Lester Crawford
Lester Crawford passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 2, 1937, in Plant City and lived a life marked by steady work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. Lester began his working life at the age of 17, working in the floor-covering business, eventually owning his own company. In 1973, after selling his business, he moved his family to Union County, where he tried his hand at farming. He grew corn, soybeans, wheat and watermelons. He later purchased and ran a sawmill and took up truck driving. He retired from trucking at the age of 70. Lester worked in many jobs and made countless friends along the way. He enjoyed his work. He was quiet and reserved, with a dry sense of humor that those who knew him appreciated well. He enjoyed working, and when time allowed, he liked fishing and a little hunting. He also loved his church and found special meaning in teaching Sunday school, sharing his faith through service and example. Above all, Lester was a family man. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harmon and Artie Crawford; his son, Darryl Crawford; and his great-grandson, Hartley Kirkman.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Ileen Crawford. He is also survived by his children, LaWayne (Kay) Crawford, Donna (Mike) Metzler, David (Nina) Crawford Dana Crawford and daughter-in-law, Darlene Crawford. His family circle also includes grandchildren, Carla (Danny) Arreola, LeLand Crawford, Zeb (Georgia) Howard, Kasey (Phillip) Heilman, Shane (Amanda) Metzler, James (Brianna) Carter, Victoria (Eric) Kirkman, Cody (Ashleigh) King, Kyle (Danyelle) King, Cindy (Shawn) Andrews, Carolina Crawford, and Abigail Crawford; along with 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Providence Village Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with, Pastor Dax Summerhill officiating. Lester will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Douglass Cemetery.
Lester Crawford will be remembered with love and gratitude for his strong work ethic, his faithful heart, his steady presence, and the enduring example he set for his family.
PAID OBITUARY
Marja Haynes
Mrs. Marja Haynes, born on Dec. 1, 1949, of Keystone Heights passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656, 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Alice Kenney
Alice Virginia Kenney, 92, of Starke went to her Heavenly Home and was reunited with many loved ones on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. She was born in Raiford on March 17, 1934, to the late Rodman Reddish and Thelma Alvarez Reddish. She was proudly raised on her family’s farm in Raiford and remained a lifelong resident of the area. One of her greatest blessings was the beautiful life she shared with her devoted husband, John William Kenney Sr. Their love story began shortly after her high school graduation, while John was stationed in Green Cove Springs during his military service. The following year, on April 3, 1955, they were joyfully united in marriage, beginning a loving journey that spanned 61 wonderful years. Together, through every season of life, they built a home grounded in faith, devotion, and a strong family foundation for their two children, two grandsons, and six great- grandchildren. Alice was deeply devoted to her family and took great pride in her role as a homemaker. She also assisted with her family’s dairy business, operating a milk route for her father’s dairy farm, Reddish Dairy. A faithful member of Pine Level Baptist Church, she willingly served in whatever capacity was needed, including serving as church secretary for many years. She cherished the simple pleasures in life, getting lost in a good book, tending to her vibrant flower garden, and traveling and camping across the country with those she loved. Above all else, nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether gathering for special occasions, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company, her family was her greatest joy. She was a true treasure who touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rodman Reddish and Thelma Alvarez Reddish; and her beloved husband of 61 years, John William Kenney Sr.
Alice leaves behind her loving children, John W. (Priscilla) Kenney Jr. of Lake City, and Virginia A. (Dan) Boone of Keystone Heights; her sisters, Abigail Gonzalez of Keystone Heights, and JoeAnn Johnson of Starke; her cherished grandsons, Justin D. (Heather) Kenney and Travis H. (Nikki) Kenney; and her six precious great-grandchildren, Mia, Evie, Leila, Delanci, Ainzli, and Tripp; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her dearly.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Oct. 24, at Pine Level Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Ogle officiating. Interment followed at Conner Cemetery. Her family received friends for visitation on Saturday, Oct. 24, prior to the Celebration of Life. at her church.
Her arrangements were under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services & Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, 14397 U.S. Highway 301 S., Starke 32091. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guestbook.
PAID OBITUARY
Ovila McCollum Jr.
Mr. Ovila Claude McCollum Jr. of Keystone Heights, born on Aug. 31, 1933, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656, 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Gene Norman
Mr. Othma Eugene (Gene) Norman, 88, of Lawtey passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Haven Hospice of Orange Park with his family by his side. He was born on June 29, 1938, in Lawtey to Othma (O.J.) and Evelyn (Johns) Norman and he was a lifelong resident. Gene was a farmer for many years before working and retiring from the Bradford County School System. He was a talented man making many beautiful pieces of furniture over the years and he could take any old, rusted car or truck and turn it into a showpiece. He was always busy and productive almost to the very end of his life. Gene could do anything, but his first priority was always his wife and family. And he always made sure they knew it. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Gary Norman; and his sister, Betty Hazen.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Jean Norman; his sons, Sam (Joni) Norman of Starke and Rob Norman of Lawtey; his granddaughters, Lindsay (Cole) Hession of Lawtey and Kacey (Eddie) McCormick of Starke; three great-grandsons, Weston Hession, Camden Hession, and Maverick McCormick; his brother, Ronnie (Corkie) Norman of Lawtey; three nieces; one nephew; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Per Gene’s request, there will be no services, but his love and memory will live on in his wife, family, and friends.
Arrangements are with Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Margaret Roberson
Margaret Merle “Peggy” Sanders Roberson passed away peacefully with family by her side at the E.T. York Hospice Care center in Gainesville on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, after an extended battle with dementia. Born on March 13, 1950, in Pavo, Georgia to Clyde Edwin Sanders and Edna Elizabeth Davis Sanders, Peggy spent most of her childhood in Starke surrounded by a large extended family and many friends. In June 1977, she married William Dewitt (Billy) Roberson Jr. In addition to her own daughter, Melissa, Peggy wholeheartedly became mother to Billy’s children, Dewitt and Mechelle. Two years later in 1979, Peggy and Billy welcomed their son Todd, who completed their blended family. The two were married until Billy’s death in 2021. In addition to her parents and husband; she was preceded in death by her younger brother, Edwin Lee Sanders.
Peggy is survived by her sister, Linda Sanders Lee of Melrose; her children, Melissa Ann (Daniel) Bronson of Melrose and Todd Alan (Amanda) Roberson of Gainesville; and her stepson, William DeWitt (Katrina) Roberson III of San Mateo. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Elizabeth Mechele Bronson, Daniel Thomas (Ashley) Bronson Jr., Alan Thomas Roberson, Sarabeth Roberson Kirkland, and William DeWitt (Kaylee) Roberson IV; as well as great-granddaughter, Emily Nicole Bronson; and an abundance of step-grandchildren and step- great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Sandra Donaldson Sanders of Starke; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and her beloved dog, Libby.
The family would like to thank the health care professionals at Haven Hospice for the loving care shown to Peggy during her lengthy illness.
A graveside service will be held Monday, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Eliam Cemetery in Melrose.
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
Joann Schlosser
Joann Edith Schlosser, 88, of Starke, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. She was raised in Henry, Illinois. Joann later married her husband, Calvin Eugene Schlosser.
Survivors are her children, Peter M. (Sheila) Schlosser and Angela M. (Kyle) Schumacher (Schlosser); and extended family
Visitation was on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel in Starke.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral, 14397 U.S. Hwy 301 S., Starke 32091.
