Erin Brewer
Erin E. Brewer of Lake Butler died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. She was born in Gainesville in 1977, residing in her lifetime in the Florida counties of Alachua, Bradford and Union and in San Diego, California. She graduated from Union County High School and attended Lake City Community College as a voice performance major specializing in opera. She became a licensed 220 Agent working in several insurance agencies as a personal injury adjuster, administrative representative, commercial VIP agent, and corporate trainer ending her career as an Insurance and Risk Manager in University of Florida’s Division of Environmental Health and Safety. She spent many years singing in the Lake City First Presbyterian Church choir and often performed solos at weddings and funerals for friends and family. She recently joined the Daughters of the American Revolution and enjoyed researching her family history. She was known for her quick wit, bright personality, and her kindness. She loved spending time with her niece and nephews and, if asked, she would say she helped raise them. Her brother, Joel Brewer, predeceased her.
She leaves her parents, Daryl S. And Nancy D. Brewer; her sister, Anneke (Jay) Acree; niece, Madison; nephew, Jesse; sister-in-law, Stacy Scott; nephew, Colt Brewer; many good friends and relatives.
A Celebration of Life offered to family and friends is to be announced.
PAID OBITUARY
Wanda Cribbs
Wanda Cribbs, 83, of Starke passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Wanda was born Feb. 26, 1942, in Starke to Frank Robert Coleman and Lily Coleman. A lifelong resident of her beloved hometown, she built a life centered on faith, family, and the simple joys of the outdoors. She found great happiness in spending time outside, especially fishing, and cherished the beauty of nature. Wanda was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith daily. Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother whose kindness, strength, and steady presence will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Robert “Bobby,” Roy, Harold, Ernest, and Ellis.
She is survived by her son, Richard D. (Denise) Cribbs; her grandsons, Kyle (Amanda) Cribbs and Tyler Cribbs; her sisters, Inez Kapellen and Clarice Coleman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wanda’s legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements in care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St. 904-964.6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Carol Erby
Carol Ann Erby passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. She was born March 7, 1948, in Pensacola. Her greatest joy came when she was surrounded by her family, especially her children. She loved hosting and attending a great party, cooking, listening to her favorite Elvis Presley songs, and, in her younger years, “grabbing a beach tan.” But, most of all, caring for her husband, children and grandson in a humble home that she did her best to make feel like a castle. Her picture speaks volumes to us as, “Here I am! Let’s Go! A great party with family and friends is about to begin!” From raising her children and grandson, which was a career in itself, she successfully balanced family life with her profession as a dental assistant for more than 28 years. She provided help and a service that she truly loved. As her husband went up the ranks with DuPont, a service that required relocating to multiple cities and states, she was instrumental in making certain that her family thrived anywhere they were as long as they were together. Her extraordinary knack of never meeting a stranger helped her turn new friends along the way into lifetime friends. In her later years, when she no longer was able to cook, she would ask family for detailed information of what they would be cooking that night. She also thought no meal was complete without dessert. She would offer advice on what was being made or suggest a new recipe for a future meal. The tradition of calling each other during these times will lovingly be carried forward by us all as we continue the importance of family she helped ingrain in all of us. Carol also enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows like “American Idol” and “America’s got Talent.” She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Edward Paul Erby Jr.; her parents, George and Betty Davis and Mildred Hawkins; as well as her siblings, Randy, Carl, Georgie and Amy Davis.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her surviving children, Christopher (Shelly) and Nikki Erby; grandson, Cody; brother, Scotty (Melissa) Davis; sister, Ginny Davis (Mike) Qualls; and sister-in-law, Kay Davis; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family.
A remembrance service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Beacon of Hope Church, 10194 N. Division St., Hampton, for family and friends to gather and celebrate the love and lives of both Carol and Paul Erby. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in their memory to Donate Now-Autism Society of NC for children and adults living with Autism. https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/donate-online/
Arrangements are the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200, www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Reuben Grider
Reuben Lloyd Grider, 92, of Starke passed away Thursday morning Feb. 19, 2026, at Riverwood Health and Rehab Center following a long illness. Lloyd was born Oct. 1, 1933, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Rufus Haskell Grider and Nancy Ann Elizabeth (Eldridge) Grider. The Grider family moved to Starke in 1938. Lloyd was raised as a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1952 and attended the University of Florida prior to joining the Navy. During high school, he discovered a talent for playing the drums, which he pursued for years to come. While in the Navy, he served as a percussion instructor for the US Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. Following his service in the late 50s, he lived with his brother, Buddy, in Fernandina Beach and performed in dance bands at various resorts and venues on the Golden Isles of Georgia. Quickly growing tired of commuting to play his gigs, he made the move to St. Simons, having fallen in love with the island. While performing at night, he entered the sign-making business during the day as owner/operator of Grider Signs, crafting signs for businesses, resorts and golf courses in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. He was a talented craftsman and specialized in routed/sand- blasted designs in cedar and redwood while also being very skilled at hand lettering. Some of his signs can still be seen around the island. There on the island he met the first love of his life, Catherine (Kitty) Hasell Bruce, and they were married March 4, 1974. They were inseparable and enjoyed many picnics, oyster roasts, boating and Cushman scooter adventures on the island, as well as traveling to Arizona with family and friends, until her passing in 2000. Having largely retired by then, he found the bachelor life wasn’t suiting him. He happened to reconnect with a childhood friend, Anna Zee Pickren, who was living in Worthington Springs. They were married on July 12, 2003. Lloyd and Anna spent time in Worthington Springs and St. Simons before primarily settling in Worthington. They enjoyed many years together, traveling Florida and nearby South Georgia, camping, attending various church gatherings and “syrup-soppings,” attending auctions and spending time with family (they called him “Poppa Lloyd”) until her passing in 2020. In June 2022, he and Lily moved to Green Acres in Starke to be closer to his older brother, Kenneth, and family. He and Lily were able to walk to his brother’s for Saturday/Sunday family lunches as well as holidays. He loved sitting on the porch with Lily, watching the birds (although Lily would say the squirrels were her favorite), reading the newspaper, visiting with neighbors who would walk up and going for golf cart rides. Lloyd had a bit of a sweet tooth and never turned down chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk or boiled peanuts! Lloyd will be remembered for his quick wit, gentle and kind spirit, devotion, love for his family and tender heartedness to animals (especially dogs). He truly was a wonderful example of “The Greatest Generation.” God is saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23 He was preceded in death by his first and second loving wives, Kitty and Anna Zee (respectively); his parents, Nancy Ann Elizabeth and Rufus Haskell Grider; siblings, Marjorie Jesse Douville, Rufus Merle (Buddy) Grider, Kenneth Carl (Jackie) Grider; and Kitty’s son, Douglas Bruce.
He is survived by his nieces, Nancy Grider of Starke/Gainesville and Catherine (Cathy) Grider of Monticello; faithful and loving “little dog” Lily; Kitty’s son, Jim (Barbara) Bruce of St. Simons Island; and Anna’s daughter, Paula (Chuck) Tetstone of Worthington Springs; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews through both families.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. at Christ Church Cemetery Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia, where he had been a member for over 50 years. Plans for a memorial service are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in his memory to, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 487, Starke, 32091; or Christ Church Frederica, 6329 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522; or The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care at www.thefoundationcares.org.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Deloris Griffis
Deloris Irene Finley Griffis, born on Sept. 5, 1949, in San Antonio, stepped into heaven on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. She left this world after beating cancer three times and a hard-fought battle with an extended illness. A true jack of all trades, she excelled in manual labor, embracing everything from roofing, working in a factory, and dairy and nursery work. She had a knack for turning her hands into little miracle workers, always ready to lend a helping hand or tackle a challenge with a grin. Those who knew Deloris can surely recall her joyful spirit, for she loved having fun just as much as she loved her work. Her life was filled with laughter, music, and the simple pleasures of fishing, gardening, cooking, and sharing tales with anyone lucky enough to sit down with her. Whether it was a freshly caught fish or a warm meal shared with family, there was always a celebratory note in her gatherings. In pursuit of knowledge, she earned her GED in 1994, a testament to her unwavering determination and belief in the power of education. She was a proud mama and grandma, with her greatest accomplishments measured not in accolades or awards, but in the love for her family and Jesus. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Geneva Dees Finley; as well as siblings Gerene William, Doris Elixson, William Finley, Carolyn Swindell, Albert Eugene Finley, Wanda Faye Finley, Willa Mae Finley, and Patricia Finley; along with her husband, Thurman Smith; and great-grandson, Trevor James Pendleton.
She leaves behind a beautiful legacy, including her cherished children, William Smith, Geneva Smith, James (Wendy) Smith, and Darlene Brewer. The joy she brought into this world is further carried on by her 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with another sweet little one on the way. Her sister, Charlotte Henderson (Scott Elixson); and brother, Anthony (Betty) Finley; along with numerous nieces and nephews, continue the family lineage she held dear.
A funeral service was held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler on Friday, Feb. 20. As we gather to pay our respects, let us celebrate the heart and soul of a woman who truly lived life to the fullest.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve Deloris’ family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Justine Joy
Justine Joy, 91, of Starke, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. She was born on Aug. 14, 1934, in Huntington, West Virginia. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her five sons, Roy, Gary, David, Steven, and Jack. She also embraced her six stepchildren, Linda, Donna, Kathy, Gail, Steven, and Lisa.
A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 27, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E Nona St., Starke 32091.
Mary McNeill
Mary Lee Starling McNeill, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Raiford on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, after an extended illness. Born June 6, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mary’s warm heart and sweet touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She dedicated 20 years of her life to the Department of Corrections as a correctional officer, serving with pride and commitment. Her professional impact was significant, but it was her role as a matriarch that defined her legacy. She cherished her big, beautiful family, which included her children, Emmanuel Donald “Don” Starling Jr., Richard (Shelly) Starling, Stephen (Ganeene) Starling, Phillip (Carla) Starling, and Tammy (Gene) Black. She was a proud grandmother of 21 grandchildren; a doting great-grandmother to 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandmother to one great-great-grandchild, with another expected to join the family soon.
An adventurous spirit, she loved to read, travel, and delve into puzzles, but her heart was truly captured by her Irish ancestry. She spent countless hours researching her genealogy and exploring her heritage, all while enjoying her passion for crafting, sewing, and making beautiful crafts that reflected her creativity and love for family. She had a special bond with her best friend Brenda Seeley, who was more like a sister to her. Together, they shared laughter, secrets, and cherished memories that enriched both their lives. In her final days, Mary remained thoughtful and loving, making sure to write down the names of her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren as a testament to her enduring love for them, closing with the heartfelt message, “I love you all.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Dall Gee and Mary Ann Murphy Peters; and her husband, Jackie McNeill.
Those wishing to pay their respects were welcome to attend the visitation on Monday, Feb. 23, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion, one that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold, and her love will remain a guiding light for those fortunate enough to have known her.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve Mary’s family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
April Prevatt
April Lillian Prevatt, 60, of Starke died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at HCA Starke Emergency Room. She was born in Germany on March 5, 1965, to Benny Prevatt and Judith Alen Prevatt. She was preceded in death by her father, Benny Prevatt; stepfather, Tommy Hardenbrook; brother, Ira Prevatt; and son, Thomas Prevatt.
Survivors are her mother, Judith Hardenbrook; daughter, Meredith Gardiner; brother, Tommy (Betty) Hardenbrook II; and grandbabies, Ryan and Madison Gardiner.
April’s family will celebrate her life privately.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke, 904-964-5757.
