B. Jean Carrithers Cornett

Jan. 14, 1929 – Feb. 6, 2015

B. Jean Carrithers Cornett died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. She was matriarch of the Cornett family and well-known nationally for her work with the Festival of the Bluegrass, which she and her husband Bob founded in 1974. She was 86 years old. 

Jean was kind, intelligent, thoughtful, creative, tough, and a feminist before her time. She taught girls to be strong and boys to be kind. She brought laughter and music to the world, even when she didn’t feel much like laughing.

Jean was born in Troy, North Carolina, on Jan. 14, 1929. She moved to Berea, Kentucky to attend boarding school and college and it was there that she met her husband and fellow dreamer, Bob Cornett. They were married in Jan. 1951 and over the course of the next two decades had six sons: Roy, Robert, Hugh, John, James, and Charles. She improved the lives of people in many ways including, but not limited to, creating the Great Crossing Water District and developing some of the county’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

In 1985, Jean’s entrepreneurial spirit took her to Suwannee County, Florida where she and Bob purchased a former county park and developed the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. The Park became a place of joy for Jean as she cultivated her skills in woodworking, stained glass, and architecture. Here too, she created a community of folks who shared her love for the outdoors, music, and each other.

But Jean’s greatest source of pride was her family of nearly fifty children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was baking blueberry muffins or sharing stories of her boys’ mischievous younger days, Grandma always had time for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their role model, inspiration, and ally.

Jean is survived by her husband, Bob Cornett, sisters Helen Kincaid and Margaret White, sons Roy, Robert (Linda), John (Barb), James (Robin), Charles (Vicki) and daughter in law, Patty, as well as twenty-two grandchildren and their spouses and thirteen great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver Roy Carrithers and Leah Agnes (Wiseman) Carrithers, her brothers Charles and Paul, and her son, Hugh.

Visitation will be held at Tucker, Yocum, and Wilson funeral home on Wednesday, Feb.11, from 5 – 9 p.m. The funeral will be held at Cardome Center on Thursday, Feb. 12 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jean’s name be sent to Love INC of Suwannee County, 120 North Ohio Ave., Live Oak, Fla. 32064, phone 386-364-4673 or go to the website at www.suwanneeloveinc.com; to Quest Farm, 627 Glass Pike, Georgetown, KY. 40324, a home for developmentally disabled adults in Georgetown, KY; or that you purchase a book for your local school library in her honor.

Tucker, Yocum and Wilson Funeral Home in Georgetown, KY in charge of all arrangements.

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Esther Coleman Bailey

Aug. 17, 1931 – Feb. 5, 2015

Esther Coleman Bailey, 83, of Wellborn, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning Feb. 5, 2015 at the Health Center in Lake City after an extended illness. She was born in Lake City on Aug. 17, 1931 to the late Victor and Maude Coleman. She has lived in the Lake City and Wellborn area all of her life. She was a homemaker and loved to play her guitar and fish. She also loved to sew and shell peas. She is preceded in death by her loving husband: Thomas Bailey; daughter: Kathlyn Waldron and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sons: Tommy Bailey (Darlene) and Greg Bailey (Kimra) both of Lake City; daughter: Betty Crews of Glen St. Mary and sister: Rachel Wise of West Palm Beach. Five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Ms. Bailey were conducted on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home with Rev. Dustin Busscher officiating. Interment followed in the Wellborn Cemetery. The family received friends Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home, 458 S. Marion Ave, Lake City, 32025. Please sign the online guestbook at www.parrishfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Doris Louise Snyder Ware

Nov. 19, 1921 – Feb. 1, 2015

Doris Louise Snyder Ware, age 93, went home to be with her Lord on Feb. 1, 2015, in Gainesville, Fla.

Doris was born Nov. 19, 1921, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Florence Snyder. Her parents, five beloved brothers, her grandson, Danny Wilks, and her husband, William S. (Bill) Ware, the love of her life, preceded her in death. Bill and Doris were married for sixty one years.

Survivors include:  Daughters, Peggy (Harry) Greene, Orlando, Fla.; Cindy (Denny) Heiberg, Gainesville, Fla.; Pam (Kenny) Henley, Jacksonville, Fla.;  and son, Scott (Melissa) Ware, Branford, Fla. Doris was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, Rachel (Jon) Meadows, Los Angeles, CA; Joanna (Ben) Sutton, Atlanta, GA; Sarah (Kyle) Cox, Nashville, TN; Jessica Greene, and Kristina Greene, Orlando, Fla.; Danny Wilks, (deceased), Kayla Wilks, Jayden Wilks, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Bryce Ware, Branford, Fla. There are also two precious great grandchildren, Coral and Caydyn of Orlando, Fla.  

Doris was a founding member of the Women’s Club of Branford, Fla. Gardening and the outdoors was a passion. Renowned for her personal library and lifelong love of reading, she volunteered for years at Branford Elementary School. It was her joy to read to the children and share her books. An active member and lay leader in churches in Branford and Gainesville, Fla. Doris might most aptly be described as “God’s beloved daughter”. She took great delight in her relationship with her Lord. It would be impossible to recount the number of lives Doris influenced through her warmth, her hospitality, her compassion and her contagious joy in her daily walk with the Lord. She was more than willing to share difficult times with those she knew and loved. Doris provided loving care and support for her friends experiencing life struggles or suffering long term illness. She instinctively fulfilled the mission of “binding up the brokenhearted ~ “ Isaiah 61:1.

Since 2004, Doris has been a member of the church family at Grace at Fort Clarke, Gainesville, Fla. There she has been part of a loving community that includes students from the nearby University of Florida. Students, teachers, pastors and missionaries from many countries call Doris their friend, their sister, their “Grandmama”.  Her influence has reached around the world.

A celebration of Doris Ware’s life was held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Grace at Fort Clark, 9325 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, Fla. 32606. In lieu of flowers,  Memorial contributions may be made to Grace at Fort Clarke Doris Ware Memorial Fund. Gifts will be distributed to various missions that she passionately supported.

ICS Funeral Home in charge of all arragements.

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David McLaughlin

Aug. 20, 1942 – Feb. 8, 2015

 

David McLaughlin, age 72, of Wellborn, Fla. passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at his home following a brief illness. He was born in Brooklyn, NY moving to Miami, Fla. in 1954 before moving to Wellborn in 1996. David was a member of the American Legion, Post 31 (South Miami). He was Legionnaire of the year 1993-1994. He loved nature, working in the yard, his many animal companions and spending time with his family and friends. He was proud of his Irish heritage, loved the color green and his Clan McGregor scotch. His easygoing nature, love of life, enormous heart, smile and laugh will be missed by all who knew him. He has left behind a rich harvest of memories for all to cherish.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Siegel McLaughlin, children, Amy (Ben) Grafton, Jenny (Jim) Perez and Paul (Candace) McLaughlin; grandchildren Benji, Jimmy, Elizabeth, Allyson, Tristen, Bryan, Wesley, Kaitlyn, Paiten and Alana; brother, John (Susie) Sprouse; sister-in-law, Barbara McConnell; nephews, Mike Sprouse and Michael (Rebecca) McCoyer; great nieces and nephews, Paul, Adam and Sara, Lydia, and brother-in-law, William Siegel.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at the funeral home.

Please sign the guestbook at www.harrisfuneralhomeinc.net.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc., Live Oak, Fla. 386-364-5115 is in charge of all arrangements

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Lois Hart Lindsey

Feb. 25, 1920 – Feb. 5, 2015

 

Lois Hart Lindsey, age 94, of Live Oak, Fla. passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center in Dowling Park, Fla. She was a native of McAlpin, Fla. living most of her life in Suwannee County. In 1954 she was the first lady hired by North Florida Telephone Company as an accountant. She was also the first bookkeeper for First Federal Savings Bank and helped set up the first Credit Union. Lois loved reading, knitting and crocheting and was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of James Lawson Hingson and Ethel Boatright. She was predeceased by her husband B.C. (Cyril) Hart, a son Warren Hart, and a daughter-in-law Jackie Hart.

She is survived by one son, Barney (Lynn) Hart, Live Oak; one daughter, Brenda Merritt, St. Johns, Fla.; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and a loving, caring, niece, Melvelyn Putnal, Perry, Fla.

Visitation was held one hour prior to the services from 2 – 3 p.m. at the church.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Sweitzer officiating. Interment followed in the Live Oak Cemetery.

For those wishing to do so, contributions may be made to the Advent Christian Village, P.O. Box 4305, Dowling Park, Fla. 32064.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc., Live Oak, Fla. 386-364-5115 is in charge of all arrangements.

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Barbara Sue Gay Horton

Feb. 15, 1936 – Feb. 5, 2015

Barbara Sue Gay Horton, 78, of Day, Fla., passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2015 at 3:45 a.m. at E.T. York Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Fla., following a massive stroke.

Mrs. Horton was born Feb. 15, 1936 in Moultrie, Ga., to the late Rufus R. and Myrtice Roberts Gay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Horton of 58 years; also, by a sister, Betty Ann Gay Johnston. Mrs. Horton was a member of Brewer Lake Baptist Church in Day, Fla.

She is survived by one daughter, Debra M. Horton; two sons, J. Douglas (goes by Doug, wife Cindy) Horton, and R. Richard, (goes by Rick or Ricky) Horton; three grandchildren, Ashley (Eric) Schoenfeld, Jarrod (Sheena) Greene, and Austin Horton; four great-grandchildren; one brother, R. Russell Gay, and one brother-in-law, Jim Johnston.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday Feb. 10, 2015 at Brewer Lake Baptist Church in Day, Fl. Visitation was at 4 p.m., and the service was at 5 p.m., officiated by Rev. Robert Bradow.

Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 850-973-2258.

You may send your condolences to the family by visiting our website www.beggsfuneral.com

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Irene Nelson Dunn

Feb. 2, 2015

Irene Nelson Dunn, 89, Live Oak, Fla. passed away on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 in the Lake City Medical Center. The Morven, Ga native moved to Live Oak, Fla. in 1980 from Ft. Pierce, Fla. Mrs. Dunn was a dispatcher for the Department of Forestry and was of Baptist Faith.

She is survived by her daughter: Gwen Carolyn Butler, Live Oak, Fla.; Son: Gene Edgar Shafer, Grand Junction, Co; Two sisters: Betty Mae Williams, Valdosta, Ga and Louise M. Harnage, Stewart, Fla.; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 at Old Camp Ground Cemetery, Morven, Ga with Mr. Hosea Butler officiating.

Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., of Live Oak and Branford, Fla. in charge of arrangements.

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Arthur “Maurice” Avera

Feb. 8, 2015

Arthur “Maurice” Avera, 71, Wellborn, Fla. passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. The Jacksonville, Fla. native moved to Live Oak four years ago from Orange Park, Fla. He served in the Navy and was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Lake City, Fla.

Mr. Avera is survived by his wife of 48 years: Donna G. Avera, Wellborn, Fla.; one daughter: Kim Avera, Jacksonville, Fla; one son: Joseph Avera, Aiken, SC; three brothers: Dan Avera, Live Oak, Fla., Clinton Avera, Jacksonville, Fla., Marion Avera, Hinesville, GA; four grandchildren: Jessica, Kristen, Zachary and Jennifer.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at Daniels Memorial Chapel with Pastor Lowell Van Vleck officiating. Interment will follow in Live Oak Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.danielsfuneralhome.com

Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Live Oak & Branford, Fla. in charge of arrangements.

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Kathy Smith

Feb. 28, 1942 – Feb. 9, 2015

Kathy Smith, 72, of Lakeland passed away Monday morning, Feb. 9, 2015 at her residence after a lengthy illness.  She was born Feb. 28, 1942 to the late J.W. & Lenora (Sandlin) Barrs. She was a member of Christian Crusades Church in Moultrie, GA. She loved working cross word puzzles, taking pictures and instructing her family on what they needed to be doing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Margie Allen.

Survivors Include:  Husband, Lester Smith, Lakeland, GA; four daughters & son-in-law, Gwen Sermon, Lakeland, GA, Janet & Stacy Holloway, Hahira, GA, Carla Conn, Hahira, GA, Ramona Harrison, Lakeland, GA; four sons & daughters-in-law, Ray Hunt, Lakeland, Ga, Johnny & Leigh Ann Hunt, Adel, GA, Jimmy & Lisa Hunt, Lakeland, Ga, Jamie & Tierney Smith, Lakeland, GA, twenty-one grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren; two sisters & brother-in-law:  Carolyn & A.W. Gaylord, O’brien, Fla., Martha Stephens, Lakeland, Ga; two brothers & sisters-in-law:  Robert & Toni Barrs, Branford, Fla., Russell & Faye Barrs, Branford, Fla. and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will beheld at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 in the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services with burial to follow in Fender Cemetery.  The family received friends Tuesday night, Feb. 10, 2015 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com.  Music Funeral Services, Lakeland.

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Ronald Burroughs, Sr.

Feb. 7, 2015

Ronald Burroughs, Sr. 61 of Jacksonville passed away Feb. 7, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; Leon Jiggs and Dorothy Burroughs and brothers; Gary Burroughs and Ralph Burroughs. Ronald is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Linda Burroughs, children; April Robinson (Richard), Ronnie Burroughs, Jr. (Emily), Rhonda Devereaux (Mitchell), Michael Aaron Burroughs, and Thomas Stout (Samantha), eleven grandchildren, one great-grandson, siblings; Sally Marie Holmes (Mike), Leslie Burroughs (Cindy), Leon Peyton Burroughs (Connie), and Dorothy Leona Williams (Harvey), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ronald’s favorite past time was spent with family.  He enjoyed being the master griller for gatherings. Ronald was an avid reader and instilled the value of education in his children. He dedicated 33 years with Baptist Medical Center as a maintenance supervisor. Ronald will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Ronald‘s name to Acosta Rua Center for Caring at www.communityhospice.com

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 from 10 am to 12 pm located at 9026 Bridgecreek Drive, Jacksonville, Fla. 32244. Arrangements under the care of Integrity Cremations of Jacksonville.

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Charles “Cliff” Jordan

Feb. 10, 2015

Charles “Cliff” Jordan, 79, Live Oak, Fla. passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015. The Madison, Fla. native moved to Live Oak 38 years ago from Jasper, Fla. and was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Jasper, Fla.

Mr. Jordan is survived by his wife: Jeanette Jordan, Live Oak, Fla.; six children: Sheila (Steve) Snipes, Mayo, Fla., Genelle (Larry) Fletcher, Perry, Fla., Darren Jordan, Live Oak, Fla., Tina Jordan, Napels, Fla., Destiney Jordan, Lakeland, Fla., Dana Jordan, Live Oak, Fla.; two sisters: Katherine (Ray) Williams, Madison, Fla., Louise Stout, Madison, Fla.; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father: Sidney Thomas Jordan, mother: Chloe Pauline McClamma Jordan and brother: Clarence Jordan.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at Corinth Baptist Church with Rev. Charles F. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.danielsfuneralhome.com

Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Live Oak & Branford, Fla. in charge of arrangements.

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Melvin Brown

Feb. 7, 2015

Melvin Brown a resident of White Springs, Fla. passed away Feb. 7, 2015 at this home in White Springs, Fla.

D.M. Udell and Son of D.M. Udell Funeral Home are in charge of all arrangements.