Geraldine “Jerri” Nalls Greeson, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

A native of Fernandina Beach, she was a daughter of the late James and Lettie Higginbotham Nalls.

She graduated from Yulee High School and retired as a transcriptionist in the Radiology Department at Baptist Medical Center.

Her husband, the late Dr. Ronald Greeson, pastored churches in the area and was a member of the Fernandina Beach Police Department. As a pastor’s wife, it was said of Jerri that her husband preached and she “practiced.” She was a Christian woman with a deep and vibrant faith who loved her church and those around her. As a member of First Baptist Church, she attended faithfully until her health prevented her from being able to do so.

Jerri was an avid reader who loved to sew. She dearly loved her special friends who came to her home and visited with her after she became homebound, especially Rillagene Sapp, who she considered her second “daughter,” and her son, Noah, whose visits brought so much joy to her life.

Jerri loved her daughter, Melissa, more than any other earthly thing, and Melissa easily reflected that love through her care for her mother over these last years. She did not leave her side for the last eight days of her time her on Earth.

Jerri’s final words to those with her were a shining example of her faith. She told those around her to “Trust Him More.”

Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a young son, Craig Greeson, and a sister, Jeannie Parvin.

She leaves behind her daughter, Melissa (Scott) Schol of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Ann Nalls (Jerry) Curry of Birmingham, Ala.; and other extended family members and friends.

The family received friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Dr. Jerry Curry, Rev. Shad Goltz, and Dr. Skip Parvin officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

The family is grateful for the many kindnesses and love extended to them by all of the staff of Community Hospice.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nancy Speck, a former resident of Amelia Island, Fla., died August 12, 2019 in Brentwood,Tenn.

A Tennessee Tech graduate, Nancy taught school in Nashville and had a long career with IBM. After retirement, she moved to Amelia Island and took up golf, playing often.

She was predeceased by her parents, Enloe and Frances Speck of Algood, Tenn.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Venrick (David) of Nashville, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews.

No service is planned at this time. Please give memorials to the charity of your choice.

Retired U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Nolan C. Sowell, 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was born October 18, 1931 to Millard F. Sowell and Gussie Exum Sowell in Wausau, Fla.

He started his United States Coast Guard career in 1948 by enlisting as an apprentice seaman and received basic training in Mayport, Fla. Nolan rose to the rank of lieutenant commander, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud.

He married Elizabeth Foster in 1959 and they settled in Edison, N.J. In 1971, following military retirement at the end of 23 years of active duty in the Coast Guard, Nolan began a second career as regional engineer for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. He had four children with Elizabeth: Tom, Steve, Lisa, and Kathy. In 1983, he lost Elizabeth to cancer.

In 1989, Nolan met and married Nellie Dublin Babb in Greenwood, S.C. Following his 20 years of employment at Rutgers and two brief periods of residence in Greenwood, S.C. and Destin, Fla., he and Nellie settled on Amelia Island, Fla.

In addition to his parents and Elizabeth, Nolan was predeceased by his children, Tom and Lisa.

He leaves behind his wife, Nell of Amelia Island; a daughter, Kathy (Albert) Erickson of Yulee, Fla.; a son, Steve Sowell of Yulee; two step-daughters, Joe (Bill) Franks of Greenwood and Laura (Ted) Merchant Ninety Six, S.C.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

There are no local services scheduled at this time. The family is planning services at Harley Funeral Home in Greenwood at a later date.

The family asks that Nolan be remembered by memorials to Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Raymond Allen Perry Sr., 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 17, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care Center at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born August 10, 1944 in Homerville, Ga. to the late Luther Luther Perry and Eyvonne Parker and worked in manufacturing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Raymond Allen Perry Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” (Scott) Williams of Jacksonville and Tina (Billy) Dukes of Callahan, Fla., and three grandchildren, Brad, Lee Allen, and Alyssa.

Services will be at 10 a.m. August 24, 2019 at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Homes and Crematory, located at 1426 Rowe Ave., Jacksonville, with Doyle Harper officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Center at 4266 Sunbeam Road Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Corey-Kerlin Funeral Homes and Crematory

The family of Robert P. Legg announces his passing to the Lord on August 16, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He was 83 years old.

Bob was a very humble man, land surveyor, business leader, mentor, avid golfer, and beloved patriarch of his family. A longtime resident of South Florida, he played a major role in the business, education, and charitable community. Bob was born in Miami, attended South Broward High School, and resided in Broward County until 2008, when he and his wife Linda moved to their Amelia Island condo.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Linda; sons, Robert P Legg Jr. of Plantation, Fla. and Tim Legg (Janice) of Dacula, Ga.; grandsons, Jeff Legg (Marissa) of San Diego, Calif., Timothy Legg of Hollywood, Fla., Jordan Legg (Clarissa) of Sanford, N.C., Justin Legg of Dacula, and Josh Legg (Courtney) of Richmond Va.; great-granddaughters, Lauren and Aurora Legg; cherished nieces, Cathy Morgan (Mark) and Kim Murray; and great-nieces, Samantha and Taylor Morgan; and nephews, John Legg and Scott Legg.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Legg; mother, Trannie Faircloth; brother, Jimmy Legg; and sister, Alice Murray.

Bob honorably served six years (1954-1962) in the United States Coast Guard Reserves.

In 1965, Robert (Bob) Legg founded RP Legg & Associates, a surveying firm and predecessor to the multi-disciplined consulting firm of Miller Legg. As a professional surveyor and mapper, Bob was responsible for many government and development projects in Broward County. From 1965 on, Bob established himself as a respected South Florida business leader who served as a mentor to many survey and land development professionals through his retirement in 2008.

Bob’s dedication to the community was exemplified by his serving in countless local organizations such as the Builders Association of South Florida, Davie/Cooper City Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Broward Days Workforce Development Team, Broward Economic Development Board, Broward Alliance, School Board of Broward County Strategic Planning Committee, Broward Business Coalition for Education, and the Broward Education Foundation.

In 1999, Bob was named Humanitarian of the Year by the E.A.S.E Foundation of Davie, Fla. Bob served as a member of the McFatter School Advisory Council for more than 20 years. His passion for McFatter and its students was demonstrated by his commitment to the Council and his championing of real-world learning for students. Over the years, Bob mentored many McFatter students and provided numerous opportunities to learn about surveying, drafting, civil engineering, and related careers.

Bob led the statewide “Send Your Sales Tax to Schools” initiative and spearheaded the legislative process to change state law so that local school districts could partner with the business community to secure school technology funding. In 2006, Governor Jeb Bush signed a bill into law enacting the initiative. Funds from the initiative continue to benefit our Florida public schools with millions of dollars for new technology and teacher training. On June 8, 2018, in recognition of Bob’s commitment to public education, his dedication to McFatter, and his foresight in providing long term funding for public education in Florida, the Robert P. Legg Industrial Building was dedicated on the McFatter Technical College campus in Davie.

The family is very grateful and wants to thank the nurses, Dr. Harding, and staff of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring for their loving care.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, August 31, 2019 at the Amelia Plantation Chapel, located at 36 Bowman Road on Amelia Island, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nassau Habitat for Humanity at 516 S. 10th St., No. 115, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or Community Hospice & Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or online at support.communityhospice.com.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Raymond Allen Perry Sr., 75, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 17, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care Center at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born August 10, 1944 in Homerville, Ga. to the late Luther Perry and Eyvonne Parker and worked in manufacturing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Raymond Allen Perry Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” (Scott) Williams of Jacksonville and Tina (Billy) Dukes of Callahan, Fla., and three grandchildren, Brad, Lee Allen, and Alyssa.

Services will be at 10 a.m. August 24, 2019 at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Homes and Crematory, located at 1426 Rowe Ave., Jacksonville, with Doyle Harper officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Center at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Corey-Kerlin Funeral Homes and Crematory

Mr. Fred E. Haworth Sr., 90, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

He was born in Hickory, N.C. to the late Fred Dixon and Hulda Huffman Haworth. His family moved to Mayport, Fla. and that is where he grew up.

He served during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army, where he obtained the rank of sergeant. While in Korea, he served in an artillery company. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Mayport, where he ran shrimp boats for the Singleton fleet.

It was soon after his return from Korea that he met his future wife, Betty Irene Haworth, in Mayport. In 1954, they were married and their marriage would last until her passing in 2004. 

They moved to Fernandina Beach, and he began work July 26, 1954 as a millwright for Container Corporation. He would continue there for some 40 years until his retirement. Mr. Haworth was a founding member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and “piddling” in his garage.

He leaves behind his children, Denise H. Stratton and Fred E. Haworth Jr.  and their spouses, Richard Stratton and Susie Haworth, all of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Barbara Cooper of Mayport; his grandson, Gary Edward Haworth of Fernandina Beach; a niece, Ruth Mack; a nephew, Allen Cooper; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2019 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Ida Iverson officiating. Immediately following services at Prince of Peace, he will be laid to rest with his wife at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Fred B. Hartley, 69, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born in McRae, Ga. to the late Fred Donald and Jackie Seabolt Hartley, Fred grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. Shortly after graduating, he served honorably in the U.S. Army.  He moved to Fernandina Beach in 1969 and worked for the Rayonier paper mill, a job he truly loved, for 48 years until his retirement.

Fred enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. In his spare time, he loved jogging, going to the beach, and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Wanda Hartley; and brother, Scott Hartley.

He leaves behind his daughter, Lisa Hartley Smith and her husband, Sean, of Fernandina Beach; his sons, Fred Alan Hartley and Joey Darren Hartley, both of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Glen Hartley of Vidalia, Ga.; grandchildren, Caitlin Lee, Brittany Lee, John Gavin Green, and Samantha Smith; and his former wife, Brenda Anderson Hartley.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. He will be laid to rest with military honors at 12:30 p.m. in Jacksonville National Cemetery later that day. His family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday evening, August 21, 2019.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Margaret Ann Portier, 81, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 22, 2019. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Janice L. Zoghby, 72, went to be with the Lord on August 20, 2019 surrounded by her family while in the care of Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born August 15, 1947 in Bonifay, Fla. to Mattie B. Forehand.

Janice graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and also attended Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Fla. She spent most of her working life working in the insurance department of various doctors’ offices and hospitals. In her free time, she really enjoyed sewing, reading, and gardening. Her most favorite hobby was spending time with her dogs. She had many over the years and gave them excellent care and attention.

Janice was an active member of Blackrock Baptist Church and greatly enjoyed the fellowship and activities of the church. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her because of her loving and generous spirit.

She was predeceased by her mother, Mattie B. Forehand; brother, Jimmy Ray Forehand; and sister, Elizabeth Annette Starling.

Janice leaves behind her sisters, Susan F. Bell and spouse Donald E. Bell of Yulee, Fla., and Sandra F. Tyson of Tallahassee, Fla. She also had three nieces and three nephews, as well as eight great-nieces and nephews. All of them loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Blackrock Baptist Church, located at 96362 Blackrock Road in Yulee, with Pastor John Kasper officiating. Family visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blackrock Baptist Church’s Building Fund.

Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau

Emily Sean Kline, 14, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

Emily was born July 19, 2005 in Jacksonville and moved to Yulee with her family 12 years ago. She attended the Journey Church and was a student at Yulee High School.

Emily was tender hearted, compassionate, and kind. She loved animals, music, biking, the outdoors, and traveling. Her beautiful smile will be imprinted in our hearts forever.

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Donald Aldridge, and great-grandparents, Howard and Pat Sullins.

Survivors include her parents, David Sean and Deirdre Aldridge Kline of Yulee; her two sisters, Mary Kathryn Kline and Madison Grace Kline, also of Yulee; her grandparents, Kay Aldridge of Jacksonville and Vicki and George Hunter of Brunswick, Ga.; aunts and uncles, Kim Aldridge Ward (Shelley Addessi), Dawn Aldridge Smith (Eddie), Danielle Aldridge Mann (Douglas), and Lynn Cook (Dwight); cousins, Elizabeth Smith, Evers and Owen Mann, and Noah and Cooper Cook; and other beloved family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at the Journey Church, located at 95707 Amelia Concourse in Fernandina Beach.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Phyllis Bak-Dietrich, 74, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

William H. Durance, 69, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Friday, August 23, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Shellman Paul Stevenson, 76, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed Friday, August 23, 2019 at Arbor Terrace San Jose in Jacksonville.

Paul was born in Fernandina Beach, Fla. a son of the late Steve and Eunice Stevenson of Fernandina Beach. He was a longtime resident of Jacksonville and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for fishing and scuba diving. Among his many talents was that of a pilot and he loved flying.

Paul is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda Stevenson; his sons, Kevin Stevenson, John Stevenson, and Seth Stevenson; a daughter, Kim Stevenson; a brother, John Stevenson and his wife, Kathy; and six grandchildren, Zachary Stevenson, Jacob Stevenson, Alli Baggett, Tyler Peaco, Chelsea Walker, and Austin Bollinger, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

The family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxley-heard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Margaret “Ann” Portier passed away peacefully Thursday, August 22, 2019 at the age of 81.

Ann was born December 13, 1937 in Jacksonville, Fla. but lived in Fernandina Beach for most of her life. Ann was a kind, gentle person who loved the Lord and her family. She was known for having a giving nature, trying to take care of everyone, constantly writing notes of encouragement, and sending birthday cards to everyone. She loved to travel and read and was a great cook. Ann was a member of Five Points Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, M. J. “Hooks” and Claddie Hesters Waddell; her sister, Betty Van Wagner; her first husband and the father of her children, George Lovell; her daughter, Denise Lovell; four grandchildren; and her husband, Windle Portier.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Turner, Laurie (Tommy) Kurlin, Carol Rugenstein, and Carrie (Bobby) Selton; her sister, Patty (Ronnie) Peacock; and 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Five Points Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.

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

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Joyce Virginia Harris, 81 of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, August 23, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Shamrock, Fla. to the late Wesley and Juanita Hurst Petty and grew up in Cross City, Fla. As a teenager, she travelled to Fernandina Beach and met the love of her life, Earl F. Harris, on a blind date. After they married and because of his service in the U.S. Army, they travelled the world together, which was the catalyst for her love of travel later in life.

Joyce had an adventurous, unquenchable zest for life, and though that life would sometimes throw trials and tribulations in her path, she always maintained a sense of strength, setting the highest example for all who knew her. On her many journeys throughout the world, Joyce would often take her whole family with her. Most recently, she went zip-lining in the Dominican Republic at the request of her great-granddaughter, Brilee.

Joyce enjoyed going out to eat, cruising, and playing with her great-grandchildren. Her family and friends meant the world to her, and she will be sorely missed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl F. Harris; an infant son, Earl Wesley Harris; a daughter, Terry Hatton; and a granddaughter, Mindy Harris.

She leaves behind her son, Foster Harris and his wife, Gail, of Fernandina Beach; daughter, Ginger Andrews and her husband, Walter, of Fernandina Beach; brothers, Dwayne Petty and Dwight (Wanette) Petty, both of Cross City; sisters, Wanda Petty and Gail Petty, both of Cross City; grandchildren, Tara, Eric, Tiffanie, Thomas, Michael, and Nickie; great-grandchildren, Bret Griffen, Morghan, Athan, Joshua, Matthew, “Tag,” River, Brilee, Presley, and Evan; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

Funeral Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at Spring Hill Baptist Church with Chaplain Jackie Hayes officiating. The family received friends from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at the church. She was laid to rest in Wilder Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eric Hatton, Thomas Hatton, Michael Harris, Bret Griffin, Joshua Coyle, Matthew Johnson, and “Tag” Garcia. Musicians were Pat Davis and Charlene Price.

The family requests that memorials be made in Joyce’s name to the American Heart Association at heart.org or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Gregory Green, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Community Hospice & Palliative Care’s Warner Center for Caring in Fernandina Beach, Fla. surrounded by his family.

He was born in Auburn, N.Y. to William Robert and Wilda Ray Green and grew up in Weedsport, N.Y.

Greg knew his future wife, Judy Bibbens, his whole life, and dated her in high school, which would lead to them being married. He attended college before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, rising up the ranks to warrant officer until his retirement from Kings Bay, Ga.

Greg and Judy loved to go boating and fishing. They were past members of the Nassau Sport Fishing Association. He was also a member of the Fernandina Beach Men’s Golf Association.

He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Judy Green; his children, Jennifer Johnson, Jeremy Green, and Gregory Green Jr.; five grandchildren, Harley Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Kylie Johnson, Justin Green, and Jacob Green; sisters-in-law, Joan Kingsley, Patte Cantrell (Art), and Jayne Paige (Cy); and a brother-in-law, Richard Bibbens, plus several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate his life will be at 2 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or online at communityhospice.com.

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Mrs. Katie Elizabeth Ennis, 68, of Yulee, Fla., passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Born in Fernandina Beach, she was a daughter of the late James Walter and Nina Kay Tindell Batchelor. Katie was a lifelong resident of Nassau County and retired from the state of Florida, where she had worked with the WIC program.

In addition to her family, she enjoyed doing work in genealogy, including working in online forums tracing family history, and she always loved the chance to go shopping.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, James Batchelor, and her sister, Nina Kay Mudd.

She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, James Earl Ennis Sr.; her children, Stacey Johnson of Unity, Maine, James Ennis Jr. of Yulee, and Tamira Richardson of Fernandina Beach; her sister, Mary Edna Lightsey of Yulee; and six grandchildren, Kayla Johnson, Colby Johnson, Amanda Priester, Thomas James Ennis, Karsyn Ray Ennis, and Debra Sweigert, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 at Bosque Bello Cemetery. Chaplain Jackie Hayes will officiate. 

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

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Kenneth G. Ernest, 78, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 28, 2019.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Nicolas R. Yeomans Sr., 71, of Yulee, Fla., passed away August 28, 2019. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Phyllis Bak-Dietrich, 74, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away August 27, 2019.

She was born in Toledo, Ohio and moved 16 years ago to Fernandina Beach from Macon, Ga. She was employed by The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island as an administrative assistant in the sales office. Mrs. Bak-Dietrich was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the St. Michael's Women's Guild. She was active in the community with feeding the hungry and volunteering at Gracie's Kitchen and the Salvation Army Hope House.

She was predeceased by her parents, Felix S. and Stella Polaski Bak; and a brother-in-law, Terry Feldhaus.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, John G. Dietrich of Fernandina Beach; son and daughter-in-law, Dwight D. and Cheryl Dietrich of Savannah, Ga.; daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Jim Wilder of Largo, Fla. and Denise and Troy Salley of Rochester, N.Y.; sister, Joyce Bak-Feldhaus of Franklin, N.C.; and grandchildren, Emily Marie and Sara Jenae Dietrich and Troy Aaron Salley.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to either Community Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeast Florida, at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or online at communityhospice.com, or the National Parkinson Foundation, at 200 SE First St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or online at parinson.org.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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

Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery

Blanche McHugh Collins, lovingly known as B.C., passed away August 20, 2019 after a week of farewells from her loving husband, children, and grandchildren.

B.C. was born in Zachary, La. and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, La. She attended St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame and graduated from Louisiana State University. Geaux Tigers! It was at Notre Dame where she met her beloved husband, Robert W. Collins, affectionately known as Rip.

B.C. and Rip were wed September 1, 1946 and looked forward to celebrating their 73rd anniversary later this year. They treasured the many friends they had made throughout the years playing golf, tennis, and bridge in LaGrange, Ill. and Amelia Island, Fla. She was an active volunteer for Infant Welfare and St. Vincent de Paul. B.C. will always be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and southern hospitality. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Blanche Capdevielle and Jesse McHugh; brother, Weldon McHugh; and niece, Sallie McHugh Lee.

In addition to her devoted husband, Rip, B.C. is survived by her beloved children, William (Patricia) Collins, Ann Collins, Kim Collins, and Alisa (Jeff) Anderson. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Mary Beth (Wes) Matheney, Jackie Collins, Lisa (Greg) Kruse, Steve Collins, and Meredith, Ben, and Mac Anderson, as well as her three great-grandsons, Rip, Jack, and Warren.

Services were held Friday, August 23, 2019 at St. Cletus Church in La Grange, Ill. and were followed by interment in Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Good Shepherd Manor Foundation at P.O. Box 260, Momence, IL 60954 or online at goodshepherdmanor.org/foundation. Masses in memory of B.C. are also most appreciated.

Heeney-Laughlin Funeral Directors