Clara Covington
Mother Clara Mae DeSue Covington was born Oct. 8, 1931, to the late Steve and Alice DeSue of Starke. God sent His angels to claim one of His very own Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, while at Haven Hospice Care Center in Lake City. Mother Covington was a dedicated and faithful member of New Covenant Baptist Ministries, where she served in various capacities and was known for her unwavering faith, kindness, and commitment to God’s work. She was an active member of the Mother’s Ministry, served as Church Sexton, and was a devoted Noonday Prayer Warrior. She was one of the original 13 members who helped establish the church under the leadership of Rev. Isaac Brantley. In the early days, she graciously opened her home for noonday worship until the New River Baptist Association allowed the congregation to use their building for services. She served faithfully until her health began to fail, after which she relocated to Fort White with her daughter and son-in-law and attended the Body of Christ Assembly Church of God in Christ. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and providing for her family. She retired from a skilled nursing facility after 24 years in which she served as the supervisor over the linen department. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mose Covington of 39 years on the date of his demise; son, Hershel Bryant; three sisters, Mary Glinton, Irene Goodwine and Patsy Davy; and five brothers, Leo DeSue Sr., Julian DeSue, Tommy DeSue, Steve DeSue Jr. and Leslie DeSue.
She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Vivian (Rickey) Merriex; loving son, Carlton (Passion) Covington Sr.; grandchildren, Michelle Bryant, Shrin Bryant, Gregory Hendrieth Jr., Renee Hill, Kimberly Covington, Randal Risby, Chuckie Covington, Dorothy Risby, Carlton Covington Jr, Treyonte Covington and Heavenlee Covington; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, (Sissy) Marion DeSue; daughter-in-law; Betty Bryant; sisters-in-law, Joyce Perry and Shirley Covington; brother-in-law, Clarence “The Mighty Duck” Roddey; Mother Mildred Hankerson; devoted church friend, Glory Jackson; cherished neighbor, Rosa Thomas; beloved cousin, Priscilla Jackson; dear niece, Shirley Crum; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.
The processional will line-up at the home of Clara Covington at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18. The service will be Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at True Vine Ministry, 422 St. Clair St., Starke, 32091. The repast will be held at same location. Food items can be dropped off at 9 a.m.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Combs Funeral Home, 292 NE Washington St., Lake City, 386-752-4366.
PAID OBITUARY
Susan Dubois
Susan Parker Dubois, 60, of Keystone Heights died unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at HCA Hospital in Gainesville.
Survivors are her husband of many years, Tim Dubois; four children, Danielle Kendrick (Randy) Scudder, Carolyn Ann Kendrick, Austin Dubois and Justin (Elba) Markle; sister, Tammy Poudrier; and nine grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Cynthia McConville
Cynthia Gail Deason McConville, 77, of Keystone Heights died Monday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Gainesville, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 14, 1948, in Sylacauga, Alabama, to Ernest Eugene and Louise (Hassett) Deason.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Vincent Cemetery in Vincent, Alabama.
Services were entrusted to Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656.
Michael McRae
Mr. Michael “Mike” James McRae, 74, of Starke, passed away at his home Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born Oct. 1, 1951 in Starke to James “Potlicker” McRae and Marian (Kurtz) McRae. He was a proud graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1969. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. Following his military service, he continued his dedication to public service as a deputy with Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and as a corrections officer at Union Correctional Institution. He also gave back to the community as a substitute teacher with Bradford County Schools. A member of Madison Street Baptist Church, he was a man of faith and commitment. He had a passion for riding his Harley-Davidson and was a devoted Florida Gators fan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David “Davie” Russell McRae.
He is survived by his loving son, Zach (Angel) McRae of Starke; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; his cherished grand-pups; and a host of extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 20, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel, with Rev. Charles Warren and dear friend Mr. Bob Milner officiating. Burial will be private at later date at Crosby Lake Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904- 964-6200.
www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
