Christine Blackwelder
Christine Doloris Blackwelder of Lake City passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Christian Health Center Hospice, Lynden, Washington. She was born to Myrtle Scarborough on Oct. 17, 1943, in Lake Butler. Her younger years were spent with her mother, Myrtle, brother, Kenneth, and sister, Linda, on the home farm assisting with duties on the farm such as raising cattle and hogs and growing vegetables and tobacco. Attending church services came first in their lives. Many happy hours were spent visiting with special friends from the Danville Church of Christ, wherein they would spend time together shelling peanuts and making peanut brittle, cane grindings and hog killing to make sausage, ham and bacon. Much of the family’s time was spent attending gospel meetings at churches in the area, which usually lasted two weeks each. Christine spent most of her childhood in Lake Butler, where she attended school and worked as an accountant/bookkeeper. Soon thereafter, in March of 1964, she married Burrell Roger Blackwelder. They were married for over 41 years. While Roger served our country in the army, she and Roger started a family and traveled to multiple locations, such as Berlin, Germany and Korea. Together, she and Roger had three children, Sonia Blackwelder Caissey, Susan Blackwelder Hester, and Roger Wayne Blackwelder. As a family they traveled the country, which led them to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1974. During their time in Alaska, she and Roger took the kids and camped on a riverbank for the entire summer. Moments like this are something their children will never forget and still share memories with their own children. Christine was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Scarborough; husband, Roger Burrell Blackwelder; and brother, Kenneth Scarborough.
She leaves behind her children, Sonia Caissey and Susan Hester, both of Blaine, Washington, Wayne Blackwelder and daughter-in-law, Rene’ Blackwelder of Mandeville, Louisiana; her sister, Linda Parrish and brother-in-law, Kenneth Parrish of Lake Butler; her brother-in-law, Gerald Blackwelder and sister-in-law, Sherie Blackwelder of Colorado; as well as many nieces and nephews; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Christine will be missed by so many and always be remembered by her kindness and warmth toward all who knew her. She loved her family deeply. We all take great comfort in knowing she is free of pain and suffering and will be reunited with her husband, Roger; her mother, Myrtle; her brother, Kenneth; and many loved ones whom we’ve lost.
PAID OBITUARY
Jason Ferguson
Mr. Jason Todd Ferguson, 54, of Keystone Heights passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Jacksonville. He was born Jan. 30, 1971, in Springfield, Missouri to Mike and Judy (Swearengin) Ferguson. Jason joined the United States Navy and retired as a Ship’s Serviceman First Class. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed shopping, traveling, listening to music, singing, and his fur babies. But mostly he loved being with his grandkids. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene (Bell) Ferguson; son, Danny Noles; and brothers, Troy Ferguson and Randy Hodges.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Alyssa Lawrence, Jason T. Ferguson II, and Christopher Noles; along with two siblings, Holly Johnson and Michael Hodges. His grandchildren, Steven, Seth, Jayce, Joshuah, Bryson, Noah, Bentley, Lawson, Waylon, Jason, and Levi, lovingly and affectionately called him “Pop-pop.”
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at 2 p.m., with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment will be at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Franklin Nazworth
Mr. James “Franklin” Nazworth, 81, of Starke, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at Good Samaritan Center in Live Oak. Franklin was born in Starke on Feb. 22, 1944, to the late Walter Taft and Rachel (Wilkerson) Nazworth. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Keystone Heights, and, prior to retirement, he worked for the Florida Department of Transportation as a timber inspector. He enjoyed his church family and was a musician, using his talent for the glory of God in and out of his church with his favorite Southern gospel music. He also enjoyed hunting, was a great fisherman and loved golfing. Following retirement, he and his wife spent many happy times camping together. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Willeane (Griffis) Nazworth; and grandchildren, Scott Thomas Nazworth and Patrick Alan Nazworth.
Survivors are sons, Daryl Nazworth (Cathy Woodall) of Lake Butler and Eric Nazworth (Sherry Thomas) of Lake Butler. He is also survived by grandchildren, Daniel Nazworth of Lake City, Rachel Nazworth (James) Cavin of Raiford, and Jonathan Nazworth of Lake Butler; along with great- grandchildren, Aubrey Nazworth, Jackson Nazworth. Emma Cavin, Calleigh Cavin and Macie Cavin.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery with Pastor Brandon Denmark and Pastor Scott Stanland officiating all services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association https://donorservices.alz.org.
Arrangements are with Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Tyler Norris
Tyler Shane Norris, 34, of Starke passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. Tyler was born Oct. 17, 1991, in Gainesville, to his loving parents, Samuel B. Norris and Jejetta M. Lee. He was raised in Bradford County and graduated from Gainesville High School in 2010. He was gifted with his hands and truly a jack-of-all-trades. He could fix or build anything. He was also blessed athletically in his youth. He competed in travel baseball for the Jacksonville Glory baseball team and the Gainesville Hurricane baseball team. Following school, he worked for the Alachua County School Board, while furthering his education at Santa Fe College. He was passionate about helping others and felt called into the healthcare profession. He graduated from Santa Fe College in 2016 with certifications as a licensed practical nurse. He enjoyed his time serving residents at Oak Hammock Retirement Community in Gainesville and Windsor Manor Health and Rehabilitation in Starke. He recently embarked on a new career path and accepted a position as a maintenance technician with the Alachua County Board of Commissioners. Outside of work, he loved being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and cherished the thrill of tracking a big buck. He also enjoyed rooting for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Florida Gators alongside family and friends. His biggest blessing was being a father to his precious son, Tate Rambo Carlton Norris, whom he dearly loved. Tyler was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Brenda Lee; paternal grandparents, Linda and J.T. Parrish; and sister, Brianna Norris.
He is survived by his loving parents, Sam Norris of Starke, and Jejetta (Johnnie Adkins) Lee of Starke; son, Tate Rambo Carlton Norris of Starke; sisters, Samantha Norris and Jaelyn Jackson, both of Starke; maternal grandparents, Corky Lee and Dottie (Jerry) Hansen; along with several extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at Sampson City Church of God with Brother John Frampton and Brother Mike Plant officiating. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 5, an hour prior to the service at the church.
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
Janet Strickland
Janet Delores Strickland, 88, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. She was a very caring woman who truly loved her family. Her devotion to care-taking was unwavering, and she loved everyone with a depth that will forever be
remembered.
She is survived by her three children, Farley, Anna, and Alexus (Dalton); her five grandchildren, Johnny (Elle), Crystal (James), Shannon (Joey), Kari (Terrence), and Edward; and other family and friends.
The viewing was Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home chapel with a graveside service following, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment was at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Milton Strickland
Milton Farley Strickland, 93, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved his family very much and devoted his life to them. He was a man of honor who fought for his country in the Army and was a Reverend of God.
He is survived by his three children, Farley, Anna, and Alexus (Dalton); his five grandchildren, Johnny (Elle), Crystal (James), Shannon (Joey), Kari (Terrence), and Edward; and other family and friends.
The viewing was Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the funeral home chapel with a graveside service following, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment was at Keystone Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
