (Briscoe) Callaway, Joe Dell (Briscoe) Callaway, and Peggy Balwin.

Cliff loved the sea as a U.S. Coast Guard, Korean War veteran to helping weld the Seattle Space Needle, Boilermakers Union Local 104, to merchant seaman for Mobil Oil.

He leaves behind a brother, Floyd Alan Baldwin (Donna); three sons, C. Craig Kell of Anacoco, La., Michael W. Kell (Sherif) of Lakeland, Fla., and Josh (Vicki) Cannon of Fernandina Beach; two daughters, Gina-Jo (Randy) Burns of Gladstone, Mo. and Athena Eusey of Fernandina Beach; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held next year with family and friends to spread his ashes out to sea where he loved to be.

Regina L. Nostro, 93, passed away peacefully Monday, July 22, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Regina was born February 3, 1926, in the Byram section of Greenwich, Conn., the youngest daughter of Anna Dudas Liptak and Joseph Liptak.

She graduated from Greenwich High School and during her high school years she was president of The Children of Mary and was honored to be chosen to crown the Virgin Mary and also be part of The Living Rosary. After high school, she worked for the Homelite Corporation in the printing department for three years. In 1946, she married Patrick Nostro, a captain in the United States Army. They moved to Detroit, Mich., where they opened the Virginia Dare Coffee Shop on the ground floor of Hudson’s Department Store together and welcomed their son, Wayne, in 1947. After returning to Connecticut, their daughter, Lorraine was born in 1951. Soon thereafter they purchased their home in Byram.

Regina was a homemaker, PTA Room Mother and a Brownie Troop leader.  In later years, she became a Media Services School volunteer for 14 years at New Lebanon School and Hamilton Avenue School. She was also president of the First Catholic Ladies Slovak Society. 

After moving to Amelia Island, she became a Florida resident in 2012 and was very active in the Fernandina Beach Council on Aging “Forever Friends” Group. She spent many happy hours doing jigsaw puzzles. She loved social activities, playing bingo, and especially visits with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick; brothers, Robert Liptak and Joseph Liptak; and one niece and one nephew.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine Gaito (Michael) of Fernandina Beach and Wayne Nostro (Mimi) of Laurel, Md, ; her sister, Ethel Jacobelli of Stuart, Florida; her grandsons, Paul Nostro (Chelsey) of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mark Nostro (Gabriela) of California, amd David Nostro (Emily) of Jacksonville; three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2019 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Kallukalam as celebrant. 

Mrs. Nostro will be returned to Greenwich, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.

Her family requests that donations be made in her name to Fernandina Beach Council on Aging – Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way, Fernandina Beach.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

George Barry Hayes, 59, of Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully Thursday, July 18, 2019 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Martin Edward Key Jr., 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 24, 2019 in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Eleanor Best, 98, passed away Thursday morning, July 25, 2019 in Wildwood, Fla. A graveside funeral will be held at Green Pine Cemetery at a time and date yet to be determined.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Judith C. Dillon, 79, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Sunday, July 28, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Jay Gordon, 65, of Callahan, Fla., passed away July 27, 2019. Arrangements were incomplete at time of publication.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Sharon W. Kasper, 72, passed away Friday morning, July 26, 2019 at her Yulee, Fla. residence. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Blackrock Baptist Church.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Robert J. Nozza, 73, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, July 28, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Willard J. Rierson, 81, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Betty Jane Eshelman Miller, 89, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born July 25, 1930 in Hyde Park, Pa. to the late Delmar T. and Gladys I. (née Cooper) Eshelman and was a 1948 graduate of Leechburg High School in Leechburg, Pa. She retired from the Charleston Naval Supply Center in Charleston, S.C. in 1990.

Betty married her husband, Lewis M. Miller, on January 3, 1952 in Washington Township, Pa.

She loved collecting cookbooks and cooking for her family and friends. She also enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and traveling.

Betty was preceded in death by her sisters, Karen Carney, Kathryn Craig, Edna G. Trettel, Paulette I. Eshelman, and Ruth L. Mercurio, and a grandson, Brian D. Miller.

In addition to her husband, Lewis, she is survived by her children, Todd Miller of Kingsland, Ga., Lew Miller and his wife, Cindy, of Tacoma, Wa., Susan Miller of Fernandina Beach, and Doug Miller and his wife, Dena, of Fernandina Beach; her sister, Pat (Don) Hepler of Natrona Heights, Pa.; six married grandsons; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held later this year in the fall at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty’s name to Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. or the American Diabetes Association.

Mr. Christopher M. Mahoney, 53, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at UF Health North in Jacksonville.

Born in Canton, Ohio, he was the son of Linda Student Mahoney and the late Maurice Edward Mahoney.

Chris was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and studied additionally at Case Western Reserve University. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He moved 17 years ago to Fernandina Beach from Canton and soon after began the Medical Weight Management Clinic in Fernandina Beach, where he served as the owner and a bariatric specialist. He was a member of the American Bariatric Society, Nassau County Medical Society, and Fernandina Beach Chamber of Commerce.

He loved all things athletic, especially football and playing tennis. In addition, he loved movies, his family, and his many friends. He was a parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church.

Chris was predeceased by his father, Maurice Edward Mahoney, in 2011.

He leaves behind his mother, Linda Mahoney of Yulee, Fla.; his sister, Theresa Mahoney of Fernandina Beach; an aunt, Margaret Crabtree of Baltimore, Md.; and two cousins, John and Richard Crabtree, also of Baltimore, as well as nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church. Fr. Jose Kallukalam will officiate. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. that same morning at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. He will be laid to rest with his father at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

In the early afternoon hours this 23rd day of July, Earl Russell Guss Jr. joined the heavenly choir of the Church Triumphant. For 40 years, he served as Elder, Clerk of Session, Presbytery Commissioner and spiritual leader to Presbyterian congregations throughout the South, including the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, N.C., where he was ordained as an Elder; Cold Spring Presbyterian Church in Cape May, N.J.; and the First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, Ill. Most recently, he was an active Elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Earl wrote in recent weeks, “I remember from the past, ‘The church is not a sanctuary for saints but rather a hospital for sinners.’ We do not retreat to church to get out of this bad world and enjoy a ‘feel good’ moment, but rather we are sinners. We seek forgiveness, refreshment, a charge to go forth and do better. Our Christian presence and impact is in the other 6 days and 23 hours.”

Earl was born to Earl Russell and Agnes Hazel (Mountain) Guss Sr. on 14 February 1939 in Brooksville, Fla. His ancestry provided him the opportunity to join the Sons of the American Revolution of Alamance Battleground Chapter, Burlington, N.C. by way of his fifth great-grandfather Lt. Jacob Blasdel of Amesbury, Mass. and later Dearborn County, Ind. The last 18 years of his life were spent enjoying the many family relationships and love of hundreds of Blasdel cousins and the thrill of knowing that his ancestor, Ralf Blaisdell, came to America from England in 1635 aboard the ship “Angel Gabriel,” landing at Pemaquid Point, Maine. Earl was an active member of the Blaisdell Family National Association, where his wife, Margaret, serves as a national officer and genealogist of BFNA.

Life’s journey took Earl to Asheville, N.C., where he graduated from Lee Edwards High School as a National Merit Scholar. He studied at Virginia Polytechnique Institute, Western Carolina University, and the University of Georgia and finally graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. He met the love of his life one Christmas holiday while visiting Blackshear, Ga. – Margaret Anne Walker, whom he married 24 June 1962 in the Blackshear Presbyterian Church in Blackshear and shared 57 years of marriage.

Earl joined Burlington Industries upon graduation from UGA Law School and enjoyed a successful career of 22 years traveling throughout the USA as an advocate for fair labor for employees. Other tours of employment took him to Gadsden, Ala. as vice president of Gulf States Steel, and with Bordan Pasta, Cape May, N.J., and finally St. Louis, Mo., where he and Margaret retired and enjoyed the history and culture of St. Louis through their “Ten Toes” walking group.

After retirement, Earl traveled throughout the United States with the Belleville, Ill. Presbyterian Church Mission team to repair churches in great need from Louisiana to New York to Montana. The comradery of the Christian team and many challenges of each trip were always a new adventure that he embraced with great joy. Earl served as a Stephen Minister for the past 20 years and was a member of his church choirs for 65 years. In more recent years, he developed a “bucket list” since he enjoyed the thrill of travel with each of his children. A hiking trip to the Grand Tetons with David and grandson Liam, a tour of numerous Civil War battlefields, which included a trip to Gettysburg, Pa. walking across Pickett’s Field and climbing Little Round Top with John, and making trips with Margaret to Ireland to visit Elizabeth, Noel, Madison, and Liam were among so many wonderful experiences he shared with his beloved children.

On the 50th anniversary celebration of their marriage, Earl and Margaret took a lifelong dream trip of traveling westward for seven weeks to see such grand sites as Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and other national parks and landmarks. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Earl was fascinated with history and more recently his family heritage. His true passion was working in the soil and gardening. His final trip took him to Fernandina, where the family has enjoyed so many wonderful times on the beaches and the historic waterfront. He was truly a loving and caring father, grandfather and friend. Earl’s peaceful, gentle and generous spirit are his legacy.

Earl was predeceased by his son-in-law, Noel Eugene Kiernan.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, David Michael Guss and daughter-in-law Sheri Lynn (Vernon) Guss of Seattle, Wa., John Walker Guss of Hillsborough, N.C., and Mary Elizabeth Guss Kiernan of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Madison Walker Kiernan and Liam Russell Kiernan, both of Fernandina Beach; sisters-in-law, Mary Lott Walker of Blackshear and Judith Elizabeth (Walker) Duke (Rev. James E. Duke Jr.) of Macon, Ga.; nieces, Mary Margaret Duke of Macon and the Rev. Rebecca Elizabeth Duke-Barton (Rev. Garth); and many Mountain first cousins and numerous Blasdel cousins.

The family wishes to thank the amazing and caring doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic Hospital and Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. for their love and compassion and the members of the Fernandina Beach First Presbyterian Church who gave unconditional love, acts of kindness, and prayers.

A memorial service and reception were held Sunday, July 28, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 9 N. Sixth St. in Fernandina Beach. Rev. Julie A. Jenson, Elder Jerie Lukefahr and Elder Linda Johns officiated the service. A formal interment will be held privately at a later date under the shady oaks of historic Bosque Bello Cemetery, established in 1798 in Fernandina Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mayo Clinic, Myasthenia Gravis Research, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL 32224.

Michael Luther Fuqua, 74, of Callahan, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019 at his residence.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Ga., he was a son of the late Luther W. Fuqua and Ida Lockie Dover.

Immediately after graduating high school, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Georgia following his service in the military, Michael went to work for Hershey’s Chocolate and then worked as a brick mason for many years until earlier this year. He also worked at Batt Family Fun Center doing repairs and renovations.

Michael was known as a hard worker and a loving family man, and he never met a stranger. He loved Christmas and made the holidays special with his generosity and giving nature. His smile lit up every room he entered. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed fishing, bowling, drinking Dr. Pepper, and trying his luck at the dog track. Above all, he loved his wife of 30 years, Patricia, and his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stephen Fuqua; and nephew, Duane Waugh.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Patricia Fuqua of Callahan; sons, Earl F. “Eric” VelDink and his wife, Christine, of Gainesville, Fla. and Phillip VelDink and his wife, Donna, of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Elaine Dodgen and her husband, Jack, of Rockmart, Ga.; his aunt, Myra Beck; cousins, Rhonda (Billy) Weathington, Vicki  Daughtry, Donna Grogan Higdon, and Romy (Sharon) Dover; and nieces, Angie (Rex) Lester and Cindy (Timmy) Fason. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services were at 2 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.  The family received friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Claire Salmond, 93, of Amelia Island, Fla., passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Melba Sayler, 96, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Jackie M. Young completed her life’s journey Tuesday, July 30, 2019 with her family by her side at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Jackie was born in 1929 to the late Henry and Grace Moorhead. She grew up on a dairy farm in Fitzgerald, Ga. during the depression but went on to graduate from Georgia College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she moved to Atlanta and pursued a career in fashion merchandising with Davidson Department Store. Jackie had always dreamed of marrying a “Georgia Tech Man.” Not long after moving to Atlanta, she was introduced to Nyram L. Young Jr., who was about to graduate from Georgia Tech. The two fell in love, married, and settled in Savannah, Ga., after moving several times. Jackie’s passions were her family, reading, and gardening. She volunteered for the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy and worked for the Colony Book Store for many years.

She is predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Nyram L. Young Jr , and her grandson, Jeremy M. Young.

Jackie leaves behind her sons, Richard M. Young (Pam) and Alan L. Young Sr. (Robin); seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She will remain in our hearts as a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Thanks to the staff at Quality Health Care as well as Community Hospice’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach for her care.

The family received friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Islands Chapel in Savannah, Ga. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2019 in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Loraine D. Wilkinson, 67, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died following a brief illness. 

She was born and raised in Carson, Va. Loraine graduated from Elon College in North Carolina and earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Richmond. She was a teacher in Chesterfield County, Va. schools and coached field hockey at Monacan High School. After her teaching career, Loraine worked for several pharmaceutical companies as a representative and was a district manager for Boehringer-Ingelheim at the time of her retirement. She was a President’s Award winner twice during her pharmaceutical career.

Loraine made her home on Amelia Island for the past 24 years and was grateful to live in such an amazing place among wonderful friends. Gardening was Lo’s passion and she enjoyed sharing her flowers and tomatoes with others. She had many adventures, lived life to the fullest, and nourished her soul with sand between her toes and her hair blowing in the sea breeze.

Loraine saw the best in people and encouraged them to reach their potential. With a quick wit and wild, fearless spirit, Lolo touched many hearts and tickled many funny bones. Like a breath of air on a crisp autumn day, she exuded freedom, added color, and brought life to all around her with her generous and loving spirit. Loraine’s light will always be bright in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A service to celebrate her life was held July 18, 2019 in Fernandina Beach.

Daughter of the late Robert Major and Marie Royster Wilkinson, Loraine is survived by her longtime life partner, Dr. Anna Wright; sister, Donna W. Allen (Lee); brother, Robert M. Wilkinson Jr. (Shirley); niece, Ashley A. Child (Jeremy); nephews, Andrew L. Allen (Tracey), Robert M. Wilkinson III (Mary), and John Blake Wilkinson; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Hayley, Mary Grace, Jenna and Ava Wilkinson, Mason and Morgan Child, and Wyatt Allen.

Gifts in memory of Loraine may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Nassau County at P.O. Box 16003, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 or bgcnassau.com or Save the Manatee Club at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Suite 210, Maitland, FL 32751 or savethemanatee.org.

Richard Glenn Trollope, 84, passed away July 4, 2019.

Born in Compton, Calif., he attended Compton College and then participated in the NROTC program at University of Southern California, where he earned a degree in international relations. A Naval Science Post graduate, he served in the U.S. Navy for more than 25 years and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Richard and his wife, Maria, fell in love with Amelia Island and chose to make Fernandina Beach their retirement dream.

Richard’s love of the sea continued after his Navy service with volunteer activities at the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Vessel examiner and flotilla staff officer kept him busy helping people stay out of danger and saving them at sea. His other interest was the St. Michael Men’s Club.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maria Trollope; daughters, Michelle Bessette and Sonja Vass; grandchildren, Jordan Vass, Jacob Vass, and Jessica Vass; a sister, Nancy Robinson; nephew, Gary Robinson and children; niece, Susan Robinson Tavelero and children; nephew, Gary Stevens; and niece, Maria Stevens Cooper and children.

The Ocean will be Richard’s final resting place. Peace be with you – patriot, loving husband and father, Papa of three grandchildren, brother, uncle, dear friend, and mentor. In our world, you are the finest patriarch and will always be with us in spirit as an example of integrity.

Gary E. McClellan, 74, of Yulee, Fla., passed away at his home Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a son of the late George Lee and Ruby Freeman McClellan. Gary’s family moved to Yulee shortly after his birth.

Gary retired from the Nassau County School District, where he had served more than 30 years as a bus mechanic. Prior to working for Nassau County, he also worked for the city of Fairfax, Va. and the city of Jacksonville, where he maintained the police cars and motorcycles.

While he enjoyed his work, Gary also was an avid reader, loved fishing, and was a NASCAR enthusiast. He was also passionate about old steam locomotives. Whenever he could, he would read about them or watch some documentary about them. Another of the pastimes he enjoyed was barbecuing at home.

He was a man everyone knew to have a huge heart. He was never too busy to listen to friend or stranger alike, and he was easy to talk to. With all the things he enjoyed doing, he truly loved his wife and family.

He was predeceased by a brother, Marvin McClellan, and a daughter, Niki Balok.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Pam Jones McClellan; three daughters, Sheryl L. McClellan (Sam Hensley) of Hilliard, Fla., Lisa Muncy (Rusty) of North Carolina, and Teresa McSwain (David Wolf) of Pensacola, Fla.; a brother, Michael McClellan (LuAnn Sanders) of Yulee; and a sister-in-law, Martha Parton of Yulee, as well as seven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

A service to remember Gary’s life will be held at the Journey Church at a date and time to be announced. Gary will be laid to rest at Hughes Cemetery. 

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

James Earl Bounds, 84, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 following a brief illness.

Born in Bastrop, La. to Ellie Ray and Lillian Bounds, the family soon moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla., where Jim grew up and lived until he was drafted. After a two-year Army stint in Germany, he came home and attended business college. Soon thereafter, he entered the wholesale automotive tire industry, where he would spend the next 50 years garnering awards and accolades as an executive in sales for various well-known companies. Upon his retirement in 2003, he was inducted into the Florida Independent Tire Dealer and Retreaders Hall of Fame, an honor he cherished.

He will be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his sense of humor and wit. Jim was always quick with a joke (sometimes appropriate, sometimes not) and a knowing grin that let you know that he knew the difference!

He leaves behind Lynne, his loving wife of 57 years, and son Mike with daughter-in-law Leslie.

A private funeral service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choosing in his name.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Dale Ball, 93, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Friday, August 2, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Frances Barfield, 81, of Donalsonville, Ga., passed away July 31, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Walter Hunt, 65, of Brunswick, Ga., passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Rachel Johns, 88, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Loraine Miller, 91, of Yulee, Fla., passed away August 1, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Linda J. Nunez, 75, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Sybil Elaine Parker, 72 of Yulee, Fla., passed away August 3, 2019 at Quality Healthcare in Fernandina Beach. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019 in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Thomas Rance, 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, August 2, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mr. Thomas B. Zvoch, 80, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, August 2, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Donnie Lee Williams, 86, passed away Friday, August 2, 2019 at Quality Health in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born in Hazlehurst, Ga. and was a daughter of the late Tom Herndon and Thea Wigley Herndon.

She moved to Fernandina Beach in 1951. She married Edward Williams in 1982, and they enjoyed 37 years of marriage. A longtime employee of Terminal Bag, she retired after 34 years of service. Mrs. Williams was of the Pentecostal faith.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Vance Rowell, and two brothers, Carlton and Vernon Herndon.

She leaves behind her husband, Edward Williams, as well as several nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

The family received friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 with a viewing starting at 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Cemetery near Hickox, Ga. with Pastor Ricky Knox officiating.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors