Thelma Bay
Thelma Trieste Bay, 83, died on Friday May 2, 2025, at HCA Florida North Florida Regional Hospital. Her passing was peaceful, and she was surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 10, 1941, in Gainesville to Mellis and May Trieste. She grew up in Waldo with her sister, Sue Trieste, on a farm. She married Herman Luis Bay on Dec. 5, 1963. They were lifelong companions and were blessed with four children, Gary, Paula, Bobbi and Brian. Thelma traveled across the United States, raising her children, while her husband was in the U.S. Air Force. After the Air Force, she and Herman started a woodworking business together. She was an avid reader, with her favorite genre being mystery. She has a long history of doing all kinds of volunteer work, including helping kids read at the Waldo Community School and crafting gifts for kids at Christmas. Thelma will be remembered for her endless kindness and her palpable charm that made every room she entered brighter. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Gary.
She is survived by her children, Paula (Fred) Pope of Gainesville, Bobbi Bay of Dahlonega, Georgia and Brian Bay of Waldo; grandchildren, Thomas Bay, Justine Bay and Frankie Kemp; and great-grandchildren, Madison Bay and Huckston Bay. She also leaves behind many friends.
Memorial services will be held, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Community Square in Waldo.
PAID OBITUARY
Marvin Brown
Mr. Gilbert Marvin Brown, 85, known to most as “Marvin,” of Starke passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, May 23, 2025. He was born in Starke to the late Gib and Margaret Brown of Starke and was a resident of Starke for all of his life. He attended St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Starke and was a member of various organizations, including the Morocco Shriners of Jacksonville and Starke Shrine Club, where he served as past Treasurer, American Legion of Starke and Rotary Club of Starke. He was an Army veteran, serving as a field artillery specialist at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Knox, Kentucky during the pre-Vietnam era. He pursued his education at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, obtaining degrees in history and business administration. He maintained long careers in both banking as vice president of Florida National Bank in Starke and corrections as a classification officer for the Florida Department of Corrections in Lake Butler. Additionally, he taught economics, accounting and history at the Vocational Technical Center of Bradford-Union County in Starke. To all who knew him, he was humble, kind, loving, optimistic, intelligent, virtuous and cool under pressure. He was an excellent role model, loyal, and the epitome of a gentleman. He was voted “Most to Be Admired” of his 1957 Bradford High School class and demonstrated this moniker in all aspects throughout his life. He was family and community service oriented, had a distinct love for all people and enjoyed playing golf, eating a delicious meal, watching sports, and spending time with loved ones. He was an engaging storyteller, was enamored with his wife, Judy, and felt gratified in raising his triplets. In retirement, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Judith McRae “Judy” Brown; and younger brother, James Edward “Ed” Brown of Jacksonville.
He is survived by his children, Jason M. (Jami W.) Brown of Chiefland, Jennifer L. (Scott R.) Brown-Jackson of Gainesville, and Jody L. (Amy T.) Brown of Gainesville; grandchildren, Madison L. Jackson and Savannah R. Jackson, both of Gainesville and James Edward Ricketson of Chiefland; sibling, William H. “Bill” (Diane) Brown of Tallahassee; and a host of nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends.
To honor Marvin’s wishes, a private graveside ceremony for family will be planned for the near future.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
R.D. Crawford
Mr. Robert Douglas “R.D.” Crawford, 70, of Starke passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after an extended illness. He was born March 28, 1955, in Starke to Gerald and Lois (O’steen) Crawford Sr. and graduated in 1973 from Bradford High School. It is there that he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Donna (Davis) Crawford, and they shared 51 years of marriage. He began working at age 5, harvesting strawberries on a farm. He continued to harvest various crops throughout his childhood. In his teen years, he broke horses and worked in carpentry and masonry in the construction of homes and businesses. In April of 1974, he began his career with the Department of Corrections at Florida State Prison Main Unit. There, he promoted through the ranks to Captain. Between ranks, he took numerous classes at Lake City Community College and taught classes there as well. He was Lock and Key Sergeant; a member of the CERT team, Drug Interdiction team, SWAT team and RIOT squad, firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, a certified EMT, certified firefighter, assisted in writing the FDLE exam, and even fought in the Police Olympics. One of his favorite positions with the Department of Corrections was training lieutenant. He taught and trained countless correctional officers and police officers. During this time, while working two jobs, seven days a week , he volunteered his time to implement a free karate class, 1.5 hours, two nights a week to anyone who wished to attend in order to give the local children something with structure and discipline, that could be fun and rewarding, while occupying their time and keeping them out of trouble. Many adults attended the class as well and it was successfully operational for three years until his promotion to Captain on night shift. After his retirement from DOC in 1999, he was home enjoying his grandchildren, but the urge to work took hold, so he and his wife began to haul trailers across the country, beholding the sights, many times traveling alongside his brother, Gerald, with his wife Patty, making memories that would forever be cherished. He then worked various supervisory positions until his permanent retirement in 2016. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, carpentry, gardening, water sports, martial arts, playing cards, practical jokes, but, most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a man of good character and morals, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and always stood by his beliefs and principles. Always willing to lend a helping hand, with refusal to ask anything in return. He was a leader, one who led by example. He began walking the halls of FSP Main Unit at 19 years old, in the early ‘70s, when each time you entered those gates, you never knew if you were going to make it back out with your life. Though he retired in 1999 after 25 years of dedicated service, those halls will echo his name for decades to come. Douglas, as his family lovingly referred to him, was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Leslie Crawford Sr. and Lois (O’steen) Crawford; brother, Gerald Leslie Crawford Jr.; and sister, Linda (Crawford) Luecking; as well as his loyal fur companion, Bo (Dalmatian) and spoiled brat, Ruby (Dachshund).
He is survived by his wife, Donna (Davis) Crawford; son, Michael P. Crawford; daughter, Nicole Y. (Ty) Jordan; grandsons, Dalton W. Addison, Dustin L. Addison and Nicolas T. Jordan; granddaughter, Macala C. Crawford; sister, Patricia “Trish” A. (J. Robb) Streeter; brother, Stanley (Mary Ann) Crawford; stepbrother, Gary (Debbie) Wallace; his fur buddy, Rocky (Boxer); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
As per his wishes, there will be no memorial or funeral services. Memorial donations may be made to Bradford County Animal Shelter.
PAID OBITUARY
Bonnie Higginbotham
Mrs. Jacqueline “Bonnie” Higginbotham, 84, of Lawtey passed away at her home Sunday, May 25, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born Dec. 25, 1940, in Lawtey to Nathan L. and Daisy (Futch) Starling. She was a retired hairdresser and had attended Evergreen Baptist Church for many years. She was a member of the Lawtey Cemetery Association and loved fishing, gardening, taking care of her yard, and, especially, baking and cooking for the grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harold “Rudy” Higginbotham; their daughter, Robin Higginbotham; siblings, Evangeline Bush, Lorene Smith, Hazel Sapp, Harold Starling, Mary Crawford, Thelma Goodman, and Eugene Starling.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her son, Harold “Hal” Higginbotham; and grandchildren, Nicole Higginbotham and Casey Harden; along with great grandchildren, Cole, Madison, Karsen, Kane, Callie, Cade, Colt, and Piper, who all lovingly called her “Nanny.”
A graveside service will be held Monday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at Lawtey Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Beverly Labelle
Beverly G. “Grammy” Labelle, 83, went home peacefully to be with her Savior on Saturday afternoon, May 24, 2025, after a long battle with a variety of health issues. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 21, 1941, the daughter of David Boubelik and Evelyn Tucek (later Evenhuis). She was the third generation of a close-knit family who emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States in the early 1900s. Beverly (Bebe) spent her formative years in Illinois, Canada, Florida, and Michigan. She lived in Kalamazoo with her mother and stepfather, Edward (Bupps) Evenhuis, who had a profound influence on her life and journey as a Christian. After graduating from high school, she married her first husband, Vernon Rudolph, a young aspiring Air Force officer (later a Vietnam War veteran), and together they had three sons. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she spent most of her adult life as a nurse caring for others. In 1988, she married Arthur Labelle, a former Navy pilot and Korean War veteran and they resided together in Florida until his passing in 2012. She spent her final years living in Canterfield of Kennesaw, a retirement community in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing at any opportunity, especially in her church choir. Her favorite pastimes included long excursions to the beach, painting and cooking. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be laid to rest near her mother, stepfather and husband. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather; sister-in-law, Joyce Boubelik: aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her dear brother, David (Davie) Boubelik of Kalamazoo, Michigan; former husband, Vernon (Joyce) Rudolph (Joyce) of Woodstock, Georgia; three sons, Benton Rudolph (ex-wife, Carla) of St. Petersburg, Nathan (Donna) Rudolph of Lilburn, Georgia, and Burton (Ashely) Rudolph of Kinston, North Carolina; cousins, Burt and Jean Adam of Kalamazoo, Michigan; nieces and nephews, Bo (Robin) Boubelik, Mark Boubelik and Michelle (Kevin) Boubelik; grandchildren, Dylan Rudolph, Quinn Rudolph, Gabrielle Rudolph, Conner (Neydi) Rudolph, Sophie Rudolph, Scott (Danielle) Rudolph, Perry (Brooke) Rudolph, and Parker (Colleen) Rudolph; and great-grandchild, Perry Edward Rudolph.
Services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 3 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Buddy Paterson III
Robert “Buddy” George Paterson Ill passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Longview, Texas surrounded by his family. He was born in Starke on Dec. 17, 1953, to Helen Hope Bowers and Robert George Paterson Jr. He was preceded in death by both parents and his grandparents. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1971 after setting school records in long-distance running. He attended Brevard College in North Carolina on a track scholarship, then transferred to Western Carolina University on scholarship, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree and was also a member of the collegiate track team. After graduation from Western Carolina, he attended graduate school and earned his master’s degree in school administration from Jacksonville University. After graduation, he returned home to Starke and worked as the physical education teacher at Lawtey Elementary School. He immediately demonstrated his extraordinary leadership skills and soon began his career in education administration as the assistant principal of Bradford Middle School. At the age of 26, he became the youngest principal in the state of Florida when he was appointed principal of Brooker Elementary School. During his career, he also served as principal of Lawtey Community School and Bradford Middle School. He ultimately was elected as the Superintendent of Bradford County Schools in 2000. After retiring from Bradford County Schools, he moved to Texas, and he continued his teaching career, serving elementary children with special needs. With his years of service in Texas, he was also able to earn a second retirement. Buddy’s impact to the educational communities he served extended beyond the classroom. He had a deep love for children and was widely respected as an empathetic and caring educator. He was known for his boundless energy and work ethic. Every child he had the privilege of interacting with was touched by his compassion, kindness and wisdom.
He is survived by his three children, two daughters, Alicia Michelle Paterson and Elizabeth Dell Paterson (Corin Barnard) and a son, Robert George Paterson IV; and the mother of his three children, Dea Moredock Paterson. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Caleb and Cameron; sister, Linda Paterson King; and brother, Larry (Terri) Paterson; and a host of extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, Buddy’s family requests contributions to the Gina’s Blessings Ministry in his memory (GinasBlessings.org). A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 19, at Foundation Church, Starke, Florida (formerly First Methodist).
PAID OBITUARY
Shantel Thomas
Shantel Denise Thomas, 59, of Starke, died Friday, May 23, 2025, at Haven Hospice Custead Care Center, Orange Park.
She is survived by her husband, Charles “Wayne” Thomas; children, Clarissa Thomas, Max (Jennifer Wheatley) Thomas and Kaden Thomas; mother, Donna Jean Linton; one brother; two sisters; and extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 30, at 12 p.m. at River of Life Church, Starke. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery, Hampton. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 30 an hour prior to the services at the church.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Starke. 904-964-5757.
Alberta Young
Mrs. Alberta Crawford Young, 83, of Starke passed away Saturday May 24, 2025, at HCA Orange Park. She was born March 23, 1942 in Starke to Olbert and Grace (Glover) Brown. She attended Bradford County High School and was a homemaker. As a child, she was baptized in the Church of God. She was known for being an excellent cook and enjoyed listening to the Gaithers’ music and watching Jimmy Swaggart. Sunday afternoons were spent with Lacy watching her favorite NASCAR driver, Joey Logano. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Cowart; and former husbands, Bill Johnson and Lonnie Crawford.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 10 years, Lacy Young; daughters, Coleen Carroll and her devoted husband, Eric Carroll, and Deborah Sapp; along with sisters, Brenda (Doyle) Thomas and Linda Shearer. Alberta was lovingly called “Nanny” by Tina Kelso, Angel Hunsinger, and Holly (Ricky) Mendez (Ricky); along with her great-grandchildren, Zachary Adams, Jordan Cason, Amerie Matthew, Chloe Hanson, Rachel Kelso, and Brook Kelso. And we can’t forget her precious poodle, Bella. Also left behind are additional extended family members and friends that will miss her dearly.
The family will receive friends Friday, May 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel. Funeral services to celebrate her life will begin at 11 a.m., with Pastor Marty James Moon officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
