EulaMae Carlton
EulaMae Carlton, 89, of Starke, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at E.T. York Hospice in Gainesville. She was born in Lawtey on May 1, 1935, to the late Frank Marion Cruce and Gertrude Rosier Cruce. She attended Lawtey Elementary School and later earned her GED from the Bradford Vocational Technical School in 2002. She was a lifelong resident of Bradford County and was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. Throughout her life, she held numerous positions, including working at Bradford Furniture Store and later as a seamstress at Burlington Yarn Factory, Cadillac, and Vogue Factory. She also volunteered and served as a member of Shands Hospital Auxiliary, where she was dedicated to aiding patients and implementing fundraisers. She was a longtime, devoted member of Pine Level Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshiped her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In her spare time, she found joy in cooking, crocheting, quilting, baking cakes, and gardening. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her sweet family and making everlasting memories. She treasured her grandchildren and was always uplifted by their presence. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband of 52 years, Robert George Carlton.
She is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Libby) Carlton, Dwayne Carlton and James (Julie) Carlton all of Starke; siblings, Marvin Cruce of Augusta, Georgia, Faye Noegel of Starke, Virginia Linzy of Lawtey, Gertrude (Paul D.) Griffis and George (Linda) Cruce both of Starke, Frank (Beth) Cruce Jr. of Lake Butler, Lucinda Batten of Starke, and Marcus Cruce of Tennessee; grandchildren, Kenneth (Keri) Carlton II, LeAnn Carlton (Trey) Royal, Marie Carlton Myers, Joshua (Kimberly) Carlton, Rebecca Carlton, Bruce Carlton, Randall Carlton and Christopher (Nikki) Carlton; great-grandchildren, Kinley, Kadence, Kennedie, Alexandria, Gabriella, Isabella, Patrice, Landan, Aubrey, Diamond, Xaviar, Izabella, Christina, Randall, Zaiden, Damion, and Dianna; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Dec. 30, at 1 a.m. at Pine Level Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Ogle, Pastor Joe Lee and Brother Leon Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Sapp Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 29, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Pine Level Baptist Church Missions or Building Fund.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Helen Crosby
Helen Ida Barry Crosby, 91 of Starke entered peacefully into her Savior’s arms on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, James Vernon Crosby Sr. She was born Feb. 14, 1933 in Brooker, the daughter of the late Lloyd W. Barry and the late Grace Lee Connerly Barry. She was a graduate of Bradford County High School. She spent her career split between the Florida National Bank and the Bradford County School Board. She was a woman of strong faith in Jesus Christ and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Starke for 60 years, where she served as the first-grade Sunday School teacher for almost 50 years, as well as a variety of other groups such singing in the choir, WMU and hosting fellowships. She loved her church family and wanted to make sure everyone she met learned of Christ’s love and the salvation he offered. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, including traveling with her husband to places such as the Grand Ole Opry, Smoky Mountains and Dollywood. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Francis Land and Jackie Richardson; and brother, Lloyd Wilbur Barry Jr.
Left to cherish her memories for years to come are her son, Jimmy Jr. and his wife, Leslie; their son, Traye (Babybear) Crosby, and their children, Jeremiah, Cherokee, and Lakota; their daughter, Brittany Crosby Alvarez, and her fiancée, Mike, and her children, Collin, Harper and Ridge; her son, Tommy, and his wife, Cindy, and their daughter, Jessica Crosby Williams, and her children, Tucker, and Crosby; and their son, Thomas (Ariel) Crosby Jr., and their children, Elena and Leon; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome friends paying tribute to her well-lived life beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, at First Baptist Church until the funeral service begins at noon at the church. Rev. Harry Hatcher will officiate. Burial will take place at Crosby Lake Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 4, with only immediate family attending. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for memorial contributions made in Helen’s memory to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1258, Starke, 32091.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary Gallion
Mary E. Gallion, 94, of Starke, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her side. She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on Aug. 27, 1930, to the late Ernest Bowen and Betty Bowen. She was raised in Virginia where she met her best friend and forever companion, Martin Gallion. In 1948, Martin and Mary were happily married and shared 59 amazing years together. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who cherished her family more than anything. Martin was in the military, so their family traveled throughout the United States for years. Mary was dedicated to tending to her family as a homemaker, cleaned homes for years, and later in life she served at the Wesconnett United Methodist Church Daycare. She was passionate about her faith and enjoyed praising and worshiping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Morgan Road Baptist Church, where her husband was an interim pastor. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took pride in caring for her family and home. More than anything, she treasured time with her family and thoroughly enjoyed making sweet memories. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Martin Gallion; son, David Andrew Gallion; daughter, baby girl; brother, Joe Ernest Bowen; sister, Audrey Waycaster; daughter-in-law, Joyce Gallion; granddaughter, Christy Gallion; and two great-grandsons, Jason Martin Gallion and James Taylor.
She is survived by her sons, James M. Gallion and John Paul (Donna) Gallion, both of Lawtey; eight grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel with Pastor Al Paulson officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville. The family received friends an hour prior at the funeral home.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
PAID OBITUARY
Shirley Hudgens
Shirley Anne Hudgens, 76, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Sept. 4, 1948, in Jacksonville, she was the cherished daughter of the late George Horlivy and Beverly Curran. She remained a proud, lifelong resident of Jacksonville until her recent move to Hampton to live with her son and his family. On July 20, 1972, Shirley married her best friend, James “Monroe” Hudgens, with whom she shared nearly 52 beautiful years of marriage. A dedicated caregiver, she found great joy and purpose in helping others, including transporting them to doctor appointments. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on those she cared for. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, cooking, and crafting in her free time. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Monroe; and her son, Anthony Hudgens
Shirley is Survived by her children, Beverly Jean (Rob) Bulyar of Jacksonville, James (Lacey) Hudgens of Hampton, and Kim Hudgens; sister, Donna (Steve) Redmann; and many grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Per Shirley’s wishes, she will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Juliette Long
Evangelist Juliette Long, 91, of Starke, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at her place of residence, 906 Pine St., Starke.
She is survived by her two sisters, Amandalene Chandler and Legree Hankerson; extended family members and friends.
Arrangements are under the care of Haile’s Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke. 904-964-7905.
Norma Signore
Norma Jean Nugent Karr Signore, June 13, 1928, to Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. Walking into the house, you could immediately smell “Nanna,” the sweet fragrance of Estee’ Lauder was her favorite for as long as most of us can remember. As she would pull us in close for a tight hug, with the mixture of her perfume and hints of Italian sauce, you knew you had arrived. Being the 10th grandchild out of 13, our Nanna was always on her toes. She would always agree with each of us that we were ALL the #1 grandchild. We grandkids would think of creative ways to get those “Nanna Dollars” she handed out. If you were lucky, you would get a $5 bill. She also made sure we at least tried different foods before we decided we didn’t like it. To ensure you did as expected, she would give that “look” with her green eyes, and boy, we knew we had better behave at that point. She always had a way of keeping everyone organized, with either a hat to protect us from the sun or a raincoat to keep us dry as we ventured to the Orange Bowl games and parades each year. As we got older and even moved away, Nanna would make it a point to call just to chat, not really about anything important, but just to stay connected. She was the bond that made all holidays and visits memorable, as she made each one of us feel special and important. Not only was she our Nanna, but she was also a mother of three. As kids, they had many memorable moments together. A fond memory of Nanna and her kids was going up to the mountains in the summer months. She would read stories or sometimes just watch Jean Ann, Kenny, and Tommy run and play in the sunshine; even Pepper, their pup, came along. Often, they would be spotted picking buttercups for Nanna. I am quite sure she also treasured this moment in her heart. She was a true optimist, and that, along with God’s watchful hand, got her and her three children through some tense times. All the adventures that were taken not only made memories for them, but also showed Nanna’s strength as a woman, and her true compassion for life.
Norma Jean was nothing shy of a class act. I can almost see her now, pulling up in her Cadillac, stepping out in her tailored suit to pick my brother and me up to go to Carvel for an ice cream. Her hair was always perfectly styled, with jewelry and “heavy” handbag to match. She was our perfect Nanna.
Today we celebrate Norma and the wonderful, classy, yet a little sassy, lady she was to so many. She is now walking the streets of gold with her siblings, her sons and a few of her grandchildren. Nanna will be missed, but she is loved in Heaven, on earth, and for all eternity. Love Always Nanna
She will be laid to rest in West Palm Beach. Arrangements by Fred Hunter Funeral Home, Hollywood. 954-989-1550
PAID OBITUARY
Peggy Stanwix-Hay
Peggy Jane Shanbarger Stanwix-Hay, 77, of Hampton went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at her residence. She was born in York, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 8, 1947, to the late John Melvin Shanbarger and Ruth Hostler Shanbarger. She was raised in Woodbine, Pennsylvania until third grade, when her family relocated to Starke for her father’s career. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1965 and furthered her education at the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1969. On Ash Wednesday in 1967, Peg was introduced to the love of her life, Raymond Allen Stanwix-Hay. They were married on Feb. 14, 1969, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Jacksonville and spent 55 beautiful years together. Peg and Ray were best friends and an example of what true love should look like. Peg or “Mrs. Stan,” as her students knew her, began her lifelong career in education at Brooker Junior High School in 1969. She taught classes ranging from the gifted program to the dropout-prevention program at all schools in Bradford County throughout her 50 years in the district. She continued her teaching career for the past five years in Gainesville at North Central Florida Public Charter School, where she was teaching just last week before the Lord called her home. In her 55 years as an educator, she touched many lives. She had an unmatched love for her students. She wanted to see them succeed in not just their education but in all areas of their life and would do anything possible to help them along the way; to the extent of creating “Peg’s Kids,” a nonprofit program to financially meet the needs of her students in any way possible. She brought fun, excitement, wit, intelligence, encouragement, care, guidance, humility, joy, and most importantly, an abundance of love to the classroom and everywhere she went. She joyfully fulfilled Christ’s greatest commandment in Matthew 21:37-39, where Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself,” She attended First Christian Church of Starke before joining the Episcopal church. She was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Starke, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Gainesville where she enjoyed serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She earned her most favorite title, later known as “Gran.” Peg loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond measure. Spending time with them was her greatest joy. Every opportunity she had with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren she used to create unique, memorable adventures. The times at her home, in her pool, at Fripp Island, South Carolina and Marathon, being some of their fondest memories that will never be forgotten. Most of all, she will be remembered for her servant’s heart and her willingness to help others in need as the Holy Spirit led her. Whether she was baking cookies, delivering meals, or just stopping by for a visit, she always put the needs of others before her own. She was a true disciple of Jesus. She will be deeply missed, but we know Heaven is having a beautiful celebration. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her in-laws, Allen and Ethel Stanwix-Hay.
She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Allen Stanwix-Hay of Hampton; children, John Ryan Stanwix-Hay of Hampton and Jane (Greg) Wiggins of Evergreen, Colorado; grandchildren, Matt (Jencie) Stanwix-Hay, Grant (Mikayla) Wiggins, Luke Stanwix-Hay, Gracen Jane (Sam) Boyd, Gabe (Elizabeth Ann) Wiggins, and Garrison Wiggins; and great-grandchildren, Ryker and Stetsyn Jane Stanwix-Hay.
PAID OBITUARY
