Gilles Clavet
In Loving Memory of Gilles Clavet, Sept. 24, 1941 – April 23, 2025, Gilles Clavet, 83, of Keystone Heights passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Angella (Lagasse) Clavet, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage. Born on Sept. 24, 1941, in St. Basile, New Brunswick, Canada, he was the beloved son of the late Emile and Ida (Cyr) Clavet. He was preceded in death by brothers, Adrian, Thaddee, and Conrad Clavet; and sisters, Leann, Jeannine, Madeleine, and Claudette. He is also rejoined with his favorite Pomeranian, Coco.
He is survived by his sister, Yolande Plourde; and brother Roland (Germaine Clavet). He leaves behind a family that brought him endless joy: his daughter, Kathy (Jack) Mitsou; and son, Gilles (Karen) Clavet Jr. He was the cherished grandfather of Christina (Joseph) Sipala, Tharanee Mitsou, Jessica Beach, Brittany DelSanto and Tyler DelSanto; and nine great- grandchildren he was proud of. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews; as well as his dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, who were like siblings to him, and shared many wonderful memories over the years. A loving husband and a fun, joking grandfather, he brought laughter and warmth into every room. He had a deep love for nature, especially deer and birds which were his favorite animals, and found joy in playing the guitar and listening to bluegrass music. He shared countless bingo nights with the love of his life, Angie, and enjoyed scratch-off tickets and cheering on his favorite wrestling matches. A true sports enthusiast, baseball and hockey held special places in his heart. He was especially proud that his great-grandson, Santo, was playing a sport he loved. He had hoped to one day see him play hockey in person. Gilles left his homeland of Canada at the age of 19 to make a life and living in Connecticut. He lived in Meriden, Connecticut for eight years, East Hartford, Connecticut for 34 years, and then spent the last 19 years enjoying the peaceful life in Keystone Heights. He was a devout Catholic, serving as parishioner and usher at St. Rose Church in East Hartford for 25 years. After moving to Florida, he continued his faithful service as a devoted parishioner at St. William Parish in Keystone Heights. He was also a long-term member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus for over 30 years in the Connecticut and Florida chapters. For 33 years, he worked as a proud and hardworking truck driver. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, and his generous spirit earned him many friends over the years. His faith, loyalty, and love for his family defined who he was. In his final days, he was in the wonderful care of his hospice nurses, whose compassion and support brought comfort and peace to him and his family.
Gilles will be remembered for his unwavering love, playful spirit, and big heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 12, at St. William Catholic Church with Father Jason Xaviour presiding.
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
John Gillenwaters
John Wesley Gillenwaters, 30, of Jacksonville went to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with his loving family by his side after a tough battle with brain cancer. He was born in Gainesville on March 3, 1995, to Todd Gillenwaters and Melissa Rae Reddish. He attended and graduated from Bradford High School in 2013. After graduation, he moved to Jacksonville, where he worked for Merrill Lynch Management and Financial Services for several years before starting his career in fitness. He always had a passion for fitness and decided to go after his dream of being a personal trainer. He found his love and community at Titan Up Fitness in Nocatee, where he worked for four years. John Wesley was a true treasure, lived life to the fullest, was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank and Gloria Gillenwaters; and maternal grandparents, Steve and Cathy Backus.
John Wesley is survived by his parents, Todd (Missy) Gillenwaters of Interlachen and Melissa (Barry) Reddish, of Starke; siblings, Lane (Heather) Gillenwaters of Starke, Grant Gillenwaters of Starke, Ryan Patrick of Starke, Jackson (Samantha) Reddish of Starke, Avery Reddish of Starke, Colby Reddish of Starke, Kaylen Chitty (Ryan German) of Dunedin, and Kenly Chitty of Interlachen; nephew, Hudson Gillenwaters; his favorite aunt, Elizabeth Nazworth; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Starke with Brother Harry Hatcher, Brother Lane Gillenwaters, Mrs. Elizabeth Nazworth, Mr. Dustin Swain and Mrs. Meredith Franco speaking. The family will receive friends 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. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Lester L. Griffis
Lester Louis Griffis, 78, of Macclenny passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Lake City following a brief illness. He was born Aug. 5, 1947, in Starke to the late Percy and Rosa Griffis. He graduated from Union County High School and honorably served in the United States Navy. He then worked at the Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny until his retirement. He loved animals, especially his little dog “Rusty.” Lester is survived by his sister, Mary Juanita Anderson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
His wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home of Lake Butler has been entrusted with his final arrangements. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Trenton Jones
Trent was born on Dec. 25, 1979. He passed away suddenly on Monday, April 28, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie; and his daughters, Shelby and Amber. He is also survived by his mother, Catherine McGrath Souliere; his father, Wayne Jones, and his wife, Teresa; his sister, Carri Jones, and her children, Kyle, Cheyenne, and Joshua; his brother, Gary Jones, his wife, Morgan, and their daughter, Millie; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Barn at Double Run, 9400 SE Ninth Ave., Starke, 32091, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18. All family and friends are welcome to attend this celebration.
PAID OBITUARY
Carolyn Mann
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Carolyn Mann, 83, of Starke passed away at North Florida Regional Hospital. She was born on March 17, 1942, in Bradford County to Warren W. and Regena Pearce Kelly. In her young, adult life, she was talented in cutting and styling hair. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband and son. She lived in many places in her lifetime, but in her later years, she returned to Bradford County. She was a hard worker, whether working on her homes or in her yards. As a CNA since 1978, she provided personal care for people at a facility or in their homes. She loved caring for elderly people. She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Alvin Mann; daughter-in-law, Kathy Mann; brother, Doyle Kelly; brother and sister-in-law, J.B. and Gola Mae Kelly; sister and brother-in-law, Vonciel and Benton Futch; and brother-in-law, Billy Pruitt.
She is survived by her son, Kenneth Mann; granddaughter, Kasey (Shelby) Adkins; three great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Pruitt; her caregiver niece, Stephanie Pruitt; and several other nephews and nieces.
Interment will be private at Crosby Lake Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Haven Hospice, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd., Gainesville 32606.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Donna McMillan
Ms. Donna Lefevers McMillan, 68, of Graham passed away unexpectedly at her home Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born Jan. 12, 1957, in Tampa to Thomas H. and Norma Jean (Heber) Lefevers. She had not only worked for but had also dedicated countless hours to the Suwannee River Economic Council as their transportation coordinator for many years before retiring in 2004. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, watching the Florida Gators, and getting manicures on a regular basis. BUT most of all she loved her grandchildren. She would travel to see them and still come over every Christmas to bake cookies with them. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Barbara L. Page, Alice L. Crosley and Tommy Lefevers.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Dana (Joe) McKenzie and David (Polly) McMillan; along with siblings Catherine L. Vaughn, Jack David (Marquita) Lefevers and John Robert Lefevers. She was lovingly called “Granny” and “Grandma” by Payton, Auston, Kaitlyn, Kierstyn, Madison, and Jesse.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, at Sampson City Church of God. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House or to your local humane society.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Joan T. Rogers
Joan Tenly Rogers, Sept. 1, 1934–April 28, 2025. Joan Tenly Rogers, 90, passed away peacefully Monday, April 28, 2025, in Orlando, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Gainesville on Sept. 1, 1934, Joan moved to her cherished hometown of Starke in the second grade. She spent the majority of her life there, building a home filled with warmth, grace, and unforgettable memories before relocating to Orlando to be closer to her children. She was the devoted mother of three children and is survived by her beloved daughters, Karen and Sandra, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was preceded in death by the two great loves of her life, Randal Chitty and James Rogers; and son, Randall F. Chitty II. She was a true southern lady, poised, gracious, and always impeccably dressed. She made everyone she met feel cared for and loved. To know Joan was to be loved by Joan.
A woman of strong Christian faith, she lived her life with compassion, generosity, and unwavering grace. Her faith guided her actions, shaped her values, and was a constant source of strength and purpose throughout her life. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Starke for over 80 years, where she built lifelong friendships and served her community. For 40 years, she served as an executive secretary for the Bradford County School Board, where she was known for her professionalism, dedication, and kind spirit. Outside of her career, she poured her heart into her family and community. Joan had a deep love for home decor, crystal, fine china, sterling silver, gardening, cooking, sewing, and traveling. She was especially known for her gift of hospitality, hosting elegant and joyful gatherings that brought people together, most notably her cherished Christmas parties, where every detail was thoughtfully curated, and her home sparkled with holiday cheer. She was a vibrant presence in the community, leading with generosity and charm. She was president of both the Starke Woman’s Club and the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society. She was also an active member and organizer of the bridge club and dinner club, roles that spoke to her love of connection and celebration.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, elegance, and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
A memorial service to honor her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at First Baptist Church of Starke, with a light lunch to follow.
PAID OBITUARY
