Freddie Dancer

May 20, 1949 – April 28, 2012

Sunrise: Freddie was the third child born to the late Fred and Annie Bell Sowell Dancer on May 20, 1949 in Lake Wales, Florida. Freddie was always very charismatic; people of all ages were drawn to him.

Freddie was educated in the Hamilton County schools and went on to further his education in Hillsborough County, where he earned certification in Horticulture and Landscape Design. He was the owner of a successful landscape business in Tampa, Fla. Until his health began to fail.  He continued to work part time at his beloved Mosque until he could no longer work.

Freddie attended New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Jasper, Fla., throughout his childhood. He converted to Islam as an adult and was lovely embraced by the brothers and sisters of Al-Masjid Al-Jami of Tampa Bay. Freddie served as liaison for the prison support group, faith based programs and Salvation Army volunteers at Al-Jami. His popularity with all of the children led him to organize a summer garden program to teach horticulture to the next generation. Freddie was devoted to his faith until his death. He is lovely remembered as an inspiration to others, as well as a humble and gentle spirit.

Freddie met the love of his life, Dana Katherine and was married January, 2000. Dana and Freddie remained devoted to each other throughout the remainder of his life. They lovely shared their lives with their three children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.  

Sunset: Freddie slept peacefully away on Saturday, April 28, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory, brothers, Morris Sowell, Dr. Jimmie Dancer, sisters, Sandra Thomas, Sharon Mathis, Aunts, Uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Homegoing service 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3 at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jasper, Florida. Rev. Michael Ward Pastor and officiating. Internment, Sunset Gardens Tampa, Florida. Professional Mortuary service was entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

Earnest Harden Sr.

Aug. 23, 1938

Earnest Harden Sr. was born in Millen, Georgia on Aug. 23, 1938 to Howard and Tena Harden who preceded him in death. He was the oldest child born to this union and was affectionately called “Buddy” by his siblings.

He attended the Roger School in Millen, Georgia in the 1930s and 1940s which was a one room school and all ages attended.

At the age of six he joined William Grove Baptist Church in Millen, Georgia. At the age of 17 he moved o Savannah, Georgia where he worked in produce. He later moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he worked as a labor foreman with W.W. Gay Construction until he retired in 1991.

He was married to Alfreda Smith who preceded him in death. Unto this union two children were born.

After moving to White Springs, Florida he met and married Magdalene Scott. Although no children were born he loved her children as his own.

He joined New Bethel A.M.E. Church, White Springs, Florida where he served on the Usher Board dutifully until his health failed him. He continued to pay his tithes and offerings and take part in the Lord’s Supper at his home with the Pastor and Stewards. He would visit William Grove Baptist Church when he went home to visit his family and friends back in Millen, Georgia.

He leaves to mourn his passing a devoted wife: Magdalene M. Harden; two children; Ernest James (Pearlie) Harden Jr., of Missouri City, Texas, and Gloria (Robert) Hudson of Enterprise, Alabama. Four grandchildren; Ericka (Keith) Dews of Keller, Texas, Bryan (Dawn) Harden of Orlando, Fla., Malaika (Cory) Williams of Goldsboro, N.C. and Robert Hudson of Savannah, Ga., three great grandchildren; Myles, Makayla, and Amarah; Siblings: four brothers, one preceded him in death; Howard Harden Jr., Robert (Irene) Harden of Live Oak, Fla., Julius (Catherine) Harden of Starke, Fla., Paul Harden of Atlanta, Ga., six sisters; Mariah (Frank) Lee of Savannah, Ga., Annie V. Harden Lewis of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Juanita (Carlton) Fleming of Orlando, Fla., Willie Mae (John) Johnson of Trenton, N.J., Lucretia Miller of Augusta, Ga., and Tena (Ricardo) Barnes of Beltsville, Md., seven stepchildren; Robert Lee (Lydia) Roberson Jr., of Miami, Fla., Fredrick (Waddie) Robinson, Phillip (Myra) Kannady of White Springs, Fla., Charlene Robinson of Jasper, Fla., Timothy (Allison) Scott, Cynthia Johnson, William (Carmen) Scott of Lake City, Fla., four sisters-in-law: Lovely M. Williams, Laura Wilde and Versie McCallum of White Springs, Fla., Marylene LeBan of Miami, Fla., two brothers-in-law; Lonnie Johnson of White Springs, Fla., and Edmond Johnson of Lawtey, Fla., 20 Step-grandchildren and 14 Step great grandchildren. A very special nephew; Elliot Johnson better known as Mike who was there for him in every way. A host of nieces, nephews and sorrowing friends.

Home going celebration for Mr. Harden is to be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in White Springs, Fla., Rev. Victoria Smith is the pastor and will officiate. Professional Mortuary services were entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

Chester James

Bristol Sr.

Feb. 10, 1953 –

April 28, 2012

On Feb. 10, 1953, Chester James Bristol Sr. was born to the late Lucious Sr. and Millie Bristol in Jasper, Florida. He loved sports and at a young age it was evident he would excel in them.

Starting at the 50 yard line of life, Chester attended school at J.R.E. Lee High School before migrating to Hamilton High School as a junior in 1971. While at HCHS, he continued as a great football player gaining yards each day. Easily coached, Chester excelled all over the field. He was full of jokes and fun and admired by his classmates. The graduating class of 1972 will be well remembered for being catalyst for change, as they were the first to graduate as Hamilton County High School TROJANS.

Shortly after graduation, Chester had a very short stint in the United States Army due to an injury. Adding more yards, he moved to Philadelphia before deciding there is no place like home.  He moved back to Jasper gaining work experience with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, The Forestry Department and Taylor Enterprises. He kicked a few field goals as an entrepreneur, running his Barbeque Pitt and Social Club.  

When he was not hitting homeruns on the community softball team, The Junkyard Dogs, Chester worked many volunteer hours, gaining more yards for the children of Hamilton County. One would find him with the grills behind the truck and putting his cooking expertise in place for before and after game activities along with Saturday Slams for the Basketball Program. He was one of the founding members of the Basketball Booster Club where he gave untiringly each week. This club soared, making great things happen for children and coaches. He did so many things for the football program and continued to volunteer until his health failed.

To know Chester was to also know May Day. He loved May Day and would gear up each year to make it happen. He worked hand in hand with the committee and sick or well, he had to be there.  He always said, “this was a way to give back and help get everyone together in the community.”

As he neared the last yard in this life, it was a struggle in and out of the hospital. Chester hung in there, fighting a good fight surrounded by those who love him.

Two siblings: Pearl and Lucious (Dime) Bristol preceded him in death.

On April 28, 2012 at Shands of Gainesville, he ran for the last time. He ran for the touchdown and this game of life would be no more. He was able to cross the finish line and reap his just reward.  

Cherishing his memories are his four children: Stephanie R. Davis, Toni Grant, Crystal (Curtis) Royal and Chester Bristol Jr; seven grandchildren: Kianna Bristol, Bryce Harrell, Meia Wakeley, Layla Marsh, Brea Davis, Camaryn and Curtis Royal II;  Siblings: Willeen Bristol Kelly, Charles (Essie) Bristol, Philadelphia, Pa., Ralph (Esther) Bristol, New Jersey, Johnny Ray (Alma), Lonnie, (Betty), Alphonso (Cynthia), Gerald (Jessie) Bristol all of Jasper; Sister-in-law: Corine Bristol, Philadelphia, Pa.; Aunts: Rosabell Lee, Jasper, Elizabeth Perry, Orlando and Mary Bristol Cummings, Dothan Alabama; Uncle: Sumpter B. Bristol, Ft. Lauderdale; Devoted nieces:  Brenda M. Johnson and Connie B. Lovett; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Special friends: Greg Taylor, George Curry, Bobbie Joe Robinson, Isaac (JJ) Johnson and the May Day Crew. The home going celebration for Chester is to be held, 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 from the sanctuary of the Greater Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. J.T. Billy Simon is the pastor and will officiate. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive other relatives and sorrowing friends Friday, May 4, 2012 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Eric Brown & Son Funeral Home. Professional Mortuary services entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

James Bell

April 6, 2012

Home going services for Mr. James Bell, 59, of Jasper, Florida, departed from this walk of life Friday, April 6, 2012 in Gainesville, Florida, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Jesus the Living Word of Deliverance Church. Kathy Hawkins is the pastor and Rev. William J. Hawkins and will officiate. Burial service will follow in the Friendship Cemetery in Jasper, Florida. The family will receive other relatives and friends Friday, April 13, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home. Professional Mortuary services entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son funeral Home, Inc.

Timothy Brown

April 28, 2012

Mr. Timothy Brown, resident of Live Oak, Fla., passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Mr. Timothy Brown was 46.

D.M. Udell and sons of D.M. Udell Funeral Home are in charge of all arrangements. Call 386-362-4189 or 386-209-0223.

JohnQuaviuos Gandy

April 9, 2012

“Little Master” JohnQuaviuos Gandy age 3, of Jennings, Florida, answered the heavenly master call earlier Monday morning, April 9, 2012 at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, Georgia. The funeral arrangements are presently incomplete and will be announced later. Professional Mortuary Services entrusted to Eric A. Brown & Son Funeral Home, Inc.