Jean Ball
Mrs. Jean Louise Ball, 78, of Keystone Heights died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at HCA Hospital in Gainesville. She was born Oct. 8, 1947, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late John and Ruth (McCabe) Greer.
Survivors are her husband of 41 years, Thomas “Tom” Ball; children, Brenda David and John David; stepson, David Ball; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Judith Burnett
Mrs. Judith “Judy” Phalaine Burnett, 84, of Keystone Heights passed away Saturday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2026, after a lengthy illness. She was born Feb. 9, 1941, in Elba, Alabama to John Elbert and Mattie Ruth (Maddox) Kemp. Judy was an active and longtime member of First Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, where she enjoyed attending Bible study and volunteering for church events and humanitarian efforts. Prior to retiring, she worked as a real-estate agent for more than 30 years, representing several brokers and specializing in lake-front properties. She enjoyed making many memorable trips with her husband, Efird, but her favorite place was always at the beach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Edwin Harris Meadows Jr. and Efird Burnett; her son, Edwin “Eddie” Harris Meadows III; and brothers, Sam and Ted Kemp.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her son. Robert (Joanne) Meadows; grandchildren, Austin (Jessica) Meadows, Mikaela (Nicholas) Orsted, Sarah (Brandon) Mavrick and Garrison Meadows; and three great-grandchildren, Emma, Elijah, and Lily.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Ryan Begue officiating. Interment will follow at Keystone Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Barbara Fitzpatrick
Mrs. Barbara Jeanne’ Fitzpatrick, 80, of Middleburg, passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. She was born on Sept. 11, 1945, in St. Petersburg, to Charles Omer and Viola Mae (Cory) Lefebvre. Barbara lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community. She was a cherished homemaker, making a warm and welcoming home for her family throughout her life. She was a vibrant, active member of her community. As a past president of the PTA, she dedicated her time and energy to ensuring the best for her children’s education and was known for being involved in school activities even within the county system. She volunteered with the Red Cross and was a devoted parishioner at St. Luke Catholic Church in Middleburg. Prior to making Middleburg her home, she and her husband attended 40 years at Nativity of Our Lord in Pensacola, where she was active and volunteered countless hours to her community. Never one to meet a stranger, her generosity knew no bounds. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a friendly smile, making friends wherever she went. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Judith Spell.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Edward Fitzpatrick and their children, Victoria (Lee) Steele, Michael (Suzanna) Fitzpatrick, Julie (Robert) Schmidling, and John (Martha) Fitzpatrick. Also left behind is her 104-year-old mother-in-law, Ruth Fitzpatrick and brother, Alan (Karen) Lefebvre; niece, Connie (William) Muse and family; and nephew, Stephen (Tammy) Spell and family. Known affectionately as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, James Matthew Steele, Jennifer Leanna Czwornog, Amber Noel Schmidling-White, Rebekah Jeanne’ King, Erin Adelle Schmidling, Abbygail Rachel Fitzpatrick, Victoria Danielle Schmidling, Alison Rhea Fitzpatrick, and John Thomas Fitzpatrick, she had a special bond with each of them. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Riley Scott Czwornog, David John King, and Ryder Liam Czwornog. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel, Keystone Heights.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the St. William Catholic Church, with Father Jaison Xaviour officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery in Hampton.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Mildred Haynes
Mildred (Millie) Lelia Scott Haynes went to be with her Savior on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. O.L. “Sonny” Haynes; siblings, Dorothy Scott Stevenson, David Gilbert (Joscelyn) Scott Jr., Alexander John (Jack) (Ruby) Scott, and Charles Floyd (Jo Ann) Scott. The second of six children, Millie was born in Decatur, Georgia on March 13, 1922. She graduated junior college with an accounting degree and worked as an accountant in Atlanta until her marriage. An unparalleled homemaker, she enjoyed cooking and baking (her chocolate pound cake, frequently mailed to her grandchildren in college) and all sorts of handicrafts, including sewing, crochet, knitting, and cross stitch. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed hosting her friends for bridge parties for many years. Millie was a calm and joyful presence, who made every member of her large family and wide circle of friends feel loved and welcome at once. A devoted believer, she was a member for 72 years at Foundation Church (formally known as First United Methodist Church) and was an active member of Starke Woman’s Club and Methodist Women for many years. Her unflappable sense of humor stood her well as she encountered the challenges of aging. A former beauty queen (Miss DeKalb County 1938!) she was unfazed by her thinning hair and adopted a wig in her late 90s. One morning before leaving the house, her daughter and great- granddaughter remarked that they had better get up and take the time to fix their hair. With a sly half smile, she informed them, “Well, I just have to put mine on!” While her family rejoices that this good and faithful servant is with Jesus today, they deeply miss her warm and loving presence and look forward to being reunited with her heaven.
She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Haynes Welch of Savannah, Georgia and Mildred Anne Haynes of Starke; sister, Betty Nell Keane of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Dorothy Welch (John) Childress, Jeffrey Dale (Kate) Welch and Charles Ashley (Meg) Welch, all of Savannah, Georgia; 12 great- grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; 19 nieces and nephews and additional great- nieces and nephews and great- great-nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Mike Moore officiating. Interment will be at Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Haven Hospice, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd., Gainesville 32606. www.havenhospice.com
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Horace Odem Jr.
Horace Odem Jr., 60, of Lake Butler transitioned from this life on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at HCA North Florida Hospital. Horace was born June 24, 1965, in Lake Butler to parents Willie Mae Bradley and Horace Odem Sr., who preceded him in death. He attended the Union County School System. He was raised in church, where he played drums and would often sing his favorite song, “I’ve got the love of Jesus!” He worked as a brick mason most of his life and would proudly point out projects he worked on in town. He had an infectious love for country music; he loved to make others laugh and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He leaves to cherish memories his loving mother, Willie Mae Odem; siblings, Beverly Odem, Brenda Odem, Theresa (Alvin) Jernigan, Tonya Odem, Harvey Odem, Randy Odem (Tasha); children, Marissa Thompson (LaBradford) and Da’Shaun Odem; and his beautiful grandchildren, Makhi Gaddy, Maia Gaddy, and Nevaeh Thompson. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his kindness, hard work, and the love he shared with everyone around him.
A public viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 16, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Victory Christian Center.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Odem Family during their time of loss. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Dr. James Pennington
Dr. James E. Pennington, 82, of Melrose passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville from a lengthy illness associated with the effects of exposure to Agent Orange herbicide. He was born on Oct. 11, 1943, the second son of Bill and Juda Pennington of Jasper. Jim was a sixth generation native North Floridian and grew up on the family farm near Jasper with his brothers and, later, his two sisters. Growing up on a farm, he developed an early and life-long love of all animals. He was always quick to tend to wounded or orphaned critters. He was a 1961 graduate of Jasper High School. He graduated from North Florida Junior College in Madison in 1963, where he served as student body president during his second year. He continued his education at the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1965. He completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine studies at Auburn University in 1969. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Captain in the U.S. Army. After his preceptorship in Oklahoma, he received orders to South Korea, where he attended to military dogs from Vietnam and surrounding countries who were often exposed to Agent Orange herbicide. He returned to Florida in 1973 to Gainesville Animal Hospital. Jim soon saw a need for veterinary services in surrounding communities, often sparsely populated and underserved. He purchased an RV and started the first mobile veterinary practice in Alachua County in 1975, serving the smaller communities of Archer, Alachua, High Springs, Starke, and locations in between.
He married Kathryn Wolfe of Gainesville in 1976, and they settled in Starke where, in 1978, he opened Town and Country Veterinary Clinic. He enjoyed a small-animal and large-animal practice for 22 years. When diagnosed with serious illness, he sold the practice in Starke and semi-retired. Upon recovery, Jim continued his work as an associate and relief veterinarian at clinics in Melrose and Keystone. He also became active in veterinary organizations at the local and state levels. He was quite active in Jacksonville and Gainesville Veterinary Medical Associations and served on several committees with the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA). He was elected State President of the FVMA in 2002 and in 2011, he received the esteemed Distinguished Service Award from the FVMA. He also served on the Dean’s Circle of Excellence at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine as his health allowed. He treasured his many friendships during his life. He was especially partial to his four-legged friends, notably English Setters and a number of rescue cats. He also loved his Limousin Cattle and enjoyed tending to them during his time in Starke. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Jim Kennedy.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathryn; his son, James Wesleigh (Heather) Pennington of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; daughter, Emily Brooke Pennington of Gainesville; and stepson, George (Mari) Levasser of Miami. He is also survived by his siblings, Billy (Barbara) of Savannah Georgia, Pat Pennington of Jasper, Robert Pennington of Jacksonville, Bill (Marian) Bryan of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and sisters, Juda Pennington (Rick Culbreath) of Branford, and Katherine Pennington (Terry Straub) of Tallahassee. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Verne Wolfe and family of Sugar Grove, Illinois. Jim also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights (340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32686), on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A graveside service, led by Pastor Missy Turbeville, will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, Florida, on Friday, Jan. 16, beginning at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Jasper, 405 Central Ave, S.E., Jasper 32052, 386-792-1122 or The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn Giving, or The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Honor Card Program, Office of Advancement, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida.
PAID OBITUARY
Joann Shadd
Joann Seay Shadd, 91, departed this world Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at her home after an extended illness. Born on March 8, 1934, in Worthington Springs, Joann was raised in Union County, where she blossomed into a warm-hearted woman who touched the lives of many. Her journey through life began with her loving marriage with D.L. Shadd, and together they moved to Jacksonville, where they embarked on the next chapter of their lives side by side. Throughout her varied career, she held numerous positions, showcasing her talents in bookkeeping and kitchen design. However, it was in her primary role as a devoted homemaker that she truly thrived. Her home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and warmth, a true reflection of her vibrant spirit. Known for her talkative and friendly demeanor, Joann was full of life. She possessed a zest for living that was exemplified through her love of dance; frequently attending gatherings with a seniors group dedicated to embracing this joyous activity. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she committed herself to her faith and community, which further enriched her relationships and fostered connections that spanned generations. She leaves behind a rich legacy of family and friendship. Joann is reunited in eternity with her parents, Alma Lee and Dewitt William Seay; her siblings, Iris “Tootsie” Parrish, Gene Seay, Elmer Seay, Larry Seay, and James Seay; and her beloved husband, D.L. Shadd.
She is survived by her brothers, Gary (Brenda) Seay, Jimmy Luke, and Rex (Kim) Seay; her nieces and nephews, Vicky Barron, Brian (Paula) Seay, Sara Wilson, Amanda (Mike) Maddox, Shelby (Jared) Ellis, Kendel Seay, Roger (Sharon) Parrish, Karen Turner, Sandra Arnold, Carol McNeil, Cephus Seay, and Jason Seay; and a host of great-nieces and nephews. The bond she shared with her best friend, Diana Thomas, exemplified the profound connections she cultivated throughout her life. She also leaves behind her beloved Maltese, Louis, who was always the light of her life.
A visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 8, followed by her funeral service at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Joann was laid to rest next to her husband immediately following the service at Dekle Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve Joann’s family at this difficult time.
386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
