Martha Gordon Caldwell Mitchell 

Feb. 7, 1925 – July 24, 2014 

Martha Gordon Caldwell Mitchell, age 89, Fleming Island, Fla. passed away Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, Fla. with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 28, 2014 in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla.

Martha was born on Feb. 7, 1925 to the late Ben M. Caldwell and Tobitha Clardy Caldwell. She grew up in Jasper with a rich heritage. Her grandfather established the Jasper News and she apprenticed at the print machine under her father’s direction. She married the love of her life William S. Mitchell, III in June of 1945 and started a family. His military service in the Navy gave her opportunity to leave Jasper briefly but when he was called away to serve, she had to depend on her family to help her care for three small children. Shortly upon his discharge from the Navy they returned and made their home in Jasper where he practiced dentistry. She was a helpmate at home and at the office often going in when help was needed. Some ten years later they moved to Jacksonville where he practiced endodontics another 30 years. They ventured back to Jasper in 1990 following retirement but as her health declined and the need arose for them to be closer to their doctors they returned to live out her days at Fleming Island, Fla. She was a member of Jasper First Presbyterian Church.

Martha was predeceased by an infant daughter, Nina St. Clair Mitchell; her parents; two brothers, Ben Caldwell and Stafford Caldwell and four sisters, Juanita C. Hughes, Ollie Mae Perkins, Ann C. Malpas and Ruth C.  Vann. 

Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Dr. William S. Mitchell, III, Fleming Island, Fla.; three sons, William S. Mitchell, IV (Kathy) and Wayne A. Mitchell (Jerri ) of Jasper, Fla. and Hiram V. Mitchell (Randy Bozarth), of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Martha Dickerson, Fleming Island, Fla.; one brother, Carlton Caldwell (Ann), Panama City, Fla.; one sister, Geraldine C. Brooke “Jeri”, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 745 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, Fla. 32065. 

Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla. was in charge of arrangements.

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Todd Edward DeCastro 

July 12, 2014 

Todd Edward DeCastro, 49, died Saturday July 12, 2014 at his residence after a long battle with congestive heart failure and end stage kidney failure. He had made White Springs his home for the past twenty years after moving here from Tallahassee, Fla.; he was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church and enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family, antique cooking items and he loved the Suwannee River.

He is survived by his wife of fifteen years Nola Decastro White Springs, Fla.; his father and mother Frank and Rhonda DeCastro Tallahassee, Fla.; three sons Keenis Lee Price White Springs, Fla.; Curtis Price (Samantha) Pensacola, Fla.; and Todd E.(TJ) DeCastro II and his wife Theresa Monticello, Fla.; one daughter BillieJo Synder, Lake City, Fla.; two sisters Glennis Morse (Tom); Tonda Johnson both of Tallahassee, Fla.; and his nine precious grandchildren whom he adored.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date with family and friends. Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home is in charge of cremation arrangements. 458 South Marion Avenue Lake City, Fla. 32025.

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John S. Hayes 

Jan. 15, 1952 – July 21, 2014 

John S. Hayes, 62, of Perry, passed away Monday, July 21, 2014, at Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee. John was born Jan. 15, 1952, in Palatka, Fla., to John and Eunice (Thacker) Hayes. 

John was of the Christian faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of Perry. Mr. Hayes retired from Duke Energy, formerly Florida Power Corporation after 27 years of employment. John received a liver transplant in 1998, and retired shortly after. After John’s retirement, his greatest joy was studying God’s Word. He always had a positive outlook no matter how much he was suffering. John had the ability to bring humor and joy into any situation. When his health allowed, he enjoyed fishing, and gardening. He loved to spend time with his children as much as possible. Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his father John Stanford Hayes. 

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mrs. Barbara Hayes, of Perry, Fla.; a daughter Tara Lynn Hayes of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; his son John Daniel Hayes of Kansas City, MO; his mother Eunice M. Peters of Jasper, Fla.; four sisters, Bobbie Jean Barry of Atlanta, Ga., Rita Robinson of Live Oak, Fla., Gail Sloat of Quincy, Fla., and Jane Stuessy of Sheridan, WY; 10 nieces and nephews also survive him. 

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home. 

You may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.