Obituaries — June 23, 2026

Dean Alliton

Dean “DeanO” Lewis Alliton, 84 of Keystone Heights died at his home Thursday, June 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gerald Alliton.

Survivors are his wife, Judy Hazard; sons, Jacob (Mikki) Alliton and Vaughn Alliton; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

Kimberly Edmond

Kimberly Edmond

Kimberly “Kim” Elaine Nettles Edmond, 51, of Starke died Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Peggy Nettles. 

 Survivors are her husband, Horace Leonard Edmond; children, Kamryn Aldridge and Chyna Edmond; best friend, Amy O’Neal; and extended family and friends.

  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Starke. Her family will receive friends on Saturday an hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow at Edmond’s residence, 9416 SR 100 W., Starke, 32091.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, Starke 32091, 904-964-5757.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Hodge

Marie Hodge

Marie Thornton Hodge, born Oct. 10, 1939, in Lake Butler, was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior Friday, June 19, 2026, at her home in Starke. Marie’s journey was one marked by unwavering devotion, selfless service, and abundant love. She was a shining example of God’s grace manifested in a loving, hospitable, and God-fearing spirit. For 35 years, she faithfully served as a secretary and bookkeeper for the Bradford County School District. Yet, her true ministry extended beyond the walls of her workplace. She poured her heart into baking and decorating birthday and wedding cakes, a craft she perfected with joy and creativity. More importantly, she embraced her role as a Sunday school teacher at Pine Level Baptist Church, richly blessing the lives of many children with her patient instruction and nurturing care over many years. Her home was a sanctuary of unconditional love, reflecting her open heart and open-door policy. Many were graced by her generosity and kindness, experiencing firsthand the warmth and love that flowed abundantly from her spirit. Marie was preceded in death by her dearly loved parents, Carlos and Vaner Griffis Rosier; her devoted husbands, Jimmy Thornton and Jimmy Hodge; her beloved sons, Marlon and Shane Thornton; and her siblings, Shelbert Rosier, Mary Lou Hillard, Marzelle Wolfe, and Florene Shadd.

She leaves behind her daughters, Cindy (Dan) Dowdy and Donna (Bob) Milner. Her heart’s joy also extended to her grandchildren, Micah (Nicola) Thornton, Matthew (Cher) Thornton, Macy (Adam) McKeon, Daniel Dowdy, Josh (Michelle) Dowdy, Heather (Chris) Trowell, Waylon Thornton, Wendy (Eric) Hall, and Amber (Chad) Appling. The family is further blessed with numerous great-grandchildren who she loved so dearly. Also surviving her are her siblings, Geraldine Anderson and Leo Rosier; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held Tuesday, June 23, with the funeral service immediately following. Both took place at Pine Level Baptist Church in Starke. Marie was laid to rest immediately following the service at Long Branch Cemetery. As we reflect on Marie’s life, let her legacy remind us to put God first, serve others selflessly, teach with patience, and love with an open door and an open heart.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to once again serve Marie’s family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Christopher Norman

Christopher Norman

Christopher Norman, a lifelong Bradford County resident and a man known for his kind heart and steady presence, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at HCA North Florida Hospital following an extended illness. He was 49 years old. Born May 20, 1977, in Gainesville, Christopher spent his life surrounded by the people and places he loved most. A graduate of Bradford County High School, he was proud of his hometown roots and dedicated much of his working life to serving his community through his employment with Waste Management of Bradford County. He believed in an honest day’s work and was respected by all who knew him for his dependability, strong work ethic, and willingness to lend a helping hand. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Whether it was offering help to a neighbor, sharing a laugh with a friend, or simply being there when someone needed him, he carried himself with a quiet kindness that left a lasting impression. He was an all-around good man with a generous spirit and a heart big enough for anyone who crossed his path. More than anything, he loved his family. His children, Reba Norman and Christopher Norman, were the pride and joy of his life. He was a devoted father who worked hard to provide for them, guide them, and love them unconditionally. Becoming “Papa” to his grandson, Barry Allen Norman, brought him a special kind of happiness, and he treasured every moment spent with him. He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Green Norman; and his grandfather, Eugene Norman.

Along with his children, Christopher leaves behind his father and stepmother, Randall and Nancy Norman; his sister, Rita Norman; nieces, Holly McKenzie and Kelly Bay;  stepbrother, Billy Layne; grandmother, Betty Norman, and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

A visitation was held Friday, June 19, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler, Florida. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 20, 2026, also at the funeral home. Family and friends were invited to come together to celebrate Christopher’s life, share memories, and honor the legacy of a man who meant so much to so many.

Though his time here was far too short, Christopher’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His life was a reminder that true character is found not in grand gestures but in everyday acts of kindness, loyalty, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve the Norman family during this difficult time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

PAID OBITUARY