Roger Akers
Roger Dean Akers, 75, of Starke died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at his residence with his family by his side.
Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Penny Akers; daughters, Serena Riley, Tabbie Wynne and Diana Lynn Ostrander-Akers; sister, Janet Elwick; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Virginia Brice
Virginia W. Brice, 80, of Lawtey passed away peacefully at her home with loved ones by her side on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Virginia was born in Lawtey on May 2, 1944. She was one of six children born to the late Earl and Louis Bell Prevatt. She was raised and lived her whole life in Lawtey. She met the love of her life, Robert Brice, in the early 1960s and they were married by 1963. Later, they had two children, Pamela and Robbie Brice. She worked at Starke Uniform until its closing. She then retired to stay at home. Virginia had a great passion for taking care of people, her grandkids especially. She loved to spoil them with little gifts and dollar bills, and, most of all, food. In her last days, she got to enjoy seeing her grandchildren opening their Christmas gifts and family coming to see her. Her days were filled with happiness and joy. She was so thankful for them. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifton Prevatt, Cecile Prevatt, and Johnny Converse; her husband, Robert Brice; and daughter, Pamela Brice.
She is survived by her children, Robert Brice and Jason Brice, both of Lawtey, and Jodie (Lawrence) Andrews of Jacksonville; brother, Bobby Prevatt; sister, Genelle Wilburn; sisters-in-law, Susan Brice and Patricia Ford, both of Lawtey; grandchildren, Kristin (Justin) Sturgis, Brittany (Carrie) Freeman, Cameron (MaKayla) Farmer, Jeffery (Jessica) Morrow, Jessica (Steven) Paige, Joey (Brittany) Austin, Robbie Brice, Brittany Perkins and Heather Brice; great-grandchildren, Little Robbie, Angela, Hayden, Sky, Cole, Evan, Caleb, Nicholas, Aiden, Ashton, Kelliana, Hunter, Harmony, L.J., Jaxson, Ezekiel, Sommer, Makaila, Justine, Destiny, Camden, Taylor, McKenzie, Cason, Paisley, Cassie, and Madison; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb 15, at 10 a.m. at Grace Methodist Church, 1822 Madison St. in Lawtey.
PAID OBITUARY
Debra E. Flynn
Debra Elizabeth Flynn, affectionately known as Debbie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in her hometown of Lake Butler. Born on Nov. 18, 1958, she was a radiant spirit whose generosity and kindness touched the lives of many. Devoted to her family, she shared 25 years with her loving husband, Richard Flynn. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories. As a mother, she embraced her role wholeheartedly, nurturing her children, Dawn (Tony) Rizer, Kage (Lindsay) Crews, and Anthony (Kayla) Flynn, with the same warmth and affection she extended to all. Her legacy continues to live on through her wonderful grandchildren, Luke Rizer, Hanna Rizer, Hayden Crews, Mason Crews, Madison Crews, Kileigh Flynn, Skylar Flynn, Kingsley Flynn, and Aston Flynn, who brought her immense joy and pride. Her generous and loving personality was admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was outgoing, always ready to care for others and spread generosity wherever she went. The love for her children and grandchildren had no bounds. Debbie was always the “mama hen” ensuring her loved ones were taken care of. Her love for animals and her talent for gardening gave her great pleasure. She found joy in tending to her flowers and teaching her grandchild the art of crocheting, a testament to her nurturing character. Professionally she worked as a shipping manager for Lake Butler Apparel until its closure. She then dedicated her life to serving others as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for the Department of Corrections, where she continued to make a difference in various lives until her retirement in 2006. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Jackson.
Along with her husband, children, and grandchildren, she is survived by her beloved mother, Evelyn Jackson; along with her siblings, Donnie (Donna) Jackson and Lynn (Dean) Weaver.
A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Swift Creek/Mt. Zion Cemetery.
It is the pleasure of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to once again serve Debbie’s family.
PAID OBITUARY
Ruth E. Gibson
Ruth E. Gibson, 66, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Gibson; parents, Russel and Hazel Eberle; and brothers, Donald and Mevin “Robbie” Eberle.
Survivors are children, Terri Doughman and Shawn Gibson; grandchildren, Chevy and Haleigh Doughman; and two nephews.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
Janet Meadows
Janet Lee “Jan” Gonce Meadows, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Keystone Heights after a brief illness. She was born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia to James and Betty Gonce on Dec. 30, 1950. The family relocated to Florida in 1959. She graduated from Orange Park High School in 1969. She worked in many roles over the years, but spent most of her career as a school nurse working for the state of Florida before she retired in 2012. She enjoyed reading, watching old movies and helping raise her grandchildren. During her life, she was a loved daughter, sister, auntie, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Known for loving with her whole heart and fiercely protecting those she cared for, she left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, James (Gator); and her mother, Betty.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Robert Meadows; stepdaughter, Amanda Meadows Alredge; son, Jason Robert Meadows; and her grandchildren, Hunter, Sawyer, and Aubree. She is also survived by sisters, Gail Brown, Joyce Bahr, Melody Cox, and Carol Ertel; and her brother, Jimmy Gonce. She is already missed by her many cousins as well as nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held by her family on Sunday, Jan. 26 in Melrose. The celebration was hosted by her loving family and included pictures, stories, food, friends, and a few tears. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Keystone Heights. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Fletcher Myers
Fletcher Myers, 87, of Lake Butler passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. He was born April 18, 1937, in Sanderson to the late Willie and Bernice Myers. Fletcher was the first African American commissioner of the City of Lake Butler and the first African American mayor for the City of Lake Butler. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Curtis Myers, Lucille Gaskins, Willie C. Myers, and Betty Paige; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Herbert Jefferson, Earline and Willie Hogan, Deloris Cason, and James George.
His memories will be cherished by his loving wife, Louvonia Myers; daughters, Lecrita (Johnny) King, Debbie Fuller, Jackie (James) Ruise, and Tammy Myers; his loving grandchildren, Emery (Danielle) Fuller Jr., Stirley (Carmen) Jones, Audrey Nelson, Marvin King, Brittany (James) Beattie, Vanessa Myers, and Braioun Ruise; great-grandchildren, Kaelyn, Alexis, Carter, Jaiden, Amara, Darnell, Kristiana, and Austin; siblings, Willie (Sydney) Pearl, Maetta (Malichi) Smith, Michael Myers, Barbara (Harold) Jefferson, and Evelyn Denson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Essie (Virl) Dye, David (Marcel) George, Dorothy Jefferson, and Irvin (Cinthia) George;along with hosts of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Victory Christian Center, 705 SW Sixth St., Lake Butler. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 8.
Arrangements entrusted to Combs Funeral Home, 292 NE Washington St., Lake City. 386-752-4366.
PAID OBITUARY
Joseph Scanlon Jr.
Joseph A. Scanlan Jr., born on June 17, 1954, in Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in San Jose, California. He was 70 years old. Joseph spent his formative years in Starke, where he began a journey marked by dedication and accomplishment. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law and built a distinguished career as a partner at Miller Morton Caillat & Nevis LLP law firm before retiring. Beyond his professional achievements and family devotion, he found joy in collecting coins and antiques. This passion reflected his deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship.
A devoted family man, he is lovingly remembered by his wife, Emily Scanlan; daughter, Lauren A. Scanlan; and son, Joseph A. Scanlan III. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Jones and Kathleen Severo. He now joins his late parents, Georgia K. Scanlan and Lieutenant Colonel Joseph A. Scanlan Sr., in eternal rest.
Honoring his wishes, his family will return him to Florida for his final rest. A small graveside service will be held at Crosby Lake Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 6. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. May Joseph’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a testament to a life well-lived.
Local arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Marvin Slocum
Marvin C. Slocum, 52, passed away on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Born in Gainesville, he was the son of M. J. Slocum and Erma Dean Tisdale. He was a graduate of Bradford High School and a member of Free Canaan Church of God and Praise.
Viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 7, from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Haile Funeral Home, Starke. The funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Starke, with Rev. Alvin Green officiating. Interment will be at Peetsville Cemetery in Lawtey.
Arrangements are by Haile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 N. Oak St., Starke 32091. 904-964-7905.
Lillian Stallings
Mrs. Lillian M. Stallings, 62, of Keystone Heights died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. The family requests that you wear her favorite color, purple, and dress casually. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lake Area Ministries, 131 NE Commercial Circle, Keystone Heights, 32656 in her memory.
Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home Inc., 311 S. Main St., Gainesville 32601. 352-376-5361. www.milamfh.com
Charles Truett
Charles Felton Truett, 81, of Brooker passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, after battling an extended illness. He was born June 8, 1943, in Tallapoosa, Georgia to Howard Felton Truett Sr. and Lizzie Jeanette Davis Truett.
He joined the US Navy and also proudly served as a Merchant Marine for many years. He retired as a master diesel machinist. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and tinkering with his tools. His favorite pasttimes were cutting jokes, telling old stories, laughing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Truett; mother, Lizzie Davis Truett Prescott Sprik; daughter, Angela Ann Bishop; sisters, Francis Estelle Truett Norris, Effie Mae Truett Drennon, Maude Truett Rogers, Pauline Truett Sullivan, and Mary Joe Truett; brothers, William Robert Truett, Howard Felton Truett Jr., Arther Lee Truett, John Hendry Truett, Claude Arnold Truett, Edgar Truett, Howard Walton Truett, Vernon Prescott and Doyle Eugene Truett.
He is survived by his daughters, Debra Cox of Raiford, Terri Truett of Lake Butler, Kayla Truett of Gainesville, and Shannon Truett of Starke; sons, Kevin Truett of Brooker, Chris Truett of Lake Butler; brother, Louis Prescott of Land O’Lakes; sisters, Francis Prescott of Duette, Betty Hunter of Spring Hill, Inez Prescott of Wesley Chapel, Nellie Delong of Land O’Lakes, and Catherine Manning of Fairbanks; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a ton of nieces and nephews.
Services to honor him will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, with a visitation on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Dedan Cemetery in Brooker.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008
PAID OBITUARY
