Benjy Bass
Mr. Benjy Bass, 55, of Sampson City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at HCA Starke Medical Center. He was born Jan. 4, 1970, at the Naval Station Hospital in Jacksonville to Gene and Hazel “Coleman” Bass. He attended Bradford County High School, where he was involved and graduated with the class of 1988. His career began 33 years ago at Dupont as their maintenance- department mechanic, where he loved working and spreading God’s word with his friends. He was a very outgoing and energetic kind of guy who would ALWAYS have you laughing and smiling. He was an active member of Sampson City Church of God, loved traveling to various restaurants to see whose BBQ was the best, loved walking around cemeteries, and, mostly, taking his loving wife out for coffee and sitting by the river. Thirty years ago, with his talents of singing and playing the drums, a band called “The Backwood Boys” was born. This was a big part of Benjy’s life, it gave him the opportunity to do something he loved, but also the opportunity to witness to others. He was and is still definitely a man of God. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Wayne Hersey.
His survivors are his loving and devoted wife of nearly 32 years, Holly Hersey Bass; their two children, Ethan Bass and Ansley Bass; parents, Gene and Hazel Bass; brother, Shane Bass and his wife, Heather Hersey Bass; and a sister, Regina Bass Frampton and her husband Johnny. Also left behind is his mother in-law, Peggy Hersey; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family received friends, Saturday, Feb. 22, at Sampson City Church of God. Funeral services followed with Mr. Johnny Frampton officiating. The family has asked to please omit flowers and donate to the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research in honor of Benjy’s friend, Jennifer Fender.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Wanda Corbett
Emma “Wanda” Griffis Corbett, 74, of Starke died at her residence Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband; 11 brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors are her children; Wendy (P.J.) Knipp, Joyce (Dion) Coblentz and Randall (Amanda) Coblentz, brother, James (Deborah) Griffis; sisters, Rose Mary (Dewayne) Vanzant and Diane Moody; three grandchildren; and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. at Air Park Baptist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Donald Carmichael
Donald Carmichael died Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at his home in Lawtey. He was born May 13, 1947, in Bartow to Mac and Nat Carmichael. He was the second to the youngest of eight children. He lived in Florida, Wyoming, and Kentucky until the 80s, when he settled in Wisconsin. In 1990, he met his wife, Brenda Briese. They were married Nov. 10, 1990, and lived in Green Lake, Wisconsin for the next 30 years until they moved to Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Carmichael of Lawtey; children, Bobbi (Albert) Garcia of Green Lake, Wisconsin, Jamie Briese of Lawtey, Robin (Garth) Metcalfe of Apopka and Tracy (Al) McWilliams of Casselberry; and five grandchildren, Ethan (Renee) Briese of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Faith Hill of Madison, Wisconsin, Diego Garcia of Green Lake, Wisconsin, and Madison Metcalfe and Mathew Melcalfe, both of Apopka. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2025 in Green Lake, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lawtey at a later date.
PAID OBITUARY
Mary McNeill
Mrs. Mary Noegel McNeill, 81, of Kingsley Lake, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her residence.
Survivors are her husband, Willie “Sonny” McNeill Jr.; children, Bryan McNeill and Lori Elizabeth McNeill; sister-in-law, Barbara Noegel; and two grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday, March 1, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200.
Benjamin Norsworthy
Benjamin E. Norsworthy, a loving husband, father and friend, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the age of 44. Born Feb. 5, 1981, he was a skilled handyman who enjoyed working on projects around his home. He took great pride in providing for his family and creating a warm and welcoming space for them. His greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones. He cherished every moment with his wife, children, and extended family. His kindness, generosity and infectious smile touched the hearts of everyone he met. He was preceded in death by Donald Glenn; sisters; Lisa Brown and Janet Norsworthy; and brother, Everett Norsworthy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Tonya; children, Benjamin (Maisyn) Norsworthy, Kaytlyn (Omarion) Norsworthy, and Brad Norsworthy; stepchildren, Tayler (Brandon) Brown and Dylan Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4964 N.W. 182nd Way on Thursday, March 6, at 12 p.m. If you would like to attend, contact Tonya at 904-629-0350.
Rest in peace, Ben. Your love, smile and legacy will be deeply missed.
PAID OBITUARY
Grady Overstreet
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Grady Overstreet, who left us on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the age of 80. Born Oct. 20, 1944, he lived a life full of passion for simple pleasures and cherished moments with family and friends. A devoted husband to his beloved wife of 60 years, Dimple Overstreet; daughter, Catrell (Mike) Cooney; and grandchildren, Morgan, Zachary, and Harrison Cooney. Grady was a man of many interests. He took great joy in gardening, where he spent countless hours tending to his plants and enjoying the fruits of his labor. Fishing was another of his great loves, whether out on the water or sharing stories about his latest catch. And let’s not forget his insatiable sweet tooth, He could always be counted on to seek out the best ice cream around. Grady dedicated 44 years of his life to Winn Dixie, where he built lasting friendships and was known for his hard work and kindness. After retiring from there, he continued to share his incredible work ethic at Murray Ford for an additional five years. He left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and good times. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Annie Overstreet; brother, Marice Overstreet; and sister, Doris Clark.
A private Celebration of Life was held. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you enjoy a scoop of ice cream in his honor or donations may be made in his honor to Vitas Healthcare, 2614 N.W. 43rd St., Gainesville 32606.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
James Spires Sr.
James ‘Jimmy’ Spires, 90, passed Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 surrounded by family at his home in Fort Myers while in hospice care. He was born Sept. 7, 1934, in Lake Butler to George and Mabel Spires. After moving to Immokalee: he was employed by the US Department of Agriculture until he retired. He was also known for many other roles in Immokalee, farmer, rancher, salesman and landlord. He was heavily involved in the local community, from coaching and umpiring Little League to serving on numerous community boards. He married Annette Spires on June 8, 1973. They raised four children. He loved his family, traveling, eating out and his tractor. His family paid these tributes to him: “Dad was a caring, giving and considerate man, always with a sunny disposition. He loved his family and was always there to help a friend in need.” Also, “My Papa loved us with everything he had and was very much loved and cherished.” Also, “In Papa, I found a lifelong model for manhood.” Also, “Papa’s warmth and kindness will be deeply missed, and I’ll always be grateful for all the years I got to share with him.”
He is survived by his wife, Annette; and their four children, Jim (Jan), Shari (Lawrence dec.), Donna (Michael) and Sid (Leigh). Missing him very much are 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
PAID OBITUARY
Chelsea Tew
Chelsea Layne Tew, born March 14, 1994, in Columbus, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Swainsboro, Georgia after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a vibrant spirit, known for her vivacious and outgoing personality. She never met a stranger; her warmth and kindness enveloped everyone she encountered. A proud graduate of West Marion High School, she continued her education at Marion County Technical College, ultimately completing the cosmetology program at TENAJ Salon Institute. Her passion for beauty and creativity shone brightly through her work and hobbies. She had an intrinsic love for the outdoors and cherished moments spent buggy riding, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding. Additionally, she expressed her artistic flair through various arts and crafts, which not only brought her joy but also brought smiles to those lucky enough to receive her creations. Chelsea’s family was a central pillar in her life. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Leigha Grace Piechowiak; and Leigha’s father, Ryan Piechowiak; her mother, Sharon Denise Crawford Marrero, alongside her “Papi,” Roberto Marrero Sr., provided unwavering support throughout her life. She also leaves behind her biological father of Alabama, Jody Boyd Tew; a loving cousin, Jason Fillingim; her siblings, Valine Marie (Chad) Marrero, Melissa Ann (Brandon) Candow, and Roberto Marrero Jr.; along with a half-sister on her biological father’s side, Gabrielle “Gabby” Aldora Fillyaw; and her grandfather, Luther Boyd Tew. She held a special place in the hearts of her aunts and uncles, Billy Darrell (Alice) Crawford, Bryan (Mary) Turner, Diane Turner Crawford, Denise (Mac) McDonald, and Kelly (Joseph) Holmes. Special acknowledgment goes to her uncle and aunt, Raymond and Lucy Bembry, who stood steadfastly by her side throughout her battle. Their love and presence became an invaluable source of strength.
Chelsea was preceded in death by her grandfather, Amos Crawford and Alice; her grandmothers, Billie Catherine Johns Griffis and Dicie Pauline Tew; her uncle, Stacy Allan Crawford; and three triplet sisters, Alma Earle, Catherine Alice and DeAire Montez.
Visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. A graveside service followed at Mt. Zion/Swift Creek Cemetery in Lake Butler.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home of Lake Butler is honored to serve Chelsea’s family. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Rev. Brian York
Rev. Brian James York, 79, of Keystone Heights, passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at North Florida Hospital in Gainesville. He was born Oct. 31, 1945, in Salamanca, New York to the late Edward and Etta (Nichols) York. They moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up and graduated from Moody Bible Institute. Then, he became a business owner shortly after. In 1990, he and his family moved to Florida. He started the car donation program at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. He loved people. He was truly a man of God and enjoyed sharing the gospel every chance he got. He was an active and longtime member of Friendship Bible Church and loved cars of all types, and spending time with his family.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of nearly 51 years, Janet (Clericus) York; two children, David James (Megan) York of Palatka, and Jennifer (Michael) Duluck of Erie, Colorado; a brother, Dennis (Karen) York of Kentwood, Michigan; along with many nieces and nephews. He was the perfect “Grandpa” to Brittany (Jacob) Bourgeois, and their daughter, Blakely James, and one on the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Friendship Bible Church, with Pastor Carl Metzger officiating. Flowers or donations are welcome. Please make a memorial donation to Friendship Bible Church, 1155 Orchid Ave., Keystone Heights 32656.
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
