Lena Adler
Mrs. Lena Ward Adler, 96, of Keystone Heights went to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at HCA in Gainesville. She was born Oct. 27, 1929, in Slocomb, Alabama, to Crevie and Daisy (Quattlebaum) Ward. Prior to retirement, she worked as a service representative in the car insurance industry. She was a longtime and faithful member of Fresh Start Fellowship and enjoyed reading, playing board and card games, watching Perry Mason, and especially spending time with family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mae Bishop, Mary Glass, Fred C. Ward, Ted Ward. Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 70 years, Kenneth J. Adler, and their two children, Robin Adler Garvey and James Daniel Adler. She was lovingly called “Nana” by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also left behind is a host of extended family members and friends who will miss her loving smile.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Fresh Start Fellowship Church. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Steve Conner officiating. Interment will be at Arlington Park in Jacksonville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Robert Jeffress Jr. at www.firstdallas.tpsdb.com/Give/firstdallas or to David Jeremiah, Turning Point Ministries, www.davidjeremiah.org/donate/pure-gift?origin=site-desk-topnav
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
Nevaeh Blye
Nevaeh Lael Blye entered this world Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 12:44 p.m. and peacefully gained her wings later that same day at 6:45 p.m., surrounded by the love of her family. Though her time on earth was brief, Nevaeh was deeply cherished and will forever remain in the hearts of those who love her. She is the beloved daughter of Darrin and Courtney Blye and a precious sister to Mckenzi Blye and Josiah Blye.
Nevaeh is lovingly remembered by her maternal grandparents, Paul and Tabatha Higginbotham; and her paternal grandparents, Andra Blye and Eugene (Nichi) Blye III. She is also cherished by her maternal great-grandmother, Juanita Willingham; and her paternal great-grandparents, Eugene Blye Jr., Earnestine Williams, Legertha Hampton, and Jerome Turner.
She leaves behind a loving circle of family including her aunts, Eunece Blye and Alexis Blye; her uncles, Eugene Blye IV, Elijah (Aarika) Higginbotham, Joshua Higginbotham, and John Tyson Jr.; her devoted godfather, Shawn Lehigh; and her dear cousins, Drea, Tg, Tugg, Tristan, Baby John, Judah, Tamir, Kendall, and Taylor.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Wesley Willingham, Toria Higginbotham, and Elijah Higginbotham, who now welcome her with open arms.
A service to honor Nevaeh’s life was held Saturday, April 4, at Raiford Calvary Temple, Raiford. Nevaeh was laid to rest immediately following the service at Peetsville Memorial Cemetery in Lawtey. Though Nevaeh’s life was measured in hours, the love she gave and received will last a lifetime. She will always be remembered as a beautiful blessing, forever loved and never forgotten.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Neveah’s family during this great time of loss. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Leon Dicandio Jr.
Leonardo “Leon” “Junior” Veto Dicandio Jr., 85, of Starke passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Custead Care Center in Orange Park. Leon was born in Starke, Sept. 2, 1940, to the late Leonardo Veto Dicandio Sr. and Margaret Mary Higginbotham Dicandio. As a lifelong resident, he held a deep love for his community and took great pride in the place he called home. On Oct. 27, 1960, he married the love of his life, Thelma June Boatwright. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and built a legacy that includes three beloved children, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Family was at the heart of everything he did. He took immense pride in his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and provider. Nothing brought him greater joy than gathering with loved ones and creating lasting memories together. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic that carried him through a lifetime of dedication and entrepreneurship. He began his career in the concrete industry, later serving as a manager at Krystal and working with Southern Bakery. Driven by ambition and a strong desire to serve his community, he went on to own and operate Leon’s Snack Bar and Sinclair Gas Station for several years. He was affectionately known as the “Bread Man,” delivering bread for Flowers Baking Company, a role through which he became a familiar and friendly face throughout the area. He later concluded his working years as the owner and operator of Starke Video in Middleburg. In his free time, he found peace and happiness outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, farming, riding his golf cart, and working with his hands, always staying busy and productive. Above all, he treasured family reunions and any opportunity to be surrounded by those he loved. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma June Dicandio; parents; and siblings, Lawrence Rogers, Addie Reynolds, Mary Geiger, Josephine Corillo, James Nelson, Bertia Faircloth, Michelo Dicandio, Thelma Denmark, Selma Jones, Angelina Eddings, and Millie Rose Dicandio.
He is survived by his children, Denise (John) Lewis of Keystone Heights, Leonardo Veto “Buddy” (Alison) Dicandio III of Fleming Island, and April (Jason) Pilcher of Starke; brother, Joseph (Lynda) Dicandio of Tennessee; sister, Virginia Jones of Tampa; grandchildren, Brandi (Chris) Crawford, John (Haley) Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Jason (Keri) Lewis, Katie Lewis, Leonardo Veto “Leo” Dicandio IV, Hiram Dicandio, Mathew (Nathan Adams) Larson, Kenneth (Cynthia) Larson, Ashlyn (Blake) Hall, Amberlyn Pilcher, and Aniston Pilcher; 20 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; one great-great- granddaughter; along with several extended family members and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Raiford. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m., 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 32091, 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Cindy Futch
Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Elizabeth Strickland Futch, 73, of Starke died Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at HCA North Florida Hospital in Gainesville.
Survivors are her husband, P. Steven “Steve” Futch of Starke: daughters, Elizabeth Rowell (Mark) Lee and Stephanie Futch Todd; granddaughter, Sydney Elizabeth Todd; and siblings, Elaine (Donnie) Thornton, Gloria (John) Valinski, Stuart (Carol) Strickland and Steve Strickland; and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at David Hurse Football Stadium, 515 W. Adkins St., Starke at Bradford High School. Please wear Bradford Tornado colors. Pastor Josh Reinken will officiate the service.
Arrangements are with Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Lucy Holman
Mrs. Lucy Ann Holman, 85, of Keystone Heights died Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was a homemaker and a member of Cookeville Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Homer” Holman; and brother, Roy Everett Holland Jr.
Survivors are four children, Melissa Dempsey, Lucinda Murphy, Carolyn (Troy) Alderman, and Jay (Ashley) Dempsey Jr.; brother, Joseph (Martha) Holland; and extended family.
A graveside service was held Monday, April 6, with Rev. Bobby Epps officiating. Interment was at Fellowship Cemetery, Ft. Lonesome.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656
Patsy Johnson
Patsy Lee Johnson, a cherished and devoted member of her family and community, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. Born on May 14, 1945, in Kentucky, Patsy lived a life marked by warmth, dedication, and a spirited sense of humor that left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Throughout her career, she worked effortlessly as a caring, certified nursing assistant, a role that reflected her nurturing nature and commitment to the well-being of others. Her professional life was an extension of her personality, loving, attentive, and filled with a lively, playful sass that endeared her to colleagues and patients alike. She was a woman of many interests who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for shopping, loved to read, and treasured spending time with her family. Among her greatest delights were moments shared with her great-grandchildren, playing cards, and tending lovingly to her flowers, activities that brought her immense happiness and fulfillment. Her proudest accomplishments were being a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by a large and loving family, including her sons, Bruce (Betty) Johnson, William “Jr.” (Vicki) Johnson, and Anthony “Twan” (Audrey) Johnson; daughters Melinda “Joy” Johnson, Janet (Paul) Webb, and Vickie Johnson; brother, Ricky Good; grandchildren Andy, Josh, Jessica, Brandi, Tyler, Casey, Cody, Ethan, Clay, Casper, and Atlas; and 25 great-grandchildren. Their lives were enriched profoundly by her love and presence.
Patsy was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, William “Luther” Johnson Sr.; and her siblings, Danny Good, Margie Lawless, and Charlotte Bureau. Their memories are cherished and carry forward her legacy of love.
A visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, from 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. with Pastor Paul Osteen officiating. Both at Sardis Baptist Church, 3915 Main St., Worthington Springs, 32697. These services offer a time for family, friends, and community members to gather in remembrance of Patsy’s life and the impact she made on all who knew her. Her life was a testament to love, care, and spirited joy. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with respect and affection by all who were fortunate to share in her journey.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to take care of the Johnson family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Carolyn Shadd
Carolyn S. Shadd, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Lake City after an extended illness. Born Dec. 31, 1944, in Medina, Ohio, Carolyn was a spirited and straightforward woman known for her independent nature and outspoken personality. Her professional journey began in food service and she later became a deli manager at Spires IGA. Her commitment to public service then led her to spend a decade with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, followed by another 10 years serving the Department of Corrections. Each position showcased her tenacity and unwavering dedication to her community. Beyond her work, her true pride came from her family. She was the beloved wife of 34 years to Leslie Shadd. Carolyn was mother to her sons Rick McKinley, Jerry Feltner, Larry (Ruth) Feltner, and George Hostetler. Her extended family included stepchildren, Bonnie Smith, Lori (Harold) Archer, Jeff (Marsha) Shadd, and Becky (Eddie) Lee; along with her siblings, Ed (Bernice) Smith and Libby Bard. Her heart overflowed with pride for her grandchildren, Treveor (Hayley) McKinley, Billy Hostetler, James (Jessica) Feltner, Skyler (Ronnie) Norse, Ashley (Rodney) Cayton, and Jacob Swaggerty, who brought immeasurable joy to her days. And if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy and smiling, there were her great-grandchildren: Brodie, Madelyn, Camber, Emerson, Tailynn, Easton, Gunner, Sadie, Jase, Kolt, Emorie, Whitley, Kingsley, Bryar, and Ilya, each of whom shared a special place in her heart. Carolyn was also known to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, shopping excursions that allowed her to find a good bargain, baking cookies at Christmas, and savoring her daily rituals of coffee and cigarettes. These small joys were a hallmark of her personality, reflecting a woman who relished her independence and spoke her mind without hesitation. Though she faced life’s challenges head-on, those who knew her remember her for her straightforwardness and clear sense of what she wanted, qualities that made her a memorable character in any room. Her passing follows the loss of her parents, Paul and Margaret Smith; and brothers Charles and George Smith.
A funeral service to honor her life was held Saturday, April 4, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She was laid to rest immediately following the service at Dekle Cemetery.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shadd family during this time. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
Gertrude Wetherington
Gertrude Anne Wetherington of Keystone Heights passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She was born Sept. 27, 1936, in Clara City, Minnesota to the late Harm and Catherine (Schipper) Peters. She retired from the United States Postal Service after 20 years as a clerk. She was a life member of Amvets Auxiliary. Gert loved spending her time playing golf. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph J. Tomas; second husband, Bobby Wetherington; four brothers, Herman Peters, Edwin Peters, Albert Peters and Claus Peters; and two sisters, Gesina Ufkes and Martha Tomes.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews; as well as her friend and caretaker, Dana Sampsell.
Gertrude was laid to rest at Keystone Heights Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were taken care of by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
